Accommodation
Canada’s largest totally ski-in, ski-out resort is British Columbia’s Big White Ski Resort. Somewhat overshadowed in size and international reputation by its famous neighbour Whistler, Big White has nonetheless been quietly growing in size and fame so that it now attracts discerning skiers and snowboarders worldwide.
Its twin-track approach of offering the highest quality facilities and at the same time a terrain mix that has reached cult status is reminiscent of Crested Butte next to Aspen in Colorado.
A major natural asset is the abundant powder snowfall, which averages more than 7.5 metres (24 feet) annually – this snow is said to fall regularly throughout the season, rather than being confined to huge one-off dumps, so the two thirds of patrolled terrain that is left ungroomed has fresh powder more frequently than most. This factor underlies Big White’s reputation with advanced skiers and snowboarders despite the fact that only just over a quarter of the terrain is graded advanced.
The big snowfalls and relatively low wind are also responsible for the creation of “snow ghosts”, a common feature in Japanese resorts but less well known elsewhere in the world. Heavy snowfalls literally cover trees and the action of wind and freezing temperatures can transform them into weird shapes, creating a magical and surreal environment in which to ski or board.
Spread across more than 1,100 hectares of skiable terrain with 119 designated trails, Big White delivers a true “all-rounder” Canadian experience. The lift system (16 in total, including high-speed chairs and a gondola) keeps queues moving, and with almost everything radiating from the mid-mountain village, it’s incredibly easy to navigate.
The headline, though, is the snow. Big White’s 100% natural “Okanagan Champagne Powder” regularly tops 7.5m a season, falling consistently rather than in just a few huge storms. That, combined with a deliberate policy of leaving around two-thirds of the patrolled terrain ungroomed, means fresh lines stay findable for longer than at many big-name resorts.
Big White also boasts Western Canada’s largest night-skiing area, with several runs and the terrain park lit up for evening laps – ideal for squeezing in a few more runs under the stars.
Big White uses dynamic pricing, with lift ticket costs varying by date, demand and how early you book. You’ll always find the lowest prices by buying online in advance via the official Tickets & Passes page.
As a guide for the 2025/26 season (subject to change):
For the very latest prices, promotions and bundle deals, always refer directly to bigwhite.com.
Big White proudly claims the widest choice of ski-in, ski-out accommodation in Canada, and the layout of the mid-mountain village really does mean that “doorstep skiing” is the norm rather than the exception.
There are currently multiple village condo-hotels, numerous townhouse and condo complexes, more than 200 vacation homes and even a ski-in, ski-out hostel – all stitched together by pistes and green runs that pass right through the village.
Whichever level you choose, the combination of genuine ski-through village design and largely car-free streets makes getting around wonderfully stress-free – particularly with kids in tow.
For its size, Big White has an impressive concentration of places to eat and drink – roughly 20 restaurants, cafés and delis clustered around the village and Happy Valley.
On the mountain & in the village:
There are also pizzerias, burger joints, cafés, a small grocery store and a liquor outlet, making self-catering straightforward and family mealtimes easy to organise.
Big White’s après scene strikes a nice balance: it’s family-focused at heart, but there’s still plenty of buzz if you fancy a later night.
Overall, this isn’t a wild, club-heavy resort in the mould of some European party destinations – but there’s more than enough atmosphere for relaxed drinks, a big steak dinner and a couple of big nights out if you want them.
Big White’s compact, purpose-built mid-mountain village sits at around 1,755m, with pistes running right through the centre and most accommodation either on, or a very short slide from, the slopes.
It’s a very straightforward, low-stress trip from the UK or Europe: typically via Vancouver or Calgary into Kelowna, then a scenic drive or shuttle straight up to the village.
Big White feels like a resort designed by skiers, for skiers. The combination of genuine ski-in, ski-out lodging, consistent Champagne powder and a layout that works brilliantly for mixed-ability groups makes it one of the easiest places in North America to simply wake up, clip in and go.
What stands out most is how little faff there is. You’re not wrestling with buses, long walks in ski boots or sprawling valley towns – you’re staying on the hill, with the lifts and village right outside. Add in Western Canada’s largest night-skiing area, the surreal beauty of the snow-ghost forests and a big menu of family activities and it’s easy to see why many visitors come back year after year.
If you’re looking for a North American resort that delivers deep snow, maximum slope time and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere – without the mega-resort overwhelm of Whistler – Big White is a very compelling choice.
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