Big White spending more than $1 million on beginner-area upgrade
Skiers use the beginner conveyor area at Big White Ski Resort. The resort is spending more than $1 million to expand its Happy Valley learning area for the 2026/27 season, including a new covered conveyor lift called Polar Passage.
Photo: Ben Walker/Han Fisher at Big White Ski Resort.
Big White Ski Resort is spending more than $1 million to expand its Happy Valley beginner area ahead of the 2026/27 ski season, including a new covered conveyor lift for skiers and snowboarders learning on the mountain.
The resort announced the project Sept. 1. Big White lies within Electoral Area E/West Boundary of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary.
The new conveyor, called Polar Passage, will provide a sheltered ride back to the top of the learning area. Big White says the project also includes expanded teaching space and terrain work intended to improve traffic through the lesson area and give beginners more room to practise.
Three existing beginner lifts are also receiving new names: Tiny Tracks, Frosty Flyer and Moose Mover. All four are now listed on Big White's lift-status page for the coming winter.
Big White senior vice-president Michael J. Ballingall said helping people learn to ski and snowboard has been a priority at the resort since the Schumann family purchased Big White in 1985.
The expanded learning area is intended to provide a clearer progression for beginners and will also allow Big White to offer lessons earlier in the season, according to the resort.
Happy Valley is used for the first two levels of Big White's ski and snowboard instruction. Level 3 lessons move to the Plaza Chair once learners are ready to use a novice chairlift.
A beginner lift ticket for the 2026/27 season costs $29 and is valid on the Plaza Chair and magic carpets. Big White says children five and under ski free.
The $29 beginner rate is the same on weekdays, weekends and during peak periods. Prices are subject to five per cent GST, and a $10 card fee applies when new ticket media is required.
Big White says Polar Passage also complements recent family-service investments at the resort, including Tot Town Daycare and redevelopment of the Kids' Centre.
The resort's 2026/27 winter season is scheduled to begin Nov. 26, subject to snow, safety and mountain conditions. Closing day is scheduled for April 4, 2027.
A historic mine opening near Rossland’s Kootenay Columbia Trail will be permanently sealed, with a three-week trail closure beginning Sept. 28 so crews can complete the work.