Big White Real Estate: How The Glades Compares to SilverStar and Apex
The Glades chalets feature master-planned layouts that facilitate frictionless days, and windows that frame stunning alpine views.
Buying at a ski hill is exciting and, honestly, a bit overwhelming. Every Okanagan ski resort has its own strengths, and the “best” choice is usually the one that fits how you actually want to spend your weekends.
If you are looking at Big White real estate, Silverstar real estate, or Apex real estate, here’s a straightforward overview.
TL;DR: Which Mountain Fits You Best?
| If this sounds like you | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| “I want the full resort ecosystem: village energy, lots of services, and plenty of options for everyone. Deep, champagne powder is essential.” | Big White | Big destination feel, strong on-mountain convenience, and multiple neighbourhoods and developments to compare. When Kelowna locals talk about going up to the hill… they’re talking about Big White. |
| “Family trips, decent snow, and a community vibe matter most.” | SilverStar | Often a great fit for families who want a quainter, quieter feel and a predictable rhythm for cozy winter weekends. |
| “I want quieter, simpler, and more of an escape than a scene. Snow isn’t my top priority.” | Apex | Smaller-scale resort energy that can feel more relaxed, with a more limited inventory vibe. |
First: The Ski Resort Market in the Okanagan
A noticeable shift is happening in BC’s mountain communities this winter. More people are planning trips closer to home because it feels more straightforward and predictable, and improved borrowing conditions are giving buyers a bit more breathing room.
That’s showing up in how people shop; more comparing, more questions, and fewer rushed decisions. So, let’s do the comparisons properly.
Big White vs. SilverStar vs. Apex: Where Each Stands Out
Big White: nicest “all-around” resort lifestyle
Big White is the largest resort on the list, and tends to work best for people who want the complete package and the best snow: village services, varied terrain, and stunning neighbourhoods where ski access is part of the design.
SilverStar: village charm + a strong family feel
SilverStar has a distinct personality. People often love it for the colourful village, the community energy, and how naturally it supports family routines like ski school, group dinners, and easy days that don’t feel complicated.
Apex: quieter, simpler, and very “getaway”
Apex can be a great fit if you want fewer crowds and a more laid-back feel. Housing inventory is smaller, but for the right buyer, that is part of the appeal. It can feel like a true escape.
The Glades at Big White offers right-sized, compact luxury for a reasonable price in an excellent location.
Where Big White Real Estate Really Shines
Big White is the most popular resort in the Okanagan for a reason. A few practical things tend to matter to buyers:
Convenience and services: it’s set up to support visitors and owners, with a village layout and plenty going on.
Real estate choice: you can compare multiple development styles and locations, not just a single new-build pocket.
Reputation: awards and third-party recognition help buyers feel confident they are buying into a resort with momentum.
Where The Glades Fits at Big White
The Glades at Big White isn’t the “best for everyone.”
The Glades is a strong fit if…
You want ski access that makes weekends feel easy.
The Glades is positioned near Happy Valley in the Black Forest area with ski-in and ski-out access. If your goal is fewer logistics (parking, hauling gear, getting everyone moving), that location style matters.
You care about ownership structure and control.
The Glades is positioned as freehold, not strata. That will matter most to buyers who want a more traditional own-the-land structure and the clarity that can come with it, compared with many shared-title setups.
You want STR-friendly ownership potential.
If short-term renting (STR) is part of your plan, The Glades is attractive because short-term rental rules include an exemption from the principal residence requirement for properties within designated mountain resort areas. Contact Acorn Communities with questions about STR-friendly home ownership at The Glades.
You like right-sized, reasonable, modern mountain living.
Not everyone needs a massive chalet. Some people want something efficient, well-finished, reasonably priced, and designed for real gear, real snow, and real weekends. More “smart modern mountain home” and less “luxurious mansion in the woods.”
The Glades might not be your best match if…
You want a huge luxurious home, and you are happy to trade lift convenience for more space.
You prefer a classic cabin look, and you are not drawn to modern architecture.
Your main goal is a super-low entry price point (older resale condos usually win here, depending on the unit and condition).
Is Big White Real Estate the Right Fit?
A good next step is to narrow in on how you will actually use the place: how often you will be up, how important ski-in and ski-out really is, if freehold is attractive, and whether you like the sound of modern compact luxury at a reasonable entry price.
Explore The Glades at Big White and connect with Acorn Communities to review current availability, ownership details, and floor plans.
The Glades at Big White is a freehold mountain community by Acorn Communities, designed for people who want right-sized, modern homes with ski-focused convenience. Learn more or contact our team to book a walkthrough.