Big White Ski Resort Closes Standout 2025–26 Season on Wave of Global Demand
The season overcame a slower start, with snow conditions rebounding in time for the holidays and a powerful late-season storm cycle carrying momentum through spring break. The result was one of the resort's most consistent seasons in recent memory, strong across traditional peaks and quieter mid-season windows alike.
"Our season was busier from start to finish than we've seen in recent years," said Trevor Hanna, Vice-President of Hospitality at Big White Ski Resort. "What impressed me most was the volume of destination guests we saw during traditionally slower windows — the gaps between public holidays, the lead-up to spring break. We all knew it was a lower snow year, but guests coming from outside the region consistently felt the mountain was showing extremely well. That says a lot about how the resort delivers on experience."
International Demand Reshapes the Mix
The season reflected evolving travel trends, with international visitors increasingly choosing Canadian destinations. Big White Ski Resort saw strong gains from Australia and California, while Ontario, B.C.'s Lower Mainland, Quebec and Manitoba remained key domestic markets.
"We're seeing a meaningful shift in where our guests are coming from, and it's validating the investments we've made in growing our presence in key international markets," said Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice-President at Big White Ski Resort. "The interest from Australia and the U.S. West Coast in particular signals that Canadian mountain destinations are competing at a global level and Big White Ski Resort is well-positioned to capture that momentum heading into next season.”
Snow and Conditions
Strong holiday momentum was set early, with daily lift rides exceeding 76,000 on December 28, 29 and 30 — among the resort's busiest days on record. The base climbed to 130–145 centimetres by late December and held consistent through January and early February.
A defining late-season storm cycle pushed snow depths to approximately 208 centimetres. Big White Ski Resort surpassed the 200-centimetre mark on March 13 and received 80 centimetres of fresh snowfall during the first week of spring break alone, including 21 centimetres overnight on March 16. Conditions held into April, with the base remaining above 170 centimetres through closing day.
Lessons and Family Programs
Demand extended well beyond the slopes. The Ski & Snowboard School reported significant growth across key programs: afternoon group lessons increased 40.6 per cent for adults and 37.7 per cent for children, while private lessons climbed 26 per cent overall. A new daycare facility, which opened March 5, further strengthened the resort's family-focused offering.
Food and Beverage
Food and beverage operations reflected the season's overall pace, with wholesale supplier data showing sales up approximately 27 per cent year-over-year. The reopening of the Kettle Valley Steakhouse was a standout moment.
"The Steakhouse elevated the entire resort experience," Hanna said. "We wanted to offer something genuinely upscale without losing the relaxed, welcoming feel that defines Big White — and guests responded. Full reservations from opening day to closing weekend told us everything we needed to know. There was a real gap here, and we filled it."
Across resort outlets, guests consumed more than 45,000 pounds of fries — roughly the weight of three adult elephants — along with 5,291 pounds of chicken tenders, 3,703 pounds of wings, 18,560 litres of milk and nearly 9,700 litres of cooking oil.
Events and Competition
TELUS Park enjoyed one of its most successful seasons yet, with the FIS Para Snowboard World Cup further cementing Big White’s reputation as a premier competition venue. Provincial competitions and marquee events kept the calendar packed, with the TELUS Kelowna Cup and the Neil Edgeworth Memorial Banked Slalom drawing 266 competitors. The park also raised the bar on terrain and programming, reintroducing the Rail Jam series, adding a halfpipe, and closing out the winter in style with the much-loved return of the Slush Cup.
Community Impact
Community contribution remained central to the season. The resort and its guests raised $48,297 for local charities, including $20,681 for Powderhounds Adaptive Snowsports. Local sponsorships contributed an additional $36,305, and $4,514 in food donations went to the Okanagan Food Bank — bringing total community contributions to $89,116.
The Snow Host and Powderhounds programs also expanded, with guided tours increasing 28.8 per cent to 1,674 tours and 680 adaptive lessons delivered to 153 participants, supported by thousands of volunteer hours.
New Terrain and Upgrades
In Happy Valley, fat biking launched on a dedicated trail, and RFID access was upgraded on beginner terrain. Expanded beginner terrain and a new surface lift are planned for the 2026–27 season.
"The new upgrades to Happy Valley — the earthworks and new magic carpet surface lift — will be a huge improvement," Hanna said. "Beginner skiers and snowboarders will have more terrain to progress on, along with more space for parents and spectators to comfortably watch their kids and grandkids.
Season passes for 2026–27 are now on sale under a limited-time price freeze until April 30. To learn more or purchase, visit bigwhite.com/season-passes.
Summer 2026
Big White Bike Park reopens July 1 and runs through September 7, operating Thursday through Sunday and holiday Mondays. This summer marks the resort's largest-ever intermediate terrain expansion, with the introduction of the Spruce Blues trail network and a new intermediate skills park designed to support rider progression ahead of the Bike Big White BC Cup.
The full summer event lineup returns, including Fiv'r Fridays, Music in the Mountains, Craft & Country Mountain Fest and Warm Up for Winter Weekend. The full summer event lineup returns, including Fiv'r Fridays, Music in the Mountains, Craft & Country Mountain Fest and Warm Up for Winter Weekend. Explore summer events at bigwhite.com/summer/events-activities/summer-events.