Big White Ski Resort Property Management

What have the last two years of rental bookings looked like at Big White ski resort?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions on the hospitality industry, rental
bookings at Big White have been down the last couple of years. However, construction on the
mountain has continued unabated, with demand for accommodation in the Okanagan, and at Big
White, higher than ever. Come rain, snow, or COVID, people are continuing to visit from all
over the world to enjoy the world-class amenities and champagne powder snow that only Big
White has to offer.

Locations Mountain Management Services has continued to serve more and more owners
looking to rent out their properties in the off-season as well as the ski season. We get inquiries
every day from owners about property management, rentals, and cleaning services. We are
fortunate to be doing relatively well in tough times and can only imagine how things will boom
when the good times return.

Summer and shoulder season rental bookings?

We like to place guests in our owners’ properties for the entirety of the off-season (summer and
shoulder season). This way the owners earn more than through daily or short-term rentals in the
off-season, which are always significantly less than the ski season. This is revenue that our
owners would not normally expect to get; it’s money in their pockets. The Okanagan is one of
the most desirable places in Canada to live, and accommodation is scarce and can be expensive.
Guests looking to relocate often move into a property at Big White while they find a longer-term
rental solution in Kelowna.

What do you foresee for future rentals at Big White?

When the restrictions end and people feel safe and secure to travel freely once more, the sky’s
the limit. The demand for property and accommodation in Kelowna is extremely high, and this
demand has spilled over into Big White, where inventory is low and prices are high. Even in
these challenges times, homes, townhomes, and condos in Big White are receiving multiple
offers and selling at or above asking price.

Big White is Canada’s No. 2 ski resort. There are other ski runs in the Okanagan, but none can
match Big White for the number of runs, level of accommodation, variety of amenities, and
infrastructure. And did we already mention the champagne powder?

What are the most sought after features for rentals?

1. Private hot tub
2. Beds for a reasonable price to accommodate large groups
3. Proximity to the Village and amenities
4. Pet friendly

What types of properties are getting the most rentals?

The most sought-after rentals are 2-4 bedrooms, spacious, with good access to ski runs, and a
mountain view. People are looking for an exciting, emotional, and memorable ski experience.
They want the whole package, and Big White has the runs, the snow, the accommodation, and
the amenities to provide just that. Here are some properties that are available now!

Why choose property management?

You can do all the work yourself: if you’ve got the time, if you’re media savvy, you can prepare
your property, find guests, book them in, communicate with them, be available to answer any
questions they may have, deal with any issues that may arise, book them out, hire cleaners, and
rinse repeat. Or you could hire a property management company like Locations Mountain
Management Services to save you all the work as well as the learning curve. We advertise
through all the major channels, have pricing strategies that will maximize your income, find you
the right guests, and handle all communication, day or night. The number of bookings we can get
for you, and the level of service we can provide to you, easily makes paying our management
commission a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to rent their property.

Locations Mountain Management Services is a local business with their finger on the pulse of
what owners require and guests desire. We provide with full-service property management for our
owners and booking services for their guests. We advertise on our website and all the major
booking channels, including Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and Expedia. Our amazing properties
sleep anywhere from 4–18 people, are clean and tidy, warm and inviting, and ideally located.
Most properties are Ski In/Ski Out, have Private Hot Tubs, and are Pet Friendly. We offer
discounts on stays over 7 days and 30 days. Our customer service always responds promptly and
efficiently, and our reliable and quality-obsessed in-house cleaning team will ensure your stay is
spotless.

Hello 21/22 Winter Season at Big White Ski Resort

The final countdown is on to the 21/22 winter season at Big White Ski Resort. Are you ready? Passes bought, snowboard tuned and fresh gear? With less than 3 weeks to go, the resort has been seeing beautiful champagne powder fall in preparation for opening day. The village base is currently at 21cm as November 8th, a good start to the season. If you’re as eager as I am, you can watch the webcams here! The hype around the village is energetic and felt throughout. The restaurants, shops, and resort staff are all gearing up for the start of what is predicted to be an amazing winter season.

More New Things for the 21/22 Winter Season Big White Ski Resort

As discussed in my previous blog, there are many new and exciting things happening at the resort this year like Squawk Box (seriously check out the blog). In addition to those mentioned in that blog, Big White Ski Resort is also now home to the first Mexican restaurant on the mountain. Cantina del Centro, which also has a location in downtown Kelowna, is opening its doors in The Inn at Big White. The culinary variety at the resort is expanding every season and its nice to see numerous cultures and cuisines available.

Investing at Big White

Over the years, Big White Ski Resort has become a major hot spot for real estate investing. Consumers from all over the world purchase property at the resort.  They use for generating income when not being used themselves. This is a great way to be able to have a vacation home and investment home in one. The resort sees many tourists arriving and renting condos and chalets for days or weeks at a time providing great revenue for the investor. This year we have seen an increase of not only investors purchasing but also families. The resort is less than a 45 minute drive from Kelowna making it a great place for families to escape to on the weekends.

In October, there were 33 sales at the resort. A 65% increase if you compare to 2019 which saw just 20 sales in October when the average sale price was $405,631. Which, is fairly on par with this October’s which was $414,433. We saw a 1 bedroom unit sell at $120,000, a luxury ski home sell for $1.1M and everything in between. 75% of those sales were under 500K.

Big White Ski Resort is so much more than investing in a property. It’s about investing in growth, family, and the pursuit of enjoying the beautiful outdoors. It’s better to be outside.

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

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 Ski Resort Statistics

Since the pandemic started it seems like real estate in BC has skyrocketed and as you’ll see by the Big White Ski Resort statistics, the mountain is no exception. The pull to be outdoors, in the mountains, enjoying activities and fresh air seems to be on everyone’s list and they are heading to the resort to do so. The incredible asset about property at Big White is that it’s not just a vacation home. Properties at the resort are known to receive high rental revenue, especially during the busy months, making it even more appealing to buyers and investors.

Big White Ski Resort Statistics

  • Big White Ski Resort’s average sale price has reached an increase of 45% over the past 3 years. In 2018 the average sale price was $351,693 and 2021’s year to date average is $510,123.
  • The number of sales happening at the resort has also dramatically increased 95% from the previous year. YTD 2021 number of sales is 167. A huge leap from the same time period in 2020 when the number of sales was 85.
  • With the increased number of sales in mind, the volume of sales has seen major upward movement and we are seeing a YTD sales volume of 85M. When compared to Jan-Aug 2020 it’s a 123% increase.
  • Prices are up, and the average days spent on the market is down considerably. YTD the average days to sell sits at just 60 days. A dramatic 40% decrease from 2020’s average.
  • Also seeing an increase is the close price to list price. YTD 2021 is sitting at 98.5% – up from last year’s 96.8% average.

Increasing prices, lower days to sell, and everyone looking for that perfect mountain property creates this beautiful storm we are in right now. With massive expansions planned in the coming years, investing at Big White has never been more appealing.

For more information or to chat about your options on the mountain, reach out today HERE

Recapping the First Half of 2021

Recapping the first half of 2021 seems like great a way to look back and see how this year has molded not only us as a community, but the community itself. It has been another eventful year where we have experienced, learned, and gained growth. 2021 has provided insight into what the next few years may bring and many exciting things have happened that lead us to that.

Let’s recap the first half of 2021:

Real Estate

As we know, the Real Estate market in BC blew up the first half of 2021. With homes going well above listing prices, flying off the market on the first day, and the lowest inventory we’ve ever seen, the first six months of this year have been wild. 141 sales were completed at Big White Ski Resort from January to currently. If we compare that to the 66 completed deals within the same time frame in 2020, that is a 113% increase in sales. And not surprisingly, the total volume has taken a huge leap from 31 million dollars worth of sales to a whopping 74 million.

Low inventory was a huge factor in the stresses of buyers looking for a home to purchase. We saw the lowest inventory available ever and that created a frenzy for buyers looking. And with that, came an incredible sellers market. Many sellers took advantage of the rising home prices and quick possessions. The average time a Big White property spent on the market this year is 60 days. A 45% decrease from the same time last year.

Big White Ski Resort

The resort itself saw many changes over the courses of these first 6 months of 2021. many COVID-19 protocols were implemented creating a safe place for locals, tourists and workers alike. There were challenges along the way but I think the team at Big White did a phenomenal job pivoting and adjusting as necessary. The Summer season has just begun and already the Village is seeing lots of tourists ready to relax, enjoy, and explore the wonderful outdoors.

Big White Ski Resort also made a huge announcement in January sharing that the resort has massive expansion plans over the next few decades. With more skiing terrain, a golf course, new housing developments, and more this is very exciting for the economy and resort.

No one knew what 2021 was going to bring and after a stressful and unknown 2020 we have adapted as a whole and are driving the changes into this year. The first half has been more than exciting and the rest of 2021 will be a great time to enjoy the growth the first half has brought us.

Building at Big White Ski Resort

Finding the perfect chalet in this market can be challenging, especially when it comes to luxury chalets. With only a few available for sale throughout the year, it can be hard to capture your dream property. However, with the mountain expanding all the time, there are amazing new developments with many lots available so you can build your own luxury dream chalet.

Building at Big White Ski Resort is much different than an in town build. The timeline, construction process and costs are all affected. There are pros and cons to building at the resort and this article will bring insight to all aspects.

New Developments

First lets chat about the new developments at the resort. With the resort having major plans to expand, with the master plan underway for exciting new features and development of the ski resort as a whole, many new areas are popping up with developable land to start your build. In addition to these developments below, next year there will be lots available in the beautiful Black Forest area.

Feathertop Estates

The extremely sought after Feathertop Estates is where the luxury chalets showcase phenomenal views and top of the line design quality.

Snowpines

A quiet area where the views are gorgeous and the location is set back from the busyness of the Village.

Moonshine

A fabulous location close to the Villages with incredible views, ski access and low strata fees.

Process of building at Big White Ski Resort

As mentioned earlier, the process of a build at Big White is different than a typical in town build. For starters, there are the possible setbacks as with any build. From unpredictable weather conditions like significant snowfalls and freezing ground, to delivery challenges and selective materials can push the completion timeline.

The zoning bylaws and building code stipulations are something that are much different than in town because the mountain receives 12′ of snow load. (Click here for copies of the OCP and Zoning Bylaws)

As for the cost of your build. The average cost is approximately $400 per square foot plus the price of the lot. Lots range from $150k to $650k depending on size, view, ski access, and village proximity.

Because building at the resort comes with its challenges, its important to choose a builder with years of expertise and knowledge when it comes to building on the mountain. Builders like Weninger Construction, have mastered the building process and have designed and built some of the resorts most stunning chalets.

Completing a build at Big White Ski Resort is a long process compared to say building in Kelowna. The average timeline is usually about 18-24 months.

If you are interested further in the process and what goes into a build at Big White, please contact me as I would be happy to answer any questions and help you get started on owning your dream chalet at Big White Ski Resort.

Spring in the Okanagan – Real Estate Edition

Spring has arrived in the Okanagan. With above 20 degree weather, the grasses are greening and the homes are selling faster than ever before. It’s not new news that in the Spring time we see a rush in homes being listed and sold, but this year is taking it to another level. Because this is a strong sellers market, many of the homes are going into multiples and ending up going for above listing price with no conditions. It is a frustrating time for buyers looking for that perfect home but with a qualified, professional, knowledgeable agent, finding and purchasing your dream home is possible!

The Okanagan has so much to offer and people from all across Canada are discovering this little piece of paradise we call home. The outdoor lifestyle, great weather, and endless opportunity are appealing to everyone. That appeal however is driving up prices for anyone local trying to get into this market.

As we near the end of April lets take a quick peek at some stats:

  • We have already seen 597 sales in the Central Okanagan whereas last years April saw 214. That is a 178% increase and the month isn’t even over yet
  • $561,463 was the average price in April 2020, and with the sales conducted so far this April we are at an average sale price of $723,368
  • A home is sitting on the market an average of 36 days compared to last years 66 days (45% decrease!)

Even though its now closed for the Winter Season, Big White Ski Resort is seeing the same increase. Number of sales and average sale prices are up tremendously from previous years. With their summer season approaching, everyone is keen to get outside and enjoy the activities offered; like world-class biking, hiking, festivals and more. More and more people are purchasing vacation homes close to home to escape to during these restricted times. You can check out Big White’s summer season here.

The velocity of the recent COVID-19 third wave, driven by the variants, is likely going to cause further restrictions and the Okanagan market has proven to be resilient and is expected to remain fast paced.

This is the time for sellers who are debating listing to really consider all of the incredible options out there. The Okanagan has never before seen a demand like this making it the perfect time to sell. On the other hand, if you are a buyer looking to purchase into this market, don’t get discouraged. Low borrowing rates create opportunity to step into the market.

As always, I am happy to answer any questions you have about the Okanagan and Big White real estate markets. Contact me today!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

February Real Estate Stats and Spring Break

As we enter in March there is a lot of action at the resort. Locals in the Village, a bustling real estate market, and spring break approaching Big White Ski Resort is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. As you may know, the end of last year’s real estate market was heating up and that momentum has continued well into the first quarter of the year. Let’s take a look at the February Real Estates and what Spring Break looks like this year.

February Real Estate Stats

January and February were great months at the resort for the Real Estate market. Year to date, we have seen 57 closed deals, totaling 29 million in volume. The average days to sell in February is down drastically, 43% from last February, at just 51 days. The close price to list price ratio is at 99.3% and last year’s average was 96.8%. Currently there are 85 active listings. There is the most affordable option, a studio apartment for just over $100,000. All the way to luxury chalets listed for 1+ million.

Monashee RidgeNew builds are exciting at Big White and Monashee Ridge offers an incredible option for those wanting a luxury chalet. With ski-in/ski-out access, opulent features and finishings, and a completion date set for 2022, these incredible homes are very impressive. For further information about this development, click here.

It’s not just residential properties that is booming at the resort. Commercial listings are a hot commodity and create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for investors. Commercial listings don’t come up often and when they do, everyone wants a piece. View all my current commercial listings HERE

If blue skies and champagne powder is calling your name, don’t miss this opportunity to own your own paradise at Big White Ski Resort.

Spring Break 2021

Spring break definitely looks different then prior years, however; there is still plenty of activities to indulge in with the family. Of course you can hit the slopes on your skis or snowboard or maybe a snowshoe adventure is calling you. Whatever the outdoor activity is, it’s better to be outside. Check out Big White Ski Resort’s website for more information about available activities and COVID protocols.

Be sure to pop by my office (in the village under Snowshoe Sams) to check out all my latest listings, residential and commercial. Alternately, contact me and I’ll get you started on your search and answer any questions you have.

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