Weather Advise in Canada

We live in Australia and are considering visiting Big White in early January to ski for 9\10 days - our concern is how cold it may get.

Being used to warm temprartures how cold does it actually get at that time of the year or would the USA be a better option.

We have 2 boys aged 11 and 8 which is why we thought Big White was a good option - but happy to get advise from the "locals "

Yes, it can get cold, especially in early January. -10 and below would not be unusual.
You shouldn't have a problem with these temperatures. Normal ski wear with a few layers is fine. Just make sure you cover up your face if it is windy.

You still get these sorts of temperatures in the US it is just that they don't get the very occasional -30, or even -40 days that Canada does (they will close the lifts if it gets too cold, which rarely happens).

From a comfort point of view, altitude would be more of a consideration. I would much rather spend a few days in a cold Big White than in some of the higher Colorado resorts.

The key to cold skiing is to make sure that your boots are not too tight. If you have thicker socks etc... be carful that you don't make your boots too tight. When you constrict the blood flow to the feet, they will get cold very quickly. Also try to get a pair of silk gloves (about $10) and wear them under your ski gloves. What this does is wick sweat away from your hands keeping them dry and warm. You would be amazed at how effective this is.

Don't be put off by the cold. Big White is a great choice for the family and probably has better temperatures than some of the other interior Canadian resorts. You will have a great time.

For accomodation - the Sundance Resort is an excellent luxury option (http://www.sundancebigwhite.com/) and the Inn at big White (http://www.bigwhite.com/accommodations_showBuilding_ID_17.html)is a very good value option.