History of Big White Part II

Continuing on from History of Big White Part I Big White Ski Resort showed continuous, steady growth from the 90’s and into the 2000’s. This second part  to the history of Big White will showcase all of the incredible amenities and features that have been constructed until mid 2000’s.

The opening of a Walk-In Medical Center at the Whitefoot Lodge took place in 1994, along with a 100 seat conference center,  Dom’s restaurant, and The Eagles and Chateau on the Ridge condominiums being constructed. The Ski Rental and Repair shop was also renovated during this time. In 1995, Big White Ski Resort invested more than $5 million in improvements to continue its growth. To accommodate its growth, a 350 car parking lot was placed between the Bullet and Black Forest and the White Crystal Inn opened offering deluxe accommodation and dining. On hill accommodations now exceeds 5,500 persons making Big White the largest on-mountain village in Western Canada!

The next few years brought the Ice Skating Rink, Snowboard Park, The Village Center Mall, The Big White Kid’s Center, Gem Lake Express Quad Chair and 1,200 acres of new terrain. Bringing the investment totals to over $75 million. Accommodations grew tremendously in 1997 and 1998 with the developments and expansions of Black Bear Lodge, The Coast Resort, Legacy Condominiums, Snowpines Estates, and The Ridge Day Lodge. Not long after in 1999, huge development milestones were hit with the completion of the Legend, Timber Ridge, Whiskey Jack, Treetops, Chateu at Big White projects. The Real Estate total for 2000 is $39.1 million!

In the early 2000’s, over $125 million was invested into the Gondola Woods Happy Valley Project. 100 acres of newly gladed terrain, summer grooming projects, and car park expansions were completed in 2001. While a year later, in 2002, a new super Olympic sized pipe, the 2nd one in Western Canada was constructed, along with the new skier bridge linking the village to Happy Valley. 2002 also saw a massive jump to nearly $50 million in real estate.

Stayed tuned for Part III

Big White Real Estate Market Update – April

Big White Ski Resorts real estate market is still going strong, even after the end of their Winter 2018/2019 season.

April of this year saw a total of 18 new listings hit the market, 44% of which were condos, down from March of last year where condos made up 63% of the new listings. Townhouses made up 27% of the new listings in April and 11% were lots.

The average sale price of lots located at Big White Ski Resort has increased dramatically over last year, the average sale price in 2018 from January-April was $181,500, this year we are seeing the average sale price at $330,667, an increase of 82%!! It’s not just lots that have increased, we are seeing an increase across the board including single family residences jumping from $633,500 to $889,667, a 40% increase!! These statistics prove exactly why Big White Ski Resort is an incredible place to invest in property.

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

History of Big White – Part I

Do you know the history of Big White Ski Resort? Have you ever wondered who discovered this mountain paradise and ultimately founded the resort it is today? I’ve collected some interesting facts and details while researching the history of Big White Ski Resort that I will share below in Part I of the series.

Cliff Serwa and Doug Mervyn opened the mountain in 1963 named Big White just outside of Kelowna with one Main T-bar, and it wasn’t until 1968 that the first accommodations, a few private chalets were constructed on the mountain. By the end of the 60’s there were 3 T-bars. Population in Kelowna at the time was 10,000.

The legendary Snow Ghosts were discovered in 1965 and are still a big hit with locals and tourists alike!

 

The 1970’s saw lift and trail structure growth with the ridge double chair being installed in 1971 and both the Easter Triple Chair and Powder Triple Chair installed in late 1970s. The accommodations also grew from just a couple private chalets to facilitates and condominiums.

The Schumann Family purchased Big White Ski Resort in 1985 with the goal to build a world-class ski resort. They were to focus of offering new skiing terrain, customer convenience and service while increasing capacity.

With the Schumann Family rapidly growing the resort, along came The Plaza chairlift, the first quad chairlift in BC, the lengthening of the Alpine T-bar, Cliff Platter, and the Ridge Rocket all constructed before 1990.

TUNE INTO OUR NEXT BLOG FOR PART II OF THIS SERIES!

 

Big White Real Estate Market Update – March

Big White Ski Resort’s real estate market in March saw a 55%  increase in sales from February. March’s sales were between the 94k and the 805k price point.

Listings haven’t slowed down either, with March seeing 18 new listings, bringing the current total to 112 active listings. Property price points are ranging from $104,5000 to $6.3million with a large majority between 500-700k.

Spring break at Big White was extremely busy for real estate this year. The weather was absolutely fantastic and the showings were non-stop! Investors, families, and individuals from all over the globe traveled to Big White to evaluate the real estate market and many jumped at the opportunity to make a purchase.

From luxury chalets to studio apartments, it seems that the market isn’t leaning one way or another, but offering properties of all types to cater to anyone looking to invest at Big White Ski Resort.

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

Big White Real Estate Market Update – February

Big White Village

Big White Ski Resort’s temperature might be in the negatives lately, but the real estate market is climbing to hot hot hot! With 18 new listings becoming active in February, it brings the total current listing count at Big White to 117. That number includes condos, single family residences, and lots. 

Condos currently make up 42% of the current listings and with prices ranging from $104,500 to $1,100,000, there really is a price point for everyone.

Whether it is local families, investors, or people from out of the country buying vacation homes, condos are an incredible chance to own at Big White Ski Resort. They allow owners and occupants to live a secure, low maintenance, lifestyle while reaping the benefits of amenities and location. Condo living often boasts the “Lock and Leave” lifestyle, which for a vacation home is an opportunity for less stress, and the confidence your home is secure and taken care of while you are not there.

Condos at Big White Ski Resort are becoming more luxurious and the amenities are increasingly raising the standards. Complexes such as Stonegate Resort offer incredible building amenities like a heated indoor/outdoor pool, 18 seat movie theater, fitness center, game room, and more! To check out the sophisticated Stonegate Resort, click here.

So whether you invest, vacation, or live on the mountain,the condo lifestyle may be right for you.

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

Big White Real Estate Market Update – January

We are already one month into 2019 and Big White’s Real Estate market is booming! The demand for property at Big White is steadily rising and people from all over the world are now not just renting, but buying their dream vacation/investment property. Investors are jumping in the market and receiving more of a return than ever with Big White Ski Resort now open for all four seasons, providing family fun all year round!

Keeping up with the high demand for housing, Big White’s developments are growing and don’t seem to be slowing down. Lots make up 25% of the current listings at Big White Ski Resort. Monashee Ridge offers lots starting at $139,000 and lot + cabin packages starting at $469,000! A ski-in/ski-out location nestled in the trees off of Serwa’s Run, makes it a great investment or a fantastic family cabin.

Not only are lot listings increasing with all the new developments,  Big White is seeing an overall increase of listings compared to this time last year, up from 76 active listings in January 2018 to 116 active listings in January of this year. From single family mountain homes, townhomes, and condos, there really is a type of property for everyone!

Whether you want to live at Big White full time (yes, there even is a school), or your focus is more on income potential, the Big White Real Estate market is one you can’t pass up!

Don’t you want to LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!?

Why January is a great time to list your home!

You’ve been pondering the idea of listing your home “next year”, but aren’t entirely sure when is the best time to list. You’re friends tell you Spring because that’s when the market picks up. BUT, I’m going to give you 3 reasons to list your home in JANUARY!!

  1. There are fewer houses on the market – which means less competition and greater chance at receiving an offer
  2. People that are looking at houses in January are serious buyers!
  3. Corporate relocation – One of the biggest months for employee relocation is January, you might just sell to a newcomer to your town!

Okay, now that you’ve decided to list in January, here are some helpful tips for winter showings:

  1. Bake cookies for the potential buyers – the smell, the thought, and the taste will leave an imprint in their memory with the house.
  2. Have summer photos of the house, yard, and neighborhood.
  3. Keep driveway and sidewalk clear of snow and ice at all times!
  4. Turn the heat up a notch or two prior to showings, and if you have a fireplace, turn it on for extra ambiance.

Listing your property in January may just ensure you get the right price and beat the spring saturation!

Call Joan Wolf today if you want results, passion, and perseverance!

C- 778-231-0308

E- [email protected]

BUYING A RENTAL AT BIG WHITE– WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Are you thinking about buying a rental property at Big White? Do you have all the information to make an educated decision? Here are a few of the must knows when buying a rental:

 1. Some stratas have rental restrictions. These restrictions all differ in each complex and can limit how many units in the complex can be rented at one time, limit which age the renter must be, or how many days the unit can be rented per year. The rental restrictions can be found in the strata bylaws.

2. When it comes time to sell your rental property, you may be subject to pay GST. This is something you must discuss with your accountant.

 

3. Be aware that your lender may require different criteria. Some particular lenders will require you to put 25%-35% as a down payment.

4. There are multiple outlets to rent your home through. There is AirBnB, Rent Chalets, Central Reservations and more. Each of these outlets offer something different, from self managed to fully managed, so do your research as to which one will suit your requirements the best.

Do you have questions about purchasing a rental property at Big White? Contact me and we can chat more about all the benefits and things to watch out for! Joan Wolf at 778-231-0308!!

Big White – so many options!

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!!