"When I visited Big White for the first time I couldn't get over how family friendly it was - everything is on your doorstep. The village is ski-in/ski-out and you have a wide choice of self-catered and hotel accommodation. Things I love: Snow Ghosts; Snowshoe Sam's après-ski bar; and a genuine, friendly atmosphere."
Big White Ski Holidays
Set deep in British Columbia’s ski country, Big White is an easy-going ski destination with great terrain and even better powder. Popular with families thanks to its ski-in/ski-out village and fantastic amenities, this gorgeous resort is somewhere you can really unwind.
Explore the slopes
With over 2,750 acres of ski terrain and regular dumps of the famously fluffy, dry BC powder, Big White offers plenty of opportunity for play. The terrain is varied, boasting slopes to suit everyone from young learners to experienced freeriders. It’s also famous for its “snow ghost” trees, which stay white all winter long.
Families are superbly catered to in Big White. From the award-winning ski school to the abundance of wide, open beginner slopes, it’s easy to keep everyone happy. The state-of-the-art children’s ski zone is the ideal place to master those early skills in a safe, fun environment. Expert skiers and boarders can enjoy the resort’s more demanding black diamond runs and amazing off-piste terrain, especially the renowned Cliff Area with its huge stashes of ungroomed powder, the enormous Sun Rype bowl, and Gem Lake with its tranquil gladed trails. Meanwhile, freestylers can head to TELUS Park for pipes, groomers, rails and a fast-paced cross track.
Enjoy the resort
Big White continues its family-orientated ethos off the slopes, offering a wealth of kid-friendly activities, events and accommodation in its picturesque resort village. Set right next to the slopes, it couldn’t be easier to access all that you need for a wonderful holiday. The choice of activities on your doorstep in Big White is immense. Whizz down the ‘Mega Snow Coaster’ (the resort’s snow tubing slope), explore on a dog-sled, or scale the 60-foot ice climbing tower. And for something more relaxed, enjoy a magical sleigh ride, a soak in a serene mountain spa or a snowshoe hike through snow-laden forests.
Big White’s local cuisine covers everything from incredible gourmet steaks to cheerful Canadian classics like poutine, and with the local Okanagan area being home to over 130 wineries, the restaurants here are known for their fantastic local wine lists. When it comes to après-ski bars, don’t miss a visit to lively Snowshoe Sam’s, voted the country’s favourite by Ski Canada magazine.
Where to Stay
Big White is home to a wonderful choice of ski-in/ski-out accommodation across a range of budgets. You can opt for luxury condos and suites, cosy private homes or friendly mountain lodges. At the most luxurious end of the scale, Big White offers beautiful upscale condos with a sophisticated touch. Enjoy unrivalled access to the slopes, ease aching legs in your private outdoor hot tub and relax in spacious home-from-home accommodation. While many families love the flexibility of self-catered properties, you’ll also find some superior hotels and inns in Big White. Because sometimes there’s nothing better than being completely off-duty on holiday.
Getting to Big White
Ski Independence offer daily indirect flights to Kelowna with Air Canada and WestJet, and we provide complete flexibility to choose the day of departure, holiday duration, choice of airline and cabin type. We have the freedom to build you the perfect holiday itinerary around the best flight options that suit you, and not around a product we’re committed to sell.
All of our holidays to Big White include a short 45 minute shared shuttle transfer from Kelowna airport. We can also offer a selection of bespoke private transfers.
Main image: Andrew Jay
"When I visited Big White for the first time I couldn't get over how family friendly it was - everything is on your doorstep. The village is ski-in/ski-out and you have a wide choice of self-catered and hotel accommodation. Things I love: Snow Ghosts; Snowshoe Sam's après-ski bar; and a genuine, friendly atmosphere."
Offers in Big White
Inn at Big White, Big White
Free Nights
Big White Vacation Homes, Big White
Free Nights
White Crystal Inn, Big White
Free Nights
Big White Accommodation
Après-Ski in Big White
Après in Big White can be as laid-back or as frenetic as you like, with a good choice of bars around the main village core. Here’s a few to wet your whistle:
Snowshoe Sam’s
Voted ‘Number #1 Ski Bar in North America’, Snowshoe Sam’s is not to be missed. This is a classic ski town saloon serving craft beer, hand-crafted cocktails and local BC wines. Expect a classic Canadian comfort food menu, pool table, karaoke and live music. When it’s on, it’s on here!
The Bullwheel
This is the sports bar of choice in Big White. Ski-in/ski-out at the base of the slopes, the Bullwheel focuses on Okanagan drink and fare, with an accent on the very best vineyards and breweries in the local area. Expect seasonal Canadian gastro-pub food, three happy hours a day and an ambience like no other.
The Woods
The Woods has the prime central village spot for après on Easy Street. Ski to the door, kick back and relax. This has a classy Euro-Chalet feel with exposed timber and large picture windows.
Black Diamond Bar & Grill
Located in the Chateau Big White this is the perfect stop for a quick beer en-route to dinner. Expect bar stool seating, local craft brews, hand-crafted cocktails such as the Oaxaca Old Fashioned and a superb dinner menu featuring home-style cooking for serious foodies.
Dining in Big White
The Okanagan area is home to more than 130 amazing wineries. With that comes a delightful variety of dining experiences at Big White. Many of the restaurants feature wine pairing dinners with award winning wines from the region. It’s a personal culinary experience that as good as the champagne powder! Here is a short selection of Big White eateries:
The Globe Café & Tapas Bar
Incredible cocktails and a specially curated wine-list highlighting the very best local Okanagan wines, live music and a beautifully crafted tapas-style menu makes the Globe one of Big White’s best restaurant venues.
The Woods Restaurant & Bar
Located in the very heart of the village with a classic chalet vibe and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the East Street ski trail, The Woods offers a globally inspired, locally sourced menu and a great wine & beer list.
Six Degrees Bistro
Elevated fine-dining with an evolving menu of authentic alpine cuisine options, backed up by exquisite wine choices, makes the Six Degrees a must-visit Big White favourite.
Black Diamond Bar & Grill
European and Canadian inspired food served all day. In the evenings, the mood changes to offer a more refined experience.
Cantina del Centro
Cantina del Centro encapsulates the flavours, style and essence of great Mexican street food, with a focus on street-style tacos. Located in the Inn at Big White, the Cantina serves a quality margarita and has an impressive collection of Agave spirit to sip. Expect great no-nonsense food and a good night out.
Sasquatch Sushi
New for this winter, Sasquatch Sushi is located in Stonebridge Lodge in building #2. Expect the usual traditional favourites with a North American twist. Dine in or take out.
Activities in Big White
The family-friendly theme is continued off the slopes, with a fantastic village tubing centre the 'Mega Snow Coaster', a mini-skidoo area and a skating rink. And if you can’t get your kids to leave at the end of the day there is an ‘after dark’ programme, so that they can continue the fun while you sneak off for a romantic dinner.
Other activities on offer include:
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Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides - great for all ages.
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Ice Climbing on Big White's 60 foot ice climbing tower. All ages welcome.
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Kelowna Rockets Hockey - is any trip to Canada complete without a visit to an ice hockey game?
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Snowshoeing - a great family activity with experienced guides on hand.
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Okanagan Wine Tours