As locals, it can be easy to take our surroundings for granted. We’re used to the lakes, the mountains, the forests, the ‘year-round-playground’ weather. In reality, people travel from far and wide to visit or even move here for these exact reasons.
Take Big White Ski Resort, for example — a world-renowned ski hill, just 40 minutes from town. One of the best ways to enjoy the snow is right in our backyard, and if you haven’t been yet, it’s time to finally give it a go!
While taking a trip up to the mountain and learning to ski or board may seem a bit intimidating at first, Big White makes it especially accessible for locals. To make it even easier, here are some tips to help get you started at Big White this year.
There’s a reason why people love spring skiing. More #bluebird days, less need for layers and a snowpack that’s been building all winter, to name a few.
With heaps of snow expected over the final months of the season, conditions will be better than ever for newbie skiers and snowboarders. Plus, the resort will be releasing a roster of accommodation and activity specials available for visitors coming up over spring break from March 18 to 29.
“Warmer temperatures, longer days and sun-drenched patios make Spring Break the perfect time to hit the slopes,” said Katie Balkwill, Regional Sales Manager for Big White. “Not to mention the highest snowpack of the season so far! Stay where the fun is with Spring Break Lift & Lodging Specials – slopeside accommodation and a lift ticket from $148 per person, per day.”
One of the best things about learning to ski or board — you don’t have to do it alone! And, at Big White, you’ll be learning from the best.
For those of you eager to shred for the first time, your initial challenge will be deciding between two planks or one. Once that’s figured out, give the Big White Ski and Board School a call, and they’ll tailor a beginner package that fits with your abilities, your budget and your schedule.The Discover Program is perfect for the never-ever beginner, with lessons available for first-timers as tiny as three. Choose from a full-day or half-day lesson, and have your rentals and passes included in the overall cost.
Big White’s world-class instructors will take you to the beginner area in Happy Valley, where you’ll learn the basics. Once you’ve completed the Discover Program, you can move on the Next Step, where you will learn to get up a lift and down a run with confidence.
If you’ve skied or snowboarded before but it’s been a while, you may want to take a refresher lesson for your safety and for the safety of others on the mountain. And, if you’re not sure which runs are best suited to your abilities, tag along with a Snow Host – they offer free mountain tours every morning at 10:30, and are some of the most knowledgeable people on the mountain!
Having the proper gear will help make your experience on the hill a memorable one, in all the right ways. Dress for the weather, and be aware that the conditions in town often do not reflect those on the hill. Check Big White’s weather forecast and dress accordingly!
The number one rule for outdoor winter sports is to layer. Start with a good thermal layer, then add a second insulating layer, and then a third waterproof layer like a warm winter jacket and snowpants. You should also have ski socks, a neck warmer or balaclava, insulated mitts and a toque for under your helmet. You can always remove layers if you’re too warm (which isn’t uncommon on beautiful spring days!)
Of course, you’ll also need properly fitted boots, bindings and either a snowboard or skis and poles. This isn’t exactly the type of gear you just find laying around the house, but not to worry — Big White offers tons of affordable rental options, so you can try it out before making any significant investments. The team at the rental shop will help fit you with the proper gear for your size and skill level. You can even rent jackets, pants and helmets!
Okanagan-area residents can take advantage of Big White’s Locals’ Sundays special. Every Sunday from now until the end of the season on April 22, locals can learn to ski or snowboard for a deal ranging from $50 to $69 depending on your age. This includes a two-hour group lesson, a beginner lift ticket and full-day rentals — everything you need to get started!
You can learn more about Locals’ Sundays here.
Friday nights are also a great time to snag a deal! Night skiing or boarding on Fridays only costs $10 — just skip buying coffees or dining out for a week and you’ve already saved enough for your ticket!
There are also $10 beginner lessons, $10 rentals, and tons of $10 deals on food and drinks. Click here to learn more about Friday night deals at Big White.
All the talk about pizzas and french fries on the slopes might leave you with a bit of an appetite (we promise this will make sense once you’ve had you first ski lesson). Most skiers and boarders will agree that one of the best things about a day on the mountain is the après-ski.
Big White boasts over 20 on-mountain restaurants, cafes and bars. Grab a snack and hot cocoa on your way out, or sit down for a nice meal at one of the many family-friendly restaurants. In the spring, you’ll often see people chatting around the bonfires at The Woods or sharing pitchers in the sunshine on the Sessions Taphouse patio. For those staying overnight, Snowshoe Sam’s has a fun nightlife and often hosts live music on weekends.
Go ahead, treat yourself — at this point, you’ve earned it! Cheers!
Don’t forget to enjoy some of the other activities that Big White has to offer while you’re up there. Go tubing, climb the ice tower, enjoy a sleigh ride, go ice skating or snowmobiling, check out upcoming events — being bored is never an issue.
There are also plenty of accommodations you can book if you’re thinking of staying the night.
Feeling excited to hit the slopes yet? All you have left to figure out is getting there.
With express buses running up to Big White daily from multiple locations in Kelowna, as well as ample free parking throughout the resort, getting up the mountain is straightforward. Just be sure to check road conditions before you leave, and if you are driving your own vehicle, ensure you have mud and snow rated winter tires, mountain snowflake tires or chains.
“You’ve waited all winter, through the cold and snow for it, and yes, spring is coming,” said Michael Richards, Director of Mountain Sports at Big White Ski Resort. “Big White offers you a huge range of terrain, great snow conditions with limited lift lines, along with heaps of off-snow activities. It’s time to enjoy the snow, the sun and have fun with all the off-snow activities. You have earned this – it’s time to play hard.”
Running out of excuses yet? With great deals, weather and snow, there’s never been a better time to finally visit Big White Ski Resort and learn something new! So, what are you waiting for?
Big White Ski Resort is all about the snow. With 15 lifts, 119 runs and famous champagne powder, Big White has been consistently voted one of the top ski resorts in the world.
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