Big White has big plans for expansion
Big White Ski Resort has announced it has big plans for the future, with their 2020 Master Plan . This massive and ambitious expansion plan has been recently submitted to the provincial government, outlining year round operations for the next 60 years.
Of great interest is the whopping expansion of the mountain’s skiable terrain from the current 607 acres (245 ha) to 1,628 acres (659 ha), by the addition of 17 new chair lifts. The resort certainly has big dreams for Big White, which will call for big investment. 
According to resort Vice-President Michael J. Ballingall, much of this terrain will come from the East Peak area, just under 2 miles (3 km) east of the current Black Forest Chair.
From our local knowledge of the newly ear-marked terrain, it is similar skiing and riding to the Black Forest area, offering exceptional gladed, intermediate terrain. The East Peak area is easily visible from the top of both the Black Forest, Bullet and Cliff Chairlifts.
If the expansion were to be fully realized, the resort could support more than 26,000 skiers a day. The resort will have to balance the expanded terrain with a larger bed base as well.
“That means more parking, lodges and living amenities. If you build it, they will come,” said Ballingall.
After officially opening its mountain bike trails in 2017, the resort is looking to greatly expand its summer offerings as well.
“Extreme mountain bikers bring an entourage of other family members that need activities as well as mountain biking.”
The master plan calls for an 18-hole golf course, ziplines and alpine roller coaster.
All season backcountry camping would also be available for visitors, including an upscale ‘glamping’ experience featuring yurts located near the bottom terminal of the Powder Chairlift.
