Mother Nature Comes Through On Big White Ski Resort's Opening Day

The mountain received over three centimetres of snow the morning of November 22, giving the freshly groomed runs a nice skiff of powder for the 1,411 skiers and boarders that hit the mountain. 

“Another Opening Day has come and gone, and this one really exceeded our expectations,” says Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice president of Big White Ski Resort Ltd.. “It’s amazing how much fun three fresh centimetres of snow on top of an early season base can be for today’s customer. Smiling faces equals happy skiers and snowboarders. It’s fabulous to be open for another season.”

There were three lifts running – Lara’s Gondola, Ridge Rocket Express and Plaza – and seven groomed runs for Opening Day. And once again, a group of four young locals camped out overnight at the base of the Ridge Rocket to snag a ride on the first chair of the season.

Though most of the day was spent in the white haze of a low-lying cloud, this didn’t deter the avid skiers and boarders from jumping on the lifts and giving their ski legs a work out. Like the Carlson family, who travelled from Seattle, WA to spend American Thanksgiving with the friendly Canucks at Big White. Donovan, Kate, and their two young daughters Jordan and Emma, have been coming to the resort for three years – but this is their first year as season pass holders.

“It’s super family friendly,” Donovan says. “The snow’s great, there’s not long lines, and every place we stay we ski in and ski out.”

Skier James Daniell took the day off work in Kelowna to make it to this year's Opening Day. He and his father-in-law Dave Johnston have held season passes for three years, and last year, were able to clock in 50 ski days – a number they hope to beat this year.

“We tried all the hills, and we just liked this hill the best,” Johnston says. “There’s something for everybody … It’s a well planned hill.”

“I remember coming out here and being very afraid green skier,” Daniell says. “Now, I go double black and the hill just grows with me. I can go anywhere and do anything.”

The snow is a welcome change from last season’s Opening Day – the wettest opening in the company’s history. Snow is forecasted to continue over the weekend, with more coming next week. Stay in the loop by checking out our Snow Report which is updated every morning.

Big White will be continuing its early season festivities with a Winter Kick-off Party, complete with a bonfire and drive-in movie, on November 30, as well as its magical, annual Light Up Big White event on December 1. For a full list of events, head to our Events Calendar.

Watch our recap video here.