Big White Ski Resort experiences biggest real estate boom in the last 10 years

Big White’s last real estate boom took place between 2003-2006, when large accommodation projects such as Stonebridge, Aspens, Copper Kettle, and various units in Happy Valley were built to meet the demands of international buyers who desired a vacation home on the ski-in/ski-out slopes of Big White Ski Resort, in beautiful British Columbia.

“Big White represents amazing value,” says Gary Turner, a real estate agent for Royal LePage, “You can’t buy ski property in Europe, Americans love the exchange rate, and Australians love the snow!”

When the recession hit in February 2009, the demand for recreational property dropped, new development was put on hold, and there was more inventory than there were buyers. In recent years, however, there has been an exciting renewal of property buyers.

“Renters from abroad are becoming buyers now, empty-nest baby boomers love the terrain Big White has to offer them and their grandchildren, and both groups believe investing in lifestyle and family always makes sense,” says Turner.

The demand at Big White for family-friendly, winter vacation homes is back and the opportunity to capitalize on new developments is evident from the many projects that regained momentum this summer.

Other building developments that have commenced construction at Big White this summer include single-family mountain homes, individual family homes, townhouses, duplexes and a new neighbourhood of affordable ski-in/ski-out cabins.

“Having been in the alpine resort business for most of my adult career,” says Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort, “I have seen and experienced first-hand the wave of real estate ups and downs at beautiful Big White Ski Resort. Well, today and for the foreseeable future, Big White is on an upswing – time to jump in! As my good friend has said in the past, ‘If you’re going to sleep on it, you’re not going to sleep in it’.”

Now open for the summer season, Big White’s annual visitor numbers have increased significantly, and resort executives only expect them to grow more following the opening of its brand new downhill mountain bike park – Bike Big White. With its world-class snow in the winter and jam-packed line-up of events in the summer - including local festivals, alpine hiking, and fast-paced downhill mountain bike competitions - Big White now offers families who choose to invest in mountain property a multi-seasonal program of fun.