Mountain Stats
Find quick information in Big White's Fast Facts, browse a brief overview on the Okanagan Area and our Past Opening Dates for each season.
1. Location:
56 km (35 miles) from Kelowna to Village Centre. East/southeast of Kelowna from Hwy 97 via Hwy 33 and Big White Road.
45 km (30 miles) from Kelowna to the Gem Lake base.
Airport Shuttle available from Kelowna Airport.
2. Winter Hours of Operation:
Winter Season: Usually opens late November to mid-April, check Hours of Operation for opening and closing dates and hours.
3. Annual Snowfall:
750 cm (24.5 ft) average
4. 16 Lifts:
Lara's Gondola - incline 600m (1,969 ft)
Top Elevation: 1,760m (5,781 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,671 (5,482 ft)
Snow Ghost Express - incline 1,868m (6,128 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,105m (6,906 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,655m (5,430 ft)
Bullet Express - incline 1,770m (5,807 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,151m (7,057 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,748m (5,735 ft
Ridge Rocket Express- incline 1,814m (5,953 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,095m (6,873 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,654m (5,427 ft)
Gem Lake Express - incline 2,445m (8,020 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,222m (7,290 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,511m (4,957 ft)
Black Forest Express - incline 1,458m (4,785 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,037m (6,683 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,720m (5,643)
Powder Chair - incline 896m (2,940 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,150m (7,054 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,845m (6,053)
Plaza Chair - incline 592m (1,942 ft)
Top Elevation: 1,765m (5,790 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,660m (5,446 ft)
TELUS Park - incline 679m (2,227 ft)
Top Elevation: 1,995m (6,545 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,820m (5,971 ft)
Falcon Chair - incline 795m (2,609 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,250m (7,382 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,987m (6,519 ft)
Alpine T-bar - incline 1276m (4,188 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,285m (7,497 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,952m (6,404 ft)
The Cliff - incline 651m (2,135 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,260m (7,415 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 2020m (6,627 ft)
Beginner Magic Carpet - 137m (450 ft)
Children’s Magic Carpet - 20m (66 ft)
Tubing Magic Carpet - 174m (570 ft)
Magic Carpet 2.0
5. Total Uphill Capacity:
28,700 skiers per hour
20 million Vertical Transport Feet (VTF) per hour
6. Terrain:
Resort Area: 7,759 acres (3,140 hectares)
Patrolled Area: 2,834 acres (1,147 hectares)
Groomed Area: 905 acres (367 hectares)
Alpine and Glades: 1,525 acres (618 hectares)
Western Canada’s Largest Resort Night Skiing Area: 38 acres (15 hectares)
7. Elevation:
Summit: 2,319m (7,606 ft)
Village Centre: 1,755m (5,757 ft)
Gem Lake Base: 1,508m (4,950 ft)
8. Runs:
119 Designated Trails
18% Beginner
54% Intermediate
22% Expert
6% Extreme
Longest Run: Around the World Route 7.2 km (4.5 miles) - Alpine T-Bar(Top) to Gem Lake (Base) via: Whitefoot Trail → Powder Bowl → Blue Sapphie → Ogo Slow
Total of 105km (65 miles) of marked runs
9. Vertical Drop:
777 m (2,550 ft)
10. TELUS Park:
Boarder/Skier-Cross course that can be tuned up to run regional, national, and World Cup events
Beginner/Intermediate and Intermediate/Advanced lanes combined with Rails and Jumps
11. Cross Country:
Big White offers 25 km (16 miles) of incredible combined Nordic and Wilderness trails perfect for Canadian cross country skiing and snowshoeing. 14 kilometers of trails groomed daily with state of the art grooming equipment for both skate and classic technique.
12. Ski and Weather Conditions:
Online Mountain Forecast (average daytime temperature -5 Celsius)
Average Totals
*Big White usually closes mid April and doesn't record snowfall past the closing date for that season.
| 2015-2020 | Average Temp | Total Snowfall |
| November | -3.8C (26.16F) | 119.6cm (47.0") |
| December | -8.0C (17.6F) | 163.4cm (64.3") |
| January | -6.9C (19.58F) | 151.9cm (59.8") |
| February | -9.0C (15.8F) | 161.6cm (63.6") |
| March | -4.7C (23.54F) | 148.5cm (58.4") |
| April | -0.3C (31.46F) | 58.9cm (23.2") |
13. Accommodation:
3 Village Hotels
25 Condo/Town Home Complexes
244 Vacation Homes and Luxury Cabins
1 Ski-in ski-out Youth Hostel
14. Water Quality:
Big White's water is some of the best in the world read more
15. Retail:
Dizzy's, home of North American's finest bootfitters. Located in the Village across from the Village Centre Mall.
Altitude Ski Shop is in The Village Centre Mall and carries a wide range of clothing, equipment and souvenirs.
The Rider located downstairs in the Village Centre Mall features an array of snowboards, snowboard paraphernalia and trendy styles.
Mountainside, located on the lower level of the Village Centre Mall, has a large selection of Big White logo apparel, souvenirs, treats and unique gifts.
16. Restaurants and Bars:
Full array of facilities ranging from cafeterias to fine dining. A total of 23 restaurants, cafes and delis, which includes 8 lounges/bars.
Entertainment and nightlife includes regular après-ski with live bands in bars and pubs.
17. Ski and Board School:
Over 100 qualified instructors. Ski, Snowboard, Private and Group Lessons. Special Improvement Camps; Kids Ski School voted #1 in Canada; Ladies Day, Masters Monday; Recreational Race Camps.
18. Daycare:
Big White's Tot Town Day Care is unique, exciting and filled with activities and adventures. Children are kept busy with a mixture of indoor play and (weather permitting) outdoor activities. The Tot Town Daycare is for children aged 18 months to 5 years.
19. Snow Hosts:
Complimentary mountain tours offered by our Snow Hosts. Snow Hosts tours must be pre-booked.
20. Activities:
The Big White Tube Park
Snowmobile Tours
Ice Skating
Snowshoeing
Dog Sledding
Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
Cross Country Skiing
Fireworks
Family Events
21. Amenities:
General/Deli/Liquor Store
ATM
Lockers
Internet Access
Rental Shop
Ski and Board Repair Shop
22. Wi-Fi:
Keeping you connected in the places that matter most. Share your mountain moments courtesy of free Wi-Fi powered by TELUS.
TELUS’ free and friendly Wi-Fi is open to everyone visiting Big White Ski Resort. TELUS smartphones automatically connect to the #TELUSdirect network when in range. All other devices can connect to #TELUS through a simple splash page to enjoy the same service.
Big White Ski Resort features TELUS PureFibre internet connectivity. PureFibre is the most advanced connectivity available on public networks and offers the best and most reliable connectivity to the internet. It provides the best security and entertainment solutions that today's resort homeowners and short-stay visitors can experience.
Cellular connectivity is supplied through TELUS 5G/4G, Canada's most reliable 5G and 4G mobile networks.
23. General Email:
24. Real Estate Sales Contacts:
For information on building lots, chalets, and condominiums, please visit Royal LePage or call/email:
Gary Turner
Mobile #: 250.826.9991
garyturner@royallepage.com
| Season | Opening Day |
| 2022/2023 | November 17th |
| 2021/2022 | November 26th |
| 2020/2021 | November 19th |
| 2019/2020 | November 28th |
| 2018/2019 | November 22nd |
| 2017/2018 | November 23rd |
| 2016/2017 | November 30th |
| 2015/2016 | November 13th |
| 2014/2015 | November 29th |
| 2013/2014 | November 16th |
| 2012/2013 | November 29th |
| 2011/2012 | December 1st |
| 2010/2011 | November 25th |
| 2009/2010 | November 14th |
| 2008/2009 | December 8th |
| 2007/2008 | November 30th |
| 2006/2007 | November 25th |
| 2005/2006 | November 19th |
| 2004/2005 | November 25th |
| 2003/2004 | November 22nd |
| 2002/2003 | December 11th |
| 2001/2002 | October 20th |
| 2000/2001 | December 1st |
| 1999/2000 | November 27th |
| 1998/1999 | November 26th |
| 1997/1998 | December 6th |
| 1996/1997 | November 21st |
| 1995/1996 | November 19th |
| 1994/1995 | November 11th |
| 1993/1994 | December 4th |
| 1991/1992 | November 23rd |
| 1990/1991 | November 30th |
| 1989/1990 | November 25th |
| 1988/1989 | November 25th |
| 1987/1988 | December 4th |
| 1986/1987 | November 29th |
Big White's water some of the best in the world
If you’re shopping for groceries before coming up to Big White Ski Resort, here’s a hot tip: don’t buy any bottled water.
Sure, you might think that it’s a good idea to stock up on clean water before you get here. But what many people don’t realise is that Big White’s tap water is some of the cleanest and freshest available in the world – just as good as what you’d find in any supermarket.
Our water comes directly from Rhonda Lake, the lake that’s tucked right in to the base of the Cliff. It’s 6600 feet above sea level and holds about 75 million gallons of fresh, clean mountain water.
Water from Rhonda Lake is sent all the way down the mountain to arrive at the Water Treatment plant, a big red building which sits on the run “Highway 33”. Once at the plant, the water goes through a filtration system which immediately removes any suspended solids.
At the end of the process, the product is comparable to bottled water. In fact, recent tests done on Big White’s water found that it was cleaner than the distilled water that can be purchased in local supermarkets.
Maurice Valcourt is the Vice President of Utilities at Big White Ski Resort. 34 years ago, he started working as a millwright mechanic on the lift system at the resort. After studying water treatment at school, he was hired to manage the water on the hill.
Maurice knows everything there is to know about water – and he knows that Big White’s water is some of the best in the world.
“It’s very low on mineral content, it doesn’t have any carcinogenics in it, it doesn’t have organics in it,” he explains. “Compared to other communities, we don’t deal with fluctuating turbidity in our water from developing areas, we don’t have any logging or mining or any range livestock, so it’s protected from natural contaminants. It’s also protected from natural contamination in the winter by solid ice and snow pack.”
It also helps that Big White water has a rapid distribution time. If you’re here at Christmas time, when the Village is full of people, it takes about seven hours for water to get from the lake to your drinking glass. If you’re here during the rest of the season, it’s an average of about 14 hours’ time flow. This means that there’s very little stagnant water ever sitting in the system – it’s fresh and clean, all the time.
Even in the summer, when barely anyone is up on the mountain, Maurice runs an extensive weekly flushing program which ensures that all the mains are kept clean and that any sediment is flushed out.
The bottom line is this: Big White has some of the cleanest, freshest water in the world, and it’s set to get even cleaner. Grab that glass of water and drink up!
- Fast Facts
1. Location:
56 km (35 miles) from Kelowna to Village Centre. East/southeast of Kelowna from Hwy 97 via Hwy 33 and Big White Road.
45 km (30 miles) from Kelowna to the Gem Lake base.
Airport Shuttle available from Kelowna Airport.2. Winter Hours of Operation:
Winter Season: Usually opens late November to mid-April, check Hours of Operation for opening and closing dates and hours.
3. Annual Snowfall:
750 cm (24.5 ft) average
4. 16 Lifts:
Lara's Gondola - incline 600m (1,969 ft)
Top Elevation: 1,760m (5,781 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,671 (5,482 ft)Snow Ghost Express - incline 1,868m (6,128 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,105m (6,906 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,655m (5,430 ft)Bullet Express - incline 1,770m (5,807 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,151m (7,057 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,748m (5,735 ftRidge Rocket Express- incline 1,814m (5,953 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,095m (6,873 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,654m (5,427 ft)Gem Lake Express - incline 2,445m (8,020 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,222m (7,290 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,511m (4,957 ft)Black Forest Express - incline 1,458m (4,785 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,037m (6,683 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,720m (5,643)Powder Chair - incline 896m (2,940 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,150m (7,054 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,845m (6,053)Plaza Chair - incline 592m (1,942 ft)
Top Elevation: 1,765m (5,790 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,660m (5,446 ft)TELUS Park - incline 679m (2,227 ft)
Top Elevation: 1,995m (6,545 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,820m (5,971 ft)Falcon Chair - incline 795m (2,609 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,250m (7,382 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,987m (6,519 ft)Alpine T-bar - incline 1276m (4,188 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,285m (7,497 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 1,952m (6,404 ft)The Cliff - incline 651m (2,135 ft)
Top Elevation: 2,260m (7,415 ft)
Bottom Elevation: 2020m (6,627 ft)Beginner Magic Carpet - 137m (450 ft)
Children’s Magic Carpet - 20m (66 ft)
Tubing Magic Carpet - 174m (570 ft)
Magic Carpet 2.05. Total Uphill Capacity:
28,700 skiers per hour
20 million Vertical Transport Feet (VTF) per hour6. Terrain:
Resort Area: 7,759 acres (3,140 hectares)
Patrolled Area: 2,834 acres (1,147 hectares)
Groomed Area: 905 acres (367 hectares)
Alpine and Glades: 1,525 acres (618 hectares)
Western Canada’s Largest Resort Night Skiing Area: 38 acres (15 hectares)7. Elevation:
Summit: 2,319m (7,606 ft)
Village Centre: 1,755m (5,757 ft)
Gem Lake Base: 1,508m (4,950 ft)8. Runs:
119 Designated Trails
18% Beginner
54% Intermediate
22% Expert
6% Extreme
Longest Run: Around the World Route 7.2 km (4.5 miles) - Alpine T-Bar(Top) to Gem Lake (Base) via: Whitefoot Trail → Powder Bowl → Blue Sapphie → Ogo Slow
Total of 105km (65 miles) of marked runs9. Vertical Drop:
777 m (2,550 ft)
10. TELUS Park:
Boarder/Skier-Cross course that can be tuned up to run regional, national, and World Cup events
Beginner/Intermediate and Intermediate/Advanced lanes combined with Rails and Jumps11. Cross Country:
Big White offers 25 km (16 miles) of incredible combined Nordic and Wilderness trails perfect for Canadian cross country skiing and snowshoeing. 14 kilometers of trails groomed daily with state of the art grooming equipment for both skate and classic technique.
12. Ski and Weather Conditions:
Online Mountain Forecast (average daytime temperature -5 Celsius)
Average Totals
*Big White usually closes mid April and doesn't record snowfall past the closing date for that season.
2015-2020 Average Temp Total Snowfall November -3.8C (26.16F) 119.6cm (47.0") December -8.0C (17.6F) 163.4cm (64.3") January -6.9C (19.58F) 151.9cm (59.8") February -9.0C (15.8F) 161.6cm (63.6") March -4.7C (23.54F) 148.5cm (58.4") April -0.3C (31.46F) 58.9cm (23.2") 13. Accommodation:
3 Village Hotels
25 Condo/Town Home Complexes
244 Vacation Homes and Luxury Cabins
1 Ski-in ski-out Youth Hostel14. Water Quality:
Big White's water is some of the best in the world read more
15. Retail:
Dizzy's, home of North American's finest bootfitters. Located in the Village across from the Village Centre Mall.
Altitude Ski Shop is in The Village Centre Mall and carries a wide range of clothing, equipment and souvenirs.
The Rider located downstairs in the Village Centre Mall features an array of snowboards, snowboard paraphernalia and trendy styles.
Mountainside, located on the lower level of the Village Centre Mall, has a large selection of Big White logo apparel, souvenirs, treats and unique gifts.16. Restaurants and Bars:
Full array of facilities ranging from cafeterias to fine dining. A total of 23 restaurants, cafes and delis, which includes 8 lounges/bars.
Entertainment and nightlife includes regular après-ski with live bands in bars and pubs.
17. Ski and Board School:
Over 100 qualified instructors. Ski, Snowboard, Private and Group Lessons. Special Improvement Camps; Kids Ski School voted #1 in Canada; Ladies Day, Masters Monday; Recreational Race Camps.
18. Daycare:
Big White's Tot Town Day Care is unique, exciting and filled with activities and adventures. Children are kept busy with a mixture of indoor play and (weather permitting) outdoor activities. The Tot Town Daycare is for children aged 18 months to 5 years.
19. Snow Hosts:
Complimentary mountain tours offered by our Snow Hosts. Snow Hosts tours must be pre-booked.
20. Activities:
The Big White Tube Park
Snowmobile Tours
Ice Skating
Snowshoeing
Dog Sledding
Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
Cross Country Skiing
Fireworks
Family Events21. Amenities:
General/Deli/Liquor Store
ATM
Lockers
Internet Access
Rental Shop
Ski and Board Repair Shop22. Wi-Fi:
Keeping you connected in the places that matter most. Share your mountain moments courtesy of free Wi-Fi powered by TELUS.
TELUS’ free and friendly Wi-Fi is open to everyone visiting Big White Ski Resort. TELUS smartphones automatically connect to the #TELUSdirect network when in range. All other devices can connect to #TELUS through a simple splash page to enjoy the same service.
Big White Ski Resort features TELUS PureFibre internet connectivity. PureFibre is the most advanced connectivity available on public networks and offers the best and most reliable connectivity to the internet. It provides the best security and entertainment solutions that today's resort homeowners and short-stay visitors can experience.
Cellular connectivity is supplied through TELUS 5G/4G, Canada's most reliable 5G and 4G mobile networks.
23. General Email:
24. Real Estate Sales Contacts:
For information on building lots, chalets, and condominiums, please visit Royal LePage or call/email:
Gary Turner
Mobile #: 250.826.9991
garyturner@royallepage.com
- Past Opening Dates
Season Opening Day 2022/2023 November 17th 2021/2022 November 26th 2020/2021 November 19th 2019/2020 November 28th 2018/2019 November 22nd 2017/2018 November 23rd 2016/2017 November 30th 2015/2016 November 13th 2014/2015 November 29th 2013/2014 November 16th 2012/2013 November 29th 2011/2012 December 1st 2010/2011 November 25th 2009/2010 November 14th 2008/2009 December 8th 2007/2008 November 30th 2006/2007 November 25th 2005/2006 November 19th 2004/2005 November 25th 2003/2004 November 22nd 2002/2003 December 11th 2001/2002 October 20th 2000/2001 December 1st 1999/2000 November 27th 1998/1999 November 26th 1997/1998 December 6th 1996/1997 November 21st 1995/1996 November 19th 1994/1995 November 11th 1993/1994 December 4th 1991/1992 November 23rd 1990/1991 November 30th 1989/1990 November 25th 1988/1989 November 25th 1987/1988 December 4th 1986/1987 November 29th - Drinking Water
Big White's water some of the best in the worldIf you’re shopping for groceries before coming up to Big White Ski Resort, here’s a hot tip: don’t buy any bottled water.
Sure, you might think that it’s a good idea to stock up on clean water before you get here. But what many people don’t realise is that Big White’s tap water is some of the cleanest and freshest available in the world – just as good as what you’d find in any supermarket.
Our water comes directly from Rhonda Lake, the lake that’s tucked right in to the base of the Cliff. It’s 6600 feet above sea level and holds about 75 million gallons of fresh, clean mountain water.
Water from Rhonda Lake is sent all the way down the mountain to arrive at the Water Treatment plant, a big red building which sits on the run “Highway 33”. Once at the plant, the water goes through a filtration system which immediately removes any suspended solids.
At the end of the process, the product is comparable to bottled water. In fact, recent tests done on Big White’s water found that it was cleaner than the distilled water that can be purchased in local supermarkets.
Maurice Valcourt is the Vice President of Utilities at Big White Ski Resort. 34 years ago, he started working as a millwright mechanic on the lift system at the resort. After studying water treatment at school, he was hired to manage the water on the hill.
Maurice knows everything there is to know about water – and he knows that Big White’s water is some of the best in the world.
“It’s very low on mineral content, it doesn’t have any carcinogenics in it, it doesn’t have organics in it,” he explains. “Compared to other communities, we don’t deal with fluctuating turbidity in our water from developing areas, we don’t have any logging or mining or any range livestock, so it’s protected from natural contaminants. It’s also protected from natural contamination in the winter by solid ice and snow pack.”
It also helps that Big White water has a rapid distribution time. If you’re here at Christmas time, when the Village is full of people, it takes about seven hours for water to get from the lake to your drinking glass. If you’re here during the rest of the season, it’s an average of about 14 hours’ time flow. This means that there’s very little stagnant water ever sitting in the system – it’s fresh and clean, all the time.
Even in the summer, when barely anyone is up on the mountain, Maurice runs an extensive weekly flushing program which ensures that all the mains are kept clean and that any sediment is flushed out.
The bottom line is this: Big White has some of the cleanest, freshest water in the world, and it’s set to get even cleaner. Grab that glass of water and drink up!