Fri, 12/31/2010 - 12:43pmResort check: Big White, Canada

There are few places in the world that can match Big White as a destination for learning to ski powder

Much of the terrain here is heavily wooded but the trees thin out towards the summit leading to wide open slopes in the bowls at the top.

Recent extensions to the terrain area, as well as a big drive to improve the park facilities, make Big White an all-round destination.

There are a huge number of chutes and bowls here to keep experts happy and it also has the largest night-riding area in the whole of North America.

More good news? The snow is great! In fact, in 2009 Big White opened almost one month early, on 14 November, because of massive early season snowfalls!

 

Fall-Line's favourite runs

The Cliff

Ever wondered what it would be like to ski down the inside of a volcano? This run will give you that experience, no trees, a wide-open bowl with powder face shots on a good day! Did anyone say adrenalin rush?

 

Blue Ribbon

The name says it all, it’s a winner, over 700m vertical of winding and twisting fall-line, a real adventure on an advanced intermediate run.

 

Dragon's Tongue

Like bumps? This run will see if you can keep your knees from hitting your chin.

 

Enchanted Forest

Big White’s famous Snowghost trees are here to explore, an unforgettable experience skiing amongst massive fully snow covered trees that take on interesting shapes.

 

Roller Coaster

An impressive intermediate run that has rolls and up and downs, just like a rollercoaster, hang on to your hat!

 

Black Forest Ski Area

This is a complete variety of beginner and intermediate terrain, from immaculately groomed runs to purpose built gladed skiing to on easy terrain to introduce new skiers to powder. Perfect for families heading out together.

 

Eating in Big White

Beano’s, in the Village Centre mall, is known for great soups on the fly, or you could head for the Bakery, where the tasty takeout Pizza is great for those on a bit of a budget. For something more romantic or on the fine dining side of things, head down the gondola to the Kettle Valley Steak house. Yeeha!

 

What happens at night?

We’d recommend Snowshoe Sam’s, in the Village Centre, which has been rated the number one ski bar in Canada. Sam’s hosts live music in a good, ol’ rustic Canadian décor, complete with trophy-size wild game on the walls. Go on, have a beer and kiss the moose!

 

Take me freeriding!

Make your way to the Gem Lake Express area, where long vertical lines await, starting with open bowls on mostly advanced skiing terrain. A seven-minute high-speed lift to 2300 metres means tons of vertical in a day, and virtually never any lift queues.

 

And what if i’m a freestyler?

Then you’ll want to visit Big White’s Telus Park, where you’ll find jumps and rails for all abilities along with a skicross track and dedicated lift.
Last season the park team really stepped it up with some new features in the rail and box line-up. Come evening they turn on the lights and crank up the tunes.

 

Where to stay in Big White

On a budget, you can’t beat the Whitefoot Lodge. Rooms start from £25 per night in the heart of the resort, meaning you can ski in/ski out, which makes for incredible value.
Heading upscale, Stonebridge Lodge gives location and a private hot tub on your deck. Or if you prefer a pool, movie theatre and games room, Sundance Resort is the place for you. Both offer fine furnishings and are spot on for ski in/ski out.

 

Are there any lift pass discounts available?

There are no real deals to speak of but you don’t have to stop skiing when the sun goes down, so there’s added value in a longer day if your legs can cope. Instead you can ski under the bright lights of the largest night skiing area in Western Canada. The night skiing is free with the purchase of any multi-day lift ticket and is available Tuesday through to Saturday. A five-day liftpass costs approx $325 Canadian dollars for adults; $250 for 13 to 18 year olds, and seniors; and $150 for children between six and 12 (children under six go free).

 

Big White resort stats

Big White website

 

Getting to Alberta and BC, Canada

Vancouver and Calgary are the two main airports for most Canadian resorts. Air Canada, British Airways and Canadian Affair serve them.

 

Big White (1)

This resort is easily  accessible via Vancouver or Calgary on connecting flights to Kelowna BC. Connecting flights are 40 minutes or an hour respectively, and regular airport shuttles connect to the resort a further
hour away. It’s roughly a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Vancouver.

 

Fernie (2)

Fernie Alpine Resort is located in the southeast corner of the BC Rockies on Highway 3, approximately 60km from the Alberta and US borders. The transfer time from Calgary is just over three hours.
 

Panorama (3)

Although Panorama Mountain Village is located in BC; most international guests arrive via Calgary International airport. Regular transfers are available between Calgary and Panorama Mountain Village. A great
alternative is to grab a car and hit the road giving you the other Rockies destinations on route. Transfer time will take up to four hours.
 

Whistler | Blackcomb (4)

Pacific Coach's YVR-Whistler SkyLynx is a scheduled bus service between Vancouver International airport (YVR) and Whistler Village. They have ticket counters at the Domestic and International Arrivals
areas of YVR (www.pacificcoach.com/whistler). The coach costs about £30 and takes about two-and-a-half hours.

 

Public Transport

Canada’s rail service is quite pricey, but it is a great way to see the country, and there are cheaper options for those who book in advance. Go to www.viarail.ca for more information. If you really want to keep costs down, you could try Greyhound – purveyors of cheap but grueling coach journeys. And you’re never too sure who you’ll be traveling with. Fall-Line’s Rachel spent her Greyhound journey with a comatose drunk using her shoulder as a pillow (www.greyhound.ca).