The Canadian resort Whistler, co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Few winter resorts are more deserving of a chance to showcase their hosting skills than Whistler. When the Canadian national anthem played out at the opening ceremony, it marked the fruition of a dream that began forty years ago.

In 2008, Whistler is a town in its own right, with a well heeled community thriving at the foot of resort's two mammoth mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb.

In its current guise, it's hard to believe this skiing mega resort has failed to woo Olympic selectors before. Even prior to the successful bid in 2003, facilities both on and off the mountain could already rival those anywhere in the world. Current boasts include a 'Peak to Peak' gondola lift which connects the resort's two main mountains; an increasingly exclusive property market (one home recently sold for $17.5 million) and the small matter of the best chef in Canada keeping the après-ski crowd happy.

Lycra-clad Olympiads aside, how does such investment benefit a visiting snowboarder with much more realistic sporting aspirations (ie staying upright)? Well, the 'Peak to Peak' lift whirs skiers and boarders between Whistler and neighbouring Blackcomb in around 11 minutes, on what is the world's longest free-span lift in the world. Traditionally, skiers and boarders have tackled a mountain a day, now they'll be able to explore both before tea-time.

The atmosphere in the largely pedestrianised village is friendly... tipsy snowboarders clad in the latest neon colours pad past young families heading out for early dinners. Atmosphere is half the battle with a winter holiday and Whistler is aglow with Olympic pride.

Overseas Homes Forever have a range of well priced properties in the Whistler area, starting from CAD319,90. With the value of the Canadian dollar and optimum opportunity to earn excellent rental incom, Whistler offers investors excellent return on investiment.

Extracts from the Mail written by Jo Tweedy, Editor, TravelMail