If Sir Samuel Alphonse Windsor the 3rd was alive today, he would probably be happy to see the changes that are taking place at his pub and restaurant at Big White. As the tale goes, Sam- an English gentleman who married into French nobility- ventured to the BC mountains following the tragic death of his Baroness. He came to Canada seeking comradeship with the locals and brought with him culture, fine foods, new music. It was here at our very own Big White that he established Snowshoe Sams as a marquis bearing his name and “Ideals of Life”- “Ski every day, party every night, and no worries”. Hmm. Well, if you believe all that I have a green fee at the Big White golf course to sell you.

What is true however is that Sam’s is a place to meet friends, listen to music, and enjoy the local culture. We’re pretty sure that the culture has evolved a bit since Alphonse the 3rd was around! New owners Ian and Juliette Weaver are dedicated to carrying on the tradition of gun-barrels (a local drink that you have to see to believe) and fantastic apres ski that previous owner Brian Spence established when he took over the bar in 1986.

Just months ago, Ian and Juliette were living in Birmingham, England, living very responsible lives- Ian with a job in the manufacturing industry, and Juliette working for a major airline. They got married in August and it wasn’t long before their combined energy led them to making the life changing decision to purchase a business and move to Canada. They came to chase a lifestyle that, to their friends at home, sounds more like the setting for a TV sitcom than reality- owning a pub and restaurant at a ski resort in Canada. Well, according to Ian and Juliette they’ve discovered plenty of characters for the sitcom already cozied up to the bar.

“If something works, don’t fix it” echoes the sentiments of Ian and Juliette, so the changes that they plan to make in the coming days will be minor. Kitchen hours and menu are among them, so even if you are a regular you should get in and check it out. See the restaurant guide to get the latest info.

Ian and Juliette are excited about the coming 2009/10 season and how they can improve everyone’s experience on the hill, so get in and enjoy some of that Big White culture and food that even their countryman, Sir Sam Alfonso the 3rd would have approved.