Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Big White Ski Resort (Image Credit: Vernon Matters Staff)
By Vernon Matters Staff
Big Honour

Big White, Ogopogo ski patrol receive top division honours

Sep 15, 2026 | 9:58 AM

Big White Ski Resort and the Canadian Ski Patrol’s Ogopogo Zone have received two of the top awards from the organization’s Pacific South Division.

Big White received the Division Appreciation Award for its support of the Canadian Ski Patrol at the local, regional, national and international levels.

The resort hosted the 25th Congress of the International Federation of Ski Patrols earlier this year, bringing ski patrol representatives from more than 15 countries to the Okanagan to share safety practices and training.

Big White has also hosted the Pacific South Division’s first aid competition.

The Ogopogo Zone received the Division Outstanding Zone Award, recognizing the work and achievements of its volunteer patrol team.

Election 2026
Management professional entering race for seat on Armstrong city council
Sep 09, 2026
Significant Structure Fire
Arrest made in connection with farmhouse fire
Sep 09, 2026
Kal Lake Rd Path
Budget, scope increased for new multi-use path project
Sep 08, 2026

Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice-president of Big White Ski Resort, said the resort is proud to support the patrol and its volunteers.

The Pacific South Division includes six zones providing volunteer public safety services at ski areas throughout B.C.

The Ogopogo Zone’s 2026-27 season is underway. The group held its first volunteer open house Sept. 10, with training classes beginning Tuesday.

Training sessions will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

by Vernon Matters Staff
View Comments

Recent Matters

Access to Resources
Vernon Seniors Fair brings together local resources for special event
People wishing to learn what services, programs and services are available locally for seniors will have the opportunity at a special event Friday.The Vernon Seniors Fair will run at the Schubert Centre from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 18.The event will feature booths from 28 local organizations and experts to help older a...
54m ago
Read More
Big Honour
Big White, Ogopogo ski patrol receive top division honours
Big White Ski Resort and the Canadian Ski Patrol's Ogopogo Zone have received two of the top awards from the organization's Pacific South Division.Big White received the Division Appreciation Award for its support of the Canadian Ski Patrol at the local, regional, national and international levels.The resort hosted the...
1h ago
Read More
Election 2026
Full slate of candidates running for SD22 Trustees
Voters will have plenty of choices when selecting the next round of School District 22 trustees.A total of 11 candidates are running to serve the Greater Vernon school district in the fall municipal electionJenn Comazzetto, Municipality of the City of Vernon and Electoral Area B and C, incumbentStephanie Hoffman, Munic...
1h ago
Read More

What Matters

Election 2026
Management professional entering race for seat on Armstrong city council
Sep 09, 2026
Significant Structure Fire
Arrest made in connection with farmhouse fire
Sep 09, 2026
Kal Lake Rd Path
Budget, scope increased for new multi-use path project
Sep 08, 2026
Job Fair
Over 30 employer's showcasing opportunities at Job-a-Palooza
Sep 08, 2026
Election 2026
Entrepreneur entering race for Enderby City Council
Sep 08, 2026