What's your pleasure? Winter fun or summer sun?

Either way, you're sure to fall in love with Fernie, B.C., where you'll find one of the finest recreational playgrounds in North America.

Trico Homes certainly did.

As a matter of fact, this outstanding Canadian company is betting that consumers will feel the same way, once they've had the chance to investigate two of the most attractive buys in today's Western Canadian real estate market: Cedar Crest and Tamarack View. Both go on sale this summer, courtesy of Trico Homes.

You can enjoy heart-stopping views of the majestic Elk River Valley from each Cedar Crest residence.

Start with Cedar Crest.

You won't find a more compelling bargain than this limited offering of seven stylishly high-end, condo-style recreational homes, situated within Fernie's Alpine Trails, a mountain residential community.

Each Cedar Crest residence was designed to arrest the eye and elevate the soul, providing its occupants with heart-stopping views of the majestic Elk River Valley.

Natural stone and stained cedar exteriors do absolute justice to the beauty of the natural Rocky Mountain setting and each home is equipped with ample deck and patio space.

Step indoors, meanwhile, and prepare to be impressed.

The builder, Trico Freedom, a division of Trico Homes, has spared no expense to create a timelessly magical living space.

Interior motifs might best be described as contemporary rustic. They include quality tile, hardwood and granite counter tops throughout, while a well-respected local studio has outdone itself to create stunning doors and cabinetry.

"We're particularly proud of the look of these luxury homes," says Jacob Kuiken, the general manager of Trico Freedom Fernie.

"But their quality is also beyond compare. For example, we're using concrete wall systems for all our shared walls at Cedar Crest. That's the most effective sound-proofing protection you'll find anywhere."

And don't forget the full suite of JennAir Appliances, large walk-in showers (featuring glass surrounds) and spa-style tubs, complete with body jets, to soothe those aching muscles.

Why Fernie? Ask any skier/snowboarder. Start with an average of 30 feet of fresh powder a year and take it from there.

It's true that more and more outdoor enthusiasts have awakened to Fernie's all-season charms in the last few years. There's a world-class golf course in virtually every direction and climbing and mountain-biking fans have adopted the area for obvious reasons.

Meanwhile, the Elk River remains home to some of the best trout fishing west of the Bow River.

Then there's the town itself, the kind of super-friendly environment that enables you to get to know your neighbours.

There's a timeless appeal to historic downtown Fernie.

Quaint and appealing red brick buildings dominate the townscape and most residents simply leave the car at home and take a relaxing stroll to the many local pubs, outstanding restaurants, boutiques and full-service shopping areas.

A closely-knit community, Fernie is also proud of its thriving local arts and craft scene.

All of these will be at your feet when you move into Tamarack View, a proposed development of 400 townhomes and condo-style apartments that will materialize on the edge of downtown during the next several years.

Trico Homes intends to release Phase I of Tamarack View in mid-August and invites inquiries now.

Described by Kuiken as representing the best of the mid-level real estate market, these quality homes are ideally summed up by the descriptive phrase, "affordable luxury," with prices starting in the mid-$300,000s.

Suitable as either a primary or secondary residence, each of these homes includes two or three bedrooms, a single-car garage and ready access to both the Fernie Golf & Country Club and Fernie's fabulous network of mountain hiking trails.

"The neighbourhood will also include play-parks," adds Kuiken. "These homes were designed with family living in mind."

A very limited supply of suitable new homes in the Fernie area means that it's advisable to jump on this opportunity while there's time.

Both these outstanding developments represent terrific value in a real estate market that has risen by as much as 25 per cent within the past year.

Meanwhile, why not take a little time to get to know the good folks at Trico Homes?

Cited as one of Canada's 50 best-managed companies, Trico Homes is dedicated to being a progressive, profitable and ethical home builder that prides itself on building relationships with its customers, partners and the community with decency, responsiveness and reliability.

Trico is committed to supporting the community by developing core skills and knowledge within its family of employees and enhancing their lives as well as those of their customers.

To inquire about either of these outstanding purchase opportunities, please phone 250.423.3001 or email ferniesales@tricohomes.com.