Big White
Skiing at Big White is a fantastic winter activity that is enjoyed by many skiers and snowboarders. Big White is located in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada, and is one of the largest ski resorts in the country. With its massive terrain, impressive snowfall, and varied terrain, Big White has become a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders from around the world.
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Big White's terrain is vast and diverse, offering a wide range of skiing experiences for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. The resort boasts over 2,700 acres of skiable terrain, including over 100 runs, five terrain parks, and 16 lifts, making it one of the largest ski resorts in North America. There is something for everyone at Big White, whether you're looking for gentle, rolling hills for beginners, or steep, challenging runs for expert skiers.
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One of the most attractive aspects of Big White is the resort's incredible snowfall. The resort is known for its champagne powder, which is a light, dry snow that is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Big White receives an average of over 24 feet of snowfall each year, making it one of the snowiest ski resorts in North America. This means that skiers and snowboarders can enjoy fresh powder every day, no matter what time of year they visit.
Big White also offers a variety of on-mountain activities, including snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling. The resort has a wide range of dining options, from casual cafés to fine dining restaurants. There are also several ski-in/ski-out accommodations available, including hotels, condos, and vacation rentals, making it easy to stay on the mountain and enjoy everything that Big White has to offer.
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One of the highlights of skiing at Big White is the resort's extensive terrain parks. The resort has five terrain parks, each with its own unique features and challenges. The TELUS Park is one of the largest terrain parks in North America, with over 40 features, including jumps, rails, and boxes. The Boarder Cross Course is a fast-paced course that includes rollers, jumps, and banked turns. The Mini Park is designed for beginners and offers smaller jumps and features. The Mogul Course is designed for mogul skiers, with a series of bumps and jumps that test skiers' skills and endurance. Finally, the Park Rider Sessions is a private terrain park that can be rented out for groups or events.
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Big White also offers excellent skiing and snowboarding lessons for all skill levels. The resort has a team of experienced instructors who are passionate about teaching and helping skiers and snowboarders improve their skills. The lessons cover everything from basic techniques to advanced maneuvers, and are available for both children and adults.
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One of the unique features of Big White is its location in the Okanagan Valley, which is known for its wine production. After a day on the slopes, visitors can enjoy wine tastings at the many wineries in the area. The region also offers a variety of other activities, including ice fishing, sleigh rides, and hot air balloon rides.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Big White also offers a variety of other winter activities. The resort has several snowshoeing trails that wind through the forest and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The ice skating rink is a popular spot for families, and the resort also offers guided snowmobile tours through the backcountry.
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See the Big White Gallery
Big White began its life as a small ski hill known as the Big White Ski Village in the late 1950s. The resort was founded by Cliff Serwa, who purchased the land in the hopes of creating a new ski destination for Canadians. Serwa envisioned a ski resort that would rival the popular resorts of Banff and Whistler, and he worked tirelessly to bring his vision to life.
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The early days of Big White were challenging. The resort had limited infrastructure and struggled to attract visitors. However, Serwa was determined to make the resort a success, and he worked hard to promote it through advertising and word-of-mouth. Slowly but surely, the resort began to attract more skiers and snowboarders, and its reputation as a fun and challenging ski destination grew.
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In the 1970s, Big White underwent a significant expansion. The resort added more ski runs, lifts, and amenities, including a new village with restaurants and shops. These improvements helped to attract even more visitors to the resort, and Big White began to establish itself as a major ski destination in Canada.
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Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Big White continued to grow and evolve. The resort added more ski runs and lifts, as well as new amenities like a skating rink, tubing park, and snowshoeing trails. Big White also became known for its excellent ski school, which helped to teach beginners and intermediate skiers how to navigate the resort's challenging terrain.
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In the early 2000s, Big White underwent another major expansion. The resort added more ski runs and lifts, as well as new accommodations like hotels and condos. These improvements helped to attract even more visitors to the resort, and Big White began to establish itself as a premier ski destination not just in Canada, but around the world.