Spring is upon us, and while the rest of the Valley might be thawing, Big White Mountain is still covered in snow! With the sun hanging around a lot later, you can get your goggle tan on while enjoying some of the best snow conditions all season long – not to mention a craft beer or two on one of our spectacular outdoor patios.
Snow Better Time to Ski
Big White is nearing the three metre mark with its alpine snow base, meaning snow coverage is the best it will be all season. With tons of snow forecasted to fall before the end of the season – April 22 – there will be plenty of untouched powder all over the mountain, especially on the gladed runs.
If you’re a fan of corduroy, Big White’s extensive fleet of groomers will be busy every night until the end of season keeping your favourite greens and blues, and the odd black, in tip-top shape for you to shred.
Thinking about strapping on a plank or two? There’s no better time to get up the mountain and learn a new sport. If you live locally, you still have a few Sundays to take advantage of Locals’ Sundays – learn to ski or snowboard from $50 to $69 depending on your age. This includes a two-hour group lesson, a beginner lift ticket and full-day rentals. Not local? Give the Ski & Board school a call and they’ll tailor a beginner package perfect for your abilities, budget and schedule.
Be Sun Ready
With the sun shining later and later, temperatures will vary significantly throughout the day. Pro tip? Layer, layer, layer. Be sure to wear a sweat-wicking thermal layer as your base, as that will help you stay warm in the early morning and late afternoon and cool during the day.
Don’t forget to pack your sun tan lotion! As much as everyone loves a good google tan, the sun is strong and the snow reflective, so it’s important to protect any exposed skin using sun tan lotion with an SPF of at least 30.
Patio Season is Upon Us
Enjoy an ice-cold après bevvy around a bonfire at The Woods. This Big White restaurant was recently named one of the best restaurants for après ski by OpenTable, citing its “fire-roasted tomato soup, togarashi-spiced calamari, fondue for two, and smoked gorgonzola-stuffed bacon wrapped dates, plus a juicy burger on the menu.” Mmmmm.
Or, check out the on-mountain brewed beer at the slope-side outdoor patio at Sessions Taphouse and Grill. Home to Elevation 57 Brewery Co. – Canada’s Highest Elevation Brewery – Sessions’ patio gives you the best view of the sun set, and your fellow skiers and snowboarders making their last laps.
Action-Packed Calendar of Events
Craft beer, whiskey and spirit lovers should mark March 23 on their calendar. Barrels and Brews is back for the second year in a row. Try beer and spirits from around the world, paired with food prepared by Big White restaurants. Can’t make it on the 23rd? Join us on April 6 for the third annual Ales & Après and test out 50-plus refreshing brews from 25-plus breweries and cideries across BC and beyond.
Head up the mountain for the hottest winter weekend of the season: Peak Pride! From April 5 to 7, members of the LGBTQ+ community will gather to celebrate all things queer with Big White, including a Mountain Pride Parade and wipeOUT – the biggest party of the weekend, hosted by Snowshoe Sam’s.
And don’t miss out on Big White’s best weekend of snowboarding. The 22nd annual Neil Edgeworth Memorial Banked Slalom Event kicks off on April 5, celebrating the life of Kelowna-born pro-snowboarded Neil Edgeworth, who died in an avalanche in the late 90s. The festivities last all weekend, with well over $20,000 worth of prizes to be won!
Ski, Stay and Save Money
If the snow, sun and fun don’t convince you to visit Big White this Spring, then maybe the fact you can ski for free will! That’s right, the best deal of the year is back – book a stay through Central Reservations, and the resort will give you two complimentary lift tickets. Bluebird days and great ski conditions, absolutely free. Does it get any better?
Available at Big White’s partner ski and board shops throughout BC and Alberta, the Biggie Card is the absolute cheapest lift ticket out there. Adults can save $20 on their first day, and up to $35 on subsequent days when they reload online. The more you ski, the more you save!
Enjoy incredible snow, sunny skies, and vibrant patios at Big White Ski Resort this Spring.
