development

10 Things You Should Know About Buying & Selling at Big White

by

People often ask me “What is different about buying and selling property at Big White different than anywhere else?”

And honestly, there are so many things about buying and selling at Big White that are different from buying real estate elsewhere. Things like leasehold properties, rental pools, and being a non-resident versus resident of Canada.

I thought it would be helpful to go through the Top 10 things in my opinion that I always share with my clients.

  1. GST – Did you know?

Even if GST was paid when a property was originally purchased, it can become applicable again depending on how the current owner has used the property.

This is one that can catch people off guard, so it is important to understand the history and use of the property before you make an offer.

  1. Leasehold properties at Big White.

Yes, there are 200-year leasehold properties at Big White. And no, they are not First Nations leases.

There are 200-year leasehold properties at Big White, and understanding what that means for financing and resale is important before you buy. It is something that buyers should be aware of prior to an offer.

  1. Rentals, rental pools & covenants

This is a big one.

Not every building has the same rules when it comes to rentals. Some have rental pools, some have restrictions and some have covenants that can affect how you use your property.

If rental income is part of your plan, don’t just look at what the property rents for. Look at what you actually net and make sure the building’s rules work for what you want to do.

  1. What exactly comes with the property?

At Big White, the expectation is generally that properties are sold completely turnkey.

But “turnkey” needs to be clearly defined in the contract.

Furniture, kitchen items, linens and all the little things that make a property ready to use can add up to a lot. Make sure you know exactly what is included before you sign.

  1. Buying as a non-Canadian

This is one of the great things about Big White.

It is one of the few places where non-Canadians can purchase because Big White is exempt from the foreign buyer ban. There is also no foreign buyer tax, no speculation tax and no empty home tax.

GST and property transfer tax still need to be considered and addressed in your contract, just as they would for a Canadian buyer.

  1. Selling as a non-Canadian

This is something you want to understand before you list.

When a non-Canadian sells Canadian real estate, there can be a holdback of funds until the appropriate clearance certificate is obtained.

You don’t want to get to closing and discover that the amount you need to complete your transaction isn’t what you expected.

I always recommend having the conversation with your Realtor, accountant, lender and lawyer before you list so there are no surprises.

  1. The best month to buy?

May.

The mountain is changing seasons, things are quieter and there can be some interesting opportunities for buyers who are paying attention.

  1. The best time to sell?

October through January.

That is when Big White starts getting busy again and people are thinking about winter, skiing and having their own place on the mountain.

  1. The best restaurant at Big White?

All of them.

I really don’t think I can pick just one.

  1. The best non-skiing activity?

Trail running or hot tubbing, depending on your energy level and the time of day.

BONUS. And the best ski run?

Bumpy Alley.

Obviously.

In Conclusion, many small details make buying and selling at Big White different. Some are fun. Some are important. And some can have a real financial impact.

These are the things I think buyers and sellers should be talking about — not just how many bedrooms a property has or what the view looks like.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling at Big White, I would love to talk — contact me here.

Life at The Villas in Lake Country

by

Perched above the sparkling expanse of Okanagan Lake, The Villas in Lake Country offer a lifestyle that feels elevated in every sense of the word. This isn’t just a place to live—it’s where mornings begin with golden sunrises over the water, afternoons are spent exploring the outdoors, and evenings wind down with a glass of wine on your private patio as the lake glows below.

Here, everyday life feels like a getaway. Whether you’re looking for a full-time residence or a lock-and-leave luxury retreat, The Villas deliver effortless Okanagan living in one of the region’s most coveted pockets.

Picture your life at The Villas:

  • Waking up to unobstructed lake views and total tranquility
  • Entertaining on expansive decks designed to capture every sunset
  • Quick access to the water for boating, paddleboarding, or beach days
  • Minutes from world-class wineries like Gray Monk Estate Winery and Ex Nihilo Vineyards
  • Endless hiking and biking trails right outside your door
  • A peaceful, upscale community that still keeps you close to Kelowna amenities
  • Modern, beautifully finished homes with a focus on low-maintenance luxury

There’s a rhythm to life in Lake Country that’s hard to describe until you experience it—slower, more intentional, and deeply connected to nature. The Villas capture that feeling perfectly, offering a refined take on lakeside living without compromise.

Join us and experience it for yourself.

This Saturday, April 25th from 12–2PM, you’re invited to a relaxed, open-house-style event at The Villas. Stroll through the homes at your own pace, take in the views, enjoy fresh pizza, and enter to win prizes—including wine.

Preview 12-9201 Okanagan Centre Road W here.

It’s an effortless way to step into the lifestyle, meet the community, and see firsthand why The Villas are quickly becoming one of Lake Country’s most desirable luxury addresses.

Big White Real Estate Shines at LA Ski Dazzle — Our Second Year & Bigger Than Ever

by

Our return to the LA Ski Dazzle Convention at the LA Convention Centre was nothing short of incredible. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was buzzing — thousands of excited skiers, snowboarders, families, and industry enthusiasts pouring through the doors, ready to dive into all things winter. The energy was infectious. Every aisle was lined with fun, dynamic vendors showcasing everything from gear and gadgets to trips, experiences, and mountain culture. Sharing the space with such a wide mix of passionate people made it feel less like a trade show and more like a full winter festival.

Sharing Big White With Thousands

For us, the highlight was the opportunity to represent Big White and share what makes our resort so unique. Over three full days, we had nonstop conversations about the mountain, the village, and — of course — the incredible real estate opportunities available. People were genuinely intrigued, many hearing about Big White for the first time, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

The USD Advantage That Caught Everyone’s Attention

The moment we started talking numbers, you could see everyone lean in. Explaining how strong the USD is against the CAD right now opened a lot of eyes — and the excitement only grew when we shared that Big White is exempt from foreign buyer bans and additional taxes that impact other regions. That combination sparked so many productive, enthusiastic discussions. It was clear that buyers are not just interested in a ski property; they’re interested in value, stability, and lifestyle — all of which Big White delivers effortlessly.

Screenshot

Building Connections That Matter

We met families dreaming of a cozy slopeside getaway, investors curious about rental potential, and long-time skiers who suddenly realized owning at a Canadian resort might actually be within reach. These conversations are exactly why we believe so strongly in returning to Ski Dazzle each year. It’s exposure to a massive, highly engaged audience who truly appreciates what we offer.

A Fun, Energizing, and Invaluable Trip

Beyond the business side, it was simply a fun, energizing few days. Sharing space with creative vendors, swapping stories with fellow ski lovers, and feeling the buzz of thousands of people who love the mountains as much as we do reminded us why we do this — big energy creates big opportunities.

We walked away with new connections, fresh excitement for the season, and a renewed appreciation for how special Big White really is. This trip was incredibly valuable in spreading awareness — not only about the resort itself, but about the ease and opportunity of owning property here.

And yes… we’re already counting down the days until we return next year!

Building Your Dream Ski Chalet at Big White Ski Resort: With Weninger Construction & Design Ltd.

by

When it comes to designing and building the perfect ski chalet, experience, vision, and attention to detail are essential. At Big White Ski Resort, Weninger Construction & Design Ltd., led by Marlin Weninger, has been at the forefront of custom homebuilding for decades. With over 36 years of expertise, Marlin and his team specialize in turning dreams into reality—crafting chalets that blend luxury, functionality, and the breathtaking beauty of the Okanagan mountains.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Marlin’s journey in the construction industry began early. At 15, he was mentored as a draftsman, gaining valuable skills in house design. By 1989, he founded Weninger Construction as a family business, incorporating it in 1991. Over the years, three generations of Weningers have been involved, creating a legacy of dedication and craftsmanship.

Marlin reflects, “Every project that I designed and built has been very satisfying to see completed. But what stands out most is the ability to collaborate with clients to bring their unique visions to life.”

Experience at Big White Ski Resort

The company’s history at Big White began in 1991 with the construction of the “Hahnenkamm Chalet” in Snowpine Estates. Since then, Weninger Construction has completed over 30 projects at the resort, including custom chalets, multi-unit buildings, and commercial spaces like the Black Forest Day Lodge.

Big White’s unique environment presents challenges, such as long winters that limit exterior work. However, Weninger Construction’s expertise ensures projects are completed efficiently without compromising quality. “Typically, we can complete a custom home in under a year, though larger, more complex builds can take up to two years,” Marlin explains.

Tailored Designs for Every Client

Every chalet at Big White is as unique as its owner. Whether it’s a rustic retreat featuring natural wood details or a sleek, modern smart home with cutting-edge features, Weninger Construction excels at creating custom designs.

The process starts with a 3D digital model, allowing clients to visualize their dream home and make adjustments before construction begins. “We specialize in design-builds, working closely with clients to produce exactly what they want,” says Marlin.

Tips for Building Your Dream Chalet

Marlin offers valuable advice for those considering a custom build at Big White:

  1. Plan Ahead: Take time to finalize the design and ensure it meets your long-term needs.
    “A 3D model is an invaluable tool for planning purposes,” he notes.
  2. Budget Wisely: Leave room for unforeseen expenses or special features you might want to add.
    “After all, this is your dream home—make it special and make it yours.”
  3. Choose the Right Team: Hiring experienced and ethical builders is crucial.
    “Don’t just pick the best talker or the lowest price. A good builder and their team will truly care about the quality of the build,” Marlin advises.

Emerging Trends in 2025

The trend toward multi-generational living is shaping the design of many homes at Big White. Features like elevators, stair lifts, and accessible bathrooms are being incorporated to ensure long-term usability. “We’re planning for future needs, either by installing these elements now or preparing the structure for easy updates later,” says Marlin.

Why Choose Weninger Construction?

With a proven track record, a passion for craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of Big White’s unique challenges, Weninger Construction is the go-to builder for ski chalets in the region. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy retreat or a modern mountain home, Marlin and his team are dedicated to delivering exceptional results.

Ready to start your dream chalet? Contact Weninger Construction & Design Ltd. to bring your vision to life.

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

by

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.

What’s Happening at Big White Ski Resort

by

As we near the opening day, which is scheduled for November 23, 2023, there is lots happening at Big White Ski Resort. Each season the resort grows, replaces, and revamps many areas to improve hospitality, housing, and operations. According to the Regional District, over $100 million dollars in construction and maintenance is projected for the resort.

What’s Happening at Big White Ski Resort

What's happening at Big White Ski ResortDevelopments – The luxurious Feathertop Estates development is booming. There is a ton of construction happening in the area with new builds popping up all over the development. Foundations have been poured and constructed over the summer months, framing is taking place, and many chalets are in the lockup stage. This is exciting as we are starting to see them come together and ready for the finishing touches.

More new developments are also taking place in Black Forest, Porcupine, Sundance, and Monashee Ridge. They are coming along nicely and will be a great addition to the resort once complete.

Some of the complex buildings are also getting facelifts including Snow Ghost Inn. This is great to see updates happening around the resort and not just new construction.

You may notice a large pile of sand at the bottom of Big White Road that will be used for the roads. Speaking of transportation, some more exciting developmental news is that the resort has commenced building the first phase of the $600,000 upper parking lot at Black Forest. This parking lot will hold an additional 250 vehicles!

Tourism/Operations – Snow cats are a huge part of the resorts success and the resort has brought in some new ones and have been working to maintain the current ones so everything is ready to go once the snow starts to fly. There is a new restaurant in the works that will be ready for opening day. A welcomed addition to the Village, along with new electronic signs throughout the resort. Boxes and boxes currently fill the Village Centre as a new central reservations team prepares for the season.

It’s very exciting to see all of these preparations come together as we are expected to have an awesome Winter 2023/24 season.

What That Means for Real Estate

Both showings and deals have picked up immensely over the past few weeks. As normal, the off season slows down but now we are seeing a steady increase. Buyers, nationally and internationally are starting to get serious about putting in offers and many are arriving at the resort prior to opening day to secure their perfect ski home in time for the Winter season.

An abundance of showings over the past weekend has brought in multiple offers on a variety of styles of homes from 1 bedroom units at The Inn at Big White to multi-million dollar chalets with unbelievable views.

If you have any questions or would like to see where your property would be in today’s market at the resort, feel free to reach out anytime! Always reachable by phone 1-778-231-0308 or email joan.wolf@sothebysrealty.ca

Property at Big White Ski Resort

by

Property at Big White Ski Resort is more than just owning a vacation home. The potential revenue that comes along with your investment plays a major role in your purchasing power. Finding properties that double as a vacation home and a rental property with great earning potential are a rare find. Especially when other resorts such as Whistler have speculation tax. Big White Ski Resort is exempt from that tax making it an even more desirable place to invest.

Owner/Rental Use

Depending on how much you use your property for personal use, the revenue potential can be vast. Renting out your property during the high times such as Christmas and New Years break and Spring break, can yield some great revenue and also provides an opportunity to still use the property personal use during other times of the year. High end luxury chalets have potential to reach six figure rental revenue.

Location Location Location

Property at Big White Ski ResortChoosing an area of the resort is also imperative for both personal pleasure and when renting. Being in or close to the Village is a valuable asset for any property. Many people visiting the resort like to have immediate access to all amenities whether that is in Happy Valley or the Village centre. Speaking of amenities, if a condo is what you are after, comparing each complex’s amenities is important and will affect rental potential. You could go all out and enjoy Stonegate’s amenities which include indoor/outdoor pool, movie theatre, game room and much more. Or if you are looking for a more cost effective strata, a complex such as the Whitefoot lodge may be more ideal.

Owning property at Big White Ski Resort offers the chance to enjoy and revel in the best of both worlds. Using the property for personal use, hitting the slopes and enjoying family vacations along with a fantastic earning potential gives Big White a leg up on other Canadian ski resorts.

Are you ready to start the search for your perfect Big White Ski Resort property? Reach out today and let’s get looking!

Okanagan and Big White Ski Resort Real Estate Update

by

January was a great start to the new year with the Okanagan and Big White Ski Resort real estate market leveling out yet still producing high levels of deals. Even with mortgage rates rising, and an already difficult market to jump into, it seems to have remained steady through January and is picking up momentum as we go through February. A slight decrease in listing and sales price has made the market a bit more achievable and many people who were waiting to see this decrease are now jumping in on the action.

It is still a quite even market with it not favoring neither the seller nor the buyer at the moment. Sellers are acknowledging the prices have taken a slight downturn, but are still, of course, wanting top dollar for their property. Buyers seems to notice the small decrease in price and have been committing to purchase.

Okanagan Real Estate Update

Sales have seen a decrease in the Okanagan area with just 63 single family residence sales in the month of January, a 59% drop compared to January 2022. However the inventory has increased dramatically with 161% more properties available for sale. Currently sitting at 699 single family homes on the market. The average days to sell has increased to 81 – a large leap if compared to the same time last year when it was just 36 days. Which we know was unfamiliar and unprecedented.

The price ratio for January sat at 95.51% – on par for the market we were used to seeing prior to the pandemic. Comparing to last year is almost irrelevant because as we know most homes were selling for full list price and some way above list price.

So far this year the market seems steady throughout the Okanagan and is giving a chance to buyers to be able to purchase their first property or even their first investment property.

A great development that would work as a primary residence or investment property are the new townhomes at West 61 at Shannon Lake in West Kelowna. These 2/3 bedroom units offer views of Shannon Lake, top notch amenities, and modern luxury elements. Starting at $799k, these properties are a must see and are scheduled for completion August 2023.

Big White Ski Resort Real Estate Update

Big White Ski Resort had a slower January, with only 3 sales at the resort. However, the activity has increased quite a bit over the past two weeks and inventory has been selling at a faster pace that the beginning of this year. The average sale price at the resort in January was $650,667 – an increase of 13% when compared to January 2022.

All of the events happening at the resort are a factor in the real estate market. More and more locals and travelers alike are spending much more time at the resort. It’s also a factor with overseas buyers that the resort is exempt from the Foreign Buyer Ban really making Big White the ideal place to invest. The average days a property is spending on the market at the resort is just 53 days. Fairly on par if you compare to the same time last year where the average was 50 days.

If you are looking to build at Big White Ski Resort, Monashee Way is offering lots starting at $375k – these properties are ski-in/ski-out, with no rental restrictions. Build your dream chalet with the builder of your choice.

If you, or someone you know is looking to either get into the real estate market or perhaps free up some of your property assets, feel free to reach out – I would be happy to answer any questions and assist throughout the process.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL OF MY CURRENT LISTINGS

Historic and Exciting News for Big White Ski Resort

by

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 (jhettinga@bigwhite.com) or Paul Plocktis (pplocktis@bigwhite.ca)

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)

Seeing a Shift in The Okanagan’s Real Estate Market

by

We are fairly used to seeing a shift in Okanagan’s Real Estate market in the Fall. However, this is not the typical shift we are used to seeing. There are many properties being listed but we have seen a decrease in closed deals, about 35% less than last September. Many factors contribute to this shift. Including the increase of mortgage rates and rules, more inventory being available, and of course the listing price spike that has not come down as much as many potential home buyers would like to see.

Seeing a Shift in The Okanagan’s Real Estate Market

Properties are staying on the market a bit longer than last September with an increase of about 65%. The inventory level has increased a substantial amount (112%) compared to September of 2021, leaving potential home buyers more options. This is good to see as it creates a more balance buyer/seller market and not necessarily favoring one side or the other. The price ratio has also dropped,. Meaning properties are not all going for full list price and/or over list price, which again is nice to see for potential home buyers looking to get into the market for the first time.

Inventory at Big White Ski Resort has also increased when compared to last year, an increase of about 48%, but with less sales overall in September 2022 vs. September 2021. The market at the resort has remained strong throughout the off season and is already picking up as we get closer to the opening of the Winter 2022/23 season. The average sale price in September 2022 was just over $500,000 ($516,750) while September 2021 saw an average sale price of $479,450.

The prices at the resort are competitive, strong, and overall a great starting point when looking to invest in a ski property. Currently there are 68 active listings at Big White, some starting below $175,000 and some all the way up to luxury prices around 1.5 to 2 million dollars.

If you are interested in further discussing the real estate market, or how your property can fit in todays market, I would be happy to chat further – contact me here or give me a call at 778-231-0308.