Like many long time locals our Whistler residency was a spontaneous result of a single ski trip. Back in 1975 I came up after exams for a month of skiing and left with a plan for the next ski season. At that time Alta Lake was the name, we had 2 gas stations along with the lift access in what today is called Creekside.
The Whistler Valley is formed by the pass between the headwaters of the Green River and the upper middle reaches of the Cheakamus River and is flanked on both sides by glaciated mountains on both sides. Being the lowest and most direct pass it was the main trading route between the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations long before the arrival of Europeans. Today these two nations are celebrated in the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center and one of the Resorts priced legacies from the 2010 Olympic Games.
Trappers and prospectors established small camps back in the early 20th century. You will recognize names such as Horstman and Millar in our home today. Next Alex and Myrtle Philip purchased 10 acres in 1914 on Alta Lake and established Rainbow Lodge. With completion of the Pacific Great Northern Railway reducing the travel time from 3 days. As the Lodge gained popularity as a summer destination west of the Rockies other Lodges opened in the valley.
Until 1960 the area remained quiet with no basic infrastructure; no hydro, sewer or water, and no road from Squamish or Vancouver. In 1962 four Vancouver businessmen began to explore the area with the intent of building a ski resort and bidding for the 1968 winter Olympics. London Mountain became Whistler Mountain as our Olympic quest began. In 1966 the mountain opened and tried again for the 1976 Olympics.
The Olympic run was a ski out to the garbage dump and a bus shuttled skiers back to the Creekside Gondola. Whistler Village opened in 1981 with Blackcomb Mountain and the Whistler Village lifts opened for 81/82 ski season. I recall boycotting the Village for the first year only to find myself selling parking stalls in the Village years later.
In 1986 I received my real estate license and today offer over 20 years of award winning experience in chalets, condos and recreational investment properties. With a unique perspective of growing up through the evolution a small regional ski resort to an award winning Olympic Host Village I can educate on all facets of Whistler.
Through the years I have built a home, renovated, owned a phase 2 rental condominium as well as managing a phase one rental through the internet. I have travelled to many resorts throughout North America and Europe to check out the competition and stay on top of trends in mountain towns.
Honesty and loyalty are two of the cornerstones of a good working relationship. You can expect a comfortable no pressure process based on mutual loyalty and success. I can’t imagine living anywhere else and we are welcoming the world this winter!
At the Whistler Real Estate Company I work with a team of experts in every field. We will work through every step of the process with you to make your transaction simple and worry free. With their assistance we can cover everything from non resident mortgages, tax advice on GST and investment revenue properties, home inspections, maintenance and more.
Year after year of up to date market advice for both buyers & sellers. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sharon
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