SKIING - Let it Snow Let it Snow:
(excerpts from the Kelowna Visitors Guide)

The high mountain elevations of the Central Okanagan average a snowfall of more than 19 feet annually.

The exhilarating experience of skiing in the Okanagan is unmatched. It's no wonder the valley has become a world-class destination for alpine skiing and boarding enthusiasts, who return time and time again to take advantage of this natural winter wonderland.

If you're planning a winter visit to the valley, Kelowna is the place to be because it's central to everything. There are three major ski resorts located within an hour's drive of Kelowna, making it the ideal spot for a winter vacation. Most city hotels and motels offer stay and ski packages so individuals and families can plan an affordable holiday taking advantage of the mountains' incredible resources during the day while enjoying all Kelowna provides in the way of night-time entertainment. The resorts also provide ski-to-your-door accommodations, restaurants and apres ski activities.

The season usually begins in mid-November and continues through mid-April. Because of the valley's mild climate vacationers can often ski one day and play golf the next!

If downhill skiing isn't your style, the valley is a mecca for cross-country and nordic skiing where trails abound in the miles of pristine back country. Endless groomed trails are within a short drive of the city, allowing winter visitors to enjoy a day of exercise while taking in the stunning scenery along the way. The cross-country skiing season usually begins in December and continues through March in high elevations. There are many other winter activities you can enjoy during your visit to the Okanagan including skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and tobogganing. You can even take in a hockey game or two - Kelowna is the home-base of an exciting Junior A hockey team, the Rockets.

Less than an hour's drive from Kelowna via Highway 33 you'll find Big White Ski Resort offering some of the best powder alpine skiing around plus more than 25 km of cross-country trails. Lift ticket, lessons and accommodation packages are available. 1-800-663-2772.

On the Westside, about half an hour away is Crystal Mountain Ski Resort, where the whole family can enjoy a day and night of skiing. This resort is a favorite among boarding enthusiasts, especially those who are just learning. 250-768-5189.

Big White gets even Bigger!

In November 1996, Big White Ski Resort opened for another fabulous Okanagan ski season, but there was something about this one that made it extra special.

The Schumann family, owners of the skiing mecca located about 55 kilometres east of Kelowna are investing $45 million to make an already great hill even that much better.

Stage one of the development was completed in time for the 1996/97 ski season and opened up another 1,000 acres of incredible skiing terrain, almost doubling the size of the resort.

This was all made possible by the installation of a new Gem Lake Express quad chair lift. At 8,000 feet in length and with a vertical rise of 2,330 feet, it is one of the longest in Canada. It was constructed by Doppelmayr Lifts of Kelowna.

In addition to the lift, a new day lodge was constructed called the Westridge, providing boot change facilities, a convenience store and the sale of lift tickets. Other parts of the expansion include a new village centre mall featuring a ski school, equipment rentals and repairs, a variety of retail shops plus a children's ski school, ice skating rink and fitness centre and aerobics room.

The Schumanns aren't stopping at enhancing Big White's winter facilities. The family wants to turn it into a year-round resort complete with hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, tennis and even golf.

Big White offers great powder skiing without the help of artificial snow. Each year the mountain can expect a snow fall in excess of 19 feet. The season runs from mid November to mid April and ski-to-your-door accommodations are available.

For information on reservations, available ski packages, lessons, snow conditions and lodging call 1-800-663-2772.

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