Happy Valley Welcomes Polar Passage, a New Covered Lift for Beginners
For the 2026/27 winter season, Happy Valley will unveil a $1-million upgrade to its beginner learning area, featuring Polar Passage, a new covered conveyor lift, expanded teaching space and terrain improvements designed to make learning easier and more comfortable for the whole family.
“Helping more people discover the joy of sliding on snow has been a priority at Big White Ski Resort since the Schumann family purchased the resort in 1985. This year's investment by third-generation family member Peter Plimmer (CEO) continues that legacy and will create what we believe is the most advanced beginner learning area in Western Canada.” — Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President, Big White Ski Resort
The bubble-covered Polar Passage will give first-time skiers and snowboarders a smooth, sheltered ride back to the top of the learning area. Together with the expanded teaching terrain, it will improve flow through one of the resort’s busiest lesson zones, create clearer progression opportunities and provide a more supportive environment for guests and instructors.
The refreshed area will also bring more personality to Happy Valley, with three existing beginner lifts receiving new names: Tiny Tracks, Frosty Flyer and Moose Mover.
Designed to Make Learning Easier
With convenient parking beside the beginner area in Happy Valley and the Village Centre just a short gondola ride away, families can spend less time managing logistics and more time enjoying their day on the mountain.
The expanded learning space will allow children and adults to practise at a comfortable pace, while Polar Passage provides added protection on snowy or colder days. Parents and spectators can also stay close by, making those memorable first turns a shared family experience.
Part of Big White’s Bigger Family Story
The Happy Valley investment is part of Big White’s summer capital improvement program, focused on enhancing the guest experience and strengthening the resort’s position as Canada’s Favourite Family Resort. The project builds on Big White’s recognition as Best Ski Resort for Beginners at the 2025 Snomad Ski Resort Awards, reinforcing its reputation as one of Canada’s most welcoming places to learn.
The Polar Passage also complements recent investments in family services, including Tot Town Daycare for children aged 18 months to five years and the redeveloped Kids’ Centre for children aged four to 12. Together, these improvements are designed to reduce stress for parents and create a more seamless, flexible family holiday.
Big White Ski Resort continues to pair family-focused facilities and programs with an accessible price point. The resort’s Beginner Lift Ticket is just $29 for guests aged six and older, while children five and under ski for free. This affordable ticket helps lower the barrier for families introducing children or adults to skiing and snowboarding for the first time.
With more room to learn, greater protection from the elements and beginner programs designed for every stage of progression, the refreshed Happy Valley learning area will offer families a more welcoming way to begin their mountain adventure. The upgrades will also allow Big White Ski Resort to offer lessons earlier in the season, giving guests more opportunities to start learning from the beginning of winter.
Looking for a program that supports your goals? Explore Big White’s beginner programs for all ages and discover a fun, supportive way to build confidence on snow.
Photo credit: Ben Walker, Han Fisher and Big White Ski Resort