The winter is almost upon us and snow is beginning to pile up around the resort. Many people are beginning to plan their trips up the mountain, but why wait?
Some think the ski season begins in the New Year, but early winter is the most underrated time of the year to go skiing in Canada. The combination of great snow conditions, small crowds, money-saving deals and fun après events means the pre-Christmas season is the perfect time to come up to the mountain and brush up on your skills – or, learn new ones! Here are the top five reasons you should go skiing before Christmas:
1: Ski Free
The best things in life are free, and early season skiing is no exception! Our famous Ski Free deal is back from opening day until December 19, meaning you can ski Big White for just the price of your accommodation. Simply book your early season getaway with Big White Central Reservations for a stay before December 19 and your lift tickets are on us. Slope-side hotel rooms start at just $168 per night and include 2 FREE lift tickets. Your booking will also be worry free with our Snow Guarantee: If we can’t run at least one high speed lift due to snow conditions, you can either change your booking to another available date, or cancel at no penalty to you whatsoever! This is a deal not to be missed.
2: Passholder Deals
Season Passholders won't miss out on great deals, either! We’re offering 2018/19 season passholders up to 40% off accommodation midweek during the early season. You can get slope-side accommodation for two for just $55.80! Can’t come up during the week? We’re also offering 25% off accommodation on weekends! There’s really no excuse not to plan an early season getaway to Big White.
3: Eat & Drink
Early season means great deals at many of Big White’s on-mountain food and beverage outlets. Kettle Valley Steakhouse is returning with its $39 Three Course Meal deal from December 2 to December 20, Sunday through Thursday. This is an amazing opportunity to experience some of the Okanagan’s finest dining at an elevated discount! Walk, Dine & Wine is another ultimate early winter culinary journey for food and wine-lovers. The Village’s top dining destinations have joined forces to offer you the opportunity to enjoy a curated dinner experience, with each restaurant pairing their feature dish with a local B.C. wine. Stroll from one end of our winter wonderland village to the other, making delicious stops along the way. Tours run Sunday through Thursday from December 9 to December 20, and can be booked by contacting our Concierge Team.
4: Impressive Après Events
Early season also hosts some of our best après events after the lifts close. Whether its bundling up next to a bonfire with your family, shopping for artisan Christmas gifts, or tasting some of Canada’s finest red wines, there is an après event for everyone!
Our winter event schedule starts with Opening Day, where we’ll be celebrating with a party at the bottom of the Ridge Rocket Express. There will be music, FREE Hot Chocolate and lots of giveaways. Next up, we have our Winter Warm Up events, beginning on November 30 with the Winter Kick Off, where we’ll be having a huge bonfire and a drive-in movie screening of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
On Saturday, December 1, you can join us as we Light Up Big White with an incredible laser show and firework display in the village. Afterwards, on December 2, we’ll be kicking off our Christmas-themed events with the Christmas Craft Market in the Village Centre Mall, where you can pick up artisan gifts from local businesses as well as our classic Big White souvenirs.
For the adults, Big Reds at Big White is the place to be. Big Reds features a wide selection of handcrafted wines made by the talented winemakers of the Okanagan region. The intimate atmosphere allows you to sample cellar-worthy wines, while interacting with the winemakers in a relaxed and informal setting.
5: Never Ever Days
Early season is the perfect time to pick up skis or a snowboard for the first time! This year, Big White is offering two days in December to learn to ski or snowboard at a discounted rate. We know learning to ski or snowboard for the first time can be an intimidating experience, so our full day programme is designed to offer first-timers a fun, supportive and safe day under the expert coaching of our snow sport pros, who specialize in teaching beginner adults. For just $25 plus tax, you’ll receive a beginner area lift ticket, full day ski or snowboard equipment rental, 2 x 2 hour beginner group lessons with other first-timers, lunch at Happy Valley Day Lodge and once the day is done, an après function where you can share all of your adventures with the other newbies. Never Ever Days runs on December 8 and 9, but register soon, as there are only 50 places available each day and they’re selling out fast!
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