Two thousand metres above sea level, at the northwestern edge of Boundary Country, lies Big White—the region’s most popular winter resort with more than one million guests annually.
Kelowna may lay claim to Big White, but the popular winter and summer destination stretches across nearly 3,000 acres of high-altitude Kootenay Boundary beauty.
From the moment you arrive at the resort, the vibrant energy of Big White is palpable. Crisp mountain air carries the sound of excited chatter and the hum of chairlifts whisking riders up the mountain. The resort is equipped with modern amenities, including a variety of lodging options ranging from cozy cabins to luxurious condominiums. Or you can always stay in nearby Kelowna, with many hotels and other accommodations.
As a ski resort, Big White boasts more than 100 lifts across 16 lifts, with the longest run spanning more than seven kilometres, and enjoys nearly 800 centimetres of average annual snowfall. Roughly half of the resort’s runs are categorized as Intermediate; 28% are Advanced, and 18% are Beginner.
For the novice skier or snowboarder, Happy Valley is the ideal place to start. With gentle, rolling slopes and instructors for hire, beginners can build confidence and improve technique before tackling challenging runs. Happy Valley runs include Gooch’s Go, Hummingbird, and Easy Street, all of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
For the advanced skier, The Ridge, Serwa’s, and Gem Lake Express are just a few of the blue-and-black runs that offer exciting twists and turns, challenging terrain, and stunning scenery. Double black diamond runs such as The Cliff and The Falcon offer heart-pumping excitement and unforgettable views of the mountain’s rugged terrain.
For those who don’t ski or board, fret not—there are plentiful other activities that beckon.
One of the most popular activities is snowshoeing. Visitors can bring or rent snowshoes and explore the beautiful trails around the resort. The snow-covered forests and mountain scenes make for a picturesque experience. Guided tours are also available, providing visitors with a chance to learn about the history and ecology of the area.
Big White’s Nordic Center supports equipment rentals and services 25 kilometres of groomed trails, including the 10-kilometre Black Forest Loop. The Nordic Center provides group lessons and guided tours. It also offers a cozy warming hut where the worn and weary can take a break with a hot beverage or snack.
A motorized activity offered is snowmobiling. Visitors can rent a snowmobile and explore the vast backcountry trails surrounding Big White.
Or, on the leisurely end of things, visitors can ice skate at the Olympic-sized outdoor rink in Happy Valley. It’s free to use and is lit up for night skating.
There is also tubing, a classic and accessible alternative to skiing and snowboarding that still spurs fits of adrenaline.
And who can experience Big White without tackling Canada’s tallest outdoor ice tower? The frigid monstrosity has become a staple of the resort since it was first erected in 2010.
The 60-foot tower is built using a unique method that involves spraying layers of water onto a large wooden frame which then freezes solid, I was informed, before enduring the deepest forearm burn of my life in a vain attempt to scale the frosty wall with ice axes.
Because it is custom-built, the tower is able to provide a range of climbing routes, from “easy” to damned near impossible. Can you make it to the top?
After completing your desired activity, reward yourself with food. The Bullwheel Gastro Family Pub is a popular choice among guests, with a menu that features locally sourced ingredients and hearty comfort food. For a fine dining experience, look no further than upscale 6 Degrees Bistro. For a quick bite or a cup of java, hit up Sk8ers Cafe. The Market at Big White supplies a basic range of groceries and items for the Do-it-yourselfer, while the Blarney Stone Irish Tavern delivers an upbeat vibe and patio with views.
THE MIDWAY ADVANCE 