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Big White is Big
with Snowfolks
Compiled
by Richard Pennick
Big White is drawing more than 15,000
season pass holders each year as they’re determined to keep the tariff below
average. `Value for money’ would be an understatement as adult prices start
from C$337. Not only that, but under fives and over 70s ski for free.
The resort has been recognized by Ski
Canada Magazine with awards such as Best Variety, Best Kids Centre, Best
Weather, Best Grooming, so they must be doing something right.
It’s straightforward to get to Big White
Ski Resort, fly to Vancouver and then to Kelowna, or if you prefer a scenic
trip it’s a 438 kilometre drive from Vancouver. For more information on Big White visit their website at: http://www.bigwhite.com/ Or contact Big White Ski Resort Ltd.bP.O. Box 2039 Station R Kelowna, British Columbia Canada, V1X 4K5 Ph. 250-765-3101 Fax 250-765-8200 Photos by Kevin Holmes -Updated 1-23-00- |
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TM
Big White has been on the North American
ski map for some time now, but management haven't stopped planning her growth,
paving the road to maturity with the most up-to-date amenities and state-of-the-art
equipment. Tens of millions of dollars are being spent every year on upgrading
existing facilities, the building of new hotels and restaurants, and year 2000
is no exception.
Situated in the heart of the Okanagan
Valley near Kelowna, and above tree-line in the snow-laden Monashee Mountains,
Big White Ski Resort is second only in
size to Whistler Resort. The village is, in fact, the highest
alpine retreat in the whole of British Columbia. Perched high at 1,755 metres
is a well planned and stylish village, you can ski right up the main street to
the front doors of rentals, ticketing, day care, ski school and eateries.
Scattered around the centre are numerous hotels, lodges, apartments and
hostels, and it’s all true ski-to-your-door accommodation here.
However it’s the white stuff which defines
this resort¹s character and plenty of it. The average annual snowfall of 750
centimetres is of the dry and light variety since it has passed over the Coast
Mountains, and thanks to the altitude it stays put for the season. Coating the
slopes and wrapped around the trees like a big fat blanket, it creates hundreds
of `snow ghosts’ which are peculiar to Big White and fun to ski around. 
There are more than 2,300 acres of powder
bowls and 100 groomed trails for skiers and boarders alike. Novices aren’t
confined to a `below level’ area, but can access many runs from all of the
lifts, so no-one misses out on the stunning views from the 2,318 metre summit. The half-pipe and `table tops’ have been described by
experts as `perfect’ for snow boarders, and fans of ski du fond, a.k.a cross-country, will find it hard to believe
the never ending miles of natural trails close by in the backcountry. You can
lose yourself for hours or even days if you want to, gliding along 25
kilometres of groomed logging routes within the forest, and there are little
warming huts dotted along the way where you can stop for a breather, a cuppa,
or a kip. For those who prefer something faster and noisier, guided skidoo
rides take a similar route, constantly darting off course into banks and
gullies which form natural luges and half-pipes.
Meanwhile back on the piste,
people are scattered all over the mountain, carving up acres upon acres of dry
powdery accessed from state of the art lifts including 4 high speed quad chair
accessing the over 100 runs. The ski resort is made up of the new Westridge
area, serviced by the Gem Lake Express quad chair, the largest in Canada and
the South Face. Both incorporate something for all tastes and abilities, steep
and deep, leisurely trails, wide open bowls and trees. The
glades make up approximately 1,325 acres of the total patrolled area, and 26
per cent of the slopes are rated expert or `extreme’ with another 26 considered
most difficult! This leaves 38 per cent for the novices and intermediate skiers
or riders, and the longest run at Big White is a lengthy 7.2 kilometres.
Speaking of kids, they
really know how to look after children here at Big White Ski Resort. Even if
you don’t bring the little ones, a peek at the award winning day care centre is
a must for all visitors. The designer’s incredible insight into a child’s world
has been skillfully reproduced both in the colour and form of the furniture and
interior fittings. Everything is topsy-turvy, down to the television and the
kitchen sink, and there’s a snug little sleeping quarters like the cozy dens we
all used to make. Parents be assured the kids are having a good time, however
they can peer through a one way window just for peace of mind, and without
disruption.
The resort can
currently accommodate 8000 people which is a figure rapidly on the increase,
and many at an affordable price. There are even a couple of ski-in-ski-out
youth hostels right on the slopes. From C$19 dollars a night, one of them is
situated adjacent to The Loose Moose which is a popular bistro and bar. The
newest property is the beautiful 55 room Chateau Big White opening for the
1999/2000 season. Kelowna offers an endless choice of accommodation too, and is
only 55 kilometres away. The number of restaurants and cafeterias is also on
the increase and you can find anything from buffalo chips to caviar here. Après
ski, live bands play regularly in many of the bars, you can join in a karaoke,
enjoy a theme night, play pool, spend the evening ice-skating or just take
leisurely sleigh ride. If you’re not ready for après ski, 38 acres of floodlit
slopes will provide a few more hours of fun.