Fires have long left their legacy in the arid South Okanagan, claiming many historic buildings such as the Fairview Hotel (the 'Big Teepee') in the old Fairview mining town. When the mines ran out of gold, the residents began moving down to the new village of Oliver, where a newly built irrigation ditch brought different riches to the parched landscape: agriculture. The town of Oliver still stands, but the fire station siren is often heard screaming in the desert air, and Main Street is riddled with holes where fires have torched building after building. Even our ski hill's peak is burnt to a crisp, earning the name 'Mt. Baldy' and leaving eerie tree skeletons to dodge while ridin' fresh powder. more... See more text