Big White open for S U M M E R!!

As of June 27th, Big White Ski Resort is open for Summer! This year brings biking, hiking and lots of new and exciting adventures to the mountain. It’s time to connect with nature, enjoy breathtaking views, and take in that fresh mountain air!

Lets start off with the new activities available for the Summer season at Big White:

Horseback Adventures – Big White teamed up with Christine & Troy McDonald & their team to bring this unforgettable experience to Big White.

Women’s Camps – Whether you’re a new rider or have years of experience, this fun fierce clinic is a great way to learn new skills with like-minded women.

Camping – Tents & RVS are welcome at Big White campgrounds! Located in Black Forest with all the necessary amenities. Pets are welcome too!!

Of course, making a huge comeback this year is BIKING and HIKING!

Hiking – Grab a trail map and head out to enjoy the amazing trails Big White mountain has to offer.

Biking – Featuring 19 world class gravity fed trails that range from rolling greens, bermed blues, and big air blacks, Bike Big White has something for every level of rider. NEW for 2019 is the Joker, Bike Big White’s premier jump trail!

Don’t forget about FREERIDE Days July 11-14 where Tom van Steenbergen hosts Pro/Gold Invitation Slopestyle

Spring Cleaning Tips

It’s that time of year, although it doesn’t look or feel like it with all the snow, but it’s time to start your spring clean! The weather is set to warm up and the sun is scheduled to shine, and what better way to spend those in between type days than by airing out and organizing your home in preparation for the busy summer months ahead.

I have collected some fantastic tips for all the most-important tasks both big (patio furniture) and small (makeup), so whether you’ve got a whole weekend or just a spare moment, I have you covered!

Doormats

To refresh, hose off and air-dry mats. Vacuum indoor ones on both sides — going over the back will push trapped dirt out onto the floor where it will be easier to pick up. Trap more dirt by using two mats, one outside the door and one inside.

 

Microwave

Place large microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and a chopped-up lemon, lime, or orange or several tablespoons of vinegar inside. Turn the appliance on high for several minutes or until the solution boils and the window is steamy, then let it sit to cool for 15 minutes before opening the door. Remove and wipe out the inside and outside with a sponge.

Makeup

Getting rid of expired makeup, skincare, and hair products is a quick way to declutter. Admit it, you’ve got some things in your drawers you haven’t used in over 6 months!

Kids Toys

Don’t overlook the convenience of your dishwasher. It can take on more than just plates, including your children’s (and pet’s) plastic toys. Just choose a gentle cycle and skip the heated dry.

 

Patio Furniture

Add a squirt of dish detergent to a bowl of warm water, then wipe down tables and chairs. Finish it all off with a spray of water from the garden hose.

Weekly Big White Events

We usually head up to Big White Ski Resort for some good old skiing and snowboarding in that champagne powder, BUT, did you know that Big White hosts a variety of family friendly events every week?

MONDAYS

Masters Mondays – for skiers/snowboarders young at heart but mature in years!

TUESDAYS

Kids Craft Corner – Free seasonal crafts and activities!

Bingo – Fun for the entire family with great prizes and giveaways!

WEDNESDAYS

Ladies Day – Fun, relaxed, lesson ending with wine and giveaways!

Bonfire & Hot Chocolate – Warm up at the ice skating rink in Happy Valley!

Don’t forget the Lyrics – Bring the family or a team for a night full of fun music!

Wine Lover Wednesdays – Informal Wine Tasting 101, with a minimum of 6 wines, paired with delicious Tapas bites, some wine education and a lot of fun!

THURSDAYS

Park Chics – Run by girls for girls in small fun groups!

Family Channel Carnival Night – Carnival games, delicious treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Trivia Night – Lots of prizes up for grabs but you have to beat the Quizzly Bear!

Live Music – Enjoy a night of great live music at The Globe!

FRIDAYS

Bonfire & Hot Chocolate – Warm up at the ice skating rink in Happy Valley!

Freaky Fun Friday Events – An evening full of surprises for the entire family!

SATURDAYS

Park Chics – Run by girls for girls in small fun groups!

Bonfire & Hot Chocolate – Warm up at the ice skating rink in Happy Valley!

Family Channel Carnival Night – Carnival games, delicious treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Fireworks – Experience joy with extravagant fireworks in Happy Valley!

SUNDAYS

Interdenominational Church Service – Join Pastor Jack for service held upstairs in the Village Centre Mall!

Catholic Church Service – Father Wayne will lead the service held upstairs in the Village Centre Mall!

DAILY

Happy Valley Apres – Live music, free popcorn, hot chocolate and colouring for the kids!

Whether you ski, snowboard, or neither, there is always a fun, exciting event to enjoy at Big White Ski Resort!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!!

Big White’s Jr. Chef Challenge

Big White Ski Resort is known their champagne powder, but it’s also known for providing excellent family fun throughout the year without having to strap the skis or board on. This event is one of Big White’s newest, and is popular for all ages as a fun family event!

Presented by the Family Channel, Big White’s Jr. Chef Challenge takes place on January 18th, 2019 from 4:30pm-6pm.

All contestants will participate in 3 skill testing challenges, testing their abilities and skills in the kitchen. Then, the final 3 move onto the Final round, the ‘Chef Challenge’ with Big White’s guest judge!! This round will have the guest judge create a mouth watering dish, and the final 3 must recreate that dish to the best of their abilities. The guest judge will determine the winner!!

This event will be fun and create memories for the whole family. So bring everyone to cheer the participants on!

Any children, 13 and under, who wish to complete is this fun event is urged to sign up at the Concierge Desk as space is limited.

For more information on this event or other incredible events Big White has to offer please click here

 

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

 

Big White’s Winter Kick Off!

Mark November 30th on your calendars! It’s Big White’s Winter Kick Off and you won’t want to miss it!

All the festivities are kicked off with the lighting of the massive bonfire in Happy Valley at 6:00pm. While staying warm, the kids can decorate something for the fridge at the craft station and at 6:45pm the entire sky will light up with a beautiful firework display!

Head to your vehicles at 7:00pm to tune into and enjoy the drive-in movie in Happy Valley Car Park. Bring your blankets and bundle up! This years movie is The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. 

Happy Valley Day Lodge will be open with all your winter favourites on the menu!

For more information: click here

Big White Pond Hockey Tournament

Big White has announced its first ever pond hockey tournament this December! Taking place at 1,700m this event is a great opportunity to get a team of your family or friends together for a weekend of fun!

The tournament will consist of 12 teams competing in 5-on-5 pond hockey. Each team is guaranteed three games with the winning teams moving forward into the playoffs. The tournament is open to anyone over the age of 19. Teams can have a maximum of 6 players and must have at least one male and one female player on the ice at all times (no goal tending/goalies)

The fun doesn’t stop when you get off of the ice though, join us for our opening banquet in Happy Valley on Friday night!

Additionally hockey players are offered a 20% discount on accommodation through Central Reservations.

For more information on this event click here

Where to eat at Big White

Did you know there are over 20 restaurants to choose from at Big White? There really is something for everyone!

Start your day at Clocktower Coffee Co. Open at 7:00am daily, this is a ski-in ski-out coffee shop to grab your perfectly roasted cup of java and their Heck Ya breakfast sandwich before heading out on the slopes.

There are plenty of choices for a mid-day snack or lunch! The Ridge Rocket Cafe is fast, delicious and offers homemade soups, baked goods and burgers and fries! Conveniently located at the base of the Snowghost Express and the Ridge Rocket Express.

Voted #1 ski bar by ‘Ski Canada Magazine’ Snowshoe Sam’s is a classic at Big White. Not only does Sam’s have killer food, it also offers 20 beers on tap, pool tables, and a resident DJ every night.

Located upstairs of Snowshoe Sam’s, the Gunbarrel Grill offers a wonderful selection of locally produced food and wine, and delicious homemade desserts for the whole family.

Big White’s newest bistro is the Black Forest Day Lodge. With breathtaking panoramic views of the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges this bistro offers a variety of modern dishes including a kids menu and a vegan burger!

Nestled in Happy Valley Day Lodge at the bottom of Lara’s Gondola, the Kettle Valley Steakhouse is an upscale oasis of fine hospitality. Offering an extensive Okanagan wine list, organic and sustainable dishes.

Known for its excellent location in the heart of Big White Village, The Woods is offers an outdoor beer garden and has something on the menu for everyone!

For a list of restaurants at Big White, click here!

Making your Big White Rental a 10/10 for Guests

So you’ve purchased an investment property at Big White and are jumping into the mountain’s rental market.  You may be wondering how to make your property stand out amongst the rest. Read along to find out how to score perfect reviews with your guests and have them returning again and again.

1. Create a welcoming impression

tart by leaving a welcoming treat or present for when they arrive, this will create a good starting point. Don’t keep everything hidden, leave a cozy throw on the couch, and maybe some bathroom supplies on the counter in cute jars.

2. House Manual

Ensure you have a house manual that has all the information a guest will need about your home, building, and the mountain. Don’t forget the wifi password and a event calendar for all the incredible events Big White offers.

3. Cleanliness

Always have your rental property cleaned top to bottom prior to renting it out. Some guests pay attention to how well a home is cleaned and maintained and that effects their experience. Squeegee the windows, scrub the corners, and wipe down the walls.

4. Do 1 big gesture

Do something unexpected, like leaving a gift card to a Big White restaurant, gifting the kids a souvenir Big White toque from one of the shops, or a ski or snowboard rental voucher.

Going above and beyond will with these 4 tips will ensure you receive a fantastic review from your guests and continue bringing in revenue!

 

Are you ready for November 22nd?

It’s opening Day at Big White Ski Resort!

The day all the skiers and snowboarders anxiously wait all summer for.  Big White completed some major upgrades over the summer, $10 million dollars worth of upgrades!

New to the mountain this year is the Powder Chair. This new lift increases upload capacity to 2400 passengers an hour and cost $3.9 million. Another addition is the $1.7 million dollar skier tunnel expansion on the Hummingbird run.

This year, Big White Ski Resort is kicking-off the winter season with a new and exciting series of events to celebrate the most wonderful time of year!

The Winter Warm Up will take place November 30-December 16. This fun family event will be the kick-off to the winter season. Many events will take place during the Winter Warm Up including the Big White Light Up, Big White Christmas Market, Big White Winter Rally, Big Reds at Big White wine festival and the Big White Hockey Tournament.

And did you know that the Big White Ski Hosts will show you the best ski and snowboarding spots on Big White Mountain with a complimentary mountain tour!? Tours happen at 10:30am starting at Dizzy’s Ski Shop and run from December 3-April 8.

Do you want to live where you play? I can help! Check out my Big White listings or contact me to show you around!


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Winter Sports in Kelowna

Avid winter sport participants have been counting down the days for the opening of the Okanagan’s prestigious and world renowned ski hill Big White, and on November 30th, they will welcome the official opening, which begins at 8:45 AM. Big White is celebrated for it’s famous Okanagan Champagne powder, abundance of family friendly winter activities and world class runs. Whether it’s another year for you to spend up at the hill, or your first year, the opening of the mountain is being met with anticipation, as the hill provides enjoyment for inhabitants of both the mountain, the city, and tourists alike. With only an hour drive to downtown Kelowna, it provides easy access to a natural winter wonderland for those looking to get out of the city for a while.

Maybe snowboarding and skiing aren’t included in your main focus- or you’re looking to take a time out from the slopes. Whatever the case, rest assured that Big White offers many other activities, including retail options, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, food, wine & relaxation. Shop many of the boutique shops located in the Village for some retail therapy, where they have something for all ages. If putting your feet up is desired, Big White is home to the Elevation Village Spa, and has been pampering guests since 2007, with two locations in the village, a great activity to a long day of winter sport participation.

Looking for a place to eat? TripAdvisor recommends The Woods as it’s #1 choice, even granting it a Certificate of Excellence, with the Globe Cafe & Tapas Bar ringing in at a close second. If you’re looking for an intimate dining experience, try 6 Degrees — or maybe you’re looking for something a little more casual, in which case, check out the Sessions Taphouse & Grill, a local favourite.

As a local of Big White Ski Resort, I can help you make the most out of your Big White experience. Whether you’re interested in finding out about the mountain’s real estate market, the amenities it has to offer, or the Okanagan area in general, contact me and find out how you not make the Big White Ski Resort your vacation destination, make your permanent destination.