News

Stay informed about the latest project developments along with the host of activities and events scheduled throughout the Columbia Valley.


Experience your new home

Fairmont Hot Springs Canada Day Birthday Bash starts off with a Bang

 

The Residences at Fairmont Ridge celebrates the Canada Day long weekend with Fireworks, live music, and activities for the whole family!


June 29, 2011 (Calgary, AB): On July 1, 2011 one of the biggest birthday celebrations will take place in Fairmont Hot Springs.  Canada Day marks the long weekend, and vacationers will be taking off to one of the most serene environments in British Columbia for a weekend filled with family activities and fireworks. The Residences at Fairmont Ridge will be right in the heart of the action, and what better place to watch the fireworks but from one of the most luxurious mountain developments in the Columbia Valley.


The fourth annual community Canada Day celebration will welcome friends and neighbours to experience a different side of Fairmont.  All of the events will take place at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort’s NEW Base Camp, located just at the entrance of the resort, just a mere 5 minute walk from The Residences at Fairmont Ridge.


Event Details:

For more information on the fourth annual Canada Day Celebration in Fairmont Hot Springs visit www.fairmonthotsprings.com.  Participants who wish to sign up for the triathlon visit www.fairmontlife.org.


To book a Discovery Trip during the long weekend visit www.fairmontridge.ca, call 1.877.646.5890 or email infor@fairmontridge.ca


The Residences at Fairmont Ridge is the first multi-family fractional project to be introduced into Fairmont Hot Springs Resort– the epicentre of recreation in the Columbia Valley, B.C. Tucked between Lake Windermere and Columbia Lake, eight ski hills, eleven golf courses and an abundance of hiking, biking and other Rocky Mountain activities, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is currently undergoing a face lift that will re-invigorate the landmark area. . The Residences at Fairmont Ridge is the first multi-family project to be launched under the new Fairmont Hot Springs master plan.


Media Contact:
Lana Rogers
Anstice Communication
lrogers@ansticecom.com
403.519.7959


Public invited to discover one of the newest vacation destinations – Fairmont Hot Springs

 

For Immediate Release - June 9, 2011 (Saskatoon, SK): On June 22, 2011, Saskatoon residents will get a chance to get up-close and personal with Fairmont Hot Springs and experience one of the newest and most talked about vacation destinations in Western Canada. Hosted by Earl's Restaurant, friends and family are welcome to mix and mingle over complimentary wine, and food and will receive a chance to take advantage of a one-time vacation information session.


From 7pm to 9pm, Tim Tourond, community-coined "Mayor" of Fairmont Hot Springs, will be introducing all that is new and exciting for vacationers in Fairmont Hot Springs. Attendees will be able to ask questions and learn about the new and different offerings that are available from amenities to vacation accommodations and resort improvements. At this event, one will be able to customize their next mountain getaway.


Plan your summer vacation today!


Where: Earl's Restaurant
            610 2nd Avenue North, Saskatoon


Attendees must RSVP before June 15, 2011 to lrogers@ansticecom.com


Tucked between Lake Windermere and Columbia Lake, eight ski hills, eleven golf courses and an abundance of hiking, biking and other Rocky Mountain activities, Fairmont Hot Springs is an historical four-season destination located on the warm side of the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia. World renowned for its natural beauty and the largest therapeutic mineral hot springs in Canada, Fairmont Hot Springs is a true family destination.


Media Contact:
Lana Rogers
Anstice Communication
lrogers@ansticecom.com
403.519.7959


Discover the newest mountain contemporary vacation project with The Residences at Fairmont Ridge and Saskatoon's Truffles Bistro

 

On July 10th, 2010 vacationers and interested second home buyers are invited to "Cooking in the Mountains," at The Residences at Fairmont Ridge in Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. Saskatoon-based Chef Lee Helman of Truffles Bistro will be offering a one-of-a-kind cooking experience in the most sought-after, mountain contemporary vacation project, The Residences at Fairmont Ridge. This intimate event is a rare opportunity to cook and dine with one of Canada's top chefs in The Residences show home.


From 6:30pm to 9:30pm vacationers will get intimate and interactive with chef de cuisine Lee Helman as he cooks up classic French recipes and shares his culinary secrets. Guests will spend the evening sampling innovative French food and French wine, courtesy of JWebb Wine Market.


Introducing a bit of France to Saskatoon, Lee Helman is the owner and Executive Chef of Truffles Bistro. He brings with him 20 years of experience and is one of a handful in the province of Saskatchewan who is a certified Chef de Cuisine. By staying true to local ingredients from the area, guests keep coming back for simple, fresh and unpretentious classic French food.


Cooking in the Mountains has hosted two previous installments with Canadian food critic, Gail Hall and Calgary-based chef, Steve Smee. The event has attracted second home buyers and chefs from across Canada to experience mountain living in a casual dining setting while combining the joys of cooking and eating.


Escape to the mountains and book a DISCOVERY GETAWAY today that includes accommodations, and tickets to the event. Babysitting services for the evening are available. Contact The Residences at Fairmont Ridge at 250 345 6095 or info@fairmontridge.ca. Individual tickets are $70 per person for the evening and include all food and wine.


The Residences at Fairmont Ridge is the very first mountain contemporary town home fractional project in the majestic Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. and is now offering a 1/16 deeded and titled fractional ownership option. This never before offered ownership opportunity is located in one of Canada's most sought after family vacation destinations and is one of a kind in the Columbia Valley. www.fairmontridge.ca



Columbia Valley-based vacation project announces opportunity to "own more for less" with unique ownership option

 

On May 1, 2010 The Residences at Fairmont Ridge, based in Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C., revealed an ownership opportunity that competes directly with the popular timeshare product of the Columbia Valley. A deeded sixteenth fractional ownership option starting at $38, 900 has sparked major movement back into recreational property purchasing in one of Canada's most sought-after destinations. This never-before-offered ownership option is unique to the Columbia Valley and a first for Fairmont Hot Springs.


As opposed to timeshare product, the deeded sixteenth fractional offers vacationers an opportunity to invest in a second home at an affordable price. The sixteenth fractional includes 3 weeks of usage and is part of the world's largest property exchange program, RCI Exchange. An aggressive rental program is also in place via Fairmont Creek Property Management - a family-owned company managing rental property for over a decade.


Marketing Director, Jay Hardy notes "even through the recession the desire for lifestyle products such as a second home did not diminish. Today, consumers are now more focused on value and this is exactly what the sixteenth fractional represents - usage aligned with price and equity in a property that can be shared for years to come."


The Residences at Fairmont Ridge is setting a new precedent in the Columbia Valley with its urban-meets-nature design, contemporary style and furnishings and accessibility to some of the richest year-round recreational activities such a ski, golf, hiking, biking, water sports and more.


With the purchase of a sixteenth fractional buyers receive 15 rounds of golf, 15 ski passes and 15 Hot Springs passes. Rare fractional financing is also available through Quantum with 25% down at 9%.


"Timeshare product has remained the competitive choice in the Columbia Valley due to it's low cost and flexible exchange programs, but with the new fractional offering at The Residences at Fairmont Ridge, owning a second home becomes a smarter choice and significantly easier, and in these times, ease and value mean everything," notes Developer, Tim Tourond.


For more information or to book a discovery trip visit www.fairmontridge.ca. Or call 250 345 6095.



The Residences at Fairmont Ridge bring back "Cooking in the Mountains" with UNA Pizza & Wine

 

On June 5th, 2010, vacationers and prospective second home owners will get the chance to test their culinary expertise with a hands on cooking experience with Calgary-based chef Steve Smee of UNA Pizza and Wine. This culinary experience represents the second installment of "Cooking in the Mountains," a program created to cater to second home owners by The Residences at Fairmont Ridge and will take place in the comfort of The Residences show home in Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. The interactive event invites Hot Springs vacationers and food lovers into the most contemporary vacation home in the Columbia Valley!


From 6pm to 9pm, one of Calgary's most talked about chef's who has transformed Calgary's dining scene, Steve Smee, will be creating one-of-a-kind recipes for guests to help create and enjoy. Attendees will be able to watch, socialize, and sip wine while testing their culinary skills and local product knowledge. A variety of wine pairings will be supplied by Calgary's J Webb Wines.


Steve Smee, born and raised in Calgary, has been wowing restaurant lovers and foodies for many years. After moving on from the Executive Chef position with Mercato, he became owner and chef extraordinaire of the newly ultra cool hot spot, UNA Pizza and Wine, where his Western spin on savory Tapas and gourmet pizzas bring food lovers back to the sunny Mediterranean.


Last year's sold out "Cooking in the Mountains" was hosted by Canadian food expert and CBC Radio host, Gail Hall. This year, "Cooking in the Mountains" will showcase 4 different chefs from across Western Canada at The Residences at Fairmont Ridge once per month in June, July, August and September. Monthly chefs will be announced via The Residences at Fairmont Ridge newsletter and website.


Individual tickets are $70 per person and include food and wine for the evening. To book tickets and/or sign up for a weekend Discovery Trip weekend call 1.877.646.5890 or contact info@fairmontridge.ca. Tickets are first-come-first serve and are limited!


The Residences at Fairmont Ridge is the FIRST contemporary townhome development to be built in Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in over a decade. Tucked away in the most serene environment, while be located within walking distance to the Fairmont Hot Springs Pools and the heart of the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. It is the first project to offer fully titled whole, quarter, eighth and now sixteenth ownership options and is part of the world's largest property exchange program, RCI Exchange.



B.C. Resort Gets Cookin'

 

Kathy McCormick, Calgary Herald
Published: Saturday, March 13, 2010


The tantalizing scent of Turkish spices got them in the door, but it was the gourmet kitchen made for entertaining that kept them there.


The Residences at Fairmont Ridge recently opened the latest phase of development in the heart of the Columbia Valley in B.C. It consists of triplexes with modern, open designs and state-of-the-art finishes made for entertaining and, coincidentally, gourmet cooking.


Gall Hall, a food activist, consultant and owner of Seasoned Solutions in Edmonton, recently put on an interactive cooking demonstration -- with samples, of course -- for homeowners at The Residences at Fairmont Ridge, as well as Columbia Valley explorers who came out for the weekend. It turned out to be a tasty treat for people looking for gourmet-style living close to home.


That's no surprise to Jason Hardy, director of sales and marketing for Marble Canyon Developments, which is building the latest townhouse-style resort in the popular area. "Food is such a big part of the vacation experience as it brings friends and family together," he says.


While the development's gourmet kitchens are a big part of the reason for its success, it goes beyond that. The Residences at Fairmont Ridge offer the opportunity for potential second homeowners to buy just a piece of a condo, fitting individual needs and budgets. It's the first time a development in the area has ever offered fractional ownership opportunities. One-quarter or one-eighth fractional ownership is for sale, as well as full ownership. Membership is included in RCI, one of the world's largest property exchange programs.


That works out perfectly for one Calgary couple who recently purchased a one eighth fractional ownership in the new triplex homes.


"We live in Calgary and two years ago, Rick and I bought a timeshare in another property near The Residences at Fairmont Ridge," says Brenda Buckner. "We were looking down the road to the time we would retire and we wanted a place for ourselves and our kids and grandchildren. We both ski and golf, and we wanted somewhere close."


After the opportunity for fractional ownership came about, the Buckners jumped at it -- albeit carefully, given the economic conditions, says Brenda. "It was a new place, which was a drawing feature. It was nicely appointed. But the big draw, again, was the time factor. It's so close to home. "We initially looked at a quarter ownership, but with the economy going down, we settled on one-eighth, which still gives us six or seven weeks."


The flexibility also appealed to the couple. "We can switch our time with other owners, go to rental or to RCI, where we can bank points and go elsewhere."


The complex sits on 4.5 hectares of land in the heart of the Fairmont Hot Springs. It is, in fact, the first of a major redevelopment of the whole area under a $1 billion master plan announced in 2008 by Ken Fowler Enterprises, the new owners of Fairmont Hot Springs Resorts.


The 67 homes in the development consist of two, three and four-bedroom luxury townhomes of 1,378-to 2,416 square feet. To date, 15 units are complete and 40 per cent of those have been purchased, with half of the owners from Calgary. One-eighth ownership packages are priced from $66,900 to $114,900, one-quarter ownership is from $126,900 to $216,900, and whole ownership is $561,900 to $974,900. In addition to the residences, the resort will have The Fairmont Ridge Owners Club, which will include oversized hot pools, decks and an owners' lounge. Of course, the whole Columbia Valley playground is at the doorstep.


"The whole draw for us was that we were not willing to put out the money for a second home and we didn't want a timeshare," says Brenda. "Here, we have all the conveniences of home with everything including cooking supplies and bedding. Yet, when we leave, all we have to do is strip the beds, turn on the dishwasher and take out the garbage. "It has all the benefits without the burden of work." Now if only that gourmet chef stayed, too, life would really be perfect.


For more information, visit www.fairmontridge.ca.



Warming up to Hot Springs

 

Marty Hope, Calgary Herald
Published: Saturday, January 09, 2010


The second home market in B.C. has taken a punishing one-two blow from the economic downturn, putting some projects down for the count and buckling the financial knees of others. Developers have been struggling to get back on their feet after consumers shoved their wallets back into their pockets, putting off big-ticket purchases until normalcy returned to the economy. To entice consumers back into the recreation and investment properties market, deep discounting and incentives have been the route taken my many resort developers. Many, but not all.


The Residences at Fairmont Ridge in Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C., decided the best way to combat the sagging marketplace was to spend money promoting its four-season fractional ownership development. As part of its promotional campaign, Fairmont Ridge officials will be on hand at the Calgary Herald's Recreation and Investment Properties show on Jan. 15 to 17 at Stampede Park. The event, part of HomExpo, is expected to draw more than 18,000 Calgarians.


Fairmont Ridge officials say their efforts are working, as suggested by the fact that almost $4 million in fractional ownership sales have been chalked up in the past four months. "Perceived value is what is truly driving sales during these tougher economic times," says Jay Hardy, director of sales and marketing. "We are delivering what our customers are asking for."


The Residences of Fairmont Ridge -- being developed by Marble Canyon Developments and managed by Chatterson Drive -- will have 67 townhouses and apartment condominiums at build out. Since they officially launched on the market this past summer, 16 sales valued at $3.98 million have been finalized. Phase one has been fully built, with possessions taking place, while phase two is expected to be completed later this month.


In the Columbia Valley, long a year-round playground for Calgarians, The Residences at Fairmont Ridge is part of the changing face of the ski-golf-relax area, which is about a three-hour drive from Calgary. Ownership opportunities range from a one-eighth ownership starting at $77,900 to one-quarter from $147,900, says Hardy. Full ownership is priced from $565,000. A rental program is also offered through the company's property management arm, Fairmont Creek Property Rentals.


Sales momentum has continued at Fairmont Ridge despite the economic conditions, says Hardy. It was a strategic decision to move out with a marketing program that wouldn't include deep discounts, instead playing up the overall Fairmont Hot Springs experience and the many amenities and activities the valley has to offer. Instead of cutting prices, Fairmont Ridge has introduced a purchase incentive program that ties fractional purchases with passes for golfing, skiing and the hot springs pool. For example, a one-eighth fraction brings with it 30 rounds of golf, 30 ski passes and 30 pool passes.


"We stand behind our town houses at the Ridge and the value they provide, which is why we decided not to follow the actions of other rec property projects and offer deep discounts and dropped prices," says Hardy. "It's not good for the market and not good for our value proposition."


As it continues to be aggressive with its marketing and sales promotions, Fairmont Ridge sees Calgary as a key market. "While most projects are in hibernation mode during the fall and winter, we've stepped up our game at the Ridge," says Hardy. This includes "several experience events and marketing initiatives to maintain a solid presence and overall awareness in the hearts and minds of our audiences in Calgary and Edmonton," he says.


The seven different floor plans in the development's town houses have each been created in a mountain contemporary style -- including vaulted ceilings over spacious rooms -- and are fully furnished. The two-, three-, and four-bedroom floor plans range from 1,378 to 2,417 square feet. Well-appointed interiors include rock breakfast bars and fireplaces with stone and timber detailing. Other features include a sound system, hardwood flooring, in-floor heating, fir doors and fibre-optics. There's also stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, custom cabinets, a computer station and a master bedroom large enough for a king-sized bed.


There's more. How about an eco-sensitive, energy-efficient design, an oversized outdoor space, low-E argon-filled windows, cultured stone finishes and xeriscape native landscaping? There is more to Fairmont Ridge than real estate, says Tim Tourond, president of Marble Canyon.


"We are offering what Fairmont naturally has and making it easier for people to experience these amenities and create a family legacy," he says.



Cooking in the Mountains with Canadian Culinary Expert, Gail Hall

 

December 14, 2009 (Calgary, Alberta)


On January 23 a handful of people will have a rare opportunity to spend an intimate evening in Fairmont Hot Springs B.C. with one of Canada's most recognized food activists and consultants, Gail Hall. "Cooking in the Mountains," an intimate and interactive culinary experience, will be held at the newest, most note-worthy vacation projects in Fairmont Hot Springs, The Residences at Fairmont Ridge. The event, hosted by Marble Canyon Developments, is offering foodies and Fairmont explorers alike the chance to indulge in masterpieces from the best of the best in Canadian culinary and vacation real estate.


From 6:30pm to 9:30pm, Canada's culinary expert, Gail Hall will be creating one-of-a-kind recipes for guests to enjoy. Attendees will have the opportunity to socialize, cook along-side Gail or watch her at work and sample wine from Cedar Creek Winery.


Gail Hall is renowned for her guest appearances on national radio and television programs, her regular hands-on cooking classes in her loft cooking school and culinary tours that take guests around the world to experience the diverse culture and history of food.


The Residences at Fairmont Ridge is the first-ever mountain contemporary town home fractional project in renowned, Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. The project is located within walking distance to the Fairmont Hot Springs Pools and the heart of the Fairmont Hot Springs resort. It is the first project to offer fully- titled whole, quarter or eighth ownership options and is a part of the world's largest property exchange program, RCI.


"Food is such a big part of the vacation experience, as it brings friends and family together." notes Jason Hardy, Director of Sales and Marketing for Marble Canyon Developments. "Cooking in the Mountains" is a program designed to bring people together in one of the most accessible and enchanting vacation areas in the Rockies. It provides just another reason to visit the Fairmont area and experience everything it has to offer."


Tickets are $67 per person which include all food and wine for the evening Accommodations and tickets for the weekend can be booked through Fairmont Creek Property Rentals at 1.877.646.5890 or info@fairmontcreek.ca. Tickets are first-come-first-serve.


For more information visit:
www.fairmontridge.ca
www.seasonedsolutions.ca



DEMAND FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES SHOWS PEOPLE STILL WANT TO STAY IN OUR LOVELY VALLEY

 

As we've survived the predicted worst part of the economic downturn, the second home market has taken one of the largest hits, yet the demand has not slowed - it has been hiding behind the curtains of property rental programs. Proof of this demand is evident in one of the region's most popular vacation spots - the Columbia Valley.


Property rentals in 2009 have been "strong, maybe even stronger than 2008," reports Bjorn Billehaug, Sales and Marketing Manager at High Country Properties, a property management company based in Invermere. The average three-bedroom single-family home with High Country Properties rents out for about $245 per night in high season and $145 per night in value season.


"Although the economy has slowed, people still want and need a vacation experience, yet value flexibility more than ever," says Mr. Billehaug.


Some developers, such as Marble Canyon Developments in Fairmont Hot Springs, have responded to this change in buyer mentality by offering creative vacation options.


The Residences at Fairmont Ridge, the newest project under construction by Marble Canyon, offers the option to purchase a one-eighth or one-quarter fraction, a wholly owned unit or simply rent through the company's property management arm, Fairmont Creek Property Rentals. The project is also part of the RCI exchange program, one of the world's largest vacation property rental operations, providing the flexibility and opportunity to experience other vacation destinations through a single investment.


Currently the project, which has just commenced with initial occupancies, has a waiting list of renters spanning into 2010. "The rental program at The Residences at Fairmont Ridge is ideal for two reasons," says President Tim Tourond, "number one, it provides a stream of income for those who own a whole or fraction of a unit; and secondly, it provides a stepping stone in making the move to purchase. We are finding that the traffic hasn't slowed down, but people are more likely to try living in a unit before taking the leap into owning it."


According to Sean Bigler, a financial planner with RBC Wealth Management in Calgary: "It is always important to get the right advice around making these decisions. When investing in a property, you want to understand the multiple aspects of your decision, such as options to generate cash flow through rental programs in order to offset your carrying costs."


The Residences at Fairmont Ridge are the largest, most contemporary town home units in the valley. The smallest unit at 1,378 square feet will rent out for about $359 per night in high season. One-eighth deeded fractions begin at $73,000. Mr. Tourond notes: "The deeded fractional has been wildly popular, attracting a new demographic wanting to get into the second home market but have traditionally been priced out. The rental program that we offer only adds value, as vacation rental has always remained strong in the valley. What we're finding with all of our users is that most carry a family tradition of visiting the area and that tradition, along with the need for a vacation property, will likely not disappear any time soon."


Now that the Calgary Real Estate Board is reporting a rebound in the local home market, the vacation property market will be next in line to pick up. The demand has not dissolved, even through these rough times.



FINDLAY CREEK & FINDLAY FALLS - Day Trip

 

Experience Outdoor Escape in the Columbia Valley


Findlay Creek and Findlay Falls is a 15 minutes drive south of Fairmont Hot Springs on Highway 93/95. A right turn off the highway at the Blue Lake sign on a gradual left curve, leads up into the Purcell wilderness area to the Findlay Falls Recreation Site. The short 4 kilometer drive on the Findlay Creek forest service road serves up some incredible vistas of Columbia Lake and the Columbia Valley.


The Findlay Falls Recreation Site is a prime area to set up camp, whether tenting or RVing. Hiking, sight seeing, and fishing are a just a few of the activities this recreational retreat naturally offers. Keep in mind, fishing requires a license and an understanding of the local fishing regulations. Kayaking is also available further upstream at the Lavington Creek turn off just an 8km drive from the Recreation Site. The Findlay Creek Forest Service road runs parallel to Findlay Creek. Around Findlay Falls Recreation site, tiny rugged trails branch down into the peaceful Findlay canyon, which has been carved out by this glacial waterway over thousands of years. So close, so unique and truly inspiring, the Findlay Creek area is an outlet to so many more remarkable natural getaways. Pick up an East Kootenay region backroads mapbook at almost any one of the local service stations, and take on the region's endless outdoor adventures.




GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

 

A New Fairmont Hot Springs is taking form.


The Residences at Fairmont Ridge is excited to announce the Grand Opening of its new show home this Saturday June 27th. A true culmination of months of hard work, Fairmont Ridge is setting a new standard of vacation ownership in the Columbia Valley.


Offering true mountain contemporary townhomes, these fully furnished Residences come with everything you need. With seven unique designs and generous floor plans for entertaining family and friends, we're confident you'll agree.


The opening weekend begins on Friday June 26 with the opportunity to reserve your own private show home tour. The celebration continues all day Saturday and Sunday and is highlighted by our Roast & Toast pig roast at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Lodge on Saturday evening. For more information on our grand opening events and to attend our evening Roast & Toast dinner, please contact Brent our Show Home, 250 345 6095.


Here are some images of the big day!