Summer Safety

For all emergencies on the mountain during summer between 8:00am and 5:00pm Thursdays to Sundays and holiday Mondays, please contact PATROL at 250.491.6160. For all other emergencies, call 911.

As you set out on your summer adventure at Big White Ski Resort, your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. To ensure that your time here is both safe and memorable, we've compiled some essential guidelines and tips.

We encourage you to carefully review the following sections and stay informed about current conditions. By following these safety measures, you can help preserve the natural beauty of Big White and ensure a fantastic experience for all visitors.

Please note that smoking of any kind (including tobacco, marijuana, e-cigarettes, and vaporizers) is strictly prohibited anywhere on Big White Ski Resort property outside of paved parking lots including Happy Valley, Black Forest and the Village Centre. This policy applies to both summer and winter seasons. This policy applies to both summer and winter seasons.

Exclusion of Liability - Assumption of Risks

Using the premises and facilities at Big White Ski Resort and participating in its activities entails various risks, dangers, and hazards. By using these premises and facilities or participating in these activities, you agree to assume all risks of personal injury, death, or property loss arising from any cause, including negligence, breach of contract, or breach of any duty of care by the resort operator. Your legal responsibilities as a user or participant are detailed in the following notice, which is posted at the resort. Read More

 

Safety Protocols with Dogs

Dogs
  • Keep dogs on a leash for their safety and wildlife protection.
  • Clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly.
  • For added safety and control when approaching the top of the chairlift, a harness is highly recommended instead of a collar.

Sightseeing Chair Ride Safety

1. Look
  • Read lift signage.
  • Secure all loose items and remove backpacks.
2. Load
  • Ask for help if unsure.
  • Follow the chair through the station and stop at the “load here” marker.
  • Lift your feet after sitting down.
3. Lower
  • Lower the restraining bar.
  • Single riders should sit in the middle.
  • Do not swing, bounce, or jump from the chair.
  • Ensure children sit back in the seat.
  • Hold dogs securely; a harness is recommended.
4. Lift
  • Lift the restraining bar before entering the station.
  • Prepare to unload and keep feet up.
5. Stand
  • Stand at the “Unload Here” sign and walk straight ahead.

Smoke-Free Policy

No Smoking on Hiking Trails or Lifts
  • Forest fire danger prohibits smoking on trails and lifts.
  • Smoke only in paved parking lot areas.
  • Smoking is prohibited in all other resort areas.
Pre-Storm Standby:
  • Alpine hiking trails closed but lifts accessible to download hikers; loading available to bikers only.
  • No new tickets sold; bikers allowed to load.
Storm Standby:
  • Lift on standby; not loading public.

Weather Safety Protocols

In the Event of Lightning or Severe Weather:
  • Staff monitor weather and update key personnel.
  • Guests are notified by a horn system two hours prior to severe weather.
  • Hiking patrol closes upper hiking network and sweeps trails.
  • Lift access and bike park closed.
  • Seek shelter in an unlocked lift unload buildings if needed.
Pre-Storm Standby:
  • Alpine hiking trails closed but lifts accessible to download hikers; loading available to bikers only.
  • No new tickets sold; bikers allowed to load.
Storm Standby:
  • Lift on standby; not loading public.

Bear Awareness

Respecting Bears in Their Territory
  • Do not discard food waste; it attracts bears.
  • Do not feed wildlife.
  • Hike in groups and make noise.
  • Remain calm and think ahead for safety.
Bear Safety Tips
  • Do not run; back away slowly and speak softly.
  • Give the bear space and ensure it has an escape route.
  • If the bear rears up, it is curious, not aggressive.
  • Watch for aggressive behaviours and leave the area if observed.
  • For more information on Wildlife Safety, please visit: https://bcparks.ca/plan-your-trip/visit-responsibly/wildlife-safety/
  • To report potentially dangerous wildlife-human interactions, call the BC Government’s Report all Poachers and Polluters hotline at 877-952-7277 (RAPP) or #7277 on the TELUS Mobility Network.

Wildfire Safety

Big White Ski Resort has instituted several measures to minimize the risks of inter-face forest fires and structural fires. Please enjoy the mountain but use extreme caution and help preserve our natural environment. Respect all fire bans and be aware of the current fire rating for the area. For more information on the fire danger rating, visit BC Wildfire Service.

Important Safety Reminders

No Smoking: Smoking of any kind (including tobacco, marijuana, e-cigarettes, and vaporizers) is strictly prohibited on the chairlift, in the Alpine, and anywhere on Big White Ski Resort property outside of paved parking lots. This policy applies to both summer and winter seasons.

Pack Out What You Pack In: Dispose of rubbish (food wrappers, glass bottles, and cans) in garbage bins and recycling receptacles conveniently located at the top and bottom of the Bullet Chair and throughout the village. Help us keep the mountain clean and safe.

Stay Informed: For current information, please contact Resort Services in the Village Centre Mall or email resortservices@bigwhite.com.

Please visit our Winter Safety page for more information.


 

Mountain biking on the trails of the bike park is demanding on both the bike and body. Please follow the safety information on this page to help you get the most out of your day.

Notice


ALL RIDERS, PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

Injuries are a common and expected part of mountain-biking. We strongly suggest that full face helmets, full length gloves, biking armor and a full suspension bike be used in the Bike Park. If you are new to mountain-biking at Big White, or the Parent or Guardian of a younger rider, please familiarize yourself with the bike park and the mountain-biking activities we offer. Introductory mountain-biking lessons and beginner mountain-biking terrain are available and recommended. More challenging terrain and features should not be attempted unless the rider has the appropriate skills, experience and equipment to effectively negotiate such trail sections.

CARRY A MOBILE PHONE

DON'T RIDE ALONE


BIKE PATROL 250.491.6160

 

Bike Park Policies


AGE POLICY

  • Children under 5 yrs are not permitted in the bike park.
  • Children 6-12 are required to be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian (19yrs or older) when riding in the bike park.
  • Children 13-15 are strongly recommended to be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian (19yrs or older) when riding in the bike park.

The parent or guardian must sign the bike park waiver for the child at the time of purchase at the ticket desk on mountain.

BRAKE RECOMMENDATION

All bikes should have one functioning brake per wheel. Disc brakes are recommended. Steep grades necessitate disc brakes for adequate stopping power. Cantilever brakes will increase the fatigue factor as more effort will be required to maintain control.

SUSPENSION RECOMMENDATION

Full suspension bikes are recommended to navigate the terrain you will expect to find on the trails. Ensure that your suspension is tuned properly and is set up for your body weight and riding ability.

 

Ride Smart


SLOW DOWN BEFORE YOU SPEED UP

Crashes can happen on your first lap. Ride the trail multiple times to get familiar with the features and equipment you’re on so you can confidently push your limits without pushing your threshold.

PRE-Ride: Warm up the brain and body and inspect the trail at low speed.
RE-Ride: Lap the trail a few times and get to know the flow of the features.
FREE-Ride: Start small and work your way up to faster speeds and larger features.

 

Information for Parents


The Big White Resort bike park is a significantly different experience from cross country riding. The trails require constant physical and mental effort in order for all riders to maintain control.

 

LIFTS

Boarding the lift requires significant strength when loading a bike and children may require assistance. If you are unfamiliar with the bike loading process, please let our staff know and they can walk you through a demonstration in the village before proceeding to the lift.

CLOTHING

Protective clothing and equipment is mandatory for young riders. The best protection from abrasion requires a properly fitted full-faced helmet, gloves, long pants, long sleeves, leg armour, arm armour and solid running shoes.

 

EQUIPMENT

The bike park trails are specifically designed for full suspension mountain bikes. The trails are rocky, bumpy and become much more difficult without high quality suspension. Without full suspension, fatigue becomes a factor much sooner. The steep grades necessitate disc brakes for adequate stopping power. Cantilever brakes will increase the fatigue factor as more effort will be required to maintain control. All bike park participants should ride a properly sized bike and should be able to stand over the seat with their feet flat on the ground. A bike that is too large or with a high seat post increases the risk of injury. Jr DH rentals are available at the Rental Shop and our rental tech will help ensure your child is fitted with the right size bike.

TRAILS

The level of risk increases with the level of difficulty. Black trails often have significant drops and jumps that require skill and experience to navigate. Many difficult trails have a “gate-keeper" feature at the top designed to keep riders with insufficient skills off trails that will be beyond their ability, do not ride around these features. Young riders become a hazard to other riders if they are unable to ride a trail or move out of the way. Children should be accompanied by an adult at all times and should be monitored for fatigue regularly.

 

Mountain Bike Checklist


Mountain Bike Checklist

 

Mountain Bikers Responsibility Code


BIKE RESPONSIBILITY CODE

Mountain biking involves elements of risk that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.
Please adhere to the responsibility code, and share a safe experience with others.

  • Ride in control and within your ability level.
  • Protect Yourself. Helmets are mandatory. Other protective equipment is strongly recommended.
  • Do not ride if your ability is impaired by drugs, alcohol, or fatigue.
  • Inspect your bike or have it checked by a qualified bike mechanic before you ride.
  • Stay on marked trails. Obey all signs and warnings. Do not cut switchbacks. Keep off closed areas.
  • Inspect Trails and Features. Be aware of changing conditions on trails and features. Inspect features before use and throughout the day.
  • be Lift Smart. Make sure you have the physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to safely load, ride and unload lifts when riding at lift access resorts.
  • Look out for others. Avoid riders ahead of you. They have the right of way.
  • Be visible. Don not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
  • Cooperate. If you are involved in or witness a collision or accident, you must identify yourself to the Bike Patrol, staff member or local authority.

 

General Information and Safety


NO SMOKING ON ANY TRAILS OR WHILE RIDING THE LIFT DUE TO FOREST FIRE DANGER

  • Please smoke in designated smoking locations only.
  • No smoking is permitted anywhere in the Alpine.

Photos by Ben Walker

Bike Patrol
Family summer sightseeing chair
Hike
Bike

 

Smoke Free Big White

Smoking of any kind (including tobacco, marijuana, e-cigarettes and vaporizers) is strictly prohibited anywhere on Big White Ski Resort property outside of designated smoking areas. Applies to summer and winter seasons. Mountain Safety Info >>

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