RICK MACDONNELL
 Guests enjoy the outdoor saltwater pool at the Sundance Resort in Big White Ski Resort, British Columbia. RICK MACDONNELL/SnowSeekers |
BIG WHITE, BC — When developer Jim Hammond opened Sundance Resort at British Columibia's Big White Ski Resort almost a decade ago, he knew his product would differentiate itself from the other condo accommodations available. What he didn't know was how sorely needed his product was.
When the East Lodge opened (the West Lodge opened one year later), it sold out in only an hour and a half.
"Nobody had any idea that we would be so successful so soon," said Claus Larsen, general manager of Sundance. "It shows that people really wanted what we offer, and they weren't getting it."
Incredible amenities
Sundance really separates itself from the pack with its long list of amenities. There were days when it was hard for me to get out on the mountain. It's difficult to turn oneself away from a personal movie theatre, let me tell you.
"Sundance really differentiates itself from other properties on the mountain with Club Sundance. What this means is that when you stay at Sundance, you have exclusive access to all the exciting activities we offer here. Only guests have this privilege."
Drawing on the walls
In the Fireside Lounge there are pool tables, TVs, loungers, and sofas. This is a place where you can bring your own alcohol and have a great time. Next door to the Lounge is the Kids Zone, which houses two playstations, a foosball table, bean bag chairs, board games, and an entire wall made out of a chalk board.
"Kids can draw on walls, but they can't do it at home. So they love to do that here."
Next door to the Kids Zone is the aforementioned 24-seat movie theatre. It shows movies twice a day, one at 4:00 pm (a family movie) and then another at 8:00 (a PG-13 movie). Next to the theatre is the full-service gym, the only one on the mountain.
Plenty of choice
Oh yes ... and just outside the gym is the outdoor saltwater pool with a 72 foot waterslide, two hot tubs, and a guest barbeque area.
 Sundance Resort in Big White Ski Resort, British Columbia. RICK MACDONNELL/SnowSeekers |
When it comes to the condos themselves, Sundance offers several options: Suites, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom, 3-bedroom townhomes, as well as 2- and 4-bedroom Explorer Cabins (wow – worth the price).
No matter the condo style you choose, you're still going to be getting a gorgeous ski in/ski out accommodation.
"We're right on Sundance Run. You can ski right to your door and from your door. We also have two secure ski lockers – one in the east building and one in the west building. These are complimentary with each room."
Self-contained
Each condo is complete with its own kitchen, including an oven, a dishwasher, a microwave, you name it. This was a boon for our group, as there's nothing better than coming off the slopes to a nice home-cooked meal. Big White's restaurants are beautiful, but some home cooking is needed once and a while.
"It can be expensive to eat out on the mountain every day. Most people who stay here are here for three, four, five nights. Some people – from our Australian market, for instance – stay here for 14 to 26 nights. They can't afford to eat out every night. That's why we have the full cooking facilities with the microwaves, the ovens, the dishwashers. At Christmastime everyone cooks their own Christmas dinners. It's Turkeyville around here."
Sundance also offers a 24 hour front desk, a complimentary 230 DVD library (each unit comes with a DVD player), and allows guests to take their dogs with them (up to 40 pounds).
Worry-free
I was thoroughly impressed with my stay at Sundance Resort. From the amenities, to the living areas, to the kitchenettes, to the fantastic service, this place has everything you need and then some.
"If you want good, clean accommodations at mid-market to upscale pricing, good service, a worry free vacation, and ski in/ski out, then you come to Sundance."
For more stories and detail on Big White check out our SnowSeekers' destination page.