This article was published on December 16th, 2012

It might be early in the ski season, but it’s definitely mid-winter ski conditions at Big White Ski Resort, located in the Thompson Okanagan. The resort has been blessed with over 150cm of snow and the base just keeps building!

It’s the snow! Not kidding you. In the winter the coastal precipitation cools as it comes inland, which falls as dry, powder snow. The abundance of snow is incredible. Over 750cm each year!

Variety is a good way to describe the 105 marked runs. From glades and powder filled bowls, to perfectly groomed cruisers and black-diamond chutes, there’s every kind of skiing and snowboarding your heart desires. The longest run stretches over 7km (4.5 mi)!

You won’t be waiting in line either like you do at other large ski resorts. There are 16 lifts including a six-person chairlift, five quad chairs and seven other types of ski lifts. The 60 acre TELUS Park has terrain features for beginners, all the way up to professional.

If you don’t ski – don’t panic! You have options. There are snow limo’s that can take you on a tour of the mountain so you can experience the entire resort. Or spend your day relaxing at the spa, having coffee overlooking the spectacular Monashee mountains, skate on Canada’s highest outdoor skating rink, or take a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Once you’re off the slopes, the fun continues in the ski-in/ski-out village. There are almost 30 restaurants and bars on mountain for après-ski entertainment. From grab-and-go and casual dining, to small plates and thick steak dinners, chances are you won’t go hungry.

After dinner relax with a glass of Okanagan wine at the Kettle Valley Steak House or get a group of friends together at the Bull Wheel for drinks. As the night goes on, you’ll find a lot of the locals and younger crowd partying at Snowshoe Sam’s.

If you’re travelling as a couple, or a small group, there are 17,000 beds on mountain. While hotel rooms are obvious choice, there are plenty of other options including townhomes and luxury log cabins.

Big White Ski Resort is located 56km (23 mi) from Kelowna, BC. If you’re traveling from Vancouver there are a few options. Driving is pretty easy – take the Coquihalla (Highway #5) to Merritt and then the Connector to Kelowna (Highway 97C). It’s about a 4.5 hour drive in the winter. Just remember to drive slow. Another option is to jump aboard a charter bus line, like Destination Snow, where you can just relax and enjoy the time hanging out with friends and not have to worry about the driving part. Finally, the fastest option is aboard WestJet, offering multiple non-stop daily flights to Kelowna International Airport.

For more information and travel packages visit the Big White Ski Resort website.