Big White locals, pros share their resort faves

Now retired from competition, Tess, 29, is snowboarding for fun, doing a bit of coaching and reveling in the role of Big White ambassador. 

"I have an extra-special relationship with Big White," she explains. "As a kid, my family lived up there in the winter so I could race and go to school up there, too. Now, as an ambassador, I snowboard and get to talk to so many adults and kids." 

The talk may be of her being a two-time Olympian. But, more often than not, it's about how Big White is the No. 1 ski resort for families and famous for its consistently beautiful snow—750 centimetres (that's 24 feet!) of it every season.

"I've been lucky enough to travel all over the world snowboarding and, honestly, nothing beats Big White and its incredible powder snow," says Tess. 

"Even a big powder day in Austria is not as good as Big White." 

Tess Critchlow's Big White run pick: Serwa's

Of the 119 at Big White, Critchlow loves Serwa's because it's long and rolling and reminds her of friend and fellow Big White ambassador Kelsey Serwa, who won the ski cross gold medal at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

Book your trip and get dialled into Big White

The ski run and Kelsey's last name comes from her grandfather, Cliff Serwa, a founder of Big White in 1963, the little resort 56 kilometres east of Kelowna, British Columbia that's snowballed (pun intended) into a world-class destination.

Meet more of the Big White ambassador crew

There's no strict criteria for being a Big White ambassador. The resort has 16 of them this season ranging from everyday skiers and boarders and ski instructors to former World Cup racers and Olympians.

For Ian Deans, being an ambassador is "a no brainer." The former World Cup ski cross racer who was the 2012 Nor-Am Cup overall champion and winner of the 2015 Euro Cup in Orcieres, France.

"Big White is where me and my family belong, so to be a steward of the community and show off Big White through my unique lens is everything."

Ian's unique lens includes: Meeting the woman who would become his wife at Big White. Spending every Christmas there. And during COVID, spending his time at Big White making ski videos. 

As a young racer, Ian remembers travelling across British Columbia and everyone touting Whistler, Whistler, Whistler. 

"And then when we were there for a competition, I had to ask: 'Well, where do I put my skis on?" remembers Ian.

"Big White is all ski-in and ski-out (from hotels, condominium complexes, restaurants and shops), so I just wasn't used to having to haul my skis around."

Ian Deans' Big White run pick: Grizzly Bowl

Deans explains that his favourite spot at Big White is Grizzly Bowl because it's exposed, fast and technical. 

But, the resort also has plenty of beginner areas for his kids, aged 4 and 2, to learn.

Ottawa transplant Renee Seaman is a ski instructor and ambassador who seeks year-round snow hopping from Northern Hemisphere Big White to Southern Hemisphere New Zealand and Australia. 

"Wherever I am in the world, I'm always talking up Big White," says Renee. "It's an incredible place. It's got me for life."

That's quite a statement, especially since Renee came west for just one season in 2020. Renee's favourite run at Big White changes depending on weather and snow conditions.

But you'll always find her on Easter Chute after a dump of snow and afterward at Bullwheel Pub for après-ski.

When you go

Big white opening day 2024-25  Nov 22, 2024

Ski, stay and save  stay three nights and get a fourth night free when you book your visit to Big White here. 

Ski resort maps  dive into the 119 runs at Big White with the map below, and find all the resort maps here