Major city · Canada
Big WhiteBig White Ski Resort
Go for 2–3 nights in ski season only: a car-free village at 1,755 m, 56 km (35 mi) from Kelowna, with ski-in/ski-out beds from about $35 a night.Go for 2–3 nights in ski season only: a car-free village at 1,755 m, 35 mi (56 km) from Kelowna, with ski-in/ski-out beds from about $35 a night.
Big White is a purpose-built ski village on Big White Mountain, 56 km southeast of Kelowna and about an hour by road. Everything sits in one compact core at 1,755 m, so you park once and walk or ski to lifts, beds and bars. It is a winter resort: the season runs roughly late November to early April, and most beds, shuttles and restaurants close outside it. Come for 2–3 nights, or 4–5 if you ski every day and want a rest day.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Dec–Mar (ski season; late Nov to early Apr)
- avoid May–Oct (resort largely closed), plus holiday weeks for crowds and prices
- Airport
- YLW
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Big White911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Resort switchboard (Big White)+1-800-663-2772
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Big White, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyA well-run, family-oriented resort.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · +1-800-663-2772 Resort switchboard (Big White)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYLW Kelowna International Airport (About 56 km (35 mi); resort airport shuttle in ski season, otherwise rent a car or take a taxi).YLW Kelowna International Airport (About 35 mi (56 km); resort airport shuttle in ski season, otherwise rent a car or take a taxi).
- Getting aroundThe village is walkable and ski-in, ski-out, so you do not need a car once you are up.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
- Beerdraught in a pub / can from a shop$7–10 (≈ US$6–8)$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$25–45 (≈ US$19–35)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personC$35 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedHotel or lodge double room, a night, per roomC$260 (≈ US$190)
- High-end bedHotel or lodge double room, a night, per roomC$450 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$120 (≈ US$90) · Mid C$220 (≈ US$160) · High C$400 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YLW Kelowna International Airport (About 56 km (35 mi); resort airport shuttle in ski season, otherwise rent a car or take a taxi)YLW Kelowna International Airport (About 35 mi (56 km); resort airport shuttle in ski season, otherwise rent a car or take a taxi)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Feb
Best
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Mar
Best
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Apr
not flagged
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
May
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Jun
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jul
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Aug
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Oct
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Nov
not flagged
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Dec
Best
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Best: Dec–Mar. Avoid: May–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)), coolest Dec (−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C) low), wettest Nov (15 rain days), driest Jul (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Big White: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
14 rd
Feb
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
12 rd
Mar
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
13 rd
Apr
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
12 rd
May
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
13 rd
Jun
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 rd
Jul
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Sep
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Oct
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
13 rd
Nov
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
15 rd
Dec
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The village is walkable and ski-in, ski-out, so you do not need a car once you are up. Lifts and the resort shuttle move you between the core and outlying lodges. A car is only useful for the drive from Kelowna and for valley day trips; in winter the access road can be snowy and icy, so winter tires or chains are wise.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive Highway 33 west, about 56 km (35 mi)Drive Highway 33 west, about 35 mi (56 km)
Biggest city in the Okanagan; airport, shops and lakefront. Best on a travel day.
Door to door: About 2 h
Drive via Highway 97 and 33, about 130 km (81 mi)Drive via Highway 97 and 33, about 81 mi (130 km)
Another ski hill near Vernon; a long winter drive for a day, better as a separate stay.
Door to door: About 2 h
Drive south via Highway 97
Two lakes and wine country; a summer trip, not a ski-season day out.
Door to door: About 2 h
Drive via Highway 97 north
Okanagan lake town; pair with Silver Star rather than Big White.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Big White Village core
Ski-in, ski-out at 1,755 m; walk to lifts, eateries and bars. Best for a first trip with no car.
Trappers Crossing and Stonebridge
Slope-side lodges a few minutes' walk from the village core; quieter, still ski-in, ski-out.
Big White Road approach
Lower, cheaper beds and parking near the access road; you drive or shuttle up to the village each day.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- About $120–180 (≈ US$90–140) excl. bed
- Mid
- About $200–320 (≈ US$150–250) excl. bed
- High
- About $350 (≈ US$300)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or lodge double room1 × 3 nights × C$260 | C$780 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × C$220 | C$1,320 |
| Airport shuttle, Kelowna airport to the village, one way2 × C$54 · check | C$108 |
| Airport shuttle, return2 × C$88 · check | C$176 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$30 | C$60 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$244 |
| Trip total≈ C$448 per person per day, bed included | C$2,688≈ US$2,000 |
check
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; lift tickets, rentals and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Pizza or pub meal | $18–32 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer: draught in a pub / can from a shop | $7–10 (≈ US$6–8) / $3–5 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Day lift ticket | $100–160 (≈ US$75–120) (check) |
| Ski or board rental, one day | $40–70 (≈ US$30–55) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $25–45 (≈ US$19–35) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter driving: Big White Road climbs 24 km (15 mi) from Highway 33 and can be snow-covered; check conditions before you set off.Winter driving: Big White Road climbs 15 mi (24 km) from Highway 33 and can be snow-covered; check conditions before you set off.
- Altitude: the village sits at 1,755 m, so pace your first day and drink water.
- Most beds, restaurants and the airport shuttle run in ski season only; confirm dates before booking outside Dec–Mar.
- Holiday weeks (late Dec, mid-Feb) are the busiest and priciest; book lifts and beds early.
- Ski and board within your ability and check the daily avalanche and lift-status board; off-piste terrain is not patrolled everywhere.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Resort switchboard (Big White)
- +1-800-663-2772
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Big WhiteBig White Ski Resort
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Resort switchboard+1-800-663-2772
Embassy
No embassy on the mountain; the US consulate-general is in Vancouver and most embassies are in Ottawa. For a lost passport, contact your country's nearest consulate.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Kelowna airport → Big White, resort shuttle: about $54 (≈ US$40) one way, $88 (≈ US$65) return (check)
- Kelowna → Big White by car: 56 km (35 mi), about 1 h in good conditions35 mi (56 km), about 1 h in good conditions
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the lift? — Where is the lift?
- Is the road open? — Is the road open?
Tipping is expected in Canada: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Big White. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar (ski season; late Nov to early Apr) · avoid May–Oct (resort largely closed), plus holiday weeks for crowds and prices · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YLW: shuttle times, taxi fallback and a winter-road note.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: village core, Trappers Crossing, Stonebridge and the day lodge.
- Place pages with verified lift hours and season dates, plus eat pages with last orders.
- Snow and hostile-weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
Ask about Big White
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