Know Before You Go - Freeride Days Mountain Bike Festival 2022, August 4-6

Welcoming Freeride Days back for its 6th year and better than ever. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for the three-day mountain bike extravaganza.

1. Getting to Big White
Enjoy a 45-minute, scenic drive from Kelowna up to Big White by following Highway 33 until you hit Big White Road. Once you arrive, there is free parking in Happy Valley as well as the main Village. The village area is expected to be busy, so if you are game, make the trip by foot via Happy Valley Way. Its the most direct way to get to the village and will take you about 10 minutes. The village shuttle runs on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am - 5:30pm.

2. What to Bring/Wear
It’s always about 6-10 degrees cooler at Big White compared to Kelowna, so dress appropriately! Be sure to bring lots of water, sunscreen and bug spray, and to make your viewing more comfortable, a folding chair!

3. Event Schedule
The Happy Valley venue opens at 11am each day with the Beer Garden and Food trucks available, come early to get the ideal viewing spot. From 2pm, you’ll find the pros practicing for the big events. Thursday, July 20th we host the first event of the weekend – the Bronze Men’s Slopestyle. On Friday afternoon, from 2pm to 5:30pm, you’ll be able to watch the athletes practice on both the Bronze and Gold event. That evening, cheer on the Groms, the Bronze Women’s Slopestyle. Afterwards check out the Whip Off  and Best Trick competitions in the Slopestyle Centre. Saturday evening is the big event – the Gold Invitational Slopestyle hosted by Tom van Steenbergen. Find more information, here.

4. Site Map
The Slopestyle Centre is located in Happy Valley, where the Adventure Park activities are located in the Winter. Enjoy a merchandise and market expo, live DJs, and a food and beverage area during and after the freeride events.

5. Where to Stay
The team at Big White Central Reservations has put together an exclusive deal for those attending Freeride Days. Save 10% on accommodation at the Inn at Big White between August 3 and August 7. Rooms start at just $103.50 per night, and one to four night stays are available. (PS: it has a pool!) If you are planning on pulling up your RV for the weekend, be sure to book an RV spot in Happy Valley by calling 250.765.8888 or emailing cenres@bigwhite.com.

6. Where to Eat
Need to fuel up? There will be Food Trucks at the venue from 11am each day of the event. Muchachas for delicious tacos, Broken anchor for mouth watering Southern fare or Burger Boss for amazing handhelds. There are plenty of places to rehydrate and replenish at the resort, including the beer and food gardens (with live music!) for the event in Happy Valley. Or, head up to the Village and enjoy an ice-cold pint and burger on The Woods new and improved outdoor patio, cool off with an ice cream at The Bullwheel, grab a quick and healthy bite at Tea Bar Cafe, enjoy international inspired fare at The Globe and unwind after an adventure-filled day at everyone’s favourite pub - Snowshoe Sam’s. Craving sushi? Check out Sasquatch Sushi in StoneBridge. If you’re planning on packing your own lunch, there are plenty of picnic tables and designated eating areas throughout the resort. Please be sure to pack away everything you bring, and use the garbage and recycling cans available in busy areas.

7. Other Activities
You’re driving all the way up – you may as well check out what else the resort has to offer! The lift-accessible Bike Park will remain open all weekend, with the Bullet Chair running at 10am each morning from Thursday to Sunday. Access the hiking trails by foot, or by purchasing a Scenic Chairlift Ride ticket up to Rhonda Lake, and make your way back to the Village. Along the way you’ll spot wildlife, wildflowers and fairy doors!

If you’re looking for a great way to spend time with friends and still stay active, check out Big White’s 9-hole disc golf course, located below the main Village. Disc golf rentals are available in the Village Centre Mall.

Want to get closer to the action? Big White is currently looking for eager and enthusiastic volunteers to join the team – you can sign up, here. Volunteers will be provided with a free lunch, free scenic lift ticket, and a commemorative t-shirt