Reply To: Advice needed on buying a property in Fernie setting up chal

[griz-boy]

Well Wilko everybody will have a different answer. Here’s mine:

I spent two weeks in Fernie during the 2003/2004 ski season and fell in love with the place!
[i:h7rxljfy]Most people do and not uncommon for Brit’s to buy property here on impulse.[/i:h7rxljfy]

I am looking to make a permanent move over there next year in preparation for the 2006/2007 season and I am looking to purchase a large property to run as a catered guesthouse.

I don’t really know the area extensively but could anyone point me in the right direction with a few things.
Would I be better to look at property on the hill or in the town?
[i:h7rxljfy]The resort would be your best bet because of its close proximity to ski hill ammenities.[/i:h7rxljfy]

If in the town, where is the best area to be located, bearing in mind I want to operate year round for biking/fishing/hiking etc.
[i:h7rxljfy]See above. I feel people want the mountain experience when vacationing in the mountains, and a lodge will give that. The homes in town have historical charm but don’t give you the lodge feeling you would get at the resort. That said there are many affordable B&B’s in town.[/i:h7rxljfy]

I’ve seen a big rise in property prices in the past 2 years there, do you feel these will continue to rise with more development on the ski hill?
[i:h7rxljfy]Still rising just not at a silly rate anymore.[/i:h7rxljfy]

I am a freindly laid back British guy, when I was last there it was a very friendly place and i’m hoping I would be accepted and fit in with the community. Is there any hostility towards “foreigners” coming over there and setting up in business?
[i:h7rxljfy]A foreigner in Fernie is someone that hasn’t had there great grandfather live in Fernie. So we are all foreigners. As you say Fernie is laid back if you treat people kindly they will treat you with the same respect, cept the skids.[/i:h7rxljfy]

Any help greatly appreciated. I will be combining a ski trip with some investigation work in January and cant wait to be out there again!
[i:h7rxljfy]Hope your investigation goes well, Sherlock.[/i:h7rxljfy]