Dining

Unlike most other ski resorts, you don't have to drive or even walk more than a block or so to find a great meal. All restaurants are in or near the village center and represent a swell variety of offerings.

Beano’s (491-3558; $), in the middle of the main ticket/rental building, serves the best coffee, soup and sandwiches in the village. Beano's owners are usually on site waiting on friendly Big White owners, managers and ski school directors enjoying their morning javas. Big White's owners and family live just across the street and like to check out what's happening with their guests and staff each morning. Drop by and say hello, give a compliment or lodge a complaint. They'll be glad you did. Surf the Internet with your latte upstairs at the TELUS E-Loft.

Snowshoe Sam’s (765-1416; $$–$$$; above) is a legend at Big White. This multistoried establishment, up a flight of steps in the village, concentrates mainly on steaks and chops, although the seafood and pasta are quite good. You'll need dinner reservations, especially on the weekend. It gets packed. Their claim to fame is their Gun Barrel Coffee. It's as much of a show as it is an after dinner drink. Your waiter pulls up alongside your table with a shotgun and pours flaming Grand Marnier down the barrel into a glass with brandy, cacao and whipped cream. The restaurant, which originated in Apex, sells the most Grand Marnier in Canada.

The Swiss Bear Dining Room (491-7750; $$–$$$) in the Chateau Big White serves authentic Swiss cuisine, specializing in delicious fondues. Reservations are recommended.

The Inn Restaurant (491-0221, ext. 407; $–$$), in the Inn at Big White, is a great family restaurant with a wonderful view that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring an interesting menu (some good veggie choices).

Coltino’s Ristorante (765-5611; $$), at Das Hofbrauhaus, serves Italian fare as well as Alberta beef in a friendly family environment. Raakel’s next door has apres-ski where they serve some mean salads, burgers and pizzas. They also offer the usual pub fare of wings, fries, even poutine—that typical French Canadian dish of French fries topped with cheese curd and steaming hot gravy.

Frank's Chinese Laundry (765-7866; $$) in the Whitefoot Lodge prepares good Chinese food with a quick in-and-out lunchtime buffet. Ride the gondola down to the Kettle Valley Steakhouse (491-0130; $$-$$$), where you'll find a stylish wine bar, comfy surroundings and a menu with lots of steak that will satisfy your red-meat craving after a day on the slopes.

Dining Legend (CD$): $$$–Entrees C$20+; $$–C$10–20; $–less than C$10

Top photo courtesy of Big White/Brian Sprout; Bottom photo courtesy of Big White