Big WhiteBig White sits on Big White Mountain, the highest summit in the Okanagan Highland, with a summit elevation of 2,319 m and a vertical drop of about 777 m. The resort opened in 1963 and is known for its iconic snow-covered trees called the Snow Ghosts, which were first noted by skiers in the 1960s. The ski area covers roughly 1,147 ha (2,834 acres) of terrain and averages around 750 cm of snowfall per season, giving it reliable winter conditions. The village is a compact, purpose-built center at about 1,755 m above sea level with accommodation clusters, shops and direct access to lifts, making it ski-in/ski-out for many properties.
Visiting Big White feels like a self-contained mountain town: most services are within walking distance of the lifts and many accommodations, and the resort layout concentrates runs around the central village and the Gem Lake side. Terrain ranges from wide groomed cruisers and a large night-skiing sector to tree runs, terrain parks and off-piste areas; the resort also maintains Nordic trails and summer hiking routes. Facilities include multiple high-speed lifts and a gondola, terrain parks, instruction programs and a variety of mountain activities such as tubing, snowmobiling and an outdoor ice rink.
- Snow Ghosts: The wind-sculpted, heavily snow-laden trees are a distinctive mountain icon and make for atmospheric skiing and photography.
- Village Centre: A compact on-mountain village with shops, grocery and restaurants clustered near the main lifts and gondola for easy access.
- Gem Lake area: Gem Lake on the west side offers long single-lift vertical drops, quieter slopes and a warming hut at the lift base.
- Night-skiing sector: Western Canada’s largest night-skiing area lets you extend your ski day across groomed lit runs.
- Panoramic summit views: From the upper lifts and viewpoints you can see the Okanagan Valley and surrounding highlands on clear days.
Best Time to Visit Big White#
Big White is primarily a winter destination for alpine sports, with a short warm season for hiking and summer activities.
Weather & Climate near Big White#
Big White's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (926 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -12° - -4° | -13° | 99 mm | overcast | 99% | 2.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
| February | Poor | -11° - -1° | -10° | 76 mm | overcast | 98% | 2.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.9h |
| March | Poor | -9° - 2° | -8° | 73 mm | overcast | 95% | 2.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | -5° - 6° | -3° | 66 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.6h |
| May | Acceptable | -1° - 11° | 3° | 80 mm | overcast | 71% | 2.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 15.2h |
| June | Acceptable | 2° - 16° | 7° | 87 mm | overcast | 71% | 2.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 16.0h |
| July | Very Good | 5° - 20° | 12° | 62 mm | some cloud | 63% | 2.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.6h |
| August | Very Good | 5° - 20° | 13° | 61 mm | some cloud | 59% | 2.6 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.2h |
| September | Very Good | 1° - 15° | 7° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 2.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -3° - 8° | 0° | 64 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.6h |
| November | Poor | -8° - -1° | -9° | 96 mm | overcast | 92% | 2.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| December | Poor | -12° - -4° | -13° | 104 mm | overcast | 99% | 2.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.0h |
How to Get to Big White#
Big White is about 56 km southeast of Kelowna; most visitors arrive via Kelowna and then travel by car, shuttle or taxi for the roughly one-hour drive up to the mountain. The closest major airport is Kelowna International Airport, which handles regional and some international flights. For longer-distance rail travel the nearest large rail/coach hub is Kamloops; check current bus and coach links if you plan to combine train travel with a road transfer to the resort.
The final stretch to the village climbs into high alpine and can be affected by winter weather, so allow extra time, carry winter gear and check road or shuttle operators for seasonal access details. Many visitors use prebooked airport shuttles, rental cars or private transfers rather than public transit for convenience.
Tips for Visiting Big White#
- Altitude matters: mornings are colder and sun exposure is stronger at village elevation, so layer and use sunscreen.
- Snow conditions vary between the east-side lifts and the windier Gem Lake side, so try both areas for different terrain and exposure.
- Village services are concentrated: pick up groceries or gear in the Village Centre to avoid repeated trips to lower towns.
- Night skiing and the terrain parks extend usable hours and variety, but check park staffing and lighting schedules locally.
- Road and weather conditions change rapidly in winter; plan transfers and vehicle equipment accordingly and confirm shuttle availability in advance.