Big White Ski Resort Celebrates a Spectacular Close to the 60th Anniversary Season
Senior Vice President Michael J. Ballingall shared his pride in the resort's storied past and its profound impact today.
"This milestone season underscores our legacy as a family-run operation deeply committed to the local community,” said Ballingall. “The economic impact of the resort on the Okanagan region is significant. Our guests, who could choose any destination worldwide, consistently pick Big White, contributing to our community’s vibrancy and success. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey.”
Visitor Numbers Hit All-Time High During Key Holiday Periods:
Despite a delayed start, the season drew impressive numbers following Opening Day, bolstered by consistent snowfall and a robust lineup of events. The resort excitedly revealed this afternoon that it broke its all-time record for visitor attendance during the 10 days around BC Family Day and US Presidents' Day, with chairlift rides surging to 524,000—a 16% increase over the same period in 2023. Highlights of the season included the Okanagan Wine Festival’s Big Reds event, a free Family Day breakfast, annual Carnival Nights, weekly fireworks, and the adventurous Moose Cruz mountain activities. Additionally, the tubing park delivered its own thrills, providing over 21,203 exhilarating rides, the cumulative distance of which matched travelling from Kelowna to Dallas, Texas. The culinary offerings were equally impressive. The resort catered to thousands of visitors by serving up a massive 20,783 kg of fries—equivalent to the weight of about two city buses—and 18,237 litres of milk, fueling the fun throughout the entire season.
TELUS Park: A Hub of Competition and Community Engagement:
Highlights at TELUS Park included the 10th annual Welcome to Paradise FIS World Cup, the Teck Ski Cross BC Provincials organized by the Big White Ski Club, the 25th annual Neil Edgeworth Banked Slalom, and the 9th annual TELUS Kelowna Cup. The latter event was particularly notable, raising an impressive $22,050 for the Powderhounds Adaptive Snowsports program, underscoring the community’s commitment to inclusivity and sportsmanship.
Major Investments Open to Enhance Resort Facilities:
Significant investments exceeding $100 million were made in resort enhancements this season, including the January launch of the Spa at Stonebridge. Additionally, the December opening of the new $5.5 million Big White Central Reservations building at 300 Happy Valley Road introduced enhanced guest facilities such as increased parking, an expansive front desk, and a comfortable guest lounge equipped with showers and bathrooms for post-checkout skiing convenience.
New Infrastructure Developments Underway:
Staff accommodation reached 100% occupancy for most of the season, housing 480 of the resort's 863 seasonal staff, which equates to just over 55% of the team having access to staff housing. Last fall, the foundations were completed for two new staff buildings, and construction has already resumed this spring with an expected completion date this coming fall. These new buildings will add an additional 128 beds for the resort’s staff accommodation inventory, potentially increasing the capacity to house up to 70% of seasonal staff.
Celebrating Diversity and Supporting Local Causes:
Events like Slopeside Pride supporting The Bridge Family and Youth Services and their youth program, Etcetera, and Women’s Ski Day, which raised $6,910 for the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, not only celebrated diversity and inclusivity but also supported important causes. The introduction of the Ambassador Program further enriched the resort experience by highlighting local talents and notable athletes, enhancing community connections.
Local Businesses Thrive with Innovative Offerings:
Businesses across the resort also celebrated numerous successes this season. The Globe Restaurant hosted a series of vibrant events including three wine dinners, four comedy nights, eight drag shows, five burlesque performances, and over forty live music shows, creating memorable evenings for guests. alluraDirect.com, a vacation rental platform, enjoyed strong demand for its 3+ bedroom accommodations, showing robust visitor loyalty despite challenging snow conditions. Additionally, Snowshoe Sam's launched a new Local DJ series, revitalizing the resort's social atmosphere and spotlighting local musical talent, further enhancing Big White's cultural appeal.
AltiTunes Music Festival Caps Off Winter with Record Attendance:
The season culminated with the AltiTunes Music Festival presented in partnership with Thick as Thieves Entertainment. This event set a new standard for outdoor winter concerts, drawing a record-breaking attendance of 11,134 and solidifying Big White’s status as a top destination for both skiing and entertainment.
Anticipating a Summer of New Adventures:
As we bid farewell to an unforgettable winter, Big White Ski Resort looks forward to an exciting summer filled with new projects and adventures.
“We thank all our sponsors, guests, loyal season passholders and the local community, for their part in this landmark year,” said Ballingall.
The resort will reopen for summer activities on June 27, weather permitting. Keep informed about upcoming activities and access exclusive offers by subscribing to our summer and winter newsletters. Check out guest photos from the season here.