Big White Ski Resort Opens for its 60th Season
This historic event celebrates six decades of exceptional winter sports and mountain experiences.
After a slow start due to unseasonable weather, Mother Nature has generously provided 42 cm (about 1.38 ft) of snow in the last week, enabling the operations team to open a selection of runs. The season officially began at 8:45 am, as the Plaza and Bullet Chairs and the Ridge Rocket Express Chairs started spinning. Enthusiastic crowds, echoing the spirit of the resort's opening 60 years ago, were present early to enjoy the first runs of the season.
"Opening day is always a special event, but this year it's even more significant," said Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort. "From our modest beginning with 400 skiers arriving on this day sixty years ago to becoming one of North America's premier resorts, our journey has been remarkable. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Big White over the years. Today is truly a day to remember."
Ballingall also emphasized that while there is a sufficient base for a selection of green and blue runs and multiple lifts to open, it is still early in the season, and skiers and boarders should proceed with caution. Visitors are encouraged to watch the mountain conditions updates online.
Big White’s CEO and President Peter Plimmer also stated, “This has been a year of massive investment from our company. The work that everyone has done to get here to the point where we can open is truly monumental.”
Amongst the $100 million in upgrades at the resort this season, Big White will be opening a new day spa at Stonebridge Lodge, a new Central Reservations building, lift upgrades, a new freshwater reservoir and more.
Given the delayed start, Big White is offering a special 50% discount on lift tickets. Tickets are available at the Ticket Office in the Village Centre Mall. Furthermore, the resort will extend its season by one week, now concluding on Sunday, April 14. Celebratory activities to honour the resort's history will be announced for this extended week in April 2024.
The resort's 60th anniversary will be celebrated on Saturday, December 9, from 11 am to 2 pm in the Village Centre. The event will be filled with nostalgia and joy, culminating in the weekly fireworks display at 8:15 pm. Follow the Events Calendar for festivities underway this weekend.
The Ski & Board School, Rental shop, Retail shops, Ridge Day Lodge, Happy Valley Day Lodge, The Woods restaurant, Clocktower Coffee Company, and other on-mountain services are now open to welcome guests. Check the Opening Weekend Events page for full operational hours.
Big White Central Reservations is offering an extended early-season special of 25% off accommodation until December 21. For the best deals and updates throughout the season, visit the Hot Deals page and bigwhite.com.