It was a soggy opening day at Big White, Thursday.

Last year, the ski resort saw its largest mid-week opening ever. This year, it was the wettest.

Rain fell throughout the day as a subtropical airmass or "pineapple express" tracked across B.C.

Staff were prepared to open 19 runs, but cut that back to four.

But, the weather didn’t stop four dedicated locals from camping next to the lift overnight in order to claim the first chair of the 2017-18 season.

“This is the wettest opening day I’ve experienced since I began working for the resort in 1974,” said Jeremy Hopkinson, vice-president of outdoor operations. “I’m proud of how our operators and patrol teams were able to adjust to the conditions in order to provide a memorable opening day for our guests.”

Temperatures dropped as the system moved out of the region, and snow began to fall. Conditions continued to improve throughout the day, with seven centimetres of new snow falling by 3 p.m. – and more in the forecast for the weekend.

Lift tickets will continue to be offered at 50 per cent off until further notice.

It's currently - 4 C on the hill with a snow base of 87 cm.