Some Tips For Beginners From The Ski & Board School:

Once you arrive at the resort, you will either “check in” at your hotel or at Central Reservations which is located downstairs in the Village Centre Mall (we call it the VCM for short, it's the big green building in the center of the village with the big clock tower). To speed up this process, please have your booking confirmation number and credit card ready for the reservations agent. 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're not sure, ask the staff, it's their specialty.
    
If you are driving to the resort for the day, you should park in the Happy Valley parking lot which is on the right-hand side just after you drive past the Ridge Rocket, Snow Ghost, and Plaza chairlifts. From there, jump on Lara's Gondola for a free ride right to the center of the village.

The Village Centre Mall is located directly to your left as you step off the gondola. Here, you can purchase Tickets, Rentals, & Lessons from the designated counters on the main floor as well as clothing, gear, and souvenirs from any of our several retail stores here and around the village. If you're hungry after arriving, you can also taste some of what Big White has to offer at Beano’s Coffee shop or the Underground Pizzeria & Bakery.

The best place to start is the main floor of the Village Centre Mall, where you will find our main ticket office, rental shop and Ski and Board School sales desk as well as a coffee shop and Ski Dazzle, one of the retail stores on the mountain.

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!

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 Village Centre Mall 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.

If you are wondering what level you are riding or sliding at, use these guides from our Ski & Board School to help you figure it out; View Adult Ability Chart, View Kids Ability Chart or Watch Kids Ability Levels.

If you want to work on progressing to the next level, group lessons are a great and sometimes amusing way to learn from others mistakes while getting tips from an instructor or keep the spotlight to yourself and have your instructor focus on the specifics of what you're doing right and where you're going wrong with a private lesson.

If you are new to snow sports and recreation or maybe have not participated in winter sports for many years, you are probably asking yourself, do I need to take a lesson? The short answer, yes. The long answer, definitely. Taking a lesson is the first step to fulfilling your desire to slide down the mountain with the wind blowing in your face and a grin forming from ear to ear as the snow wisps around you.

It is a fact that people who get instruction in sport excel faster than those who try to pick up a sport on their own and a lesson with one of our snow professionals will put you on the road to a positive skiing or snowboarding experience, where you are spending more time on your feet and less time on the ground. It is their job to ensure you enjoy your skiing or snowboarding experience!

As you begin to pick up and acquire your new skills you will find that you will need different types of terrain. An instructor will familiarize you with the areas of the mountain that are going to allow you to learn in a safe environment. They will take you from the Magic carpet to beyond…

There are many choices! But 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 organization.

A great way to get you started is our  4-Day Learn To Program, it is designed to give first time skiers & riders of all ages a fun, safe, and encouraging learning experience over four days. This program includes everything you will need to get going; 2-hour lessons, beginner or regular day tickets and full day equipment rentals.

Try our Discover Program, which includes 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.

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 be all 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.

You will also want to familiarize yourself with all the points covered in our Mountain Safety section, including the Alpine Code, Terrain Safety & we even have tips on Well Being so you and your family can stay safe and enjoy the mountain to the fullest!

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 Kids' Centre and, if they wish, observe from a distance. Read the programs and levels carefully (see Kids' Centre section of the website) 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 Kids' 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 Kids' 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 Kids' 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.)

Note: All equipment should be labeled with the child’s first name and last name or initials. We happily provide one name label for skis or snowboards per child upon registration.

Allergies are something we take very seriously here at the Big White Kids' Centre. Due to some children having severe allergies and allergic reactions that can be just as scary, 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.

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.