Welcome to the 2021/2022 Ski and Snowboard season. By the time you read this newsletter U.S. Thanksgiving will have arrived and the lifts will be spinning here in Whistler. After an intensely hot summer and equally wet fall it’s looking like the ski season is off to a fine start. There’s a considerable snow base in the high alpine, and with the help of our extensive snowmaking system, conditions to mid-mountain are good.
Winter 2021/2022
Despite intense pressure from many sides, Vail Corp is sticking to their guns and not requiring proof of vaccination in order to access the mountains this winter. However, unvaccinated skiers and snowboarders will not be permitted entry to on mountain food and beverage facilities. Fingers crossed that we all stay healthy and that our mountain operations and local economy are not impacted by another season cut short because of the pandemic.
Whistler’s Business Outlook
With open borders and great early season conditions, spirits are running high and business owners are looking forward to a strong and sustainable winter season.
However, labour shortages will of course continue to factor in for most operators. Through the summer and fall we grew accustomed to a number of businesses limiting their open hours because of labour challenges. This was particularly true for food and beverage operations with many businesses choosing to close for 2 or 3 days each week. It’s going to be interesting to see how it plays out under the big lights of the ski and snowboard season. Whichever way it does play out, I’d like to sincerely thank the entire Whistler business community and workforce for continuing to deliver the goods and services through the most challenging of times.
Here’s to a successful upcoming season and a steady return to more normal times!
One of my perennial favourites, Alta Bistro
Locally owned & operated ~ perseverance rewarded during and after 2020/2021!
Whistler Market Recap
At the risk of “beating a dead horse” I’m going to repeat once again that we have been and continue to be in the strongest seller’s market that I’ve experienced in my 27 years as an agent in the Whistler area.
Inventory levels are at all time lows (126 active listings at press time versus 600-700 in normal times). The lack of supply coupled with strong demand has dramatically increased property values yet few sellers seem willing to part with their Whistler homes.
Two observations worth noting are the distinct shortage of Townhome listings (6 in all of Whistler) and how the overall shortage of active listings is now pushing values in Phase 2 Covenant properties and Quarter Ownership properties – two segments of the market that have lagged behind the general market trends.
If you’re curious about your property value or want to drill down deeper into a specific segment of the market, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. We can discuss over coffee in the Village or on Zoom.
Reflection Time
The recent atmospheric river event and widespread flooding has caused me to reflect on the lives of so many that have been impacted by catastrophic events well beyond their control. The strength of the human spirit and the coming together of so many to lend a helping hand is the light at the end of the tunnel.
In my July newsletter I mentioned that I would be riding my road bike from Jasper to Banff Alberta at the end of August and raising money for the BC Cancer Research Tour de Cure on the August 28th ride. I’m happy to report that not only did we raise a total of $5.5M this year, I also got to check off a bucket list item as this is one of the most iconic rides on the planet. Thanks to all of you who supported my fundraising challenge and especially to my great friends and wife, Sandra, who shared the experience with me.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention once again how special it truly is to be blessed with our beautiful grandson, Cruz, who celebrated his 8 month birthday on November 14th. He’s the life of the party every day and we cherish any time we get to spend with him.
