Conditions Report
Report from March 11-13, 2025
Returning to Big White, located outside of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, is a true joy. We first visited Big White last year during an otherwise low snow year. Big White shocked us with snow then, and it exceeded expectations upon this year’s return, including fresh snow each day we were on the slopes and knee-deep powder today. We enjoyed the full set of lift accessed options, with laps from the Black Forest Express all the way to the Gem Lake Express.
Big White stands out for its tremendous lift system, including ten lifts, a gondola, and a T-Bar. At the outset, the Alpine T-Bar covers than a thousand vertical feet, making for an interesting trip up and excellent access on the way down. The Snow Ghost and Ridge Rocket lifts accessed veins of powder in dense trees that ran nearly the entire length of the lift. From the Black Forest, the Easter Chutes beckoned, leading us to both steeps and technical trees. And, of course, the Gem Lake Express dazzled, stretching more than mile and ascending over 2,200 vertical feet.
At times, Big White’s name can feel a little too appropriate. Occasionally, the visibility above the higher-elevation lifts (and the Alpine T-Bar) disappears and one is left staring into the vast whiteness. But riders need not fear, the snow is soft everywhere we steer! While on the subject of the Alpine T-bar, I will note that a lift operator and myself both had a novel experience trying to figure out how to load a monoboard on the T-bar. Although the first attempt immediately dashed me into the snow (to the joy of amused onlookers), the second attempt led into the Enchanted Forest.
Another huge benefit of Big White as a resort is its superlative night skiing. Growing up in Central Oregon, we are used to night skiing at Hoodoo, where tiny runs offer riders after-hours options. Big White’s night skiing was replete with fluffy snow, hardly a soul present, and the Bullet Express’ access to around 1,250 vertical feet of riding. We enjoyed groomed runs as they accumulated snow and the trees until true dark. It was a special experience to take the mono out in the moonlight (especially amidst active snow).
After the massive storm system, riders at Big White will enjoy some calmer days with more light snow. We can’t wait for the next time we are lucky enough to visit.
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