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make it a top ski spot for kids, parents and thrill-seekers alike Families flock to Big White by Steve Trotter BIG WHITE, B.C. - Forty-five minutes southeast of Kelowna International Airport, Big White is welcoming a fresh busload of adventure seekers. Most of the arrivals at Canada's largest ski-in/ski-out resort village are Canadian and American families. But some have made the pilgrimage to this Monashee (Mountains of Peace) Mecca from as far away as Europe, turning their backs on the Alps to play in Canadian snow. Not just any snow, mind you, but Big White snow -- dry champagne powder that the locals call “heroes' snow,” because it can transform average skiers into heroes. There's certainly plenty to go around: an annual average of 7.5 metres. And unlike at the majority of western North American ski resorts, Mother Nature takes care of snowmaking. “The snow is astounding,” said Ed Knott, President of the Los Angeles Council of Ski Clubs. “Would I go back to this jewel in the Okanagan? In a heartbeat.” Big White's appeal as a family destination is as clear as the Okanagan air. It's safe. It's affordable. The winter weather is mild (an average temperature of -6 C). It's conveniently located close to a modern airport. And, of paramount concern to parents, Big White goes to great lengths to be boredom-proof, even for teens. In fact, the 2,318-metre-high alpine adventure has the awards to prove it. Britain's prestigious Good Skiing & Snowboarding Guide 2004 gave Big White a Golden Ski Award as North America's Family Resort of the Year. The London Daily Mail rated Big White as One of the Top Five Kids Areas in the World. Ski Magazine USA ranked Big White No. 1 for Snow. Closer to home, Ski Canada Magazine bestowed upon Big White awards for Best Weather, Best Grooming, Best Glade Skiing, Best Variety of Terrain, Best Kids Centre and even Best Place to be Abandoned by Your Parents. The ultimate playground for kids, Big White features wide-open runs, the ideal setting for practising the new skills they'll learn at SkiCubs (4-6 years) and SnowRiders (7-12 years). Options include discounted multi-day, full-day and half-day programs that can be paired with lifts and equipment rental. Helmets, incidentally, are on the house. In the evenings, Big White's Kids Centre has supervised events, ranging from pizza-and-movie nights to skating and tubing parties. World-renowned for snowboarding, Big White boasts natural free-riding terrain. Two-time host of the Canadian National Snowboard Championships, the resort features a Boardercross area and a new Super Pipe. For the uninitiated, there's a beginner's half-pipe and a new terrain park in which to learn and practise in a safe environment. For the ultimate in thrill options, ride the eight-passenger gondola from Big White Village to the Happy Valley Adventure Centre, 550 metres downhill. In addition to a cozy, rustic lodge and an outdoor skating rink, Happy Valley is home to the Mega Snow Coaster, the biggest mountain tube park in North America. This “don't leave here without trying it” thrill ride comprises nine 300-metre-long chutes covering four hectares. Happy Valley is also the staging area for snowmobile tours, dog sledding, snowshoe tours, helisightseeing and heli-skiing. There's even a heli-link to Big White's sister, Silver Star Mountain Resort, a magnet for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, including the Canadian National Team, which trains here in the early season. For its part, Big White offers 25 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails. Parents of younger kids can also enjoy worry-free winter adventures, thanks to Tot Town Child Care. The facility for children 18 months to six years old is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. After-hours babysitting is available by appointment. When the sun sinks behind the western ridge, Big White maintains its family focus. As a result, the night life is decidedly laid back compared with high-octane, party-till-you-drop resorts. Seventeen restaurants provide a choice of cafeteria, deli, pub fare or gourmet meals, complemented with award-winning Okanagan wines. Live bands perform at some of the eight bars/lounges. There are also torchlight parades, fireworks and, for the gamblers, Bingo Nights. When you've run out of steam, Big White has 13,200 beds to choose from. A village on a mountain, it offers everything from youth hostels and budget units to fine hotels, luxury condos and town homes. All of the accommodation features ski-to/ski-from access. The best part? Big White is never crowded. There is always room at the inn, so you won't lose sleep over the rates, which are as comfortable as the accommodation. A budget condo is available for $51 a night (double occupancy); kids 18 and under stay free. It's touches such as these that appeal to parents like Bette Moore of Lakeridge, Va. “Every expectation we had was surpassed,” Moore said. “We will be back.” If you go GETTING THERE Big White Ski Resort is 55 kilometres southeast of Kelowna International Airport, which offers direct daily flights to Seattle, Vancouver and Calgary, and connecting service to major North American cities.Shuttle service and one-way car rentals are available at the airport and at Big White. INFORMATION For more information, call (800) 663-2772 or visit www.bigwhite.com |