Why we bought a house in Big White Mountain, British Columbia

Buying a ski chalet was not an impulsive decision. It was the result of years of travel, reflection, and a clear-eyed assessment of what we value—personally and financially. In the end, Big White Ski Resort stood out for reasons that go far beyond fresh powder.

A Place That Prioritizes Winter—Properly

Big White is unapologetically a winter-first mountain. The resort is known for consistent snowfall, dependable conditions, and infrastructure designed for ski-in/ski-out living. For us, that mattered. If you are going to invest in a mountain property, it should deliver on the very thing that makes it special. Big White does—reliably and year after year.

Mountain Air and Manageable Summers

As Texans, summer was a decisive factor in our decision. When triple-digit temperatures become routine, the appeal of a true mountain climate is not abstract—it is practical. Big White offers exactly that, while opening the door to everything the surrounding region provides.

At elevation, Big White delivers cool mornings, temperate afternoons, and crisp evenings throughout the summer months. It is the kind of climate that invites movement rather than retreat. Hiking, mountain biking, trail walking, and simply sitting outside with a view are comfortable again. For those accustomed to structuring summer days around air conditioning, that alone is transformative.

Direct Access to the Okanagan Valley

Big White’s location puts it within easy reach of one of Canada’s most celebrated summer regions. The Okanagan Valley is known for its lakes, vineyards, orchards, and outdoor recreation. Days can be spent paddleboarding or swimming in nearby lakes, exploring wineries, or enjoying farm-to-table dining—all without sacrificing the mountain’s quiet refuge in the evenings.

Community Over Hype

Unlike some high-profile resort towns that feel over-commercialized or transient, Big White maintains a genuine sense of community. Families return season after season. Neighbors know one another. The village is lively without being chaotic, active without feeling crowded. That balance is increasingly rare in destination resorts.

Practicality Meets Beauty

The chalet itself is not just a retreat; it is a functional, four-season asset. Heated garages, gear storage, boot dryers, and thoughtful layouts are standard—not luxuries. At the same time, the setting delivers extraordinary alpine views, quiet mornings after overnight snowfall, and the kind of stillness that only mountain environments offer. Beauty, here, is paired with usability.

A Strategic Investment

From an investment perspective, Big White makes sense. Canadian resort real estate—particularly in British Columbia—has shown long-term resilience. Big White’s growing reputation, combined with limited slope-side inventory and strong seasonal rental demand, positions a chalet as both a lifestyle purchase and a prudent financial decision. It is a place people want to return to, which matters if you plan to share it with others.

A Different Pace of Life

Perhaps most importantly, Big White offers something increasingly hard to find: enforced slowness. When the snow is falling, and the mountain sets the rhythm of the day, priorities shift. Mornings begin later. Evenings center on warmth, conversation, and recovery for the next day’s skiing, hiking, or biking. The chalet represents a deliberate choice to carve out space—literally and figuratively—for that kind of life.

Why Big White, Ultimately

We did not buy a ski chalet to chase trends or status. We bought it because Big White aligns with how we want to spend time, host others, and invest for the long term. It is a place built for four seasons, grounded in community, and designed for people who value substance over spectacle.

In short, we bought a ski chalet in Big White because it delivers on its promise—quietly, consistently, and exceptionally well.