Ski & Board School FAQs
Should I take a lesson?
In short - yes. 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. They’ll 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.
Do I have to book a lesson in advance?
Yes — we strongly recommend pre-booking all Ski & Board School programs. Book online through the Big White eStore and save 10%! Online bookings are accepted until 6:00 PM the day before your lesson. You can also contact our team directly for assistance.
bookdirect@bigwhite.com
250-765-8888
Toll Free (North America): 1-800-663-2772
AU: 0011-800-2449-4483 (Charges may apply)
NZ & UK: 00-800-2449-4483
Where do I go when I arrive?
Check your confirmation email for specific meeting details. Here's a quick guide:
- Adult Group Lessons: Meet outside the Village Centre Mall. Look for instructors standing beside flags that indicate your lesson level.
- Private Lessons: Your instructor will be waiting for you at the Ski & Board School “Meeting Place” flags near the clock tower - they’ll know your name.
- Children’s Lessons: Head to the Kids’ Centre on the lower level of the Village Centre Mall to sign-in.
Need help? Visit the Ski & Board School desk inside the Village Centre Mall (the building with the clock tower) or ask any of our friendly instructors in red uniforms.
What should I wear?
If you're new to snow sports or unfamiliar with Canadian winters, it's important to dress for the cold. At Big White, the average temperature is around -5°C, and you'll be outdoors for the entire lesson. Here’s what we recommend:
- Layer up:
- Start with thermal long underwear or tights as a base layer.
- Add mid-layers like fleece or wool for warmth.
- Finish with a water- and wind-resistant outer layer (e.g. a ski jacket and pants). Avoid jeans - they won’t keep you warm or dry!
- Stay dry and warm:
- Choose wool or polyester blends over cotton - they insulate better and wick away moisture.
- One pair of wool or synthetic socks is enough - bulky socks can actually reduce circulation.
- Don’t forget:
- Helmets aren’t mandatory for adults in lessons but are strongly recommended for all skiers and snowboarders.
- Waterproof gloves or mittens (nylon or leather shell) are essential.
- Goggles or sunglasses protect your eyes - use goggles in snowy or windy conditions.
- Apply sunscreen on sunny days - the snow reflects UV rays!
What kind of equipment do I need?
For skiing, you will need ski boots, skis and poles. For snowboarding, you’ll need a snowboard and snowboard boots.
Our rentals department will be able to fit you with equipment that suits your height, weight, and ability. They also have helmets available for rent. Big White offers rental skis and snowboards designed for beginners. When renting, simply let your rental technician know you’re starting out in the sport, and they’ll help select the right beginner ski or snowboard for you.
What if I have my own equipment?
Great! Just make sure that it is in good working condition, fits comfortably, and is the right size for you. We recommend ensuring your equipment has been recently serviced by a trained technician before heading out on the slopes
What if I never got a confirmation email?
Email the reservation team to enquire about your booking – bookdirect@bigwhite.com.
Do I need poles?
In adult lessons we strongly advise using poles, as these will better help you balance and move around as you get started. Your instructor will show you how to safely use them and there may be parts of your lesson where you go without poles so that you can challenge your balancing skills.
In the Kids Centre children may or may not ski with poles depending on their ability.
Do I need to purchase a lift-ticket?
In order to use any of the lifts, including magic carpets, you will need to purchase a lift ticket or season pass.
How do you track my progress in Ski School?
In the Kids Centre, Instructors use a card tick off system that shows a child's progress throughout a lesson, which the child gets to take home.
For adult group lessons, your instructors will advise you of your progression and level to return for future lessons. If you are changing levels, the instructor will then let our administrative team know so we can keep track for you, to make your next lesson booking simple and easy.
How many people are in each group lesson?
Depending on the age group and lessons you have booked into. Our Adult group lessons are up to a maximum of 8 people. In our Kids Centre, for our 4–5-year-olds, we have a maximum of 4 per class. For the 6–8-year-olds, we have a maximum of 5 per class. For the 9–12-year-olds, we have a maximum of 7 per class.
What are the benefits of a private lesson?
Private Lessons offer personalized coaching with one-on-one attention from one of our expert Snow Pros. The lesson is fully tailored to your pace, goals, and learning style — whether you want to build confidence, work on specific skills, or explore more challenging terrain. It’s the fastest way to progress and get the most out of your time on the mountain.
Will I be able to pick my instructor?
For all private lessons, you can request a specific instructor when booking your lesson. If your preferred instructor is available, we’ll gladly assign them to your class.
Can I reschedule my lesson? How much notice is required?
Group Lessons can be rescheduled, at no penalty, for another available date during the current season, with at least 24 hours' notice. Private Lessons can be rescheduled with at least 72 hours notice, a $30 + tax admin fee applies.
What if I'm unable to make my lesson due to injury or sickness?
If you cannot attend due to illness or injury, credit towards a future purchase on the Big White e-store may be offered (admin fee may apply).
What will happen if I'm late?
Unfortunately, if you are late, you will miss the lesson and not be able to attend. Please review your confirmation email for details of the meeting place and time for your lesson.
Can I leave my group lesson at any time?
Adults are free to leave their lessons at any time. Children may only leave lessons when an instructor has been shown the barcode (provided in the confirmation email) by the registered guardian of that child. In certain circumstances, the Kids Centre may contact the guardian to arrange an early pick-up.
What can I expect?
A fun and safe learning experience! Your experience should be all about having a good time and learning something new.
At the meeting place you will be greeted by your instructor, who will ask questions to understand what you want to achieve from your time together and take you to the terrain that’s best suited to your needs. Our ski and snowboard pros are there to help you with equipment and answer any questions you may have about your adventure.
How do I find more information?
Contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable agents:
bookdirect@bigwhite.com
250-765-8888
Toll Free (North America): 1-800-663-2772
AU: 0011-800-2449-4483 (Charges may apply)
NZ & UK: 00-800-2449-4483
Parent FAQ
Are helmets for children 12 and under still offered for free?
Children aged 12 and under receive a complimentary helmet when renting a full set of equipment from the Rental Shop in the Village Centre Mall (excludes seasonal renters).
Can I ski/snowboard with my child?
Yes, we encourage you to book a private lesson, and you can choose to share your private experience with your child. Unfortunately, we do not allow parents to attend our kids' specific group lessons.
Can you cater to special needs children?
We have instructors who are qualified to teach children and adults with cognitive challenges, please see our Adaptive Ski Program webpage for further information. If you would like coaching for any physical challenges, please see Powderhounds Adaptive Snow Sports.
Do you offer day care services?
Yes,our Tot Town Daycare is ideal for the pre-ski child, or for the child who does not wish to ski the whole day. Each day at Tot Town Daycare Centre is unique, exciting and filled with activities and adventures. Children will have the time of their lives with a mixture of indoor play and outdoor activities (weather permitting).
What if I have dietary requests or food allergies?
We strive to accommodate dietary requirements and provide alternative options whenever possible. When registering, you’ll have the chance to inform us of any drug or food allergies. For severe allergies or specific concerns, please contact us prior to your visit. The Kids Centre & Kids Lessons are nut-free zones.
Will my child and their friend be able to be in the same group lesson?
When booking or registering for the lesson, you can request your child to be put in the same group as their friends, as long as their ages and ability levels are the same. We will try our best to accommodate; however, we cannot guarantee this in our group lessons.
Will my children be able to ski/snowboard together if they're in separate age groups?
We can accommodate this within reason - depending on the age gap, ability and the number of other children at that level. We would need to put any older/higher ability children in the younger/lower ability group.
Will i be able to meet my child during lunchtime?
The Kids Centre is a parent-free zone so you are not allowed into the staging area. However, should you wish to check in with your child, an attendant can bring them out to meet you in the foyer.
Will my child be made to ride the chair-lift alone?
Depending on the group size, a child may be loaded with either the instructor or a responsible adult – we cannot ensure that your child is accompanied by an instructor for every trip. The instructor will ensure that all of the children understand how to ride the lift safely and will explain the responsibilities to an adult who volunteers to escort the child on the chair. Children are loaded at a 1 to 1 ratio with members of the public.
Do you have a lost and found?
If your child leaves any belongings at the Kids Centre, please visit the drop-off area during operating hours (8:30 AM - 4:00 PM) and speak with an attendant. We recommend labeling gloves, neck warmers, and other items with your child’s initials to help identify them.
For other lost items on the mountain, check the Lost & Found at the Concierge desk in the Village Centre Mall.