B.C. ski-in/ski-out real estate: what it really means

Four levels of ski access

1. True ski-in/ski-out: you click in at your door, ski to a lift, and ski home at the end of the day without taking skis off.
2. Ski-in, walk-out (or the reverse): one direction works on skis, the other needs a short walk or a lift ride.
3. Walk to lift: carry skis a few minutes to a lift, gondola or ski-way.
4. Drive or shuttle: more space and a lower price, but you’ll drive or ride to the lifts.

Big White calls itself Canada’s largest ski-in/ski-out village, and much of the village is built along ski-ways. Access still changes from building to building, and even from one side of a building to the other.

How to check a property

• Walk the route in ski boots, in winter, both ways.
• Ask which lift you reach first, and where you’d end up if the home run is closed.
• Check whether the ski-way crosses a road or depends on grooming.
• Ask the strata about ski lockers, boot dryers and access doors.

Ski-in/ski-out across B.C.

Sean sells at Big White, SilverStar and Sun Peaks, all with strong ski-in/ski-out villages, and has REALTOR® friends at other B.C. resorts. Compare the resorts or see ski-in/ski-out at SilverStar.

Common questions

Is all of Big White ski-in/ski-out?

No. Much of the village is built along ski-ways, but access varies by building and street. Some homes ski out but walk back, and some areas rely on the gondola or a short walk. Always check the specific route.

Does ski-in/ski-out cost more?

Usually, and it tends to rent better too. How much more depends on the building, the route and the market, so compare recent sales of similar units with Sean.