When summer arrives in the Okanagan, the mountains offer a welcome change of pace. Open Thursday to Sunday and on holiday Mondays, Big White Ski Resort is just under an hour from Kelowna, offering cool alpine air, sweeping views, and the kind of slower, more restorative rhythm that defines a true summer escape.
Known for its winter charm, Big White reveals a softer, more restorative side in summer. From scenic sightseeing and leisurely walks to vibrant village events and peaceful moments in nature, it offers an effortless mountain escape with free parking, refreshing alpine air, and the kind of natural beauty that invites you to truly unwind.
Discover the Alpine Magic
Beginning July 1, you can explore Big White’s network of hiking and mountain biking trails beneath blue skies and among vibrant wildflowers. For a gentler experience, the Bullet Chair offers a scenic chairlift ride to the top, where panoramic views and fresh mountain air set the tone for a memorable day outdoors.
From there, you can take their time along the trails, pause at quiet viewpoints, and enjoy the easy pleasure of reconnecting with nature. The trails are pet-friendly, and pets are welcome on the chairlift as well, making it easy for the whole family to enjoy the experience together.
Summer Events
On July 18, the village comes alive with the annual Craft and Country Mountain Festival, a lively celebration of British Columbia craft brews, ciders, live music, and artisan vendors. Set against an alpine backdrop, it is a relaxed and social way to enjoy the best of summer on the mountain.
Then, on July 25, Music in the Mountains returns for its second year, offering a live music experience high in the alpine. Reached by scenic chairlift, this one-of-a-kind event combines fresh air, wildflowers, and expansive views with the unforgettable atmosphere of an open-air performance.
The summer calendar continues with a variety of events that add energy and charm to the mountain throughout August and early September. On August 12, the BC Cup brings Canada’s top downhill mountain biking talent to the resort, while Dog Days returns on August 22 with a feel-good celebration for pets and their people. To close the season, the BC Cup returns on September 5 and 6, and the beloved Family Carnival joins a pre-season retail sale weekend on September 6 and 7, creating a festive and family-friendly finish to summer.
Wildflowers and Birdsongs
Summer at Big White is also a season of smaller wonders. In the alpine meadows, wildflowers bloom in ever-changing waves of colour, creating one of the mountain’s most beautiful displays. Their brief season makes each visit feel special, as different blossoms emerge throughout the summer and transform the landscape week by week.
For those who enjoy quieter moments on the rail, birdwatching offers another rewarding way to experience the mountain. Keep an eye out for the striking Steller’s Jay, the friendly Whiskey Jack, the Red-tailed Hawk soaring overhead, and the Pine Siskin among the trees. Birdhouses placed along select trails provide inviting new homes for these feathered residents and add a thoughtful touch to the hiking experience.
A Different Pace
What makes summer at Big White so appealing is not only the scenery, but the way the day unfolds. Mornings feel crisp and restorative, afternoons stretch gently beneath open skies, and the mountain’s peaceful atmosphere invites you to slow down and stay awhile. After time spent hiking, sightseeing, or simply taking in the view, the village offers another kind of pleasure — casual dining, quiet patios, and the easy enjoyment of a meal shared in the cool mountain air.
For those who wish to linger a little longer, the Inn at Big White provides a welcoming stay in the heart of the village, just moments from the resort’s summer experiences. Overnight RV parking is also available, offering a convenient and comfortable option for guests who prefer the freedom of a mountain escape on their own terms.
If you’re seeking beauty, comfort, and a refreshing sense of escape, summer at Big White offers a summer retreat that feels both close to home and pleasantly removed from everyday life.
