As a follow-up to a previous post here, we recently received this update to the Development Plans for the Big White Resort:
RE: Big White Ski Resort – Update to the Draft 2020 Master Plan
We are following up on our December 1, 2020 correspondence regarding Big White Ski Resort’s Master Plan update and proposed replacement of the Master Development Agreement (MDA), collectively referred to as the Project. At that time, Friends of Ecological Reserves had been identified as a stakeholder having interests within the application area. Since then, the Province, through the Mountain Resorts Branch (MRB) of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, has advanced the review process in collaboration with stakeholders, First Nations, Provincial agencies, and the public. We are pleased to provide you with this update on the Project’s progress, outline key developments since 2020, and share the next steps in the decision-making process.
Project Update
In June 2025, Big White informed the Province that they were modifying their application and would no longer be pursuing an expansion beyond the existing Controlled Recreation Area (CRA). This decision reflects input received from First Nations, agencies, stakeholders, and the public during the review process. Instead, the resort will focus on the ongoing phased development and enhancement of year-round experiences within the existing Controlled Recreation Area.
Highlights of the update to the 2020 Draft Master Plan include:
• Transformation into a world-class, all-seasons destination resort.
• No change to the CRA – all improvements will remain within the current footprint.
• Removal of the proposed golf courses.
• Improved balance, quality and diversity of recreational offerings and overall resort experience.
• Expanded downhill mountain biking & inclusion of a cross-country mountain bike trail network.
• Expanded non-motorized recreation area for Nordic, snowshoeing, cross-country
mountain biking.
• The addition of 6,800 proposed bed units through densification of real estate tied to key focal points such as the Lower Village, Ridge Base, and Lara’s Base.
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The following table summarizes and compares the existing, approved, and proposed Master Plan components:
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The updated Draft 2020 Master Plan is available on the Big White Project Review website alongwith supporting appendices and additional relevant information:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/resort-
development/proposed-approved-resort-master-plans/list-of-proposed-plans/big-white-project-review
Replacement of the Master Development Agreement
As mentioned above, Big White Ski Resort Ltd. has applied for replacement of their existing MDA with an updated All-Seasons Resort MDA, which is the overarching tenure/agreement thatgoverns resort operation and development on Crown land. The application for replacement remains under review, in parallel with the updated 2020 Draft Master Plan.
Next Steps
MRB is currently coordinating the review of various studies and assessments commissioned by Big White Ski Resort and required to inform the decision-making process. Following the conclusion of those reviews and any final edits to the updated 2020 Draft Master Plan, Big White Ski Resort will host an in-person public information session to present the Master Plan and explain how feedback from the review process has been addressed. While the date is not yet confirmed, the session is expected to take place in early 2026. Please check the Big White Project
Review website (link above) for updates and watch for event announcements in local media and other channels.
Upon the conclusion of the Project review, MRB will prepare recommendations for decision for the updated Resort Master Plan as well as the replacement MDA. The decision will follow the public information session.
Request for Comments
Mountain Resorts Branch is requesting you review the updated draft 2020 Master Plan and provide comments regarding any implications for your interests by January 9, 2026. Comments
can be sent to the email addresses provided below or sent by regular mail to:
Mountain Resorts Branch
Attention: Amber McAfee
510 – 175 Second Avenue
Kamloops, BC V2C 5W1
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If you have questions or require more information, please contact the undersigned Amber.McAfee( use the at sign ) gov.bc.ca, or Tori Meeks, Senior Manager, Major Projects, Tori.Meeks ( use the at sign ) gov.bc.ca.
Sincerely,
Amber McAfee, Senior Project Specialist
Mountain Resorts Branch