Alan Cole, Author at Gareth Williams

Aspen Non-Stop Air Options Increase!

Austin, TX and Orange County, CA Now Offer New Non-Stop Service to Aspen for 2021/22!

According to last week's Aspen Times, "nonstop commercial flights to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport from up to six airports between Texas and California are part of a schedule that is all but finalized for the upcoming winter ski season."

The newest locations for non-stop service include Orange County, California and Austin, Texas.

“I think this is a pretty solid plan,” said Bill Tomcich, a consultant to Fly Aspen Snowmass, which is an alliance among Aspen Skiing Co., Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, Aspen Chamber Resort Association and Snowmass Tourism.

On Friday, what Tomcich said is the final piece to the winter flight schedule came with the announcement of two daily direct flights between Santa Ana, California, and Aspen. United Airlines will offer the flights starting Dec. 16 and running through March 26. The incoming, nonstop flights to Aspen will originate from John Wayne Airport.

The two newcomers join San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Chicago and Atlanta giving guests a wider choice of route options than the town has had in many years. This is surely a sign of the continued popularity of Aspen/Snowmass as a vacation destination.

Now that you know how to get here why not pay us a visit this winter? Gareth can connect you with the best possible luxury lodging whenever you choose to come! Call (970) 309-7649 or email him at [email protected] and reserve your accommodations today!

Aspen Snowmass Shifts Winter Marketing for 2020/2021

Scaling Back and Moving Online

A recent article in the September 30 Aspen Times reports on the challenge of promoting winter sports during these uncertain times. The Aspen Skiing Company rethought everything and the resort scaled back their support staff and magazine ad buys.

“Aspen Skiing Co.’s marketing campaign will look significantly different this winter, both in substance and execution,” writes Times reporter Scott Condon. “There will be no national branding such as the “Give a Flake” effort of recent seasons.”

The management company for the mountains of Aspen/Snowmass has let some staff members go and tightened up their strategy in response to the current economic environment.

“It’s definitely going to be a different kind of marketing campaign,” Jeff Hanle, Skico vice president of communications, said Tuesday. “You have to remain flexible and ready to pivot.”

Gone is the campaign urging skiers, snowboarders and other outdoor lovers to “Give a Flake” and get involved in concrete action to ease global warming.

“We’ve moved on from that. That was the plan already,” Hanle said.

The article goes on to state that “an advertising agency was working with Skico officials on a new campaign, but that’s been put on hold. There won’t be any advertisements in ski publications in January, for example, because conditions could change so drastically by then, Hanle noted. The ads would have to be finalized now to run in January.”

“Instead, Skico will remain nimble with messages that will be shared primarily through digital platforms. They will ...focus on education about protocols to keep customers safe from the spread of the coronavirus, trumpeting fresh snowfall and renewing the spirit during a tough time by getting outdoors, according to Hanle.”

The types of visitors the resort typically sees will change this year with fewer international visitors and more “drive-time” domestic visitors. The resort expects guests to stay longer than what would be typical during an average year.

A big part of the marketing effort will be education about the new hands-free procedures that will be in place for everything from ordering food at restaurants to buying lift tickets.

Both the town and the resort are working hard to plan and educate guests on how to have fun and stay safe this winter.

For the full article click here!

Latest Adaptation Trend – Extended Mountain Stays

Many urban and suburbanites are looking towards the mountains as more than a holiday escape. As the global pandemic continues with no end in sight, people seeking a respite from the stress of crowds see mountain communities like the Roaring Fork Valley (Aspen to Glenwood Springs, Colorado) as the perfect place to relocate for an extended stay.

Mountain homes provide for a welcome change of scenery and access to fresh air and the great outdoors, something in short supply in major metropolitan areas. According to a recent article in the Denver Post, “initial predictions of a wave of panic selling depressing second home prices never materialized. Instead, the opposite has happened. More people are buying in resort areas to escape big cities, and the available inventory has tightened.”

Vacation property rental agencies reported that “not only did occupancy roar back, but guests were staying for long periods of time. [Guests] were either taking extended vacations or, more likely, they were working remotely.”

In fact, “guests have started asking for something that was a rare request before — desks in their rooms.”

“If they can work remotely what does it matter if they are working from their apartment or house or further away,” said [a Denver-based property rental associate]. He also noted that many guests don’t always tell their employers where they are actually located.

Guesty, a [popular] property management software, has seen a 117% increase in reservations of 90 days or more. It is also seeing more spur-of-the-moment rentals. In July, for example, a majority of bookings came within seven days of arrival.

Bookings for holidays periods, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, are running behind they did this time last year, but that might change given the trend to booking closer in. At Gareth Williams Aspen Snowmass Real Estate, we certainly expect those bookings to pick up as the season approaches!

Indeed, given the likelihood that winter resort activities could move to a reservation-only setup, the time to book your accommodations is now. If you are looking for the flexibility to work remotely while taking advantage of everything the Aspen/Snowmass area has to offer be sure to give Gareth a call at (970) 309-7649!

Spring Value Season is Here

Spring value season has arrived in Aspen!

Spring in Aspen/Snowmass is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. According to recent reports our snowpack is well over 100% of average. The conditions outside swing from snow to sun every few days and the days are getting longer, leaving more time for sunny apres-ski celebrations!

Aspen enters spring with a full slate of events including the Apres Ski Cocktail Classic (March 12-15), more Aspen Laugh Festival performances at the Wheeler Opera House (March 12-13), and The Bud Light Spring Jam (March 17-22) with contests, live music and big air competitions at all four mountains.

For the past few years Aspen Skiing Company has joined forces with 17 other prominent ski areas to offer the Mountain Collective pass. Passholders get two free days at Aspen/Snowmass and 50% the window ticket price for any days beyond that.

Aspen also accepts the 2019/2020 Ikon Pass, which entitles members to ski or ride for up to seven days out here - good enough for a nice vacation - hint, hint! If you purchased either of these passes this past year now is definitely the time to get out here and use them!

We’re expecting a fantastic spring season out here so reach out to Gareth and come join us. Breathe the mountain air, enjoy the sunny (and snowy!) weather and live it up in the best place in the Rockies!

App Adds to Aspen Fun

How do you make the most of your time on the mountain?

Aspen Skiing Company has been polling guests and has just what they need. Vacationers these days look for their cell phone apps to enhance all kinds of experiences, from travel to dining to tracking fitness. Aspen's newly improved on-mountain app does all of the above and more. A recent Aspen Times article interviewed the in-house developers at Aspen Skiing Company about just what goes in to building and improving their app.

Guests can now start their day with the latest information about on-mountain conditions. They can see current weather and snow reports from each of the four mountains. This info is updated every hour, but that’s just the beginning.

Worried about getting lost or taking a wrong turn? Peace of mind is close to hand as the app can actually track your location on the mountain and even alert ski patrol if necessary.

Are you someone who loves setting goals and measuring your progress? The built-in tracker lets you see how many vertical feet you covered each day. It’s the perfect way to challenge your friends and see who’s really in shape the next time you have a powder day!

According to the article, future improvements could include ways to meet up with friends and family on the mountain, assuming cell network coverage permits.

Being on vacation can be a great way to escape from our phones, but for those who enjoy having them alongside sometimes a little technology can make being out on the mountain even more fun and rewarding. At last count over 100,000 current users would agree!

Dining in Aspen – The Secret Code

Bar at L'Hostaria - courtesy of Aspen Times

Getting your Money's Worth

While Aspen boasts amazing cuisine from around the world, sometimes the prices can be as elevated as the altitude of the town itself! What’s the secret code for locals and guests alike? Say hello to the bar menu, a select group of signature dishes available in the bar area (and even some dining rooms) of many of Aspen’s most sought-after restaurants. Join us as we dive in to discover what’s cooking!

Our Top Picks

MEZZALUNA

This lively, social Italian spot one block from the Aspen Mountain gondola features some delicious, wallet friendly bar menu options including salads for $8-$9, brick-oven pizzas for $10, traditional pastas from $11 to $14 and drink specials at the bar starting at 5:30 pm until closing. 624 E Cooper Ave., (970) 925-5882

7908

Part restaurant, part lounge/nightclub, 7908 offers patrons a bar menu strong on decadent comfort food if not outright value. Chile-glazed fried chicken ($26) and achiote-marinated hanger steak ($31) share space with duck confit ($28) and an indulgent burger featuring a truffle parmesan sauce and tater tots ($20). Wash it all down with a few glasses of prosecco or even Moët & Chandon—7908 has three choices by the glass. 415 E Hyman Ave., (970) 516-7908

JING

Asian fusion cuisine comes to life at Jing’s bar with a menu featuring great sushi including nigiri ($5-$12 per 2 pieces), specialty rolls, and even the popular lobster taco ($20). Bar patrons can also enjoy spicy edamame and a wide assortment of dumplings from the dim sum menu. Add in a $5 sake and you’ve got a perfect far-east meal. 413 E Main St., (970) 920-9988

Owner Jimmy Yeager at the bar at Jimmy's Aspen

JIMMY’S

Another go-to spot for locals since 1997 is the bar at Jimmy’s. If you don’t mind a crowd, the high-top tables feature a menu of great comfort food including a delicious meatloaf ($17), a flat-iron steak ($21), and blackened fish tacos ($15). Jimmy’s also features an unparalleled selection of tequila (think high-end and exclusive anejo and reposado!) 205 S. Mill Street (Upstairs) (970) 925-6020

L’HOSTARIA

A locals’ favorite for over 20 years, L’Hostaria owner Tiziano Gortan offers his guests a comprehensive bar menu that boasts more options than many competitors’ full menus. Think flavorful pastas and classic Italian entrees from both land and sea. Standouts include the carpaccio and burrata crostino appetizers, hearty carbonara and Bolognese pastas and grilled steak with mushrooms (all under $20). The welcoming bar staff stands ready with wonderful wine options ($10-$14 per glass) to accompany everything. 620 E Hyman Ave, 970-925-9022

STEAKHOUSE NO. 316

As befits the fashionable, rat-pack atmosphere, Steakhouse No. 316 has a bar menu with suitably decadent options that will more than satisfy your appetite. Think jumbo crab cakes ($21), tuna tartare ($21), fish and chips ($20) and a wonderful filet accompanied by steak sauce, chimichurri, and a fried egg ($26). 316 E Hopkins Ave, 970-920-1893

Living Large in Aspen

Proving that Aspen appeals to guests of all sizes, @legoskierbro has carved out a following of over 28,000 fans on Instagram by living the Aspen lifestyle to its fullest.

The diminutive celebrity stands only 1.5 inches (or 3.81 centimeters) but that doesn't inhibit his ability to make the most of his time on the slopes.

According to the Aspen Times, "He skins up Aspen Mountain to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks like a true local, dresses up as a hot dog to take part in closing day festivities and charges through chest-deep powder, finding fresh lines on every mountain he visits. This winter he’s posted from the Powder Awards and tallied likes for straight-lining Ozone in Highland Bowl, chopping down his own Christmas tree and shredding with #LegoSanta at the North Pole."

He rides with a crew of friends including #legoskierbabe, #legobrad, #legosnowboardbro, his robot #legoskierbot and his faithful companion #legodog (pictured up top).

The Aspen Times Weekly recently tracked him down and asked him a few questions.

ATW: What do you love about the Aspen area?

LSB: Aspen-Snowmass in the winter is the best place on Earth. There is snow everywhere and most days are sunny with clouds in the distance. What else could you want?

ATW: What is your favorite line to shred in Aspen-Snowmass?

LSB: I can shred anything, anywhere, anytime, but most of the time I’m skiing double black diamonds on the Crown Jewel. My favorite place to be is right in front of skiers who think they are better than me. I’ve never cared about being better than anyone (or everyone for that matter) when it comes to my skiing, but I am constantly surrounded by exceptional skiers who end up making me look even better. I’m not going to give away my favorite stashes; you could torture me and I would never tell — I don’t want them to get tracked out!

ATW: You share a lot of good tips on #ProTipTuesday, but what’s the best tip you’ve got to share?

LSB: I’ve given a lot of advice over the years, but the main thing I would like to impart is that you should be yourself and do something original — because that’s what everyone really wants to see.

ATW: Who makes a better ski/adventure companion? #legobrad, #legodog, #legoskierbot, #legosnowboardbro or #legoskierbabe?

LSB: My whole crew helps me survive and I need them to tell my story. #legoskierbabe has to be my number one, but #legodog and #legobrad are both a close second. #legoskierbot was fun to have around but he didn’t come around too much last year after his malfunction. #legosnowboardbro is perfect when you want to wait for him to buckle his back binding.

Size only matters when it comes to snow out here. You, your family and your friends can follow the Bro's lead and live large out here too. Give Gareth a call at (970) 309-7649 and book your vacation!

Winter Alternatives on the Upswing

While downhill skiing and snowboarding take the lion’s share of the spotlight in Aspen, a variety of winter recreation alternatives including uphilling, snowshoeing and nordic skiing are increasingly popular with locals and guests alike. These winter alternatives can be great options for those looking for new outdoor experiences!

Uphilling

Uphilling, skinning or ski touring is essentially hiking up the mountain on modified skis or a split snowboard. This method of scaling our four mountains includes attaching “skins” (adhesive strips) to the bottoms of skis that allow the ski to move freely forward but catch the snow and “stick” instead of sliding backwards. This method also requires special skis with bindings that release from the heels, (or a special snowboard that splits left and right for each foot).

Several local ski shops including Four Mountain Sports, Performance Ski, the Ute Mountaineer and Cripple Creek Backcountry rent this equipment.

Snowshoeing

As the snowpack rises, trail runners and hikers turn to snowshoes. Modern snowshoes are highly portable, lightweight, made of fabric and metal and attach easily to winter boots. Being able to set foot on top of the show rather than sink through it makes all the difference in the backcountry. A day hike becomes a treat rather than a slog!

Snowshoes can be found at almost all backcountry equipment retailers including Ute Mountaineer and Cripple Creek Backcountry.

Cross-Country Skiing

Nordic or cross-country skis have been transporting Aspenites around town and between the mountains for well over 100 years. Both classic and skate-skiing techniques are in full swing during the winters out here.

In fact, though the Winter Olympics Nordic events have always been the domain of the Europeans, the U.S. Ski Team has made serious strides in competition recently, thanks in part to local athletes Simi Hamilton and Noah Hoffman.

The Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System boasts over 60 miles of trails stretching between and through the towns of Aspen and Snowmass Village, many of which are groomed daily and several that are dog-friendly.

Renters should head to the Aspen Golf Course or the Snowmass Golf Course for rentals and more information.

What’s the appeal?

If you follow the rules, uphilling can get you access to our ski mountains including on-mountain restaurants and earn you one free downhill run, i.e. save you the cost of a lift ticket. Any further lift access does require a lift ticket however.

All of the above offer terrific exercise, giving you the benefits of being outdoors and the freedom to go where you please. Aspen/Snowmass has tons of recreational trails outside of the ski mountains themselves that can be accessed this way. In fact, most people going on hut trips use ski mountaineering including nordic and uphilling techniques to get from one hut to the next.

Regardless of the method you choose, book your vacation with Gareth, then get out there and enjoy the best of winter in the Rocky Mountains!

Over 3 Feet of October Snow in Aspen

Mother Nature’s Treat – Snow!

How good has October in Aspen been? From a weather standpoint, if you’re a skier or snowboarder (or both) it’s about as good as it gets! “The upper slopes of the Aspen-Snowmass ski areas have been blanketed with more than three feet of snow in October, including more than 25 inches in the past week,” according to the Aspen Times on Wednesday, October 30^th.

This makes this year one of the snowiest Octobers since 1934-1935!

Man Made Icing

The icing on this already snowy cake is these recent storms have come with temperatures dropping into the single digits and even below zero last night (October 30^th), creating the ideal scenario for snowmaking! The snowmaking guns started up on Aspen Mountain earlier this week and according to the Times they will be going, “full-force at midnight on Halloween night tonight!”

Aspenweather.net, a local forecasting service, reported Wednesday that the unofficial low of 1 degree above for Aspen was the all-time coldest temperature in the town for October. The record was forecast shattered Wednesday night and Thursday morning with a low of minus-4 degrees.

Will Aspen Open Early?

While the favorable conditions have Aspen Skiing Company executives starting to think about an early opening for both Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Mountain, no decisions have been made yet.

“It’s definitely on our minds but too early to pin down a day,” said spokesman Jeff Hanle to the Times. “I think we have 10 days to two weeks” before a decision is made.

While it’s far too soon to say how snowy this winter will become, “the Roaring Fork Valley is undeniably off to a good start,” declared the Times. This year Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are slated to open Nov. 28. Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk are slated to open Dec. 7.

Last year early snow and strong snowmaking meant Aspen Mountain opened a week ahead of schedule on November 17^th.

Aspen Snowmass Real Estate Update

The most recent third quarter reports for Aspen Snowmass real estate are now out and the results show solid demand, pricing and sales for our local market.

Total sales of residential properties are 4.3% ahead of last year’s pace, with a total volume of $972 million. A continuation of this current trend would eclipse last year’s total volume by more than 2%.

314 residential real estate transactions are on the books for this year so far, just below the 323 that were recorded for this period last year. Looking ahead, the total number of residential transactions (419) will still fall short of the average totals (465) from the last two years. Inventory is a bit down as well for the month of September, from 580 active listings at the beginning of the month to 569 at the end.

The number of pending listings (or listings under contract) rose dramatically this past month. The year to date monthly average was 46 but September saw an increase to 73 or 9% of the active listings. This represents a new high-water mark since the great recession’s all time low in 2009. This is a positive sign as we enter the final quarter of the year, showing that buyers and sellers are finding common ground and moving forward.

That statistic will have an upward impact on prices as will the pace of sales shown by the 90 and 180-day moving averages outperforming the 270-day moving average. Naturally, a closer look inside the different market segments here shows a fair amount of variation.

Digging into the various Aspen Snowmass market segments, the properties listed for under $5 million win out with the most activity (i.e. highest rate of closings). 82% of the total market falls into this category and there is a 14-month supply in this group.

Things slow down as we move up to the $5-10 million range. Only 11% of this year’s properties were in this segment and the supply stretches all the way to 67 months (over 5 years).

Things slow even further above the $10 million mark. 117 properties are currently listed and only 6% of all sales this year were in this category. How slow are things? There’s over a 6-year supply of inventory!

As you can see, the overall market is doing well but the picture changes dramatically depending on the market segment. Buyers looking for homes above $10 million have ample inventory to choose from, but those looking for properties below $5 million should move fast. Going forward we expect to see some pricing flexibility at the top end of the market but less and less at the lower price points. Buyers have more leverage at the higher end, sellers at the lower end.

The overall U.S. economy and the stock market have remained resilient in the face of the ongoing tariff battles between the United States and China. This could have impacts going forward, but what remains a strength is the cache and desirability of living in the Roaring Fork Valley and Aspen in particular. There are few places that have more enduring appeal. We expect that 2019 will come to a close as a successful year for real estate sales here.