As cities across the globe become increasingly claustrophobic, a call is going up for vacation properties; especially in areas as scenic as the Kootenays.

Because of this, Red Mountain Properties has recently received the go-ahead to build the Copper Chalets, the third development by the company which is situated just east of the base area lands owned by the Red Mountain ski hill.

Work has already begun on the first eight units in the 96 unit development, with Red Mountain Properties president, Robert Felsch, saying that he is considering building another eight this year because of the demand. And this demand comes from the international crowd. Most of the buyers so far are from the U.S., with only one being bought by a Canadian.

These units average 480 square metres with an average selling price of around $250,000. Felsch said that as more of the properties are sold, this could create a snowball effect of interest in the entire area.

“If I can begin to show what can be done here, it will make it more attractive to someone who wants to come in and do something,” said Felsch.

Some of the features of these chalets include high main floor ceilings, a choice of cathedral vaulted or coffered ceilings, a gas fireplace with natural stone hearth and rustic mantles, hardwood kitchen floors and heated floors to all the ceramic tiled areas.

Felsch said that one of the things that has made these developments possible is the support of the local community and in particular, the area Community Futures Society.

“It was Community Futures that helped get us underway,” said Felsch. “It is really a fantastic organization that helps get people, even those with less resources than us, up and going.”

And because of the local excitement about the project, along with an obvious demand for these types of vacation chalets, Felsch said that he hopes to build all 96 units within seven years. And for Felsch, Rossland is the place to be.

“This is a great little town. There aren’t many Rosslands around and it is a fantastic ski hill,” said Felsch. “You can’t change a ski hill and you can’t change a town, but you can put a condo anywhere.”