Dear Mr. Foster,
I wanted to take the time to thank you and your staff for your part in making the week my wife and I spent at Big White last week one of our favorite ski vacations to date.
We were particularly impressed that when we were booking our private lesson, the Ski School desk asked us as to our instructor preferences, something we had never been asked before at other ski schools. Given our particular learning styles, we merely asked for an instructor with more technical leanings and was assigned to Geoff Wright. We could not be more happy with the results.
Geoff is an exceptional and attentive instructor and by the end of the morning we both felt like we were making a breakthrough in our skiing.
His encouraging and patient style was critical in helping to restore my wife's confidence in her skiing after some mishaps last season. We particularly loved that Geoff had a "lesson plan" that he shared with us after assessing our skills. It added purpose and a sense of accomplishment to what otherwise may seem a random disjointed mix of drills in exercises. We also appreciated that he guided us all over the mountain to keep runs from getting too repetitive and showcase what Big White had to offer, all the while keeping us safe and building our confidence on new terrain. Most importantly, he was able to keep the lessons fun and engaging. We enjoyed our first lesson so much that we happily booked two more lessons through the Ski School desk with him that day.
I am happy to report that our three lessons with Geoff were some of the best ski instruction we've ever had, and certainly at a fantastic value. We felt that Geoff improved our technical skiing and helped us surpassed our learning goals for the season in being more comfortable skiing all over the mountain, including bumps, glades, and ungroomed terrain. Bump skiing is something that we have always avoided, and after our last lesson we were astounded at how the same moguls that were so daunting early in the week seemed so tame on our last lesson.
My wife and I spent an embarrassing amount of time on the lifts during our free ski days marveling at how much the previous lesson with Geoff had transformed our skiing. We now have a small notebook that we now read through each time before we head out to the slope, filled with tips and drills from the lessons and a technical manual he lent us for a few days (truly above and beyond the call of duty there).
In all honesty, we had initially approached Big White as a place to visit, then check off and move on to other resorts. Thanks to the positive experiences we had with Geoff, we are already planning to return to Big White next season and taking several more lessons with him. I can't recommend Geoff enough. If the other instructors you have are anywhere near as capable ambassadors for Big White and the Ski School program as he is, you certainly have built a very special program.
Thanks again, and see you next season!
Dennis & Jennifer
Hello – and Happy New Year!
My family vacationed at Big White December 15th – 23rd, 2007 and it was our best family vacation ever. Each year we choose a ski destination and this was our third trip to Big White (in the last four years.) This year was exceptional in large part to the employees of the child care center. Erin, Mel, Kelly, Kathy, Lisa, Bronnie, Jenny and Nat were absolutely fantastic. My daughter Ava was begging to go each morning. This was especially great for me as usually I stay home with the kids while everyone else skis. After dropping Ava off I was able to take a private ski lesson, snow-shoe and hike. I am SO GRATEFUL for the free time I had and I attribute it ALL to the fabulous women at the child-care center. Truly – they were wonderful – please let them know how great they made our vacation.
Sincerely,
Beth Golde
Bellevue, Washington
Thank you for the Free Ride Info. We registered our daughter at Orchard Park during the Season Pass week.
Hanna's coach last year was Courtney. I'm not sure what level she will be coaching this year, or if she'll be coaching at all, but our daughter, Hanna, absolutely loved her and has asked me to request her this year as well...if possible.
As for feedback on the Free Ride program, when I look at Hanna and her love of skiing (she is counting down the days...literally) it says it all. We signed her up and now we cannot get her to stop talking about skiing. So thank you for a wonderful program! And again...Courtney was amazing as I'm sure the other coaches are as well.
Many thanks. Looking forward to the ski season!
Tricia and John Eggeling
Dear Big White;
Just a short note to let you know about two superstars on your staff. First of all we are returning guests, a family of five (3 boys). I am a novice skier and always start with continuous runs down Hummingbird. Last Friday (Mar 14) my husband and I stopped for chili at the Volvo/Chili display. When much to my dismay and frustration I could not get my skis back on. One of your staff from the ticket line, Daphne, came over and helped me out! She saw me struggling, made me feel at ease and, success – had me back on the hill!
My oldest boy, 12, is a hesitant skier and was having a hard time on his first day of skiing at the kids centre (also last Friday). The morning was fine with his instructor Jo, but then in the afternoon he was moved up and was unable to keep up with his group. His frustration was evident when I picked him up. The next morning I asked for him to stay on the Plaza run until he was comfortable. He was put in with Jo and she was able to succeed in improving both his confidence and skiing – he was up on Squirrel in no time! He was beaming when I picked him up the second day. Thanks all to Jo, she was awesome with him!
Thanks to making our annual ski outing a wonderful experience – the snow’s a given, but the staff are a wonderful bonus!
Best regards,
Anita Cam
We would just like to give some positive feedback on the instructor we had last week while in the Big White. His name was Geoff Wright and we had 4 private lessons with him. He was very helpful and we thoroughly enjoyed each day. We all felt our skiing improved and can't wait to get back on the slopes next year! Please pass this on to him and give him our thanks.
Many thanks, Jo, Kat and Adam
Hello all,
I really felt compelled to put in writing my thanks for your help with my daughter's first skiing holiday in February. She had a very "up and down" journey learning to ski - she started off loving it (did not even want to take her skis off) - until she had an accident with a tree - where she lost all her confidence - and spent a lot of the remainder of the holiday rebuilding this.
There are 3 people in particular that I would like to acknowledge as having made both Charlotte and our holiday excellent.
1) Kerily - Kerily taught Charlotte in Sliders and Charlotte loved her. When she lost her confidence we were able to get a private lesson with Kerily and she worked wonders with restoring the confidence. Kerily then suggested that we see if she could teach Snow Rangers the next day so Charlotte could have some consistency and everyone at ski school shifted things around so this could happen.
2) Louise - Louise was on the desk for Ski School when I desperately needed to do something with Charlotte and her confidence. I arrived at the desk at 9.25am and within minutes Louise has sorted out a private lesson for Charlotte with Kerily and Charlotte was out skiing at 10 am quite happy! Louise just gave the impression that nothing was too much bother and was often organising lessons and switching things around for us. I was always so relieved to see her at the desk as I just knew she would be able to help.
3) Stuart - Stuart (from Wales) was a fantastic ski instructor for Stuart, Alice and myself. We had 2 lessons with him and learnt so much without even realising it. We had loads of fun (in fact I don't think we laughed that much all holiday) and we just wanted to say a big thank you to him for making it so enjoyable!
I would really appreciate it if our comments could be passed on to your Director and that these 3 people be recognised for providing excellent service and helping make our holiday so special.
Many thanks once again and hope to visit Big White again in the near future.
Kind regards
Trina Tollman
Mr. Foster,
I have sent this email to you to convey the outstanding vacation your resort instructors provided to our families.
Upon check-in at the ski school desk, Dan (Monteal - whom both instructors really respect) set-up our four kids with Joel. We asked for someone who could accommodate four and teach them while making the learning lots of fun.
For all four days Joel returned our children with huge smiles, stories of the days accomplishments and a real sense of excitement about their skiing. He was terriffic!
An additional benefit was they were asleep by 8 pm.
Great thanks to Joel for showing them such a great time and making skiing so much fun.
A gentle hand from a tall, handsome well-spoken Brit was enough to get my wife out for a lesson. Please understand that my wife, Marta, is genuinely scared of skiing. Will successful read on Marta providing three benefits; firstly Marta who at 38 has little desire to ski was afforded the flexibility to come out and ski for an hour or two and returned to our place feeling good about her efforts.
Secondly, Will suggested the balance of her lesson time be taken by Craig and myself. Both of us are strong skiers and were skeptical about what we would learn...Will's guiding knowledge and pride in the Big White terrain combined to benefit Craig and I with much more volume and interesting vertical feet on day one with Will.
Lastly, was Will's teaching style, great sense of timing and keen comments provided us the unexected benefit.. "He taught a couple of new tricks to a couple of old dogs". Our skiing style and use of new technologies made of both more effective. Thanks Will!
Will’s efforts with our family even extended well beyond the ski hill by helping us deliver some rentals we had to return. This was "huge" as we did not realize the rental shop closed early. Will's mature, interested and well timed.
I trust by now I have conveyed to you not only our appreciation regarding Will and Joel but also what great ambassadors of Big White Resort they are.
They make you look good.
Thank you, have a good season and continued successes!
Jay Basian
Hi,
I just wanted to send you a quick email to let you know what a wonderful time that my daughter Olivia had last week when she was participating in snowboarding school.
Olivia had your snowboarding instructor "Meg" for the first two days, which she thoroughly enjoyed and then she had the last three days with Alyn Nash. Olivia had meet Alan the previous week at the Ladies Day lessons and was happy to see that he was going to be instructing her.
Alyn was absolutely terrific with Olivia. he taught her so much and gave her the confidence to attempt new jumps in Telus Park, her made the lessons fun and she looked forward to each day. Alyn had jokes, songs, quotes, dance moves, stories and more, Olivia enjoyed herself thoroughly.
Alyn also photographed Olivia'a progress each day and then downloaded the shots onto a C.D. and gave them to her.
I was so impressed with Alan and all the other instructors that Olivia and myself had the pleasure to be coached by this past season.
It was our second visit to Big White and we look forward to coming again soon.
Thanks to everyone for making our stay so much fun.
Regards,
Vicki & Olivia Coates, Brisbane Australia
Aloha Josh,
I just wanted to email you regarding an EXCEPTIONAL person who has been helping me decide if I should plan a vacation at Big White, Kate Furnival.
Kate has been helping to answer some of my questions and her knowledge, expertise, prompt replies to questions, positive attitude, and supportive nature. Being an employer it must be very hard to find all of these qualities in employees; well you certainly have a "Gem" with Kate. Working with her today as been such a wonderful experience that I just hope all the people at Big White are just like her...if they are, I know that my family will have a wonderful time when we visit in March. Please know that you are lucky to have Kate working with you...please don't forget to appreciate her and all she does for you and your company...Big White IS A BETTER PLACE because Kate works there...well at least I think so.
A future visitor (see you in March)!!
Malama Pono (Take care),
Jimmy
Dear Josh and the Ski School Team at Big White
A big thank you to all the Ski School Team.
My family and I moved from the UK in July 2007 to live and work in Kelowna,In the UK we rarely see snow let alone have the chance to Ski, so it was a big thing for us to come to Big White to learn to Ski, the staff were so professional right from the front desk through to the instructors, Dan’s organisation of the lessons were a painless and smooth operation, also our instructors over the past few days, Andrea from Peachland and Steve Noon were first class with great encouragement and patience.
Please thank Dan and the Instructors and for making our first experience of Big White a memorable one and be sure the Ski School will see more of us in this winter.
Yours Sincerely,
Kevin Barker
Dear Big White Ski School,
I want to thank my fantastic instructors for a fun week at Big White. I enrolled in the Four Day Learn to Board class. My instructors were top notch and did a great job getting me from never before snowboarding to successfully boarding green runs in just four days. The lessons were fun and challenging and it was rewarding to see the progress each day. I can’t wait to get back out for my next trip and I can’t wait to come back to Big White.
Thanks again to my great instructors, Duncan Simpson (Day 1), Scott Richards (Day 2 and 3), and Fraser Johnston (Day 4).
Eric Farm
Hello,
Ladies Day is absolutely wonderful, the instructors are really good and the organizer Mark is awesome.
I want to add also that last week we had the chance to have a lady instructor who was acting as a Shadow and she made the lesson so much more interesting cause she was very attentive to what we were doing and really helping out, her name is Cindy from Vancouver, BC, I can't say enough, I do hope that soon she will be an instructor and have her own group on Ladies day , I would be in her group right away, she pointed out some very specific points about my skiing !!!!!
Greatly appreciated,
Cheers, Gaetane Daigle
season's pass holder and a new skier @ Big White
Hi -
I had the beginner snowboard lesson the other day when I was at Big White and it was fantastic. I wanted to email you to say thanks, and that Greg (swiss guy, can't remember his complete surname but am pretty sure that it started with 'L') was a great teacher. By the end of the two hours he had me sailing down the plaza slope (think that is where the beginners start out) doing full S curves after having basically ZERO experience.
Please pass on my thanks to Greg L :-) and keep him on for my return visit!
Dave
Hello,
I just wanted to take time to mention the great experience I had taking beginner private lessons with my sons a couple weekends ago at Big White. My sons were first time skiers and Berne was very patient and helpful. He not only gave verbal instructions, but was also willing to demonstrate techniques over and over, ensuring that my younger son really grasped the concepts. He instilled confidence in my older son, who was able to challenge green runs at Silver Star the following weekend. Even though I am a capable skier, I had never had a lesson before, and Berne gave me some great tools to improve my form. Our overall experience was truly amazing, and we all took great things away from our lesson.
Thank you so much Berne!
Sincerely,
Erin Zacharias, with sons Jordan & Trey
I took the day off work yesterday (March 6th) to spend the day at Big White with the family. My wife is a skier and my son is just learning (age 7 but can ski the Plaza runs comfortably). Sadly, I never learned how to ski and I avoided it due to my fear of failure and injury. I took a group lesson last year at Big White and I got a little better, but not comfortable with any of the runs (turning and stopping). Well, I decided to take another lesson again this year because I want to be able to ski with my son and wife.
I lucked out yesterday that I was the only level 2 student for the 10 am lesson. Mark Tillotson was my instructor and right away he made me feel comfortable with the plan. He was patient and had an arsenal of tips and tricks which I was able to relate with. I consider myself an athletic person and last year I struggled with why I couldn't grasp the technique of skiing. Well, Mark quickly put that to rest. He challenged me every step of the way, but did so with enthusiasm which kept me motivated. At the end of the lesson he had me skiing green runs without falling or fear! To the awe of my family and myself, we purchased a half day lift pass and skied the rest of the day!
Big White has a great team of instructors, but I believe Mark deserves a special shout-out for teaching me a life skill which I had always dreamed of doing with my family. We look forward to many years of skiing Big White as a family. Finally! Thank you Mark!
Chris Skibington
Dear all at Ski school Big White,
We have just returned back to England, after a fabulous 10 day Holiday at Big White.
At the start of the holiday, none of us had been skiing before, and now our two children are competent skiers thanks to the team at ski school. They had such a great time, we are keen to return in December.
As for Phil and myself, we would like to thank Geoff Wright for his patience and perseverance with us during our private lessons with him. He kept us safe, whilst always encouraging us on to the next level. So much so we now count ourselves as skiers too. Our new found ability, thanks to Geoff, certainly made our holiday.
We really enjoyed our holiday amongst the Big White community, and will treasure our memories until next time!
~Julie Phil Gabriel and Grace Cowley.
Hi
Just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how much my twin boys Adam and Conor Borrill enjoyed their "Heavy Metal" session with Theo.
He brought a great sense of humour, fantastic skills and an ability to keep 14 year old teenagers occupied and interested all week.
We are property owners here and have been coming to Big White for 7 years. This is another example of why this resort is so fabulous.
Just thought you would like to know.
Thanks
Jon
