March Fun at Big White Ski Resort

March is time for fun at Big White Ski Resort. With many heading to the mountain for Spring Break – the resort is bustling and full of life! Property owners and renters alike are enjoying time at the hill – and with these events its hard not to.

As for Real Estate, there are plenty of showings happening around the resort as well with more and more people interested in investing at Big White Ski Resort.

March Fun at Big White Ski Resort – events

Of course, every Saturday night, the greatest firework show in town explodes down in Happy Valley. Its the perfect chance for the family to enjoy some great fireworks, take a skate around the skating rink, slide your way down tube town, or just enjoy from a window overlooking Happy Valley. This event starts at 9pm every Saturday.

Another big hit in March is the Moose Cruz! Starting March 22-23, this scavenger hunt is like no other. Discover and engage with the mountain, solving clues, exploring terrain and of course the most important, having fun!! Find all the information you need here.

And, the highly popular AltiTunes Music Festival takes place March 31, April 1 at the resort. This highly anticipated event will rock the resort with bands like Moontricks, DJ Invizible, Meems, Shred Kelly and many more! This is a celebration with live music, outdoor activities, and of course skiing! This event is a 19+ event and tickets are selling FAST. Learn more about this event here.

Brief Real Estate Update

Along with all of the fun events happening at the resort, real estate is also busy and seems to have picked up with Spring break happening. Many buyers are looking to find a vacation home to retreat to on the weekends or during school breaks. Units have been renting quite well so far this year with many fully booked for the remainder of the season. Investing on the hill at this time is a great opportunity!

Whether you are searching for an affordable studio unit that you can lock and leave or a luxury chalet with beautiful views, the market is seeing it all. Many people are loving the buildings with amenities such as a pool, fitness room etc.. as it does set it apart from the others than do not have amenities and most do not have rental restrictions.

So far March has seen 6 firm deals, a drop compared to March last year which firm deals equaled 25. The average sale price in March 2022 was $690,128 while thus far March is sitting at an average of $509,417.

I will be on the hill all of Spring break – so give me a call or stop by my office in the Village under Snowshoe Sams. I have plenty of brochures for current listings and can answer any questions you may have about rental revenue, investing, and more! You can also start by contacting me here!

March Fun at Big White Ski Resort

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)

Big White Ski Resort’s Opening Day

Big White Ski Resort was just voted best in the province and the second-best in Canada, according to Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the top five ski resorts in Canada, part of the magazine’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. So its no wonder Big White Ski Resort’s opening day is highly anticipated this year. And with November 25th approaching quickly I’m sharing the ‘need to knows’ for the 2021/22 Winter Season.

Big White Ski Resort’s Opening Day

As mentioned, November 25th is opening day for the 2021/22 season. Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice-president of Big White, said “last winter was one of their best ever for season passes”, and this year seems to be proving the same outcome with strong season pass sales already. Early bird season passes are still available until October 17th (you can buy them here) and, because they are the #2 ski resort is Canada, the resort is on everyone’s radar.

Snow has already started to dust the resort and the entire Village is working hard to welcome everyone on opening day.

What’s New

As with every new season, comes new activities, protocols, and options at Big White. Along with more parking locations, outdoor washrooms, and touchless faucets, the resort has gained a Squawk Box. What’s a Squawk Box you ask? It’s the newest, online food delivery service where chicken is the main event!

Following suit with other major Canadian ski resorts,  Michael J. Ballingall recently announced they are implementing mandatory vaccines for all employees of the resort. He said the goal is to get people to come out, work, play and live in the mountains for the lifestyle experience. And if being safe by being double vaccinated is a part of it then we’re happy to do it.

Real Estate Market

With strong indications of a fantastic season at the resort, real estate on the mountain has remained strong and continues to break expectations. Year to date on today October 15th, the resort has seen 198 sales, a 32% increase from the same time period in 2020 which we know was a hot market as well.

However, with an increase of sales, usually comes a decrease of inventory. Comparing this October to October 2020 we have 49% less inventory at the resort. So what does that mean? Sellers are getting top dollar for their properties and buyers are jumping in now before the prices increase even further. Year to date, over 99 million dollars in sales has occurred at Big White Ski Resort, a 30 million dollar leap from year to date 2020.

More and more people are exploring this gem and falling in love with everything it has to offer. Big White Ski Resort is a fantastic family fun place to enjoy and explore the outdoors. Just 45 minutes from Kelowna, this mountain paradise is truly one of a kind. As always I’m happy to answer any questions you have and you can contact me here or pop into my office in the Village under Snowshoe Sam’s!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

Big White Real Estate is on Par With The Rest of BC

Big White Real Estate is on par with the rest of BC. You have likely seen in the news that the real estate industry in British Columbia, specifically the Interior, is breaking records. It has well exceeded many peoples expectations. Big White Ski Resort‘s real estate market is no exception.

For instance, January 2021 sales took a 35% increase from January of 2020. Sales from $99,400 to 1,540,000 took place in January with the transactions totalling over $12 million dollars. This created an average sale price of $531,670, a slight increase from January 2020’s average sale price of $501,588.

Big White Ski Resort Real EstatePeople are flocking to the resort to purchase vacation rentals for themselves and their families as well as purchasing investment homes to provide revenue. There are many options for whatever you are looking for in your Big White Ski Resort property. Whether it’s a lot for building your dream chalet, a commercial investment up to $10 million, a studio or anything in between.

From my office I get to see the bustle of the Village and the excitement that runs through the resort on the daily. There is no better time than now to get outside and enjoy everything this beautiful mountain has to offer.

This year, the resort has spent copious amounts of time and money ensuring they are following all new government protocols. I believe they have done an incredible job in keeping visitors and locals safe all seasons long.

If you are curious about stepping into the Big White market or ready to sell your lovely ski abode, contact me today and we can talk about your options. Now may be the best time for you to LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

Big White Ski Resort announces major plans

Big White Ski Resort has announced major plans to take place over the next 60 years. The resort recently submitted it’s 2020 Master Plan to the government, outlining the anticipated growth and their goal of making the mountain a “world-class, all-season destination resort.” It will potentially double its current size of 3,140 hectares to nearly 7,000 by 2089. Much of this terrain will come from East Peak area.

Major Plans Announced

Plans include doubling the amount of chair lifts, almost tripling the skiing terrain, and expanding mountain biking trails. Additionally the resort plans to add golfing, zip-lining, more equestrian adventures, and cat skiing. Winter camping and health/wellness facilities are proposed. Of course, with more terrain and activities that means additional parking, accommodations and amenities. The current bed units at the resort is approx. 10,533, and if the proposed 2020 Master Plan stays on track, the resort will see 20,600.

Real Estate

Owning a Big White ski property is already a sought after commodity, and with plans of expansion and growth, I believe the real estate industry will continue to remain strong. 2020 ended with some of the best numbers the resort has seen and the forecast of the 2021 market is parallel.

There is a broad range of available properties like residential, lots, commercial and pocket listings. There are also many great options for vacation homes or investment properties depending on your intentions of use. Whatever your requirements are, Big White has something to offer.

You can sign-up here to receive all new listings that hit the market at the resort the moment they go live. You can also always reach out to me with any questions you may have.

ITS BETTER TO BE OUTSIDE

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

Big White Ski Resort Winter 2020/21 season – The resort & real estate is bustling!

With Big White Ski Resort’s Winter 2020/21 season’s opening day a mere few weeks away, the resort is bustling and busy making preparations to be ready for the Winter 2020/21 season. If you have taken a drive around Big White lately you will notice a lot of new builds and updating happening. A perfect example of a growing neighbourhood on the hill is the exclusive Feathertop Estates.  These high-end luxury chalets offer unbeatable views of the Monashee Mountains and top the scale of incredible ski homes. It’s not only new builds that are taking off, whether it’s those luxury chalets or studio apartments, real estate on the mountain is booming and doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. 

What’s Happening on the Hill – leading up to the winter 2020/21 season

This October Big White Ski Resort saw 29 deals complete with the lowest price being $139,000 and the highest a staggering $3,200,000 which was the incredible Crescendo Chalet! The average price was $531,569, up from last year’s average price of $405,631 over 20 sales.

This year, the resort has taken many extra precautions to ensure that all visitors and staff alike will be safe with new rules and protocols in place that follow the government’s COVID-19 guidelines. In a Castanet article, Big White vice-president Michael J. Ballingall said the resort will control the number of day passes to keep a handle on the numbers on the mountain. Skiers/snowboarders are also being urged to “stay in their bubble,” he said. Previous years Big White had relied heavily on foreign workers and has worked hard to lock in domestic staffers for the resort this year.

With my office located in the Village, I love watching the hustle and bustle of the resort starting to pick up. People are really looking forward to getting outside and enjoying the champagne powder that Big White has to offer. Stop by the office anytime to check out all of my listings and if you have any questions pop in or send me an email. I would be happy to help!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

Big White Real Estate Market Update February 2020

Big White Real Estate market update for February shows the rush of the New Year went well into February as we are seeing many new listings popping up and an increase in sales over the same time last year. With new developments and amenities surfacing on the mountain, the demand for a Big White Ski Resort property is high.

Big White Real Estate Market Update

In January and February of this year, we saw 60 new listings hit the market, 30 in January and 30 in February. Comparing it to 54 last year it’s not a drastic leap, but the sales are considerably higher with 30 total sales this year so far. 2019 saw 20 in the first two months.

Also seeing an increase this month over last year in February is the average sale price. 2020’s average sale price in February was $468,850, up from last year, but down slightly from January 2020 which was $501,588. There have been 30 sales so far in 2020, 13 of them being in February. The increase in activity on the mountain confirms that sellers and buyers alike are ready to make moves.

If you are ready to list your Big White Ski Resort property now may be the best time to ensure your property has high profit potential. However, if you are looking to buy, the market is showing us that these listings are hot commodities and don’t last long. Contact me today!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

Big White Real Estate Market Update January 2020

January was a busy month of real estate at Big White Ski Resort. The new year started with a rush of people from all over the world travelling to Big White Ski Resort to view properties for both vacation homes and investment purposes. Here is a little update on the Big White Real Estate market from January.

Lets look at the numbers

The number of sales this January increased by 54.5% from January of last year. The number of active listings however, are fairly similar with January 2020 having 114 and January 2019 have 110. The average sale price is up from last year as well! 2020’s average sale price in January was an impressive $501,588. January of last year saw an average of $342,535.

The Big White Real Estate market shows consistent growth and increasing value year after year. For example, if you invested in Big White January of 2016, the average sale price was just 260,975!

With 30 new listings coming to market in January, there is a piece of Big White for everyone. From studio apartments, to million dollar luxury chalets, the numbers show that now is a great time to get into the Big White Real Estate market.

Are you interested in investing on the hill? Or are you looking for that perfect family ski home? Big White has it all. Contact me with any questions or if you’d like to start your search today!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

A Look Back at Big White’s Real Estate in 2019

2019 has come and gone and what a groundbreaking year it was for real estate at Big White Ski Resort. There were many investors and families from all over the world visit the mountain to look and purchase their own piece of paradise at beautiful Big White Ski Resort. Let’s take a look back at what happened in 2019.

A Look Back

This past year we saw over 67 million dollars in sales stemming from 148 overall deals. The highest sale price in 2019 was the sale of White Spirit Lodge, the one of a kind chalet built by The Timber Kings, which sold for the price of $3,990,000 CAD. On the flip side, the lowest sale price was $86,000 CAD for a studio apartment located in the Village. The average sale price in 2019 at Big White was $449,766 CAD. That number is a 27% increase from last years average sale price!!

A variety of dwellings were purchased, from land, single family chalets, studio apartments, great townhomes and even commercial spaces. Whether it was for investment purposes or a family vacation getaway, there is always great availability at Big White. Click here for current Big White Listings

There were new developments and buildings being constructed all over the mountain. Fabulous multi-units and expansions of existing areas made developers and investors alike be more drawn to building and developing at Big White.

2020 Vision

2020 has already been a flurry of showings, offers, and deals and we are only a few days into the year. My prediction is that the Big White real estate market continues to climb and more and more people will invest in Big White. 2020 can be your year to invest at Big White Ski Resort. If you have any questions or want to start your search, please contact me or pop by my office in the Village right under Snowshoe Sams. See you on the slopes in that champagne powder!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

 

Holiday Fun at Big White Ski Resort

Big White Ski Resort is lively and festive as the holiday season has now arrived. With Christmas break approaching, many families will be heading up to Big White Ski Resort to spend quality family time together. The holidays allow us to make memories, and memories are definitely made at Big White. 

Spending the holidays at Big White Ski Resort is truly an amazing experience. The mountain is full of holiday spirit and as you walk through the village the festive vibe is always high. You can Tube with Santa, ice skate under the stars, or check out Big White’s Annual Christmas Craft Market which offers a wide array of items from local vendors. And don’t forget to bring the kids by Santa’s Workshop in the TELUS Igloo where they can make a decoration with the help from some special elves. 

Christmas Eve at Big White is even more spectacular, it’s a magical night full of festive wonder. At 4:30pm the Christmas Eve Service lead by Pastor Jack and accompanied by the Ski School Rookie Choir will begin. Following the service,  gather with your friends and wander through the village where live music by Jeff Piattelli will fill the air, and christmas lights will sparkle in the snow.

Pose in the photo booth or spin the Wheel Of Mayhem to see if you landed on Santa’s Naughty, or Nice List. You might even spot a glimpse of Santa before he beings his trek around the world. A dazzling fireworks display starts at 6:30pm and there are many surprises throughout the night.

Wishing you and your family a happy holidays from here at Big White Ski Resort!