by Jill Nessel

Created on: February 24, 2008   Last Updated: February 27, 2008

The sound you hear in British Columbia's Columbia Valley is the echo of the exploding year-round property market. The linking communities of Radium Hot Springs, Invermere, Panorama and Fairmont Hot Springs make up the best new destination for successful year-round vacation rentals. The Columbia Valley winds amidst Canada's breathtaking Rocky Mountains.

This market is unique: it is one of the few structured mountain destinations that is not in a national park-making real estate ownership accessible and affordable. New property in national parks is extremely rare, and existing opportunities are extremely expensive.

Ken Fowler Enterprises' November 2007 announcement for a $1 billion dollar expansion to Fairmont Hot Springs Resort exemplifies the quality of this region for growth opportunities. This venture resonates in the upsurge of vacation rental developments over the last two years on lakefront, golf course, mountainous and river edge locations.

A four-season playground, the Columbia Valley offers its residents and visitors non-stop recreation, and an outstanding arts community.

Spring, summer and fall see the greatest influx of city dwellers seeking respite. Championship mountain golf courses, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking, gondola rides and whitewater rafting are some of the best raw, outdoor adventures you can only find in the mountains. Windermere Lake offers all traditional water sports and activities you've come to expect from a summer get-away.

Winter transforms the entire mountain range and valley into a glistening wonderland of world-class skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, skating, and aprs ski luxury.

Year-round, hot springs in Radium and Fairmont boast the ultimate in relaxation and are the number one attraction to the Columbia Valley. Spring signifies a distinctive trait: swooshing the slopes in rugged Purcell Mountain Range and teeing-off at a well-appointed course-all in the same day.

Talented artisans showcase their designs at studios, galleries and art shows scheduled throughout the year. Music festivals punctuate the seasons attracting musicians from all over the northwest. Theatre, dance, writing and photography also represent the local culture beautifully.

If looking for real estate to manage with all-season appeal, property managers just can't miss in this extraordinary market.

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