Big White Ski Resort, at a glance

The mountain

Big White spreads across 2,765 acres with 119 designated runs. More than half of the terrain is intermediate, so mixed-ability families can ski together, while the Gem Lake, Cliff and Sun-Rype bowl areas keep experts busy. The summit sits above 2,300 metres, which is a big reason the snow tends to stay dry and light deep into spring.

Two things set Big White apart: the “snow ghosts”, rime-covered trees near the summit that look like giant sculptures, and night skiing. The lit area off the village is the largest resort night-skiing area in western Canada, so a short ski day can stretch into the evening.

For a run-by-run look, see the Big White trail map guide, and check conditions on the web cams.

The village

Big White’s village was laid out around the lifts, so a large share of the condos, townhomes and chalets are ski-in/ski-out or a short walk from a lift. Families like the Happy Valley learning area, connected to the village by the covered Polar Passage lift, plus the tube park, skating and the village restaurants. Most owners leave the car parked from arrival to departure.

Each part of the mountain has its own feel. The neighbourhood guide explains where the quiet chalets are, where the busy village condos are, and which areas suit a rental.

Getting there

Big White is 56 km southeast of Kelowna, about 55 minutes’ drive from Kelowna International Airport on a well-maintained mountain road. Winter tires are a must. Shuttles run from the airport through the season.

Owning a home at Big White

• Rentals: Big White is exempt from B.C.’s principal-residence rule for short-term rentals, but rentals must be registered. See short-term rentals at Big White.
• Buyers from outside Canada: Big White is outside the areas covered by the federal ban on non-Canadian buyers, which matters to many U.S. and overseas families.
• Costs: strata fees, property tax and utilities vary a lot by building. The cost of ownership guide and the building reports break them down.

Foreign-buyer and rental information per BCREA and the Association of Interior REALTORS® (2026). The federal ban on non-Canadian buyers currently runs to January 1, 2027. Rules change; confirm with a lawyer and the Province of B.C. before you buy. Pass partners and opening dates change every season.

Comparing resorts?

If you are still choosing a mountain, read the profiles of SilverStar and Sun Peaks from a Big White buyer’s point of view, or see all three side by side.

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