Big White cancels all non-local bookings until February 5

Big White Ski Resort says it will be cancelling all non-local bookings until February 5 to accommodate the provincial government’s extension on COVID-19 gathering and event orders.

“I have instructed our reservation teams to start the onerous task of calling excited guests and ski groups from all over the country and cancel their bookings to Big White Ski Resort,” said Tracy Layng, Vice President of Big White Central Reservations, in a statement.

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“This will take a few days, as there are literally hundreds of reservations due to the pent-up demand of not being able to visit us earlier this season.”

The province’s travel advisory remains in effect and states that at this time, “all non-essential travel should be avoided.” British Columbians should not travel for a vacation to visit friends or family outside of their household or core bubble.

Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort, says staff take Dr. Henry’s orders “very seriously.”

“The Provincial Health Officer is recommending to avoid all non-essential travel and to travel within your local area only, and so we are cancelling and encouraging visitors from all around Canada to abide by these rules,” he said.

In the past weeks, Big White has been at the centre of a large COVID-19 outbreak. 

The outbreak was first declared in mid-December, caused by what health officials describe as transmission from “social activity in homes and accommodations.”

On Tuesday, Interior Health announced an additional 25 coronavirus cases linked to the cluster, bringing the total number of detected cases to date to 136.

With files from Vincent Plana.