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Exploring the Slopes: A Playground of Possibilities

Big White’s slopes offer a tapestry of terrain and caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. As I traversed the vast and variable landscapes, I was met with a sense of excitement and anticipation. From gentle groomers to challenging steeps, there was plenty to explore and to cater for my whole crew with varying skill levels.

My beginner friends found solace in gentle, rolling hills and wide-open groomed runs, where they could build their confidence and hone their technique in a supportive and encouraging environment.

The intermediate riders, including myself, revelled in the challenge of navigating winding trails and undulating terrain, where every turn and tree run through the Black Forest presented a new opportunity for exploration and discovery. On clear and powdery bluebird days, we shifted seamlessly from the top of the Alpine T bar at an elevation of 2,285 m (7,497 ft) through the mountain’s iconic snow ghosts and North America’s best glades, which captivated the senses and nourished the soul.

For more experienced riders, Big White’s advanced terrain provides steep chutes, rocky outcrops, and hidden powder stashes. From challenging mogul fields to technical tree runs, the possibilities are as endless as they are exhilarating.

For adrenaline-seeking snow enthusiasts, TELUS Park, Big White’s terrain park provides the perfect canvas for riders to unleash their creativity and showcase their talents. For beginner park riders like me, the park offered a welcoming environment to hone my skills and build my confidence. Patient instructors are also on hand to offer guidance and encouragement, helping riders navigate their first jumps and master the art of freestyle skiing and snowboarding. Meanwhile, seasoned veterans can push themselves to new heights on the park’s more advanced features. With massive jumps and technical rails, the park provides the perfect canvas for riders to unleash their creativity and showcase their talents.

While testing out my skills and limits in the terrain park, I saw more than just a collection of jumps and rails. It’s a community, a gathering place where riders come together to share their passion for the sport. Whether it’s cheering on fellow riders from the sidelines or trading tips and tricks with friends, I witnessed a sense of camaraderie that permeates the atmosphere, uniting riders of all ages and backgrounds.

As the sun set each evening and the lights came on, the park took on a magical quality, its features were illuminated against the backdrop of the starry night sky. It gave us a great opportunity to experience the thrill of night skiing and snowboarding, making the most of British Columbia’s best snow under the twinkling lights.

Beyond the Slopes: Adventures Await

Venturing off-piste, I embarked on a snowmobiling tour that delved deep into the backcountry wilderness. Led by an experienced guide, the excursion offered a glimpse into the untouched beauty of the surrounding landscape.

With my helmet secured and goggles in place, I started the engine and felt the adrenaline course through my veins. With a gentle push of the throttle, we rode across the pristine snow, leaving behind a trail of powder in our wake. The valley landscape unfolded in a dazzling display of natural beauty. The towering evergreens covered with snow and the Big White peaks pierced the clear blue sky.

As we delved deeper into the wilderness, the terrain became more rugged, and the challenges more exhilarating. We navigated winding trails that snake through the forests and tackled steep ascents and thrilling descents. With each twist and turn, I felt the rush of freedom in my flushed cheeks and took in the serenity of our surroundings.

Beyond snowmobiling, Big White Ski Resort also offers a plethora of activities to captivate visitors of all ages and interests.

Patrons can explore the winter wonderland at a slower pace by strapping on a pair of snowshoes. They can ice skate at Big White’s outdoor skating rink – Canada’s highest outdoor skating rink. Experience the thrill of sliding down snow-covered slopes in an inflatable tube at the Tube Park. Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the snowy wilderness with a dog sledding tour. Or snuggle up under a blanket and take a scenic sleigh ride through the winter landscape.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a chance to connect with nature, Big White has something for everyone to enjoy.

Après-Ski Delights: Unwinding in Style

Every night, after the sun set behind the mountains, there was a myriad of village venues to choose from to indulge in the après ski scene.

Kelly from Sasquach Sushi spoiled my tastebuds with uniquely flavoured rolls, tuna tataki, and sashimi salad. The modern Japanese flavours of Sasquach paired beautifully with the cozy and vibrant environment to make this the perfect après experience.

While venturing into Underground Pizza the next night, John and Ana greeted me with the warmest of Big White charm and hospitality. They invited me to sit at the infamous ‘locals table’ where we shared artisanal pizzas and listened to stories from patrons who called the mountain home.

On Thursdays, be sure to toast to a day well spent and belt out your best Karaoke tunes at the biggest weekly night in town at BullWheel Gastro Family Pub. A welcoming atmosphere for all who want the cozy ambience of a mountain lodge and delicious comfort food.

Every Saturday at 9:00 pm, Big White puts on a dazzling display of fireworks that light up the night sky, enhancing the mountain’s magical atmosphere.

Whether I wanted to indulge in classy gourmet cuisine or smash some ski shots with my mates, there was a diverse array of après options for me in this alpine paradise.

Embracing Winter’s Charms: A Conclusion

The greatest gift that I received from my time at Big White, was a sense of community and shared bond with fellow adventurers who, like me, were drawn to the mountain in search of something more. Whether swapping stories by the fireplace over a hot chocolate or cheering each other on from the sidelines, I found solace in knowing that I was part of something so special and greater than myself, a tribe united by our love for outdoor adventure.

As I packed my bags and bid farewell to Big White, I carried with me fond memories of blissful sessions floating through the snow and breathtaking vistas. I discovered that this special place wasn’t just another vacation destination, but a sacred space to renew my sense of purpose, expand my comfort zone, and live life to the fullest, one magical tree run at a time.

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Skiers make the pilgrimage to Japan in a quest for deep, light untracked powder and as we stood up on the tree-less summit draining the final sip of our thermos coffee and clicking into our skis we were already anticipating the silent and sparkling pillow ride down. 

A few hours earlier we’d set out from Grandeco Snow Resort with a gondola ride and then a chair bump to 1600m. It was from there we turned on beacons and followed our local guides along a thigh deep track, feeling our heart rates and body temperature climb as we did.  

What is just short of 400 metres of vertical took between 2-3 hours, a sobering reminder of the respect that must be paid to altitude and the challenge of making trail through deep powder. What it generously gives in feather light floating descents it demands back when you want to head in the other direction.  We make a mental note to step up our pre-ski fitness regime and opt for skins over snow shoes next time. 

Nearing the summit, we pause to take in the surreal and enchanting view of the famed ‘Snow Monsters’ – the trees that have been so loaded and rimed with ice and snow they really do look like mystical creatures.

The ski down on virgin powder was worth every moment of the hike up. Drawing a line of turns through a silent forest on legendary Japanese pow feels like pure joy and there’s a reason it’s on the bucket list of every skier. We try to savour the moments which are gone all too quickly and we’re back inbounds before we know it settling in for traditional hot pot. If the stereotypical Japanese experience wasn’t already captured in our picture postcard morning, we rounded it out with a soak and steam in the hotel onsen. When in Japan. 

Grandeco Snow resort is nestled in Honshu’s Tohoku region and it’s in the midst of a transformative phase. Simply put, it’s perhaps a bit underestimated right now and if you want to ‘discover’ it before everyone else does you might want to get here soon.  

The resort caters to powder enthusiasts with dedicated off-piste areas, great powder skiing under the abandoned lift and surrounds and a ‘powder course’ threading through the trees. During our weeklong stay daily top ups of 5-15cm kept the riding fresh without being extreme. For those in your crew who might still be finding their powder legs Grandeco rolls out plenty of superb grooming so they’ll be happy shredding cord.  And talking resort comforts they do have some hooded chairlifts in the mix which is welcome on a snow day.

Grandeco Resort has just 11 official runs, 5 park runs, 1 gondola and 3 chairlifts but the runs are long, and the side access is expanding every season. It’s a good base to check out the surrounding Bandai and Arabandai areas where there are 8 local snow resorts, such as Nekoma, only a short drive. Nekoma is an exercise in contrasts – previously two separate resorts it is now linked with a new lift. The south is more modern and leans to beginner/intermediate terrain, while the north offers more pitch and challenge and less people but with a trade off of old-Soviet vibes and less safety bars.

I’ve been exploring Japanese ski areas since I was 16 and after clocking up time in close to 30 different resorts I will admit many can leave the accommodation side of a ‘holiday’ wanting. Getting the balance of comfort and authenticity is tricky. Swing too far on the side of traditional and you could spend your stay with fish and rice for breakfast, firm futons on tatami mats in tiny spaces and communal bathing or at the other extreme, it’s completely westernised resorts where you miss all the local flavour and culture.

Grandeco Resort seem to have struck that Goldilocks balance that makes a new visitor to Japan feel comfortable while making a great base for those who know their udon from their soba. There are western ski resort touches like a warming fireplace with marshmallows, a coffee machine offering bottomless refills and a library but ample opportunity to discover local cuisine and wine which is all local – you’ll want to try the Abukuma River salmon and the prefecture’s Wagyu beef. Turn on the tap and the water you drink and bathe in is from the local Onogawa Natural Spring – they even serve a unique water-jelly like dessert.  

The hotel is truly ‘ski in ski out’ with the gondola just a one-minute slide from the backdoor. When you’re not on the snow the hotel offers a 25-metre indoor pool, two generous size indoor and outdoor onsens, free massage chairs, a laundry (a travel bonus for families) and a massage service.

We were the only western guests during our stay but that’s unlikely to last long with programs like the Rookie Academy out of New Zealand starting to run powder camps here. I was fortunate to spend a day with Academy founder Dean and my confidence and comfort at riding in powder is already on the uptick.

There’s plenty to see in the local area when not skiing so you may want to rent a car or tap into the hotel’s shuttle services. If you’re into Japanese history this region gives you a good sense of the power, politics and economy of the Meiji Restoration period. The town of Aizu, just an hour from the snow resort has an incredible castle with a museum that gives visitors an excellent understanding of weaponry, class hierarchy, traditional dress and topography. The multiple moats around the city were dug by hand. Yamatogawa Sake brewery in nearby Kitakata runs fascinating brewery tours at its contemporary site sourcing and growing rice locally. Its 220-year-old original brewery is also open as a museum and tasting room. 

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Off-piste, less crowds, cheaper tickets and excellent powder is the magic combo we travel to find. In Switzerland’s Engelberg and Jungfrau regions these factors are off the charts and what’s more, they’re stunning destinations. Don’t take my word for it, here are 10 compelling reasons to pack your bags and see for yourself.

                               ENGELBERG – TITLIS

Longer Season 

Engelberg is one of Switzerland’s premier snow resorts with over 82 km of skiable terrain spanning three majestic mountains and a vertical drop of 2000m. With a charming town and abundant natural beauty facing northwards, it offers an especially long season with reliable stashes of powder to discover between mid-October to mid-May. 

The Off-Piste

With an impressive annual snowfall, Engelberg, (Little Canada) receives 53cm more snow than Zermatt and boasts about 50% more snowfall than Verbier during December alone. This is thanks in part to favorable weather conditions up on the 3062m Titlis Glacier.

The resort’s vertical drop of 2000m, spanning from the 3020m summit to the 1003m base, offers a thrilling playground for advanced skiers and off-piste enthusiasts. As a haven for backcountry skiing, it is highly recommended to hire a guide to find the best of the area. The ‘Big Five’ off-piste descents are a must-try experience and include the 35-40-degree shoulder of Laub, as well as the exhilarating routes of Sulz, Steintäli, Steinberg, and Galtiberg. 

Great Accessibility 

Engelberg offers excellent accessibility, allowing you to easily reach it from Zurich. In under 2 hours, you can conveniently travel here by rail from Zurich’s International Airport. Once you arrive, shuttle buses are available to seamlessly transport you between train stations, accommodation, and winter activities, all free of charge. 

Combine it with Lucerne

Engelberg’s proximity to the city of Lucerne, only 30km away, makes it an ideal place for a memorable ski trip. Lucerne is a stunning destination in its own right so consider additional days to explore it after your ski trip. Immerse yourself in Lucerne’s enchanting 14th-century Chapel Bridge, the oldest bridge in Europe. Wander through the captivating Old Town, featuring charming cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. Explore the quiet waters of Lake Lucerne on a relaxing cruise or delve into the fascinating exhibits at the Swiss Museum of Transport. 

Dragon Mountain

Mt Pilatus is a must-see attraction located just a short 10-minute bus ride from Lucerne train station. Hop aboard the panoramic gondolas that whisk you up to the mountain’s lookout points, offering stunning vistas perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy photos. Once there, try thrilling local activities such as sledding, snowshoeing, or even experience the adrenaline rush of the ‘Dragon Glider’ – a harnessed zipline ride. If you’re seeking a low-key adventure, Mt Pilatus offers three relatively easy 4km snowshoe trails between the Krienseregg and Frakmuntegg sections, and it’s an activity older kids and adults can do together.

The mountain hosts a renowned red aerial ‘Dragon Ride’ cable car that takes you soaring to the summit at an impressive elevation of 2123m. At the summit of Mt Pilatus, you’ll discover a remarkable destination, featuring two exceptional hotels, so pop in for a cheeky drink here. The aptly named Hotel Bellevue offers unrivaled views, while the historic mountain Hotel Pilatus-Kulm, dating back to 1890, exudes a captivating charm. Foodies will appreciate diverse culinary offerings available on the mountain, ranging from traditional Swiss delicacies to regional and seasonal dishes, as well as yummy grills or simple bar meals. Families with young children will find an educational wonderland in PILU Land, complete with fire pits, picnic areas, and ample space for little ones to let off steam.

         THE JUNGFRAU REGION

The Jungfrau region is a wonderful choice for skiers with ‘four snow resorts in one’ (Grindelwald, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen and Murren) and over 250 km of slopes to explore. For an unforgettable skiing experience in the heart of the Jungfrau, consider staying in the charming village of Mürren . This car-free village is very picturesque and provides a chilled setting where you can unwind and appreciate the breathtaking surroundings. At the base of the famous Mt Schilthorn, Mürren truly embodies the essence of Swiss paradise and is an experience that should not be missed.

Great Accessibility

If you are coming from Zurich International airport , the journey takes just three hours by train to Lauterbrunnen via Bern and Interlaken Ost then switch to a cable car to Mürren for the final leg. with just three train changes. The train ride itself is magnificently scenic as it weaves through the Interlaken area, between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz climbing upwards into the Alps. It really is something special and you feel immersed in the natural beauty. 

 Challenging Runs

 There are plenty of opportunities in the Jungfrau for advanced skiing with thirty percent of combined terrain marked as advanced or black runs. Black runs are a combination of off-piste, freeride, and mogul sections so All-Mountain skis are recommended. If you didn’t bring All Mountain skis from home, numerous rental stores are available with excellent quality equipment. 

One of the highlights of this ski area is the renown Lauberhorn Run. This exhilarating 4.4km descent takes you from the Wixi top chairlift all the way down to the charming village of Wengen. Or challenge yourself on the Slalom World Cup track, one of the steepest slopes of the area.

I highly recommend hiring a local guide especially if it’s your first visit here. A knowledgeable guide will help you navigate the terrain and discover the best aspects and local hotspots around the mountains. Ski schools are available for ‘ski safaris’ to explore the area, including local restaurants as well as skiing the best slopes. During my own visit, I had the pleasure of embarking on a “ski safari” from Grindelwald to Wengen. 

This journey allowed us to indulge in an array of Swiss cuisines, featuring delectable cheeses, cakes, soups, and fondue. I wholeheartedly recommend this culinary adventure on skis, it’s a treat for your taste buds but also offers unrivaled views of the awe-inspiring Eiger and Jungfrau mountains. It’s an experience suitable for intermediate-level skiers or great for a non-powder skiing day. It’s worth noting that the ski pass includes train transport, enabling you to conveniently explore local charming villages of Wengen and Grindelwald during your stay in Mürren.

Murren –  Schilthorn: A Must-Visit Ski Area

A visit to Mt Schilthorn (2970m) from Mürren village is incredible and not to be missed. It’s an experience to do with the whole family so set aside time to fully enjoy this breathtaking attraction.

When you reach the summit of Schilthorn, you will instantly feel like you’ve stepped into a James Bond movie, and for good reason. Scenes from the iconic film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” were filmed here between October 1968 and May 1969, if you’re a Bond fan it’s instantly recognisable. As an added bonus, you can explore Spy World and the cinema, free of charge. This is a great option to keep in mind if the weather turns unfavorable.

One of the highlights of Mt Schilthorn is Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant that sits proudly on the summit. If you’d like panoramic views while you dine, it is highly recommended to book ahead to secure a window seat. However, please note that the lifts from the valley station to Schilthorn are currently being upgraded, which is a long-awaited and exciting improvement. As a result, certain sections of Schilthorn, such as the Thrill Walk at the Birg Station, will be closed from October 2024 to March 2025. 

Mt Schilthorn is renowned for its off-piste skiing, making it a favorite among advanced skiers. You can ski down from Mt Schilthorn but please note that it is a challenging run suitable for advanced skiers, particularly during blizzard conditions. The vertical drop here is an impressive 2,170m, with 58 km of accessible trails and the longest ski trail spanning 15km. Otherwise you can safely descend in the cable car back to Mürren after visiting the Cliff Walk at the middle station. 

Winter Adventures Galore

There is so much to do here on non-skiing days. For adrenaline-junkies, feel the rush as you soar 800m through the Alps on a thrilling zipline adventure. You can reach speeds of up to 84 km per hour and experience this exhilarating journey at the Snow Park in Grindelwald-First.

Not every Swiss resort offers sledding, but this remarkable region boasts more than 20 long trails. Witness the incredible skill of local sledders as you venture down renowned tracks such as Big Pintenfritz, the longest run in the world, the Fox Run, and the Apollo Run.

Experience the beauty of winter hikes against the backdrop of stunning views on over 100 km of trails specifically curated for this purpose. Explore hikes starting from Mürren, Grindelwald, and Mannlichen, and enhance your adventure with a one to seven-day hiking pass. This grants you access to groomed hiking trails with the convenience of lifted access.

 Panoramic Views of the Roof of EuropeExperience the breathtaking panoramic views of the Roof of Europe at the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway in the world. Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing in this region, the majestic peaks of Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau will tower above you as you explore the charming villages while you’re shopping and dining. To see Mont Blanc with the naked eye from Mt Schilthorn is a magical experience for visitors. Make sure to seize the opportunity to check these incredible sights off your bucket list.

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