Master Plan

Big White’s Master Plan has acts as the blueprint for the resort’s ongoing development. It is the basis for detailed design, engineering and implementation planning which will see Big White effectively double in size.

The Master Plan describes the proposed transformation of this very successful ski resort into a major all-season world class destination.

Site Analysis

The study area was analyzed in terms of slope, elevation, aspect and fall-line in order to gain an understanding of the alpine skiing development potential and its capability to physically and environmentally support additional four season recreation activities. The East Peak was identified as an opportunity to develop north facing high end ski terrain. This is the type of advanced and expert terrain that is currently lacking at the resort. Further, the surrounding Crown lands offer backcountry adventure opportunities for Big White to capitalize on and cater to.

It is clear that there is the physical potential for the resort to more than double in size in a fashion that will dramatically improve their offering, enabling Big White to become a major world class destination resort.

Ski Area

The existing skiing facilities can comfortable meet the needs of over 11,100 skiers and snowboarders per day. The analysis of the potential expansion lands illustrated that a lift and trail system could be developed that would address an existing shortfall of advanced and expert ski terrain, while catering to the market’s expectation for powder skiing and offering a more adventure oriented product. At buildout the facilities will accommodate a very respectable comfortable carrying capacity of 24,240 skiers and boarders per day.

Once established, the skiing experience offered will be very diverse, with guests being able to choose to focus on a single area of the mountain or spend their day exploring – traveling on snow from one end of Big White to the other. Conceptually this creates a resort experience similar to that found in Europe.

Village & Base Area

The appropriate size and scale of development of the base area facilities are directly linked to the capacity, location and scope of the resort attractions. As planned Big White will have four base area focal points. The existing Main Village will gradually be redeveloped, infilled to reinforce its pedestrian character and its unique over snow access and egress.

Complementing this, a new community oriented Lower Village will be established. This will become the iconic centre for Big White, directly linked by trails, lifts and roads to all points of the resort.

Another smaller village base will be developed at the bottom of the East Peak, catering to the opportunity of establishing a distinctive high end character.

The existing day Westridge Base will maintain its day use oriented function while seeing expansion and a connection to the specialized adventure and training facilities at Gem West.

Summer

Summer at Big White is being designed to include golf, zip-lines, mountain biking, hiking and touring along with facilities for a water park, concerts, festivals and camps all complemented with restaurants and retail in the various base areas villages. BHA is currently working with Thomas McBroom Golf Course Architects to design the first major step in this offering.