If you’re like many of us, staring at your calendar and dreaming of a peaceful escape, you might be wondering how to avoid the crowds and still get the most out of ski season. The answer? Book your holiday during the early season.
Insider Tips: Explore Early-Season Events & Secure Your Winter Activity Bookings
Before heading up the mountain, be sure to visit bigwhite.com for the latest information on events and activities in December, including Big Reds at the Big White Winter Wine Festival. From early season celebrations to family-friendly holiday festivities, Big White offers plenty of reasons to celebrate the start of the winter season. Plus, don’t miss out on the enchanting horse-drawn sleigh dinner tours for the 2026-2027 season, which are available to book online before the season opens. These magical tours are a crowd favourite and tend to sell out quickly—so be sure to secure your spot early!
While Big White Ski Resort’s Opening Day 2026 is set for November 26 (conditions permitting), there are plenty of great reasons to get excited about early-season skiing and snowboarding. Here’s why you should pack your gear and head to Big White as soon as those lifts start turning.
1. Accommodation Deals
Make the most of your early season trip with Big White’s 25% off Early Season accommodation offer. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a midweek escape, you’ll enjoy the best rates of the season when you book direct through Big White Central Reservations. Save on everything from cozy ski-in, ski-out condos to luxury chalets, and wake up to Big White’s famous Okanagan Champagne Powder at your doorstep. This deal is valid for stays from Opening Day through December 18, 2026, with a two-night minimum stay—so why not turn your early season visit into a mini-vacation?
2. No Crowds & Shorter Lift Lines
Early season means fewer skiers and riders, which translates to more time on the slopes and less time in line. Big White boasts Canada’s second-largest lift system, and during the early season, you’ll enjoy shorter wait times at the lifts. Maximize your time on the mountain—whether you’re cruising the greens, tackling the blues, or challenging yourself on the blacks, you’ll have more uninterrupted runs. Who needs teleportation when you’ve got virtually empty lift lines?
3. Fresh Tracks All Day Long
There’s nothing quite like carving your own line in untouched snow, and during the early season, it’s easier to find those perfect runs. Whether you love the feel of deep powder or prefer freshly groomed corduroy, early season skiing at Big White gives you the chance to make those big, sweeping turns without the usual competition for fresh tracks. Plus, there will be fewer people around to witness you warm up your ski legs for the season!
4. Discounted Lift Tickets
Keep your eyes peeled in the lead-up to Opening Day, as even deeper discounts may be available before more lifts start spinning. That means more time on the slopes for less, making early-season skiing an even better value. You can also save on Big White Ski Resort lift tickets throughout the season when you purchase online.
5. Experience Big White Like an Insider
For a more personalized way to experience the mountain, book a private lesson for yourself or a group of up to five family members or friends of similar ability. A certified Snow Pro will tailor the session to your goals, preferred terrain and pace, whether you want to refine your technique, build confidence or discover Big White’s best snow.
For the ultimate start to the day, First Tracks offers 45 minutes of exclusive early access to the Ridge Rocket Express Chair. Carve freshly groomed runs or seek out untouched powder before the mountain opens to the public, guided by a Snow Pro who will customize the experience around your ambitions. It is a rare opportunity to enjoy Big White at its most peaceful and pristine.
