Big White

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About Big White Resort

Big White Resort Big White, located just 56 km (35 miles) from Kelowna, offers something for everyone. Boasting an extensive offering of accommodations ranging from basic but comfortable to lavish and luxurious, visitors are able to vacation in the manner that suits them best. Blanketed by an average of 750 cm (24.6 ft) of blissful dry powder each year, Big White has grown to become the second largest ski resort in the province. Built as a completely ski-in/out resort, Big White was designed to put its enthusiasts where they want to be. Capable of hauling an impressive 5,400 skiers up the mountain each hour, the Snow Ghost Express, a recent addition to Big White and bringing the total lifts available to 16, ensures precious moments are not wasted. Drawing visitors from around the globe, Big White entices skiers and riders alike with its stunning display of vertical terrain, open glades and deep powder bowls. With so much to experience, from the half pipe of TELUS Park to the awesome skiing and riding to be had down any of its trails, Big White delivers a surge of adrenaline. At the end of a long day, Big White comes alive with an abundance of après ski entertainment. A healthy selection of restaurants and pubs, each exuding a certain charm, tantalize taste buds with a delicious offering of food and beverage while providing the ideal backdrop for enjoying the company of family and friends. From young to young-at-heart, the addition of parades, fireworks and themed-nights provide further enhancement to any Big White stay.

Resort Facts

Location
56 km (35 miles) southeast of Kelowna, BC.
Shuttle available from Kelowna Airport to Big White.

Hours Of Operation

Late November to mid-April
Day Skiing: 8:45 am - 4:00 pm
Night Skiing: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Tuesday to Saturday
Night Skiing times vary at different times of the season

Annual Snowfall
750 cm / (294" or 24.5 ft average)

Lifts

Chairlifts
- 1 - 8 Passenger High Speed Leitner Gondola (Lara’s Gondola)
- 4 - 4 Passenger High Speed Chairs (Ridge Rocket, Village Bullet, Black Forest, Gem Lake)
- 1 - 4 Passenger Beginner Chair (Plaza Chair)
- 1 - 3 Passenger Chair (Powder Chair)
- 3 - 2 Passenger Chair (Falcon Chair, Terrain Park, The Cliff)

Surface
- T-bar (Summit T-bar)
- Children’s Magic Carpet
- Beginner’s Handle Tow

Tubing
- 2 Tubing Lifts (Mega Snow Coaster)

Total Uphill Capacity
25,400 skiers per hour
20 million Vertical Transport Feet (VTF) per hour

Elevation
Summit: 2,319 m (7,606 ft)
Village Centre: 1,755 m (5,760 ft)
Gem Lake Base: 1,508 m (4,950 ft)

Longest Run
7.2 km (4.5 miles) - Top of T-Bar to Bottom of Gem Lake

Restaurants & Shopping
View our Big White Business Directory for a full list of local restaurants & shops

What's New For 2009/10

New for the 2009/10 season, Big White is proud to introduce several key elements, each certain to provide a more enjoyable visit to the resort. Visitors can expect to experience the benefits of the following:

Summer Grooming Program – An extensive off-season grooming has allowed the clearing of upwards of 50 runs, providing a possible earlier season-opening.

Pisten Bully Grooming Machines – Two state-of-the-art maintenance vehicles have joined the Big White fleet, ensuring perfectly groomed trails for skiers and riders to glide down.

TELUS Terrain Park – New boxes and rails are being added to the award-winning progressive terrain park, offering riders of every skill level to advance at their own pace.

The Daycare Centre – Doubling in size to increase capacity, this facility has been expanded to the entire ground floor of the administration building. This new development also provides separation between younger and older children to ensure age-appropriate activities are enjoyed.

Ski School Improvements – Having undergone renovations with such enhancements as the installation of a lower-energy commercial kitchen and a cutting-edge Wintersteiger racking system, Big White’s Kids Centre promises a larger capacity of children can be served at any one time.

Trail Maps – Providing guests with such vital information as lift status and snow conditions, new trail map boards have been installed in the areas of Happy Valley, Gem Lake and the Black Forest parking lot.

Parking – Black Forest parking area has seen a recent expansion, allowing it to accommodate a higher volume of vehicles.

Big White Activities

With so many amazing activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained, it is no wonder why Big White has seen such worldwide accolade. Below is a selection of a few of the delightful things guests can expect to experience during their Big White vacation.

	Day Spa
	Providing a multitude of relaxing spa treatments and esthetic services, Beyond Wrapture is a soothing escape to a well-rested and rejuvenated self.

	Dog Sledding
	This breathtaking three mile exploration of Big White’s backcountry, lasting approximately 30 minutes, begins with an orientation and introduction to the dog sled team. After returning, Tim, the tour operator, will release the dogs from their harnesses to allow for guest interaction.

	Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride
	An enchanting means to view the snowy landscape, this traditional horse drawn sleigh ride allows guests to cuddle up together to appreciate the alpine splendor that Big White is known for.

	Kid’s Centre
	Offering numerous programs from daycare services to instructed lessons, the Kid’s Centre promotes age-appropriate recreation in a supervised setting. With delicious dining options geared to the tastes of little ones, including spaghetti and pizza, children are made to feel right at home in their surroundings.

	Mega Snow Coaster
	Known as North America’s largest tube park, the Mega Snow Coaster is certain to cause uncontrollable giggles and squeals of delight from anyone speeding down its groomed lanes. With a lift to the top, children and parents can quickly re-position themselves to slide back down again… and again.

	Mini-Z's
	Located at the base of the Happy Valley Gondola, these miniature snowmobiles allow children under 90lbs to take to the snowy hills for a rather tame version of the real deal. Tickets can be purchased from the Adventure Park Office.

	Skating
	Enjoy a Canadian tradition with a friendly game of hockey or take a spin around the rink hand-in-hand, guests options are limitless on either of the two outdoor icy ponds. Open late into the evening, ice skating is the perfect off-the-slopes activity.

	Snowmobiling
	This exciting adventure through the frosty forest trails surrounding Big White gives guests the option of either driving the snowmobile or enjoying the scenery as a passenger. Included in this guided tour: all necessary safety equipment and a mug of steaming hot chocolate.

	Snowshoeing
	Offering guided tours lasting from 90 minutes to two hours, guests are led through the beautiful backwoods of Big White Resort. Numerous breaks will be taken along the way to appreciate the natural flora and fauna of the area as well as to examine the tracks of various species of wildlife.

	TELUS Park
	This progressive terrain park was designed so that riders could gain confidence in their ability and advance at their own pace. Complete with boxes, rails and a 400 ft. long half pipe with 12 ft. transitional walls, TELUS Park is certain to impress.

Big White Events

Big White Racers Ski Swap

November 06, 2009

The Big White Racers are hosting their annual Ski swap on November 6th and 7th at New Life Church on Harvey in Kelowna.

2009/2010 Opening Day (Tentative)

December 05, 2009

Enjoy another fantastic season at Big White full of famous Okanagan Champagne powder, unbeatable terrain and of course incredible family fun!

Big Reds at Big White

December 12, 2009

Big White is pleased to announce their 2nd Annual Premier Wine Tasting Festival. Dec 12 - 13

Free photos with Santa in the Village Centre

December 20, 2009

Dec.20-24 Quickpics will be snapping high-quality digital photos with Santa in the Village Centre Mall.

Christmas Eve Parade and Festivities

December 24, 2009

There's no place better than Big White to have a “White Christmas”. Get your families photo taken with Santa, attend an indoor Church service at the Village Centre Mall, take part in Christmas caroling, the torchlight parade, fireworks show with hot chest