From the Empire State building in New York around the world to Big White Ski Resort, nearly 4,000 cities and towns in 88 countries dimmed nonessential lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. last Saturday night for "Earth Hour", a global effort to Vote for Planet Earth and highlight the threat of climate change.

Big White Ski Resort , local businesses,staff and guests on the mountain joined the world to do their part. On mountain restaurants became a little more romantic on Saturday evening as lights went out and many guests dined by candlelight in participating restaurants including The Kettle Valley Steakhouse, Snowshoe Sam's, The Swiss Bear, The Market, Globe Wine and Tapas Bar, The Copper Kettle and Papa Roasters.  Everyone enjoyed the atmosphere and was happy to be involved in helping our planet. More than one guest commented on the great ambience and that maybe we should all do this a little more often. 

In all Big White offices over 170 computers, printers and fax machines were turned off, chargers and phones were unplugged and light switches flicked to the off position for the evening as we did our part for Planet Earth. Big White guests and residents made their contributions in many ways throughout the evening as clothes were hung to dry, televisions were switched off and board games brought the the table and showers were cut short.

"We were overwhelmed with the participation from everyone on the mountain, it was great to see everyone come together for such an important cause" commented Blair Ireland, Director of Guest Services and Events. The event was advertised on our in house Channel 5 television program , the Big White website,  as well as through posters around the  resort  and through word of mouth.

Earth hour isn't just one hour here at Big White, with numerous programs in place to protect our environment including on mountain recycling programs reaching all offices, accommodations and businesses to Central Reservations 'throw in the towel program' encouraging guests to reuse towels, we take our environmental responsibility on board to protect our resources for future generations.

"Earth Hour was probably the largest public demonstration on climate change ever" commented Yvo de Boer, The United Nations top climate official. With such a special backyard here at Big White we were proud to vote for Planet Earth, and encouraged all businesses, residents, staff and on mountain guests to join us in this important event.

Earth Hour executive director Andy Ridley said "It's the idea of hope, not despair. And I think that's something that's been incredibly important this year", and here at Big White we agree - It's all about hope.  
For more information about Big White Ski Resort please contact Blair Ireland, bireland@bigwhite.com  and for more information on Earth Hour go to www.earthhour.org