October 29, 2022 Halloween At Big White

It was Saturday night at Snowshoe Sam’s, a night to remember – the gang was all there. There was a couple from the day of the dead, a hippy rock star, a lady riding a horse, the devil, a priest and even the Pope showed up.

It was also Juliette and Ian’s last Halloween Party at the iconic slope side bar at Big White Ski Resort. It was the end of a thirteen-year run by the owners of Snow Shoe Sam’s. The bar was sold to the Nixon’s group from Kelowna the owners of BNA brewing amongst other eateries and bars in the Okanagan City. 

It is full circle for the Nixons who started in the business at the former Sessions, Raakels, Roses on the Ridge location. It was known as Whiskey Jack’s and The Red Onion over thirty years ago. Now they are back.

But before the bar was turned over to new owners there was time to have one last hurrah on All Hallow’s Eve.

It was a party for the ages. And for people of all ages. 

We arrived around 6:30 in time to get dinner and a few non-alcoholic drinks. I have managed to stick with my thirty-day challenge and have not had a drink of booze since October the fourth. I have lost 7 pounds and saved a whole wack of money. 

It was amazing to see so many familiar faces and reconnect with an assortment of Big White locals. What a good feeling it was to connect with so many of our winter friends.

Change has been in the mountain air this year. Not only has Sam’s changed hands but The Globe was recently sold by Jude and Paul. 

It is a year for new beginnings in the restaurant businesses of Big White.

Covid had little to do with the changes except for the self-inflicted loss of Charley Victoria’s. Most eateries managed to survive the devastating effects of the last two years. Now the biggest challenge was staffing. 

Where have all the workers gone anyway?

Big White has been unique regarding staffing because of the significant portion of Australians who would come to Canada on a two-year work visa. Now the restrictions have been lifted but the dynamics of the on-hill accommodations have changed with many of the former long-term rental properties being sold to people who don’t want to rent them for the season. 

No wonder Jude, Paul, Ian, and Juliette decided to get out of the business. 

I hope the new owners can maintain the vibe and feel that has made Snowshoe Sam’s such an amazing place to connect since 1980. I look forward to going to the Globe and trying out the menu developed by the new owner who happens to be the chef as well. I look forward to more apres’ at Sam’s.

Sam’s began to get busy around 9:00 pm and the musical beats of an electric drum machine took over the dance floor. Young and old celebrated another Halloween and the evening lit up with a wild array of costumes. 

Honey and I began to feel our age as the pounding bass became too much for us to take. Electric music drove us home earlier than planned. It didn’t matter, we saw everyone we wanted to and felt a great connection with all our friends at our mountain home. 

A fresh layer of snow coated the ground as we settled in for the night. It was great to be back.