It is a wonderful site when you wake up and snow is covering the Vail Valley like a blanket! We are fortunate here in Vail to have some of the best skiing in the world, best riding in the world, best dining and shops in the world, and some of the best real estate in the world. Perhaps the reason for such unbelievable real estate is the fact that many Vail Valley homes are nestled into the the heavenly, top-rated Vail ski mountain, the world-class Beaver Creek ski mountain, the remarkable Bachelor Gulch ski mountain, and the charming Arrowhead ski mountain. Although there are many incredible ski-in/ski-out residences in the Valley, Arrowhead has a myriad of simply exquisite homes. 

Taken from the chair lift!

360 Cresta, for example, is a fabulous 4 bedroom mountain retreat that is located on the base of Arrowhead mountain and boasts a rare Alpine Club Membership option, beautiful furnishings, and sweeping views. DRAMATICALLY REDUCED TO $2,500,000! This is the lowest price single family ski-in/ski-out home in Arrowhead!

For more information on Vail, Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead properties, please visit our website at www.VailPropertySearch.com or www.GatewayLand.com

Yeah!!  Winter has hit the Vail Valley!  Both Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek are reporting 9″ of new snow with more on the way.  Vail is opening more terrain today, including Chairs 3 and 4 (Mid-Vail) which should spread everyone out a bit better.

And more snow is expected throughout the upcoming week.  This is just what we need!  The resorts are ready for the season; Thanksgiving is now over, holiday decorations are going up, fireworks galore , ski instructors, and snow;  just the things every ski town needs to entertain.  Kids are sledding, stores are hoping shoppers arrive, and my son and I built a huge snowman in the park as well.  He can’t wait to get out on the mountain to ski (he’s 3) and so should you!

To learn about life here in Eagle County, nature’s mountain playground, just give me a call or email anytime.

Vail mountain opens for the 08-09 winter season at 9 a.m. tommorrow morning.  Many excited skiiers and boarders will be present in Lionshead.  The buzz is in the air.  Last year we had a similar scenario,  pretty dry until the first week in December and then we just got pounded.

It is a great time to book those last minute trips to the mountains.  There are so many great deals out there.  Epic pass sales were extended until the 1st of December.  Vail Snow Daze event tickets are on sale now.  December 8-14  will consist of many great venues including Big Head Todd and The Monsters/Leftover Salomon.  All of those events are always magical, outdoor venues especially while it is snowing. 

For more information on any Vail fun activities from a locals view  feel free to contact me:

Jill Hopkins  970.376.8692 or jill@gatewayland.com

THINK SNOW!!!!!!

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.