Big White’s Winter Kick Off!

Mark November 30th on your calendars! It’s Big White’s Winter Kick Off and you won’t want to miss it!

All the festivities are kicked off with the lighting of the massive bonfire in Happy Valley at 6:00pm. While staying warm, the kids can decorate something for the fridge at the craft station and at 6:45pm the entire sky will light up with a beautiful firework display!

Head to your vehicles at 7:00pm to tune into and enjoy the drive-in movie in Happy Valley Car Park. Bring your blankets and bundle up! This years movie is The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. 

Happy Valley Day Lodge will be open with all your winter favourites on the menu!

For more information: click here

Big White Pond Hockey Tournament

Big White has announced its first ever pond hockey tournament this December! Taking place at 1,700m this event is a great opportunity to get a team of your family or friends together for a weekend of fun!

The tournament will consist of 12 teams competing in 5-on-5 pond hockey. Each team is guaranteed three games with the winning teams moving forward into the playoffs. The tournament is open to anyone over the age of 19. Teams can have a maximum of 6 players and must have at least one male and one female player on the ice at all times (no goal tending/goalies)

The fun doesn’t stop when you get off of the ice though, join us for our opening banquet in Happy Valley on Friday night!

Additionally hockey players are offered a 20% discount on accommodation through Central Reservations.

For more information on this event click here

Where to eat at Big White

Did you know there are over 20 restaurants to choose from at Big White? There really is something for everyone!

Start your day at Clocktower Coffee Co. Open at 7:00am daily, this is a ski-in ski-out coffee shop to grab your perfectly roasted cup of java and their Heck Ya breakfast sandwich before heading out on the slopes.

There are plenty of choices for a mid-day snack or lunch! The Ridge Rocket Cafe is fast, delicious and offers homemade soups, baked goods and burgers and fries! Conveniently located at the base of the Snowghost Express and the Ridge Rocket Express.

Voted #1 ski bar by ‘Ski Canada Magazine’ Snowshoe Sam’s is a classic at Big White. Not only does Sam’s have killer food, it also offers 20 beers on tap, pool tables, and a resident DJ every night.

Located upstairs of Snowshoe Sam’s, the Gunbarrel Grill offers a wonderful selection of locally produced food and wine, and delicious homemade desserts for the whole family.

Big White’s newest bistro is the Black Forest Day Lodge. With breathtaking panoramic views of the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges this bistro offers a variety of modern dishes including a kids menu and a vegan burger!

Nestled in Happy Valley Day Lodge at the bottom of Lara’s Gondola, the Kettle Valley Steakhouse is an upscale oasis of fine hospitality. Offering an extensive Okanagan wine list, organic and sustainable dishes.

Known for its excellent location in the heart of Big White Village, The Woods is offers an outdoor beer garden and has something on the menu for everyone!

For a list of restaurants at Big White, click here!

Making your Big White Rental a 10/10 for Guests

So you’ve purchased an investment property at Big White and are jumping into the mountain’s rental market.  You may be wondering how to make your property stand out amongst the rest. Read along to find out how to score perfect reviews with your guests and have them returning again and again.

1. Create a welcoming impression

tart by leaving a welcoming treat or present for when they arrive, this will create a good starting point. Don’t keep everything hidden, leave a cozy throw on the couch, and maybe some bathroom supplies on the counter in cute jars.

2. House Manual

Ensure you have a house manual that has all the information a guest will need about your home, building, and the mountain. Don’t forget the wifi password and a event calendar for all the incredible events Big White offers.

3. Cleanliness

Always have your rental property cleaned top to bottom prior to renting it out. Some guests pay attention to how well a home is cleaned and maintained and that effects their experience. Squeegee the windows, scrub the corners, and wipe down the walls.

4. Do 1 big gesture

Do something unexpected, like leaving a gift card to a Big White restaurant, gifting the kids a souvenir Big White toque from one of the shops, or a ski or snowboard rental voucher.

Going above and beyond will with these 4 tips will ensure you receive a fantastic review from your guests and continue bringing in revenue!

 

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!!

 

 

Step into the Sophisticated Stonegate Resort

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

Summer at Big White

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!