From towing around car seats to packing enough diapers, we know planning a holiday with children requires a lot of, well, extra planning. To make your trip more fun and less frantic, we’ve put together a list of ways to keep the kids entertained while you’re on the slopes, as well as events and activities you can do together as a family and finally, tricks to keep meltdowns (yours and theirs) to a minimum.
Avoid the Lines!
Looking to hit the slopes early? We recommend getting to rentals before the 9:00 am rush. The rental shop opens at 8:00 am, and lessons leave at 9:45 am – the earlier you get there, the sooner you'll be able to get your equipment and have the kids sorted in time for their lessons.
Or, skip the line completely! If your children are pre-registered, and already have ski or board basics, the instructors will come to your hotel or condo to pick up your kids and drop them off at the end of the day for a small charge.
Pre-Register to Save Time
For those who have pre-registered their child in a lesson and booked their stay via Big White Central Reservations, your child's bar code labels will be dropped off at Big White Central Mountain Check-In and become a part of your check-in package. For season passholders with early bird vouchers, the registration link is found on the front of the voucher and can be accessed up until midnight the day before a lesson is to be attended.
If you pre-register, drop-off is complete in a matter of seconds by simply scanning the bar code label of your child, putting a vest or armband on the younger children and attaching a Flaik GPS tag for all children in group lessons. You will not be penalized if you cancel the lesson the day of, or even once the lesson has departed if for some reason your child decides he or she doesn't want to go out.
Mom/Dad & Me Are Skiing Program
For those who might experience separation anxiety, the best program is the Mom/Dad & Me Are Skiing. Designed for the young beginner skier who is reluctant to part with Mom or Dad, the instructor introduces the child to skiing while also offering to tips to parents about how they can encourage their child to continue skiing and improve along the way.
Daily, Family-Friendly Events
Big White hosts a Family Channel Carnival Night every Thursday and Saturday at the Village Centre Mall. Let the kids unload energy in the bouncy castle while you snack on free popcorn and cotton candy. The night also includes carnival games, face painting, and a visit from Loose Moose!
On Tuesdays, bring them down to Moose Lounge in Happy Valley for Kids Craft Corner. Sip on a well-deserved apres ski bevvy and enjoy Moose Lounge's delicious appies while your kids create, play and explore. And Fridays are for freaky fun! Each week, the events team plans a different activity – always packed with surprises and silliness.
Finally, be sure to keep an eye out for their Family Channel events such as the Jr. Chef Challenges and the Snow Ninja Challenge – these are scheduled regularly throughout the season and can be found on the Events Calendar. And don't forget to stick around on Saturday nights for the weekly fireworks display.
Relax, You're on Holidays
Leave the carry-ons at home, and rent what you need to make your stay comfortable from The Tiny Tourist. The Okanagan-based business rents out everything from car seats to baby gates to toys – saving you the hassle of hauling it with you on the airline – and they'll deliver right to your Big White condo or hotel!
It's easy to forget you're on vacation when you're packing around toddlers! If you're looking for a grown-ups-only night out, or maybe just an hour of me-time, we recommend Big White Sitters. Their sitters are trusted, checked and experienced – and are available for whatever you need!
Take an hour or two off, and head to Elevation Spa, next to Central Mountain Check-In in the lower level of the Village Centre Mall. Treat yourself to a relaxation massage, pamper yourself with a facial, or indulge in a reflexology treatment.
Enjoy a pint of craft beer from the on-mountain brewery Elevation 57 at Sessions Taphouse, or, take your partner to a romantic dinner at Kettle Valley Steakhouse. Then, when you get home, have your after-dinner drinks delivered right to your door. The Beer & Wine Store in the lower level of the Village Centre Mall will take your order online and bring it to you. With around 100 locally sourced Okanagan wines, a selection of craft beers and ciders, and artisanal spirits, the Beer & Wine Store has something for every taste.
Remember, it's your holiday, too!
Content courtesy of Big White Ski Resort
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