Big White Ski Resort, a renowned winter playground in British Columbia, offers property owners a unique opportunity to participate in a structured rental pool through Big White Central Reservations. This program allows property owners to enjoy the benefits of passive rental income while having access to professional management services provided by the resort’s official reservation system.

If you’ve recently purchased a property or are thinking about investing in Big White real estate, joining the Big White Central Reservations Rental Pool could be an excellent option for generating income during the times you're not using your vacation home. In this blog, we'll break down how the program works, its benefits, and what to expect as a participant.

What is Big White Central Reservations?

Big White Central Reservations is the resort’s in-house property management and booking service. Unlike third-party rental management companies, Central Reservations is operated directly by Big White, offering seamless integration with the resort’s guest services, marketing, and infrastructure.

Through this program, your property can be rented out to visitors via the resort’s official website, call center, and walk-in reservations. This ensures maximum exposure to potential renters, especially during peak seasons like winter holidays and school breaks.

How Does the Rental Pool Work?

1. Enrollment: Property owners at Big White can opt to enroll their condo, townhouse, or chalet in the Central Reservations rental pool. Short term rentals on some buildings at Big White Ski Resort only allows the use of the rental pool. Once enrolled, your property becomes part of the official Big White rental inventory, available for short-term rentals to guests visiting the resort.

2. Professional Management: Big White Central Reservations handles all aspects of the rental process. This includes marketing your property on the resort’s website, managing bookings, collecting payments, arranging housekeeping services, and addressing guest inquiries. Their management service provides a hands-off experience for property owners, letting you enjoy the benefits of rental income without the hassle of managing tenants.

3. Revenue Sharing: Rental income is shared between the property owner and Big White Central Reservations. The split is typically structured so that the owner receives a percentage of the gross rental income, with the remainder covering the management fees and services provided by the resort. This revenue-sharing arrangement is key to ensuring that your property generates income even when you're not using it.

4. Flexibility for Owners: One of the key perks of participating in the Big White Central Reservations rental pool is the ability to block out time for personal use. As the property owner, you can reserve your unit for your own vacations, provided it’s done within the guidelines of the rental pool agreement. This gives you flexibility in enjoying your property while still benefiting from the income generated during other times of the year.

Benefits of Joining Big White Central Reservations Rental Pool

1. Access to the Resort’s Marketing Power: As part of Big White’s official rental pool, your property benefits from the resort’s extensive marketing efforts. The resort attracts thousands of visitors annually, thanks to its renowned ski slopes, family-friendly activities, and year-round attractions. By joining Central Reservations, your property is showcased to a captive audience of potential renters via the resort’s website, email marketing, and guest services.

2. Hassle-Free Management: Big White Central Reservations takes care of all the logistics of managing a rental property, including:

   • Advertising and marketing
   • Guest bookings and payments
   • Housekeeping and maintenance services
   • 24-hour guest support This comprehensive management service allows property owners to enjoy rental income without the time and effort involved in managing the property themselves.

3. Income Potential: The rental pool provides a steady stream of income, especially during the high-traffic winter season when demand for accommodations is at its peak. The revenue you earn can help cover operating expenses such as your mortgage, strata fees, property taxes, and upkeep costs. Even during the off-season, Big White continues to attract visitors for summer activities like hiking and mountain biking, offering opportunities for year-round rental income.

4. Owner Privileges: As a property owner, you can still enjoy your unit at Big White. The program allows you to block out dates for personal use, especially during quieter times or when you want to take advantage of the mountain yourself. However, during peak holiday seasons, it’s worth noting that renting out your property may maximize your rental income, as demand (and rental rates) tend to be highest.

5. Trusted Management by Big White: Being part of the resort’s official rental pool means you’re working with a trusted entity that knows the resort inside out. Big White Central Reservations has direct control over guest experiences at the resort, ensuring high standards of service, guest satisfaction, and property care. This can help reduce risks related to renting out your property and gives you peace of mind.

Considerations Before Joining

While the Big White Central Reservations Rental Pool offers many advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Commission and Fees: Big White Central Reservations takes a percentage of the rental income as a management fee. Make sure to review the fee structure to understand how much of the rental income will go toward management services. Typically, this is in exchange for the convenience of hands-free rental management. 

• Availability: If you plan to use your property frequently, it may limit your ability to earn rental income, particularly during high-demand periods. You’ll want to find a balance between personal use and maximizing your rental potential.

• Rental Pool Agreement: Before signing up, review the rental pool agreement carefully to understand the terms and conditions, including how often you can use your property, how income is shared, and what responsibilities the management company assumes on your behalf. Please feel free to reach out to get a copy of the rental management agreement to learn more about the fee structures of each building.

Is the Big White Central Reservations Rental Pool Right for You?

If you’re looking to own a property at Big White and want a way to generate passive income without the hassle of managing the rentals yourself, the Central Reservations rental pool is an excellent choice. It offers convenience, professional property management, and a steady stream of rental income, allowing you to enjoy your property while letting the resort handle the day-to-day operations.

Whether you’re purchasing a cozy ski-in/ski-out condo or a luxury chalet, enrolling your property in the Big White Central Reservations rental pool could help you maximize your investment while enjoying the mountain lifestyle. Make sure to consult with a real estate agent familiar with Big White’s rental market to ensure this option aligns with your financial and personal goals.

Ready to explore Big White real estate and the rental pool program? Contact Ian Tang to learn more!