When it comes to Big White real estate, local knowledge isn’t a bonus – it’s everything! As we move through 2026, buyers and sellers are traversing a ski resort market that behaves very differently from Kelowna or other Okanagan communities. Inventory moves on mountain time, values are influenced by snow seasons and tourism demand, and the smallest details about a building or location can have a major impact on long-term value.

That’s where working with a true on-mountain expert matters.

Andrew Braff of Big White Property Group and RE/MAX is the only full-time REALTOR who lives and works at Big White year-round. He’s been selling real estate and skiing this mountain for decades, and his day-to-day experience offers insight you simply can’t get from an agent who visits occasionally.

The Big White Real Estate Market in 2026

Big White continues to attract a mix of full-time residents, recreational buyers, and investors looking for ski-in, ski-out properties. Demand remains strong for well-located condos and townhomes, particularly those with direct slope access and solid rental performance history.

What many buyers don’t realize is that pricing at Big White isn’t just about square footage or finishes. Factors such as building orientation, ski access, strata rules, snow management, and proximity to village amenities all play a role in value. These are details that only someone deeply familiar with the mountain truly understands.

For sellers, timing is critical. Listing at the right point in the ski season and positioning the property correctly can make a meaningful difference in both interest and final sale price.

What Buyers Need to Know Before Purchasing at Big White

Buying real estate at a ski resort is very different from buying in the city. At Big White, buyers should be paying close attention to:

• True ski-in, ski-out access (not all listings are equal)
• Strata bylaws, rental restrictions, and short-term rental performance
• Building maintenance history and upcoming capital expenses
• Winter access, parking, and snow management logistics
• Long-term desirability of specific buildings and locations

Andrew’s clients often appreciate that he can literally ski them to showings when conditions allow, an experience that also gives buyers a real sense of how a property functions during peak ski season.

What Sellers Should Understand About Listing at Big White

Sellers at Big White benefit most from a REALTOR® who understands how buyers actually experience the mountain. Photography, marketing language, pricing strategy, and even showing logistics need to be tailored specifically to a ski resort audience.

Andrew’s long-standing relationships with local owners, developers, strata councils, and service providers allow listings to be positioned accurately and credibly. He knows how buyers compare buildings, which features truly add value, and how to highlight what makes a property stand out in a competitive resort market.

Why Local, Full-Time Representation Matters

Big White is not a “commuter market.” It’s a living, breathing mountain community with its own rhythm, challenges, and opportunities. Having a REALTOR who lives there full time means:

• Immediate access to properties and on-mountain activity
• First-hand knowledge of snow conditions and seasonal demand
• Deep familiarity with every building and development
• Trusted local connections built over decades

Andrew Braff isn’t just selling real estate at Big White; he’s part of the fabric of the mountain.

Thinking of Buying or Selling at Big White?

Whether you’re considering selling your Big White property or searching for the right ski-in, ski-out home, working with the mountain’s most experienced full-time REALTOR® makes all the difference.

If you want honest advice, local insight, and representation from someone who truly knows every inch of Big White, Andrew Braff is the clear choice.

Reach out today to start the conversation.

Big White Real Estate – Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best REALTOR® at Big White?

Buyers and sellers looking for real estate at Big White often benefit from working with a REALTOR® who lives on the mountain full time. Andrew Braff is the only full-time, on-mountain REALTOR® at Big White, with decades of experience selling property and living the ski resort lifestyle year-round.

Is Big White a good place to buy real estate?

Big White continues to be a desirable location for ski-in, ski-out living, recreational ownership, and long-term investment. Demand is driven by limited inventory, strong winter tourism, and the appeal of a true mountain community. Working with a local expert is essential to understanding which properties hold value over time.

What types of properties are available at Big White?

Big White offers a mix of ski-in, ski-out condos, townhomes, and chalets. Each building and development has unique characteristics, strata rules, and rental considerations that can significantly affect value and usability.

Do I need a local REALTOR® to buy or sell at Big White?

Yes. Big White real estate operates differently from urban markets. Local knowledge around ski access, snow management, seasonal demand, and building-specific details can make a meaningful difference when buying or selling.

When is the best time to buy or sell at Big White?

Timing often depends on ski season activity and buyer demand. Properties listed and marketed strategically during peak interest periods often see stronger engagement. A full-time local REALTOR® can advise on timing based on real-time mountain conditions and market activity.

The post Ski-In, Ski-Out Living at Big White: What It’s Really Like (And What Buyers Should Watch For) appeared first on ANDREW BRAFF - RE/MAX Kelowna/Big White Ski Resort.

Getting Your Condo Ready for Guests

When you decide to turn your condo into a rental property, you need to consider the business side of things. When guests walk in, they expect a clean space, that feels comfortable, and is well-stocked. Think of the basics like bedrooms, seating areas, and dining spaces, but don’t forget the small stuff either. Items like having decent pots and pans, wine glasses, extra blankets and a coffee maker that works, all contribute to a more luxurious stay. 

Try to sleep there yourself for a night. If anything annoys you, it’ll probably bug your guests too. A wobbly chair or a dull knife may seem minor, but bad reviews often come from little things piling up.

The interior of your condo is ultimately up to you, but most Big White visitors aren’t looking for flashy or ultra-modern. They want somewhere warm, practical, and close to the lifts. Add a boot tray by the door, hooks for jackets, and plenty of storage for gear. 

It’s also a good idea to have a locked owner’s closet for your personal items. Stock the rest of the condo with fresh towels, extra bedding, and basic toiletries. It’s easier to replace things regularly than deal with complaints.

Legal Stuff, Platforms, and Pricing for Big White Vacation Rentals

With the popularity of vacation rentals in the Interior of B.C, throwing your condo on Vrbo and calling it a day, won’t suffice. Before you begin the rental process, start by checking with your strata. Most buildings at Big White allow vacation rentals, but others have rules or limits. If you ignore strata bylaws, you could end up fined, or worse.

Big White falls under the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB), which makes operating a  short-term rental much simpler. In the RDKB, you don’t need a business license to operate a vacation rental and there is no principal residence requirement. With this in mind, you do still need to register with the province before you can operate. 

Once you’re clear on the legal side, it’s time to list. Airbnb and Vrbo are obvious choices, but don’t stop there. Some property managers in the area offer direct booking through their sites. If you’re using a management company, they’ll likely handle this for you.

Pricing takes a little homework. Look at similar units in terms of size, location, and number of beds to see what they charge. Then adjust based on season. You’ll earn the most between December and March, but shoulder seasons can bring in cash too. You can use pricing tools if you’re managing the rental yourself. They’ll help you adjust your rates automatically depending on seasonal demand.

Make sure your listing is honest. Don’t promise ski-in/ski-out access if it’s a ten-minute walk uphill. Guests won’t forget, and bad reviews are hard to shake!

Managing, Maintaining, and Protecting Your Rental

Once you’re ready to operate, you may be wondering who’s going to run your rental? If you live nearby and have time, you can manage it yourself. But, that means handling bookings, guest questions, cleaning, and restocking supplies. It saves money, but it’s not passive income.

If you’re not local, or you just want it off your plate, you can hire a property manager. There are a few companies based at Big White that handle everything from check-in to snow removal. However, they take a cut that is usually between 20 and 40 percent. Either way, you need a cleaning crew you can rely on. Guests expect that your unit will be spotless. Plan regular deep cleans between seasons, especially after spring melt when things get damp and gritty.

For upkeep, schedule a maintenance check every few months. Change HVAC filters, check the water heater, and keep an eye on wear and tear. In the off-season, unplug everything and shut off the water to avoid any unwanted surprises.

And don’t forget insurance. Your regular home insurance likely won’t cover short-term rentals. So, call your provider and ask for a policy that’s specific to vacation rentals. Make sure it covers liability in case a guest gets injured, and protects against theft or damage.

Contact me About Owning Big White Vacation Rentals

If you’re ready to rent out your Big White condo but not sure where to start, contact me today. Whether you need help finding a property, pricing it out, or hiring a good management team, I’ve been helping investors at Big White for years!

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