Big White Mountain North Face

Big White Ski Resort

Some of the steepest terrain around is remarkably easy to access!

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance: 2.9 km
Ascent: 201 m
Descent: 431 m
Duration: 1-2 hrs

Low Point: 2 km
High Point: 2.3 km
Gradient: 41˚

This tour takes you outside the boundaries of Big White ski area. If you're going to use the Big White lift system to access out of bounds terrain then, at the very least, make sure you're suitably equipped and experienced for the tour you're doing. It's officially not permitted to use the lifts to access the backcountry but it seems to be tolerated if skiers are sensible and respectful of the terrain they're entering. Don't be the reason that Big White ski patrol get stricter!

Reaching the col after the skin up Photo: Charlie Boscoe

Great skiing on the upper face Photo: Charlie Boscoe

Midway down the face Photo: Charlie Boscoe

Description

From the top of the Alpine T-Bar, put your skis on your shoulder and hike up to the top of Big White Mountain. It's only a 5 - 10 minute hike and quickly takes you from the bustle of the ski area to the wilds of BC. Once on the summit put skis back on and ski down the mountain's north face. The exact line you take will depend on conditions, but it can be skied just about anywhere, with all routes down it taking you onto some large 35 degree slopes. The skiing can feel steep in icy conditions and avalanches are not uncommon here; pick your day carefully.

In the right conditions the descent down Big White's north face is fantastic, and gradually mellows all the way down until you hit the trees. Milk a final few turns from the slope before making the easy and brief skin up to the col which overlooks the Cliff chairlift. There are several ways of skiing down from the col, but the one marked here - which goes skier's right down a vague gully - is one of the best.

Ride the Cliff chairlift and head for another lap!