A Kelowna man rides a chairlift at Big White Ski Resort.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Chris Klugh
July 27, 2024 - 2:30 PM
Kelowna resident Chris Klugh has a background in videography and a thirst to explore backcountry treasures and affordable adventures in the Okanagan.
On Sunday, July 21, he headed to Big White Ski Resort where he paid $20 to ride the lifts, take in the panoramic views and hike through alpine meadows on the mountain top.
“That day Kelowna was super hot and this was a great relief from the intense heat and there was a nice breeze,” he said. “Apparently it’s about 10 degrees cooler up there.”
Klugh’s lived in Kelowna for eight years and this was his first time exploring Big White, an internationally acclaimed ski resort that draws tourists and locals alike every winter, and summer
A couple of lifts operate in the summer months to transport hikers and mountain bikers to a myriad of trails.
The first lift took him from the main entrance at 5315 Big White Road to the main plaza. He stopped to look into a mountain bike shop.
“There are a couple of bars and restaurants there and I think the primary attraction is the mountain bike rentals and access to trails, I’ll have to go back and check that out.”
The Plaza is the main gathering place offering bars, restaurants and bike rentals at Big White Ski Resort.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Chris Klugh
From there Klugh hopped onto another chairlift over grass covered rocky outcrops where he was able to snap photos of the panoramic views below.
“I‘ve never gone skiing before, it was the first time I was on an open chairlift,” he said. “I just sat on it and away I went. I didn’t realize there’s a protective bar that comes down across your lap and there weren’t many other people around to copy. Eventually I thought, ‘hey, there’s a bar I should pull down.’”
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Once at the top, Klugh went wandering through the alpine wildflowers.
“I took a photo of the trail sign that pointed in all different directions, then went a bit further and saw so many more places to check out.”
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Klugh said the lift rides back down the mountain were peaceful and breezy, and he highly recommends the affordable, family-friendly adventure to others looking to escape the heat.
Long grass, rocks and trees can be seen from a chairlift at Big White Ski Resort in the summer.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Chris Klugh
This spring, Klugh discovered a section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, and documented his day trip with photographs.
Go here to see more of Chris Klugh's Okanagan adventures and discoveries.
Go here to find out what summer events and activities are on offer at Big White Ski Resort.
A mountain biker is seen from a chairlift at Big White Ski Resort.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Chris Klugh
A Kelowna man took a photo of Big White Ski Resort centre from a chairlift.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Chris Klugh
This sign is found in the alpine at Big White Ski Resort.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Chris Klugh
Wildflowers bloom in the alpine at a ski resort in Kelowna.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Chris Klugh
Rhonda lake can be seen from the summit of Big White Ski Resort.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Chris Klugh
Big White Ski Resort is located at 5315 Big White Road in Kelowna.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Chris Klugh
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