Have a look at the latest video announcing the opening of Hero's on Aspen Mountain this winter!
Aspen Fall Real Estate Update!
The leaves are falling all around and we're about one month away from Opening Day for the 2023-24 winter ski season. Let's take a look at the current state of the Aspen/Snowmass real estate market!
Moving through October, market dynamics in Aspen itself are tracking much the same as they did over the summer, still slightly favoring buyers as indicated by the following meter enclosed in Title Company of the Rockies' most recent Market Action Index.
Three-quarters of the way through 2023, both total volume and overall inventory have fallen off of summer highs a bit but the market remains strong. The summer was indeed a good one as July and August marked the first time monthly sales outpaced 2022. More properties came online for sale during this time as reflected in the small decline in price per square foot, but the total number of transactions also declined from last summer. The overall pace has slowed and more buyers are taking their time before closing.
Prices (both median and per square foot) took a jump up from the summer. Let's dig in to our select categories below for a more detailed picture.
Click here for the complete report including category breakdowns!
Aspen Summer Real Estate Update!
Summer is definitely here - we've passed the solstice and Independence Day and are well on our way through July. It's time for an updated look at the state of the Aspen/Snowmass real estate market!
Midway through 2023 we’re seeing that inventory has rebounded a bit from historic lows last year but still remains well off the highs of 2019 and prior. The most recent snapshot from Land Title Guarantee shows the following:
The total sold volume has dropped from this spring and even the month of May. Mortgage rates and recent tax assessments may be taking a toll (read on for more about this below). It's well off the remarkable highs from 2021 and 2022 caused by pent up demand during the pandemic.
Click here for the complete report including category breakdowns!
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!