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

Big White Ski Resort is open!!

BIG WHITE SKI RESORT IS OPEN!!! – The resort opened November 19th and many are already out enjoying the beautiful champagne power. People have been eager to enjoy Big White and it’s great to see people walking in the Village and lots of excitement all over the mountain.  

When heading up to the mountain this year here are a things things you need to know:

1. Masks/face coverings are mandatory.
2. Only one parking lot open (Happy Valley).
3. Lines will look longer but only due to physical distancing.
4. No cash. Big White Ski Resort is completely cashless. (get more info here!)

After you hit the slopes and that amazing white stuff, check out The Woods restaurant. It just received 2020 Travelers’ Choice Award from Tripadvisor. There will be limited capacity (50%) at the restaurants so come prepared with snacks and drinks. The resort also received the 2020 Travelers’ Choice Award winner for Ski and Snowboard Area by Tripadvisor.  

November is already seeing a large number of sales at the resort. Studio apartments, duplexes, luxury chalets and lots – halfway into the month and already 20+ deals closed. If you are wondering if now is the right time for you to buy or sell at the resort I would be happy to chat about opportunities.  Contact me today!

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 – Stats, Market Update & Opening Day

The 2020/21 winter ski season is a few weeks away and in real estate world that means crunch time to find the perfect Big White property before opening weekend. November 26th marks opening day at Big White Ski Resort this year and everyone is excited for that incredible champagne powder. Many people are not travelling out of country this year and are looking to Big White for their winter vacations, thus creating a flurry of deals on the mountain.  

September Stats

September was a huge month for real estate in the Okanagan and Big White is no exception. With an 80% increase in sales from September last year we saw 36 deals this September with an average sale price of $436,271. Prices as low as $86,500 and as high as $3,200,000 mean there is something for everyone and every price point. Check out some listings here. If you are interested in receiving a complimentary market analysis on your Big White property, contact me. I would be happy to discuss about marketing your property worldwide with virtual tours, google ads, and specific targeting. 

Upcoming 2020/21 Season Changes

With opening weekend just a few weeks away, Big White Ski Resort has been diligently working to ensure all safety guidelines and procedures are up to government standards. A few changes have been announced such as no more singles line for the lifts. Check out a few more of the changes for this upcoming winter 2020/21 season here.  

These changes are put in place so everyone can enjoy everything Big White has to offer. From skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and more, there is an outdoor activity for all. To stay in the know, visit Big White’s Website for their lift status and hours.  A fun new favorite at the resort is adaptive biking. With the wide trails and great variety of terrain, Big White is one of the best BC bike parks. Learn all about Adaptative Biking at Big White Ski Resort here. 

Big White’s 2020/21 Season – What to Expect

Big White Ski Resort is ready for the 2020/21 Winter Season!  This year many new and exciting things are happening and with that new protocols and procedures to make skiing safe and available all season long. We are seeing a great number of Real Estate transactions happening – if we compare the numbers to last year there is an increase of 111% in the number of sales.

Virtual tours and online communications make completing a deal easy for those out of town. Our board has also set new procedures to ensure all showings are done in a safe manner.

Things will look a bit different at the resort the year. Here’s what to expect from Big White’s 2020/21 season:

Safety is the number one priority for staff at Big White Ski Resort, and because of certain challenges the tube park, ice rink and night skiing are suspended for the 2020/21 season.

Rentals at the resort also will be operating a bit differently this year. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the limits will be based on the size of the rental, but did not provide specific numbers or say when the order will go into effect. She said health authorities are working with the industry to determine those details. (source: cbc.ca)

There are a few things to keep in mind while visiting Big White Ski Resort this Winter:
  1. Masks are mandatory in lift lines and loading/unloading on the gondola.
  2. Ticket sales are online only

What we really should expect from Big White’s 2020/21 Winter season is a GREAT time and champagne powder. It’s better to be outside so come visit me at my office right under Snowshoe Sam’s in the Village or contact me to chat about Big White Real Estate.

Spend Summer at Big White!

Spend your Summer at Big White – the resort is open! This summers opening weekend was the most successful opening summer weekend in history. The real estate market is red hot and investors are coming from all over the country to buy a perfect mountain getaway for their families. We believe it is better to be outside, and with Big White Ski Resort offering incredible outdoor experiences, now is the time to explore all Big White has to offer.

Here are a few of the adventures and activities that you can find at Big White this summer.

The Toonie Experience – A Race Series

Friday nights are for downhill racing! With the course changing every week, this series is a fun way to hit the dirt and compete with friends. Either participate or just come to cheer the racers on! Click here for more information.

Geo Hiking Adventure

A free scavenger hunt taking place August 1 and 2, that will challenge your navigation skills and Big White knowledge. Compete as a team or by yourself and have fun! Find out more details here!

Horseback Riding

Saddle up and enjoy a relaxing adventure riding horseback along the trails with experienced guides. You’ve never seen Big White like this so take in the gorgeous views and fresh mountain air. Multiple options available from an hour ride to a half day adventure with lunch at Globe Cafe or Blarney Stone! Big White Horseback Adventures is ready to ride!

Hiking

An obvious favourite, hiking Big White is phenomenal. Grab a trail map and walk through the trails to enjoy the greenery and gorgeous vistas. Here are the Top FIVE hiking trails:

  1. Rhonda Lake Trail
  2. Peak Trail
  3. Falcon Ridge
  4. Alpine Meadows
  5. Jaimeson Loop

The sun is shining and the mountain is waiting for you to get outside and enjoy beautiful British Columbia and Big White Ski Resort. Come visit me at my office, right under Snowshoe Sams, or contact me today!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

Big White Real Estate Market Update & More!

Let’s dive into Big White Real Estate Market Update & More! Although snow has postponed the Summer opening day at Big White Ski Resort this year the Real Estate market remains strong coming into the summer months. With the resort now opening on July 10th, many are eager to get outside and explore the mountain.

Many are investing in the local real estate market for vacation and investment properties. Big White Ski Resort has been a popular choice among those looking to purchase because of its incredible investment opportunities. Big White Ski Resort offers a variety of rental and vacation options whether you want a turn-key condo in the rental pool, or a larger single family home for those family getaways.

Real Estate Snapshot

We’ve seen thirty new listings hit the market since the beginning of May and nine properties have changed ownership including one for $950k.

With the help of virtual tours and other online marketing tools, out of country buyers are still able to complete transaction without stepping foot in the property. Real Estate agents have been working hard to ensure buyers and sellers are still able to carry out their Big White Ski Resort property dreams. Whether your budget is 100k or 1M, there is a Big White property that will suit your needs!

Big White Ski Resort Updates

Near the end of May, the resort announced a 20% rebate on the 2020/2021 season pass for people renewing their 2019/2020 pass because of the early closure. Early big passes are available now, click here.

At Big White, we believe it is better to be outside. With that in mind, the resort has implemented new protocols and procedures to ensure we are safe all while still being able to enjoy the outdoors. New touchless systems are now in place, additional outdoor washrooms are just a few of changes at the resort. Check out all their new procedures here!

School is now out and families are looking for local activities and Big White Ski Resort offers something for everyone. Come visit me at my office in the Village, right under Snowshoe Sams. I’d be happy to chat real estate and all things Big White Ski Resort!

To get in touch with me today, click here to contact me!

Big White Resort Opening For The Summer

Mark your calendars – Big White Ski Resort has set an opening date for their Summer season!  June 26, 2020 (tentatively) is the much anticipated day that Big White will reopen. Hiking and state of the art biking trails have become huge attractions for the resort and this reopening day is much anticiapted by both tourists and locals.

Since March 16, 2020 COVID-19 has closed the resort down and despite the mountain being closed, the Real Estate market has remained strong and transactions are still happening. There are very serious buyers out there looking to purchase their dream Big White Ski Resort property.

Big White Ski Resort Summer Opening – What To Expect

You will see some changes at the resort with new guidelines set by health experts. The Village Centre Mall will remain closed to ensure the safety of their guests and residents. For more information on changes and FAQ click here. Accordingly, the Real Estate industry is also evolving as necessary to adhere to government protocols.

Now more than ever, buyers and sellers alike are committed to the process and serious about their transaction. Interested parties from all over the world are relying heavily on technology and online tools. Virtual tours and social media are being used to make decisions about their Big White property.

With the snow melting, slowly (and fingers crossed in time for opening day) many are anxiously awaiting to enjoy the many beautiful areas Big White Ski Resort offers during their Summer season.

Keep up to date on all Big White Ski Resort announcements here. Or feel free to reach out and contact me with any questions about the upcoming season and how Real Estate is being affected. My office is right in the village and I would love to see you; stop by for a coffee and we will make your Big White real estate goals a reality!

COVID-19 and the Big White Real Estate Market

COVID-19 abruptly ended the 2019/2020 season at Big White Ski Resort. With the resort closed until further notice, we are all staying at home, homeschooling the kids, working from our new makeshift home office and finding new routines. It’s definitely a drastic change from gearing up, hitting the slopes and adventuring around the resort.

Big White Ski Resort remains closed for the time being, but because real estate is deemed an essential service there are still 124 active listings on the mountain and new properties still coming to market. With such amazing online marketing tools, an interested Buyer can easily view a property by way of a virtual tour, video, and photos. And, just as importantly, a Seller can feel confident that their property is still being marketed to its fullest during these times.

My outlook for the resorts future is positive, I believe that the mountain’s economy will remain strong. With our response to COVID-19 and the US dollar being at almost 1.50 I am cautiously optimistic that Canada, BC, and especially Big White, will be sought after real estate in the following months.

Still want to explore the mountain?

There are some approved off-season trail access that you may use. *PLEASE NOTE*  The mountain is closed and no access of any kind is permitted to the trails and/or areas within the controlled recreational boundary on Big White Mountain. With the exception of low impact activities such as dog walking and snowshoeing in the highlighted area on the map. Check out there MAP here.