When one thinks of the Winter X-Games a few images come to mind; breath taking tricks, vibrant, young skiers and snowboarders decked out in colorful attire, great music, snow, 108,000 people and Aspen, Colorado.

However, as the ESPN Winter X-Games wrapped up this past winter, a question mark hung over Aspen/Snowmass’ role in the future of the games. ESPN had opened the games up to bid in May of 2011. In recent years ESPN has sought to branch out the X-Games to a more worldwide audience. In addition to opening the games up to bid they have also decided to add additional X-Game competitions in venues throughout the world both in the winter and the summer.

Despite the questions surrounding the future of the X-Games in Aspen/Snowmass, the X-Game party this year was better than ever with record breaking attendance, unforgettable VIP parties, after-parties, Bud Light concerts and the not-to-matched Après ski scene, food and shopping of Aspen.

Meanwhile behind the festivities, both the Snowmass Village and Aspen communities pulled together to make their bid the most inviting in the world. Everyone from the Aspen City Council to the Snowmass town government, to city transportation authorities, and lodging associations within the area came together to ensure Aspen as the home to the X-Games

The hard work and fun have paid off, as the Aspen Times reported last week that Skico and ESPN have announced a two-year extension of the original contract, ensuring Aspen remains synonymous with X-Games for the foreseeable future. According to the Aspen Times the twenty-twelve winter games will also be held in Tignes, France; the summer games will be held in Los Angeles Brazil, Germany and Spain in keeping with ESPN’s aspirations to expand their demographic.

For many in the community the X-Games have been a breath of fresh air within the community. Often perceived as an exclusive community, the X-Games has brought the fun and lighthearted side of Aspen to the attention of the world. While most of the audience is not the big spending tourist that Aspen/Snowmass typically attracts, the ESPN X-Games attract the young winter sports enthusiast. By hosting these guests now, Aspen and Snowmass Village will have established themselves in the mind of these consumers as fun, hip and exciting places to visit in the future, perhaps at a time in their life when they might have more disposable income.

Mayor Mick Ireland expressed his excitement to the Aspen Times saying, “It’s more than we could ever expect, given the competition and desire for a worldwide venue.” Both Ireland and the Aspen City Council attribute the success of the Skico bid to the community at large.

Of course Skico, and the larger Aspen/Snowmass community would love to see an indefinite contract, extending the X-Games/Aspen connection beyond the next two years.

John Rigney, Skico vice president of sales and events, told the Aspen Times, “We are definitely in it for the long haul,” voicing the sentiment of most Aspenites. This deeper commitment will be proven to the world as a whole, ESPN, athletes and the X-Games fans over the next two years, reminding them – there really is no place better in all the world than Aspen and Snowmass Village, for the X-Games or really, anything else for that matter.

Discover that deeper commitment yourself in Aspen and Snowmass Village; click here to see homes, residences and condos in the home of the Winter X-Games.

June 9^th is National Get Outdoors Day, and there is no better way to spend it than outdoors in Aspen/Snowmass Village, Colorado. As this is a well-known fact throughout the world, the city of Aspen, Outside magazine and many local sponsors have thrown caution to wind and come together to make it a full-scale event every year with the Outside in Aspen Festival. Beginning on June 8^th outdoor enthusiasts of every level will be arriving in town to take advantage of the wide variety of outdoor activities taking place during this weekend.

With the warm weather beating down on this mountain town, the water may be calling. In that case there are more than a few water activities during the Outside in Aspen event. Whitewater rafting, kayaking and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding are all world-renowned experiences in the rivers around Aspen and Snowmass Village. Each activity offers beginner, intermediate and advanced experiences allowing those new to the sport to try it, and those who are already advanced in the sport independence to experience this favorite sport in new and exciting waters.

Summer in the Rockies offers outdoorsmen and women the almost irresistible urge to take on a 14er. Outside in Aspen offers just this opportunity with professional guides to take climbers up into the Elk Range and to the top of Castle Peak. This activity is for intermediate or advanced athletes, consisting of a 6-8 hour hike beginning at 5:30a.m. Saturday morning in order to avoid late afternoon thunderstorms common in the Colorado Mountains. Rock climbing, and other hiking and trail running sessions are also available throughout the weekend at different levels of expertise creating the perfect mountain experience for every individual.

Only Aspen and Snowmass can offer whitewater rafting one day and backcountry skiing/snowboarding the next. AMGA guides will take those still craving powder up to Independence Pass early Sunday morning for an exclusive backcountry skiing/snowboarding experience.

Saturday morning will also offer a short triathlon, the Outside in Aspen Triathlon. In this 800yd pool swim, 17 mile bike ride and four-mile run, beginner triathletes can get their feet wet, while more experienced triathletes can push their times and enjoy this sprint event. For the first year ever, Outside in Aspen is offering training help before the actual festival. Triathlon coach Matt Dixon is offering interactive, online training programs to those registered for the race, encouraging athletes to be outdoors and to be active all year long.

Don’t forget Fido! The Outdoor in Aspen weekend has workshops just for him! Train your dog to be the best hiking/biking/water or camping dog imaginable and never go out on those adventures alone again. After a few dog-training sessions an Adventure Sports photography session will ensure the best action shots imaginable of Fido.

Between high adventure activities take a deep breath – literally, of the mountain air and take part in outdoor yoga sessions. There is nothing like the pure, clean air in Aspen and Snowmass Village. Yoga classes can help the body and soul refocus, reenergize and relax.

Of course there will be mountain biking and road cycling seminars, along with fly fishing sessions, base camp fun and many, many other opportunities to get outside in Aspen to experience the best of the best of summer mountain activities.

Join us in celebrating the Great Outdoors! One weekend of this intense, amazing mountain adventure will convince you – the only thing better than Outside in Aspen is a home in Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado. Click here to see homes, investment properties and vacation properties in the area today and begin your Aspen/Snowmass adventure!

In Aspen and Snowmass Village everywhere one looks, people are living their dream. Whether that looks like pursuing an Olympic ski team dream, a lifestyle of luxury and comfort, a life of intellectual thought and discussion or life filled with extreme adventure, the people in and around Aspen and Snowmass Village are prioritizing their ambitions in life and pursuing them with enthusiasm.

For those whose dream includes adventure and extreme sports, Aspen/Snowmass, home of the Winter X Games, is one of the best places on the planet to pursue this dream. It is not however limited to winter extreme sports. May is a great time to check out the warm weather extremes going on in these mountain towns due to warmer weather and smaller crowds.

Mountain boarding is a great summer companion to snowboarding. In this sport, riders can go down mountains, through BMX courses and virtually anywhere their heart desires. Originating in the mid-nineties, the sport of mountainboarding marries surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding concepts together to create a versatile extreme sport in its own right. For those unfamiliar to the sport, or just getting started, Aspen/Snowmass offers classes to help establish a good understanding of safety, basic skills and to get riders out on their wheels enjoying the beautiful spring weather in Aspen. In addition to the lifts and the great mountains to practice this sport, Aspen also has its own skate park, where mountainboarders can practice skills, get comfortable with this different type of board and tap into the mountainboarding community.

As the weather warms up, paragliding is a great way to really see Aspen and Snowmass Village. Aspen Paragliders offers two-hour tandem flights beginning at 7:00 a.m. in the morning until 5p.m. each night. Flights take off from both Snowmass Mountain and Aspen Mountain. All flights are subject to weather restrictions and may have to be rescheduled. Aspen Paragliders recommends those interested provide enough cushion in their schedule to be able to reschedule their flight time. For those seeking single flight experiences, Aspen Paragliders also offers flight school. In addition to certification and instruction, fliers will receive access to clinics instructing them on mountain and thermal flight, glider inspection and repair. This course is recognized as one of the best paraglider courses in the country, ensuring safe, and exciting extreme flight.

With mountains on every horizon, it goes without saying that any discussion about extreme sports in Aspen/Snowmass must include mountain biking. Gondolas run throughout the summer allowing mountain bikers the opportunity to ride up with their bike, and experience the speed and exhilaration of a down-mountain ride. Mountain bike tours are available through a number of bike shops in the Aspen and Snowmass area. These tours can show visitors and those new to town, the best trails, the greatest thrills and the most fun they have ever had on a bike before.

Whatever your dream may be, from extreme sports to fantastic art and culture, come to Aspen and Snowmass Village, embrace their motto ~ and live your dream. Click here to see your dream home, condo or investment property today!

Late spring is a great time for locals to lace up their hiking boots and get out on the trails before the summer season sets in with full force. The snow on the trail has given way to wild flowers and bees, reminding everyone that the four mountains of Aspen and Snowmass Village have just as much power to offer hikers in the spring, summer and fall as it offered skiers and snowboarders during ski season.

Cathedral Lake is a charming hike that leads hikers up the walls of Castle Creek canyon and into the Pine Creek Canyon. Pine Creek follows hikers up all the way to the lake. Along the way aspen trees will give way to the higher elevation tundra landscape. For those with sharp eyes, wildlife, such as marmots, pikas and hawks can also be seen enjoying the fresh water and clean air of Cathedral Lake as well. This almost six-and-a-half mile hike is great day hike for a moderately experienced hiker.

The Crater Lake Trail offers hikers a splendid view of the Maroon Bells while winding hikers through to a shallow lake in the shadows of these imposing landmarks. The trail sets out from the edge of Maroon Lake and sends hikers up the valley walls. This trail is only 3.6 miles, but a steep climb mid-hike makes it an excellent workout with an iconic view.

Difficult Creek Trail’s name offers hikers a warning not to take this hike too lightly. Although certainly a challenge it is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Aspen/Snowmass area. Full of foliage, scattered sunshine through the many leaves and even berries along the way, depending on the season, this trail is a sensory delight, rewarding those willing to take on the 4 mile hike.

The East Snowmass Creek Overlook Trail is only accessible by the ski lifts running in the summer months. As a result it offers hikers a double pleasure – a ride up and over their favorite runs from the winter and a great one and a half mile walk-about. After walking around Sam’s Knob, the East Snowmass Canyon opens up before hikers displaying the wondrous beauty of the Rocky Mountains. This is a great hike to take out of town visitors on, not overly strenuous and exceptionally beautiful.

One of the most challenging day hikes in Snowmass Village is the four mile Hardscrabble and Williams Lakes Trail. This hike starts out right at tree line and leads hikers up the rugged, remote trail. Trails.com recommends hikers plan for a long morning or all day hike.

These are just a few of the many, many hikes winding themselves around the mountains of Aspen and Snowmass Village. There are trails and nature walks tucked in corners and nestled in valleys and canyons just waiting to be discovered by a new set of boots. Trails.com offers great ideas of where to get started, likewise many organizations and groups within Aspen and Snowmass offer guided tours and hikes. Take some time this month to get out on the trails and into the gorgeous Rocky Mountain sunshine.

With the fresh spring sun on your back, and the solitude of Nature all around you, let the power of four seduce you all over again! Click here today to see homes, residences and investment properties just a stone’s throw from some of the greatest hiking in the country and then, fall in love with Aspen and Snowmass Village for good!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FOR MORE INFORMATION:
May 1, 2012 Steve Alldredge
(970) 319.5738

RELATED SIGNS AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE BASE VILLAGE

Related Companies today announced that an affiliate, Snowmass Acquisition Company LLC, has entered into an acquisition agreement with Snowmass BV Holdco LLC, the current owner of Snowmass Village’s Base Village.

The agreement, upon closing, will allow for the transfer of title of Base Village assets including the Viceroy hotel, retail units, unsold Capitol Peak & Hayden Lodge condominium units, the Arrival Center, parking garage, the Little Nell building and various Base Village land parcels to Snowmass Acquisition Company LLC. The agreement is the result of discussions between Related and the lender group that assumed ownership of the assets this past November and resolves all outstanding litigation between the parties.

“Working collaboratively we have been able to reach an agreement that will bring clarity, new capital and long-term stability to Base Village,” said Dwayne Romero, President of Related Colorado. “We remain committed to the Town’s vision for a world-class resort community, continue to be encouraged with the long-term potential of Base Village, and are excited to have a role in that process. We look forward to discussing the future of Base Village with all interested parties, and to sharing additional details of our plans once the transaction has closed.”

Related has a long-term commitment to Snowmass Village and continues to maintain ownership in the Snowmass Center, Snowmass Mall, Mountain Chalet, Snowmass Inn, and operating companies Snowmass Hospitality and Snowmass Property Management.

Lowe Enterprises Real Estate Services asset management team led by Michael Tande, Senior Vice President, will continue to manage the properties on behalf of the bank ownership group until the closing which is anticipated to occur later this year.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FOR MORE INFORMATION:
May 1, 2012 Steve Alldredge
(970) 319.5738

RELATED SIGNS AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE BASE VILLAGE

Related Companies today announced that an affiliate, Snowmass Acquisition Company LLC, has entered into an acquisition agreement with Snowmass BV Holdco LLC, the current owner of Snowmass Village’s Base Village.

The agreement, upon closing, will allow for the transfer of title of Base Village assets including the Viceroy hotel, retail units, unsold Capitol Peak & Hayden Lodge condominium units, the Arrival Center, parking garage, the Little Nell building and various Base Village land parcels to Snowmass Acquisition Company LLC. The agreement is the result of discussions between Related and the lender group that assumed ownership of the assets this past November and resolves all outstanding litigation between the parties.

“Working collaboratively we have been able to reach an agreement that will bring clarity, new capital and long-term stability to Base Village,” said Dwayne Romero, President of Related Colorado. “We remain committed to the Town’s vision for a world-class resort community, continue to be encouraged with the long-term potential of Base Village, and are excited to have a role in that process. We look forward to discussing the future of Base Village with all interested parties, and to sharing additional details of our plans once the transaction has closed.”

Related has a long-term commitment to Snowmass Village and continues to maintain ownership in the Snowmass Center, Snowmass Mall, Mountain Chalet, Snowmass Inn, and operating companies Snowmass Hospitality and Snowmass Property Management.

Lowe Enterprises Real Estate Services asset management team led by Michael Tande, Senior Vice President, will continue to manage the properties on behalf of the bank ownership group until the closing which is anticipated to occur later this year.

Each summer, on the Roaring Forks River, the Colorado or the Arkansas River, last year’s winter snows make one final appearance offering recreators in the Snowmass Village and Aspen one more ride before the water heads down the mountain and out of the Rockies. Typically, the summer kayaking and rafting season has to wait for heavy snowmelt to pass before one can safely cast the kayak in and enjoy the water. However, this year’s unseasonably mild winter and spring promises an exceptionally early and long kayaking season.

Every year the press announces with gusto the laundry list of awards and rankings that Aspen and Snowmass Village rake in for their ski resorts, spas and tennis clubs; however the great outdoors surrounding the towns is quietly garnered acclaim in its own right. Aspen/Snowmass.com states Aspen and Snowmass Village are among the top ten places in the country to kayak and river raft.

There are a variety of guided tour options in the area offering a wide range of white water experiences. Local rafting companies like Blazing Adventures and Aspen Whitewater Rafting offer rafting packages for beginners to expert rafters. In trips from a half-day to one day to multiple day trips, these companies offer experiences of a lifetime. Not only do they offer safe transport through the rapids and scenery only available to those willing to brave these rapids, they also offer their clients the opportunity to hike, rock climb, bike and camp along the shores of these magnificent rivers. Kids camps and family packages are available as well. Some adventures even include sunset dinners and babysitting.

Aspen Kayak & Sup (Stand Up Paddleboard) has created a kayaking school based in the Nature Preserve on the banks of the Roaring Fork River. The complete course at Aspen Kayak & Sup allows beginner kayakers to progressively advance from basic kayaking to more complicated and advanced paddling. Although this company has a twenty-year history of safely instructing kayakers, it is also open to new advances within the whitewater industry. Since 2003, when Aspen Kayak & Sup founder Charlie MacArthur, visited Fiji, he has offered stand up paddling courses. After experimenting with the concept in the white water context vs. the ocean, MacArthur was able to adapt technique and style to make stand up paddling possible for his customers. He has also made minor adjustments in the equipment, shorter, thicker, wider boards, to make it possible to stand up to paddle in the Rockies just as well as in the Pacific Ocean. Aspen Kayak & Sup offers kayaking summer camps for children, teens, and women as well. Guided tours can last anywhere from part of the day to multiple days, including delicious food and side trips along the beautiful local rivers of Aspen and Snowmass Village.

The rush of water filling the ears, cool mist spraying the face – these are just a few of the unforgettable sensations of kayaking the rivers in and around Aspen and Snowmass Village. The action-filled and invigorating lifestyle found in Aspen and Snowmass Village has even more to offer!

Around every bend in the river, over every rapid is a new experience waiting to change your life. Click here to see homes, condos and residences in and around the Aspen/Snowmass Village area and start your adventure today!

Spring is commonly accepted throughout the real estate industry as one of the hottest times to buy or sell a home. In Aspen and Snowmass Village this old standby proves itself true every year. Particularly this year as things in in Snowmass Village and Aspen get hotter and more desirable by the minute. Recently ranked as one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world, it looks as though the sky is the limit in Aspen.

For those in the Aspen and Snowmass Village looking to sell their current home, to purchase an even more luxurious and resplendent home in town or maybe nestled deeply into a large lot just down the road, there are a few things to keep in mind when preparing a house for a showing in the luxury market.

First and foremost, the old rules still apply. Even in the luxury market, the home must be decluttered. This advice applies to eclectic artwork that may not appeal to every buyer or is very specific to an individual. It also applies to family portraits and photographs. Leave room for potential buyers to picture themselves in the home as their own.

Pay attention to details ~ Buyers in this demographic want their home to meet a certain standard, inside and out make sure the house is clean, the landscaping is trimmed and ready. Some real estate experts recommend the placement of fresh flowers strategically throughout the house. A slight expense, however, flowers make the home look and feel fresh. They also add an extra ‘je ne sais quoi’ quality to the home.

The luxury market does sometimes require extra discretion. Due to the large quantities of money involved in these transactions, some sellers may wish to protect their identity. In these cases, a professional stager can be brought in to ensure that the home does not reveal the seller or provide hints about their lifestyle or occupation. Stagers are also excellent at ensuring the furnishings and artwork within the property are properly laid out to appeal to luxury buyers.

Be sure to communicate to your agent the upgrades, brand names and the quality of even the smallest details in your home. These details will be important during the negotiations of the offer. Likewise, those in the luxury market appreciate these extra details differentiating the home from anything else on the market.

For those interested in purchasing their first home in the luxury market, those upgrading or those purchasing a second home or investment property, be patient in your purchase. Particularly at this time of year many homes will be listing throughout the season. If the right house hasn’t entered the market – it will soon.

In the luxury market it is not uncommon for homes to be unlisted, but still available for sale. Due to privacy concerns, some sellers keep their homes quietly for sale with their agent. If nothing on the market appeals to you, it is possible to ask your agent if they are aware of anything unlisted that might suit your needs.

Know what you want, and where there is room for compromise. Laws in Aspen and Snowmass Village limit future building, meaning it may be easier to purchase a home and update or remodel that it would be to build from scratch.

The last but most important tip in buying or selling a home or doing both, is to make sure your have a great real estate agent familiar with Snowmass Village, Aspen and the luxury real estate market. Greg Rulon and his team at Joshua & Co. have been selling homes and finding the perfect residents for their clients in the Snowmass/Aspen area since 1975. This team of real estate professionals will walk you through the ins and outs of the process, ensuring that all of your needs are met from start to finish.

Click here to see some the properties, condos and homes listed with Greg Rulon and his team. Don’t wait another season to find the home of your dreams!

It’s not always drifting snow, skiing, snowboarding and powder here in Aspen and Snowmass Village. In fact, this year’s long, warm spring has turned many people in town toward their summer sport of choice a touch earlier than other years in recent memory.

This year the fly-fishing enthusiasts are the big winner after such a warm winter. Low run-off from the mountains allows fishermen and women to get in the rivers and lakes earlier to practice their sport without fear of high water and strong currents.

Unlike some summer sports, fly-fishing offers one the opportunity to truly get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and get back to nature. There is no more intimate way to connect with Nature than to pull on a pair of Gore-Tex waders and wade out into some of the most beautiful water one will ever see, much less experience. The Roaring Fork River and the Frying Pan River offer spectacular river views as well as some of the best trout fishing conditions in the country. Anglers far and wide are attracted to these waters. Smaller creeks like the Ivanhoe and Granite Creek are great fishing spots as well, particularly for those new to fly-fishing and looking to build confidence.

Typically, the water around Aspen and Snowmass Village is known for its brown and rainbow trout. Here trout is so healthy that size is measure not by inches as is common in other parts of the country, but rather in pounds.

For those new to the Aspen area, or new to the sport of fly-fishing, or both, a guided fly-fishing trip into the backcountry is a great way to see more of the area and to experience an entirely different aspect of the area. Particularly as Aspen and Snowmass Village have a great deal of private land, and special regulations, a fishing guide can ensure that you fish the best spots, with proper licenses, in complete compliance with the law. Additionally, their know-how, specified for this region, and the species present in the area makes catching that trophy fish easier than ever before.

The Aspen and Snowmass Village area is home to several gear shops and guided tour offices as well. Each company offers a wide variety in services and tours available. Everything from the family fishing trip, to group fishing to individual trips, one can fish part of the day, or all day. Some shops even offer overnight fishing opportunities as well. For the diehard fly-fisherman or woman, there are even winter fly fishing trips. Not quite sure about wading in the rivers while fishing? Float trips are also available making it easier to stay warm and dry while trying out the sport.

After splashing around the rivers and lakes in Pitkin County, it will be easy to see why the lucky few cast their lines here. Find the perfect place to rest your fishing pole in a condo, home or investment property in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area. Click here to see a few of the homes available today!

May is just around the corner, along with the sunshine, flowers and singing birds, come summer plans to get outdoors to enjoy everything Mother Nature has to offer. While no mother should have favorites, it seems that Snowmass Village and Aspen are certainly her preferred children; with extraordinarily beautiful springs every year and incredible views year round, Snowmass Village and Aspen are clearly her darlings.

Mild temperatures throughout the Rockies this year have brought early snowmelt and have enabled the population to get out to enjoy the beautiful spring season and the natural beauty of Aspen and Snowmass Village earlier than usual. The Aspen Times reported yesterday that the Maroon Creek Road will open today, the earliest opening day in 20 years. The roads are apparently clear of snow, but muddy. Likewise the trail is expected to be muddy with small patches of snow on it throughout. With that, the summer camping season has begun!

For those who love the great outdoors but lack the know-how or equipment to camp comfortably, the Aspen/Snowmass Company offers guided camping excursions in the area. Even the experienced camper seeking a more elegant camping experience might enjoy this service, as it allows one to sit back and take in Nature, while leaving the details up to the pros.

In and around the Aspen area there are a number of great campground choices quite close to town. Difficult Campground, despite its name, is just a quick four miles from town, offering both hiking and fishing. It has one of the earliest opening dates for its summer season, offering campers spots as early as May 15. Difficult Campground is located just on the banks of the Roaring Fork River and offers superb animal watching conditions.

Silver Bell Campground, located just off the Maroon Creek Road will open with the road, a full month ahead of schedule. Typically campers can’t get into Silver Bell until May 22^nd. This year, however, it is already easily reached by car and ready for its first 2012 visitors. Likewise, Silver Queen, just up the road from Silver Bell will be open, as well as the more remote Silver Bar campground. Hiking is a must in this spectacular area with the most iconic views of Aspen.

Slightly higher in elevation, Lincoln Creek is a more remote camping experience with fewer amenities. However, whatever it lacks in elegance, it certainly gains in view and atmosphere. Here fishing and hiking are both available, but space is limited – so hurry on up to this site early and claim your spot!

Even higher and slightly farther from town is the Lost Man campground. Fourteen and half miles from town and at an elevation of over ten thousand feet, Lost Man has fishing as well as hiking in the Hunter and Fryingpan wilderness areas. Not two miles away, the ghost town of Independence makes a fun and educational excursion for the whole family.

For those campers ready to take on the challenge all on their own, the White River National Forest Recreation website has a complete listing and description of campsites in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area.

This spring, get outside and see why locals truly believe Aspen and Snowmass Village are Mother Nature’s favorite children. Once convinced, you can find your own little corner in paradise by clicking here to see homes, condos and investment properties in and around Aspen and Snowmass Village!