Here we are again at the beginning of another ski season!  Vail Mountain is set to open Friday, November 21st for the 2008-2009 ski season.  People are trying to decide what to do that day; ski & play golf, ski & fly fish, go mountain biking??  It’s that strange time of year that sometimes happens when fall makes a resurgence and the snow is yet to really take control.  If you do go skiing, which of course you should, be prepared for nice weather and lots of people.

Looking at the extended forecast, we expect to see mild weather continue for a bit before winter shows up in force again.  It may turn out to be just like last year, which was a record setting year for great snow here in the Vail Valley.  Beaver Creek is expected to open a week after Vail, but we’ll see.  Time to get your last fix for golfing and other sports that require you see the ground, because hopefully that snow is just around the corner.

Related Link:  Vail Valley Weather Report

Those of us that live here in the Vail Valley are often looking for great places to eat that are fun for the whole family.  And Minturn, CO has a handful of fantastic places that fit the bill.  Kid friendly and reasonably priced, the following places offer something a little different and are worth the trip.

The Minturn Saloon:  A local favorite for generations!  Also famous as a destination after skiing the Minturn Mile!  Don’t miss the margaritas, chips & salsa, and roaring fire after skiing! (970) 827-5954 

Mango’s Mountain Grill:  Although a few miles up the road from Minturn in Red Cliff, Mango’s is worth the trip.  Serving an eclectic menu, Mango’s is fun for everyone (my son especially likes to play w/ the train table upstairs).  Come for food, music, & drinks; Mango’s has it all including a shuttle so you don’t have to drive!  (970) 827-9109

The Minturn Country Club:  In the mood for a steak, chicken or seafood?  Try the Minturn Country Club for something a little different; you get to cook your own steak here!  Come in the off-season for local oriented $1.99 night!  (970) 827-4114

The Turntable Restaurant:  This place will take you back in time, to when Minturn was a train stop and diners were a welcome sight.  (this much is still true)  Well known for its “Boo’s Burrito,” the Turntable has a loyal following of locals and tourists who want something different.   (970) 827-4164

Chilly Willy’s:  Looking for TexMex or great fajitas?  Look no further than Chilly Willy’s, the first place you will see when driving into Minturn from I-70.  A fun atmoshpere with friendly staff, families love eating here and the portions are big.(970) 827-5887

To learn more about Minturn or the Vail Valley, please contact me anytime.

Related Articles:  Minturn, CO. . .A Great Place To Live

Single Family Log Home On The River For Sale In Minturn

Although Grand County does not have the glitz of Aspen or the glam of Vail, it is one of the most incredible resort areas in the country. The charm of Winter Park, the beauty of Grand Lake, and the five-star skiing of Mary Jane are just the beginning of all Grand County has to offer.

Grand County is nestled among the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Arapahoe National Recreation Area, and the Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Continental Divide runs through Grand Lake village. Enjoy world class biking, hiking and rafting in the summers, and snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding in the winters. Charming shops and gourmet restaurants are found at the base and in downtown Winter Park.

In addition to the endless activities, events and entertainment, Winter Park and Grand County have incredible real estate opportunities. From gorgeous ski-in/ski-out townhomes to spectacular single family cabins, Winter Park has it all. Base Camp on Jane Creek, for example, is located on the corridor ski trail near the base at Winter Park. There are fourteen homes in the enclave, twelve townhomes and a duplex. Each are nestled on the ski mountain and are surrounded by Jane Creek.

Beautiful ski-in/ski-out homes nestled on the base of Winter Park ski mountain

Another featured Winter Park property is Lakota at Winter Park. New townhomes, duplexes, and single family cabins are currently being built and feature seamless views of the Winter Park ski mountain, high end finishes by Slifer Designs, and a gorgeous setting.

New Construction Single Family, Duplex, and Townhomes at Lakota at Winter Park.

All of these properties are minutes from all the Grand County has to offer and are opportunities that should not be missed. For more information on Grand County and Winter Park real estate and activities or to browse the MLS, please visit our website, www.gatewayland.com or www.vailpropertysearch.com

The Vail Vilar Performing Arts tickets go on sale Monday, November 3, 2008.  Check out the schedule of special events and professional performers.  The Vilar Center is an itimate theater and seats are limited and sell out quickly for many artists.  Vail Vilar Center

Vilar Center for Perfoming Arts in Beaver Creek

You can search for tickets by dates or series:  Family, Classical, Broadway Musicals, Theater/Comedy, Concerts, Dance and New Artists.  Vail Vilar Performance Tickets by Series

Treat yourself, your family, friends and co-workers to some awesome entertainment right here in the beautiful Vail Valley of Colorado.  Ski, Dine and be Entertained, all in one place:  Beaver Creek in the Vail Valley.  It does not get much better, whether you are visiting, enjoying your mountain home or a lucky Vail Valley resident.  Don’t wait and get closed out on hearing and feeling the excitement as you enjoy seeing your favorite entertainers up close and personal. 

Buy Vail Vilar Performing Art Tickets Now

For information on the Vilar Center at Beaver Creek or Vail, contact  Teri Lester, Eco-Broker at 970376-0779 or tlester@gatewayland.com

True horse property in the Vail Valley is becoming increasingly  rare.  As new developments like Adam’s Rib, Eagle Ranch, Brightwater, etc. use the land for housing and golf courses, horse owners are being edged farther and farther away.  A rare 35 acre horse property is currently available only 15-30 minutes from world class skiing, shops and restaurants.  With a six stall barn, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, irrigated and fenced pastures and beautiful custom home, this equestrian estate will keep both horses and their owners happy for years to come!

Red Tail Hawks soar over your head while you enjoy amazing vistas from this truly unique Colorado Ranch.  Fenced pastures for your horses to enjoy, indoor and outdoor arenas, beautiful barn, this ranch has it all.  Own it in time for ski season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFyY7JmEFWw

The Summit at Cordillera is home to some of the most incredible views in the Vail Valley. And although each residence in the Summit boasts endless views and a gorgeous setting, Webb Peak is one of most spectacular neighborhoods in all of Cordillera, including the Summit. This street has pure, sweeping 360 degree views of the surrounding mountain vistas. When facing South, Webb Peak overlooks the Summit Golf Course and the stunning Sawatch Mountain Range; when staring East, the celebrated Gore Range is perfectly framed; when looking West, Castle Peak inspires and Colorado vistas abound; and when gazing North, the Red and White Mountains and Teapot Mountain capture your imagination.

For more information about the Summit at Cordillera, or any other Vail Valley neighborhoods and properties, please visit our website at www.gatewayland.com or www.vailpropertysearch.com to search the MLS, or call our office at 970.926.6777.

Vail Mountain was once again ranked very highly in the annual SKI Magazine reader’s poll.  Deer Valley took the top spot, followed by our beloved Vail Mountain (#2).  Beaver Creek moved up to # 6, reinforcing Eagle County Colorado’s strength in the ski industry.  The survey goes beyond just the ski mountain, but includes the overall experience (i.e. lodging, apres ski, dining etc.)

Here’s how Vail did in the Top Ten Lists:
Snow: #10
Grooming:#5
Terrain/Variety:#3
Terrain/Challenge: (not in Top 10)
Value: (not in Top 10)
Lifts:#5
Service:#9
Weather:#10
Access: (not in Top 10)
On-Mountain Food:#9
Lodging:#10
Dining:#6
Apres-Ski:#6
Off Hill Activities:#7
Family Programs: (not in Top 10)
Scenery: (not in Top 10)
Terrain Parks: (not in Top 10)
Overall Satisfaction:#7

Vail has something for everyone, if not the best in any one category, and that seems to be the key to Vail’s success, year after year.

We that live here, love it.  It’s important to recognize that we do live in an amazing place that other folks love to visit.  And it’s also important to recognize the areas of our resort that need improvement.  Over the years, the valley’s customer service has declined and we need to make  it superior again.  It will be interesting to see how the guest experience will be affected by the Epic Pass’s introduction (some speculate that many volunteers will no longer work for the mtn. since they can now buy a great discounted pass) and the lack of work visas this year.

Give a call or send an email after your Vail experience, and let me know what you think!!

Realted Article:  SKI Magazine’s 2008 Reader’s Poll

ARAPAHOE BASIN, Colorado has done it again. The frist ski area to open the 2008-2009 Ski Season. One run and parts of the terrain park will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Top of Vail Mountain

An 18-inch base, Arapahoe Basin will open its Exhibition chairlift, the intermediate High Noon run and parts of its terrain park. There will be no beginner skiing. This will be the third season in a row that Arapahoe Basin has been the first mountain open in the U.S.

Opening day adult lift tickets will be available for $49, youth tickets age 15 to 19 will be $44 and child tickets age 6-14 will be $25. Ski and snowboard rentals and tune shop, food and beverage service, the 6th Alley bar and retail shop will be open to the public.

Get those ski legs ready for the 2008-2009 Coloarado ski season and head over to Arapahoe Basin for a few runs! 

Ski Arapahoe Basin

Ski Coupons

Ski Discounts

Ski Vail

Contact Teri Lester, Eco-Broker for questions about skiing Vail.  970-376-0779 or tlester@gatewayland.com

In an effort to help visitors to the Vail Valley this winter, Vail Resorts will be offering a program to offset baggage fees.  If you stay four nights or more at a Vail Resorts facility you will get a voucher for $50.  This voucher is really a symbolic jester aimed at “breaking though the clutter”. 

One way to save on baggage fees is to rent your skis and poles when you get to Vail.  Hauling your equipment through ariports along with all your other stuff is, in my opinion, a royal pain in the ass.  Leaving you skis behind lightens the load and inconvenience.  Once in Vail there are several rental operations where you can rent the latest in equipment whether you are a beginner or an expert.  Chances are also pretty good the equipment you rent will be newer and in better condition than what you own.  

But renting skis is a pain, long lines and very time consuming you say.  Not so, ou can go on line, supply your  info, pick your skis and have everything ready to go upon your arrival.  All you will need to do is have your boots adjusted to the bindings.  Most rental shops will allow you to drop your skis off at the end of the day along with your boots so that you don’t have to lug them to “apre ski” (my favorite part of the ski day) and eventually to your lodging.     

Remember, it is “against the Code of the West” to be out after dark with your ski boots on.