Aussies rule at Big White
Okanagan Edge Staff - Apr 17, 2019 - Biz Releases

Photo: Contributed

Big White Ski Resort has always hired employees from all over the world, and this past season was no exception.

The resort employed people from 27 countries, with Australia leading the way and followed closely by Canada.

Image: Contributed

“One of the greatest attractions and advantages that we have at Big White Ski resort is our snow,” Big White senior vice-president Michael J. Ballingall said in a press release. “Tourists come from all over the world to experience Okanagan champagne powder, and so do those looking for employment.

“We are lucky to have such a magnet to attract team members from so many different nationalities and cultures it really makes us an international resort situated in the heart of supernatural British Columbia.”

There were 362 employees from Australia at the resort this past winter, which represented 37 per cent of its workforce. Canada was next with 335 employees, or 34 per cent.

Ballingall believes his international workforce is also a big driver of tourism in the Okanagan, as those from other countries spend time exploring their new home.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to travel to surrounding resorts in B.C. and ski for free due to our reciprocal lift pass deal through Big White,” Australian ski and snowboard instructor Joshua Smith said. “Definitely a plus, being able to drive through the province to all these cool places.”

Smith added that the group of employees comes together quickly, no matter from which country they hail.

“Everyone always has something in common, no matter how many barriers there are,” Smith said. “I love being able to work with people who live on the other side of the globe and speak languages I can’t even begin to comprehend.”

Of the mountain’s year-round employees, 41 per cent are from Canada, 34 per cent from Australia and 11 per cent from the United Kingdom.


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