Fresh Snow Boosts Opening Day as Big White Launches Winter Season
Nineteen runs were available at launch, with terrain served by the Ridge Rocket Express, Bullet Express Quad, Plaza Chair and the gondola. The Black Forest Express is expected to open Friday.
“It’s fortunate that Mother Nature gave us an extra shot in the arm with the snow last night. A massive shout-out to the ops team, who have been working tirelessly to make sure the lower slopes are safe and ready to ski,” said Peter Plimmer, president and CEO of Big White Ski Resort.
Five centimetres of new snow Thursday morning pushed the alpine base to 73 centimetres, or 29 inches. Some skiers and snowboarders camped overnight to snag first chair to start their season.
Darcy Arnold, chief operating officer at Big White Ski Resort, said conditions are developing well as the resort moves through its early season. “Every season is different. This season we’re looking very good on the top half of the mountain and the bottom was a little late with snow. With more snow anticipated this weekend, we hope to have more lifts opening very soon,” he said.
Parking for opening week is available at Ridge, Black Forest and Happy Valley.
The fresh coverage improved conditions on groomed runs, but Ski Patrol is reminding guests that early-season hazards remain. Visitors are asked to stay on open terrain, obey all closures and watch for unmarked obstacles. Closed areas are unsafe for both guests and rescue teams. All green runs remain slow zones, and with opening day crowds on the hill, guests are urged to give others space and stay in control. Uphill hiking is not permitted, the Alpine area remains closed, and passholders are encouraged to check their pass status online before arriving.
Early season lift tickets are 50 per cent off on Dec. 4 and 5, available online or at the ticket window. Regular pricing resumes Saturday, Dec. 6.
Fat Marmot is now open at the Inn at Big White, offering a fresh ramen noodle bar and a lively sports lounge serving creative Asian inspired dishes and great drinks.
Cabin Kitchen + Bar, led by executive chef Ross Derrick, features Canadian-inspired dishes and an all-Canadian beverage list. Kettle Valley Steakhouse reopens on Dec. 13, on the upper floor of the Happy Valley Day Lodge. Moose Lounge has been refreshed with a new menu and larger televisions for sports viewing, and live music starts Thursday, Dec. 11, running Thursday through Sunday until late March.
The Grand Opening for Kettle Valley Steakhouse will be on Dec. 13, located on the upper floor of the Happy Valley Day Lodge.
The Kids’ Centre has expanded again with a new Tot Town Daycare and a separate space for children aged four to five, following last year’s relocation of programming for ages six to 12.
Additional updates include a new storefront for The Rider in the village and new RFID gates on both large magic carpets in Happy Valley. The Black Forest and Ridge Rocket ticket offices are opening for improved support with lift tickets and season passes.
Activities and businesses operating this week include the Slopeside Arcade beneath Snow Ghost, snowmobile tours starting Dec. 4 and dog sled tours starting Dec. 5, conditions permitting. Sleigh rides, including private tours, are set to begin Dec. 15.
Weekly fireworks return Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. in Happy Valley.
Big Reds at Big White, the resort’s annual wine weekend with the Okanagan Wine Festival, runs Dec. 5 and 6. The Warm Up to Winter kickoff tasting is Friday night at the Bullwheel. Grape Talks takes place Saturday at the White Crystal Inn. The Elevation Grand Tasting on Saturday night is sold out.
Opening weekend accommodation discounts run from Dec. 2 to 8. Guests can save 30 per cent on stays of two nights or more at all available properties, and 20 per cent on one-night stays at Chateau Big White, Inn at Big White, White Crystal Inn and Sundance Resort Studio, one and two bedroom Club Suites.
Find opening week hours and updates here. Discover what's new this season here.