There are many changes to talk about this coming season at BC’s Big White, including a new kids clothing and candy store, Nordic trail improvements, and the cutting edge in wireless technology. Also new:  packages with families, wine lovers and powder hounds in mind.

Here’s what’s hot and new at for 2013/14:

New Kids Boutique A Sweet Treat

The new “Loose Moose Emporium” is an extension of Big White’s Kids Centre. Chock full of kids ski clothing, winter apparel and an international candy selection this store is a delight for kids and sweet lovers of all ages.

Bringing in the Robots

Big White attracts many high-performance skiers and today’s advanced equipment demands an advanced way to keep it up to scratch. To cater to their exacting standards the resort has purchased a new tuning machine. The Wintersteiger Mercury robotic tuner will be installed in time for the 2014 season.

Introducing the Luck of the Irish

Bringing the luck of the Irish to Big White, The Blarney Stone will be opening at The Inn at Big White this winter season. This Irish tavern will be offering hearty Irish inspired food, fine craft ales, and of course that family friendly hospitality the Irish are known for.

Upgrading: From the Trails to the Tech

As interest in Nordic sports have increased Big White has spent $30,000 upgrading their beginner and intermediate cross country ski and snowshoe trails. To make it easy for visitors to capture experiences like this at the resort, and share it with friends and family, TELUS has invested $100,000 to bring the world’s most advanced and fastest wireless technology to Big White.

 

Package Perfect: What’s New For This Season

Mom, Dad and Me Ski Package: The “Mom, Dad and Me Ski Program” is a great way to start skiing for young children (ages 3 – 6), especially those anxious about being away from a parent. A two-hour semi-private lesson (child and parent) introduces the child to skiing; while at the same time providing the parent with tips on how to teach their child using games and fun activities. They have packaged this lesson with 2-nights of accommodation, four 2-day lift passes, and tube park tickets, starting at $275 per person.

Groomers and Grapes Package: Big White offers guests the unique opportunity to take advantage of the fact that the resort is situated in Canadian wine country with the new “Groomers and Grapes” package that combines accommodation, lift tickets, a group ski lesson and wine tasting at some of the Okanagan’s top wineries. These include Cedar Creek Estate Wintery, Summerhill Pyramid winery, and the Calona Vineyard. The package is based on six people staying for two nights, from $445 per person.

Downhill Dudes Package: This package includes the fresh tracks ski experience meaning they’re the first ones on the slopes. It also includes a 3-hour snowmobile trip, whisky tasting before a steak dinner and tickets with transport to watch the local Rockets hockey action. Three-nights of premium accommodation, 2-day lift tickets, and all of the above starts at $749 per person based on a group of four.

 

Events of Note

Big Reds at Big White 6th Annual Red Wine Festival: Big White Ski Resort, uniquely situated in the heart of wine country, will be pouring the Big Reds this year during the sixth annual “Big Reds at Big White” December 14 and 15, 2013. The event celebrates the release of the red wines from the British Columbia Okanagan region featuring the newest releases from over 30 award-winning local wineries. The equivalent white wine event occurs on March 22, 2014. NEW: The “Wine Lover’s Weekend” package includes accommodation, event tickets, gift basket and $150 dining credit to the Kettle Valley Steakhouse.

Masters Week: February 2 – 7, 2014: A week of skiing, events and activities for those over 50 with special accommodation deals. The week includes five days of personalized ski instruction, seminars on the latest in equipment, wine and food tasting, horse-drawn sleigh rides, high tea treats, and much more.

Located in the picturesque Okanagan Valley and a short 55-minute drive from Kelowna International Airport,  Big White Ski Resort is British Columbia’s second largest resort and boasts the most ski-in, ski-out accommodation in Canada. Blessed with sunny weather, dry powder and a mild average temperature, Big White is best known as a family friendly resort where kids and adults can all have fun.

For more information, visit www.bigwhite.com

 

Photo courtesy of Big White

SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles