Big White Ski Resort

Okanagan powder, a ski-in village and lit night runs.

A big, family-focused resort 55 minutes from Kelowna with a large ski-in/ski-out village and dry Okanagan snow that coats the summit trees as snow ghosts. It has 119 runs, Western Canada’s largest night-skiing area, a tube park, Canada’s highest skating rink, dog sleds and a 60-ft ice climbing tower. Kelowna’s wineries make an easy rest day.

The mountain

Vertical drop

2,550 ft

Summit

7,608 ft

Skiable terrain

2,834 acres

Trails

119

Lifts

17

Average snowfall

295″ a year

Longest run

4.5 mi

Terrain mix

• Beginner 18%
• Intermediate 54%
• Advanced 28%

What’s here besides skiing

• Night skiing
• Terrain park
• Snow tubing
• Sleigh rides
• Snowmobiling
• Ice skating
• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country
• Dog sledding
• Fat biking
• Spa
• Nightlife
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasDec 12, 2026, 6–7:45 pm

  Twinkling Trail

  A walk through the snowy forest in Happy Valley lit with thousands of lights, with hot chocolate and music.

• ChristmasDec 18–24, 2026, 11 am–3:30 pm

  Santa’s Workshop

  Free photos with Santa, crafts with the elves, story time and letters to Santa answered the next day, in the Village Centre.

• ChristmasDec 24, 2026, 4:30–8 pm

  Christmas Eve Festival

  Holiday booths, a Loose Moose dance party, live music, a Snow School glow-stick parade and Christmas Eve fireworks at 7 pm by Stonebridge Lodge.

• ChristmasDec 25, 2026, 10:30 am

  Ski with Santa

  Meet Santa at the Big Chair and ski Sun Run with him, then hot chocolate with the elves at Santa’s Workshop.

• Opening dayNov 28, 2026, 5–7 pm

  Welcome to Winter

  The season kickoff in the Village Centre: a market, free popcorn and cotton candy, two fire shows and fireworks at 7 pm outside the Bullwheel.

• RaceFeb 20, 2027

  TELUS Kelowna Cup

  A fun ski and snowboard cross race for all abilities, where the winner is whoever best matches their first run’s time. Prizes for best dressed; proceeds support adaptive skiing.

Where to stay

• ski-in/ski-outStonebridge Lodge

  Upscale condos in the central village with a spa, pool and fitness centre; some units have private hot tubs.

  Village, ski-in/ski-out
• ski-in/ski-outChateau Big White

  Lofts and one-bedroom units with ski-in/ski-out access to three chairlifts and a large outdoor hot tub.

  Village, ski-in/ski-out
• ski-in/ski-outWhite Crystal Inn

  Village hotel with studios, lofts and kitchenettes, a ski locker room and the Bullwheel pub downstairs.

  Village, ski-in/ski-out
• hotelThe Inn at Big White

  Hotel rooms in the village, with the Fat Marmot bar on site.

  Village
• hostelUrban Retreat Hostel

  Seasonal hostel in the heart of the village, open mid-October to early April.

  Village

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Ice climbing tower · Happy Valley

  A 60-ft ice tower in Happy Valley Adventure Park with easier and harder sides. Gear is included and no experience is needed; check it’s running when you visit.

• Tube Park · Happy Valley

  Five groomed, lit lanes in Happy Valley with a tube lift, open into the evening.

• Dog sled tours

  Guided dog-sled rides through the snowy forest around the resort.

• Snowmobile tours

  Guided snowmobile tours from a new base at the Happy Valley lot.

• Horse-drawn sleigh dining tours

  A sleigh ride through the winter woods with dinner included.

• Outdoor skating rink

  Canada’s highest skating rink, with a new Zamboni this season. Skate rentals available.

• Spa at Stonebridge · Village

  Massages and treatments in the Stonebridge Lodge.

• Mission Hill Family Estate · 1 hr 15 min drive

  Landmark West Kelowna winery for a tasting on a rest day in Okanagan wine country.

Après and nightlife

• Snowshoe Sam’s

  The legendary village bar, once voted the top ski bar in North America, with pub fare and an eclectic menu.

• The BullWheel

  Family-friendly restaurant and sports bar by the gondola, with mountain views.

• Fat Marmot

  The newest hangout, at the Inn at Big White, for warming up and winding down.

• Moose Lounge

  Revived lounge in the Happy Valley Day Lodge, handy after tubing or night skiing.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Kelowna International (YLW) · about 55 min drive
• Vancouver · about 5 hr
• Seattle · about 6 hr

Directions in Google Maps