Penticton Herald

Big White program caters to skiers aged 50 and older

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Party and ski time is over for a group of people 50 and older at Big White Ski Resort.

The first Masters’ Week program of the season came to close Friday as 136 participan­ts from all over the world finished a week of skiing and riding and indulging in apresski events, including wine tastings, appetizers and evening sleigh rides.

Now in its fifth year, Masters’ Week has been extended to three weeklong programs during the season. The program is designed for passionate skiers and snowboarde­rs aged 50 and older to experience.

“We’re noticing the Masters’ Week age demographi­c really enjoys these types of programs combining social events with outdoor activity, and more empty nesters are choosing these programs over visiting warm destinatio­ns,” said Josh Foster, director of snow sports at Big White. “The economic impact from this is substantia­l as this demographi­c has more disposable income, spending upwards of $1,500 per person, not including travel expenses.”

The majority of participan­ts were between the ages of 60 and 69, with the eldest participan­t aged 81. The largest percentage of participan­ts were from British Columbia, at 27 per cent, with 25 per cent from Ontario and 18 per cent from Australia.

The remaining two Masters’ Week programs take place from Feb. 26 to March 2 and March 26-30.

 ?? Big White Ski Resort ?? Participan­ts in Big White Ski Resort’s first Masters’ Week program of the season pause at the top of a run on Tuesday.
Big White Ski Resort Participan­ts in Big White Ski Resort’s first Masters’ Week program of the season pause at the top of a run on Tuesday.

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