Page 40 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2026

Mountain
Paradise
BIG WHITE SKI RESORT: LOCAL CHARM, CHAMPAGNE
POWDER, AND A SLICE OF PARADISE
BY JOANNE SALLAY
top of the mountain, about to ski down “Par-
On a true bluebird day, my son and I stood at the
adise”—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 cel-
ebrated 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 dia-
mond 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 ter-
rain 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 pro-
grams. 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 refresh-
ingly different. You can feel the warmth, care, and attention
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DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2026