By Laura House
Banff in Alberta, Canada, entices skiers with three easy-to-acess mountains set within a stunning national park and, as a bonus, it’s an easy flight to Calgary from many major U.S. cities.
But skiers intent on tackling something really big should consider the Western coast of Canada, home to Whistler and Blackcomb—North America’s largest ski resort.
“Banff is an iconic destination and Canada's first National Park. The ski hills are very different here from most places as there is no real estate or large village at the base of the hill. The pistes look onto National Park wilderness and have expansive views,” said Christopher Vincent, senior vice president of sales for Sotheby's International Realty Canada. “We have a lot of high-Alpine terrain, a long season and very dry snow that they call Champagne powder. The skiing is a combination of groomed trails, off-piste style Alpine bowls and some big mountain terrain with couloirs (narrow gullies) and steep chutes.”
In Whistler, “we have very strong market conditions with significant domestic and international demand,” said John Ryan of the Whistler Real Estate Co. “The low Canadian dollar is very attractive to international buyers. Plus, easy access from Vancouver airport, an average annual snowfall of over 38 feet, and North America’s two highest lift-serviced vertical mountains with a pedestrian village at their base makes for a magical four-season destination resort.”
On The Market
Location: Canmore, Banff
Price: C$1.175 million (US$938,000)
Built in 2012, this low-rise condo unit in the gated Three Sisters community is a contemporary ski chalet with interiors by Calgary-based Paul Lavoie interior design. A private elevator delivers you right to this spacious three-bedroom, three-bath suite with steam room and Jacuzzi bath. There is a top-of-the-line gourmet kitchen, open living room and dining room that opens to a balcony with mountain views.
Location: Canmore, Banff
Price: C$3.6 million (US$2.89 million)
This contemporary mountain home in the exclusive Juniper Ridge enclave of the Silvertip community is generous on space and amenities. The four-bedroom, four bath home has a gourmet kitchen, open living and dining room with mountain views and a wide outdoor deck. Relax in the family room or the custom Japanese spa and sauna on the lower level.
Location: Canmore, Banff
Price: C$2.8 million (US$2.24 million)
Designed by Saunders Architecture of Norway, the O House is a contemporary retreat, part of a series of five Edge Houses for Carraig Ridge in an exclusive development set on 650 acres in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. This three-bedroom triangle-shaped eco-conscious house is designed to take in the most of the natural surroundings through its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and light-flooded rooms that open to the outdoors.
The stats on Canada's most expensive home:
— Mansion Global (@MansionGlobal) September 23, 2017
- 10 bedrooms
- 50-foot indoor pool
- 40 parking spaces
- $27.7M https://t.co/o5uYghZsBD pic.twitter.com/ytWqL7Cu5I
On The Market
Location: Whistler
Price: C$9.999 million (US$7.9 million)
For the ultimate in privacy, this six-bedroom oasis is set on 2.25 secluded acres with incredible mountain views. Spread across the three-story chalet-style home is a state-of-the-art kitchen, formal and informal dining rooms, and a grand living room. With a generous outdoor deck, large swimming pool, and hot tub, this house is welcoming in every season.
Location: Whistler
Price: C$15 million (US$12 million)
If it’s space you’re craving, this nearly 8,000-square-foot estate in the exclusive Stonebridge neighborhood should tick all the boxes. There are a total of seven bedrooms in the main house and an additional two rooms in the guest wing and caretaker space. The kitchen, dining, living room and game room are airy and light flooded, taking in panoramic mountain views
Location: Whistler
Price: C$24.95 million (US$20 million)
This exclusive estate is a 10-minute drive from the ski lifts. The 10-bedroom, 11-bath residence is situated on 8.3 secluded acres with jaw-dropping views of the entire valley, lakes, and Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Light flooded and styled with blond wood, the open plan kitchen, dining and living areas make the most of the unobstructed views.
Location: Whistler
Price upon request
This 11-bedroom, 11.5-bath estate with separate guest house and panoramic ski run views is the ultimate luxury family residence. Interiors feature custom millwork, a gourmet kitchen, generous living spaces, a wine cellar, billiards room and gym. The outdoor living space has a 40-foot waterfall, oversized hot tub, swimming pool and wood-burning stone fireplace. Plus, it’s an easy walk to the village, surrounding lakes, and trails.