The White Out series 4 episode 11 – Friday January 3

Ski Weekends sponsor introduction 

Dom: Hello listeners and welcome to the white out podcast in association with ski weekends

Ski Weekends offers great value short break ski holidays in catered chalets over a 3, 4 or 7 night period and fully flexible hotel options. There’s also dedicated solo holidays, group ski breaks, a programme that offers great value accommodation in some of the biggest and best ski areas and even the chance to ski with Eddie the Eagle Edwards in Les Gets this winter. Visit skiweekends.com 

INTRO

Rob: yes hello and welcome everyone, I'm Rob PR director of Ski Press and general ski and gear geek and that’s my co-host Dom, he's Publisher at InTheSnow magazine

Dom: and together we are the white out podcast 

Each week we talk about ski news from around the world, where's best to ski now, we uncover the latest ski gear for the season and we feature some of the best ski destinations on the planet.

Rob: and here we go into a new year Dom, with great snow conditions in most places across the Alps and perhaps more importantly, no real sign of warmer temperatures to come.

Dom: It’s looking like one of the best starts in years and like you say, it should continue too. what are your plans Rob?

Rob: well, hanging out in Telford with you Dom! I mean come on, forget skiing powder, it’s the SLIDE trade show.

Dom: important event Rob and i know you love all that kit. and let’s face it, where would you rather be at the start of January, Telford or Tignes?

Rob: fair point Dom, love Telford. 

Dom: well i’m sure we will be reporting back on all the new ski kit that will be coming through in the autumn of 2025.

Rob: and i noticed that on the second day, January 8th, it’s the night slalom from Madonna di Campiglio and you know that means a big party. i mean we’ll have the likes of Finlay Mickel around I’m sure and it’s always good entertainment.

Dom: and of course we’ll be hearing from Ed Drake later in the podcast about what’s happening in the world of ski racing.

Rob: yes well lots right, i mean Lindsey Vonn making a comeback and not doing too badly, let’s just say that. 

Dom: worth reminding listeners of your interview with her a few years ago Rob. 

Rob: yes, well I’m not sure whether she’s doing the right thing but either way, she’s proved she can still do it at the very top level, not sure what that says about everyone else though.

Dom: oooh, that’s a bit below the belt Rob.

Rob: Fair point. we know Marcel Hirchser is now injured and we probably won’t see him again. But perhaps Vonn’s comeback will be good for the sport, push people on a bit. if you’re at the top of your game and getting beaten by a 40 year old, you need to step up…

Dom: 40 is the new 30 Rob

Rob: apparently 70 is the new 60 Dom, which was the subject of recent research and an article in the times last month. It bodes well for the skiing industry because let’s face it, we want to be skiing when we’re 70 Dom.

Dom: well we know the average age of the skier worldwide is late 30’s to early 40’s, slightly higher in the UK too and that has gone up by nearly 10 years in the past 20 years.

Rob: I do see a lot of young people skiing though Dom, which i know goes against the data. 

Dom: our kids love it that’s for sure.

Rob: yes and it’s interesting - my daughter, it has taken a while for her to really get into it but we had a great week in Courchevel 1650 last season and i must say, i reckon it all clicked. plus she’s starting to realise the potential for apres, lunches, blingey shopping, all that stuff.

Dom: it’s definitely the full package Rob when it comes to skiing that’s for sure - maybe we need to do a beginners special because whilst so many of our listeners are already skiers or snowboarders. there’s a world of people out there that haven't been skiing, and it’s not just about the skiing right.

Rob: yep like that and obviously we can all share that information and spread the word. Skiing….it’s just about sliding downhill.

Dom: there you go, it’s the new industry tag line.

Rob: I should get a job in marketing. 

Dom: stick to PR Rob.

Rob: yeah probably best, it’s all champagne swigging and parties, works for me. Still i like a tag line, skiing…it’s not all about swigging champagne and parties, but they help

Dom: I’m happy with a hot chocolate by the fireplace myself Rob

Rob: there you go Dom, something for everyone in this line of business.

Dom: well it’s time to get down to business Rob,  let’s take a look at the latest news…

Rob: good idea, what’s happening as we head into the new year Dom

NEWS

Dom: 

Adventurer Preet Chandi Aims to Ski Solo to the North Pole

Preet Chandi, an adventurer from Derby, is attempting to become the first woman to ski solo and unsupported to the North Pole, a feat achieved by only two others: Norway's Borge Ousland (1994) and Britain’s Pen Hadow (2003). Known as "Polar Preet," Chandi has already set polar exploration records, including being the first Asian woman to complete a solo South Pole expedition in 2022 and breaking the record for the longest unsupported Antarctic ski trek in 2023.

Her North Pole journey, starting in March from Ellesmere Island, Canada, presents unique challenges such as shifting sea ice, open water crossings, rough terrain, and polar bears. To prepare, Chandi is undergoing rigorous physical training and plans to gain 15 kilograms.

Despite the difficulty, Chandi hopes to inspire others by showing that challenges can be overcome one step at a time. If successful, she will cement her legacy as a trailblazing polar explorer.

Rob:

Fabulous Christmas & New Year Snow Conditions Across the Alps

The Alps are experiencing some of the best Christmas and New Year skiing conditions in years, following heavy snowfall and stabilizing weather. High-altitude resorts like Val d’Isère and Chamonix received over 1m of snow, while lower-altitude destinations like Megève and Morzine also boast excellent coverage.

Despite superb conditions, off-piste risks remain high, with avalanches causing fatalities in Les Arcs and Arosa. The storm disrupted travel across France, Switzerland, and Austria, with road closures, chain requirements, and high avalanche warnings in several regions.

Dom:

Yes and Snow has reached valley levels in many areas, aided by low temperatures that ensure powder preservation. Resorts in Italy's Aosta Valley received up to 50cm of snow, while other southern Alps regions relied on artificial snow.

With stable weather and excellent snow depth, the Alps promise a memorable holiday season, while North America also enjoys outstanding skiing conditions.

Never like to report these stories but, we have to to ensure people are well aware of the dangers of not being prepared, for the skiing they are doing:

Fatal Avalanches in the Alps

This week, avalanches in the Alps have tragically claimed four lives, including a father and son in Austria and a teenager in France, following heavy snow and high winds.

Key Events

• France: A teenage boy died in Les Arcs, and two teenagers were injured in Val d’Isère while skiing off-piste.
• Austria: A father and his 22-year-old son lost their lives in an avalanche on Rosskopf Mountain.
• Switzerland: Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger was killed in an avalanche in Arosa.

Avalanche Warnings

• Avalanche risk remains “considerable” (Level 3) in many areas.
• Authorities urge skiers to follow safety guidelines, avoid off-piste zones, and carry proper safety equipment.

The Alps offer beautiful skiing conditions, but caution is essential during high avalanche risk.

Rob: It’s worth saying that level 3 is considerable but it’s often misunderstood. Level 3 out of 5 can seem like it’s ‘medium risk’. It is not, the risk is high and more people die at level 3 than any other. Also, these accidents are happening off-piste and it makes me very sad to hear that people are either taking unnecessary risks on steep off-piste slopes in dangerous conditions or not carrying the appropriate avalanche safety equipment which was the case in some of these recent accidents. 

174 People Rescued from Colorado Gondola Lift

A crack detected in the structure of a gondola lift at Winter Park, Colorado, caused it to stop mid-operation, stranding 174 people. The rescue operation, conducted by ski patrol staff, took approximately five hours.

Rescue Details

• Ski patrol accessed each gondola from above, securing passengers' equipment and lowering it to the ground.
• Passengers were then safely lowered using ropes equipped with seats.
• Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

“It’s a bummer for sure,” said resort spokesperson Jen Miller. “Malfunctions do happen, and our teams are trained. We’re not sure how long it’s going to take to fix it.”

The lift remains out of service as repairs are assessed.

rob: 

Telemark Traveller: Inspiring Active Retirees to Explore

Nick Anderson, a veteran that we know from the outdoor gear industry with 30 years of experience, and his wife Suzanne, a retired Army officer, have launched TelemarkTraveller.com, a travel blog aimed at outdoor enthusiasts over 50. The blog encourages retirees to embrace active lifestyles through skiing, kayaking, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.

Nick’s deep gear expertise, honed while working with major brands like Berghaus and Mountain Equipment, combines with Suzanne’s organizational skills to offer practical advice, gear reviews, and destination guides. Their blog celebrates the joy of exploration, whether revisiting trails, discovering ski resorts, or trying new activities.

“We’re not professionals, just regular people who love being outdoors,” says Suzanne. “Our aim is to inspire others to stay active and have fun.”

With its relatable tone and wealth of resources, Telemark Traveller empowers readers to embark on their own adventures, proving that retirement is the perfect time to explore the world.

Visit TelemarkTraveller.com to learn more.

Rob: that’s very cool. We know Nick pretty well and i have met Suzanne too, great people and i’ll be keeping an eye out for their new blog. 

Andrew Musgrave Claims Bronze at Tour de Ski
 

British cross-country skier Andrew Musgrave achieved a significant milestone on New Year’s Eve, securing a bronze medal in the 20km Interval Start Freestyle stage of the Tour de Ski World Cup.

The result marks the 34-year-old's fifth career World Cup podium and his best finish in a Stage World Cup event. Musgrave completed the race in 44:33.7, finishing 28.4 seconds behind Norway’s Harald Østberg Amundsen, who took gold, and 7.2 seconds behind silver medalist Simen Hegstad Krüger, also of Norway.

Musgrave's performance lifts him to sixth place in the overall Tour de Ski standings. Earlier stages saw him place 23rd in the 15km Classic Mass Start and 62nd in the Sprint Freestyle. While pleased with the podium finish, Musgrave expressed a desire for a closer contest: “I’m happy with a podium, but I would have liked to have been closer to Harald [Amundsen]. I’ll try and catch him tomorrow.”

Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo currently leads the overall standings, followed by Amundsen in second and American Ben Ogden in third.

The Tour de Ski continues on Wednesday with the men’s and women’s 15km Pursuit Classic, where athletes will battle for crucial points in this prestigious World Cup series.

right…

AND FINALLY

this is the section where we talk about something in the news, it might be topical, it might be serious or not…

do you remember US president Jimmy Carter Dom?

Dom: just about Rob, yep. I heard that he has just died aged 100.

Rob: that’s correct and with all that time on his hands after his presidency, i thought he might have taken up skiing.

Dom: oh yes, well i have definitely would have done that.

Rob: ummm, me too, but no, he didn't. Instead he did all these incredible things for world poverty…but anyway

Dom: I’m sure he saw a ski slope or two once in a while.

Rob: probably but it did spark some interest and i did some research on what US presidents did or do ski and i went to the good old internet and our AI friend to see what i could find.

Dom: and who led the way on the slopes then Rob?

Rob: well apparently it was President Gerald Ford and i found this out: Ford was an enthusiastic and skilled skier who frequently hit the slopes, particularly in Vail, Colorado, where he and his family spent a lot of time. He was such a fan of skiing that his presence in Vail helped boost the area's profile as a premier ski destination in the 1970s. Ford was known for his athleticism—he had been a college football star at the University of Michigan—and skiing was a natural fit for his active lifestyle. Even during his presidency, he took skiing holidays, though he was cautious about being seen as overly indulgent in leisure while in office.

Dom: Ford, well on the subject of Ford’s, have you seen the new Capri advert Rob?

Rob: ah yes i have and i must say it’s great. Loads of skiing, very retro.

Dom: great to see the Capri back and an electric version too. what about other US presidents then Rob, any other skiers?

Rob: yep i found a few others and this is what they say about them:

John F. Kennedy

While JFK wasn't an avid skier, he did spend time in Aspen, Colorado, and other ski destinations. His wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, was a much more enthusiastic skier, and she often visited European ski resorts like Gstaad, Switzerland, and Courchevel, France. The Kennedy family's glamorous lifestyle helped popularize skiing among the American elite during the 1960s.

Dom: well you can imaging Jacqueline Kennedy in Gstaad, probably in the Gstaad Palace Hotel.

Rob: yeah i reckon, i went there once and i can say it is a very special place with tons of celeb pics on the wall and I’m pretty sure Jacqueline Kennedy was one of them. anyway…

Bill Clinton reportedly tried skiing but wasn’t known to be a frequent participant. He joked about not being very skilled on the slopes and didn’t make skiing a major part of his recreational activities.

Dom: ummm, so close but no cigar then?

Rob: ha ha yes seems like you could say that about his skiing anyway. 

then of course there’s Barack Obama

While Barack Obama wasn’t known for skiing himself, he did enjoy taking his family on winter vacations to Aspen, Colorado, where his daughters reportedly learned to ski. The Obamas made these trips more about family time than showcasing a love for skiing.

I got to say, i always liked Barack but now i know he went to Aspen and didn't ski, ummm, i’m not so sure now.

Dom: and we know of course that French President Emmanuel Macron likes a bit of skiing, apparently he went to the Pyrenees resort of La Mongie quite recently. 

Rob: yeah but he also closed all the ski areas down over Covid, so he can’t be that much of a fan. We need to find out whether Sir Keir Starmer is a skier. I did some research and it was inconclusive. 

Dom: let's ask him Rob

Rob: We could but he might deny it anyway. There’s a strand online about his father owning a chalet in Gstaad, personally i think it’s utter nonsense but if Sir Keir could clear that up for us it would be good.

Dom: maybe invite him on a UCPA not for profit ski trip Rob? 

Rob: great idea Dom, show him that skiing doesn't need to be all about champagne swigging and parties but just a sport, enjoyed in nature.

Dom: on the other hand, perhaps keep him away, he might tax it.

Rob: ha ha yes true. a tax on skiers, now that would cause a riot.

Dom: well Rob, i predict a riot of activity this year when it comes to new ski and snowboard gear and with the SLIDE trade show coming up next week, we are going to take a look at some of the great kit that is coming through and available for this winter…

Rob: yep it’s time to look at our GEAR for this week and we have a nice selection of items to cover off here.

Dom: let’s start with the COLUMBIA SNOWTROT women’s MID SNOW BOOTS coming in at £100

These waterproof boots offer real warmth with 200g insulation, Omni- HEAT reflective lining, and a fleece interior. A lightweight midsole adds comfort, while a rugged outsole ensures grip in rain and snow - perfect for sports and everyday style with easy on-off access. you can find them at columbiasportswear.co.uk in UK sizes from 3 to 10

Rob: okay so we also have the MOUNTAIN WAREHOUSE GALACTIC III EXTREME WATERPROOF MEN’S SKI JACKET that’s £219.99 retail price, already good value but right now you can get it for around £85 which is a total bargain for this bit of kit. 

The Galactic III Extreme Waterproof Men’s Ski Jacket offers a modern design, without losing out on functionality. It is made of waterproof and breathable fabric with taped seams, a detachable snow skirt and a hood. find that at mountainwarehouse.com right now for £85, amazing bargain and pretty much all sizes are available from kids to larger adults 

Dom: let's take a look at the BLACK CROWS DORSA 22 BACKPACK retailing at £139

It’s the more compact version of the Dorsa series and this versatile backpack is perfect for general ski and mountain use. With a snug 3D back, front gear pocket, full U-shaped opening, removable belly straps, and a bright inner lining, it's stylish and functional too. You can purchase directly from the Black Crows website but also the UK retailer tiso.com, you wont pay any more through them either. 

Rob: that looks like a really nice backpack Dom and the 27 litre version for £170 looks like a great freeride pack too. right onto the…

THERM-IC THIN ULTRA HEATED glove LINER | £240 Keep cold hands warm with Thin Ultra Heat Liner under gloves, designed for versatile outdoor use. These heated liners fit under any gloves and are extremely breathable. With up to 7.5 hours of battery life, touchscreen compatibility, and adjustable heating. check them out at therm-ic.com, i mean they aren't cheap for sure but for guaranteed warm hands, it’s worth it.

i very recently tested the heated gloves from Savior Heat, check them out at saviorheat.com. these were the Savior Heat 2.0 gloves and i have got to say, i was super impressed. It was just before Christmas and it was a cold day, like minus 18 at the top, everyone's hands were cold. but not mine. I kept the gloves turned on medium all day and the battery held out. I had to charge them up again that night. You can easily control everything on your phone via Bluetooth. i can honestly say I have tried heated gloves before and they haven't always impressed, these ones did. I’ll add that Savior Heat did send me these gloves to test but they haven't paid me, i am not obligated in any way to say nice things about them. They have 30% off right now and they come in at around £120 on saviorheat.com worth checking out and the gloves themselves are comfortable.

Dom: nice, okay we have the DARE2B WOMEN'S SNOWBURST OVERHEAD SKI JACKET here for £75 which is currently a 50% discount from the usual RRP at £150

The Women's Snowburst Overhead Ski Jacket is a stylish jacket that goes over the head, so now full front zip. Featuring Ared 10/10 fabric, it ensures waterproofing and breathability for snowy days on the mountain. It features recycled high-warmth padding and a snug overhead design. Complete with ski pass pocket, fixed snowskirt, and adjustable features. check it out at dare2be.com

Rob: sounds good Dom, i like an overhead jacket. I don’t keep many old jackets but i have a 1988 Bergaus overhead goretex jacket in the cupboard, cant let that one go. anyway here is the SCOTT ULTIMATE DRYO RIPSTOP WOMEN'S JACKET at £200 which you can find for around £250 online but the RRP is £350

the Scott Ultimate Dryo Ripstop Women’s Jacket offers waterproof and breathable protection thanks to its DRYOsphere membrane. Its durable ripstop fabric and insulated design keep you warm and dry on the slopes. Available in sizes XS-XL. scott-sports.com/gb/en 

Right Dom let’s take a look at….

where is best to ski now:

Rob: there’s come great kit there Dom. Right before we move into Ed Drake’s ski racing section, let’s take a look at where is best to ski right now.

Dom: yes and in a nutshell, the season has been good so far and there’s more snow on its way, plus temperatures are staying low. 

Rob: yes and the snow level is pretty low too. Let’s break things down a bit to look at where the very best snow is in various places across the world, starting with the Alps.

Dom: so right now, the Grand Massif area in France has well over 2 metres of snow at the base, making it officially the most snow in the Alps as we head into the New year.

Rob: interesting although not surprising Dom, because that area, obviously including Flaine, has one of the best snow records in Europe for depth.

Dom: the Three Valleys is also in great shape as are the other resorts further up the Tarentaise as you would expect too. Then in Austria, Obergurgle currently sees the most snow at its base, and Adelboden in Switzerland shares the same stat there too. But overall, there’s good coverage everywhere. 

Rob: i can see good cover over in Norway too, although not huge amounts of snow in places such as Hafjell, they have good on piste conditions. Mykdalen further west definitely has more snow. generally it’s cold right now, always staying below freezing and more snow is forecast so you can’t go wrong over there right now. what about North America Dom?

Dom: pretty good Rob. I mean December wasn't amazing but Colorado and Montana are in great shape, as is most of Canada. i’d say right now places such as Whistler in BC and Big Sky in Montana have some of the best snow conditions in North America. what about Japan Rob?

Rob: yes excellent right now with Niseko taking the top spot, they have over 3 metres of snow on the higher parts of the mountain now so really some of the best snow conditions in the world to be found in Japan right now. 

Dom: all in all, it’s look like a solid season for snow rob. Let’s hear now from Ed Drake on where we are with the alpine skiing race season….

SKI RACING (ED)

DESTINATION FEATURE: Big White Ski Resort, Canada 

Rob:

Today we’re taking you to one of Canada’s absolute ski and snowboard gems: Big White Ski Resort. This place is a family favourite, and for good reason—whether you’re a beginner, an expert, or someone who just loves to kick back and enjoy the après-ski, Big White has literally something for everyone.

Dom:

It really does! So, for anyone who's never been to Big White, let’s start with the basics. It’s located in British Columbia, right in the heart of the Okanagan Valley—about 56 kilometres (or roughly 35 miles) outside of Kelowna, which is a major city in the region. And, as far as skiing in Canada goes, Big White is the second most popular ski area in British Columbia after Whistler, so it’s got a massive following.

Rob:

Yeah, it’s no surprise considering how well it’s set up. You’ve got over 119 runs, and they get an average of 24 feet of snow a year, putting it right up there with one of the snowiest ski resorts in Canada – and that’s a lot of snow. It’s also got the second-largest lift capacity in Canada too, so you rarely get queues and there’s a lot of space on the mountain too. 

Dom:

Exactly. And let’s talk about some of the other things that make Big White so special. First, it’s family-owned and locally operated, which gives it that genuinely authentic, personal feel. The resort has been around for 62 years, and the owner still lives on the mountain and is on-site most days. How cool is that? You don’t get that kind of connection with the owners at a lot of places.

Rob:

It’s awesome. It really gives the resort this family-friendly vibe. And, speaking of families, Big White is often referred to as Canada's favourite family resort. Designed as a totally ski-in, ski-out resort with 16,000 on-mountain beds, it’s got plenty of accommodation options, and you can literally sleep at 5,900 feet above sea level—the highest beds in British Columbia!

Dom:

It really is like waking up in a winter wonderland every morning! The resort’s vibe is super relaxed, but at the same time, it’s pretty sophisticated as well…

So how do we get to Big White from the UK?

Rob:

I know that’s always a big question for international travellers Dom, so please do explain that. 

Dom:

Getting to Big White from the UK is actually pretty straightforward. You fly into Kelowna International Airport (which is about an hour away from the resort), but if you’re flying from London, you’ve got a one-stop flight option via Vancouver or Calgary. There are some direct flights into Vancouver, so it’s pretty easy to hop on a connecting flight straight into Kelowna.

Rob:

Right, and then from Kelowna, it’s just a short shuttle ride or drive to the resort. We’re talking about an hour—maybe an hour and a half if you’re taking the scenic route.

Dom:

Exactly! So getting there is super easy. And when you arrive at Big White, you’re greeted by some pretty amazing terrain. And I’ll say it again, this place is suitable for all skiing levels…

Rob:

Let’s talk about the terrain because, honestly, that’s what makes or breaks a ski resort, right?

Dom:

For sure. So, Big White has over 119 runs spread across 2,765 acres of terrain, and they’ve got something for every level of skier. For beginners, there are plenty of gentle green runs to get your legs underneath you. The Happy Valley area is perfect for those just starting out—wide, mellow slopes, and it’s got that great family vibe too. There’s even a learning centre for kids and first-timers, so you can get your ski lessons right there.

Rob:

And for intermediates, you’ve got lots of variety in the terrain, with plenty of blue runs that let you cruise, but also challenge yourself a little. The Powder Quad Chair and Falcon Double Chair areas are great for intermediate skiers who want to take their skills to the next level and explore gladded terrain.

Dom:

And let’s not forget the advanced skiers and those who live for the freeride terrain. Big White is an absolute playground for experts. The Gem Lake and Cliff Chair areas are legendary for deep powder and steep runs. 

Rob:

It’s like the best of both worlds—tons of terrain for all levels, but also the kind of freeride terrain where you can push your limits if you’re looking for that.

And what about those non-Skiing Activities Dom? We know everyone loves a bit of extracurricular stuff these days…

Dom:

ha true and there are some awesome non-skiing activities to check out as well. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and are all big hits, especially if you want to explore more of the mountain.

Rob:

Or if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try dog sledding right —it’s an amazing way to see the mountain from a whole new perspective. Plus, there’s always the chance to take a little time out for some spas or just hanging out at Canada’s highest outdoor skating rink, if that’s your thing. 

Dom:

For sure! And if you’ve got kids, they’ll love the tube park, where they can race down the hill on tubes—it's a ton of fun for all ages.

Rob: I was going to say, I’m always up for a bit of that kind of thing. But let’s talk about the nightlife at Big White

After a long day of skiing, you’ll definitely want to wind down. Big White has a pretty decent nightlife scene, especially considering it’s a family-oriented resort Dom…

Dom:

Yeah, it’s definitely got that relaxed vibe, but there’s still plenty to do. For après-ski, you’ve got spots like the Snowshoe Sam’s pub, voted Number 1 Ski Bar in North America —great beer, good food, and live music to set the tone for a fun night.

Rob:

Totally. Or if you're looking for something a little more refined, check out the Globe Cafe & Tapas Bar. It's got this great atmosphere, perfect for sitting back and enjoying some tapas or a glass of wine after a full day on the mountain.

Dom:

And for something a little more upscale, the 6 Degrees is a fantastic option— intimate fireside dining room provides an upscale and cozy slope-side atmosphere.

Best Restaurants and Bars at Big White

Rob:

Speaking of food, let’s talk about some of the best spots to eat at Big White. Beyond the nightlife, there are some great restaurants for all kinds of tastes.

Dom:

Absolutely. For families, The BullWheel is a great choice—it’s casual, but has an awesome vibe and a menu with something for everyone. Whether you're into pizzas, burgers, or something a little more refined, you’ll find it there.

Rob:

Another one that’s great for families is The Market Café— The Market offers a full selection of groceries, including fresh produce and deli items, ensuring you’ll find everything you need. But it’s more than just a grocery store—it's also a Bistro, featuring delicious ready-made dishes and weekly specials.

Dom:

For dinner, Sopra: Sam’s Italian Kitchen is always a winner. Sopra Sam’s brings authentic Italian cuisine to the heart of the resort. The menu highlights traditional Italian flavours, featuring everything from warm olives to fresh pasta and pizzas, cannoli and the resort’s famous Gunbarrel Coffee show.  

Rob: 

overall there’s basically tons of choice when it comes to eating and drinking and I must say, my experience of the food in Canada has always been excellent.

Dom: 

it’s an important part of any skiing holiday Rob and I agree with you, you eat very well here. Right let’s look at the accommodation options…

Rob:

Yes where to stay? Big White has an amazing selection of accommodation. There are ski-in, ski-out options with private hot tubs, which is always a plus for anyone who wants to be right at the heart of the action. If you’re looking for something a little more high-end, The Sundance is one of the resort’s top hotels. It’s got everything from luxury suites to hot tubs and the best viewing platforms for our Saturday night fireworks from the gorgeous Sundance pool and hot tubs deck.

Dom:

And if you want something that’s super convenient and family-friendly, the Inn at Big White is a solid choice. It’s right at the base of the mountain, and it offers a ton of amenities like an outdoor hot tub, ski storage, and easy access to the lifts.

Rob:

For something a bit more budget-friendly, there are plenty of condos, apartments in our language of course, and vacation homes around the resort that can fit families or small groups. Plus, many of them are self-catered, which gives you that added flexibility for your stay.

Dom:

So there you have it, folks! From the awesome terrain to the family-friendly vibe, and the incredible snow conditions, Big White is one of the best ski destinations in Canada. Whether you’re skiing, relaxing, spa-ing, eating or looking for adventure, this place has literally got it all.