Big White resumes popular - and affordable - night skiing

Big White has seen almost five metres of snow since the start of the ski season.

All the white stuff has made for some excellent ski conditions so far this year, and night skiing is back after a brief hiatus during the peak of the cold snap.

Big White senior vice-president, Michael J. Ballingall says turnout for the opening night was down from past years. "We had about 900 people out, and typically we have about 1,200."

Ballingall says that's likely because the snowstorm last Friday made driving on Highway 33 more slippery than usual.

Ballingall says night skiing a great way to connect with local skiers.

"We haven't found anyone in North America that does it for this price ($12 for a lift ticket on Fridays). We find it's great for locals. The price gets them back in, keeps them in, or gets them started."

The resort also offers rental gear for just $12, as well as tubing for $12 and a $12 pasta dinner deal as well on Fridays.

"Dad's teaching their kids for the first time. Dates, it's a huge date night. When you think about it, you can go skiing and have the pasta bar for $24, that's a pretty cheap ticket."

Big White turns on the lights for the Bullet Express and Plaza Chair, which gives people access to 2,569 metres of terrain including Telus Park. Night skiing is open Thursday to Saturday from 3:30 to 7:45 p.m., weather permitting, right into March.