On a true bluebird day, my son and I stood at the top of the mountain, about to ski down “Paradise”—the run that truly lives up to its name—onto flawless corduroy with snow-ghosted trees, endless groomed lines, and spectacular views. The stress of everyday life seemed to melt away.

Our family of four is at Big White Ski Resort in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, southeast of Kelowna and just a short drive from Kelowna International Airport. After a direct flight, the whole experience feels seamless.  It’s no surprise we’ve returned three years in a row.

I still remember stepping off the plane one March Break in nothing but a T-shirt, wondering if I’d made a mistake booking a ski holiday. The shuttle driver reassured me there was plenty of snow ahead. As we climbed toward the resort’s alpine elevation, I understood why Big White is celebrated for its dry, fluffy “champagne powder.”

From Magic Carpet to Double Diamond

This is where my children first learned to ski when they were five and eight years old. Now the family spans the full range of skiing abilities from green and blue to black diamond and expert double black diamond runs. The resort offers 119 designated runs across varied terrain. We chose Big White because it gives us one mountain for everyone. Ski-in/ski-out convenience, a village vibe and accessible terrain make it a great fit for mixed levels.

School is Out, but Ski School is in Session

A big part of this success has been the resort’s instruction programs. Big White Ski & Board School offers private and group lessons, kids’ camps, and for the youngest, there is Tot Town daycare, accommodating toddlers to school-aged children.

Now, years later, my kids are racing down runs I’d only glance at, but for them everything feels possible. I’m still a little cautious of the winding Ogopogo Trail, which they ski with total confidence. I’m happy to meet them at the bottom.

Family-Owned Charm and a Community Feel

In an era when it’s easy to feel like just another number, this family-owned and operated resort offers something refreshingly different. You can feel the warmth, care, and attention to detail in every corner of the mountain. There’s a local charm here that reminds me of visiting Europe as a child, before everything became commercialized. The restaurants are locally owned, there are no fashion boutiques or big chains, and everyone is here for the same reason: they genuinely love to ski.