Big White makes an offer to pass holders

Big White was one of many B.C. ski resorts that had to close early as COVID-19 rolled in and now it's one of the first to try to make good to season pass holders who lost out in the process.

Peter Plimmer, president and CEO Big White Ski Resort Ltd. sent out a message to season pass holders Sunday morning, discussing the closure and what the resort would offer in compensation.

"On March 16, myself and my team of executives made the hardest decision of our careers, to close the active winter operations at Big White Ski Resort during the early stages of what has become a worldwide pandemic. We are, as always, thankful to our loyal season pass holders for their understanding and co-operation during the early closing of the resort," Plimmer wrote.

"Today, we are introducing an offer that we believe to be industry-leading and that takes into consideration the early closure of the resort due to the COVID-19 virus: This year’s season pass will include an instant 20 per cent rebate for the unprecedented closure to all renewing pass holders that had a 2019-20 seasons pass."

Those who want to refund their pass before the season opens are also able to do so.

Plimmer said resort owners have been working to ensure that the company is in position to again offer the best winter recreation product available while managing the impact of COVID-19 for all those that head back up to the resort this coming winter.

"Big White Ski Resort Ltd will continue to follow the guidelines of our Federal and Provincial Health Authorities, and will continue to do everything we can to ensure you, your family, and friends will have a safe, outstanding and memorable experience the next time you arrive at Big White Ski Resort,"

Across B.C., ski resorts started to close operations mid-March as  COVID-19 became a more present concern. Closing down was a gargantuan task for all. Big White, where there were 6,000 people who lived in the resort, took days to complete the process.

Additionally, B.C.'s ski resorts are also staffed by workers from all over the world, many of whom have visas that are directly tied to their jobs. With the resorts shutting down, there was little option for them but to get home as quickly as possible.

Whether these people who staff area mountains will be able to return in the numbers that have previously been seen remains unknown.

The government has, however, made provisions for temporary foreign workers to travel to Canada. What will exist by next season remains to be seen.

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