Sarah Woods
Homes Overseas Magazine
August 2005
Edited and Reprinted by kind permission of Homes Overseas magazine and Sarah Woods

Vancouver, Canada.

Canada's famous Whistler and Blackcomb resorts are a favourite with Vancouver urbanites who make the two-hour drive north to enjoy North America's most extensive summertime skiing. Glacier programmes cover virtually every type of snow sports - from snowboarding to racing and freestyle skiing, with numerous tuition clinics for those keen to learn new tricks. Combined, the giant ski area that encompasses Whistler and Blackcomb mountains comprises more than 2,850 hectares of skiable land and 200 marked trails, and is a popular year-round skiing destination. One of the highlights is the 2,330-metre-high Horstman Glacier, an afternoon haunt that boasts an average slop of 17 degrees, with groomed terrain, mogul lanes, half pipes and terrain park. It is particularly well suited for intermediate and advanced skiers - and a good place to refine mogul skills. Expect the summer season to start officially in the second week of June, weather and operating schedules permitting.

For spectacular views across the mountains and ocean check out the Coal Harbour development in Downtown Vancouver, where a spacious brand new two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 27th floor waterfront condo occupies the buildings tallest tower. Interior features include limestone floors, polished granite, glass walls and underfloor heating. The property also includes a super high-speed internet connection, video entry phone and 24-hour concierge plus elevators with restricted floor access. Priced at ?392,000 from AssignmentsCanada.ca.

False Creek has another new project in Downtown Vancouver from AssignmentsCanada.ca. Set for completion in 2007, a ninth-floor, two-bedroom condo in the Spectrum building offers unabashed luxury, including a roof garden with mountain views. Top-class amenities include an indoor pool, whirlpool, steam room, sauna, gym and concierge. The price of CAD $379,000 (?169,000) includes a parking space, worth around ?11,000.

In Whistler itself, the Hilton Whistler Resort is offering a rare opportunity to purchase real estate in the heart of this premier skiing region. Studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments are available close to the venue of the 2010 Winter Olympics, with four award-winning golf courses to hand.