Joan Wolf

Big White – so many options!

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Are you wanting to buy a property at Big White? Have you considered all of the options, like a condo, a chalet, or a cabin, and can’t decide which one would you suit your family’s needs? Here are 3 properties that all offer different features. Which one would fit your family the best?

#122-255 Feathertop Way is a spacious 1  bedroom 1 bathroom condo in Sundance Resort. The building offers an adult games room, theatre, gym, kids room, outdoor pool with water slide, hot tub and sauna. Perfect for those wanting to lock and leave or for investors as a great rental!

If you’re looking for something a bit bigger, check out #C 5837 Snowpines Crescent. This 3 bedroom 2 bathroom ski in-ski out chalet offers breathtaking views of Monashee Mountains.

If luxury is what you are looking for, then 355 Moonshine Crescent should be on your list! This 3000 sq ft half duplex is loaded with everything you need for your Big White home!

To view any of these Big White properties or to be the first to know when a new listing comes up, contact me today!!

 

 

5 Things Australians Need to Know About Working at Big White

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Photo credit: Big White Ski Resort

For over 30 years, Aussies have been a crucial part of Big White. In fact, our friends from down under are such a big part of the resort, each year they celebrate Australia Day at Big White.

BC’s second most popular winter destination requires over 1000 staff members to run its day-to-day operations during ski season. It comes as no surprise that most of the staff come from Australia. What does it take to work up there if you live over 14,000km away?

Here are 5 things for Australians to keep in mind if they want to work at Big White.

1. Plan Your Working Holiday at Least a Year Ahead

Working Holiday
Two things to remember: work visa and finances. Before you look for work, make sure you can legally work in Canada and you have saved enough money to live here for at least a month after arriving. Once you have your work visa, can you apply for a job at Big White.Big White might also require for you to have travel insurance before your employment begins, so look into this before you arrive. And make sure to apply for your Social Insurance Number as soon as you land.

2. Apply for Work Directly or Through an Employment Company

You can work both directly on the mountain (as a ski instructor, for example), at one of the many small businesses in the Big White area, at some of the independently owned chalets, or at the local market.

Australians can also use the services of the International Exchange Program and The Working Holiday Club to help with securing work and accommodation. But this is a pretty pricey option, with costs exceeding $1000.

Keep in mind that some departments and managers might prefer an in-person interview rather than a Skype or phone interview. This is where your savings will come in handy.

3. Accommodation

Live up at Big White Rent or Buy

Big White Staff HousingPlan to spend at least $500 a month on rent with shared accommodations. In 2017, Big White also began a huge project on building staff accommodation at the resort, so there’s plenty of options out there.

If you plan on returning year after year to work at Big White it is a great idea to begin to look at buying. In the summer months you can rent it out and have it ready for your return in the winter. Mortgage qualifications are a little different when it falls as your primary residence and work place. You can have your own space and a place to call home after a long work day on the hill.

There are some great resources to help you find a place to stay. Join the official Big White Facebook group to inquire about accommodations, check out the Urban Retreat Hostel at the mountain, and visit Castanet, Kelowna’s homepage, for information on rentals. Check out my listings www.joanwolf.ca to live where you play.

4. Perks of Working at a Ski Resort

Why not have fun where you work?

Seasonal staff receive a number of great deals around the mountain:

• Free season pass
• Free group ski and snowboard school lessons
• Free snowshoe tours
• Up to 50% off food and beverage at restaurants, cafes, and bars
• Up to 50% at the Elevation Day Spa
• 40% off on rentals
• 15% off at retail outlets
• And more…

On a side note. Because of the short duration of the season you’ll likely get some of the taxes deducted from your paycheck back. How awesome is that?

5. You are a Part of a Team

Big White values its employees and the effort they put in their day-to-day work. Around mid-season, the resort has a staff Christmas party and each department usually throws its own party.

Staff also get to go to hockey games in Kelowna, BBQs, film nights, and countless other fun activities on and off the mountain. Not to mention making lifetime friends.

Whether you work a season or two, or more, the resort will surely have a special place in your heart. You might even decide to stay a bit longer. Live where you play and get in touch with me anytime if you want to make Big White your seasonal or forever home.

Are you ready for November 22nd?

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It’s opening Day at Big White Ski Resort!

The day all the skiers and snowboarders anxiously wait all summer for.  Big White completed some major upgrades over the summer, $10 million dollars worth of upgrades!

New to the mountain this year is the Powder Chair. This new lift increases upload capacity to 2400 passengers an hour and cost $3.9 million. Another addition is the $1.7 million dollar skier tunnel expansion on the Hummingbird run.

This year, Big White Ski Resort is kicking-off the winter season with a new and exciting series of events to celebrate the most wonderful time of year!

The Winter Warm Up will take place November 30-December 16. This fun family event will be the kick-off to the winter season. Many events will take place during the Winter Warm Up including the Big White Light Up, Big White Christmas Market, Big White Winter Rally, Big Reds at Big White wine festival and the Big White Hockey Tournament.

And did you know that the Big White Ski Hosts will show you the best ski and snowboarding spots on Big White Mountain with a complimentary mountain tour!? Tours happen at 10:30am starting at Dizzy’s Ski Shop and run from December 3-April 8.

Do you want to live where you play? I can help! Check out my Big White listings or contact me to show you around!


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Step into the Sophisticated Stonegate Resort

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Stonegate Resort showcases lifestyle amenities that are setting new standards for mountain villas.

This resort is loaded with amenities to fit every persons wants and needs through every season. The heated indoor/outdoor pool and whirlpools will send you into ultimate relaxation after a day on the slopes. Slopes, in which you can access right from your doorstep and just a short ride down you can be at the gondola or one of three chair lifts. After a day on the mountain, you could enjoy a hot drink at the coffee station, catch a movie in the 18-seat Stonegate theatre, or kick it up a notch and visit the fitness centre. If watching sports on the 65” big screen in the lounge makes you want to play some, you can try a game of foosball or Wii Sports in the games room.

Not only does Stonegate Resort tick all the boxes for amenities, the residences are also top notch and offer gorgeous views of Big White Village, Monashee Mountain and the ski slopes. All 1, 2, 3 and 3 bedroom w/ loft residences showcase large stone fireplaces, gourmet kitchens, in-suite laundry and private hot tubs on the balcony. You don’t have to worry about storage, because the resort offers indoor ski/snowboard storage and has heated underground parking.

Stonegate Resort is a stunning showcase of convenience, sophistication, and fun!

If you want to view residences in Stonegate Resort let me show you around!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

Top 3 things Buyers from Australia need to know

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Big White Village

When you have a choice to live where you play, why not choose Big White?

Only 45 minutes from an international airport lies the place of attainable luxury, surrounded by serenity and adventure alike.

For all my Australian clients ready to find the perfect Canadian home that matches their lifestyle, Big White is the right place to invest in. Here are the Top 3 things buyers from Australia need to know.

1. The mountain has some of the best snow and weather conditions in the country.

Chair lift at Big WhiteFirst, the mountain has some of the best snow and weather conditions in the country. Slopes are covered with champagne powder that will impress any avid skier and snowboarder, and there is always plenty of snow to keep all the runs open. What’s even better—even in the heat of the season, there are no long line-ups.

2. When purchasing a home in Canada you use an exclusive Buyer’s Agent.

Buyers AgentWhen purchasing a home in Canada, you use an exclusive Buyer’s Agent whose only job is to protect your interests and give you all the necessary information to help you find your perfect property.

It’s imperative to have a buyer’s agent like myself at your side as they can help with referrals for lawyers, accountants, insurance companies, property inspectors, and any other services you might need. As a buyer’s agent, I can also help you check all the other boxes on your wishlist: property managers, cleaners, hot tub maintaining companies, electricians, plumbers, and more.

3. No need to worry about gazumping.

Couple looking at LaptopThere is no need to worry about gazumping once you find the perfect mountain getaway or rental revenue holiday property. When you put an offer on the home and the vendors accept it, you have two weeks to do your due diligence before you have to put in a deposit. Read the strata documents, view title search, speak to a lawyer, arrange your financing, do property inspection, and do other steps, knowing that no other buyer can bump your offer with a higher offer.

If you’re ready to look for a home on the mountain, check out my listings and let me show you around.


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Summer at Big White

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I’m the first one to tell you that Big White is the perfect place for a winter getaway, but did you know it’s also THE place to be in the summer when it comes to real estate and activities?

Now, don’t get me wrong. Just because real estate might be a bit quieter in the summer and some properties are vacant doesn’t mean the hill slows down. Whether looking to invest into luxury real estate or spending fun-filled days out and about, summer is a great time to do the drive up to the Okanagan Highland summit.

For those looking to become a part of a thriving mountain community, summer is the perfect time to buy the investment property you’ve been looking for. Without the winter craze all around, it’s easier to get in for showings and last-minute pop-ins and take the time to decide which property is the right fit for you. Be it an income generator, a spot for a family getaway or simply a place to call home, Big White has something for everyone.

No snow means it’s easier to actually see the properties. Seems obvious, right?

Snow, even though adding the feeling of winter wonderland, can mask many problems with the structure. In the summer, without the average of three meters of snow acting as a cover, it’s easier to look at the property and make a well-informed decision before you buy.

Slower pace also allows to take a minute or two to work on financing. Financing for investment properties have a few different qualifications. 

There’s the myth that Big White is just about the winter activities but seeing Big White in the summer gives a great feel for what life on the mountain is year-round.

For those seeking adrenaline rush, Big White has brand-new lifted-assisted mountain bike trails. These world-class trails will take you on a tour exploring the beauty of Big White, all while giving you the excitement of downhill mountain biking.

The annual thrill-filled Mudd, Sweat, and Tears event challenged participants myself included to complete an obstacle course by navigating through organic and constructed obstacles. This event brings out the competitive spirit in all participants, but in a fun kind of way. Careful though, obstacle courses can be very addictive! 

If you prefer to soak in the summer sun in a more slow-paced environment, there’s plenty of other things to do. Just a 40-minute hike form the village, located at the bottom of Cliff Chair, is the beautiful Rhonda Lake. If you dare, bring your swimsuit and dip into the chilly alpine water.

You can also visit the many festivals that bring together the best the Okanagan Valley has to offer, from great music and drinks to supersize pies. Such as the Craft & Country Beer and Mountain Festival in June, Ciderfest in July, and then Huckleberry Festival in August.

My favourite is the Village movie series. It’s a free family event where you can snuggle up and watch an outdoor movie. Bring snacks, blankets and chairs.

Who knew there was so much to do?  Are you excited to live where you play?

Check out my listings and let me help you build your memories at Big White!

Real Estate Report – June Edition

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Here are the June Stats. Numbers are showing that the market has changed and we are back to 2014 numbers of sales, so a much more balanced market instead of the 2017 “sellers market” which makes it an ideal time to buy.

Prices are still strong which makes it great for sellers.
If you are thinking about listing call me for a Free Market Evaluation and lets get you listed.

Big White Invitational Slopestyle

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Big White welcomes you to their first Invitational Slopestyle hosted by Tom van Steenbergen, July 4th – 7th 2018. The 25 top riders from all over North America and Europe will compete for the Amateur Contest for Bronze and Invitational Slopestyle for Gold in the Freeride Mountain Bike World Tour, better known as FMB World Tour. This is the only FMB World Tour Gold Event in North America with 4 wildcard entries allowing for local riders to complete and show off their talent in their own backyard. 

 There is so much more than amazing biking to enjoy during this event. Live music, beer gardens, food trucks, demos, expos are to name a few. Once the sun goes down on Friday, July 6th, make sure to attend the free outdoor viewing of ‘North of Nightfall’ while sipping on a few refreshments at The Woods beer garden. A special guest, movie director Jeremy Grand, will be in attendance as well.

 If you’re a foodie, then you’re in for a treat! There will be lots of food options to please even the pickiest of appetites. Beavertails, Tug 6 Coffee, Okanagan Springs, Elevation 57 Brewery and Okapops Frozen Treats are just to name a few of the vendors that will make an appearance on the slope this weekend. Don’t forget about the fantastic on-mountain favourites, Globe Café and The Woodsbrand, just to name a few. Beer gardens will be open for business by 11am every day to help you start your weekend right.

 Remember to bring event essentials to insure the best weekend for you and your crew. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets will be needed in order to kick back and take in the action. With the constantly changing weather patterns this season, be sure to bring proper footwear, sunscreen, and layer up!

 If you’re looking for a place to stay over the weekend, look no further than Big White’s new campgrounds located at Black Forest. Set up with public washrooms, fresh water, and picnic tables, and breathtaking views, this campground has the necessities needed for the weekend activities. If camping isn’t your thing, Big White has a range of accommodation options to suit everyone starting from $68/night.

 To make Big White’s first Invitational Slopestyle even better, it’s free of charge from the viewing areas at Happy Valley! So come on up to Big White and have some fun!

 Be sure to stop by and say hello at one of my three open houses being held Saturday and Sunday, July 7/8th . Look forward to seeing you there!

Big White Summer

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Big White is most commonly known for its champagne powder and cozy winter getaways but it offers just as much entertainment in the summer as it does in the winter months. Besides being BC most popular resort, toppling over Whistler, Big White offers an abundance of summer activities to excite all ages.

August 2017 marked the opening of Big Whites World Class mountain biking track, stretching over 1,200 kms of trails. From beginner to expert bikers, these trails were designed to test all skill levels. For those who aren’t able to bring their bike or need a quick repair, Big White has a rental and repair shop to make sure you don’t miss a second enjoying the Okanagan sun.

If biking isn’t your thing, discover the beautiful landscapes at big white which are home to breathtaking hiking trails. Discover Rhonda Lake and take in the fresh mountain are on the Monashee Mountain Range. Discover what’s been hiding all winter and take a scenic ride on the Bullet Chairlift for a birds eye view overlooking the entire village. After, kickback at one of twenty on-mountain cafes, pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs. Enjoy a drink special and live music at Moose Lounge, catch up with friends at Sessions Taphouse & Grill or have a night out at Canada’s #1 Ski Bar, Snowshoe Sam’s. If you don’t feel like going out, relax at home while Big White Beer & Wine or Vacation Food Service deliver your groceries and beverages right to your doorstep.

In the last decade, Big White’s appeal has grown drastically with both BC residents and international visitors. It has become a year round community that showcases endless indoors and outdoors activities. The Central Okanagan and West Kelowna have been marked as one of the geological areas that are at steak for speculation tax as of March 2018. Big White is currently not included in this tax, making it a great vacation investment property location with its growing international and domestic popularity. Regardless of your vacation needs, Big White offers activities from world class downhill mountain biking, romantic dining experiences, to relaxing poolside; just to name a few. So round up your family, come visit Big White and experience all that it has to offer.

Please contact me with any questions
Joan Wolf – Century 21
Call (778)231-0308
[email protected]

References:

https://www.bigwhite.com/explore-big-white/mountain-info/mountain-stats
https://infotel.ca/newsitem/world-class-downhill-mountain-bike-trails-coming-to-big-white/it35223

Joan Wolf

Cell 778-231-0308 
[email protected]

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