(This is the fourth column in a series about what is new and different at the 12 downhill ski resorts and cross-country ski areas in the Southern Interior.)

The timing was right this year for Big White Ski Resort to put its energy and resources into the upper end of the culinary and dining scene.

“The opening of the Kettle Valley Steakhouse completes the suite of dining offerings that have been missing in the resort for the past five years,” says vice-president of hospitality Trevor Hanna.

“It’s the icing on the cake for the resort after completing other large capital projects like the new Mountain check in building, staff accommodation, the kids centre and the retail transformation,"

After five years, Big White’s beloved Kettle Valley Steakhouse will reopen in the Happy Valley Day Lodge in December with a larger kitchen, expanded lounge and upgraded restrooms.

“The new steakhouse is not recognizable from its former look and feel. Considerable time, resources and energy have gone into designing this space to be comforting with its own separate entrance and dedicated washrooms," said Hanna.

The Happy Valley area also gets a fresh new vibe with the launch of the Moose Lounge........

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