Big White cancels non-local bookings until Feb. 5

It will be locals only for the next month at Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna.

In light of Thursday’s announcement from the Provincial Health Officer to extend the health orders until Feb. 5, Big White Central Reservations Ltd. will be calling and cancelling all bookings from non-local customers until midnight Feb. 5.

“I have instructed our reservation teams to start the onerous task of calling excited guests and ski groups from all over the country and cancel their bookings to Big White Ski Resort,” said Tracy Layng, Vice President of Big White Central Reservations Ltd. “This will take a few days, as there are literally hundreds of reservations due to the pent-up demand of not being able to visit us earlier this season.”

A travel advisory for B.C. remains in place until February 5, and states: “At this time, all non-essential travel should be avoided. This includes travel into and out of B.C. and between regions of the province. For example: Do not travel for a vacation, do not travel to visit friends or family outside of your household or core bubble.”

“We take Dr. Henry’s orders very seriously, and we ask and expect others in our resort community to do the same,” said Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort Ltd, owner of Big White Central Reservations Ltd.

Ballingall said in December, the resort cancelled Christmas and New Year’s holidays, which disappointed many guests and their families.

“We’re not going to give up now. The Provincial Health Officer is recommending to avoid all non-essential travel, and to travel within your local area only, and so we are cancelling and encouraging visitors from all around Canada to abide by these rules. Following the rules is not about the bottom line, it’s about bending the curve and staying open for our season passholders and local skiers and snowboarders.”

The executive noted it is safe to ski at the mountain.

“If you live in the Central Okanagan, we are your local mountain. Wear your mask, ski in your household bubble, wash your hands, and don’t gather with people outside your bubble. Being outside, exploring your local area, and supporting your local businesses is how we will find our moment of normal – we’re all in this together,” Ballingall added.