Big White Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in Canada, attracting thousands of tourists every year. The resort is located in the picturesque Okanagan Valley, British Columbia and boasts over 2,700 acres of skiable terrain and 118 designated runs.
But who owns this winter wonderland? Let’s take a closer look.
History of Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort first opened its doors in 1963 with just one lift and a handful of runs. Over the years, the resort has expanded significantly to become one of the top ski destinations in North America. Today, Big White boasts an impressive array of amenities including restaurants, bars, shops, and accommodation options.
The Ownership Structure
So who owns Big White Ski Resort? The resort is currently owned by a private company called Big White Ski Resort Ltd. The company was founded by Desmond Schumann in 1985 when he purchased the resort from its original owners.
Since then, Big White has undergone significant expansion with new lifts, runs, and facilities being added each year. Despite this growth, the resort has remained family-owned and operated with Schumann’s son Peter now at the helm as CEO.
The Schumann Family
Desmond Schumann was born in South Africa but moved to Canada in the early 1970s. He fell in love with skiing and saw potential in Big White as a premier ski destination. In 1985 he purchased the resort for just $6 million dollars.
Under his leadership, Big White grew significantly with new lifts and facilities being added each year. He passed away in 2001 but his legacy lives on through his family who continue to own and operate the resort today.
Other Investors
While Big White is primarily owned by the Schumann family through their company Big White Ski Resort Ltd., there are other investors involved as well. In 2016, the resort announced a partnership with China’s Yiqian Funding which saw the Chinese company invest in Big White in exchange for a 20% stake in the resort. This partnership has allowed Big White to expand its reach into the lucrative Chinese tourism market.
The Future of Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1963. Today, it is one of Canada’s top ski destinations and continues to attract thousands of visitors every year. The Schumann family’s commitment to preserving the resort’s family-owned and operated feel has been key to its success.
Looking to the future, Big White plans to continue expanding with new lifts, runs, and facilities being added each year. The resort’s partnership with Yiqian Funding will also play a key role in helping it reach new markets and grow its global presence.
In conclusion, while there are other investors involved, Big White Ski Resort is primarily owned by the Schumann family through their company Big White Ski Resort Ltd. With their commitment to preserving the resort’s family-owned and operated feel and plans for continued expansion, it looks like Big White will continue to be a top ski destination for years to come.