Things to do around Big White
It’s not just about the snow…. (OK, well it mostly is!)
There is so much to do!
The village center Hospitality Desk (765 3101) is the best source of information for what is happening in the resort. Also check out Channel 5 on the TV. Virtually every night something is happening on the mountain, once a week there is a torchlight parade and fireworks display.
The kids ski school has activities nearly always after skiing hours either free or for a small charge. This allows you to relax and have a drink or early evening meal on your own whilst the kids are taken care of. The Kids Center offers ice skating, tubing and cutting & pasting. All the info for kids can naturally be found in the Kids Center.
Things to do at Big White other than skiing include; ice-skating, the “Mega coaster” (snow-tubing), dog sledding, snowmobiling, the horse drawn sleigh, cross-country ski or snowshoe trails, ice-climbing, Saturday night fireworks, Family Games at Happy Valley, walk to Big White Village or walk your dog up to the Powder Chair.
The Village Shuttle operates on a limited schedule but will take you around from various points about the village. You can pick it up or get dropped off at the parking lot at the intersection of Snowpines Crecent and Snowpines Road.
Walk the dog, or just yourself
Our favourite 5km loop goes up the cat track to Paul Lake and the bottom of the Powder Chair and then descends a spectacular ski-out to Lower Snowpines. Be sure to watch out for Skidoos, groomers and skiers!
Right across Big White Road from the Snowpines Road entrance is an somewhat hidden entrance to the skidoo trails and a big snowy play area. Totally inaccessible in summer!
Head to the Village
The walk to the Village takes 10 to 15 minutes. Head up Snowpines Way and under the bridge to the end of the road between the Silvertip Landing chalets. The lighted trail starts there and crosses several ski runs and meets up with Porcupine Road. Follow the road as it curves downhill to the right until you see Snowshoe Sam’s and The Market.
You may also drive to the Village on Big White Road but parking in the Village is very limited.
In the Village Centre
In the village you will find numerous restaurants catering all tastes, please check the Resort Directory for a complete listing.
The “Market” General Store is for your basic grocery needs, beer, wine and a pizza outlet. It also features a 60 seat cafeteria and deli.
In the Village Mall (look for the big clock tower) you can find all your ski needs including passes, rentals and lessons. The Clock Tower Cafe in the Centre is good, but can get quite crowded at lunch time or at the end of day. Downstairs, in the VCM you will find more apparel, a snowboard shop as well as the tuning shop and restrooms.
The Centre often has free after hours activities like bounce castles and kids games. Medical facilities are located in the Whitefoot Lodge should you require them.
Two real estate agents are located in the village if you wish to look at property and the various projects around have show suites. Ask about the weekly Wine Tasting hosted by a number of Lodges.
Across the road is the excellent Underground Pizza (home delivery available)
Happy Valley
Happy Valley Day Lodge at the bottom of the gondola, has a large seating capacity for lunch and often games and family entertainment in the evenings. Covid has affected many events so be sure to check to see what is happening during your stay. Check the Events Calendar.
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, warm up beside the rink with a FREE hot chocolate and bonfire
Fireworks every Saturday night! 7:30pm
This Big White Mountain based tour company hosts tours to a variety of side-gigs such as Hockey Games in Kelowna, road trips to some of the other nearby ski-hills, and wine-tours.
Seriously! How cool is this? Cozy up under a blanket and enjoy hot chocolate while gliding through snow-covered forest trails during your sleigh ride. This is the perfect family activity. Choose between 1/2 hour, full hour or private tours. Even a gourmet dinner experience in a Forest Cabin is available!
There are over 25km of trails available with a variety of difficulty levels for you to explore. Skis can be rented in the Village Centre (Clock Tower Building) at the top of the Gondola.
A day or season trail pass is needed. Your alpine season pass also works!
Bring your own or rent at Happy Valley. Tours available or explore on your own. Easy to learn and a variety of difficulty levels available. Dogs are welcome on the Wilderness Trails too!
A day or season trail pass is needed. Your alpine season pass also works!
It’s FREE to skate at Happy Valley Ice Rink. If you didn’t bring your own, skates are available to rent for only $12. Helmets, hockey sticks and pucks are also available. Play a little shinny or just go for a nice glide!
Open from 11am to 7:45pm daily.
OK, so maybe you hosers think you’re ready for the Full-On Canadian Vacation Experience? Well then, just sign yer’self up for a Dog Sled Tour and give’er, eh! (Maple syrup not included.)
