Hey there, ski-lover! I totally hear you – COVID-19 has turned our world upside down, and it’s hard to think about hitting the slopes when everything else feels so uncertain. But don’t worry, I’ve got a little something to cheer you up!
Now, if you happen to live close to Big White – and by close, I mean close enough to feel the fresh powder under your skis in a jiffy – then you’re one lucky duck! I’m definitely feeling a bit of envy over here, wishing I could join you for a day of shredding on the mountain.
Of course, I totally get it if you’re feeling a bit stir-crazy stuck in Kelowna. You may be daydreaming of soaking up some sun on the stunning beaches of Australia. Hey, it’s always about what we can’t have, right? But let’s focus on the positive – a little ski trip down memory lane can’t hurt! Let’s share some of our favorite ski stories and get excited about the day when we can hit the slopes again.
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Why Big White?
Oh boy, have I got a ski story for you! So, I’ve been reminiscing about one of my all-time favorite family holidays at Big White snow resort, and I just can’t help but share some of the amazing planning tips we picked up along the way. Trust me, this place is a winter wonderland that you won’t want to miss!
For starters, let me tell you – Big White is where my wife fell head over heels in love with pure white powder after taking up skiing, and my son went from a beginner to a total pro in just five days. I mean, talk about a family bonding experience! And let me tell you, the stunning ski-in/out condominium we stayed in with a hot tub, full kitchen, and killer views didn’t hurt either.
But here’s the real kicker – Big White is where I discovered the magic of night boarding. Oh. My. Gosh. There’s nothing quite like shredding down the mountain under the stars, with the chill in the air and the snow under your feet. It’s pure, unadulterated bliss.
So, if you’re wondering why I’m raving about Big White – trust me, it’s not just me. This place is a must-visit destination for any ski enthusiast out there. And don’t worry, when the world is back to normal and we can all hit the slopes again, I’ll be right there with you, living it up on the mountain!
Seriously, this place has “family friendly” written all over it. And if you’re feeling a bit lazy (no judgment here!), then you’re in luck – everything you need is right there at your doorstep. From the powdery slopes to lift access, cafes with killer coffee, supermarkets, and bars – it’s all there for you to enjoy with minimal effort required.
And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like coming back home for lunch, putting your feet up, and watching some TV with a cheeky drink in hand. And when you’re ready for another run, just cruise back out at your own leisure – no waiting around for public transport or schlepping your gear a long way back to your accommodation.
Now, if you’re a beginner to intermediate rider, then Big White is the perfect spot for you. With wide groomed runs and forest trails aplenty, you’ll have plenty to explore and enjoy. But if you’re an advanced rider looking for some next-level action, you might be a bit frustrated with the lack of powder bowls and free-falling runs. But hey, who needs that kind of excitement when you’ve got all this relaxed fun to be had?
1. Book your holiday early
If you’re thinking about hitting the slopes at Big White, then listen up – I’ve got some tips to help you save some serious cash and have the ski trip of your dreams.
First up, book that holiday early! Trust me, the early bird gets the powder. Plan to head over in late January to February for the best snow conditions. And if you’re flying in from the east coast of Australia (shoutout to Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane), keep an eye out for killer deals from Air Canada around June. That’s when you can snag some seriously awesome prices.
Now, if you’re booking through a travel agent, make sure you do your own research first. Scope out ski-in/out accommodation deals on Booking.com and killer flight deals on Skyscanner.com. Then, bring those deals to your travel agent and ask them to beat ’em! And let me tell you, it’s worth it. When I booked my last ski trip through Snow Capped Travel, I saved around $500 compared to booking online. Plus, they hooked us up with better flight options and included transfers to and from Kelowna.
But hey, don’t just take my word for it – be sure to check out multiple travel agents in your country and read up on their reviews to make sure they’re legit. With a little bit of research and some smart booking, you’ll be shredding the slopes and saving some serious coin in no time!
2. Stay close to the town and main runs
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Big White, it’s all about location, location, location! You want to be as close to the action as possible, so you can spend less time commuting and more time shredding the gnar.
That’s why I highly recommend Trappers Crossing condos – not only are they a great value for your money, but they’re also super cozy with all the Canadian-themed comforts you could ever want. And let’s not forget the outdoor hot tub, perfect for soaking those sore muscles at the end of a long day on the slopes.
While Trappers Crossing may not be ski-in/out, it’s just a short walk away from the Perfection Run immediate run and the Hummingbird beginner run. And if you’re feeling up for it, you can even ski or board out to Perfection Run if the conditions are right. Plus, it’s only a quick 3-minute walk to the village for all your dining and entertainment needs.
And speaking of dining, don’t forget to hit up the Bean Scene café across the road for the best cup of joe in Big White. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
So, if you want to make the most of your Big White vacation, book your stay at Trappers Crossing and get ready for an unforgettable time on the slopes.
3. Night skiing or boarding
Yo, if you’re hitting up Big White, don’t miss out on night skiing or boarding! It’s a freakin’ blast! They say it’s got the biggest vertical drop of night skiing in North America, and let me tell you, it feels like you’re flying! We spent a solid 4 hours tearing up the mountain after dark, and the only thing that would have made it better was a ride-up bar. I was grooving to some rasta tunes through my K2 helmet and crushing it. My son was all about practicing his jumps and cruising through Telus Park on repeat.
If you’re going to do this, plan to take a half-day, hit the slopes in the morning, chill out in the afternoon, and start your night session around 5 pm. Fridays are a good deal at just $12, but if you want fewer crowds, go mid-week. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!
4. Pack in the low-light goggle lenses
When you’re shredding the slopes at Big White, you might find yourself feeling like you’re in a bit of a white-out wonderland. That’s because the mountain is often shrouded in a thick layer of fluffy clouds, making it hard to see where you’re going. But fear not, my fellow snow enthusiasts! With a pair of low-light goggle lenses, you’ll be able to conquer the mountain with ease. These babies are like magic – they’ll help you see through the clouds and keep you shredding like a pro. And if you want to switch things up, grab a pair of magnetic goggles so you can switch up your lenses on the fly. So pack ’em in, hit the mountain, and get ready to slay some powder!
5. Take private lessons
Take it from me, booking private ski lessons at Big White is a game-changer. Not only will you be strutting your stuff on the slopes like a pro, but you’ll also be exploring parts of the mountain you never thought possible. It’s like having your own personal tour guide who happens to be a skiing guru.
Whether you’re a family or a squad of friends, booking a private instructor is the way to go. Trust me, it’s worth the investment. And if you’re lucky enough to snag Bern as your instructor, you’ve hit the jackpot! He’s a local legend and knows the mountain like the back of his hand. So don’t wait, book your private lessons and let the good times roll!
6. Try these awesome runs
Alrighty then, let’s talk about some of the best runs to hit up while you’re shredding the slopes at Big White. As a fellow intermediate snowboarder, I’ve got some serious insider intel on the best runs to tackle:
First up, we’ve got Kanina’s Rainbow (Blue Intermediate) – this bad boy is located on the left side of the mountain and is an absolute stunner. With epic views and a seriously long run, your legs are gonna be feeling the burn.
Next on the list is Paradise (Blue Intermediate) – this run is straight down the middle and will keep you on the edge of your board the entire way down. Plus, the views are so beautiful that you’ll forget you’re even exercising.
Last but not least, we’ve got Serwas (Green Beginner) – this one is perfect for anyone who’s just starting out or wants to cruise through the trees. It’s a long, winding green run that’s perfect for kiddos and beginners alike.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your board and hit up these awesome runs at Big White!
7. Snowmobiling in the backcountry
You’re in for a wild ride with Big White’s snowmobile tour! Let me tell you, it’s a surefire way to make some unforgettable memories in the backcountry. We opted for the 2-hour ride and boy, was it a thrill! Zooming through the powdery snow, with the wind in our hair and the mountains as our backdrop, we felt like real-life action heroes. The staff were just as awesome as the experience, cracking jokes and making us feel at ease while showing us the ropes. Plus, their knowledge of the area and safety precautions gave us peace of mind. Don’t miss out on this exhilarating adventure!
8. Ski or board hire is easy as
Thinking of hitting the slopes but don’t want to lug all your gear halfway across the world? No worries! The Big White Rental Shop has got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, their top-notch gear and super-friendly staff will make sure you’re kitted out and ready to go in no time. So skip the hassle and travel light, because at Big White, ski or board hire is as easy as hitting the slopes!
9. Keep the kids happy with free popcorn and cotton candy
Looking for a fun family activity that won’t break the bank? Look no further than the Carnival Night at Big White’s Village Centre Mall! Every Thursday and Saturday from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, your little ones can indulge in free popcorn, cotton candy, and face painting while playing games and having a blast. And the best part? You can kick back and relax with a drink in hand while they’re entertained. Trust us, it’s a win-win situation!
10. Plan a Vancouver stopover
Stop right there, snow friend! If you’re planning a trip to Big White, you absolutely cannot miss out on a Vancouver stopover. Trust me, you’ll regret it if you don’t. I learned this the hard way. But don’t worry, I’ll spare you the heartache. Why not catch a Canucks game while you’re there? Or take a stroll through Stanley Park, and make sure to cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge if you dare. Grouse Mountain is also a must-see. So, time your trip accordingly and make the most of your Canadian adventure!
Check out our cool snow hacks and gadgets here to keep things easy at Big White snow resort.
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