Big White to open one week earlier thanks to recent snow

While recent snowstorms caused headaches on Kelowna’s streets, it was a "kiss on the lips from Mother Nature" for Big White.

The resort is set to begin the 2022/2023 ski and snowboard season Thurs., Nov. 17, at 8:45 a.m., an entire week ahead of schedule. This early of a start hasn’t happened since 2015.

“Our policy has always been to open as soon as the snow is ready,” senior vice president Michael J. Ballingall told Kelowna10. “It’s just great to get open. It’s nice to be the first in B.C. to open.”

Big White will be one of the few places across North America to open this early.

“After a couple of hard years in the tourism world and having to close early multiple years in a row, we are very excited to give our passholders, locals and residents of British Columbia, a chance to hit the slopes as soon as it’s safe to do so,” Ballingall said.

An estimated 114 cm has fallen at the resort so far, bringing the village snow base to 62 cm. Lara’s Gondola, the Plaza Chair, and the Ridge Rocket Express Chair will all be in operation. The Gondola will close at 5 pm.

While Ballingall said the resort is short some cooks, dishwashers, and hotel staff, outdoor operations like ski patrol, lift operators, and groomers are ready.

Lift passes for the inaugural day will be half price online.