Is Now the Time to Buy Canadian in Ski Towns?

Is Now the Time to Buy Canadian in Ski Towns?

Why the Kootenays — and Fernie in Particular — Are Gaining Momentum

Over the past year, a clear shift has been happening across Canada’s mountain communities. Buyers are looking closer to home, choosing lifestyle-driven markets over big cities and international destinations. This growing “Buy Canadian” sentiment isn’t just a headline — it’s showing up in real data, especially in ski resort towns.

Here in the Kootenays, and particularly Fernie, that trend is becoming increasingly hard to ignore.

A Shift Back to Canadian Mountain Towns

National real estate data from recreational and ski markets shows renewed strength heading into 2025. After a brief cooling period, sales activity and prices in ski towns are rebounding, driven largely by Canadian buyers.

Why?

• Canadians are prioritizing domestic travel, investment, and lifestyle

• Mountain towns offer year-round recreation, not just winter appeal

• Remote and hybrid work has made location flexibility permanent

• Buyers are seeking tangible lifestyle value, not just square footage

Industry surveys show that nearly half of buyer inquiries in ski markets are now directly tied to “Buy Canadian” motivations, with purchasers choosing Canadian resort towns over overseas or major urban alternatives.

Ski Towns Are Showing Resilience — Even When Cities Aren’t

While many urban markets across Canada remain flat or uncertain, ski resort towns have proven remarkably resilient.

Across Canadian ski regions:

• Single-family home prices have risen year-over-year

• Condos in established resorts have seen renewed demand

• Inventory remains limited, especially in premium locations

• Buyers are moving decisively when the right property appears

This matters because recreational markets often act differently than primary urban markets. They’re driven by lifestyle demand, scarcity, and long-term holding patterns, not short-term speculation.

Why Fernie Fits This Moment Perfectly

Fernie sits at a unique intersection of affordability, access, and authenticity — something buyers are increasingly drawn to.

What Buyers Are Responding To:

• A world-class ski resort without the price tag of larger destinations

• A true four-season lifestyle (skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, golf)

• A walkable, historic downtown with a strong sense of community

• Proximity to Alberta buyers and growing interest from U.S. purchasers

• Limited land supply and clearly defined neighbourhoods

Fernie isn’t just a vacation destination — it’s a livable mountain town, which is exactly what today’s buyers are looking for.

The “Buy Canadian” Effect in the Kootenays

In the Kootenays more broadly, we’re seeing:

• Increased interest from BC and Alberta buyers

• Lifestyle buyers replacing purely speculative investors

• More emphasis on long-term ownership and generational properties

• Buyers entering the market earlier to secure land or future build options

This has been especially noticeable in ski-adjacent neighbourhoods, acreage properties, and well-located townhomes and condos that offer flexibility for personal use and rental income.

Are Ski Town Markets Set to Heat Up?

“Heat up” doesn’t necessarily mean runaway pricing — but it does mean steady growth, strong demand, and reduced hesitation.

Forecasts for ski regions point to:

• Moderate price appreciation over the next 12–24 months

• Increased competition for well-priced, well-located properties

• Continued strength in lifestyle-driven markets like Fernie

• Buyers acting sooner to get ahead of future rate changes and inventory constraints

In other words: ski towns aren’t booming irrationally — they’re strengthening sustainably.

What This Means for Buyers Considering Fernie

If Fernie or the Kootenays are on your radar, the current market offers a compelling window:

• Less volatility than major cities

• Strong lifestyle fundamentals

• Long-term demand drivers already in place

• A renewed sense of confidence among Canadian buyers

Whether you’re looking for a full-time home, a recreational property, or a long-term investment, Fernie continues to stand out as one of the most balanced ski towns in Western Canada.

Final Thought

The data supports what many locals and buyers are already feeling:
Canadian ski towns are back in focus — and Fernie is well-positioned for what’s next.

If you’d like a breakdown of current Fernie neighbourhood trends, pricing ranges, or opportunities that align with this shift, I’m always happy to share local insight.

Helping you find your place in the Kootenays.