Big White Ski Resort Announces $9.4M Investment in Infrastructure and Operations for 2025
“All of these enhancements play a role in our long-term vision for modernization,” said Darcy Arnold, chief operating officer of Big White Ski Resort. “They’re strategic investments that support how we want Big White to grow — smarter, more sustainable and always focused on our guests.”
A key focus this year is the expansion of electrical infrastructure to the top of the Ridge Rocket chairlift. In planning for more than two years, the project will install underground power cables to support digital signage, electric heating and future lift modernization. Work is set to begin this summer and is expected to finish by October.
Upgrades to the Ridge will continue through 2026. Improvements to the Black Forest area, including lift system modernization and expanded digital infrastructure, are scheduled to begin this summer and be completed before the 2025/26 winter season.
“Getting power to the top of the mountain is always a challenge — there’s rock, tough terrain and trenching,” Arnold said. “That’s why this work has to happen during the summer. Once completed, it’s a critical step toward lifting our energy systems into the future.”
The resort is also extending fibre optic lines to key lift areas — Ridge, Bullet, Powder, Gem Lake and Black Forest — with the goal of enabling real-time communications and digital signage across five zones.
Facility improvements include a new daycare and expanded Kids’ Centre, set to open in the Village Centre Mall on Opening Day. The project repurposes the former space occupied by the Rider store and resort offices.
“Half the space will be dedicated to daycare, the other half to the Kids’ Centre,” Arnold said.
The resort states that this year’s projects are part of a broader strategy to enhance lift reliability and support sustainable operations in both summer and winter.
Highlights of 2025 Enhancements
Lift system upgrades
$3 million – Black Forest Express: Modernization of the lift, including installation of an auxiliary motor for operational redundancy.
$300,000 – Ridge Rocket Lift: New drive controller, metal-clad roof, fresh paint and tower repainting ahead of full modernization in 2026.
Utilities and digital infrastructure
$300,000 – Ridge Rocket power expansion: Underground electric cables to enable signage and modernization; completion expected by October.
$100,000 – Water line extension (Black Forest): Supports summer trail maintenance and dust control.
$100,000 – Digital infrastructure: Power brought to the Black Forest summit to support electronic signage and systems.
Parking and access
$400,000 – Black Forest parking expansion: Enlarged upper lot and construction of a new lower overflow lot to ease congestion during peak times and improve guest flow.
Resort facilities and accessibility
$2 million – Village Centre Mall renovations: Creation of a new daycare and Kids’ Centre; Rider store relocated to Whitefoot Lodge.
$600,000 – VCM stairway: A new staircase will improve access from the parking area to the main level walkway.
Service and guest experience
$700,000 – Repair shop upgrades: A new WINTERSTEIGER robotic tuning machine to enhance efficiency and reduce guest wait times, along with a new skate sharpener.
$600,000 – Kettle Valley Steakhouse renovation: A refreshed return of the classic restaurant and its original favourites.
Summer expansion and slope maintenance
$400,000 – Bike trail development: Four new trails to open summer 2025.
$700,000 – PistenBully 400 winch cat: New equipment to improve grooming on steeper slopes.
Brush cutting & fire mitigation: Reduce wildfire risk and keep winter runs clear.
Safety and access control
$200,000 – RFID gate system: Installed in beginner areas for better crowd management and operational security.