Top 5 Most Wanted Features in a Big White Ski Resort Property

While every buyer is searching for something with their certain needs and wants, I am here to share the 5 most wanted features in a Big White Ski Resort property that are most common for buyers looking at purchasing property at the resort. Maybe a buyer is looking to check off all five of these boxes, or maybe just one, but these are the features that I have found to be the most wanted when working with both buyers and sellers at the resort.

TOP 5 MOST WANTED FEATURES IN A BIG WHITE SKI RESORT PROPERTY

  1. Ski-in/Ski Out Access

Ski-in/ski-out access is a highly sought after feature. Luckily, unlike other ski resorts like Whistler, Big White offers arguably the best ski-in/ski-out accessibility from nearly every property at the resort. Whether its right outside the door or a short walk to the closest run, ski-in/ski-out access is an attainable feature no matter where on the mountain you are.

  1. Well Run Strata

Having a predictable and proactive strata is another very important and wanted feature for those buyers looking to purchase a condo. As the majority of buyers are not living on the hill, having a well-run strata can ease the minds of buyers that are not always in the unit. With a well-run strata you can trust, a buyer can feel comfortable, and dependent that not only their unit will be looked after but the building itself maintained and functioning at the level they desire. Each building is different in how their strata runs so it is very important to work with a knowledgeable agent and of course review all strata documents.

  1. Rental Income Potential

As previously stated, many buyers are not living on the hill and often look for rental income potential to offset costs when they are not using the property for personal use. Some units provide a steady stream of revenue and others can be limited due to many factors. Revenue potential varies depending on the type of unit, location, and amenities it offers. Many agents will provide past revenue numbers and a revenue forecast if available and applicable.

  1. Location

This feature is completely dependant on each specific buyer but location is very important. Some buyers want to be right in the Village with amenities and activities just a few steps away, while others are looking for a more tranquil area. Happy Valley is a great location and highly sought after as it offers a close proximity to adventures such as ice skating, tubing, and more with also providing direct access to the Village from Lara’s Gondola.

  1. View

Admittedly, this feature is not as important to some as say, ski-in/ski-out access, however many buyers are looking for a property that showcases the stunning Monashee Mountains. Whether it’s from a gorgeous chalet in Feathertop Estates or a condo in the Village centre, views can be a massive selling feature. With the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets that the resort is blessed with, its no wonder views make the top 5 most wanted features in a Big White Ski Resort property.

With the news of the foreign buyer ban being extended, and the resort being exempt from the short term rental ban, Big White Ski Resort is a superb investment for global and local clientele.

Historic and Exciting News for Big White Ski Resort

In the last 54 years, we went from no accommodations, the first one was constructed in 1968, to what you see at Big White Ski Resort today which is just over 3,000 units.

There has been quintessential development and steady growth at the resort and it’s exciting to hear and now share the historic and exciting news for Big White Ski Resort that is currently in the works and the future plans. In addition to accommodation developments, Big White has grown to be the second largest lift system in Canada.

Historic and Exciting News for Big White Ski Resort

Black Forest Residences is marketed and sold by EPIC Real Estate Solutions Inc. I provide buyer representation to those interested.

As the 1999 master plan completes, the resort focuses on the Black Forest area. This included a $6m utility investment, $1m skier overpass, and 8 development sites this past summer. The developmental sites include:

  • Staff accommodations for up to 400 more staff;
  • an 11 acre site for 44 single and duplex buildings called The Glades with Acorn Communities;
  • a 7.5 acre, 35 homes and 15 townhomes development by Iron Horse Developments; and a
  • 172 unit development offering micro suites. Which is currently preselling with K-West.

For information on these developments, as well as future plans, please visit Big White Ski Resort’s website, or contact Jordan Hettinga ([email protected]) or Paul Plocktis ([email protected])

M​onashee Ridge is another development that has been a desirable place for buyers. These chalet’s are ski-in/ski-out with low strata fees, snowmobile accessible, and feature stunning mountain views. These 3-4 bedroom properties offers vaulted ceilings, open concept floorplan and room for everything.

As in the previously published blog, in the resort’s new 50 year master plan, there will be a tremendous increase in further accommodations and terrain.

When this historic and exciting news for Big White Ski Resort is approved, the plan would increase skiable terrain to over 1000 hectares and the number of lifts would total 35. To handle all of this, the resort would double in size and number of developments.

Big White Ski Resort has a bright future and one of the contributing factors is that Big White doesn’t have any land in ALR, so you can still purchase a property walking or sliding distance to the Village, and 100% of the overnight accommodations are ski-in/ski out. This is significant in differentiating Big White from other Canadian resorts such as Whistler which over offers approximately 20% of their bed base deemed ski-in/ski out.

(information source: Jordan Hettinga)

Get Ready for Summer at Big White

April 5, 2022 marked the last day of the Winter 2021/2022 season. You know what that means now? It’s time to get ready for summer at Big White!

This years summer season will start on June 30th and run until September 5th, 2022. Last summer it was incredible to see the events and amount of action we had even with restrictions were in place and we are excited this summer to pump it up to the next level because this summer is sure to be jam packed with events for the entire family. It’s very exciting to see the resort thriving and people being able to get outdoors more. Because as you know, it’s better to be outside!

Events

Big White Resort is bringing back many favorites like Craft & Country Music Festival, Freeride Days, Mountain bike boot camps and Spartan Race. You can find all the details about the resort’s summer events here.

The Annual Big White Community Clean Up takes place on June 11th, prior to opening day, to ensure the resort is in tip top shapes after all of the snow has melted. There is also a complimentary BBQ & t shirt for those who participate. Disposable gloves and garbage bags will be provided after registration which takes place at 9am in the Village. For further information click here.

New Developments

There is more than just events happening at the resort. There are multiple new developments underway. This is exciting and promising to see as more and more people are interested in buying a piece of beautiful Big White Ski Resort. Modern mountain living is coming and some pre-sales are already happening!

Monashee Ridge at Big White is mountain living at its best! Ski-in and ski-out, these single family homes boast spectacular views, modern mountain designs and low strata fees. Phase 1 has already sold out, so make sure to get your foot in the door for phase 2…coming soon!

Vita Residences at Black Forest by K West Homes are affordable smart, fully furnished studios starting at $399k. A $60M development, there will be 200 condos located just 50m from the base of the Black Forest chair lift.

Two more developments in Black Forest, Wild Wood and Blackhawk, are scheduled to commence in Fall 2022. Wild Wood will consist of 24 lots (single family or duplexes) with homes starting at $900k and Blackhawk will offer 16 townhomes.

Spyglass at Big White, luxury townhouses in Happy Valley, is currently constructing their final phase of 27 units. These townhouses are scheduled to be move-in ready for the 2022/23 ski season!

Big White Stats

April has continued to be a strong real estate market. The average sale price thus far is $850,613 – with a total of 8 properties being firmed up this month. The average days to sell since the beginning of the year is sitting at just 41 days. The same time frame last year we were seeing an average of 57 days on the market for a Big White property.

Currently there are 54 properties listed in the Big White area. There are affordable options, starting at 184k, all the way up to multi million dollar townhomes and chalets. The close price to list price is remaining high at 99.1% in April.

The summer season is exciting to watch grow because since 2017, the first summer season open, the resort has absolutely flourished with events, developments, businesses, and relationships all over the globe.

Feel free to reach out and contact me with any question you have about Big White, the summer season, and what’s happening in Real Estate!

Big White Ski Resort Property Management

What have the last two years of rental bookings looked like at Big White ski resort?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions on the hospitality industry, rental
bookings at Big White have been down the last couple of years. However, construction on the
mountain has continued unabated, with demand for accommodation in the Okanagan, and at Big
White, higher than ever. Come rain, snow, or COVID, people are continuing to visit from all
over the world to enjoy the world-class amenities and champagne powder snow that only Big
White has to offer.

Locations Mountain Management Services has continued to serve more and more owners
looking to rent out their properties in the off-season as well as the ski season. We get inquiries
every day from owners about property management, rentals, and cleaning services. We are
fortunate to be doing relatively well in tough times and can only imagine how things will boom
when the good times return.

Summer and shoulder season rental bookings?

We like to place guests in our owners’ properties for the entirety of the off-season (summer and
shoulder season). This way the owners earn more than through daily or short-term rentals in the
off-season, which are always significantly less than the ski season. This is revenue that our
owners would not normally expect to get; it’s money in their pockets. The Okanagan is one of
the most desirable places in Canada to live, and accommodation is scarce and can be expensive.
Guests looking to relocate often move into a property at Big White while they find a longer-term
rental solution in Kelowna.

What do you foresee for future rentals at Big White?

When the restrictions end and people feel safe and secure to travel freely once more, the sky’s
the limit. The demand for property and accommodation in Kelowna is extremely high, and this
demand has spilled over into Big White, where inventory is low and prices are high. Even in
these challenges times, homes, townhomes, and condos in Big White are receiving multiple
offers and selling at or above asking price.

Big White is Canada’s No. 2 ski resort. There are other ski runs in the Okanagan, but none can
match Big White for the number of runs, level of accommodation, variety of amenities, and
infrastructure. And did we already mention the champagne powder?

What are the most sought after features for rentals?

1. Private hot tub
2. Beds for a reasonable price to accommodate large groups
3. Proximity to the Village and amenities
4. Pet friendly

What types of properties are getting the most rentals?

The most sought-after rentals are 2-4 bedrooms, spacious, with good access to ski runs, and a
mountain view. People are looking for an exciting, emotional, and memorable ski experience.
They want the whole package, and Big White has the runs, the snow, the accommodation, and
the amenities to provide just that. Here are some properties that are available now!

Why choose property management?

You can do all the work yourself: if you’ve got the time, if you’re media savvy, you can prepare
your property, find guests, book them in, communicate with them, be available to answer any
questions they may have, deal with any issues that may arise, book them out, hire cleaners, and
rinse repeat. Or you could hire a property management company like Locations Mountain
Management Services to save you all the work as well as the learning curve. We advertise
through all the major channels, have pricing strategies that will maximize your income, find you
the right guests, and handle all communication, day or night. The number of bookings we can get
for you, and the level of service we can provide to you, easily makes paying our management
commission a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to rent their property.

Locations Mountain Management Services is a local business with their finger on the pulse of
what owners require and guests desire. We provide with full-service property management for our
owners and booking services for their guests. We advertise on our website and all the major
booking channels, including Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and Expedia. Our amazing properties
sleep anywhere from 4–18 people, are clean and tidy, warm and inviting, and ideally located.
Most properties are Ski In/Ski Out, have Private Hot Tubs, and are Pet Friendly. We offer
discounts on stays over 7 days and 30 days. Our customer service always responds promptly and
efficiently, and our reliable and quality-obsessed in-house cleaning team will ensure your stay is
spotless.

4 Summer Activities to try at Big White Ski Resort

Summer activities are becoming more and more popular at Big White Ski Resort. With the resort now open for its summer season until September 6th, there is just over one month left to explore what the mountain has to offer. You’ve seen the mountain with snow, now its time to check out the incredible activities you can enjoy without all of that champagne powder Michael J. is always talking about.

Just 45 minutes from Kelowna, Big White Ski Resort is the perfect place to travel for a day trip to get outdoors and explore what this beautiful province has to offer. So pack up the family, the dog and head up the mountain to find adventure.

Here are 4 Summer Activities to try at Big White Ski Resort

Mountain Biking

Bike Big White has something for every level of rider. Whether you want to log some serious miles or just gear up for some family fun, the bike trails at Big White were built by riders for riders. These trails feature some of North America’s newest and best lift access. Find yourself exploring 19 world class gravity fed trails and soak up the Okanagan sun while doing so.

Don’t have a bike or any gear? No problem, the Rental and Bike Service will get you all geared up and ready to ride!

Disc Golf

This new addition to the resort has been a big hit with locals and tourists alike. The 9 hold disc golf course was funded in part by the Big White Mountain Chamber of Commerce and the Big White Mountain Community Development Association. It’s conveniently located just below the skiers tunnel.

This activity is free for those who bring their own discs and rentals are available through the Rental Shop in the Village Centre Mall.

Hiking

A great way to explore the landscape minus the snow you are probably used to. Big White offers an incredible hiking experience with mountain wild flowers, bird watching, and phenomenal views.

There are many trails to choose from and you can even arrange a guided hike with a local host.

Events

With COVID-19 restrictions eased, there are many events that are happening on the mountain. Events like Music on the Mountain, BC Cup Downhill Provincial Championships, and Trek Dirt Series are all back. These events are a great way to take in the Big White summer experience.

Check out all of the Summer events here

With the valley basically smoked in right now, Big White’s higher elevation can get you out of the smoke and into adventure.

Recapping the First Half of 2021

Recapping the first half of 2021 seems like great a way to look back and see how this year has molded not only us as a community, but the community itself. It has been another eventful year where we have experienced, learned, and gained growth. 2021 has provided insight into what the next few years may bring and many exciting things have happened that lead us to that.

Let’s recap the first half of 2021:

Real Estate

As we know, the Real Estate market in BC blew up the first half of 2021. With homes going well above listing prices, flying off the market on the first day, and the lowest inventory we’ve ever seen, the first six months of this year have been wild. 141 sales were completed at Big White Ski Resort from January to currently. If we compare that to the 66 completed deals within the same time frame in 2020, that is a 113% increase in sales. And not surprisingly, the total volume has taken a huge leap from 31 million dollars worth of sales to a whopping 74 million.

Low inventory was a huge factor in the stresses of buyers looking for a home to purchase. We saw the lowest inventory available ever and that created a frenzy for buyers looking. And with that, came an incredible sellers market. Many sellers took advantage of the rising home prices and quick possessions. The average time a Big White property spent on the market this year is 60 days. A 45% decrease from the same time last year.

Big White Ski Resort

The resort itself saw many changes over the courses of these first 6 months of 2021. many COVID-19 protocols were implemented creating a safe place for locals, tourists and workers alike. There were challenges along the way but I think the team at Big White did a phenomenal job pivoting and adjusting as necessary. The Summer season has just begun and already the Village is seeing lots of tourists ready to relax, enjoy, and explore the wonderful outdoors.

Big White Ski Resort also made a huge announcement in January sharing that the resort has massive expansion plans over the next few decades. With more skiing terrain, a golf course, new housing developments, and more this is very exciting for the economy and resort.

No one knew what 2021 was going to bring and after a stressful and unknown 2020 we have adapted as a whole and are driving the changes into this year. The first half has been more than exciting and the rest of 2021 will be a great time to enjoy the growth the first half has brought us.

Summer 2021 at Big White Ski Resort

Get ready for an incredible Summer season at Big White Ski Resort! because the much anticipated Summer 2021 season opens on July 1st. This summer is a great time to explore and discover what the resort has to offer without the champagne powder. With many of us seeking outdoor activities to keep us occupied, the mountain offers something for everyone.

Want to try mountain biking? No problem (they even have rentals!!). Ready for a hike with a phenomenal view? Got it covered. Or maybe you’re looking for something a little less strenuous? In that case, you can enjoy the beautiful scenic chair lift. Remember bike passes go on sale on June 1st and there is a limited supply. Head over to Big White’s website for more information.

You can leave with more than just memories as the shops are open for retail shopping and the restaurants will be open to fill your stomach. Check out all the summer information here.

With past years events including Cider Fest, Mud Sweat and Tears, Wine Fest and North American mountain biking open invitational, we are optimistic that full normalcy expected by late summer. With BC trending in the right direction we are excited to welcome all our international and national guests back to experience the magic with us.

Leading up to the Summer season at Big White

Even during this off season, the Real Estate industry hasn’t slowed down. Outdoor enthusiasts and many locals are looking for that perfect vacation property that they can indulge in that remains close to home. Whether its a small studio apartment to use for the basics or a lavish chalet to entertain and revel in.

There were 22 deals completed in April of this year, with over $13 million in sales. When comparing that to the 1 deal in last April, I would say this year, properties at Big White are sought after. Additionally, last years average days to sell last at 101 days while year to date, this years days to sell is 58.

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing that perfect vacation home or investment property, consider Big White Ski Resort. With major plans to expand over the next 60 years, the resort is quickly becoming an even more popular place to invest and enjoy.

February Real Estate Stats and Spring Break

As we enter in March there is a lot of action at the resort. Locals in the Village, a bustling real estate market, and spring break approaching Big White Ski Resort is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. As you may know, the end of last year’s real estate market was heating up and that momentum has continued well into the first quarter of the year. Let’s take a look at the February Real Estates and what Spring Break looks like this year.

February Real Estate Stats

January and February were great months at the resort for the Real Estate market. Year to date, we have seen 57 closed deals, totaling 29 million in volume. The average days to sell in February is down drastically, 43% from last February, at just 51 days. The close price to list price ratio is at 99.3% and last year’s average was 96.8%. Currently there are 85 active listings. There is the most affordable option, a studio apartment for just over $100,000. All the way to luxury chalets listed for 1+ million.

Monashee RidgeNew builds are exciting at Big White and Monashee Ridge offers an incredible option for those wanting a luxury chalet. With ski-in/ski-out access, opulent features and finishings, and a completion date set for 2022, these incredible homes are very impressive. For further information about this development, click here.

It’s not just residential properties that is booming at the resort. Commercial listings are a hot commodity and create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for investors. Commercial listings don’t come up often and when they do, everyone wants a piece. View all my current commercial listings HERE

If blue skies and champagne powder is calling your name, don’t miss this opportunity to own your own paradise at Big White Ski Resort.

Spring Break 2021

Spring break definitely looks different then prior years, however; there is still plenty of activities to indulge in with the family. Of course you can hit the slopes on your skis or snowboard or maybe a snowshoe adventure is calling you. Whatever the outdoor activity is, it’s better to be outside. Check out Big White Ski Resort’s website for more information about available activities and COVID protocols.

Be sure to pop by my office (in the village under Snowshoe Sams) to check out all my latest listings, residential and commercial. Alternately, contact me and I’ll get you started on your search and answer any questions you have.

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

A Memorable Year at Big White Ski Resort!

We can all agree that 2020 has been a memorable year at Big White Ski Resort. With the resort facing challenges and having to make pivotal decisions, it still remains a hot spot for real estate and locals heading up to play in that champagne powder Michael J. is always talking about.

With 2020 coming to an end in a few days, the resort has seen a total of 213 sales within the year. That compared to last years total sales of 148 is a 44% increase. Over those 213 transactions, 100 million dollars of real estate has exchanged hands this year at the resort. From studio apartments for just $85,000 to the luxurious Crescendo chalet for $3,200,000 – there was a variety of sale prices making up the yearly average of $471,672.

The resort made many necessary changes in order to adhere to the new government guidelines. Such as being a no cash resort, adding sanitizing stations throughout, and capacity control.  The mandatory face covering rule is being enforced along with maintaining social distancing guidelines. The resort strives to ensure visitors and residents alike are safe and have done a great job in doing so. Check out all of the resort’s new procedures and protocols here.

No one could have predicted what this year was going to bring. Among other things, it has brought attention and clarity to life’s most important things. It has allowed us to enjoy this beautiful mountain and all it has to offer. Big White Ski Resort allows us to get outdoors to enjoy the fresh air. It allows us to get active with some of the most amazing views. And it allows us to spend quality time with those close to us. That, and it’s just an hour away from Kelowna – what more could you ask for?!

Maybe you’ve been thinking about jumping into the resorts real estate market but need some questions answered by a qualified agent that is familiar with the resorts market? If that’s the case, please reach out and I would be more than happy to discuss why property at Big White Ski Resort is a great to own.

 

Big White Ski Resort is the Place to be!

Big White Ski Resort is the place to be this winter season for anyone looking to get outdoors, breathe in some fresh air, and enjoy that beautiful champagne powder. The resort opened ahead of schedule this year and has had a seamless transition while incorporating all of the governments new protocols and restrictions. The resort has put many new policies to ensure visitors and staff alike are safe and following protocols.

Most are flocking to the mountain during the weekends, but if you get the chance to be there mid-week not only will you receive a discount on passes, but also get the perks of waiting less, skiing more, and fresh tracks!

Real Estate Market

If you are thinking now is the time, for either buying or selling on the mountain, you are absolutely correct. November 2020 saw a 160% increase in the number of sales, and the number of days to sell is also down compared to the same time last year. Over 17 million dollars of real estate was exchanged last month at Big White Ski Resort. As of today there are 69 available listings on the mountain. You can purchase a studio apartment for under $100,000 or a luxurious chalet in Feathertop Estates for $1,675,000.

New at Big White

Recycling! Residents and visitors the resort can now drop off their refundable beverage containers at the region’s first Return-It Express & GO recycling station. This new service was a direct response to the needs of residents and visitors on the mountain. Located at 4500 Big White Rd., the new facility makes recycling easier by allowing drop off pre-bagged beverage containers without sorting them. Another cool feature of this amenity is the fact it is solar powered and housed in a repurposed shipping container. For further information check out this article.

With new snow dropping daily, it’s definitely better to be outside! See you on the mountain, email me, or drop by my office in the heart of the Village! (Right under Snowshoe Sam’s)

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY