Huge turnout for Big White’s early opening

When the news came out that Big White Ski Resort would open a week early for the first time since 2015, it meant people had to quickly fix their schedules.

Donovan Cantu who’s been first in line at Big White the last four years, told Kelowna10 his employer made sure his tradition carried on.

“My boss knows what it means to me,” he said. “I had originally booked off next week [Nov. 24] the original opening day, and I was out on the road, and I got a phone call saying that they changed opening day, and he switched days for me.”

Cantu explained he camped out for 18 hours to be first in line. All he had was a tarp, a sleeping bag, and a couple of pocket hand warmers.

He said while the sleep was uncomfortable, it was worth it…again.

“It’s just nice having first chair, it’s become a ritual to be the first person down the mountain… I wasn’t supposed to do it this year, but here I am,” Cantu said.

The resort opened bright and early at 8:45 a.m., and there were long lines for rentals and passes.

Three lifts are operational, giving access to 12 runs.

Accumulated snow was 77 cm at the Alpine Base with 116 cm total cumulative snowfall.

Three others got on that first chair with Donovan.

For Sem and Jay, the two friends had been in line since 9 p.m. to ensure they’d be one of the first up the hill.

“We brought a little propane firepit, some lawn chairs, and just camped out,” Jay said. “We went last year, but [Sem] didn’t get to make it on the first chair last year, so we thought why not do it again.”

Sem, who skipped school to be here, had some simple expectations for his season.

“Just have fun, don’t get injured,” he said.

Solo rider Kael, got there at five in the morning, and was surprised to get a spot next to the other three.

“Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be one of the first. I thought more people would camp out, but I was very happy because I got the last spot,” she explained. “I had trouble waking up, but it was worth it.”

Senior Vice President of Big White Michael J. Ballingall said the early November snow dump was the biggest reason they were able to accommodate opening early.

"Our success is measured in the smiles on our customers faces,” he said. “We were able to open the resort with early-season conditions and some great grooming on green runs, and by the amount of smiles we saw on the faces of families and those that took the day off, we know it was a great decision to open early.”