Ski Resort Comparison: Whistler vs. North American Resorts

Image provided by Tourism Whistler

A ski resort comparison is not something we’ve done in the past. However, it is one of the questions often asked of our advisors. “How do our values (Whistler) compare to those in other mountain resorts?”

This can be a difficult question to answer. Comparing “apples to apples” in the context of ski resorts can be challenging as the character of the resort, geography and the focus of statistical reporting varies widely from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

What to Remember When Comparing

As an example; the area that is often compared to Whistler is Vail. Often referred to at the Vail Valley, or Eagle County, this area consists of 17 distinct communities that represent a full range of real estate opportunities from modest to super luxury. When comparing Vail Valley to our real estate statistics, it is equivalent to Whistler, Pemberton, and Squamish, but with a population estimate of 54,000, it is a far more populous region. The real estate information available represents the entire area, so making a specific comparison to Whistler (or a neighbourhood specifically) can be difficult.

The point being; without more detail, any general comparison between Whistler and other North American ski resorts in our peer group should be viewed as a starting point for a discussion on relative value and not definitive.

Below is a table of macro statistics for real estate markets amongst the larger western resorts in 2019.

As well, we added a comparison of day ski ticket prices. Much of the real estate information has been provided by our professional colleagues at Sotheby’s offices operating in these areas and we encourage you to contact us so we can introduce you to someone who can answer specific questions about those recreational areas.

Although this is a somewhat general review, it is important to remember that real estate markets are very much a function of their unique local factors. The indications are that Whistler continues to represent good value when compared to our peers in terms of price for those interested in a ski resort property in North America.

Ski Resort Comparison

*All dollar values in $CAN

*U.S. resort statistics courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty office in each resort except Sun Valley which is MLS,

*$1.00 CAN = $.75 USD

*All lift ticket values reflect single-day adult lift tickets for February 2020.

(a) Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek,  Keystone and Crested Butte Resorts.

(b) Park City Mountain and Deer Valley.

(c) Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain.

(d) Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk.

(e) Alpine Meadows, Northstar and Squaw Valley.

(f) Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain, Grand Targhee and White Pine.

Comparison: the information contained here is derived from sources deemed reliable, however, Whistler Real Estate Co Ltd does not accept responsibility for its accuracy and instructs readers to do their own research in this matter.

For more information on the Whistler Real Estate market, or for buying and selling in the area, please contact one of our local, knowledgeable agents.