Know Before You Go - Hiking at Big White Ski Resort
Getting Here:
Leaving from Kelowna? Big White Ski Resort is just a 45-minute drive from the airport, with beautiful views, wildlife and flowers along the way. Once you’re here, follow the signs to the Village Centre – there is a limited number of parking spaces available at the main lot, so if this area is full, continue up Big White Road to find parking roadside near Whitefoot Lodge. Once you park, there’s no need to fire up the car again until you’re ready to leave. All hiking trails, food establishments, and the Bullet Chair are within walking distance from the Village.
Big White has a network of hiking trails, from beginner to advanced, all accessible by foot. Or, you can purchase a Scenic Chair Lift Ticket and cruise up the Bullet Chair to the top of the Alpine and hike your way down!
Scenic Chair Lift Tickets, here
Hiking Trails, here
What to Bring:
Hiking isn’t a stroll in the park – there’s ups and downs and twists and turns, and you will need to be properly hydrated along the way. Always bring a comfortable pack with a large water bottle and high-energy snacks (like trail mix, fresh or dried fruit, granola bars), and take a look at your trail map to see areas where you can refill your water or stock up on food during your day. There are five restaurants in the Village with plenty of healthy meal options – and you can order your food in advance from your cell phone while you’re on the trails.
Details & Hours of Operation, here
Wear moisture-wicking workout clothing, and pack extra layers in case of rainy or cold weather. Try to wear in your hiking boots before heading out on the trails – but, if you don’t, be sure to pack a few BandAids, as nothing will slow you down more than a new blister.
Staying Safe:
In COVID-19 times, it’s important to keep space between you and people who are not in your bubble. Spending time outside is an easy way to do this, but on a narrow hiking path, it can be more challenging. Be respectful of the others using the trail, and give as much distance as you possible can when passing fellow hikers. Always try to walk single file, so as not to trample the flora and fauna living on the sides of the trails.
Within the Village, we’ve implemented new measures to ensure the safety of all of our guests, staff and on-mountain residents – this includes a bank of public washrooms located in the Village Centre, in front of Dizzy's and the closure of our Village Centre Mall.
COVID-19 Protocols and FAQs, here
One important thing to remember while hiking is to allow nature to be nature. Do NOT feed the animals. Animals are wild – and while that cute little squirrel may be eyeing up your trail mix, your smarties and raisins are not part of its natural diet. Plus, by feeding animals human food, you’re simply attracting larger, more dangerous animals, like bears. And, well, no one wants to run into a bear in the wild. (If you do – stay calm, back up slowly, give it space, do not run, and, just in case, pack some bear spray in your bag).
More Summer Safety Tips, here
Share your photos to #summerbigwhite and #hikebigwhite to get featured on our page