$20M investment at Okanagan's biggest downhill ski resort

Big White ready for season

Photo: Big White Ski Resort

Kinshira Entertainment ignited the village centre at Big White Ski Resort during the Welcome to Winter festivities on Friday with two 20-minute fire shows. The popular event also included a craft market and fireworks show.

Big White Ski Resort has invested a mountainous $20 million-plus in off-season improvements, from a major upgrade to the Bullet Chair (lift) to a new home for the popular Kids' Centre to a new groomer.

"We're always looking for ways to improve the mountain experience each winter season, and this season is packed with over $20 million of upgrades and additions," said senior vice-president Michael J. Ballingall.

"From the Kids' Centre’s new location, ski shops, retail stores and new restaurants in the heart of the village centre, to the state-of-the-art Bullet Chair upgrade, we’re investing in making every aspect of the resort even more enjoyable and accessible,” he said.

“We’re very proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s top resorts by Condé Nast Traveller U.K. readers. This award is a testament to the dedication of our team and the world-class experience Big White offers. With strong accommodation bookings for the season and forecasts predicting a La Niña winter, we’re ready to deliver another exceptional family holiday for our guests and season passholders.”

The extensive list of what's new and different at Big White is so long the Ski Sheriff has already written a second column for Dec. 8.

Photo: Big White Ski Resort

Big White Ski Resort has 16 lifts with a total uphill capacity of 28,700 passengers an hour who can ski or board 119 designated trails: 18 per cent beginner, 54 per cent intermediate, 22 per cent expert and six per cent extreme, a totalo of 105 kilometres of marked runs. The longest run is Around the World at 7.2 kilometres.

So, first, here are the operations updates:

• Bullet Chair: A $1.75-million comprehensive modernization included a new top shack, updated computers, controls, a spacing system, monitors, anti-collision systems and lift controls, the first major upgrade to the lift since it was installed in 1990.

• New grooming machine: The Kässbohrer PistenBully 400 is the latest addition to the grooming fleet, a state-of-the-art machine with the highest level of emission controls available.

• Kids' Centre: A cherished part of the mountain community since the 1995-96 season, it has relocated its programming to the Village Centre Mall.

• Twinkling Trails: A new “light walk” experience in the snowshoe trail network will open Dec. 14 after two summers of work to create a wide and accessible pathway with minimal inclines, suitable for all ages and especially families. Lighting enhancements began during the summer of 2023 and trail work was completed this year. The trail is free and expected to be open all winter, although visitors should remain mindful of weather-related trail conditions.

The inspiration stemmed from creating a welcoming space for the community, especially offering families a shared outdoor experience beyond their other winter activities on the mountain. It’s a safe, engaging and family-friendly outdoor space with lighting ensuring accessibility for daytime and evening exploration.

• The ski and snowboard school has a new adult freeride program and pre-Christmas camps.

• Nordic skiing: Trails were enhanced with restoration of an old shortcut back to the trailhead thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteers Terry Britton and Bob Crosthwaite. In their honour, this revitalized path originally built more than 30 years ago, was named the Cross-Britton Trail.

• New staff accommodation: The two buildings each offer 64 staff beds and two fitness rooms—one for aerobics with treadmills, bikes, elliptical and rowing machines and the other for weightlifting. Staff moved in during the last two weeks of November.

The 61st season kicked off with a bang a week early on Nov. 22 with a record 2,500-plus visitors and incredible 103-centimetre snow base on opening day.

"This was the best snow I’ve seen in many, many years—easily in the top three in my 39 years at the resort," said chief operating officer Darcy Arnold.

The last time Big White launched its winter with more than 100 centimetres on opening day was the 2020-21 season. The resort didn't reach that milestone last season until the new year.

The excitement kept building with the Welcome to Winter celebration Nov. 30, with a craft market, complimentary popcorn and cotton candy, Kinshira Entertainment's two spectacular fire shows and a breathtaking firework display.

The excitement will continue on Dec. 6, with the launch of the two-day Big Reds at Big White Winter Wine Festival, in partnership with the Okanagan Wine Festival and Iconic Wineries of BC.

The series of special events will commence with The Magic of Meritage boutique wine tasting at The Bullwheel and Tantalus Vineyards Winemakers Dinner at the Globe Restaurant on Friday night. It will continue Dec. 7 with the Elevation Grand Tasting (sold out), the Iconic Wineries of B.C. Luxury Wine Tasting (sold out) and 90-Point+ Best of B.C. Wine Dinner.

During the Winter Wine Festival weekend, Top Chef winner Paul Moran, at the Globe Restaurant, will have a four-course, wine-paired dinner on Dec. 6, a Winemakers Lunch Dec. 7 with an exclusive tasting of 1 Mill Road Wines, and Bubbles and Brunch on Dec. 8.

As for Christmas and New Year’s holiday events:

• Santa’s Workshop, Dec. 18-24: You can step into a magical holiday experience from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Village centre with Santa and his elves. Free photos with Santa are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can also dive into festive crafting. Storytime with Santa will run daily at 3:30 p.m. (1 p.m. on Dec. 24.)

• Ski With Santa, Dec. 25: Start your Christmas Day with a magical morning on the slopes by joining Santa at 10:30 a.m. down the Sun Run, then make your way to Santa’s Workshop, where his cheerful elves will serve steaming hot chocolate and an array of festive toppings.

•••

Here's the latest on downhill resort and cross-country season launches:

• Big White opened Black Forest, Telus Park and Magic Carpet this week.

• Baldy Mountain Resort plans to open for two bonus weekends Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 and Dec. 6 to 8, and for seven-day operation on Dec. 12;.

• Apex Mountain Resort will open on Dec. 7.

• Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club is open for snowshoeing but was packing trails this week in preparation for skiing.

Photo: Big White Ski Resort

Staff accommodation buildings at Big White Ski Resort are completed or nearing completion with the first building already operational and residents moving into some of the units. The second building is currently receiving its finishing touches and is expected to welcome its first occupants during the first week of December.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Revelstoke ski resort ready for 2024-25 season

Upgraded Revelstoke resort

Photo: Tom Poole

Revelstoke Mountain Resort's Sutton Place Hotel at the mountain base, just a few steps from the Revelation Gondola and a stunning view of Mt. Mackenzie, known for its steep pitches, record-breaking snowfall, diverse terrain and the most vertical in North America.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort had a busy off-season with Camozzi Road realignment, parking enhancements, run upgrades and better resort access.

"As part of the resort’s ongoing commitment to improving the guest experience, we’ve made significant investments in our parking facilities, including paving the main lot (the original P2 parking lot), adding additional spaces to better accommodate increased visitor numbers during peak season and improving transit shuttle drop-off areas," said Laura Meggs, communications manager in the marketing department.

"These upgrades will not only make parking more convenient and reduce congestion but also create a seamless and more efficient experience from arrival to departure for our guests. Along with the expansion and paving of P2, a new parking lot was completed this summer south of the resort. An area formerly used for vehicle maintenance has been reclaimed for expanded parking providing easy access from the South Village entrance."

In conjunction with the City of Revelstoke, WSP Engineering and Speers Construction, Camozzi Road was reopened in mid-November after extensive upgrades, she said. Those included enhanced resort access, upgraded water and sanitary services to Mountain Road, and a new multi-use pathway to open in 2025 ensuring safer, more convenient access to the resort for pedestrians and cyclists.

The popular resort also completed extensive trail work, including blasting and grading improvements on Sally Alley, Simmer Down extension, Chopper and Big Woody.

Skiers and boarders can also take advantage of 20 per cent more capacity on the Ripper Chair completed last season. The Cupcake Carpet surface lift and Mountain Sports School were both relocated to the top of the Gondola in 2023-24 creating a new centralized learning zone.

"Complimentary hosted resort tours are returning for the 2024-25 winter season. Tours are available daily at 1 p.m.," added Meggs.

Photo: Contributed

Revelstoke Mountain Resort has 3,121 skiable acres with 75 runs?12 per cent green, 43 per cent intermediate and 45 per cent advanced. The longest run is The Last Spike at 15.2 kilometres. There are four bowls

Great Northern Cat Skiing has partnered with the resort to offer a two-day introduction to Cat skiing program. Day one is at the resort with an instructor teaching the basics, plus tips and tricks on how to ride in powder and in cat skiing terrain. Day two is spent cat skiing.

"Over the past year, our team has been busy working on a significant maintenance shop expansion," said Meggs.

"Building off the existing shop's footprint, the expanded facility will provide an additional 3,000 square feet to accommodate a growing cat fleet and an expanded maintenance program centralized in one location. This facility is dedicated to maintaining and improving resort infrastructure, including lifts, snowcats, vehicles and more, which will ultimately lead to a better overall resort experience."

Significant progress is being made at the Slopeside Hotel, she said.

"The roof installation on the amenities building was completed this fall with framing taking shape on the lower floors allowing guests to envision how this new Slopeside Hotel will integrate into the existing village. The new hotel will include 158 rooms, conference space, restaurant, fitness and spa facilities, and will be the new home for Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing."

Phase one of the staff housing development made great strides during the off-season with the exterior nearing completion, she said. "Interior finishing will continue into the winter months with anticipated occupancy by spring 2025. Building 1 will have 160 beds.

The resort will launch the 2024-25 winter season Nov. 30 with the Red Bull truck pumping tunes at the base with a live DJ. At the top of the lift, you can enter to win prizes from Salomon. The Mackenzie Common Tavern has après-vibes with Red Bull from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. As of Thursday, the resort had already received more than 100 cm of snow.

Other special events include Locals Days, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 15, Jan. 12, March 16 and April 13. Lift tickets will be $20 for local residents (proof of residency required) with 50 per cent of the proceeds going to the Revelstoke Foundation. Standard ski and snowboard rentals will be $10, with 50 per cent off high-performance rentals.

Group lessons are $20, which includes a two-hour lesson from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for ages five and up (limited to levels 1 to 3).

You can ski with Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 24 (free), starting at the upper ski school building with hot chocolate and stocking stuffers and after at the Mountain Sports School. More events are posted on the website.

Mt. Mackenzie is known for its steep pitches, record-breaking snowfall (the annual average is 10.5 metres), diverse terrain—wide-open alpine bowls to perfectly-spaced glades—and the most vertical in North America at 1,713 metres. Its 3,121 skiable acres have 75 runs, 12 per cent green, 43 per cent intermediate and 45 per cent advanced. The longest run is The Last Spike at 15.2 kilometres.

There are four bowls, South Bowl, North Bowl, Separate Reality and Greely Bowl, served by the eight-person Revelation Gondola and four-person Stoke, Ripper and Stellar chairs.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort isn't just downhill skiing and snowboarding. It has Nordic skiing through the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club with 30 kilometres of groomed trails and stunning scenery at Mt. Macpherson suitable for both classic and skate.

Heli and cat skiing are also available. The ski tenure for Selkirk Tangiers is 500,000-plus acres of unspoiled wilderness with more than 400 established runs from towering peaks to sheltered valley floors. Other activities include snowshoeing, snowmobiling and relaxing in hot springs.

Sutton Place Hotel, situated at the mountain base, just a few steps from the Revelation Gondola, offers the only ski-in ski-out accommodation in Revelstoke with 200 condominium-style hotel suites in three buildings,

It has an outdoor heated pool and three on-site dining experiences, including the Rockford Bar & Grill and Mackenzie Common Tavern. All units boast spectacular views of the Columbia River to the Monashee and Selkirk mountains.

Photo: Tom Poole

Revelstoke Mountain Resort made great strides with phase one of its staff housing development during the off-season, with the exterior nearing completion. Interior finishing to its 160 beds will continue into the winter months with anticipated occupancy in spring 2025.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Popular Kelowna ski, snowshoe club prepared for upcoming winter season

Kelowna Nordic ready

Photo: Contributed

A team of students from Mt. Boucherie Secondary School in West Kelowna helped members of the Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club disassemble the former Boy Scout shelter on Snowy Vista Trail, above, do FireSmart fuel reduction around the Main Cabin and chop firewood for the upcoming season.

A team of volunteers spent more than 400 hours clearing and maintaining the trails at Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club last summer.

So they can hardly wait for the 2024-25 season to begin at the ski and snowshoe area opposite McCulloch Lake, near Big White Ski Resort.

"Closer than you think," promises the website. But that wasn't the only off-season project, said vice-president Tom Ferguson.

"FireSmart work was done around the main cabin. And the old boy scout shelter on the Snowy Vista Trail was disassembled. Special thanks go to Trent Pontalti and his team of students from Mt. Boucherie Secondary School in West Kelowna for helping us with these tasks and chopping firewood."

The interiors of pit toilet buildings received fresh coats of paint over the summer months. "The club would like to upgrade two aging pit toilets to prefab structures and will try to obtain funding for this from Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. or through grants," he said.

The club also completed an upgrade of its website to a new platform. "The new user-friendly website will enable us to make updates ourselves and provide a modern online experience with enhanced capabilities," he said.

Photo: Gertrude Welder

More than 30 photos were submitted by Kelowna Nordic members in a club photo contest. First place went to a Log Cabin photo by Gertrude Welder. Second place went to Mona Ferguson for her picture of a snowshoer. She also received third place for her photo of a group of skiers.

A webcam, installed in 2023, received great feedback from members because it allowed them to see current snow and weather conditions, he said.

"The club would like to thank Kelowna Cycle for its generous support of the webcam."

Day-use fees have been set for the coming season at $20 for skiing and $10 for snowshoeing. Volunteers will monitor trails to ensure users are passholders or have paid their day-use fees.

"Routine snowcat maintenance took place on both grooming machines but the cost of maintaining the old machines is becoming prohibitive," noted Ferguson.

"So members of the board worked hard over the summer months on the fundraising campaign for a new groomer, and applied for a B.C. Capital Project grant in the amount of $250,000 to match funds the club has managed to save along with contributions from our members and others in the Nordic community."

Those who would like to donate to the campaign should go to kelownanordic.ca, and click the orange Grooming Machine Fundraiser button. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations.

Last season, Kelowna Nordic again partnered with the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation for the hugely successful Stride and Glide fundraiser but will move away from that annual event this season to focus on raising funds to support the purchase of a new or used grooming machine, he said.

"Donations have been coming in throughout the spring and summer, and we thank those who have donated so far," said Ferguson. "This year, we will be launching a major corporate donor and sponsorship program, and aggressively pursuing government grants so we will be in a position to fund a new (or used) grooming machine. This fundraiser gives everyone an opportunity to be part of this great initiative."

More than 30 photos were submitted by members in a club photo contest and eight finalists were selected. Members attending the annual general meeting on Oct. 24 voted for the top three. First place went to a Log Cabin photo by Gertrude Welder. Second place went to Mona Ferguson for her picture of a snowshoer. She also received third place for her photo of a group of skiers.

Photo: Contributed

The Cabins and Cookies Tour on March 9, 2025 will offer four routes: two cabins, six kilometres; three cabins 13 kilometres; and four cabins, 18 kilometres. The Four Cabins Tour, above, consists of starting at the Main Cabin, out to Backcountry Cabin, then up to Meadow Cabin, over to Log Cabin and then back to the Main Cabin.

More than 40 members attended the AGM at the German Canadian Club in Kelowna, easily reaching a quorum. Six board members were elected by acclamation and four board members will return for the second year of their two-year terms.

Board members for 2024-25 are: Marshall Moleschi (president), Lisa Howard (vice-president), Rob Hooton (treasurer), Laurie Cole (secretary), John Davina, Chris Stewart, Gord Fawcett, Tom Ferguson, Michael Le Feuvre and Tricia Anderson (directors).

The club is printing annual membership cards for this season and they will be available for pick-up at selected locations in Kelowna, and later at the Main Cabin. One of those pickup locations is the MEC Nordic Club Night for members only, on Nov. 15-17.

Annual membership provides the following benefits:

• Insurance coverage through Cross Country B.C.

• One free beginner ski lesson for all new members

• Free events, such as the annual Moonlight Snowshoe and Ski, Tips and Trails Social Skis Day, Cabins and Cookies Tour and Family Day bonfire and activities.

You also have the opportunity to join ski, snowshoe and carpool groups.

In addition, the club is planning paid beginner-level ski lessons as part of the adult ski program so the adult program will no longer be restricted to more experienced skiers. Beginners will be welcome too.

The 2024-25 events schedule includes:

• An adult ski program for all levels, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26

• Meet and greet social, with directors and other members at the Main Cabin, with hot drinks and cookies, Jan. 12

• Tips and Trails social ski groups (not lessons) on Saturdays in January and February, starting Jan. 11

• Moonlight Snowshoe and Ski, Feb. 8

• Family Day bonfire, wiener roast and events, Feb. 17

• Ski lessons for beginners and intermediate skiers. The cost and dates in February are to be announced

• Cabins and Cookies Tour, March 9

• Volunteers wrap-up celebration, April 4.

Dates and sign-up for the lessons and events will be through the website once details have been finalized.

•••

The Friends of Mission Creek Society will hold its annual general meeting at 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 21 at the Environmental Education Centre of the Okanagan (log building in Mission Creek Regional Park, 2363A Springfield Road. in Kelowna.) A social with refreshmentswill go from 6:45 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. and will be followed by a short presentation from the president and then guest speaker Kalin O'Cana, a park interpreter with the Regional District of the Central Okanagan and birder extraordinaire will speak. His topic will be a summer birding adventure in the South Pacific.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

North Okanagan ski hill to open for Nordic Nov. 22, alpine on Nov. 29

SilverStar goes high-tech

Photo: Bree Tombs

SilverStar Mountain Resort has planned numerous events for the 2024-25 season, including the popular LightUp in December when all the Christmas lights in the Village are turned on,

SilverStar Mountain Resort is going high-tech this winter, using the latest technology to enhance its already high-quality snow surface for skiers and snowboarders.

"During the off-season, SilverStar added SNOWsat LIDAR technology to two of its groomers, cutting-edge technology that provides precise snow-depth measurements with the help of laser beams that scan the snow and create real-time maps of the snow surface, allowing groomers to see exactly where more snow is needed," said Megan Sutherland, SilverStar's communications and PR specialist.

"The result is perfectly groomed trails with a consistent and high-quality snow surface every time. SNOWsat LIDAR not only ensures optimal snow distribution but also reduces fuel consumption and environmental impacts making it a win-win for both the skiing-and-riding experience and the environment."

SilverStar also added a new $560,000 PistenBully 400 to its grooming fleet. It is not only equipped with advanced features like the SNOWsat LIDAR technology but it has a high-lift push frame on the blade specifically designed for building terrain park features. "This groomer adds to our two ParkPro groomers to help build state-of-the-art features across our three terrain parks," said Sutherland.

In addition, the resort doubled the size of its summer grooming team, investing $240,000 in labour and $95,000 in equipment for off-season work.

A team of 10 workers, plus four additional members operating mowers and an excavator with a mulcher, cut down vegetation and mulched it onsite.

"The equipment will be on every green, blue and black run each year while the slashing crew will be on every double-black run on an average of every second year enabling this dedicated crew to maintain the mountain runs all summer long," said Sutherland.

Photo: SilverStar Mountain Resort

SilverStar Mountain Resort has 55 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, above, and hopes to open them for the 2024-25 season on Nov. 22. The total with Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre is 105 kilometres, the largest daily groomed cross-country network in Canada.

"Their hard work helps ensure an optimum snow base by focusing on the best quality cutting so that when the snow falls, an ideal ski-and-ride base is created right from the get-go. Over 20 runs have been slashed including: The Attridge Face, Gowabunga, and a number of other favourite runs on the front and back sides."

SilverStar hopes to open for Nordic skiing on Nov. 22 and for alpine or downhill skiing/boarding on Nov. 29.

Building on the success of the Free Live Music series every Saturday during the summer, the mountain is thrilled to announce a first-of-its-kind winter edition brought to mountain visitors by Destination SilverStar, she said. "This season, the Village will come alive with free live music and entertainment every second Sunday of each month."

Following community feedback, SilverStar moved the Little Dipper Park to the Silver Queen area and created a brand-new beginner progression-based park. "The Start Park is an introduction to terrain park with small beginner features so anyone wanting to try their hand at park features can in a beginner-friendly space!"

After the overwhelming success of SilverStar’s new app last winter, this season will add updated snow, condition and weather features to the app so skiers and boarders can plan their day accordingly. "And if you had the app last season, you’ll now have the ability to build your own stat library so you can compare your stat history and set new goals to complete year after year," said Sutherland.

Mountain visitors can expect the return of signature events this winter such as the annual LightUp during the holiday season, BC Snowboard Slopestyle, Western Canadian U16 Ski Race and Canada’s longest standing recreational downhill race, the Over the Hill Downhill.

March will be Festival Season at SilverStar with the SEISMIC Spring Festival, a celebration packed with music, art and adrenaline-pumping activities like the Sovereign2SilverStar Ski Marathon.

Tube Town will unveil a new menu for the upcoming season, she added. "What’s better than a warm hot chocolate in-between skating and tubing? Adding waffles, of course! Stay tuned for a delicious array of toppings and flavors to delight your taste buds."

There is also great news for winter travellers. Kelowna International Airport has added more direct flights, making it easier than ever to access SilverStar for a winter getaway from key destinations LA, Seattle and Toronto.

The highlights include a new daily non-stop service from Los Angeles with Alaska Airlines, new daily non-stop service from Seattle with WestJet, Alaska Airlines returning with winter and continuing year-round flights from Toronto, WestJet expanding to five flights per week from Toronto and Air Canada continuing two flights per day from Toronto.

SilverStar Mountain Resort has one of B.C.’s largest ski areas with 3,282 acres of terrain, 760 metres of vertical and 132 runs for all levels of riders from beginner to expert, said Sutherland.

"More than 700 centimetres of 100 per cent natural, light, dry snow falls each winter, and the colourful mid-mountain village is filled with people who love to share their passion for the mountains,” said Sutherland.

"Stats and facts aside, it’s really the culture and community at SilverStar that makes this mountain so special and unique. Progression and fun are at the core of everything at SilverStar. Whether you’re whooping it up with the kids in playful terrain, racking up laps in backside glades or chasing your friends down double-black chutes in the 100-per-cent, from-the-sky, fine B.C. Interior powder."

•••

Last weekend's column about Sun Peaks Resort may have left readers with an incorrect impression. The new West Bowl Express chairlift at Sun Peaks Resort will provide access to three times the skiable terrain in the West Bowl zone—from 54 acres to 169 acres—not triple the skiable territory on all of Tod Mountain.

Photo: SilverStar Mountain Resort

SilverStar Mountain Resort added a new $560,000 PistenBully 400 to its grooming fleet during the off-season. It is equipped with advanced features like the SNOWsat LIDAR technology which creates real-time maps of the snow surface.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.