The Property

Big Sky Ranch is located just outside of the small community of Bridge Lake in the Interlakes District of the South Cariboo.  The property consists of 100 acres of rolling fields, forest, and waterfront.

Through the Years

Big Sky Ranch has served a number of functions throughout the years, ranging from private residence to international weather station. In older days the ranch was named "Halfmoon Ranch" because of the shape of Crescent Lake, which is the body of water upon which the ranch is nestled. The ranch acquired its current name in 2003 when a large part of the forested property was cleared to create a fire barrier.  When the land opened up and merged with the vast Cariboo sky, the acreage was christened as "Big Sky Ranch." Since 2012 Big Sky Ranch has been owned by Claudio and Christina Winiger who moved to Canada from Switzerland.  

Christina was born in Kirchberg, St. Gallen, Switzerland. After being trained in fine arts and in floral design, Christina established and ran her own specialty business in Zurich for fifteen years before moving to Canada. Christina continues to work in the creative arts sector in 100 Mile House, while also working from her home studio. She finds great inspiration in farming and in the raw beauty of nature, which she translates into expressive projects. Christina has always had a love for dogs and horses, which shapes her days and her vision for Big Sky Ranch.

Claudio was born in Rapperswil-Jona, a municipality in the Wahlkreis constituency of See-Gaster in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. In 1997 Claudio completed a three-year apprenticeship as as a bricklayer and carpenter. In 2000 he established a successful construction company in Switzerland, which focused on residential and commercial construction and renovation.  In 2020 Claudio began offering his carpentry and bricklaying services in the South Cariboo.  He also spends his time with projects on the ranch, such as cultivating the land and raising livestock. For many generations, Claudio's family were dairy farmers, and he attributes his love of the land to his childhood days growing up on the farm.

Sky is a purebred Labrador Retriever, originally from Williams Lake. Sky has been part of the Big Sky Ranch family for the past seven years. Sky is named after the ranch. She is an international traveller with a Swiss passport who has been to Europe twice.  As well she has journeyed across much of Canada. Sky is loyal, calm, genuine and caring. Sky has officially been crowned "Queen of Big Sky Ranch!"  

Tiana, born in 2017, is a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. She is faithful, friendly, and dependable, and she is very vocal about her opinions. Tiana likes to take the initiative, and often herds the animals, especially the goats, telling them where she thinks they should be going. Everyone on the ranch loves Tiana - she brings joy wherever she goes.

Cheech has been the beloved kitty of Big Sky Ranch since 2016.  She is the best mouser! Cheech is not only the number one sidekick to the dogs but she is good friends with all of the animals. Cheech is a very good helper and likes to follow Claudio and Christina all around the ranch, accompanying them on walks, or assisting with the chores. She is the eyes and the ears of the place, and the ranch wouldn't be the same without her.

Primrose is the most recent addition to our family. Primrose is an adventurer and enjoys frolicking around the farm doing cat things. We enjoy her playful approach to life, and she brings us many smiles.