More to see and do at Big White
This is the fifth in a series of updates on cross-country and downhill ski areas in the Okanagan Valley.
Big White Ski Resort,east of Kelowna, is anticipating another epic winter season with many new and exciting resort developments.
“Widely lauded as Canada’s favourite family resort, Big White is always looking for ways to make families' alpine experiences more memorable. From customdesigned chocolate to major accommodation developments, guests are delighted to see what's new at Big White this winter,” said Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice-president of sales and marketing.
— Although the resort opened for downhill on Nov. 23, the Winter Warmup, now on until Dec. 20 features an exciting new series of events: the Big White Light Up today (Dec. 2), Big White Christmas Market on Sunday (Dec. 3), Village Movie Series on Dec. 6-20, Big White Winter Rally on Dec. 8-10, Big Reds at Big White wine festival on Dec. 8-9 and the Big White Hockey Tournament on Dec. 16-17. The full Winter Warmup schedule is posted at: bigwhite.com/eventsactivities/events-calendar/winter-warm
— The kickoff on Friday night included a nine-metre bonfire, hot chocolate, colourful fireworks and a drive-in movie on Big White’s new jumbo outdoor movie screen.
— The Big White Christmas Market, Sunday in the Village Centre Mall will feature a wide variety of hand-made and locallysourced products from independent vendors and artisan crafters as well as Big White Christmas souvenirs.
— Big White will be the only mountain resort in North America to have its own customdesigned chocolate from the famous Or Noir Laboratories of French chocolatiers Cacao Barry. Big White’s executive chef Rob Walker travelled to Paris in the fall to build two unique varieties of Big White chocolate, which will The Woods restaurant is known for its excellent location in the heart of Big White Village and for its outdoor beer garden, above. The Woods is now under new management by Big White Ski Resort. be featured across the resort’s food and beverage portfolio.
— Sessions Taphouse and Grill is introducing two new features: Elevation 57 Brewing Company and Escape Sessions.
Elevation 57 Brewing Company, led by internationally-trained head brewer, Brandon Amond, will bring visitors craft beer brewed at the highest elevation in Canada, 5,757 feet.
Escape Sessions will feature three rooms for six friends each. Teams will be challenged to “escape” these locked rooms by discovering clues and solving puzzles.
— Christmas Theatre Productions, in partnership with New Vintage Theatre in Kelowna, will offer festive theatre productions around the resort.
— The new inflatable eightmetre outdoor movie screen will be the star of outdoor village movie nights under the stars, and will host film festivals and major sporting events.
— Inside Edge is Big White’s new loyalty program, providing special offers and savings at outlets on and off the mountain. Simply present your Big White Season Pass before purchase to redeem offers.
— Known for its excellent location in the heart of Big White Village and its outdoor beer garden, The Woods is under new management by Big White Ski Resort.
This restaurant joins other popular establishments in Big White’s food and beverage portfolio such as the recently-revamped Clocktower Coffee Co., Black Forest Day Lodge and the outlets within Happy Valley Day Lodge.
Executive chef Rob Walker will add a locally-sourced and sustainable influence to The Woods winter menu while keeping some of the favourite items that have made this dining establishment so popular since its opening in 2013.
— Globe Cafe and Tapas Bar is celebrating its 10th anniversary this winter with a $10 Tapas menu available every afternoon, along with $10 off all bottles on its extensive Okanagan and Mediterranean wine list.
— The Blarney Stone Irish Tavern will host new apres-ski live music starting at 4 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday to accompany cold Guinness at Canada’s highest-altitude Irish pub.
— Big White welcomes back long-time local Alan Reid and the return of The Underground, a food favourite for nearly two decades. Specializing in homemade pizzas and donairs, The Underground will offer pizza pick-up and delivery service from its location in Trappers Crossing. To order, call 250-491 3575.
— Quebec Spring Break packages: Now, visitors from Quebec can experience the resort during Spring Break 2018 with an affordable travel package that includes airfare, seven nights accommodation, lift tickets and more.
— Back for its fifth consecutive year, Big White’s popular Masters’ Week has been extended to three weeks. Designed for passionate skiers and snowboarders aged 50-plus, this week-long program combines the best skiing and riding Big White has to offer with a series of exclusive apresski events including wine tastings, happy hours at Big White restaurants, evening sleigh rides and more.
— A third building was constructed at Stonegate Resort during the off-season, adding one-, two-, three- and three-bedroomplus-loft vacation residences featuring large stone fireplaces, gourmet kitchens with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, in-suite laundry and private hot tubs on the balcony. This resort also has a heated indoor/outdoor pool, fitness centre, theatre, games room, indoor ski/ snowboard storage, and stunning views of Big White Village, the Monashee Mountains and the ski slopes.
— A new building to provide staff housing was built in the Black Forest area. This building will be the first of four around Gondola Way and marks the start of a residential subdivision in the Black Forest area.
— A new Pisten Bully 400 groomer is an addition to Big White’s fleet of groomers.
— The resort is investing in water treatment for Lake Paul, a lake located at the base of the Powder Chair. This development will finish tying the lake into the resort's water distribution system, adding another 273 million litres of fresh water for resort residents.
— The on-mountain Whitefoot Medical Clinic has extended its emergency service hours to 6 a.m.10 p.m. every day of the ski season.
— A new health and wellness option known as the Stonebridge Spa has opened in Stonebridge Lodge. Treatment is by appointment-only and will include licensed therapists for physiotherapy, massage and orthotics along with fitness and personal training. To book an appointment, call 250-300-3284.
J.P. Squire, aka the Ski Sheriff, is an avid outdoors enthusiast. Contact him with at jp.squire@telus.net.