How to Get Here: Seattle
Direct Flights to Kelowna
The quickest way to get from Seattle to Big White Ski Resort is to fly direct from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Kelowna International Airport (YLW), the closest airport to the resort.
Approximate Flight Times to Kelowna (YLW)
- Flight Time: ~ 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Total Travel Time to Big White: ~ 3 hours and 10 minutes (includes approximately 55-minute scenic drive from Kelowna)
Airlines
Alaska Airlines and WestJet offer direct flights to Kelowna. Guests who book through Big White Direct Bookings receive access to preferred rates on Air Canada and WestJet flights. Get more air travel information here.
Book A Shuttle & Let Us Pick You Up
Once you land in Kelowna, you're just a short 55-minute shuttle ride away from Big White's front door. Many visitors opt for the Big White Airport Shuttle, which offers comfortable and convenient transportation directly to the resort. Prebooking your shuttle is recommended, especially during peak ski season. Reserve your shuttle more than 7 days in advance to guarantee your seat. Book your shuttle here.
Driving from Seattle
Prefer to drive? The road trip from Seattle to Big White is a scenic journey through the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. Along the way, you’ll pass lush forests, rivers, and snow-capped mountains, making the trip part of the adventure.
- Distance: Approximately 348 miles (560 km)
- Driving Time: Around 6 hours and 38 min, depending on border wait times and road conditions.
Key Locations Across the Border:
- Abbotsford, BC (Just After the Border): Your first major stop after crossing the border, with plenty of gas stations to choose from. It’s a convenient place to top off your tank before venturing into more rural areas. Abbotsford offers multiple EV charging options, making it an ideal stop for topping up your electric vehicle.
- Hope, BC: Hope is the last major town before heading into the mountains on the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5). It’s a key stop for refuelling, as services become limited beyond this point. Hope has essential fast-charging stations, ideal for EV drivers before heading into the more remote areas.
- Merritt, BC: This is a convenient refuelling point along the Coquihalla Highway. Merritt is a vital stop for EV drivers, offering fast-charging options before continuing on to Kelowna.
- Kelowna/West Kelowna, BC: Your last chance to fuel up before the final drive to Big White Ski Resort. As there are no fuel stations at Big White, it is highly recommended to top up your tank before leaving Kelowna. Both West Kelowna and Kelowna offer a range of EV charging stations and are likely your final stops for EV charging before heading up the mountain.
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Learn more parking and more driving tips here.
Plan for Border Crossing
The Sumas-Huntingdon Border Crossing is the most popular entry point for Seattle travellers, about 2.5 hours north of the city. For travellers from Spokane, you’ll be arriving through the Canada Border Services Agency - Midway Port of Entry. Make sure you have your passport ready, and check for any delays or restrictions through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at bwt.cbp.gov. For information on Canadian Border Security, visit cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
While the mountain highways offer stunning scenery, their high elevations can result in unpredictable weather conditions. To ensure a safe journey:
- Check road conditions on DriveBC.ca before leaving Vancouver.
- Ensure your vehicle has winter tires (required between October 1 and April 30) or carry chains.
- Check your vehicle's taillights and headlights.
- Dress warmly and pack winter gear in your trunk.
- Fully charge your cell phone before the trip.
Packing Snacks for the Trip
While there are plenty of stops along the way, packing snacks and drinks can be a lifesaver, especially when travelling with kids. Check out more road trip packing tips here.
Fuelling Up
The cost of fuel can vary significantly depending on the location, taxes, and current market conditions. Fuel up in Washington before crossing the border for the lowest prices. If you're heading deep into British Columbia and need to refuel, check for local deals using apps like GasBuddy to find the best prices along your route.
There are no fuel stations at Big White; however, the mountain has on-site 100kW, 200A rapid charging stations located at the Mountain Check-in building in the Happy Valley Parking lot, featuring CHAdeMO and Combo (CCS1) plugs for quick and easy charging. Learn more here.
Explore Along the Way
When you embark on this adventure from Vancouver to Big White Ski Resort, you'll experience the beauty of some of British Columbia's most epic landscapes while anticipating the winter wonderland that awaits you at your destination. Safe travels! Have some more questions? Contact us
Book Direct and Save
Skip the guesswork. Book through Big White Direct Bookings to access the largest selection of on-mountain accommodation, exclusive hot deals, savings on lift tickets, and expert advice on flights, shuttles, lessons, and rentals.
For more tips, visit our First Timer's Guide to Big White.
