Photo: Big White

Big White Ski Resort opened its new, $4-million Powder 2.0 Quad Chair on Friday.

The lift provides skiers and boarders access to 13 fresh runs previously closed this season.

“Exams can wait,” said Marcos Avina, one of 12 people to win a ride on one of the first chairs.

“It was so nice; untouched. A beautiful day," he said of making first tracks on the Corkscrew run.

The first 50 guests in line after the official ribbon cutting this morning received limited edition Big White pins.

“Riding with four people on the chair is so much more fun than three,” said resort vice-president Michael J. Ballingal. 

With 137 chairs, the fixed grip Leitner Poma lift will increase upload capacity to 2,400 passengers per hour – that’s 600 more than its predecessor.

Now, with ski-under clearance, skiers and boarders can officially enjoy the lift-line run – The General – "steep and narrow, with beautiful glades on either side."

There will be hot chocolate, music and more giveaways on Saturday at the bottom of the lift.

The resort also opened its Alpine T-bar Friday morning, as well as 19 more runs – bringing the total run count to 72 out of 119.