Big White announces operational closure
Big White Ski Resort has announced an operational closure for the rest of the ski season as of today.
It will impact ski lift operations, the Elevation Spa, Big White Ski & Board School, the Kids Centre, Black Forest Day Lodge, Westridge Warming Hut and other operations by Big White Ski Resort Ltd.
Some independent food and beverage establishments including the Market, are scheduled to remain open as of this point.
President & CEO Peter Plimmer made the announcement.
“After careful consideration and discussions with our senior leadership team, the Ministry of Health, Interior Health, the Kelowna International Airport, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, local doctors, health professionals, colleagues in the industry, and the Canada West Ski Areas Association, the last six hours have made it clear that no matter what procedures we put in place, we cannot guarantee the safety of our staff, guests and residents while adhering to the mandatory reduction of group gatherings recommended by the B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Plimmer.
“We are offering adjusted hours for the following operations; rental shop returns will be accepted until Tuesday March 17, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., The Woods 11 a.m.-5 p.m. concession window only, Clocktower Coffee 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Happy Valley Cafeteria 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Village Shuttle normal operating hours until Friday, Gondola 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.”
Plimmer said the well-being of their guests, staff and residents is his family’s top priority.
“This concern extends beyond the boundaries of the home we call Big White Ski Resort and into the greater Okanagan region. As a Canadian family owned and operated resort, we feel it is our duty to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 among the families and staff who share the mountain we all love. While risk level remains low for many, we want to protect those most vulnerable in these uncertain times. The most effective way we can do this, and help flatten the curve in Canada is to close our doors for the remainder of the season.”
Plimmer added with over 6,000 people currently residing in the resort, this will take some time and incredible effort to organize the systematic departure from the resort.
“In an effort to avoid crowding and congestion, as we help guide our guests and team members off the mountain, we ask that you follow the instructions, and those of the businesses that can assist, by referring to www.bigwhite.com Central Reservations and our customer service teams will be working tirelessly to help our resort guests adjust their travel bookings so they can return home safely.”
He said their room and property divisions will remain open to service the guests we have in-resort with existing reservations. We expect heavy call volume over the coming days as we work to accommodate travel changes, and we ask that guests exercise patience as our teams do their best to respond quickly and effectively.”
The reservation teams can be reached at 250-765-8888.
I will be leading our team throughout our resort closure, and sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding. Travel safely, thank you for visiting our Resort and we wish you all the best as the world handles the COVID-19 pandemic,” concluded Plimmer.