Baldy Mountain Resort is celebrating its 50th anniversary with three events coming up in 2019. (File photo)

Special to the Times

Osoyoos Times

This ski season will be the 50th at Baldy Mountain Resort, and three big celebrations are snowballing into shape.

The ski hill east of Oliver will be hosting a 50-year reunion party in January, a Winter Wine event in February and a Craft Beer event in March.

“There are few places like Baldy Mountain Resort left where the focus is still solely on what’s important: having fun with family and friends in a spectacular mountain environment,” said general manager Andy Foster.

“We want to thank all of the Baldy family for their contributions to building what we think is B.C.’s best hidden gem ski resort, and continue their spirit of celebrating winter mountain culture.”

The 50-year reunion is taking place on Jan. 26., celebrating the people, powder and parties that crafted the resort.

“From day one of the 1968-69 season when the McKinney T-bar began hauling skiers up our slopes, there has been one constant connecting the past to today, and that’s the unique character and vibe of the Baldy community,” Foster said.

• Read more: Baldy Partners With Chinese Investors, Announces Expansions

“Over the past half century there has been a dedicated and passionate crew of locals that have carved a memory making factory out of the side of Baldy Mountain.”

Throughout the season, the “People of Baldy” will be commemorated through the stories and memories made on the lifts and trails.

The Winter Wine event takes place on Feb. 9 and vinters from nearby wineries will be going head-to-head against each other in the first annual Winter Wine Competition. Guests will be able to ski all day, and then wind down with an epic evening of everything wine.

The Craft Beer Event happens on March 23, combining a day on the slopes with an afternoon in the spring sunshine with a locally crafted beer in hand.

“We’re truly blessed in the Okanagan to be surrounded by some of the finest wineries and craft breweries in the province and country,” Foster said. “This year we’re literally tapping into that incredible culture that surrounds Baldy Mountain Resort and celebrating it with two new events. We’re certain the 1st annual Winter Wine event, and 1st annual Craft Beer event will quickly become key parts of Baldy’s half century of skiing lore.”