For skiers and snowboarders that live for a good food, there’s one Canadian ski resort that’s worth getting to know: Big White Ski Resort, a family-owned, locally operated mountain village with a personality all of its own.
Set in British Columbia’s Okanagan region, famous for plenty of snowfall and its family-friendly vibe, this is already a place where there’s a lot to love. The village is primarily ski-in, ski-out, the snow is great, and there are no less than 119 runs to keep you happy across the mountain.
But once the skis come off, the food scene is one of the top reasons to put this resort on your travel list. With more than 20 places to eat and drink, the mountain manages to feel cosy and local while also delivering variety in spades; think steakhouses, sushi spots, quiet little cafes for games and reading books, food trucks, great après spots and infamous local pubs.
Here’s everything about the food scene you need to put on your to-eat list. Just get ready to loosen those ski pants.
A taste of the Okanagan, one mountain meal at a time
Every restaurant and food outlet on the mountain is independently owned and operated. There are no golden arches or Starbucks logos in sight, giving the village a real Canadian and personal feel.
And there’s a lot to be proud of in the region; the Okanagan Valley below Big White is known for orchards, vineyards and farms, and its culinary reputation is now on the world stage. Nearby Kelowna has been named Canada’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and the resort is dedicated to sourcing ingredients from its surroundings wherever possible, like mouthwatering Canadian beef, high-quality West Coast seafood and locally-grown produce.
The drinks tell the same story. Expect Canadian craft beer, local spirits and regional wines throughout the village. Do not skip an Okanagan wine from a winery like Mission Hill, or a Caesar (think bloody Mary but with a Canadian twist, sometimes with some seriously delicious additions on top… bacon anyone?).
Big appetites, snowy days and mountain comfort
The ski resort has its own Culinary Director, Boddie Macklin-Shaw, and he’s long been shaping the philosophy behind local food venues such as Kettle Valley Steakhouse, The Woods, Clocktower Coffee Co. and the resort’s day lodges.
His starting point is simple: after a day in the cold mountain air, what will make people feel warm, satisfied and ready to do it all again tomorrow? The answer is cosy, delicious menus made for big appetites.
You’ll find everything from high-end options to quick grab and go meals. A bison steak? Tick. A tabletop Baked Alaska or tiramisu? Tick. Or go for a truffled mac and cheese, a baked brie gyoza, an entire charcuterie board shared with friends, or an uber-casual but uber-tasty poutine (the classic Canadian favourite of fries, cheese curds and gravy, that cannot truly be replicated anywhere else in the world).
The menus designed by locals
Kelowna-based Kyle and Carolyn Nixon operate two of Big White’s popular dining establishments: Snowshoe Sam’s and Sopra: Sam’s Italian Kitchen, which opened in 2024. Established in 1980, the award-winning Snowshoe Sam’s is a mountain institution, where après means chicken wings, a game of pool and an atmosphere not to be missed.
Longtime Big White locals John and Ana Mooney bring another layer of village character through The Fat Marmot, Underground Pizza and Six Degrees Bistro. Whether you’re after a hearty ramen, a quick takeaway option or an intimate, date-night worthy meal, one of their spaces will suit; just be sure to book in for restaurants like Six Degrees, as places are limited and in high demand during peak times of the season.
And then there’s one of the newest reasons to arrive hungry, Cabin Kitchen + Bar. The latest venture from local restaurateur Ross Derrick, it leans into Canadian comfort food with a regional focus. Think Great Grandma Alice’s Split Pea Soup, Alberta elk and pork meatballs, Red River bison chili and Nanaimo Bar cheesecake (famously named after the Canadian city of Nanaimo).
The quick guide on where to coffee, lunch and après
1. Clocktower Coffee Co. for the ski-in/ski-out coffee run
Handcrafted drinks and fresh-baked treats right in the Village Centre Mall. Great for the pre-lift warm-up, and where you’ll find all the locals gathering in the morning to share the latest news on where to find the best snow/best weather/best groomers for the day.
2. Lunch at VISTA, Black Forest Day Lodge
With floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the views over the valley, this is a level up from your standard ski cafeteria; it’s a sunny, beautiful place to stop in after a morning of tree runs to grab a noodle bowl and a hot beverage.
3. Snowshoe Sam’s après-ski
The mountain’s social hub and a non-negotiable first stop off the lifts. Get a proper poutine, the beef dip or the chicken parm while you’re there.
4. Kettle Valley Steakhouse’s tomahawk
The splurge meal; a majestic 52 oz Certified Angus Beef® tomahawk steak. This premium bone-in rib eye is made for the true beef connoisseur and pairs beautifully with a selection from the Okanagan wine list. You may have to roll down the mountain the next day instead of skiing, but it’ll be worth it.
5. The horse-drawn sleigh dinner
The kind of thing you do once and remember for a lifetime. It’s an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh ride out to a cozy cabin in the woods for a distinctive dinner. Book early, as they sell out!
Explore all the flavours of Big White and start planning your mountain meals by clicking here.
Want a sneak peek before you get to the mountain? Before you head to Big White, check out their First-Timer’s Guide on YouTube. It gives you the basics on where to stay, lift tickets, getting around, and a few local favourites, so you can show up feeling a little more clued in and ready to enjoy your first day.
