Industry News
Big White Ski Resort opened its 2025–26 winter season on Thursday under fresh snow, discounted lift tickets, and a slate of new guest amenities at Big White Mountain in British Columbia. Early season terrain remains limited, but resort leaders say coverage is improving and more lifts are expected to come online as storms track through the region.
Big White spun its first chairs of the season at 8:45 a.m. on December 4 with 19 runs available, served by the Ridge Rocket Express, Bullet Express Quad, Plaza Chair, and the village gondola. Five centimetres of overnight snow pushed the alpine base to 73 centimetres, or 29 inches, giving opening day skiers and riders a softer surface on groomed runs. A group of guests camped out and lined up by 8 a.m. on December 3 to secure first chair ahead of the official launch.
Resort president and CEO Peter Plimmer credited both natural snowfall and round-the-clock operations for getting the mountain open on schedule. He said recent storms and the efforts of the mountain operations team helped ensure the lower slopes were safe and ready for guests.
- Related: A Snowy Season Ahead? What the Farmers’ Almanac Forecast Says About Winter at Big White, BC
The Black Forest Express is expected to open on Friday as conditions allow, expanding the resort’s accessible terrain beyond the initial lift pod. Parking for opening week is available at Ridge, Black Forest, and Happy Valley, giving day visitors multiple base-area options. Early season hazards remain on the hill, and ski patrol is urging guests to stay on designated open runs, respect all closures, and watch for unmarked obstacles.
All green runs are being enforced as slow zones, with staff asking skiers and riders to give others space and to remain in control amid opening-week crowds. Uphill hiking is not permitted, the upper alpine zone remains closed, and passholders are being encouraged to verify their pass status online before driving to the resort.
To mark the start of the season, Big White is offering 50 percent off early-season lift tickets on December 4 and 5, available both online and at on-mountain ticket windows. Regular ticket pricing is scheduled to resume Saturday, Dec. 6, as the resort transitions out of its opening promotion. Accommodation discounts are in effect from December 2 to 8, offering 30 percent off stays of two nights or more at all available properties.
Guests booking single-night stays at Chateau Big White, Inn at Big White, White Crystal Inn, and Sundance Resort Club Suites can save 20 percent during the same period. The resort is directing visitors to its website for opening week hours, operating updates, and a full rundown of what is new for the season.
Big White’s food and beverage scene is rolling out several changes for winter. Fat Marmot at the Inn at Big White is open with a new ramen noodle bar and sports lounge serving Asian-inspired dishes and drinks. Cabin Kitchen + Bar, led by executive chef Ross Derrick, is focusing on Canadian-inspired cuisine paired with an all-Canadian beverage list.
The Kettle Valley Steakhouse is slated to reopen on December 13 on the upper floor of the Happy Valley Day Lodge, giving guests another upscale dining option. Moose Lounge has refreshed its menu, added larger televisions for game viewing, and will host live music from Thursday through Sunday starting December 11 and running into late March. On the family side, the Kids’ Centre has expanded again, adding a Tot Town Daycare and a separate space for children ages 4 to 5, following last year’s relocation of programming for ages 6 to 12.
Several non-ski activities are ramping up alongside lift-served skiing and riding. The Slopeside Arcade beneath Snow Ghost is open, while snowmobile tours are scheduled to begin December 4 and dog sled tours are planned to start December 5, weather and snow conditions permitting. Sleigh rides, including private bookings, are expected to commence on December 15.
Weekly fireworks are set to return Saturday, December 6, at 7 p.m. in Happy Valley. The resort’s annual Big Reds at Big White wine weekend with the Okanagan Wine Festival runs December 5 and 6, featuring the Warm Up to Winter tasting Friday at the Bullwheel, Grape Talks on Saturday at the White Crystal Inn, and the Elevation Grand Tasting on Saturday night, which has already sold out.
