Your Guide to Visiting Big White for AltiTunes Music Festival
On April 5 and 6, Big White Ski Resort will play host to a variety of musicians, bands and DJs for Canada's Largest Mountain Music Festival - AltiTunes. This two-day outdoor concert will see thousands of music lovers coming up the mountain to dance, enjoy balmy weather, and maybe get in a lap or two on the snow.
If you haven’t been to the resort before, we’re here to help you navigate what will likely be the wildest weekend of the season. Here are a few things you should know (you can also check out the festival FAQ here):
1. Parking
We know parking might be a little tight over the weekend. If you’re attending AltiTunes with friends, we recommend carpooling! There’s free day parking all over the resort including Happy Valley, Gem Lake and Black Forest. Please don’t park on the roads.
If you’ve booked accommodation with Big White Central Reservations, parking passes will be provided and confirmed at check-in.
If you’re in need of an overnight parking permit, those can be obtained through the Central Mountain Check-In, located in Happy Valley – overnight parking is only available in the Happy Valley overflow parking lot, and vehicles without a permit will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Our tips? Carpool and arrive early. Find more parking information, here.
Click here for more mountain maps.
2. Dress Appropriately!
Festival runs rain or shine! With the sun shining later and later, temperatures will vary significantly throughout the day. Pro tip? Layer, layer, layer. And don’t forget to bring sunscreen! We'll have hand and toe warmers for purchase through Mountainside, The Rider, and Altitude in the Village Centre Mall, as well as a selection of Big White merch including the famous Big White pom-pom snowball toque! Our merchandise tent will be open on Friday and Saturday until the opening of the last act (8:30pm). Drop by and grab some official swag!
3. Getting to the Village
Once you’ve secured a parking spot, you’re ready to get exploring! If you’re looking for something to do until then (but aren’t in the mood to strap on a pair of skis), jump on the gondola (it’s FREE!), and take a ride up to the main resort Village. There, you can find a plethora of food and beverage options (why not try out The BullWheel’s famous pink doughnuts or grab a coffee from Clocktower Coffee Co?), epic mountain views, and shopping options in the Village Centre Mall.
The Happy Valley Day Lodge will be entirely closed Friday and Saturday for the event. Seasonal locker holders will still have access with a chaperone.
Find all of our food and beverage outlets, here.
Find shopping information, here.
4: Once You’re in the Gates
The gates at Happy Valley will open at 3 pm on Friday, April 5, and at 2 pm on Saturday, April 6, for this exclusive 19+ event. Remember to bring your government-issued ID, as re-entry will not be allowed after 7 pm—no exceptions. Enjoy all-day musical performances from our talented lineup, leading up to our headlining acts:
Friday, April 5th, 2024: Elderbrook, Vandelux, Evan Giia
Saturday, April 6th, 2024: Milky Chance, X Ambassadors, Jessia
Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and warm blankets for their comfort. For those requiring wheelchair access, please reach out to us at altitunes@denimonthediamond.com.
While bags are permitted, they will be subject to inspection. Feel free to bring extra clothing, jackets, toques, mitts, and long johns to keep cozy.
We've simplified the beverage process—drink tokens are no longer necessary! Enjoy direct payment at the bar, with a cash bar option also available. Please note, outside beverages are strictly prohibited, but don't worry! A selection of local food vendors will be offering delicious eats, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
5. Other Fun
We’ve extended the hours of Lara’s Gondola to run until 11pm on both evenings to make your trip back up to the Village easier!
Our weekly fireworks show on Saturday night will take place at 9pm. Watch from the concert grounds, on Happy Valley Way, Woodcutter, or from your accommodation.
If you are planning on strapping on a plank or two over the weekend, be sure to purchase your lift tickets online and save 25%! If you’re coming Friday and happen to have an RBC Avion card holder, you can buy an adult lift pass for yourself and get a second one free with the Friday Friend Pass.
6. The After Party
Staying the night? Keep the party going on the dance floor at Snowshoe Sam’s! Voted '#1 Ski Bar' by Ski Canada Magazine and 'Best Après Ski Venue in North America' by the Good Skiing and Snowboarding Guide, Sam's is also a 'Best of Kelowna Gold Award' Recipient. With over 20 beers on draft, a large food menu, pool tables, video games, and entertainment, this is the perfect place to meet friends, make new ones, and share in an epic night together at the resort.
If you are heading back to your accommodation, please be respectful of the other guests staying on the mountain. Most Central Reservation accommodation require quiet time between 11pm and 7am.
7. Staying Safe
Big White Ski Resort wants everyone to arrive safely home, whether that’s to their accommodation on the mountain or back in Kelowna. Please don’t drink or use any altering substances and drive – there will be a police check-stop on Big White Road the night of the concerts.
AltiTunes has enlisted the Harm Reduction Team from the University of British Columbia - Okanagan Campus to check any substances, for free. This service is legal, and fully confidential! HaRT analyzes your sample within minutes, and they can tell you the top 4 ingredients plus the concentrations - and you get your sample back!
If you are planning on using any substances we always recommend using with someone else whenever possible. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please send the team a message or an email at harm.reduction@ubc.ca.
For an insider's glimpse into the AltiTunes weekend, tune into our YouTube channel and experience the event as it unfolds.