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A guide of Big White Resources and Information to help plan your ski vacation
Big White Ski Resort — The official website of Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna BC
BC Highway — Road Report, Maps and Weather Cams
Big White Mountain Chamber of Commerce
A network of Big White businesses all working together.
Big White Community School — A Unique Experience For The Whole Family! Our kids will be going here this fall and they are very excited.
Airlines and information
BC Car Rentals at Kelowna Airport
Big White Limo & Van Charters
Chartering a private limo or small bus offers you the benefit of being able to pre-arrange a grocery shop! Check out these Kelowna, BC companies:
Okanagan Limo Charters — Phone 250-717-5466 » Check Prices/Reserve Online
Big White BC Airport Shuttle
Big White Airport Shuttle-Scheduled hourly departures from the airport and Big White BC. The first and last airport departures are 6:30 am and 11:30 pm, respectively. The first and last Big White -Airport departures from Big White are 3:30 am and 7:45 pm, respectively. Phone: 1-800-663-2772 to get updated schedules and departure times
Big White & British Columbia Weather & Snow Info & Updates
Average Temperatures: 15-30 degrees F or -15 to 0 degrees C
Big White & British Columbia Road Reports & Driving Tips
It is a 45-50 minute drive drive from Kelowna Airport to Big White BC.
- Animal Hazards -Be wary of deer, moose and other wildlife, including cattle-especially on Big White Road. many animals are out at dawn and dusk so be extra careful at these times.
- Gas Up -in Kelowna. There is no gas station for 75 km after you leave Kelowna, including in Big White. make sure you leave Kelowna with a full tank....running out on the way to or from the ski hill will not win you any Brownie Points.
- Wiper Fluid -Make sure that you are totally topped us, with a spare jug in the trunk! Weather changes rapidly on the high mountain roads and it can get messy!
- Food & Coffee for the Road - There lots of restaurants on Highway 97 and either side of Highway 33. The last Tim Horton's is just after you turn onto Highway 33.
- Drive During Daylight Hours -Try and arrive in daylight hours and always flow with traffic. You don't want to be coming up after 4 pm as all the day traffic is racing down and visa versa in the mornings.
- Obey Posted Speeds - Nothing puts a damper on the start to a greta holiday like a $200 speeding ticket. Save the speed for the GS once you strap on your boards.
- Don't Tailgate Logging Trucks -They move on the highways closer to the mountains and are often coming off higher mountain areas so keep the rocks from your windshield and give them a little space.
- Best of all - Take the time to enjoy the drive. The scenery is beautiful in British Columbia and as they say...it's the best place on earth.
» BC Highway Report for Thompson Okanagan
Big White BC Snow School
Big White Ski Resort and our years of experience suggest that guests who take lessons generally have extraordinary ski vacation experiences, compared with those who do not. Taking lessons is worth it. We recommend that you take lessons while on the mountain as they come with great perks. You get lift line priority, quickly gain back your confidence, get to know the mountain really well, and ski/ride with people of your own ability. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Booking Information: Call 250-765-3101 x 238 » View Programs
Big White Childcare
Big White BC has an excellent childcare program and voted one of the best in North America!
For Booking Information: Call 250-765-3101 Ext. 238
Big White Ski Vacation Travel Insurance
We highly recommend travel insurance, because as they say life happens ...or something like that! Make sure that you are covered for trip cancellations, lost luggage, as well as flights, lodging and medical. Here are some suggestions:
- Check your credit card accessory services options-sometimes travel insurance is included, or can be purchased at rock bottom rates!
- Check www.insuremytrip.com to compare options and to buy it online.
- Check your local travel agent as most offer these services even if you do not book your trip through them.
- Leaving it to the last minute-you can buy it at most airports!
Big White BC Lift Tickets, Gear & Clothing Rentals
There is no benefit to pre-booking your Big White BC lift tickets, gear or clothing rentals online. The best discount you can get is 5%, but it only applies to weekday pricing and you have to pick up the tickets in Kelowna at Cooper's Foods-on Highway 33 on your right, shortly after exiting Highway 97.
If you are coming to Big White BC for more than 8 days, then it is cheaper to buy a season's pass! If you know you are going to be coming the next season...say in December 2007 watch for the pre season pass sale as it will save you lots of money.
Big White BC Ski Tips
Take the Free Big White BC Guided Mountain Tours — You will get to know Big White mountain really fast and learn all the local secrets! Tours depart daily from the Village Center Mall at 9:15 am and 1:15 pm daily.
Take Big White Skiing/Riding Lessons — Quickly improve your ability and confidence to ski/ride more diverse terrain, get more skiing/riding time with lift line priority and ski/ride with people of your own ability. It is fun and there is nothing like the joy of personal sport improvement!
Keep your Feet Warm — Make sure that your liners are always dry. Rip them out of the shell and dry in the evenings if you have to. We are working on the installation of a boot dryer which we hope to have installed for the 2007/08 season.
Keep your Hands Warm — Get gortex gloves with warm liners. Pre-treat your gloves with Nik-Wax for extra water-proofing. A great pair of gloves is worth it's weight on gold when you are out on the mountain during the winter months. Be sure to dress in layers and avoid jeans as being cotton once they are wet.....they are cold. Ya ya...we know... it's not cool to wear a hat if you are under 40 but better to be a warm geek than a frozen bunny.
Big White Grocery Options
We highly recommend that you pick up the bulk of your groceries & beverages in Kelowna on your way to the mountain. There is a small grocery store in Big White and they are expanding their selections weekly. Here are some conveniently located Kelowna BC grocery stores, just a few minutes from your driving route between Kelowna Airport and Big White BC.
Costco
Open Until 7 pm Weekdays, 5 pm Weekends. Costco is a great place for meat, cheese, pre-prepared foods and just about anything you are going to need! You need a Costco membership card. It is located on the corner of Hwy 97 and 33.
Liquor Store
The liquor store at Big White BC is pretty good and reasonably priced. If you pick up groceries at IGA, there is a liquor store in the same mall, making IGA a convenient 1-stop shop for all supplies!
Safeway
Open until midnight, 7 days/week. From the Airport-Drive 2 lights past the Highway 33 turnoff. Safeway is on your left. From Vancouver & Washington-Safeway is on your right hand side of the road on Highway 97, 2 lights before the Highway 33 turnoff.
IGA
Open until 9 pm 7 Days/Week. Another option is IGA on highway 33 just 5 minutes after the Highway 97 turnoff on your left. There is also a liquor and drug store in the same mall. Stores close at 9 pm.
Big White Groceries — Pre-Ordering Online
If you organize for delivery ahead of time, please DO NOT give the door code to the delivery people. This compromises your safety and the security of the townhome. You are also responsible for all missing items in the property at the time of departure so we suggest meeting them at the site or have your order arrive after you do.
Vacation Food Services
VFS will take your online grocery order and deliver to Big White Ski Resort!
Phone : 1-250-862-3466 › Email : info@vacationfoods.com › View Prices/Order Groceries Online
Big White BC Activities
Big White British Columbia is North America's #1 rated family ski resort. Not only is the skiing/boarding amazing, but the apres ski, or non-skiing activities are fantastic! be sure to take in some of the fun below,
- Free Welcome & Family Carnival Nights — Great fun for the whole family on Saturdays and Thursday nights. Enjoy fireworks, large outdoor bonfires, torchlight parade, free family games & kids activities, hot chocolate and more! Times: 6-8 pm in the Village.
- Mega Snow Coaster — North America's biggest tubing park! Open 4-10 pm daily at the Happy Valley Gondola base.
- Outdoor Skating Rink — North America's largest outdoor skating rink! Open daily from 9 am-10 pm at the Happy Valley Gondola Base. Skate rentals available!
- Snowmobile Tours — Take 1, 2, or 4 hour tours. Ride single or double. Tours include safety gear & hot chocolate!
- Mini Snowmobile Tracks for Kids — Available daily at the Happy Valley Gondola Base! Suitable for kids 6+
- Cross Country Skiing at Big White BC — The official Big White trails start the Happy Valley Gondola Base. There are 25 km of groomed trails. Rentals are also available from the rental shop in the Village.
- Cross Country Skiing in the McCulloch Lake Area — One of the most incredible trail systems is located in the Mculloch Lake Area, about a 25 minute drive from Big White Ski Resort. With over 125km of groomed trails in pristine wilderness, these are some of the best trails in the area. Proceed back down Big White road to Route 33. Turn left. The trail head begins about 5 min's down the highway. Turn right on McCulloch Lake Road. The trails are about 10 seconds before you reach McCulloch Lake Resort. There is a warming cabin at the entrance.
- Dog sledding — Call 250-491-4244 to book!
- Sleigh riding — Available from 3-11 pm for private bookings. Call 250-491-4244 to book
- Helicopter Tour — It is highly recommended that you take the scenic helicopter tour of the Big White BC ski area. It is a fantastic and breathtaking tour! Call 250-491-4244 to book
- Skiing/Riding Day at Silver Star — Take the helicopter over to Silver Star for a full day of skiing/riding. It is well worth it -Silverstar is a great resort and a fantastic way to get more Okanagan powder! Call 250-491-4244 to book
- Day at the Spa!
- Beyond Wrapture (located at Chateau Big White) 250-878-7938
- Day Escape Body Care (lower level of Village Centre Mall) 250-491-4167
- Snowshoe Tours — Take a 2 hour guided tour, departing 1:30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Tours include your gear, a guide and refreshments! Call 250-491-4244 to book
- DVD/Video Rentals — Available in the Village Centre Mall and grocery store.
British Columbia Winery Tours
Whether you are visiting in the winter or summer be sure to take in some of the winery tours. Wine tours are an excellent idea when you need a break and your bones need a rest. You can by some incredible wines that are not available in liquor stores.
Big White & British Columbia Maps
Stuff People Usually Forget
Here are some great suggestions of things to remember, that we find many people tend to forget!
- Big White BC Check-In Information — We will be checking you in prior to your stay. You should receive your contract, entry information, emergency contact numbers and maps by email.
- Never Leave Home without Check-In Information & Keep it in Carry On Luggage! Always remember to pack the check-in & arrival instructions with your carry-on bags, so that you are not locked out in the event that your luggage ends up in Vancouver for the day.
- Knapsack — this really comes in handy for any vacation and it highly recommended for extra gloves, socks & snacks.
- Warm Boots with Huge Treads — It snows like mad at Big White, BC sometimes and the old saying you can see it piling up is very true. Be sure you bring the snow boots and leave the runners in the car.
- Favorite DVD’s, CD’s and videos. Don't forget we have both a BOSE IPOD stereo for the adults in the living room and an IPOD dock in the loft for the kids complete with wireless headphones......just for mom and dad.
- We supply slippers & robes so that will save you another having to pack another suitcase.
- Bathing suit for hot tub ....or not
- Sunscreen - When the sun comes out you really do need sunscreen as with the reflection from the snow you will find your face gets toasted quickly.
- Binoculars - great for bird and bunny watching
- Goggles & sunglasses
- High quality lip balm — ( the kids say you should use bee's balm )apply it several times daily to avoid chapped lips as Big White is extremely dry
- High quality moisturizer — Big White is very dry. Did we tell you we also sell Oil of Olay on the side. Just kidding.
- Helmets for kids — Big White rents them but it's a good idea to get one for the whole family and guess what kids. Helmets are dope....whatever that means. We used to just say COOL. Shows how old I am.
- Balaclava's for adults and mandatory for kids
- Camera - digital is great as you can upload to quick picks right on the mountain.
- Pre-paid phone cards if you do not have a phone calling card. The phone is for local calls only but we are getting a Skype account set up for next season.
- Warm mitts/gloves
- Very warm boots
- Lots of outdoor clothing that can be layered
- Skates — Big White has North America’s largest outdoor skating rink!
- Favorite recipes (including beverages).
- Everything else Including the "Kitchen Sink".....if you travel with girls like we do it always comes in handy.
Big White Clothing Tips
Big White BC is located in the Monashee Mountain Range, in the BC Okanagan interior. Here are some tips that will keep you warm and comfy !!
- Dress in Layers — bring layers of fleece & cold weather gear
- Bring Gortex — you need waterproof gear.
- Kids Hands & Feet — Bring warm outer gloves and inner liners. Bring multiple gloves and liners and keep them dry.
- Treat your Gortex prior to Arrival — Follow the manufacturer's instructions for re-conditioning your Gortex gear!. We also recommend Nik Wax for Gortex gear and especially for gloves.
- Kids Boots — Keep them dry at all times or your kids will have non-stop cold feet. Rip the liners out and put them on the boot dryer at night to ensure that they are totally dry in the morning.
- Kids Socks — Pack multiple socks into their day packs. Kids need as many socks as they do snacks!
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