Hiking at Big White Ski Resort: five summer trails and the Bullet Chair

In summer, Big White opens a network of marked hiking trails on the mountain. The routes range from a short 0.46 km trail to a 4 km climb up the face of the mountain, and the Bullet Chair lift can save you the climb up or the walk down.

The five trails

• Rhonda Lake Trail (4.5 km, about 1 hour one way, 456 m of elevation gain, intermediate): a single-track trail with a few small log and rock crossings, lined with Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine. The resort lists it among its more shaded walks. It leads to Rhonda Lake, at the base of the Cliff Bowl, where you can stroll around the lake. You can also ride the Bullet Chair to the top and hike down toward the lake.
• Peak Trail (1 km loop, about 45 minutes return, 166 m of elevation gain, intermediate): a steady climb with a few switchbacks early on, through open terrain with few trees, up to a rock cairn at the top. Along the Cliff Bowl rim you look down on Rhonda Lake and out over the Monashee Ranges; from the cairn, the resort also mentions views of Christian Valley and the Okanagan Valley. Shade is scarce, so the resort recommends bringing water and a hat. You reach it by the lift or by the Rhonda Lake and Falcon Ridge trails.
• Falcon Ridge Trail (4 km, about 2 hours one way, 553 m of elevation gain, intermediate): the trail climbs steadily up the face of the mountain and crosses streams where wildflowers grow. Near the top the trees get smaller, and a short scramble section (using your hands) comes before the top saddle. You can add the Jamieson Loop, or ride the lift up and walk Falcon Ridge downhill to the village.
• Jamieson Loop (0.75 km loop, about 30 minutes, 100 m of elevation gain, hard): short and steep, with scramble sections on rocky terrain. The resort warns that you will likely find the last of the winter snow here. It lists views toward Vernon, including Mt Moore, Greystokes Provincial Park and Big White Ecological Park.
• Alpine Meadows Trail (0.46 km, about 25 minutes, 18 m of elevation gain, intermediate): an easy-going walk through alpine meadows and subalpine forest. The resort points out Canada jays (whiskey jacks), Steller's jays and chipmunks. The trail completes a loop from the top of the Bullet Chair to the Peak and back.

The Bullet Chair

The Bullet Chair (called the scenic chairlift in ticketing) reaches the top of several trails. Dogs are welcome on the lift and must be leashed on the trails; near the top of the lift, the resort recommends a harness instead of a collar. In 2026, an adult (ages 19 to 64) paid $15 for a round trip, $25 for a day of unlimited rides or $69.95 for the summer pass, before tax. Children 5 and under rode free. If you hike up and want to ride the lift down, you must buy the round-trip ticket before you start hiking.

The suggested loop

For a longer outing, the resort recommends hiking up Falcon Ridge and down Rhonda Lake. It describes this as the easiest direction and allows about 3 hours.

Before you go

• Season: in 2026, scenic chairlift tickets went on sale June 24, and the summer season ended on September 7, Labour Day.
• Weather: trails can close at any time because of weather. Follow the signs. Hiking patrollers are stationed in the village and at the top of the Bullet Chair.
• Gear: the resort advises carrying water, wearing sturdy footwear, bringing layers for fast-changing weather, protecting yourself from the sun (sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat), using bug spray and carrying a whistle for emergencies. It also asks you to tell someone your route.
• Bears: hike in groups and make noise, do not feed wildlife and leave no food waste.
• Rules: stay on the marked trails, do not pick the flowers, and do not smoke on the trails or lifts (forest fire danger).
• Emergencies: patrol answers at 250-491-6160, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Sunday and on holiday Mondays; at other times, dial 911.