OCtober 16, 2005 – Winter has arrived at both Big White and Silver Star Ski Resorts in BC’s Okanagan.

All the crews are madly trying to wrap up the summer construction in time for opening day, November 24th, 2005.

There was plenty of new development and upgrades to both resorts over the summer.

What’s new at Big White this season?
This winter, Big White Ski Resort will have a number of significant improvements and upgrades all over the mountain.
The biggest news this season is the upgrading of nine runs serviced by the Gem Lake Express. 300,000 cubic meters of organic fill (that’s 30,000 truck loads!) were moved to these runs as part of a massive summer grooming operation. As a result, Gem Lake runs can open much earlier in the season, and will provide a smooth, sweet surface for skiers and ‘boarders.

A new 65,000,000 gallon snowmaking reservoir has been created to store water for early-season snowmaking in TELUS Park, which opened to rave reviews last year. Snow features in the terrain park and the superpipe will be sculpted as soon as its cold enough to make snow, and be fully operational earlier than ever before. TELUS Park has had some slope maintenance in the off-season and the Park’s features and design will evolve as the season progresses, improving the skiing and ‘boarding experience.

Season pass holders will appreciate the new 350 spot parking lot adjacent to the Black Forest Express Lift. You can be out on the slopes quicker than ever before with this convenient addition to the resort.

Big White is also making it easier for families to get from their accommodation to the Village and Happy Valley at night, with over 1,130 meters (3,700 feet) of illuminated pathways being built. There are two new paths, the first leading from Sundance Resort to the White Crystal Inn, and the other lit path leading from the Village Centre down to Happy Valley area.

The Big White Mountain Mart has undergone a major renovation, more than tripling in size, with lots of new services. The new 60 seat deli will provide yet another great place to eat on the mountain.

The revamped Kids Centre will offer new day-care services to ensure your time out on the slopes is not spent worrying about your children. The Kids Centre is a safe, controlled environment, with professional staff who know how to show your child a great time!

The accommodation at Big White’s fantastic ski-in ski-out village continues to grow, with 1,000 more beds opening up this season. The large range of accommodation available has something for all tastes, from fine hotels and luxury apartments through to value-priced condos and budget hostels.
The brand-new Carver’s Restaurant will be open at the Inn at Big White, serving quality food and a great atmosphere.

Big White Ski Resort has received extensive upgrades all over the mountain. It’s going to be another amazing season, with more convenience, more fantastic accommodation, more great food, and, most importantly, more great times out on the slopes!

What’s new at Silver Star this year?
The winter of 2005/2006 is the most highly anticipated season in a very long time at Silver Star Mountain Resort, with huge changes on a resort-wide basis that are guaranteed to keep skiers, snowboarders, and vacationers grinning from ear to ear!

The most exciting news in Canadian skiing this year is Silver Star’s expansion into the never before skied Silver Woods area, which increases the skiable acreage at Vance Creek by a huge 54%!

The new Silver Woods Express chair will whisk passengers up the 1,200 vertical feet (340 meters) in less than 5 minutes, and accesses over 360 acres of diverse terrain.

Silver Woods features 10 exciting new runs (mostly intermediate blue runs, but also some black diamonds for those seeking a true challenge), which have been extensively summer groomed to ensure great early season conditions.

The expansive gladed terrain at Silver Woods is a dream for those who like weaving through the trees. Each tree to be removed has been hand selected by the skilled trail crew to provide the most exhilarating glade experience possible. Combine this with the 23 feet of world famous Okanagan ‘Champagne Powder’ snow that blankets Silver Star every year, and we can truly say that we have some of the most amazing skiing and snowboarding you’ll ever experience!
Silver Woods will be maintained by our team of world renowned groomers. A new Pisten Bully 300 groomer has been added to the fleet this year, ensuring more of that perfectly groomed corduroy that Silver Star is famous for.
Following on the huge success of TELUS Park at Big White last year, Silver Star will be receiving its own TELUS Park, adding to it’s already extensive freeride/freestyle program. TELUS Park at Silver Star Mountain Resort features a terrain park, rail garden, halfpipe, aerial training site, race centre, and a dual mogul race course.

The luxurious new Snowbird Lodge will open this season, providing the ultimate ski-in ski-out convenience. Each of the well appointed 54 units are decorated with rich cherry-wood cabinets, beautiful granite counter tops, and feature heated flooring for exceptional comfort. Boasting some of the most stunning views on the mountain, a stay at Snowbird Lodge is sure to leave a lasting impression on its guests.

This season at Silver Star really is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in history. With impressive new additions for Skiers, snowboarders, and holiday makers alike, a trip to Silver Star this winter is sure to leave a lasting smile on your face.

Check www.bigwhite.com and www.skisilverstar.com for more information.