Photo: Contributed - Big White Ski Resort

Big White Ski Resort is reporting a brisk increase in sales following a substantial snowfall Monday.

Precipitation up at Big White has eased off, but a dump of 15 cm of snow Monday was just what the resort was looking for as they prepare to open Dec. 1.

“The phones, emails, and paid deposits are significantly higher than this time last year,” said Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice president of Big White Ski Resort Ltd. “Ontario, Australia, Hawaii, Alberta, and BC have all proven to be target-rich geographical locations for Big White Ski Resort.”

“We’ve almost broken our largest season pass sale record of 2011,” said Blair Ireland, director of brand experience. “Local skiers and snowboarders are chomping at the bit to get on the mountain. People are still calling looking to get the early bird season pass discount, as the new snow has really ignited their passion.”

Although only a maximum of 2 cm are forecast for Saturday, a series of trade shows are expected to keep the sales coming in.

Some Big White executives will attend trade shows in London, England, Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, and Edmonton.

“Staff on the road is a brilliant way to develop one-on-one relationships with interested consumers looking for the ultimate winter getaway,” said Jim Loyd, Big White’s director of sales.

“With the help of Air Canada’s positive pricing strategy to Kelowna, we have seen an upswing of interest from holiday makers requesting quotes for seven- and 14-day holidays.”

Big White will host its annual job fair at the Best Western Hotel in Kelowna Friday and Saturday. Big White says 800 seasonal staff will be hired over the two-day event, with recruits coming from Australia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and New Zealand.

Big White, now in its 49th year of operation, may open sooner than expected if snow permits.

The resort is currently making touch-ups to food and beverage locations at the Ridge Day Lodge, the Happy Valley Day Lodge, the Moonlight Bistro (located at the West Ridge), and the Black Diamond Bar & Grill (located at the Chateau Big White).

Big White has added some new equipment this season, including a new Pisten Bully Park grooming machine and a new snowmaking gun. It has also added two new webcams for skiers and snowboarders to view conditions before they hit the slopes.