Fingers Crossed for Big White Ski Resort’s Opening Day

Fingers crossed, Big White should get its much-needed base layer of snow by the weekend.

The opening day for Big White Ski Resort has been delayed again. Initially set for November 23, it was pushed back to November 30 and now, it has been postponed until Tuesday, December 5, due to the lack of sufficient snowfall. However, if the resort receives 40 centimetres of snow before then, it will make efforts to open earlier.

According to Michael Ballingall, Big White’s senior vice-president, mountain officials have met with forecasters and anticipate significant snowfall only by the weekend. Until then, they are hoping for the best.

Last-Minute Delays Not Unusual

Big White Resort has faced similar delays in the past. Ballingall, who has been involved with the resort since 1985, reassures that such delays are not uncommon.

“I’ve been doing this since 1985 and I can tell you – nothing really unusual here,” Ballingall said last week.

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Last year, the resort opened early, and Ballingall is confident that the snow will come soon and skiers and snowboarders will hit the slopes in no time.

The current snow base at the village is 37 centimetres, with a total snowfall of 57 centimetres. However, only one centimetre of snow has fallen in the last week.

In the North Okanagan, Silver Star Resort has opened its Nordic XC Ski and Snowshoe trails, although the gondola remains closed. Snow conditions are suitable for intermediate and advanced Nordic skiers only.

Meanwhile, Apex Resort in the South Okanagan is scheduled to open on December 9.

Stay Tuned for Updates

As winter continues, Big White Ski Resort and other local resorts are closely monitoring snowfall and weather conditions. Skiers and snowboarders are advised to stay updated with official announcements and forecasts to plan their trips accordingly.