Guest Comments – 2012

From Facebook – Thanks!

02-29-2012 (Doug)

Hi Mitch,

Thank you so much for the wonderful experience at your house.  I’ve been to Big White every year for the past 6 years and I must say this is the best house we have ever stayed!  The house was amazing and the location is awesome!  The best part was indoor/outdoor pool, makes it so much easier to get into the pool!!!  Anyone thinking going to Big White should definitely stay there if you get a chance.  Our group had such a wonderful time and we hope to stay there again in the future!  Thanks Mitch

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02-29-2012 (Tzr)

It’s a wonderful experience to stay in SkiCrescendo:  the facilities in the house are just excellent, especially the indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi.  My family and friends just had so much fun.  It’s the best place to stay in Big White!!

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03-01-2012 (Danny)

The Club house is beautiful and wonderful; especially the house has the big movie screen and the bar for drinking wine.

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03-27-2012 (Girard)

Thank you, Mitch, for the amazing accommodations at SkiCrescendo!  Your house has all the modern features I could imagine, as well as several I never would have imagined.  First class all the way, from the heated flooring throughout, to poker, bumper pool, and ping pong, to the theater room, and of course the famous indoor/outdoor hot tub.  We also loved the ski in – ski out access and extremely short walk to the nightlife.  Your home truly has it all!

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03-27-2012 (Ailina)

The Crescendo is everything you can possibly dream of and more… Thank you so much for a memorable vacation!

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03-27-2012 (Alex)

Just spent 4 days at this amazing house.  The views, indoor/outdoor hot tub, comfort, and location are all perfect.  5-Stars.

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03-28-2012 (Bethany)

Such an amazing time at Crescendo this past week with family and friends.  Snow was soft and fun to play in, beds were soft & comfy, and great to sleep in (tried 3 different beds… there are so many to choose from!  So happy we stayed at Crescendo – it was massive, right on the slopes, has the best hot tub on the mountain.  Thanks for making our stay ever the better!

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04-01-2012 (Mallika)

Thanks for the amazing time SkiCrescendo!!!  It was a fabulous, fun-filled week and I miss everyone (and the snow) already!  Will post some pictures as soon as I can!

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04-02-2012 (Jordanna)

Such a wonderful time this past week! What a great place for families to stay and trade off with the kids during the day. A true vacation, which I didn’t think was possible with 2 little ones.  Gracias!!!

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04-02-2012 (Marty)

This past week at Crescendo went by too fast!  It was hard to leave yesterday.  The convenient access to the entire mountain coupled with some really fun and varied terrain covered in fresh snow almost every day of our trip added up to a memorable vacation for sure.  And Avery, our 2 year old, really loved the daily dips in the pool!

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04-03-2012 (Erin)

The Hurley family loves SkiCrescendo!  Thanks for a wonderful visit in a beautiful house with amazing people and gorgeous snow. Good times!

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04-06-2012 (Amanda)

Awesome snowy weather, great mountain and great house to ski right onto the slopes.  I am really missing the hot tub!  Great to see old and meet new friends!  Thanks for the great memories!

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09-21-2012 (Jordanna)

Can’t wait to head back here for another winter of pure fun and relaxation!  Someday I’ll make it up for the summer as well.

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10-13-2012 (Marc Jaillet)

You know this place is great. Ya, you hear it all the time, but, this time is a different perspective, from a “test drive” point of view.  As I said before, I can appreciate the time invested in making this beast tame enough to be user friendly, for the not so tech savvy people.  I’ve been alone in here for approximately 24 hours, and what I’ve come to appreciate are the little things…for example, getting the light settings for mood arrangements, and what makes the individual rooms “look good.”

Right from the excitement of seeing her as you drive up Rockridge, and gawk saying “WOW is that the place?!”… To trying to take in all you can in a short stay I appreciate it much more as I have been able to enjoy this place alone, before guests show, who will share the same “Wow…is this the place?” excitement.

It sure is a sweet place, and certainly is not a house, or chalet, or any other lame title…she has her own identity…Crescendo.  She truly is a magical beast.  Thank you!

Definitely the worst part of Crescendo is leaving.  This was by far the best stay for me. Leanne…not so much.  She got sick :(.
Anyhow, I just want to thank you a million times.  Everything was perfect.  My guests were amazed, and very respectful of the house.  They helped clean the house up to minimal wrap-up, (a bit of laundry to finish, and the garbage was brought to garage), for Sheila.

I thought of one thing that would look awesome.  Great room ceiling, imagine a HUGE diameter fan, like an airplane propeller, or one made of skis and/or snowboard.  :)

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10-15-2012 (Alex)

Crescendo is awesome!!!  Love it there!!!!

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From the Guest Journal (and Emails) – Thanks!

12-06-2011 (Ailene)

December 5^th was the best day ever.  I love snowboarding now.  Thanks Crescendo.

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12-23- 2011 (Elaine)

We booked Crescendo over 3 months ago, and it is everything we thought it’d be.  Amazing, elegant, and beautiful.  We will be back.

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01-07-2012 (Green Party)

All the beds are so nice, and the TV is awesome!  This place is amazing.  We loved it!

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March 21 2012 – Phyllis, Bruce, Anya

Crescendo is a magical place.  Stunning architecture, stylish décor & account for all personal comfort so enhanced our stay here!  We felt totally at home here and were able to relax & forget our troubles.  Proximity to the village and ski in, ski out are amazing features.  We feel very lucky to have experienced the grandeur of Crescendo.  Thanks, Mitch, for creating this paradise at Big White, and for sharing it with us.

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07-27-20212 (Clint)

Clint’s 40^th Birthday Debauchery

Love this place!  We will be back again fors ure.  Thank you Crescendo.  Birthday Boy Clint.

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07-27-2012 (Isaiah)
Is this place even real?  I feel like I am in a movie!

Looking for people who want to split this place to purchase.  The place is bomb!

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07-27-2012 (Jennifer)

Second time staying here.  We love it here.  Jennifer XOXO

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07-27-2012 (Stephanie)

What an amazing & beautiful place.  Had an amazing time here celebrating Clint’s 40^th birthday. Can’t wait to come here again.

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09-16 2012 (Nicole)

Hi Mitchel,

We had an amazing time there, and all our colleagues loved the place. Everything we needed – and more – was there (especially in the kitchen!).

I had to leave earlier than most for my flight on Tuesday – hopefully everything was left okay. I gave Daniel’s number to one of my colleagues to call before she left.

Thanks again for all your help. I’ve “liked” Crescendo on Facebook and will see if we have any good pictures to add!

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10-4-2012 (Heinro)

What a wonder home in such a lovely setting.  Even better that you, our friends shared it with us.  Thank you for wonderful memories and your friendship!

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10-13-2012 (Marc, family, & friends)

My last entry was October 17, 2010 … my birthday weekend celebration. Here we are again! My ultimate thanx to Mitch for the opportunity to give it another birthday weekend extravaganza! Much love & respect!

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10-13-2012 (Margo & Mario)

Wow! Thank You!!!

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10-13-2012 (Alex)

In my 19 years, this is by far the nicest house I have ever had the pleasure of being at. I love it here!!! Alex

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10-13-2012 (Alaine & Kent)

This place is amazing and soo beautiful. What an awesome weekend spent with awesome people & friends. Thank you for opening it up for us.

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10-13-2012 (Ryan)

This place is Awesome.

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10-13-2012 (Valerie, Dennis, & Winter)

What a great time with beautiful friends & a beautiful home. Enjoying special moments in time with wonderful people & places!!

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12-27-2012 (Pat & Jack)

Twenty Family Members enjoyed the stay. So welcoming and beautiful. Four generations of family “the Richards, the Wilsons, the Rivets, the Millers.” Very Merry Christmas!!! Later’s Baby!! Ft McMurray, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna

 

Flipkey & VRBO Guest Reviews – 2012

Marshall Family (for December 2012) – Kelowna, BC

The best place to stay in Big White – without a doubt

We have been to Big White 5 times, staying at different condos around the mountain. This last time we stayed at Crescendo (ourselves and 2 other families) and found it to be the best! The facilities are perfectly kept and its proximity to the village and ski in/ski out access makes for a very comfortable and luxurious stay.

When we next go back, it will be the first place we try to rent, as it would be difficult to stay anywhere else.

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Sheila – (December 2012) – Kelowna, BC

Oh My, Oh My, above all expectations. This home is incredible. The kitchen has every small appliance you can dream about. The Media Room (or man cave) is awesome, and the kids can watch movies in surround sound!! The adults can have their own party with the full bar available. Music throughout the home is relaxing and helps the party play all night long (if you so desire). Ski-in Ski-out could not be any better, and granny can watch the grandchildren ski by (Bonus).

This home enabled us to have the most wonderful Family holiday ever. With 6 adult children, spouses, and 8 grandchildren (2 were unable to come due to travel and work), everyone’s needs were met and beyond. A 6M dollar home at around $130 per night per person, this is the best bargain on the hill, and the most exciting place to stay. Thank you Mitch for an incredible holiday, and allowing us to experience your home at Big White Ski Resort. Your generosity in sharing your home and allowing us to have the Crescendo experience changed all our lives. :) We will be back and our children will be back without us from time to time as well.

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Kelly (for December 2012) – Vernon, BC

The best place to stay in Big White – without a doubt.

We have been to Big White 5 times and Crescendo is the nicest, well-appointed, and best located accommodation on the mountain. We were a group of three families and we all enjoyed the large kitchen, multiple bathrooms and comfortable bedrooms. The table tennis and indoor/outdoor hot tub made for great après ski activities! When we next plan to return to Big White, Crescendo will be our first choice.

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Pat (for December 2012) – Alberta

This beautiful and unique home provided us with a wonderful family retreat. We loved our family ski holiday at the beautiful Crescendo. It is certainly a unique property, ideally located at Big White, and has too many amenities to name. We did thoroughly enjoy the vaulted great room – the huge windows provided a spectacular view, and the kitchen was extremely well supplied. We found Dr. Mitch (owner) and Sheila (property manager) a pleasure to deal with. Sheila was very responsive when there were a few glitches with some of the electronics. Although Crescendo can sleep a large number of people, as there are just 3 bedrooms, privacy with overnight accommodations for a large number of people may be a consideration. Thanks again for sharing this wonderful property!

Owner’s Note: Thanks Pat! Yes, if I recall, it was during your stay that, two days in a row, the power went out at Big White. Apparently, all that early snow downed some trees, which downed a couple power lines. Most of Crescendo’s electronics will reset themselves automatically when power returns, but to guard against power surge destruction, certain extra sensitive pieces do need to be reset manually. I’m glad, though, that Sheila was on top of that immediately for you.

We’re now a five bedroom home! Woo Hoo! One of the things I insisted upon in the design was for it to be convertible. I didn’t want there to be a lot of empty bedrooms, for example, and instead wanted to utilize that space when the configuration of guests allowed: hence, the three custom queen Murphy Beds/Closetry in the Media Room: 4th bedroom. After the season closed this year, we added a new bedroom, bringing the total to five. In the Game Room, we designed & built an incredible U-shaped couch, with drawers underneath. Upon demand, the couch converts to 4 Twin beds. A sliding glass wall sections the room into a private bedroom. Take a look at the pics on our website. Pretty incredible.

Thanks again for your very kind words, Dr. Mitch

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Val (for October 2012) – Armstrong, BC

Opulence on the Mountain – We had an opportunity to spend a night of luxury and splendor at the Crescendo. Our children enjoyed the beds in the “sky” and the privacy it offered to ourselves. The amenities were second to none that I have ever experienced before: local or abroad. For such a loud name the setting was tranquil and serene. The hot tub that is inside and that carries to the outside was brilliant in design and in effect.

The steam shower was rivaled only by the overlook of the bath surrounded in glass. Media room top notch layout, and functionality. Perfect accommodations for a family or large group: privacy still achievable due to sheer size of this space.

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Marc (for October 2012) – Kelowna, BC

The most the mountain can offer – By Far the Best on the Mountain.

This is my third experience at Crescendo. You know this place is great. Ya, you hear it all the time, but, this time is a different perspective, from a “test drive” point of view. As I said before, I can appreciate the time invested in making this beast tame enough to be user friendly, for the not so tech savvy people. I’ve been alone in here for approximately 24 hours, and what I’ve come to appreciate are the little things…for example, getting the light settings for mood arrangements, and what makes the individual rooms “look good.”

Right from the excitement of seeing her as you drive up Rockridge, and gawk saying, “WOW is that the place?!”… To trying to take in all you can in a short stay, I appreciate it much more as I have been able to enjoy this place alone, before guests show, who will share the same “Wow…is this the place?” excitement. It sure is a sweet place, and certainly is not a house, or chalet, or any other lame title. She has her own identity…Crescendo. She truly is a magical beast. Thank you!

Definitely the worst part of Crescendo is leaving. This was by far the best stay for me. Anyhow, I just want to thank you a million times. Everything was perfect. My guests were amazed!

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M. De… (for October 2012) – Salmon Arm, BC

Wonderful Retreat – We thoroughly enjoyed our stay with a group of friends. There were so many rooms and activities at the house, that it didn’t seem like there were almost twenty people there, including energetic kids!

The huge indoor/outdoor hot tub was fun, the games rooms and huge projector TV were awesome, and the beautiful kitchen/living room had enough space for all the adults to gather for food and conversation.

We had the privilege of staying in the master suite, and it is gorgeous, and the ensuite bathroom was fabulous – huge steam shower and soaker tub. It was a lovely way to retreat from the real world for a weekend!!

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Thomas (for October 2012) – Ft Lauderdale, Florida

Absolutely stunning custom work of art where fun awaits.
As an owner of 16 properties, Crescendo IS what I like to call “the peak of perfection of which none compare.” This home and the experiences it brought during our stay were unparalleled: space, technology and wonderful times.

From the moment you drive up the private driveway, you know you are somewhere special. Crescendo, a CUSTOM WORK OF CONTEMPORARY ART, where CLASS AND TECHNOLOGY merge.

Five interlocking levels surround the large round glass-blocked staircase. Don’t look for a light switch, there are none! Your first touch-screen display screen is inside the front door. Press “Arrive” and the home comes to life. The touch-screens operate the lighting, XM sound, and climate control in each room. From the touch-screens you can also view the entry cameras and unlock each entry door. The owner told me there are many miles of cabling in the home and the home is geothermally heated and cooled.

Game Room for games and bumper pool; Rec Room with ping pong, exercise equipment, and more. LARGE Media Room with, around 1000 movies on the incredible digital media system. Main level Dining Room and HUGE Great Room with amazing views (ski slopes 5’ away) from the approximate 30’ curtain of glass. Great spot to entertain, read, or just turn on the fireplace and nap. Large Commercial Kitchen has a huge bar that opens into the great room. At the Guest Rooms level, behind a curved glass brick wall, you’ll find the laundry facilities with TWO sets of commercial washer and dryers. Floor to ceiling glass enclose the large custom hot tub ROOM! FROM THE HOT TUB you can SWIM UNDER THE GLASS WALL to the outdoor resistance lap pool WITH HEATED concrete borders (The owners did not want you to sit on snow if you wish to sit and watch the slopes from the pool!). Heated ski-boot hangers inside to dry your ski boots. Looking through the Master Bath GLASS WALL you can see through the large Great Room windows to the slopes!

We stayed in non-snow season and had a wonderful time relaxing, hiking (fun opportunity to hike snowless ski sloops), reading, cooking, the hot tub, theatre and watching the incredible clarity of the stars at night from the pool. Looking forward to coming back during ski season and skiing DIRECTLY OFF THE SLOPES INTO THE BACK DOOR! CRESCENDO the “PEAK of AMAZING” SIMPLY AN AWESOME ADVENTURE! Forgot to mention ALL the floors are HEATED! Owners were extremely accommodating!

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Rene (for summer 2012) – San Diego, California

Hi Mitch – We enjoyed it so much to have the whole family all at one spot that we have booked again. My brother and sister-in-law were doing the booking this time for the August long weekend 2013.

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Anellina & Carl – (for September 2011 & 2012) – San Clemente, CA

Absolutely Beautiful, Tremendous views, Exquisitely Quiet, State-of-the-Art Design –

Mitch –

Thanks again for the wonderful opportunity to stay at Crescendo for a whole week in early September. The weather was perfect: mid 70’s during the day and low 60’s at night (we gave up on Celsius, we are proud, ignorant, Americans). It was wonderfully quiet on the mountain. Enjoyed hangin-out with the locals at Carver’s (only place open, but food was good).

Crescendo is a technical marvel! The only thing missing are automatic toilet paper dispensers, but I’m sure you are working on it. The indoor/outdoor spa was a treat, the steam shower in the master and the Jacuzzi looking out over the Great Room and the mountains – great touch.

I can see what you mean that Crescendo can hold a lot of people at once without the feeling of being crowded – with all the multi levels and ways to entertain oneself. We felt very cozy just the two of us.

We had a great time in that wonderful state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen. Cooked to our heart’s content. Used the outdoor barbeque a lot, being so close to the kitchen. I told Anellina the only thing the kitchen lacked was the Ice Cream maker, and then I found that too.

Wonderful wine tasting down the mountain. Our visits to the wineries were impressive.

In summary, it was lovely, tremendous views, exquisitely quiet in the mountains with bright and beautiful stars at night. It is truly a place to relax and luxuriate. A truly wonderful way to spend our anniversary for the past two years.

Carl & Anellina

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Nicole (for September 2012) – Ontario

Amazing accommodations & Excellent Customer Service – My company was looking for a rental property to hold one of its training meetings for a new product launch. Instead of going the usual hotel route, we wanted a more “homey” feel, where our guests could have more face time with each other in a less formal setting. Crescendo worked out perfectly in providing the meeting/presentation space we needed, as well as plenty of room for relaxing and having fun. After our product meetings were done each day, the kitchen/great room was where we stayed most of the time. It was the perfect area for cooking meals together (a great bonding activity) and just hanging out after a long day of learning.

On top of all this, we had great customer service from Mitchel and his team. We were well taken care of before, during, and after our trip. I would definitely recommend Crescendo for anyone looking for either business or pleasure accommodations.

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Darlene (for July 2012) – Kelowna, BC

The One and Only Amazing Crescendo!!
I have had the enormous pleasure of staying at Crescendo for both Business and personal pleasure several times over the past 6 years. My first stay at Crescendo in early April 2008 was so overwhelming, I forgot to ski! I returned the following year in later April 2009 with 30 business associates, 15 of them staying the weekend. The TV room is ideal for presentations, and the elegant Great Room/Gourmet kitchen was perfect for our cocktail party. I returned in July of 2010 for a birthday party with 18 friends! We had a wonderful weekend!

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter – whatever the reasons – it’s all perfect at Crescendo’s! Mitch is amazing to deal with as well. In addition to his wonderful humour, he makes securing the rental a breeze, is always there to help, amazing quick responding to emails, and always available to make your experience at Crescendo a perfectly elegant affair.

I would highly recommend Crescendo for any event, corporate, personal, Wedding, Golf Trips (amazing golf courses close by), Family Re-unions, Skiing (of course), and just plain chillin’ out!

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Nicole & Curtis (for May 2012) – Burlington, Ontario

Such a Beautiful Home – This home is incredible. If you would want it, it’s there. From the amount of pure space to the exceptional quality of everything in the home, it leaves you quite flabbergasted that someone is willing to share this. We stayed here as a honeymoon for a few days and it’s so worth it, even in off-season.

The master bedroom was spacious and the bed was very comfortable. The master bath was… wow… just wow. The shower was large with shower heads everywhere. The tub was built perfectly for two. Since it was just the two of us we didn’t make use of the other bedrooms, but we thought it was awesome that they each had their own bathroom, plus there was extra bathrooms to use around the house.

The laundry area was awesome and I think the boot dryers were an amazing touch. I hate cold wet feet! The media room was amazing. With a huge DVD collection we weren’t bored for a second and it’s a great place to just socialize in as well. We also spent time in the great room just enjoying the views, the fireplace and the ambience that the Crescendo brings. The kitchen is well stocked with every gadget, pot, or item you may need including some basics you might forget.

We LOVED the pool area. We heated it up to hot tub temps and just relaxed. I could imagine it would be the best part of a long day on the slopes or a great way to keep kids entertained. I can imagine had the kiddo been allowed on the honeymoon, majority of her time would have been spent here!

There’s also a game room which is great for when you’re tired of being a prune, but we didn’t have a chance to use it during our short stay.

There is plenty for everyone to do so that you don’t feel crowded as this place sleeps a lot of people. I’ve stayed in houses before with large numbers of people and unless there are plenty of things to do, people tend to get on each other’s nerves. I doubt this would ever happen here as there is just so much to do in this house. We are forever grateful that we were able to spend the few days here. I hope we can go back some day with friends to really enjoy everything the Crescendo has to offer during the winter season.

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Jordanna (for March 2012) – Golden, Colorado

A Wonderful Place: for a Party or for the Entire Family to Enjoy – I absolutely love Crescendo. I have stayed here 3 times now and each time it gets better.

Initially I came with a huge group of friends. It was the perfect place to easily have a party and allow each person/couple to do what they wanted. We would all get together at lunch and at the end of the day and cook family-style meals. It was a blast.

I then came back years later with my husband and 2 very young children (9 months and 2 years old). It was the perfect place for a family vacation as well. I honestly didn’t think it would be possible for a long time to have a real family vacation with such young children. The location of the house is perfect, allowing my husband and I plenty of time to ski for hours and switch off watching the kids. I was still nursing at the time, so it was convenient for me to nurse my son and get right back out on the slopes without wasting precious travel time in between.

The house was large enough that having my infant there and 2 other babies there simultaneously (who still woke-up throughout the night) was not a problem. My 2 year old loved playing in the snow and watching the other skiers go by.

It was such a wonderful vacation I actually cannot wait to go back. We are going to try to make Crescendo a destination for our growing family and friends on a regular basis. Thank you Crescendo!

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Erin (for March 2012) – Irvine, California

They’re right about Unparalleled Excellence! – My family and friends had the pleasure of visiting Big White and staying at the gorgeous Ski Crescendo last year, and I wish we could go every year! We had so much fun and were so comfortable there, it was very hard to leave. It’s clear that the owners care about the details. We were blown away with every little convenient detail that the house provides–from an outdoor ski locker to boot and glove warmers–and even the laundry area is very well thought-out. And the clever conveniences are just the beginning.

The house exemplifies luxury while still letting you feel comfortable and at ease. We drank wine by the fire, made delicious meals for our large party, and we were all able to sit down together at the huge dining table. Oh, and there’s the indoor-outdoor hot tub! Soaking in the tub as we watched the snow fall in the evenings was simply heavenly.

I really can’t say enough about how fabulous our stay was. Thanks, Ski Crescendo for an amazing vacation! We look forward to coming back again sometime!

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Mallika (for March 2012) – Salt Lake City, Utah

Amazing! Had an incredible time at Ski Crescendo in March 2012 with a group of our closest friends. The skiing was amazing and the incredible access to the slopes was fantastic! Can’t wait to return again in the future.

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Mike (for March 2012) – Salt Lake City, Utah

Luxury ski in ski out – Amazing comfort, cool technology, fun place to party, great house. Totally worth the cost to stay in a high-end home.

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Alex (for March 2012) – Richmond, Virginia

Celebrity Status! The Best! – Just spent 4 days at this amazing house. The views, indoor/outdoor hot tub, comfort, and location are all perfect. 5-Stars. Richmond, VA

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Gerard.(for March 2012) – Newport Beach, California

Wow! What an amazing place to stay! This house has every modern feature I could have imagined. First class all the way, from the heated flooring throughout, to the poker room, bumper pool, ping pong, the theater room, and the incredible indoor/outdoor hot tub. We loved the ski in – ski out access and extremely short walk to the nightlife. This house has it all. Thank you, Mitch!

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Amanda (for March 2012) – Huntington Beach, California

Snazzy Ski Vacation Rental
Wonderful stay at Ski Crescendo. Who needs to look up the ski conditions when you can just look out the window at the slopes-it doesn’t get any closer than this! The house is designed for skiing convenience. Ski from the slopes directly to the roomy ski locker, which is located right next to the door to the house leading into a larger area to store ski clothes with lots of boot and glove warmers. We all really enjoyed all the toys, games and the hot tub which is both indoor and outdoor. Owners were great and accessible.

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Marty (for March 2012) – Golden, CO

One of a Kind – Our week at Crescendo was fantastic! We had a large group and a couple of very young children, and a few key things really allowed everyone to relax and enjoy each other’s company but also have family privacy when needed. First of all, the proximity of Crescendo to, well, virtually everything, made it very convenient for us all. For those of us that were sharing parenting duties, we could ski to within 5 steps of the door of the house, stow our skis in the ski locker, and step into the entryway where snowy clothes and boots are easily stowed in tidy cubbies. The boot drier would get to work on our wet gear immediately. Within minutes, parenting duties were exchanged, mom/dad were happy with their time on the slopes, and the kids had a ball inside with the ping-pong table, video games, media room, the garage for just running around, or getting bundled for a trip to center village to play on the playground, ride the gondola down to the tubing hill, or take a ski lesson. It was by far the most convenient experience I’ve had while sharing parenting duties at a ski mountain.

And once inside, the layout of the house accommodated everyone’s needs really well. Maybe it was the high ceilings throughout the house that lent a sense of having ample space, even while sharing the house with a dozen or so additional people. The murphy beds in the media room were really comfy, and the built in drawers allowed you to stow away your clothes out of sight but not out of reach. The kitchen was stocked with everything we could have wanted, and the dual dishwashers meant we never ran out of clean dishes. The linens were exquisite, the speakers and TVs throughout the house, all controlled by touch-panels in every room are very cool, and watching a movie in the media room felt like being in a theatre! I can’t say enough about Crescendo, we’re really looking forward to our next trip!

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Joe (for February 2012) – Charlottesville, VA

Quite simply, Crescendo is the nicest, most beautiful vacation home in which I have ever stayed. The home is enormous yet very welcoming. The bedrooms and bathrooms felt homely but also luxurious. We listened to music almost constantly over the built in over-head sound system, and watched movies every night in the personal theater.

Preparing meals in the spacious, modern kitchen was fun and easy. I could go on and on about the beauty of the living room, with its massive windows and gorgeous gas fireplace. We enjoyed countless hours playing games and recounting the day’s events in front of that fireplace.

I had previously only skied in the east, and was blown away by the quality and length of the slopes at Big White. I was also amazed that we were literally living right on the mountain, and could go out the back door each morning, put on our gear, and immediately resume skiing. Stopping for lunch was also awesome, because no time was wasted waiting in line or driving to a restaurant: we simply skied up to the back door, took off our gear in the large laundry room (with two washers and two driers), and ate at our convenience.

Another amazing option at Crescendo is the hot tub. There is nothing like walking out into the gently falling snow after a day of fantastic skiing, looking up at the gorgeous Canadian skyline while wearing only a bathing suit, and then climbing into a steaming hot tub. We fit 10+ people into the hot tub, and would have had room for plenty more.

In short, Crescendo is an amazing place, ideally located on an incredible ski resort. I loved every minute that I spent there, and recommend it whole-heartedly. If you are going on a skiing/snowboarding vacation in Canada, do it the right way, and go to Crescendo.

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Larry (for January 24, 2012) – Kelowna, BC

Unbelievable ski vacation home – We stayed for a week with 2 other families. Best ski home we have ever stayed at! The location is close to the village and true ski in/ski out as the ski run is just alongside the house. People ski by and ask if it is a personal house as we are hanging out in the inside/outside oversized hot tub. The media room, with hundreds of movie titles, is available on the home server, which kept the kids entertained in the evenings. We definitely want to return in the future.

Dad, It’s noing!

It’s Snowing!  or, as one guest (age – 3 years old) exclaimed upon seeing snow for the first time, “Dad, It’s noing!”  Lucky kid.  It wasn’t until I was 12 that I saw snow for the first time, and I wasn’t at Crescendo (or in Big White’s champagne powder).

Anyway, Big White has already had 10′ of snow this season, with about 6 of those as the current ski base.  And – even as I write this post, “It’s [still] noing!” at Big White.

Come join us!

A Mountain of Development

Developer Mark Consiglio has ambitious plans for Kelowna Mountain, a 259 hectare (640 acre) piece of property he owns just south of Kelowna City limits above the Upper Mission area.

Consiglio’s vision includes:

• a world class golf course
• wineries
• ski hill
• mountain bike park
• suspension bridges
• commercial amenities, shops and restaurants
• residential and resort accommodations

According to lawyer Garry Benson, speaking on behalf of Consiglio, it’s a $2-billion project that will create a couple of thousand construction jobs and 500 permanent jobs.

Benson says Consiglio is ready to proceed.

“The hold up at this point is getting into the Official Community Plan of the Regional District. Rather than have the Community Plan go in as it is, then turn around and later have to amend that plan, it seems like a long drawn out process that isn’t necessary,” says Benson.

“Really what the Regional District has to do is, basically, put us into the Community Plan and then we’ll worry about the development approval process at that time. The reason we’re coming forward now and making application is economics. That’s the biggest dictator.”

Despite the down economy, Benson says the time is right.

“It’s not going to stay down forever. When it does bounce back, that’s when you need to be in position. You don’t need to make the application at the peak of the economy, that doesn’t make any sense.”

He says plans are in the works to meet with Regional Board members including new Okanagan East Area Director, Patty Hansen.

“We are working on fine tuning some of our information. We are hoping to present them a more detailed package.”

Several amenities have already been constructed on the property, including:

• a 12 run ski hill with a triple chair
• three suspension bridges, including an 800-foot-long bridge, described as the longest in North America
• ‘Wine Cave.’

Because the property has not been zoned or included in the OCP, Consiglio can’t make the area available to the general public.

The ski hill was lit up Monday night for a private gathering for friends and family, an occurrence that prompted several calls and emails to the Castanet newsroom.

Ironically, that same night, the Regional Board deferred first reading of the South Slopes Officially Community Plan after receiving  an eight page brief from Consiglio outlining his request and proposal.

Possible options will be outlined for the board to consider at its next meeting February 9.

The brief prepared for the Regional Board by New York legal and business consultant, Michael Boccio, and obtained by Castanet News, is asking the board to consider adding a Kelowna Mountain Recreational Resort Comprehensive Development Zone.

Benson says the development would be world class.

He says one large winery and other smaller ones on the property would be Mondavi wineries, while the golf course would be designed by world renowned Tom Fazio Designs.

“I think it’s a brilliant vision for Kelowna. This is going to change Kelowna. This going to put us on the map,” says Benson.

“We have a good wine industry, but it’s not on the world map the way it should be. We have lots of golf courses, but we don’t have one that puts us on the world map.”

The development would also include 1,200 single family homes and 600 multi-family units.

The document for the Regional Board concluded by stating the additional tax revenues created by the Kelowna Mountain Community would be a windfall to residents of the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area in the form of reduced taxes and would provide an overall net gain to the RDCO.

Meantime, Benson says rumours Donald Trump is in Kelowna in connection with the Kelowna Mountain project are not true, however, he did confirm that Boccio, who is Trump’s former lawyer, is in town.

It’s rumoured there is a chance Trump could become involved in the Kelowna Mountain project at some point.