Big White
Overview
Big White is Kelowna's mountain and Kelowna people know how to enjoy it. The Okanagan Valley sits 45 minutes below and produces some of Canada's best wine — so the après culture here involves genuinely excellent BC bottles alongside the usual beer. The ski-in/ski-out village is t...
Ski Resort
Golf Course
Highlights
- 2,765 acres
- Ski-in/out
- Champagne powder
- Okanagan golf
Weather & Seasons
Plan your visit to Big White with our seasonal guide. Best months to visit: Nov - Apr
Winter
Dec - Mar
15-30°F
Peak powder season with consistent snowfall
Spring
Apr - May
30-50°F
Spring skiing with softer snow and longer days
Summer
Jun - Aug
60-80°F
Golf season with perfect weather conditions
Fall
Sep - Nov
40-60°F
Shoulder season with early snow and fall golf
Local Weather Reality
Big White can get "inversion" weather in December where the valley is foggy and cold while the mountain is in brilliant sunshine above the clouds. Check the summit webcam before assuming it's a bad ski day.
What Locals Actually Know
Insights from someone who has spent a decade calling Big White home. The things the resort brochures never tell you.
Local Perspective
Big White is Kelowna's mountain and Kelowna people know how to enjoy it. The Okanagan Valley sits 45 minutes below and produces some of Canada's best wine — so the après culture here involves genuinely excellent BC bottles alongside the usual beer. The ski-in/ski-out village is the real deal: you click in at your condo door and ski to the lift. No driving, no shuttles. The frosted ghost trees at the top are one of the most photographed images in BC skiing and after years here you still catch yourself stopping to look.
The terrain is underrated. Everyone knows about the groomed runs but the Gem Lake area and the backcountry terrain park have serious depth. Big White gets less attention than Whistler so it doesn't attract as many experts — which means the better terrain doesn't get skied out. The snowfall stats are genuinely impressive: consistent champagne powder in the Okanagan Highland that stays light and dry through January and February.
Insider Tips
- 1Sunday night is the best time to arrive — Monday morning the mountain is yours. Weekends get noticeably more crowded.
- 2The Happy Valley area is excellent for beginners — separate from the main runs so you're not dodging fast skiers.
- 3Predator Ridge golf in summer is world-class and often less booked than Okanagan Golf Club.
- 4Park at the bottom and use the gondola rather than driving to the top — saves the hairpin turns in fresh snow.
Local Secrets
- The Black Forest tree skiing area between Perfection and Eldorado runs is where locals disappear after snowfall. Consistently untracked.
- The Gunbarrel 10,000 race at end of season is an Okanagan tradition that visitors can enter — absolutely wild fun.
What to Avoid
- Avoid the first weekend in January — the entire Okanagan drives up and lift lines can be 30+ minutes.
- Don't skip the Okanagan wine tour on the way back to Kelowna — it's one of Canada's great wine regions.
Weather Reality
Big White can get "inversion" weather in December where the valley is foggy and cold while the mountain is in brilliant sunshine above the clouds. Check the summit webcam before assuming it's a bad ski day.
Hidden Gem
The Okanagan Rail Trail runs along the lake in Kelowna — a converted rail line with lake views, perfect for the afternoon after skiing if you want to stretch your legs and have a coffee in Peachland.
Ski Like a Local
- The Black Forest area on a powder morning is some of the best tree skiing in BC outside of Whistler.
- Catch the first chair up Sunday morning and ski top to bottom with zero other people — pure mountain.
Golf Like a Local
- Predator Ridge is a true destination golf experience — two courses, both exceptional, usually booked solid in July.
- Harvest Golf Club in Kelowna plays through an actual apple orchard — uniquely beautiful and more affordable.
Where Locals Eat
Apres-Ski Picks
Local Lodging Picks
Getting There
Kelowna Airport (YLW) is 45 minutes away via Highway 33. Kelowna is a 4-hour drive from Vancouver. Big White offers a shuttle service from the airport that makes the trip stress-free.
Skiing
Big White Ski Resort
Difficulty Level
All Levels
Terrain Variety
From gentle groomed runs to challenging black diamonds and powder bowls
Snow Quality
Consistent snowfall with excellent powder conditions throughout the season
Local Ski Tips
- The Black Forest area on a powder morning is some of the best tree skiing in BC outside of Whistler.
- Catch the first chair up Sunday morning and ski top to bottom with zero other people — pure mountain.
Golf
Predator Ridge Golf Resort
Course Design
Championship layout with strategic bunkers and water features
Scenic Views
Breathtaking mountain vistas from every hole on the course
Course Condition
Meticulously maintained greens and fairways year-round
Local Golf Tips
- Predator Ridge is a true destination golf experience — two courses, both exceptional, usually booked solid in July.
- Harvest Golf Club in Kelowna plays through an actual apple orchard — uniquely beautiful and more affordable.
Gallery
Skiing
Golf
Village
Dining
What to Expect
Accommodations
Big White offers a wide range of lodging options from luxury resorts to cozy mountain lodges, all with convenient access to slopes and golf courses.
Dining
Experience world-class dining with mountain views, from casual après-ski spots to fine dining restaurants featuring local and international cuisine.
Shopping
Browse premium ski and golf equipment, local artisan goods, and luxury boutiques in charming village settings.
Activities
Beyond skiing and golf, enjoy snowshoeing, spa treatments, mountain biking, hiking trails, and vibrant nightlife.
Where to Stay
Big White offers diverse accommodation options to suit every budget and preference
Local Recommendations
Inn at Big White
Best value in the village with true ski-in/out, locally-managed, hot tubs are always warm
White Crystal Inn
Owner-operated, knows every guest by name, best breakfast on the mountain
Luxury Resorts
$$$$ - $400-800/night
- Ski-in/ski-out access
- Full-service spa and wellness center
- Multiple on-site restaurants
- Concierge services
- Premium amenities and room service
Mountain Lodges
$$$ - $200-400/night
- Cozy alpine atmosphere
- Close proximity to slopes
- Complimentary breakfast
- Fireplaces and mountain views
- Family-friendly amenities
Condos & Rentals
$$ - $150-300/night
- Full kitchen facilities
- Multiple bedrooms for groups
- Washer and dryer
- Living space and privacy
- Cost-effective for longer stays
Booking Tips
Book Early
Reserve 3-6 months ahead for peak season (December-March) to secure best rates
Package Deals
Look for packages combining lodging with lift tickets and golf rounds for significant savings
Shoulder Season
Visit in early December or late March for lower rates and fewer crowds
Location Matters
Ski-in/ski-out properties cost more but save time and transportation expenses
Nearby Attractions & Activities
Beyond skiing and golf, Big White offers countless ways to enjoy your mountain getaway
Apres-Ski Picks
Local Eats
Hidden Gem
The Okanagan Rail Trail runs along the lake in Kelowna — a converted rail line with lake views, perfect for the afternoon after skiing if you want to stretch your legs and have a coffee in Peachland.
Village Shopping
Browse boutique shops, ski equipment stores, and local artisan galleries in the charming mountain village.
Fine Dining
Experience world-class cuisine from casual mountain bistros to award-winning restaurants.
Spa & Wellness
Relax and rejuvenate at luxury spas offering massages, hot tubs, and wellness treatments.
Mountain Biking
Explore extensive trail networks for all skill levels during summer months.
Hiking Trails
Discover scenic hiking trails with breathtaking views and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Nightlife & Events
Enjoy après-ski entertainment, live music venues, and seasonal festivals throughout the year.
Wellness & Relaxation
Unwind after a day on the slopes
Apres-Ski & Nightlife
Experience the vibrant mountain culture
Travel Tips & Planning
Everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Big White
Getting There
Kelowna Airport (YLW) is 45 minutes away via Highway 33. Kelowna is a 4-hour drive from Vancouver. Big White offers a shuttle service from the airport that makes the trip stress-free.
Best Time to Book
Book accommodations 3-6 months in advance for peak season. Early booking ensures better rates and availability.
What to Pack
Layer clothing for varying temperatures. Bring ski gear or rent on-site. Golf clubs can be rented at the course.
Budget Planning
Lift tickets range from $80-200/day. Golf rounds $100-300. Budget $150-400/night for lodging depending on season.
Dining Options
From casual mountain cafes to fine dining restaurants. Reservations recommended for upscale venues during peak season.
Safety & Insurance
Purchase travel insurance covering skiing accidents. Check weather conditions daily and follow resort safety guidelines.
Local Planning Tips
Sunday night is the best time to arrive — Monday morning the mountain is yours. Weekends get noticeably more crowded.
The Happy Valley area is excellent for beginners — separate from the main runs so you're not dodging fast skiers.
Predator Ridge golf in summer is world-class and often less booked than Okanagan Golf Club.
Park at the bottom and use the gondola rather than driving to the top — saves the hairpin turns in fresh snow.