'''Big White Ski Resort''', usually referred to simply as '''Big White''', is a Canadian ski resort located 56 km (35 mi) southeast of Kelowna, in the Central Okanagan area of the Okanagan/Shuswap Valley in British Columbia interior. It is the second largest resort in British Columbia after Whistler (also known as Whistler-Blackcomb), making it one of the larger resorts in North America.

Regions

Big White is located in the Okanagan Valley region of British Columbia, in Canada. It borders on the Shuswap region to the north, the West Kootenays region to the east, the Similkameen region to the west, and the United States (Washington state) border to the south. In the center of the region is the 135km long Okanagan Lake which runs north-south from Vernon to Penticton. The region is bordered on both the east and west by mountains. The valley is known for its hot, dry summers and is a favourite vacation spot for sun seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is also famous for its fruit orchards and wineries. In the winter you can find some of the best skiing in North America.

Cities

  • Armstrong: in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. It is a small town of 4241 people (2006) perhaps most famous as the home of the Armstrong Cheese factory.
  • Coldstream: located just east of Vernon, surrounding the North end of Kalamalka Lake and extending through the beautiful Coldstream Valley.
  • Enderby: Located on the banks of the Shuswap River, and know for its year round outdoor recreation opportunities.
  • Kelowna: the largest inland city in British Columbia, located in the heart of BC's wine country, with a population of 165,596.
  • Lake Country: in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. It is the collective name for the communities of Winfield, Oyama, and Okanagan Landing.
  • Lavington: located at the east end of the Coldstream Valley halfway between Vernon and Lumby, BC.
  • Lumby: located 25 minutes east of Vernon, and only 50 minutes northeast of Kelowna, BC.
  • Oliver: located near the south end of the Okanagan Valley in south-central British Columbia. Just 25km north of the USA border, Oliver is located in the only desert area of Canada.
  • Osoyoos: located in the southern Okanagan valley of British Columbia, Canada. It has the distinction of being Canada's only hot desert-like area, locally known as the Nk'mip Desert [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nk%27mip_Desert].
  • Oyama: located in the Okanagan Valley, between Wood Lake to the south and Kalamalka Lake to the north. It is known for its outdoor (mainly water) activities, and many fruit orchards.
  • Peachland: known as the home of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogopogo Ogopogo], Peachland is located on the shore of Okanagan Lake, directly across from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okanagan_Mountain_Provincial_Park Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park].
  • Penticton: known as the 'Peach City', it is located in the south Okanagan Valley between Okanagan Lake to the north, and the Skaha Lake to the south.
  • Summerland: a small community of about 12,000 people, located in the Okanagan Valley, 18km morth of Penticton and 65km south of Kelowna.
  • Vernon: lodated near the northern tip of Okanagan Lake in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.
  • Westbank: loceated almost directly west, across Okanagan Lake from Kelowna. Known for outdoor activities and wineries.
  • Winfield: the southernmost of the four 'Lake Country' towns which include Winfield, Okanagan Centre, Oyama, and Carr's Landing.
  • Other destinations

    Big White is the sister resort of the '''Silver Star Mountain Resort''' which is located about 24km (15 mi) northeast of the town of Vernon, BC - A city in the northern part of the Okanagan-Similkameen region of the province of British Columbia.

    Understand

    The mountain summit is at 2,319 m (7,608 ft) with a vertical drop of 777 m (2,549 ft), serviced by 16 lifts. The mountain receives 750 cm of annual snowfall. It has 2,765 acres (11 km2) of patrolled area of a total of 7,355 acres (30 km2) skiable. With 38 acres of night skiing, Big White has western Canada's largest resort night skiing area. It has a central village which comprises accommodation, eateries, bars and shops. The village is 1,755 m (5,758 ft) above sea level. Big White Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the southern Monashees, with well over 100 marked runs.

    Get in

  • '''By Car'''
  • *Big White Ski Resort is 56 km (35 mi) South East of Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley.
  • **From Kelowna, follow Highway 33 for 32 km (20 mi) until you reach Big White Road. Another 24 km (15 mi) and you will arrive in the main village.
  • **From Vancouver, BC - 438 km (273 mi) - 4.5 hrs via Hwy 97C
  • **From Seattle, WA - 4553 km (345 mi) - 6 hrs via Hwy 97C
  • **From Spokane, WA - 453 km (238 mi) - 4.5 hrs via Hwy 395
  • **From Silver Star Ski Resort - 130 km (59 mi) - 2 hrs via Hwy 97 / 33
  • '''By Air'''
  • *To get to Big White, you can also fly into Kelowna International Airport, then drive from there (see above).
  • Sleep

    Big White is a fabulous place to stay, whether you're there for the skiing in the winter or the hiking/biking in the summer. There are lots of '''[http://www.ownerdirect.com Big White vacation rentals]''' to take advantage of right in the ski resort, as well as hotels and motels in and around the area. '''Owner Direct Vacation Rentals''', located nearby in Kelowna BC, has been linking up guests with vacation home owners since 1994, and has well '''over 8,000 vacation rental homes''' to choose from worldwide, and '''nearly 400 vacation rentals in Big White''' alone.

    Another site where you can find information about where to stay at Big White is [http://big-white-ski-resort.travel.bc.ca/accommodations/ Travel.bc.ca]. The TravelBC site has lots of lists of hotels, motels and vacation rentals, so you can choose just the right place to stay. Or you can visit the Big White page at [http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/RegionsCities/BigWhiteSkiResort.htm HelloBC.com] to find out more about accommodations in Big white too. HelloBC.com is the Official Tourism site of British Columbia, so if you're interested in finding a place to stay in Big white, or even in the surrounding area, that's the site to visit.

    See & Do

    Aside from the amazing ski hills, there is so much to do at Big White that it's almost impossible to list everything here. It's easier to just visit a couple of other websites that have dedicated pages that give you information about all the attractions. While Big White is known for its winter sports, including downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tubing, ice skating, sleigh rides and even dog sledding, there is no shortage of things to do in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Since Big White is in the Okanagan Valley, there are many non-winter activities to take part in, such as winery tours, hiking and mountain biking, to name but a few.

    Another website that has lots of great information is the official BC Tourism website. Their page of [http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/SightsActivitiesEvents/BigWhiteSkiResort.htm Things to do in Big White] is quite extensive, and includes '''Tours''', '''Festivals''', '''Activities''', and '''Parks'''.

    Eat

    Big White has no shortage of places to eat within the village.

    Here's a short list of places to eat at Big White:

  • '''Kettle Valley Steakhouse and Wine Bar'''
  • *Ride the gondola to Happy Valley where you_fll find delectable cuisine in relaxed surroundings, and a stylish wine bar offering world-renowned Okanagan wines.
  • '''Swiss Bear'''
  • *Located in the Chateau Big White in the heart of the Big White village, the Swiss Bear is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Famous for their mouth watering European cuisine and delicious fondues.
  • '''Frank_fs Chinese Laundry Restaurant'''
  • *Located in the Whitefoot Lodge, Frank_fs Chinese Laundry offers a wonderful Chinese dining experience. With a lunchtime buffet great for getting back on the slopes quickly.
  • '''The Copper Kettle Grill'''
  • *Located slope side in the White Crystal Inn, The Copper Kettle Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • '''The Underground Pizzeria'''
  • *Located in the lower level of the Village Centre Mall and featuring mouthwatering pizza for eat-in or take-out. Delivery is also available.
  • '''Ridge Rocket Cafe'''
  • *Serving hearty breakfasts, daily homemade soups, fresh salads & baked goods as well as burgers and fries. Located at the base of the Ridge Rocket and Plaza chairs.
  • '''Gem Lake Cafe'''
  • *Located at the Westridge Warming Hut. Great coffee, fresh sandwiches and baked goods.
  • Drink

    Since Big White is such an active place all year round, there are many places to unwind after a day on the slopes or a day mountain biking in the woods. Here's a short list of places to have a drink and relax after being outside all day:

  • '''Raakel's Ridge Pub'''
  • *Raakel's Ridge Pub and Coltino's Ristorante. Ski in/ski out location at Big White Ski Resort.
  • '''Snowshoe Sam_fs'''
  • *Sam_fs has great pub atmosphere. Meals, apres ski, games, DJ entertainment and live bands. The dining room is located upstairs and features a big stone fireplace, superb food and the famous _eGunbarrel Coffee_f show.
  • '''Loose Moose Cafe and Bar'''
  • *The Loose Moose, located at the Happy Valley Day Lodge, has a fun atmosphere for the whole family. During the day the Loose Moose is the cafe which offers a variety of coffees, and pastries. In the evening, it's a family friendly restaurant that offers a full kids menu while you enjoy nightly events entertainment
  • '''Snow Ghost Lounge'''
  • *Located in the White Crystal Inn, the Snow Ghost Lounge features live entertainment on weekends.
  • '''Powder Keg Lounge'''
  • *Featuring Greek delicacies, this bar has an inviting and friendly atmosphere. New this year is a martini bar. Located at the Inn at Big White.
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