Blue Mountain Investment Opportunities


Own a Piece of Blue Mountain: Attractive Rental Returns vs Cost to Acquire


Blue Mountain is Ontario's premier Mountain Village Resort, drawing more than 4 million visitors each year. Conveniently located just three hours from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) – home to over 7.7 million people – it has become one of the most sought-after markets in North America for short term rental property investments.

The Town of the Blue Mountains enforces specific Short Term Accommodation By-laws (2021-70 and 2021-71), which clearly defines where STA's and CRU's can operate legally for rentals under 30 days.

Market adjustments have made now a strategic time to purchase short – term rental properties at competitive prices, positioning investors for both future capital growth and positive net rental returns.

When considering a short-term rental property investment, it's critical to confirm whether a property is in the right zoning area for short – term rentals. The Town provides an official STA Zone Map, which identifies approved STA and CRU areas.

CLICK HERE to access the STA Zone Map and Special Provisions for each RR zone.

STA vs. CRU's – What Investors Need to Know


Short Term Accommodation (STA)

  • Definition: Residential dwellings rented to guests for 30 days or less.
  • Licensing Requirements: Needs a Town issued STA License if in a permitted zone.
  • Permitted Areas: Primarily in Resort Residential (RR) zones and other approved zones per by-law. See the Town's STA zoning map.
  • Exemptions: Hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, tourist cabins, and CRU's managed by a qualifying rental manager are not considered STA's.

Commercial Resort Unit (CRU)

  • Definition: Rental properties within commercial / resort zones, typically part of a larger managed rental pool.
  • Management Requirement: Must be managed by an accredited rental company operating at least 10 units in the area.
  • Licensing: Does not currently require an STA licence. Licensing may be required in the future.
  • Examples: Condos and Townhouses surrounding the Blue Mountain Village.

Why Zoning is the Key Factor


  • Zoning By-law Compliance: Determines whether a property can legally operate as an STA or CRU.
  • STA Zones: Typically marked as "RR" (Resort Residential) on the zoning map.
  • Residential Zones: Prohibit STA's unless legally grandfathered.
  • Grandfathered Properties: Some chalets at Blue Mountain retain rental rights due to historical use prior to zoning updates.

Exploring Chalet, Condo & Townhome Investments in the Blue Mountains

The Property Valet Team has helped investors close more than 50 transactions in recent years, partnering with developers and local realtors to identify the most profitable opportunities. Their services go beyond buying and selling assistance – they provide turnkey investment experience that includes:


  • Financing and insurance support
  • Licensing guidance and processing
  • Interior design and setup.
  • Professional rental management
  • Revenue optimization strategies

As the market leader for short term rentals in Blue Mountain's STA / CRU market, Property Valet emphasizes the importance of understanding zoning, licensing and management structures before making a purchase.


Licensed STA & CRU Investment Areas in Blue Mountain


The Tyrolean Village Area:


  • Located at the base of Blue Mountain's North end, this area was originally developed in the 1970's and was the first large scale provider of Tourist accommodations at Blue Mountain.
  • The area is predominately made up of large style chalets from 4 to 10 bedrooms in size, in the form is single chalets, duplexes and triplexes on large well treed lots.
  • This is the only area in Blue Mountain, which is specifically zoned and allows for large chalet style, short-term rentals (STA's). If you are looking for a chalet style investment this is the recommended location which adheres to the zoning bylaw.
  • The Tyrolean Village area offers a limited number of large renovated and newly constructed chalets for investment.
  • The strong rental revenues generated by these chalets combined with the limited number of existing and future licensed units available on the market, makes for a unique and attractive investment opportunity.


Start your investment journey in the Tyrolean Village: 


Grandfathered Chalets at Blue Mountain:


  • Certain Chalets outside STA zones operate under grandfathered STA licenses protected by Section 34(9) of Ontario's Planning Act.
  • No new grandfathered licenses will be issued, making these properties rare and highly regulated, as they are located in traditional residential neighbourhoods.
  • Buyers should consult with a lawyer before investing.

The Blue Mountain Townhome and Condominium Areas:


 Zoned for STA or CRU use

Several multi-unit complexes at the base of Blue Mountain are zoned for STA / CRU use, offering convenient access to the resort. These include:

  • Rivergrass
  • Wintergreen
  • Chateau Ridge
  • Sierra Lane
  • Mountain Walk
  • North Creek Resort


Management Options:

With Property Valet Management: These units Operate as a CRU (No STA license needed.)


Self Managed: Requires an STA License for rentals under 30 days.


 Zoned for CRU use - Cachet Crossing

Must be managed by an accredited CRU management company (eg. Property Valet)) Self-Management and STA Licensing are not permitted.


 Zoned for STA use - Historic Snowbridge and Crosswinds

STA License required for rentals under 30 days. CRU operation is not allowed Property Valet or Self Management are options.


Blue Mountain continues to stand out as Ontario's premier short term rental investment destination, with a strong tourist base, established zoning laws, and a variety of property types to suit different investor goals.

For detailed guidance, visit the Town of the Blue Mountains Short Term Accommodation Resource Page.

CLICK HERE to access the Town Web Page on Short Term Accommodation Licensing