Spend Easter at Big White Ski Resort
What a season it been so far at Big White Ski Resort! Did you know Big White is wide open until April 15th which overlaps with many of the Australian School Holidays. What a perfect time to visit Big White... the snow is deep, deals are deep and its spring time!! Spring skiing at Big White Ski Resort is some of the best skiing of the season. Longer days, milder temperatures, beer gardens, music, tans... you get the picture! Last year Big White closed the season in mid April with over a 2.5 meter base and this year will be the same.
Spring Time = BIG Deals
Not only does spring time feature some of the best skiing, it also features the best DEALS. It is low season for us and the air deals are amazing. Here are some of the savings you can take advantage of:
3. FREE Ski Hire
4. 2 For 1 Lessons
Book now to take advantage of the savings that are not available in the traditional school holiday travel period. Comparing January travel VS spring........its more than half the price.
For these and other great specials contact your preferred tour operator listed below as above specials are exclusive to our preferred wholesalers only. Our partners can tailor make the bast packages available in the market. Be sure to ask about FREE nights accommodation, FREE Skiing, Kids Ski FREE, FREE ski hire and more.
Check out the Skimax deal below. Further details available HERE.
Tour Operators
| Skimax: | 1.300.136.997 |
| Travelplan: |
1.300.754.754 |
| Mogul Ski World: | 1.800.335.724 |
| Value Tours: | 1.300.361.322 |
| Dive Fish Snow Travel: | 1.800.042.195 |
| Blue Powder Tours: | 02.9907.1027 |
2012 Easter Training Camps
Get a jump on the Australian domestic season with Australian Snowsports Camps during the Easter school holidays. Not every year does Easter fall such that the Northern and Southern hemisphere school holidays overlap. Book now to take advantage of two or three week intensive training and get an edge on the competition!
Dates and Prices:
1. 10 Day Training only: $1450 (April 1st to 11th, 2012)
2. 16 Day Training only: $2320 (March 24th to April 11th)
3. 2 Week all inclusive Fully Escorted Package: $5745 (March 31st to April 14th) ex-Melb/Syd
4. 3 Week all inclusive Fully Escorted Package: $7360 (March 24th to April 14th) ex-Melb/Syd
ASC has 17 places for fully escorted individuals, in our all-inclusive ex-Melb/Syd return packages, which include a host of quality extras.
There are limited places available for the 2012 Easter Program to ensure participants have small groups and maximize their time on race training courses. The daily schedule, video analysis, dry-land training and off-snow activities will be structured to maximize skill development, as directed by ASC staff and coaches.
Early bird bookings: ASC have 20 discount seats booked for a March 31st departure and April 14th return flying Air Canada. 'First in - First served’ applies.
To book and for more information, go to www.snowpro.com.au.
A FEW WORDS FROM PROGRAM MANAGERS GEOFF AND SUE WALKER:
Looking for some Air Options to get to Big White Ski Resort?
Even though Big White Ski Resort is half way around the world it is unbelievably easy to get to Kelowna International Airport (YLW). Below are some options for your consideration:
Air Canada - Air Canada is Big White Ski Resorts preferred airline for travel from Australia. Air Canada is the easiest option for air travel from Australia as they operate daily non stop service to Vancouver from Sydney on their fleet of Boeing 777's. From Vancouver, it is a short 45 minute jet connection to Kelowna. For more information and specific connection times, contact your preferred travel professional or visit www.aircanada.com.
V-Australia - V-Australia flies to Los Angeles from most large Australian cities. From LA, it is a quick hop up the pacific coast to Seattle on their partner airline, Alaska Air. From there, it is a short 45 minute flight to Kelowna. Alaska Air flies 3 flights per day from Seattle to Kelowna. Very good connection times are available with this option. For more information and specific connection times, contact your preferred travel professional or visit www.alaskaair.com.
Qantas - Qantas flies to many major USA cities but the most convenient connection to Kelowna is via Los Angeles. As with V-Australia, it is a quick hop up the pacific coast to Seattle or Vancouver with numerous convenient connections to Kelowna from there. You may also want to consider the option of connecting in LA onto their code share partner, WestJet. WestJet is the Virgin Blue of Canada and is a highly recommended airline. For more information and specific connection times, contact your preferred travel professional or visit www.qantas.com.au.
Air New Zealand - Air New Zealand is a very popular option for travel from Australia as they operate non stop service via Auckland to Vancouver 4 times per week. Connection in Vancouver is seamless. A short 45 hop to Kelowna and you are almost in Kelowna. For more information and specific connection times, contact your preferred travel professional or visit www.airnewzealand.com.
Many other connections and airline combinations are available to get to Kelowna International airport (YLW). Be sure to check with your preferred travel professional for further information and advice.
Upon arrival in Kelowna, Big White Ski Resort is only 45 minutes for Kelowna International Airport. Frequent ground shuttle service is operated by Big White Central Reservations. For further details and a complete schedule Click Here.
A FEW WORDS FROM OUR AUSTRALIAN GUESTS:
Here is what past clients enjoyed most during their stay with us...
My wife, Gail and I stayed at Big White from 25th January to 5th February 2011. We didn’t get a chance to fill in one of your feedback forms before we left the mountain so I would like to take this opportunity to give you some feedback.
We had been looking forward to coming to Big White for several years but something always came up that prevented us from actually booking a trip. This season, we actually made it (albeit with Gail having a broken arm).
We would like to thank everyone at Big White from the lift attendants to the staff in the restaurants to the staff in all the retail outlets to everyone that we came in contact with. The smiling faces and helpfulness made our trip truly memorable. Some special mentions to staff that really helped us out – starting with Dave, the airport shuttle driver who went out of his way to make sure we found our condo at The Aspens and even helped with the luggage into the elevator.
Dallas from Activities was our first contact in the village and her helpfulness, happy smile and willing assistance really put us in a great mood to enjoy the rest of the trip.
We lunched at the Moose Lounge just about every day and Leah and Angela always welcomed us back with a smile and a chat.
Our ski instructor Nooner (Steve Noon). We had two private lessons and Nooner’s help for me as a beginner and Gail with her broken arm added to our experience on the mountain (even though he forgot to give me the change back from the last round of hot chocolates – don’t worry Nooner – we will be back……).
All in all, a most memorable trip – thank you so very much.
Kind Regards,
Steve & Gail Cook
February Holidays
It's been a couple of months since we were at Big White, but I wanted to let you know that we had a great time whilst we were there. We wanted to say thank you to the lifties at the tubing park who were very friendly and absolutely great with us. Our little girl had just turned 3 before we came over and just loved the tubing. We were there quite often during the last week of our holidays (5-10th Feb) and she seemed to make a big impression on some of the lifties with her hot pink sparkle sunnies and penguin gloves. In particular, there was a girl called Tee (not really sure how to spell it or if that was a nickname), who was great. She really helped make those times a bit more fun and a bit more personal for us, rather than just a trip up the lift and slide down. Our little girl really liked her. Though it wasn't just her, the group who were on at the same time were really friendly and responsive to our little one. It made for some really great memories. I don't know if any of them are still there this late in the season, but really wanted to let you know that you employed a pretty bunch at the snow coaster this year.
The lifties on the chairs were also great and friendly too. They always had a smile and were ready to help us with her if we needed it. Which mostly we didn't but it was great to know that we could take her on any chair lift (and we did take her on a lot of them!) and they were ready to help us get her on or off.
In fact, pretty much everyone we dealt with, whilst there were great and very helpful. Thanks for a great time.
We will be back to Big White in the future for sure. Hopefully in couple of years. It's a pretty big trek from Oz, but well worth it.
Natalie
Queensland
Australia.
The Staff make the difference
A few people stand out as worthy of special mention. First, our Snow Host Wayne, from Ontario. He chose terrain and set a pace that insured success for all of our group, especially me! He was truly excellent! Second, the rental equipment staff and especially the manager whose name escapes me, did a wonderful job of selecting the proper equipment that made my skiing a joy. They were also extremely patient, showing me how to get into, and secure, those totally foreign things on my feet - nothing like my old museum pieces! Third, your kitchen staff prepared a truly delicious and healthy lunch that was far beyond our expectations. We so appreciated the hospitality! Last but not least, your HR department is obviously top notch. Every employee we had the privilege to encounter was cheerful, helpful, efficient, and truly professional. To say that we had a fabulous time is truly an understatement. Thank you so very much for a great experience.
See you again soon!!
~ L. J.
Big White, the best family fun resort I’ve ever been to. Loved cruising the blues with my family and enjoying the relaxed and friendly vibe of this gem of a resort. Great snow, good food and fun happening all the time. We'll be back!"
"A Brilliant Holiday"
We came back to Big White this year (Jan 4th-12th 2009) and wanted to thank the resort for our brilliant holiday. We (stupidly) visited another Canadian ski resort (not Silver Star) this time, just out of curiosity and the good thing is now we can truly appreciate that Big White does it right when it comes to families with young children. The ski school for kids was great and has the flexibility with kids that we need. The drop off times into the designated building was great, gave peace of mind and allowed parents to make lesson times at 9 am without hassle. The Early bird half price lesson vouchers were excellent and that should continue as the flexibility was great for our family. Also my daughter who snowboards said "the size of the snowboarding classes were really cool not too big!!!!!!" She improved immensely during the time at Big White.
From my daughter " the tube park was awesome!!!!!!!!" THANKS the lifties and all others who made the tube park one of the best family experiences of the holiday. Those guys (lifties) were great in pushing and twirling us down the tubing run!!!!!! A special thanks to them!!!!!!! Best tube park in Canada and now we can compare it to others!!!!! Keep doing it well in the Tube Park it's great.
Dual resort Season passes were great value and allowed us the freedom of exploring Silver Star. Accommodation was lovely and as always convenient for our family (much easier than other resorts that rely on unreliable shuttle buses to self contained condos well out of the village). Staff were excellent and the arrangement of the Ice Hockey game for us through the internet was wonderful! All staff were great lifties, ski instructors and boot masters that helped me immensely!!!!! Great work.
Big White does it well for families and congratulations. I will be recommending your resort in Canada over others we have visited and we will not waste our time exploring other areas in future!!!!!!!!
Thanks
Janet (Sydney, Aust.)
Top 10 Frequently asked Questions
1. Can I buy groceries at Big White?
Yes, there is quite a large grocery store at Big White called the Market. If you prefer, there is a grocery delivery service called Vacation Foods or Smart Meals. Imagine arriving at Big White and your apartment is already stocked with groceries, including world famous Okanagan wines!! There is also a shopping shuttle that operates to Kelowna. For more information CLICK HERE.
2. How long does it take to get from Kelowna Airport and how do I get there?
Big White is located only one hour's drive from Kelowna Airport. It is services by the Big White Central Reservations shuttle. Contact Big White Central Reservations for more information at cenres@bigwhite.com.
3. What is the dining and nightlife like?
Big White offers a full array of food and beverage facilities from pizza delivered to your room to high end steak houses. Enjoy quick comfort food for breakfast and lunch inspired by the variety of international guests that visit the resort. Evening meals are paired with award winning local wines of the Okanagan Valley. Don't forget to ask about our signature "Gunbarrel Coffee" that is much more than a caffeine fix!! For further information CLICK HERE.
4. What is the average temperature?
The average daytime temperature is -5 degrees Celsius. There is a perception that Canada is unbearably cold in the winter, in fact, some areas are but not the Okanagan Valley area of British Columbia. Our average temperature is one of the reasons why we get so much snow......7.5 meters annually!!
5. What is the terrain like?
Big White's 3,052 resort area hectares of progressive terrain offers 118 runs. 18% beginner, 54% intermediate, 22% expert and 6% extreme.
6. What other activities are available at Big White?
There is an impressive variety of other winter wonderland activities to explore at Big White. You can even grab a pair of skates and test out your hockey skills. After all we know Aussies are mad about their sport and hockey!! Many other activities from snow tubing under the lights in the evening to horse drawn sleigh rides. For a full listing CLICK HERE.
7. When does the shuttle to Silver Star run?
Our Inter-Mountain Shuttle Service operates Saturdays and Wednesdays. We also have an Inter-Mountain Day Trip Shuttle that runs every Tuesday and Thursday from Big White to Silver Star and from Silver Star to Big White.
8. Are there any ATM's at Big White?
There are 5 ATM's on the mountain, located in the Village Centre Mall, The Happy Valley Day Lodge, Snowshoe Sam's, Raakel's and inside the entrance-way to The Market (general store).
9. Do the ATM's take VISA & MasterCard?
The ATM's accept all North American debit cards and worldwide Mastercards as long as they have the Cirrus logo on them.
10. Can I go to a Hockey Game? Where do I get tickets?
Kelowna is home of the "Kelowna Rockets". Our events department will organize several buses to Kelowna for hockey games during the winter season. To reserve your ticket(s) contact activities@bigwhite.com. Big White has a limited number of tickets, you can also check out the Kelowna Rockets website for a full schedule www.kelownarockets.com.
