Snowboard Canada
Your Dream Snowboarding Trip to Big White
Big White’s roots in snowboarding go back thirty years with local pioneer snowboarders hiking the slopes.
It’s called BIG White for a reason with the resort area boasting 7355 acres, of which 2765 is ridable terrain. Big White receives an average of 25 feet of epic Okanagan Champagne Powder that blankets the 118 runs, five powder bowls and seemingly endless glades. There’s always fresh tracks to be found even days after the last storm cycle.
Big White certainly has it all for any snowboard enthusiast and the way the terrain wraps around the mountain means it’s incredibly snowboard friendly! The varied terrain has something to be desired for all riders whether it be a pro or average Joe. The tree riding is pure delight for any rider who likes to get off the groomed runs. With natural jumps and crowd free slopes and Big White is a mountain that free-riders become obsessed with.
Despite its size Big White manages to retain its charm. Many are surprised to learn that Big White is family owned and operated – with a welcoming feeling and endless stoke from locals who are happy to share their favourite runs and secret stashes.
TELUS Park
Terrain Parks grew up in Canada. Freestyle skiing debuted at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and one of the first snowboard playgrounds appeared at Big White the same year. Three decades later Big White continues to deliver the goods with one of the country’s best terrain parks.
The self-lifted park features a 700m chairlift so riders can hit lap after lap and is even open for night riding Thursday – Saturday. The TELUS Park playground includes a pipe, a variety of different sized jumps, an interesting flow of jib features and a public boarder cross course.
This past season, TELUS Park hosted an impressive 20 amateur sport events including rail jams, boarder cross and slopestyle so the resort continues to invest in developing athletes. One of the largest events it the Neil Edgeworth Memorial Banked Slalom, which sees over 300 snowboarders competing over the two day event. This grassroots event is a gathering for friends, both old and new, to remember the true soul of the sport and has been . This is the best weekend to be a snowboarder at Big White and you get to hang with the likes of Olympic Snowboard Champ Maëlle Ricker.
In 2018, Newschoolers named TELUS Park in the Top 5 Parks in the Northwest.
In 2016, TELUS Park was named ‘One of the Best Terrain Parks in North America’ by USA TODAY 10Best award. Coming in at second place on the "10Best" leaderboard, TELUS Park was one of only two Canadian terrain parks on the list, the other being Whistler's Blackcomb.
Good Eats
There’s 20+ restaurants scattered throughout the village to grab a bite from coffee shops, casual pub food to a steakhouse. No chain restaurants here to keep the vibes rolling with some delicious culinary delights. With so many options to choose from, we thought we’d tease you with 3 epic ways to start your day with our breaky favorites.
What: Heck Ya
Where: Clocktower Coffee Co.
Introducing the breakfast sandwich of your wildest dreams, found right in the Village Centre Mall. Marbleized eggs, crispy pancetta and brie on a fresh baked buttermilk biscuit. Are you drooling? Because we are.
What: Bacon & Egg Breakfast Ramen
Where: Black Forest Day Lodge
Riding Black Forest’s playful glades is enough fun to work up a ravaging appetite! Thanks to the incredible convenience of Black Forest Day Lodge, you can grab a bite right on the hill. The Bacon & Egg Breakfast Ramen Bowl is a must.
What: Avo Smash
Where: The Moose Lounge
We’re talkin’ two soft poached eggs with Okanagan feta, pesto and fresh avocado on herbed garlic toast. Bonus: this meal includes a coffee or tea and a small juice!
Après Scene
The Woods
Nothing says ‘après’ like a good, old fashioned sun drenched patio. Untie those boots and kick back with a cold brew or Cesar on the patio which is smack dab in the middle of the village.
Snowshoe Sam's
Famed for its wild nights and frequent table dancing antics, this nostalgic slope side watering hole is a favourite for many. Live music on weekends and a popular staff hangout mid-week.
Sessions & Elevation 57 Brewery
When it comes to mountain nightlife Sessions delivers some of the biggest parties and events on the mountain including their beloved 90’s Prom, weekly DJ battles, end of season Rail jam and the epic season ender Slush Cup. Sessions is home to Elevation 57 Brewery - the highest altitude micro-brewery in Canada. Try their over 8 new brews on tap or take home a growler for later!
Where To Stay
Many are surprised to learn that Big White is Canada’s Ski-In, Ski-Out Resort Village, meaning you can ride right to your door.
Big White has something to fit nearly every budget with an on mountain hostel, 3 hotels and a seemingly endless amount of condo and chalet options. Since almost every accommodation option available with Big White Central Reservations is ski-in, ski-out, you can expect great value and not paying that premium for slope side that you may at other resorts. If you’re traveling on a budget, then the budget units at the Whitefoot Lodge are a steal of a deal with their premium village location with a private bathroom and access to the outdoor hot tub. For hotels, the Inn at Big White is a great choice thanks to the popular Blarney Stone Irish Tavern on the main level. You can’t go wrong with the many condos featuring your very own hot tub – go ahead and spoil yourself as you deserve it after a hard day of riding.
Booking through Big White Central Reservations also gives you the perks of access to discounted lift tickets, lessons and rentals.
Shops
The main shop dedicated to serving riders is The Rider which boasts a solid selection of the latest snowboard gear from the top brands our knowledgeable staff will have you matched up with everything you need. Snowboard brands include Bataleon, DC, Dinosaurs Will Die, Never Summer, Niche, Rome and Salomon. Get decked out in the latest gear from Volcom, Quiksilver, Roxy, Burton, and Rip Curl as well as helmets and goggles from Anon, Dragon, Sandbox, Spy and Oakley.
Their also well stocked in accessories including stomp pads, tools, watches, headphones from Skull Candy and Outdoor Tech - everything you could possibly need to have a super shredtastic day.
Eyeing a new board? Be sure to ask the staff about their demo boards so you can try before you buy!
The Repair Shop is staffed with fellow riders to help with a last minute tune or wax.
Getting There
It’s easy to get to and you don’t have to worry about whether or not you have a car. Big White is 56km southeast of Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley, making it easily accessible by driving or flying.
With non-stop flights to Kelowna from Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Victoria as well as great connections from most other Canadian cities, you just need to get yourself to an airport. Big White is less than an hour from the airport with shuttles taking you directly from the airport to the front door of your accommodation. Just note shuttles must be booked 72 hours in advance to ensure one is running to meet your flight.
If you’re driving, all accommodation with Big White Central Reservations offers a free parking spot.