NESTLED in picturesque British Columbia, the beloved Big White Ski Resort has been family-owned for generations.

Australian-born Peter Plimmer, a third-generation family member, worked his way up from ski rentals to become the CEO of Canada’s favourite family resort.

At just 23, Plimmer was told he would one day lead the country's largest ski-in, ski-out resort, covering over 1133 hectares.

Fast-forward to 2013, and at the age of 37, he became president and fulfilled this prophecy.

“I first came to the resort in 1988, I was 12 years old and it’s a memory I still go back to,” says Plimmer.

“I remember getting out of the car at my grandfather’s place and being amazed that such a place could exist.

"I was mesmerised by the beauty of the place and what it offered...it was magical.”

Plimmer's journey to Big White began with his grandfather, Desmond Schumann, an Adelaide native who bought Big White in 1985.

Schumann, who also owned Victoria's Mount Hotham, sold it to focus on his Canadian ventures.

He further expanded his interests by acquiring SilverStar Mountain Resort in 2001, just 120 kilometres from Big White.

GROWING UP AROUND SNOW

Plimmer grew up in Harrietville, Victoria, with his family running a ski rental business at Bright near Mount Hotham.

Despite his father's advice against taking a gap year from university, he followed his passion for skiing, eventually moving to Canada in 1998 to work for his uncle at Big White.

Starting with managing the resort's website and snow reports, Plimmer quickly realised this mountain was where he wanted to be.

At a 1999 Christmas party, his uncle predicted Peter would one day lead the resort - and 14 years later, that prediction came true.

EMBRACING LEADERSHIP

Plimmer, alongside his Australian wife Sally and their two daughters, worked across various resort departments, contributing to its expansion.

After his uncle's sudden passing in 2022, Peter faced new challenges but relied on the solid team his family had built over decades.

Located 56 kilometres southeast of Kelowna, Big White offers a unique ski experience with Canada's largest ski-in, ski-out village.

The resort boasts 119 alpine trails, an ice-skating rink, a tube park, and extensive cross-country skiing tracks.

Its family-friendly atmosphere doesn't compromise the thrill for advanced skiers, with ample glade skiing and off-piste opportunities.

A UNIQUE RESORT EXPERIENCE

Big White shines with its dry, light snow, offering a unique charm compared to other neighbouring BC resorts.

While competitor resorts often experience coastal storms, the mountain enjoys more consistent and delightful snowfall.

With an impressive average of 750 centimetres of snow each season, the mountain’s snow-making capabilities are naturally limited because the snow is so light and fluffy that it doesn’t bind well, a testament to its exceptional quality.

Plimmer highlights this as a significant advantage that distinguishes Big White from other resorts in the region.

“Our terrain is extensive," he says.

"While Whistler is the largest, we avoid their coastal storms and receive more frequent snowfall.

"This drier snow, along with numerous enjoyable runs, makes Big White fantastic.”

Plimmer points out the resort’s top elevation of 2319m is another key factor, with the village situated at 1755m, almost at the same altitude as the peaks of major competitor resorts.

The elevation of the terrain contributes to the excellent snow quality that skiers love.

FAMILY FRIENDLY FOCUS

Despite being slightly smaller than the province’s largest resort, Big White offers a more intimate and community-focused skiing experience, often preferred by families and those seeking less crowded slopes.

Big White’s commitment to a family-friendly environment does not compromise the quality of skiing for advanced enthusiasts.

The resort's expansive terrain, consistent snowfall, and unique village setup make it a compelling choice for families and seasoned skiers alike.

Plimmer’s vision for the resort includes continued expansion and improvement of existing infrastructure, ensuring that Big White remains a premier destination for skiers from Australia and around the world.

“We offer a very different experience compared to Whistler, which feels more like a resort town," he says.

"For most skiers, I believe our skiing product stands up to Whistler.

"And any savings on lift tickets at Whistler are offset by higher accommodation costs.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Today, Peter Plimmer is focused on the future growth of Big White, planning for new north-facing slopes and enhanced summer activities.

With a proud legacy of 60 years of family ownership, Big White remains committed to delivering an exceptional skiing experience under its third-generation leadership.

Have major ski conglomerates expressed interest in acquiring Big White?

“Big White is not for sale, although we have received inquiries from interested parties,” assures Plimmer.

While multinational ski conglomerates have acquired neighbouring resorts like SilverStar (which was sold to US-based Powdr Corporation, in 2020), Plimmer says Big White intends to remain a family-owned and operated Canadian gem for many years to come.

INSIDER TIPS

For those planning a visit, here are some must-know details:

Tickets: Early bird adult season lift pass is $CA999 until October 20, with discounts for children and various deals for Australians.

Temperature: Average winter temperature is -5 degrees.

Accommodation: Stonebridge Lodge offers well-appointed rooms and the resort's only spa.

Activities: Dog sledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides are available, offering a unique adventure.

Getting there: Regular flights connect Vancouver to Kelowna, and shuttle services are available at the resort.