Big White Information

Apres-ski

The mixture of Australian, British and, of course, Canadian clientele at Big White can lead to some lively nightlife.

The Blarney Stone Irish Tavern (tel: +1 250 491 2009; www.globedining.com/blarneystone) within the Inn at Big White, is "Canada's highest altitude Irish tavern", and a popular choice, with live music, theme nights and a great selection of Irish and international beers on tap.

For livelier après-ski fun, Snowshoe Sam's (tel: +1 250 765 5959; www.snowshoesams.com), is one of Canada's, and indeed the whole skiing world's, classic ski bars that's legendary for its great pub atmosphere, games, DJs and live bands. The Moose Lounge in the Happy Valley Day Lodge (tel: +1 250 491 6155) also hosts live musical entertainment every evening.

Eating out

The selection of dining establishments in the resort is moderate, with around a dozen choices.

Of these the Globe Café and Tapas Bar (tel: +1 250 765 1501; www.globedining.com) is one of the most popular, serving, somewhat predictably, a great selection of tasty tapas dishes.

Small but upscale 6 Degrees in the Stonebridge Lodge (tel: +1 250 491 1716; www.6degreesbigwhite.com) has two sittings nightly and usually requires a reservation. It endeavours to serve a higher calibre of contemporary cuisine, which is best accompanied with one of the local Okanagan wines that feature prominently on the menu.

The Kettle Valley Steakhouse also specialises in fine dining, with dishes using tender Canadian beef and venison. For slightly more affordable Canadian fare, that doesn't lack on quality, check out the Gunbarrel Grill (tel: +1 250 765 1416; www.gunbarrelgrill.com).

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Visitors who fancy some time off their skis or board can explore the snow-covered hills by snowmobile or dog sled instead. There's also the chance to discover the resort's back country on snowshoes or by taking a sleigh ride through the wilderness. For an opportunity to see the resort from up high, climb the 18m-high (60ft) ice climbing tower. Other options include ice skating and tubing.

Many hotels have outdoor hot tubs to soak in while watching the sunset, while others offer more luxurious spa treatments. The Beyond Wrapture Day Spa (tel: +1 250 448 8899; www.beyondwrapture.com) is one of two spa centres at the resort and can be found within the Chateau Big White hotel.

A more unique activity to Big White is the Sno-Limo service, which involves a skiing staff member pushing their customer around the resort's ski slopes on a sledge.

Family fun

As with most major North American ski centres, Big White has superb childcare facilities for all ages. Nursery provision is available from 18 months at the Kids' Centre (tel: +1 250 491 6101) in the heart of the village. This is also the base for the ski school where children aged three and older can progress through various fun learning levels, including 'Ski Cubs' and 'Snow Riders'.

There's plenty to do in the evenings at the Happy Valley Lodge entertainment area at the base of Lara's gondola. This contains the largest resort tubing park in North America, as well as Canada's highest ice rink. The resort also organises regular family friendly events including carnivals, bingo, live music and firework displays.

Retail therapy

Retail choices at Big White have expanded over the last few years, catering for most holiday needs. As well as the usual offering of grocers, bakeries and confectioners, there are several ski and board shops, including the new Big White Kids shop that sells accessories for children under 12. A good shop for adults is Dizzy's boot store in the base lodge; it's become a mecca for skiers thanks to its 20-year reputation for ski boot fitting.

For a major shopping expedition, drive to Kelowna, which has a great range of city-scale shops; including most major chain stores. The resort also organises regular shopping trips to Kelowna by bus.

Splashing out

The Ultimate III Day Spa Package offered at the Beyond Wrapture Day Spa (tel: +1 250 448 8899; www.beyondwrapture.com) in the Chateau Big White hotel is an incredible experience that lasts upwards of seven hours. The procedure includes a sea salt and loofah glow massage, aromatherapy wrap, pedicure, spa manicure, aromatherapy massage, and finally a soothing signature facial, with lunch and drinks also included.

Hotels

The large, purpose-built resort is an attractive mixture of wood and stone buildings. Much of the accommodation in Big White is ski-in/ski-out, ranging from modern apartments and luxury hotels to lodges, cabins and inexpensive hostels.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap