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Glide through snowy forests on a cozy, horse-drawn sleigh at Big White Ski Resort. Perfect for families seeking a gentle winter adventure in British Columbia.
Glide through snowy forests on a cozy, horse-drawn sleigh at Big White Ski Resort. Perfect for families seeking a gentle winter adventure in British Columbia.
Book with Big White Ski Resort
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Big White Ski Resort · Kelowna, British Columbia
Big White Ski Resort in British Columbia offers a unique winter experience that combines nostalgia and natural beauty: the Horse Sleigh Ride. This one-hour journey invites visitors to leave behind the usual hustle of ski slopes and snowboards to embrace the quiet rhythm of a horse-drawn sleigh. Wrapped in a warm blanket, guests glide along snow-dusted forest trails where towering evergreen trees frame the serene landscape. The deep blanket of snow muffles sound, sharpening the delicate crunch beneath the horses’ hooves and the occasional breath of the horses themselves.
Located near Kelowna, Big White is renowned for consistent snowfall and extensive winter recreation options, making it a standout destination in Canada’s interior. While the resort draws adventure seekers to its alpine terrain and ski runs, the Horse Sleigh Ride offers a more intimate connection with the environment. It’s a family-friendly activity that welcomes all ages, serving both as a chance to unwind and as a way to capture the simple pleasures of winter outdoors.
The route travels through scenic forest corridors where you can spot deer tracks and listen for the calls of birds like chickadees. The horses, trained to navigate snowy trails safely, enhance the authenticity of the experience. Historically, horse-drawn sleighs were a primary winter transportation mode in the region, making this ride a nod to local heritage.
Big White Ski Resort stands apart by maintaining this charming, low-impact winter tradition alongside its high-energy skiing options. For visitors wanting a peaceful retreat after a day on the slopes or an easy introduction to the area’s winter landscape, the Horse Sleigh Ride is a memorable choice. With crisp air, snow-cloaked pines, and the steady clip-clop of hooves, it’s a distinctive way to connect with the mountain’s quiet side.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for all fitness levels; no strenuous activity required
The ride lasts approximately one hour, offering plenty of time to enjoy the snowy forest trails.
Yes, the ride welcomes guests of all ages and is a family-friendly activity.
Dress in warm, insulated layers, including gloves and winter boots, to stay comfortable throughout the ride.
Pets are not permitted for safety reasons, ensuring a calm environment for the horses and guests.
Sleigh rides are only available in winter when there is sufficient snow on the trails.
The sleigh is relatively easy to board, but those with significant mobility issues should inquire directly with Big White Ski Resort.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides at Big White recall old winter transportation methods used in the early 20th century before motor vehicles became common in the region.
Big White Ski Resort supports sustainable recreation by managing trail use to protect fragile forest ecosystems and minimizing disturbances to wildlife during winter months.
Big White Ski Resort is located in Kelowna, British Columbia, and operates as a year-round mountain destination offering curated outdoor experiences. The resort provides seasonal activities across winter and summer, including guided sleigh rides, dog sled tours, snowmobile outings, on-mountain services, and designated summer RV Overnight Parking for self-contained RVs and campers. During winter months, Big White hosts multiple horse-drawn sleigh ride formats — 30-minute and one-hour public rides, private sleigh options, and an evening Dinner Sleigh Tour that combines a scenic sleigh ride with a family-style meal at a mountain cabin. Dog Sled Tours run approximately 1.5 hours and are led by Canadian sled dogs through backcountry terrain. Outback Snowmobile Tours offers one- and two-hour guided snowmobile options for different rider skill levels, available as single-driver or shared double rides. On-site services include Dizzy's Bootfitting Services, where professional bootfitters use 3D scanning technology for personalized foot analysis and craft custom footbeds in-house. For entertainment off the mountain, the resort facilitates access to Kelowna Rockets hockey games with transportation and ticket arrangements. Big White's offerings are designed to accommodate families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts, with emphasis on booked experiences, seasonal scheduling, and services that support comfort and performance in alpine conditions.
Book with Big White Ski Resort