Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna is ending winter operations on April 5, six days ahead of schedule.
In a statement, management say it is to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and the recent surge in the P.1 variant cases in the province, which led to the closure of Whistler Blackcomb ski resort on Monday.
In the past 24 hours, there also appears to have been an increase in inquiries from people in the Lower Mainland looking to stay or ski at Big White, according to the statement.
“We made the decision to stay open until April 11 back in June of last year,” Big White President and CEO Peter Plimmer, said. “Since then, a lot has changed. In the past week, even more has changed.”
“We are grateful to have been able to keep the resort open and safe as long as we have, but with other resorts shutting down, we have become a magnet for non-local skiers and snowboarders.”
Today’s announcement also comes days after a party at the privately operated Charley’s Victoria restaurant, which left Big White Resort management fuming.
Restaurant owner Justin Reid apologized on social media calling the party an ‘ignorant decision’ that he made out of frustration when restrictions on indoor dining were brought in on Monday.
“I take full accountability [and] accept all consequences of this poor decision,” Reid wrote. “As a community, we have all been working so hard and making sacrifices to curb COVID-19 and keep each other safe, and what happened at Charley’s Monday night was unacceptable and did not demonstrate leadership or compassion for my community, in which I care deeply about.”
“I would like to apologize to Big White Ski Resort, as they have shown me respect and have welcomed me into their business community during Charley’s first year of operation,” Reid added. “I’m aware and realize what I potentially jeopardized for them, and for that, I’m truly sorry.”
Big White Senior Vice President Michael Ballingall says the ski resort is currently pursuing legal action to terminate the restaurant’s lease.
“There was simply just no management,” Ballingall told News1130. “The facility is owned by Big White Ski Resort Ltd. and leased to the proprietor of the restaurant. We are terminating the lease and evicting the restaurant holder of the license.”
“We’re very nervous. People aren’t listening to the provincial health officer’s orders.”
A COVID-19 cluster at Big White that grew to 237 cases was declared contained this past Friday, March 26. Interior Health says 150 of the cases were in people who live on Big White Mountain noting of the cases have recovered.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort closing due to COVID-19 related staff shortages
Also today, Revelstoke Mountain Resort said it has been forced to close six days early due to staff shortages caused by COVID-19.
Initially, the resort announced it would not be open today because of a lack of staff but then decided to close down for the rest of the season instead of April 5 as previously planned.
“Although this season has ended abruptly, I encourage you to look back on the high points of this past winter, Peter Nielsen, Vice President of Operations said, in a statement. “We began this season on November 27 and operated for a total of 124 days. We faced several challenges but rallied together as a team to keep our doors open.”
Sun Peaks Resort near Kamloops meanwhile still aims to remain open until its planned closing day of April 5. Management there say they are further reducing ticket quantities in a bid to discourage non-essential travel.
(Photo via Big White Ski Resort)
