Cover photo courtesy of Justa Jeskova
Are you thinking of hitting the trails north of the border this summer? If you haven’t yet scoped out Big White Mountain, get this: it’s not only home to Big White Ski Resort, but when the mercury rises, the mountain totally flips the script. As the snow melts away in the alpine, what emerges is one of British Columbia’s top-notch, lift-accessible downhill bike parks and a treasure trove of outdoor activities to explore alongside the stunning Monashee and Selkirk Mountains!
Accessing Adventure
Big White is just a quick 55-minute blast from Kelowna and a 111-mile scenic drive from the Oroville, Wash., border crossing. The drive along the scenic Highway 33 to Big White Road takes you right into the resort’s mountain village. Once you hit the spot, you’ll find heaps of parking in both Happy Valley and the Village Centre.
Big White Bike Park: A Thrilling Ride
From June 27 to Sept. 2, 2024, Big White Bike Park provides an epicenter for mountain biking stoke. The park rolls out the welcome mat Thursday through Sunday and on holiday Mondays, offering a variety of trails from 7,057 feet via the Bullet Chairlift. Newbies can sharpen their skills in the Beginner Skills Area at Happy Valley, where trails are decked out to pump up your confidence. Seasoned shredders will dig the gnarly advanced trails, loaded with steep descents and techy features that push your precision and control to the max.
When you’re ready to rip, dual-suspension bikes are the way to go for mastering the park’s mixed bag of terrain. Need to borrow a bike or safety gear? Swing by the Rental Shop for the latest rentals and bike armor. Level up your ride by downloading the Trailforks app to shred the park’s routes with ease, boosted by free Wi-Fi in the Village Centre.
Beyond Biking: Trails and Views
Beyond the gnarly bike trails, Big White is a hiker’s paradise with extensive paths kicking off with a scenic chairlift ride. Here, you’re treated to killer views and prime-time access to vibrant alpine wildflower blooms from early July to mid-August. Whether you’re up for a chill stroll that’s perfect for a family hangout or looking to tackle more intense routes, Big White’s got the trails to make it happen. Plus, with a dog-friendly vibe, you can bring your furry sidekick along. Birdwatchers and nature buffs will find their bliss here too, diving deep into some of the purest natural scenes out there.
Refueling and Relaxing
After shredding the trails, Big White’s village scene has got you covered with some top-notch spots to refuel and kick back. Hit up The Woods for some open-air vibes on the patio, where you can smash into hearty burgers or snag some tasty flatbreads. Over at the Globe and Broken Anchor Cafe, get your fill of seafood and Italian goodness. Or, if you’re after a more chill scene, roll into Snowshoe Sam’s for a laid-back pub atmosphere that’s a hit with all ages. Looking to keep the stoke high? Check out the 9-hole Disc Golf Course—it’s totally free! Need discs? No sweat, you can snag them at the Village Centre Mall.
Accommodations: From Cozy to Rustic
Big White’s accommodation options range from swanky to back-to-basics. The Inn at Big White hooks you up with rooms starting at $130 a night, featuring a pool and primo access to village amenities. Plus, Big White Central Reservations regularly drops Hot Deals online, offering discounts on rooms including pet-friendly digs. Dive deeper into options on Bigwhite.com, where you can snag spots with private hot tubs or score massive pads for up to 26 people! And if you’re all about that outdoorsy life, the resort’s RV camping spot is your ticket to sleep under the stars, with washroom facilities and a chill connection to all amenities via Lara’s Gondola for free rides on the weekends, or just a cool stroll to the village.
Adventure at Your Doorstep
Perfect for outdoor adventurers who dig both adventure and chill vibes, Big White packs in the thrills along with all the creature comforts you need, all just a hop over the border. Scope out the latest deals and deets at Bigwhite.com and get your getaway on the books!
Tickets and Passes Available Online or On-Mountain
- Bike Park Tickets: Full-day access to the park and extended play on Friday and Saturday nights.
- 3-Day Dirt Pass: Flexible access for any three days during the season.
- Bike Season Passes: Includes unlimited park access and discounts on food, accommodation, and bike repairs.
- Sightseeing Chairlift Rides Tickets: Single round-trip, multi-ride day passes are available. Children 5 and under are free!
Key 2024 Summer Events
- Fiv’r Race Series (July 5 – Aug. 23): A series of Friday downhill races accessible to all skill levels.
- Summer Music Series (July 6 – Aug. 24): Enjoy live music in the village on select Saturdays.
- Craft and Country Mountain Festival (July 13): Local breweries and cideries highlight the best flavors of the Okanagan region.
- L’Alpe de Grand Blanc (July 21): This cycling road ride from Kelowna to Big White Ski Resort engages the rituals of the world’s premier cycling event.
- Freeride Days (Aug. 8 – 10): A thrilling free multi-day event featuring top freeride mountain bike riders at the Slopestyle Course.
