International Travel Guide

Winter Recreation At Big White Ski Resort Includes An Ice Climbing Series

Big White Ski is inviting guests to swap skis for crampons, and learn how to scale a 60-foot ice tower with ease this winter in their Annual Ice Climbing Series. Big White's “Ice Climbing Series” includes three winter clinics, led by Canadian ice climbing experts, and will culminate in a thrilling Ice Climbing competition. From beginner to expert, Big White is the only ski resort in North America offering this unique experience for all to enjoy. They are also offering 10% off accommodation to course participants and a lift and lodging special as well.

While ice climbing is typically considered an extreme and niche sport, Big White is excitied to offer guests the opportunity to test their skills on the resorts manmade ice tower, which opened in 2010. The tower is custom built and operated by Corporate Heights, and freezes into 3 feet of thick blue ice. There's a beginner side and three other sides for more advanced climbers with a choice of 19 different routes to get to the top. This is an activity for all fitness levels, and since opening has seen over 3500 people aged from 4 to 78 take up the challenge.

Big White Ski Resort is located in the picturesque Okanagan Valley, and is just a short 55-minute drive from Kelowna International Airport. The award-winning Ski Resort is British Columbia’s second largest resort and boasts the most ski-in, ski-out accommodation in Canada. Blessed with sunny weather, dry powder and a mild average temperature. Big White is best known as a family friendly resort where kids and adults can all have fun.

The Beginners Clinic and Women’s Only Clinic kicked off in January, and then in Febaury starts the Advanced Clinic that is designed for people who have some experience climbing ice and want to take their skill level up a notch. Focusing on movement, leading, anchor building and multi-pitch tips, this clinic is lead by one of the best climbers in the world. Will Gadd is a 3-time Gold Medal Winner at the X-Games and former winner of the Ice Climbing World Cup. He is also an award-winning writer, filmmaker and television host, but he’s most famous for being one of the most versatile outdoor professional athletes in the world today.

In Mid Febaury, Big White Ski Resort host the Ice Tower Competitions, which is spread over two days. The ice tower competitions challenge participant speed, skill, and accuracy with climbers vying to take home the title of “Ultimate Ice Man/Woman”. The events include a timed speed competition, number of hits into the ice (the least wins), and “one tool only” where they will be swinging just one axe into the ice. The kids’ event will be held on Feb 23 and the winner will be the one who climbs the highest relative to their own height.

By Leroy Worley

Learn More: For details on the Ice Climbing Series and available packages at the Big White Ski Resort visit www.bigwhite.com or call 1-800-663-2772 for reservations and bookings.