Holiday Fun at Big White Ski Resort

Big White Ski Resort is lively and festive as the holiday season has now arrived. With Christmas break approaching, many families will be heading up to Big White Ski Resort to spend quality family time together. The holidays allow us to make memories, and memories are definitely made at Big White. 

Spending the holidays at Big White Ski Resort is truly an amazing experience. The mountain is full of holiday spirit and as you walk through the village the festive vibe is always high. You can Tube with Santa, ice skate under the stars, or check out Big White’s Annual Christmas Craft Market which offers a wide array of items from local vendors. And don’t forget to bring the kids by Santa’s Workshop in the TELUS Igloo where they can make a decoration with the help from some special elves. 

Christmas Eve at Big White is even more spectacular, it’s a magical night full of festive wonder. At 4:30pm the Christmas Eve Service lead by Pastor Jack and accompanied by the Ski School Rookie Choir will begin. Following the service,  gather with your friends and wander through the village where live music by Jeff Piattelli will fill the air, and christmas lights will sparkle in the snow.

Pose in the photo booth or spin the Wheel Of Mayhem to see if you landed on Santa’s Naughty, or Nice List. You might even spot a glimpse of Santa before he beings his trek around the world. A dazzling fireworks display starts at 6:30pm and there are many surprises throughout the night.

Wishing you and your family a happy holidays from here at Big White Ski Resort! 

 

A Guide to Big White’s Opening Weekend!

Who’s coming up to join me for all the festivities at Big White starting opening day Thursday, November 28th?! My office is right under Snowshoe Sams in the Village Center and I’m looking forward to seeing you all there and participating in the fun. You won’t want to miss all the exciting events planned. Imagine carving down the slopes and right into your very own ski-in and ski-out spot. It’s never too late in the season to explore the possibilitiesP.S. Don’t miss the chance to stay during opening weekend and get 2 complimentary lift tickets

Thursday, November 28th

The Village Centre Mall and Happy Valley Day Lodge open at 7:45 am. Be one of the first people down the mountain when the Ridge Rocket chair opens at 8:45 am and runs till 3:30 pm.

During this time you can grab a hug or a pic with Lucy Moose & Loose Moose. Also, complimentary hot chocolate and ‘opening day 2019’ stickers will be floating around. Live music at Sessions, 3-6 pm with Canadian acoustic duo Mabaleka.

Sessions Taphouse and Grill will be hosting events all weekend long so be sure to check them out. In addition, they are home to Elevation 57 Brewing Co. Canada’s highest brewery with 12 different beers on tap and a variety of indoor activities…you might even find yourself trapped here. 

Friday, November 29th

Enjoy the slopes all day long and when your body needs a good stretch head over to Mountain Yoga Studio for 7 pm for Practice, Pants + Dance Party, limited space so get your tix in advance. Still buzzing check out ‘Far Out Friday’s’ at Sessions featuring DJ Mr. M from 9 pm to close.

Saturday, November 30th

If you can’t make it any of the other days come Saturday for all the fun! During the day there’s a ‘Patio Party’ at Sessions featuring DJs, vendors & bonfires from 11 am-5 pm (Sat & Sun). Enjoy live music, from Vancouver’s country trio, The Heels, they will be playing in the Village from 12:30-1:30 pm & 6-7 pm. Between 6-6:30 pm, you’ll see the Village transform into a majestic wonderland known as Light up Big White followed by fireworks!

If you’re in the mood to laugh head over to Globe Cafe who is featuring a Comedy Night with Glenn Wool, show starts at 9:30-11:30 pm, get tix here. Get ready to dance as the legendary duo of SkiiTour will be at Sessions from 9 pm-close.

Sunday, December 1st

Take part in the Reindeer Round-Up Scavenger Hunt designed for the whole family, uncover the whereabouts of eight Reindeer that have escaped from Santa’s workshop and reveal the secret message to get them home. Get your clues from the concierge desk located in the Village Centre Mall.  Explore the Village through your taste buds with Walk, Dine, and Wine, the ultimate winter culinary journey for food and wine-lovers. Starting 5 pm, Sundays-Thursdays till Dec 19th.

Visit me at my office, 12:00 pm-4:00 pm!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

5 Things Australians Need to Know About Working at Big White

Photo credit: Big White Ski Resort

For over 30 years, Aussies have been a crucial part of Big White. In fact, our friends from down under are such a big part of the resort, each year they celebrate Australia Day at Big White.

BC’s second most popular winter destination requires over 1000 staff members to run its day-to-day operations during ski season. It comes as no surprise that most of the staff come from Australia. What does it take to work up there if you live over 14,000km away?

Here are 5 things for Australians to keep in mind if they want to work at Big White.

1. Plan Your Working Holiday at Least a Year Ahead

Working Holiday
Two things to remember: work visa and finances. Before you look for work, make sure you can legally work in Canada and you have saved enough money to live here for at least a month after arriving. Once you have your work visa, can you apply for a job at Big White.Big White might also require for you to have travel insurance before your employment begins, so look into this before you arrive. And make sure to apply for your Social Insurance Number as soon as you land.

2. Apply for Work Directly or Through an Employment Company

You can work both directly on the mountain (as a ski instructor, for example), at one of the many small businesses in the Big White area, at some of the independently owned chalets, or at the local market.

Australians can also use the services of the International Exchange Program and The Working Holiday Club to help with securing work and accommodation. But this is a pretty pricey option, with costs exceeding $1000.

Keep in mind that some departments and managers might prefer an in-person interview rather than a Skype or phone interview. This is where your savings will come in handy.

3. Accommodation

Live up at Big White Rent or Buy

Big White Staff HousingPlan to spend at least $500 a month on rent with shared accommodations. In 2017, Big White also began a huge project on building staff accommodation at the resort, so there’s plenty of options out there.

If you plan on returning year after year to work at Big White it is a great idea to begin to look at buying. In the summer months you can rent it out and have it ready for your return in the winter. Mortgage qualifications are a little different when it falls as your primary residence and work place. You can have your own space and a place to call home after a long work day on the hill.

There are some great resources to help you find a place to stay. Join the official Big White Facebook group to inquire about accommodations, check out the Urban Retreat Hostel at the mountain, and visit Castanet, Kelowna’s homepage, for information on rentals. Check out my listings www.joanwolf.ca to live where you play.

4. Perks of Working at a Ski Resort

Why not have fun where you work?

Seasonal staff receive a number of great deals around the mountain:

• Free season pass
• Free group ski and snowboard school lessons
• Free snowshoe tours
• Up to 50% off food and beverage at restaurants, cafes, and bars
• Up to 50% at the Elevation Day Spa
• 40% off on rentals
• 15% off at retail outlets
• And more…

On a side note. Because of the short duration of the season you’ll likely get some of the taxes deducted from your paycheck back. How awesome is that?

5. You are a Part of a Team

Big White values its employees and the effort they put in their day-to-day work. Around mid-season, the resort has a staff Christmas party and each department usually throws its own party.

Staff also get to go to hockey games in Kelowna, BBQs, film nights, and countless other fun activities on and off the mountain. Not to mention making lifetime friends.

Whether you work a season or two, or more, the resort will surely have a special place in your heart. You might even decide to stay a bit longer. Live where you play and get in touch with me anytime if you want to make Big White your seasonal or forever home.