How to Get Here: Alberta

Posted On: October 10, 2024 |
Planning a weekend getaway or an extended ski holiday? This guide covers the best travel routes from Edmonton and Calgary to Big White Ski Resort.

Whether you're flying or driving, we’ve gathered all the essential information, from booking flights to planning your road trip, to ensure a smooth journey to the slopes!

Direct Flights to Kelowna: The Fastest Route

The quickest way to get from Alberta to Big White Ski Resort is by flying from Edmonton International Airport (YEG) or Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Kelowna International Airport (YLW), which is the closest airport to the resort.

Approximate Flight Times to Kelowna (YLW):

From Edmonton (YEG): ~ 1 hour 15 minutes
From Calgary (YYC): ~ 1 hour 5 minutes
Airlines: WestJet and Air Canada offer direct flights to Kelowna.

Approximate Total Travel Time (including the drive to Big White):

From Edmonton (YEG): ~ 3 hours 10 minutes
From Calgary (YYC): ~ 3 hours

Get more air travel information here.

Book A Shuttle & Let Us Pick You Up
Once you land in Kelowna, you're just a short 55-minute shuttle ride away from Big White's front door. Many visitors opt for the Big White Airport Shuttle, which offers comfortable and convenient transportation directly to the resort. Prebooking your shuttle is recommended, especially during peak ski season. Book your shuttle here.

 

Enter Your Location to Get More Directions

Learn more parking and more driving tips here.

More Tips for a Smooth Road Trip:

While the mountain highways offer stunning scenery, its high elevations can result in unpredictable weather conditions. To ensure a safe journey:

  • Check road conditions on DriveBC.ca before leaving Alberta.
  • Ensure your vehicle has winter tires (required between October 1 and March 31) or carry chains.
  • Check your vehicle's taillights and headlights.
  • Dress warmly and pack winter gear in your trunk.
  • Fully charge your cell phone before the trip.

Packing Snacks for the Trip: While there are plenty of stops along the way, packing snacks and drinks can be a lifesaver, especially when traveling with kids. Check out more road trip packing tips here.

Fueling Up: The cost of fuel can vary significantly depending on the location, taxes, and current market conditions. If you're heading deep into British Columbia and need to refuel, check for local deals using apps like GasBuddy to find the best prices along your route.

There are no fuel stations at Big White, however the mountain has on-site 100kW, 200A rapid charging stations located at the Big White Central Reservations building in the Happy Valley Parking lot, featuring CHAdeMO and Combo (CCS1) plugs for quick and easy charging. Learn more here.

Woods patio
Village Fireworks
dog sled
steep and deep

Explore Along the Way
When you embark on this adventure from Alberta to Big White Ski Resort, you'll experience the beauty of some of Canada’s most epic landscapes while anticipating the winter wonderland that awaits you at your destination. Safe travels!

Have some more questions? Contact us

Simplify Your Entire Trip with A Travel Package
Planning your ski vacation has never been easier! Big White Central Reservations is your One-Stop-Shop offering special travel packages that combine accommodations, lessons, rentals and lift passes into one convenient bundle. If you're flying from Vancouver, our team can create a custom package for you that includes airport transfers, making your trip seamless from start to finish. Explore accommodation options and hot deals here.

For more tips, visit our First Timer's Guide to Big White.

Restaurants
Village
Rink
fresh

Our blog content may be time sensitive and any prices or dates quoted are subject to change.

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