Baldy Mountain & Oliver Food Bank
We at Oliver Tourism are excited to begin a year-long Instagram campaign which aims to showcase the two most important aspects of our community: our amazing local businesses and our important charity organizations!
You’ll want to follow @winecapital on Instagram for your chance to win a prize each month!
Expect to see a local ‘business-charity’ pairing each month where you’ll have a fun and unique opportunity to learn just how amazing our Oliver community is, win some awesome prizes, and give to those who need our help most.
This month we are thrilled to showcase our local powder haven, Baldy Mountain Resort, and the inner workings of the Oliver Food Bank!
A set of ‘Baldy Lift Passes For Two’ are up for grabs this month!
Have you experienced the powder at Baldy Mountain above Canada’s Wine Capital?
Whether you’re a winter enthusiast or a summer one, this BC hidden gem is one to put at the top of your list. Here, you’ll find fluffy powder, the best lift prices (no lift lines), fun family activities, big events, custom day packages, hotel packages, and even some exciting summer activities!
Learn more about Baldy Mountain!
Pristine Powder
Everyone at Baldy Mountain is excited about this year’s early snowfall. And the great thing is, due to our semi-arid climate, it’s light and fluffy! At the date of this post, the base was 141 cm and they’ve received 207 cm of snowfall since November 1st. See current conditions here.
Best Lift Prices In BC
“Baldy is the best priced mountain in BC,” admits Operations Manager, Brandan Datoff.
That makes Baldy Mountain a perfect place for first-time skiers, and families with kids, who want to see if they like skiing or snowboarding.
“It’s not going to be a costly experiment,” says General Manager, Troy Lucas, who is also a father of two.
And if they do fall in love with it, Baldy Mountain is an affordable place to play in the snow. Check out prices here.
No Lift Line-Ups Or Crowds
You’re not going to find crowds or long lift line-up’s at Baldy Mountain. That means more runs and more fun!
“You can always find fresh tracks around this mountain,” said Felicity as she served me a yummy hot mulled wine. “There is a vast number of runs to do. No lift-line-ups is a bonus too. You can get a ton of runs in within a short period of time.”
Fun Activities
You can play frisbee golf and snow volleyball in addition to snowshoeing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding. You can even bundle around a fire and make S’mores!
Baldy Bar
Take a break and enjoy a hot or cold bevy and a delicious meal in the Baldy Bar!
Which one of these below would you choose? A steaming mulled wine or a hot chocolate?
Learn more about Baldy Bar here.
Big Events
Baldy Mountain will be hosting some big events in 2022 including Jersey Day in Canada, a Family Day Barbecue, the Slack Country Cup, and the 14th annual Winemakers Cup which attracts people from the Okanagan, Vancouver, and even the US! Events will be listed soon here.
Custom Packages
If you’re planning to come with a group, Baldy Mountain is happy to accommodate and create a custom package for you.
For example, the Baldy Babes Package begins with a continental breakfast including coffee or hot chocolate, and a muffin, banana bread, or cinnamon bun followed by a hike, cross country ski, or snowshoe. Afterwards, participants return for a hot lunch and a glass of wine.
Rentals and Snow School
If you don’t have your own gear and are just getting started, Quinn, in the ski shop is great at accommodating guests of any ages. They’ve got ski, snowboard, and snowshoe gear! Learn more about rentals here.
They’ve also got a slew of options for people of all ages wanting to learn. Check out lessons and equipment packages here.
Summer Fun
Take a chair to the top and hike down! Two marked hiking trails with options for beginner, intermediate, and advanced hikers will lead you back down to the lodge where lunch is waiting.
Mountain biking is coming to Baldy! A blue and green level mountain bike trail will be ready to ride this summer and a black level trail in 2023!
Camping
You can bring your camper or trailer. Plugins will be available!
A Day Destination with Overnight Options
Baldy Mountain can pack a lot of fun into an 8-hour day between the two chairs and all of the activities that you can partake in, however, if the powder is just too good to leave, you can always stay at a cozy B n’ B or at Wapiti Lodge.
Baldy is also collaborating with local hotels from where you can purchase a ski pass. Check out ‘Ski & Stay’ packages here.
Oliver Food Bank
From the homeless to those who work but can’t quite make ends meet, the Oliver Food Bank is devoted to ensuring that everyone in Oliver has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets dietary needs. It is run solely by volunteers!
Learn more about Oliver's Food Bank!
Who are the most challenged right now?
“I feel bad for seniors and really young children,” expresses Treasurer, Julie VanDusen. “Some of the senior’s stories are pretty tough, living on the pension they have and with health issues.”
Where do food donations go?
All of the food donations go directly to Oliver and Okanagan Falls residents in need.
How are money donations used?
Money donations are used to purchase food locally for food hampers and to run the building.
How is the food distributed?
Food hampers (including non-perishables, meat, eggs, dairy, and produce) are put together by volunteers and distributed every Wednesday at the Oliver Food Bank between 9am and 11am.
How many people are helped each week?
The number of people helped by the Oliver Food Bank varies. Currently, it feeds 50 singles, 16 couples, 12 families of 3/4, and 6 families of 5/6.
How do people register to receive food?
Oliver and Okanagan Falls residents in need can register at the Oliver Food Bank with proof of Oliver/Okanagan Falls address and the number of people in the family. Learn more about receiving food here.
What direct impacts have you seen?
“Clients are exceedingly thankful and try to contribute back to the Oliver Food Bank to help other people,” expressed Julie. “A number of clients who have come here to receive food eventually managed to get a better job, and then came back and donated. Other clients have also volunteered.”
How Can I Donate?
The Oliver Food Bank accepts financial and food donations, all of which goes directly to purchasing food and for operating the building. Tax receipts are given for all donations over $20.
Learn the different ways to donate here.
Volunteering
The Oliver Food Bank is run solely by volunteers. There are many ways to be part of the effort including donating food or money and volunteering your time.
Learn more about volunteering and becoming a member here.
