Discover Full Day
Learn to ski or snowboard - for first time skiers and snowboarders only.
This package includes a 4-hour group lesson (two 2-hour lessons), full day rentals and a Beginner Area lift ticket for the day. Just like the half day, meet your pro at our Sales Desk an hour before the lesson start time so that they can walk you through every step of your first skiing or snowboarding experience.
Meeting Time: 9:00 am
Lesson Time: 10:00am
$99.00 plus tax (adults)
$119.00 plus tax (kids, only includes lunch)

Please contact us, we’d love to hear from you! Phone us at (250) 491-6101 or email us at skischool@bigwhite.com.

What Every New Skier and Snowboarder Needs to Know...

As a newcomer to the exciting world of skiing and snowboarding, you will enjoy lots of new and interesting experiences. Everything here is geared towards making you a lifelong skier or snowboarder!

The Big White Ski and Snowboard School employs some of the best instructors from around the world to help you get the most out of our world-class terrain. Combine that with a host of fantastic programs and full ski in, ski out accommodation, and we have what it takes to make the most of your holiday!

The best place is the main floor of the VCM, where you will find the main ticket office, rental shop and Ski and Board School sales desk. If you are looking for a Lift & Lesson package, your first stop should be the Ski and Board School desk where you can discuss your personal requirements and choose a package that will bests suit you.

We recommend that everybody register at least one day prior to their lesson. It's most important to register children in advance to ensure your day of lessons runs smoothly for everyone.

Kids Lessons are conducted out of the World Class Kids Centre, located diagonally opposite the VCM. This guide will help you prepare for your first days on the mountain and help you make the most out of discovering the joys of skiing and riding! Welcome to your new passion!

Once you arrive at the resort, you will either “check in” at your hotel or at Central Reservations, located on the ground floor of the main Village Centre Mall (VCM) building (the building with the big clock tower). This building is on your right-hand side as you come into the centre of the village and has a clock tower. To speed up this process, please have your booking confirmation number and credit card ready. During check-in be sure to pick up some brochures to help familiarize yourself with all there is to do at this world class resort.

If you are driving to the resort for the day, you should park at the Happy Valley car park which is on the right-hand side as you drive past the Ridge Rocket, Snow Ghost, and Plaza chairlifts. From there, you can ride the Lara's Gondola right to the middle of the village.

The VCM is located to your left as you step off the gondola. Purchase your Lift Passes, Rentals, Lessons, and souvenirs from one of our several retail stores here. Also, taste some of what Big White has to offer at Beano’s Coffee shop or the Underground Pizzaria and Bakery.

Located in your room should be a guest directory that contains all you will need to know to help you navigate your way around the mountain. Within the guest directory, you will find information referring to a number of programs offered by the Ski & Board School. This is just the tip of the instructional iceberg; for a complete explanation of our offerings contact the Ski & Board School sales desk in the VCM main level or phone (250) 491-6101 or toll free in North America 1-866-491-9040.

If you are new to snow sports and the Canadian winter, you may not be prepared for the cold temperatures. The average temperature at Big White is -5 C and you will be outside all day. Here are some suggestions to help you dress appropriately:

• Dress in layers.
• Wear thermal long underwear or tights as a base layer.
• Outer layer should be water and wind resistant (i.e. a nylon outer shell or better material). If your outer layer is not insulated, add extra layers underneath for warmth. Do not wear jeans!
• Wool and polyester/fleece blends are warmer and drier than cotton.
• Socks should be a wool/polyester blend and not too bulky. Only one pair of socks is necessary.
• A warm hat is necessary on cold days; on warmer days (+0 C) a headband or cap are sufficient. Helmets are not mandatory, but are recommended for every skier or snowboarder regardless of age or ability.
• Gloves or mittens are a must. Preferably with a nylon or leather outer shell to keep hands dry.
• Wear goggles to protect your eyes on snowy or windy days. Sunglasses or goggles will work on sunny days.
• Add sunscreen to the list for sunny days.

There are many choices! Fear not, our sales desk team is here to help find the best package for you. Plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to the lesson start time to allow for rentals and organisation.

Try our “Discover” programs, which include a 2 or 4 hour group lesson, equipment rental and Plaza chair lift pass. This program is only available for first time skiers/snowboarders.

If you have your own equipment and/or lift pass and you've skied or snowboarded before, then try a 2 hour Ski or Ride Experience. This program starts at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm daily.

Private Coaching can be one-on-one or shared with friends and family. You may purchase private coaching for different lengths of time from a 1.5 hour early bird to a 6 hour full day.

View the full Ability Chart here.

Make sure that it is in good working condition and was recently serviced by a trained technician. All equipment should be fitted with a restraining device. (i.e. Brakes on bindings for skis and a leash for snowboards.)

FUN! Your experience should all be about having a good time and learning something new. At the meeting place you will be greeted by your pro, who will discuss what you want to achieve from your time together. Our ski and snowboard pros are there to help you with equipment and answer any questions you may have about your adventure. Once you are placed into the class that will best suit your needs, they will take you to the terrain that will help you to achieve all of your goals.

Tips For Success
Be sure children are properly dressed for the conditions. We recommend layering clothes, and thoroughly drying clothing and equipment at the end of each day. Be prepared for sunshine with sunscreen, lip balm, goggles or sunglasses. Label all articles of clothing and equipment with a permanent marker or tape. Arrive early the first day, once the child is signed-in, given our space restrictions, we recommend parents leave the Kid’s Centre and, if they wish, observe from a distance. Read the programs and levels carefully (see the information guide) to help speed up the sign in process and ensure your child is placed at the right level. We recommend children wear a ski helmet. The Kid’s Centre provides helmets free of charge, but supplies are limited and for best fit, the purchase of a personal helmet is ideal. Ask for help if anything is unclear.

Safety + Fun = More Fun!
The Kid’s Centre is structured to provide a safe learning environment for children to improve their skiing and boarding skills. It is our belief that once children feel safe, their comfort level is increased and then they are more receptive to learning new skills and meeting new challenges.

To enhance safety and comfort, the following items are highly recommended for children enrolled at the Kid’s Centre:

• Skis and snowboards that are in good working condition, that have metal edges, with bases/edges that have been tuned.
• Warm and waterproof ski clothes, extra mitts and socks, lightweight balaclava for under helmet.
• Ski goggles and/or sunglasses.
• Sunscreen & lip protection
• Helmet (The Kid’s Centre does sign out helmets free of charge, but supplies are limited.)

Allergy Alert
Allergies are something we take very seriously here at the Big White Kid’s Centre. Due to some children’s severe allergic reactions, we ask that you do not bring in nuts of any kind. This includes anything with peanut butter. So please, if you are packing your child’s lunch or snack take this into consideration.

We also ask for information regarding allergies during registration. If your child is allergic to any foods we are serving on the day they visit us, we will provide another lunch option for their specific needs.

What’s Cookin’
When you walk into the Kid’s Centre you are likely to ask, “What smells so darned good in here?” Well, it’s our on-site kitchen. This is where our very own chef is hard at work preparing our daily lunch and snacks. Our rotating lunch menu consists of spaghetti, pizza, soup and sandwiches, chicken wraps, among other tasty and kid-friendly foods. We also provide wholesome snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables with cheese and crackers, and we have lots of juice, water, and hot chocolate to wash it all down. If you’re really good, you may get a taste of some fresh baked treats.