The Moose Lounge Is Back – What’s New This Season
This season, that heart is beating stronger than ever. The Moose Lounge has officially returned with a full-service restaurant, a refreshed vibe, and a menu that blends beloved classics with bold new flavours. The Moose Lounge hasn’t operated under its full name or service model since March 2020, and its return fills a real need in Happy Valley by giving guests a place to sit back, eat, warm up, and take a break between winter activities.
Director of Hospitality Ashley Vander Laan explains, “We’ve always considered Happy Valley the heart of family fun at the resort. It felt time to bring back the heart of the room with a full-service restaurant and revive the Moose Lounge to its former glory.”
The aim was simple: restore the experience guests loved and give Happy Valley a true home base again.
The changes jump out as soon as you walk in. Moose Lounge is back with a menu geared toward sharing and lingering, and you can now enjoy classic favourites along with fresh new options.
Ashley says it best: “Guests will notice the return of the full-service restaurant with great sharables, the famous Moose Lounge Beef Dip, and new features like larger TVs for hockey, football, curling, and the winter Olympic Games.”
Bringing Back the “Archival Favourites”
Some dishes are too loved to retire. Long Board Nachos during après with live music is one of them. A handful of classics resurfaced because the team always talked about them. Others returned because guests insisted. The refreshed lineup keeps the nostalgia strong while staying true to what people crave after a day on the hill.
Affordability mattered. So did variety. The menu was built to be approachable while offering something for everyone, from healthy options to indulgent treats. Sharables anchor the après experience, and there are strong picks for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan guests.
Perks for Passholders and Regulars
Season Passholders receive 10 percent off their food bill at the Moose Lounge, with alcohol excluded. Club 65 members also get a simple but welcome perk: one free 12-oz drip coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. It is an easy way to warm up between laps, skating sessions, or an afternoon in the village.
New Menu Additions Worth Trying
While the classics hold their place, the menu also steps forward. Items like the Crispy Chicken Udon Bowl and the Chicken and Cheese Melt were inspired by familiar favourites from past seasons but rebuilt with a twist. Chef Boddie Macklin-Shaw added his own style, giving each dish a lift without losing comfort. You can meet the chefs behind Big White Ski Resort’s dining spots here.
Drinks to Look Out For
The cocktail menu stands out this season. Must-try options include the classic Caesar, the Spicy Blackberry Marg, and the Lemon Basil Smash. The draft list brings back familiar favourites like Okanagan Spring. Whether you settle in for après or grab a drink between tubing and skating, the lineup works for any pace.
Live Music Adds to the Energy
The live entertainment lineup this season is stacked with local talent, including returning favourites. Performer Dan Tait says guests should expect “a wide mix of songwriters and performers throughout the afternoons at Happy Valley. The Okanagan is overflowing with talent, and anyone stopping by will get to enjoy the best of it.” Every artist is selected for the feel they bring to the room, and, yes, the legendary Jon Bos is back every Saturday all season long.
For Dan, personally, playing here is special. “Performing at Happy Valley keeps me close to my roots. Big White is where I started out west — Snowshoe Sam’s was my first paid gig after moving here in 2011 — and I’ve made a point to stay connected ever since those early days 14 years ago.” The best part for him is the crowd mix. “I get to play for my community while meeting new friends and fans from all over the world.”
During peak hours, the room feels alive. Music fills the space. Families settle in. Kids dance. Laughter rolls from table to table. It’s the kind of atmosphere people talk about long after their trip ends.
The Moose Lounge leans family first. It is a space to regroup after a long day on the hill, share food, and rest up before tomorrow’s runs. The energy is upbeat but welcoming, never overwhelming.
Weekly Events to Plan Around
There’s something happening all week.
Live Music – Thursday through Sunday, December 11 to March 20, 2026
Bingo Tuesdays – January 6 to March 17, 2026
Trivia Thursdays – January 8 to March 19, 2026
Kids’ Craft Corner – Fridays December 12 to March 20, 2026
Kids’ Culinary Corner – Saturdays December 13 to March 14, 2026
Check out the Weekly Events page for updates.
The Spirit of Big White, In One Room
The Moose Lounge captures what Big White stands for: warmth, community, and the feeling of settling in after a long day in the Okanagan Champagne Powder. Its return isn’t just reopening. It is a comeback that restores a piece of the mountain’s personality.
Check out updates throughout the season from the Moose Lounge here.