An abundance of upgrades are coming to Big White.
On Thursday, June 12, the ski resort announced its investing $9.4 million into a multitude of areas, including its infrastructure and operations.
“All of these enhancements play a role in our long-term vision for modernization,” said Big White COO Darcy Arnold. “They’re strategic investments that support how we want Big White to grow — smarter, more sustainable and always focused on our guests.”
In a release, the resort states one of the key focuses in this investment is the expansion of electrical infrastructure to the top of the Ridge Rocket chairlift. Over two years in the making, underground power cables to support digital signage, electric heating and future lift modernization will be installed and expected to be completed by October.
"Getting power to the top of the mountain is always a challenge — there’s rock, tough terrain and trenching,” Arnold added. “That’s why this work has to happen during the summer. Once completed, it’s a critical step toward lifting our energy systems into the future.”
Fibre optic cables are also being extended to the Ridge, Bullet, Powder, Gem Lake and Black Forest lift areas.
At Village Centre Mall, a new daycare is on the way as well as an expansion to the kids centre, both on track to be ready for opening day.
Of the $9.4 million, here's how it's been allotted in 2025:
Lift system upgrades
$3 million – Black Forest Express: Modernization of the lift, including installation of an auxiliary motor for operational redundancy.
$300,000 – Ridge Rocket Lift: New drive controller, metal-clad roof, fresh paint and tower repainting ahead of full modernization in 2026.
Utilities and digital infrastructure
$300,000 – Ridge Rocket power expansion: Underground electric cables to enable signage and modernization; completion expected by October.
$100,000 – Water line extension (Black Forest): Supports summer trail maintenance and dust control.
$100,000 – Digital infrastructure: Power brought to the Black Forest summit to support electronic signage and systems.
Parking and access
$400,000 – Black Forest parking expansion: Enlarged upper lot and construction of a new lower overflow lot to ease congestion during peak times and improve guest flow.
Resort facilities and accessibility
$2 million – Village Centre Mall renovations: Creation of a new daycare and Kids’ Centre; Rider store relocated to Whitefoot Lodge.
$600,000 – VCM stairway: A new staircase will improve access from the parking area to the main level walkway.
Service and guest experience
$700,000 – Repair shop upgrades: A new WINTERSTEIGER robotic tuning machine to enhance efficiency and reduce guest wait times, along with a new skate sharpener.
$600,000 – Kettle Valley Steakhouse renovation: A refreshed return of the classic restaurant and its original favourites.
Summer expansion and slope maintenance
$400,000 – Bike trail development: Four new trails to open summer 2025.
$700,000 – PistenBully 400 winch cat: New equipment to improve grooming on steeper slopes.
Brush cutting & fire mitigation: Reduce wildfire risk and keep winter runs clear.
Safety and access control
$200,000 – RFID gate system: Installed in beginner areas for better crowd management and operational security.
