The lowdown:
Big White in British Columbia, Canada is the ultimate playground for those who prefer their sports with a touch of frost. You won’t spot any of those snowmaking machines we’re so used to seeing at ski resorts in our part of the world, because Big White gets 750cm of natural snowfall each season. It’s so lovely and light and fluffy that you can’t just call it any old regular kind of snow, you shall refer to it as “champagne powder”. With these kinds of conditions, it’s no wonder they have sponsored athletes calling the place home, including Canadian Olympic gold medal ski cross athlete Kelsey Serwa and up-and-coming snowboard cross star Tess Critchlow.
What you’ll do:
There’s so much choice at Big White, with 118 runs to help take your skiing or snowboarding skills to a whole other level. If you consider yourself a bit of a pro – or have any little ones showing a knack for winter sports – the Big White Ski Club is your training hub. Total newbie? Sign up for a group class or private lessons at the Big White Ski & Board School.
Don’t miss:
The Ladies Day program on Wednesdays. It’s a two-hour group lesson on the slopes followed by wine tasting and nibbles at Kettle Valley Steakhouse. Perfection.
Ideal time to go:
December to March is ideal for the best snow, but you can still go until April when it isn’t as crowded. When you’re not skilling up: Soothe those achy muscles in your private hot tub on the deck of your luxury condo at Stonebridge Lodge (stonebridgeatbigwhite.com). Forget unpacking your iPad with the majestic Monashee Mountains view. Looking for an active rest day? At the bottom of Big White is Happy Valley, where you can give ice hockey and tubing a go. Fun!
Expect to:
Boost your regs snow skills exponentially.
What the athlete says:
“[Born to Run] is one of my favourite runs because it starts off quite mellow, freckled with conifers, before it opens up and drops into a fall-line pitch. There are also fun little hits on the side of trail with options to hop in and out of the glades on either side.” – Canadian Olympic ski cross athlete Kelsey Serwa
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