Don’t get us wrong. We LOVE to ski. Big White Ski Resort offers some of the best cruisy groomers, off-piste trails, and tree-skiing in all of British Columbia, and plenty to keep every skier and snowboarder happy for days on end. However, Big White also boasts some of the best non-ski activities of any resort in Canada, perfect for those down days, lazy afternoons, or to just keep the whole family entertained throughout your ski vacation.

Ice Skating

Strap on some ice skates and take a spin around Canada’s highest outdoor skating rink. 

Surrounded by breathtaking views, snow covered trees, and picturesque mountains, it’s a stunning way to spend an afternoon. Perfect for families, and loads of fun, it’s also great way to meet the friendly locals in a pickup hockey game. Grab a hot chocolate at the Happy Valley Day Lodge and huddle up beside the bonfire for front seat action.

Location: Out the front of the Happy Valley Day Lodge.
Operating Hours: Open daily from 11:00am – 9:00pm. Late night skating until 10:00pm 
Cost: FREE entry. Skate rental is CAD$11 per hour

Kids Snowmobiling

This one is just for the kids! The Mini-Z miniature snowmobiles gives kids the opportunity to try out snowmobiling in a safe environment. It’s a thrilling experience for the young speeders as they zoom around the purpose built track on mini snowmobiles, under the watchful guidance of Big White instructors. Open for all children 40kgs (90lbs) and under.

Location: Happy Valley Adventure Centre (Snowmobile Hut)
Operating Hours: Open daily. Monday through Friday from 4:00pm – 8:00pm, with extended hours on weekends (2:00pm – 8:00pm)
Cost: $20 for 10 minutes.

Ice Climbing

Scale the impressive 60 foot ice tower, and impress your friends with this challenging (and heart-stopping) winter sport. Ice climbing is popular throughout Canada, and Big White has expertly trained and avid climbing staff to help you get to the top in one piece. Beginner and advanced options available, and open to all ages. All gear (boots, crampons, ice tools) and instruction included.

Location: Happy Valley Adventure Park
Operating Hours: Open daily from 12:00pm – 8:00pm.
Cost: $25 per climb (day passes available)

Tubing

Big White has upped the ante when it comes to in-resort tubing activities for families. The Big White Tube Park boasts 5 specially groomed lanes, from gentle slopes to steep pitches, that allow for exhilarating runs suited to the whole family. A new Tube lift capacity allowing up to 50 riders per hour means less time waiting in lines and more time zooming down the slopes - big smiles all round! With Big White qualified staff throughout the tubing park to provide assistance and instruction, kids are in safe hands. Open late every day, it’s a great way to spend a few hours after a day on the slopes.

Location: Happy Valley Adventure Centre (Big White Tube Park)
Operating Hours: 4:00pm – 9:00pm, Monday through Sunday, with extended hours on weekends (2:00pm – 9:00pm).
Cost: Full day pass $23, with a 5-Day Unlimited Pass available for speedsters for $69. Children 5 and under are Free.

Ice Hockey

A true Canadian pastime, a trip to Big White is not complete without an exciting, gritty, and traditional ice hockey game. Experience the excitement of the local Kelowna Rockets ice hockey team, as they compete against rival Canadian sides. Game ticket and transportation to downtown Kelowna provided by Big White, making it an easy and fun family event.

Location: Downtown Kelowna. Tickets from Concierge Desk in the Village Centre Mall.
Operating Hours: Games are on selected Wednesdays, Fridays, & Saturdays between January and March. Check the full schedule here. Game starts at 7:05pm, with bus departing from Big White at 5:30pm.
Cost: $45 per person (includes game ticket & return transfer)

Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides

Explore the wonderful winter wonderland that is Big White, with an old-fashioned horse drawn sleigh ride. Glide through the snow covered forest trails whilst cosying up under a blanket and enjoying a nice warm hot chocolate – a purely memorable experience for the whole family. Enjoy a intimate and romantic sleigh ride on one of the private small tours, or bring the whole family for a magical afternoon.

Location: Happy Valley Adventure Centre, next to the skating rink.
Operating Hours: Daily tours Monday through Friday (ex. Wednesday)
Cost: ½ Hour Rides are $20 per person. 1 Hour Rides are $30 per person. Child rates apply. Children 4 and under Free
 

Dog Sled Tours
Experience the thrill and power of Canadian sled dogs on an exciting backcountry Winter adventure. The Canadian Sled Dogs is a great way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery Big White has to offer, alongside the excitement of mushing. Operating for 10 years, Candle Creek Kennels provide a great pre-ride orientation by introducing you to the dogs, and the process of preparing the sled and harnessing before you hit the trails. These 30-minute rides are great for the whole family, and kids can participate from the age of 3 years.

Location: Big White Adventure Park (Candle Creek Kennels)
Operating Hours: Tours are at 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm, on Tuesdays through Sundays. Friday tours only available at 9:00am.
Cost: $250 for a large sled that can carry 2 people.

With so many fun and exciting activities, its no wonder Big White is renowned for being one of the best family friendly resorts in Canada. Jump on board and make your ski vacation even more memorable.