Peter Plimmer: Leading Big White Ski Resort with Family Pride and a Passion for Community
It's a privilege to be among the few remaining resorts with stakeholders who are not only dedicated but also hands-on in their commitment to enhancing the guest experience every single day.
Leading our beloved, world-renowned resort today, is Australian-born Peter Plimmer, a third-generation family member whose journey began humbly in ski rentals. Through hard work and an unyielding passion for the mountains, he has risen to the role of CEO. With a genuine love for the outdoors, you're more likely to spot him carving down the slopes or chatting with guests in a lift line than sitting behind a desk in a business suit.
Since his early days at the resort, Peter's enthusiasm for the mountains has been unwavering. His first encounter with Big White sparked a lifelong passion for skiing and the great outdoors—a passion that would shape his future and fuel his drive to lead the resort.
"I first came to the resort in 1988 when I was just 12 years old, and it's a memory I still cherish," Plimmer reflects. "I remember stepping out of the car at my grandfather's place and being awestruck that such a magical place could exist. The beauty, the snow—it was absolutely captivating."
A Legacy of Family and Passion
The roots of Big White Ski Resort's family legacy run deep. Peter's grandfather, Desmond Schumann, originally from Adelaide, Australia, laid the foundation for the family's Canadian ventures by purchasing Big White in 1985. A visionary with a passion for the ski industry, Schumann also owned Mount Hotham in Victoria before selling it to concentrate on his Canadian investments. His portfolio further expanded with the acquisition of SilverStar Mountain Resort in 2001, although it was later sold to U.S.-based Powdr Corporation.
Peter grew up surrounded by the ski culture, spending his childhood in Harrietville, Victoria, where his family operated a ski rental business near Mount Hotham. Despite his father's initial reluctance for him to take a gap year from university, Peter's love for skiing drew him to Canada in 1998. Starting out by managing the resort's website and snow reports, Peter quickly realized that Big White was where he belonged. A turning point came at a family Christmas party in 1999 when his uncle prophetically predicted Peter would one day lead the resort—a prophecy that came true in 2013.
Today, as CEO, Peter, alongside his Australian wife Sally and their two daughters, has been pivotal in guiding Big White through periods of growth and change. Following the unexpected passing of his uncle in 2022, Peter faced new challenges but relied on the strong, cohesive team his family had cultivated over decades. "The strength of our team and the supportive community around us have been crucial in navigating these times," says Plimmer.
Committed to Staying Family-Owned and Community-Focused
Though smaller than some of the province's largest ski resorts, Big White offers a uniquely intimate, community-focused experience. Plimmer emphasizes that the resort's atmosphere is designed for families and skiers seeking uncrowded slopes, and he is steadfast in his commitment to preserving this welcoming culture for generations to come.
"We provide a vastly different experience compared to Whistler, which feels more like a bustling resort town. For most skiers, I believe our skiing experience rivals Whistler's," says Plimmer. "And while lift tickets at Whistler may seem more economical, any savings are quickly offset by the higher cost of accommodations."
Looking ahead, Plimmer's vision for Big White centres on enhancing its family-friendly environment while maintaining a top-tier experience for advanced skiers. Reinforcing this vision is the resort's Master Plan, which includes the development of new north-facing slopes and the expansion of summer activities. This ensures Big White remains a premier destination for both local and international visitors.
Facing the Trend of a Consolidating Industry
Amidst a wave of major ski conglomerates acquiring independent resorts, Big White remains a beacon of independence, committed to nurturing a strong sense of community and delivering an unparalleled guest experience. While the industry trend has seen many family resorts being sold to large corporations, Peter Plimmer is resolute that Big White will not be one of them.
"Big White is not for sale, even though we've had inquiries from interested parties," Plimmer states. His vision for the future is unwavering: to keep Big White proudly family-owned and operated, anchored in personal connections and a shared love for the mountain, ensuring visitors experience this spirit for many years to come.