I turned around and looked out of the back window of the car; the garish lights of greater Vancouver are getting further and further away. A bight full moon and the outline of jagged snowcapped mountains lie ahead.

My co-founder, Rob, and I are an hour into a four hour road trip from Vancouver to the Ski Resort of Big White, near Kelowna – almost 400 kilometres (250 miles) north-east of Vancouver. The route winds its way through treacherous mountains known to have avalanches, and where the weather can change dramatically with every foot of elevation gained. Luckily for us there were no avalanche warnings, and the road was neither icy nor windy.

We were treated to spectacular mountain scenery lit up by one of the brightest full moons I have ever experienced. It gave the mountains a somewhat haunting and ethereal look. You can avoid the long drive by taking the hour-long flight to Kelowna.

As we left Vancouver late in the evening, we stayed in a cheap motel in the city, and woke up very early to drive the last hour and make the first lift.

We parked up next to the ice rink, where some children were skating, and excitedly made our way up the first lift and onto the runs. We first took the green Sunshine trail down for a warm-up. From there we wondered over to the Black Forest lift, where Rob, and our more experienced friends, went to enjoy the powder in the glades and the blacks up above. I kept on the green runs (I’m still learning), such as Millie’s Mile and Kyle.

The variety of terrains is what makes Big White one of the best resorts in British Columbia. It’s a great place to learn. The runs are long and some greens can be challenging, with steep and narrow parts – pushing you to go faster and be braver. For the experienced, 82 per cent of runs are intermediate, experts or the crazies. There is also a half-pipe and a park for those like Rob, who like to show off their board skills.

Big White is not a party resort – although full of young Australians, Brits and other internationals doing a season – it’s a place people come to ride and relax – not to party. A good night out can be had – Snowshoe Sam’s is where you’ll find the Seaonsaires. Go on Wing Night Wednesday, because nothing beats a pint of cider and a plate full of hot chicken wings whilst watching the snow fall, knowing you will be riding on powder the next day.

Other places to try are The Moose Lounge (good on a Tuesday) in the Sunshine Lodge, and the Blarney Stone at the Inn at Big White, where we stayed.

We only spent three days at Big White – but I felt at home and comfortable almost immediately. The staff made us feel welcome and, come the final day, I did not want to leave. There was still so much of the mountain we had yet to experience.

The Stats

Annual snow fall: 750 cm (24.5 ft) average

16 lifts

7,355 acres of skiable terrain

Summit elevation 2,319m (7,606 ft)

Village elevation:  1,755m (5,757 ft)

118 Designated Trails:

18% Beginner

54% Intermediate

22% Expert

6% Extreme

Longest Run: 7.2 km (4.5 miles) – Around the World Route – it runs from the top of the T-Bar to Bottom of Gem Lake.

Local beer: Tree Brewing Co

Local cider: Rock Creek

Local wine: Voluptuous

Full disclosure: Hotel and ski passes courtesy of Big White