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

Ranch with Views

Turn key horse property in beautiful Eagle, Colorado.  Irrigated and fenced pastures, six stall barn, indoor and outdoor arenas, and a custom built log beam home.  Room to build a caretaker unit and expand the acreage.  With the growth of new developments and golf courses, open land near ski areas is becoming more and more scarce.  This property is located minutes from world class skiing, shops and restaurants, yet is secluded and peaceful.

Click below for a virtual tour.

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

Please click the link below for a virtual tour of this beautiful Colorado Ranch.  Indoor and outdoor arenas, 6 stall barn, irrigated and fenced pastures, panoramic views, and a custom log beam log home.

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

Ski  Season is approaching and the annual Ski and Snow Board Swap is November 7th and 8th

Dobson Ice Arena in Vail

Benefits the Youth Programs of Ski and Snowboard Club Vail

  Ski Club Vail Organization

Ski Club Vail Downhill Racer

Ski & Snowboard Club Vail’s Annual Ski & Snowboard Swap is the largest of its kind in Colorado. Held annually every year, shoppers travel from all corners of the state to choose from thousands of great new and used items. Shoppers can find everything from alpine, telemark or nordic skis, snowboards, boots, goggles, poles, gloves, jackets, and many more great winter sports items!

Held at Dobson Ice Arena in Vail’s Lionshead Village; the Swap is the best place to find everything you need to gear up for the upcoming season! Over 20 vendors will bring their best selection of new and used items. In addition, the general public is welcome to sell any unwanted items.

Shoppers will also find a wide selection of Ski & Snowboard Club Vail merchandise and lots of other great specials!

Come to “The Original, The Biggest, The Best”- Ski & Snowboard Club Vail’s Annual Swap

Early Birds can get the pick of the inventory on Friday, November 7.  Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult.  Students with a valid ID will recieve $5 off the admission Price.  There will be thousands of new items at unbelievably low prices, as well as gently used skis, boards, and clothing. 

A special “Kids Section” will help ease the pain of introducing your children to the sport of skiing or boarding.  You can find great bargains and all major credit cards are accepted.  This is a great way to save dollars on those Christmas presents Santa always puts under the tree. 

 The Four Seasons

Private Residences - Vail, Colorado

For a limited time, Black Diamond Resorts of Vail, LLC are offering a 5 Per Cent Discount

Off the Private Residences list prices on their new 2, 3, 4 and 5 Bedroom Condominiums!

The Four Seasons Private Residences in Vail

2 Bedroom - Unit   #880    2520 Sq. Ft. was $5,300,000                Now  $5,035,000

3 Bedroom - Unit  #840    2853 Sq. Ft. was $6,750,000                 Now   $6,412,500

4 Bedroom - Unit #720     4600 Sq. Ft. was $10,500,000               Now   $9,975,000

5 Bedroom - Unit #980     5,812 Sq. Ft was $16,100,000               Now $15,295,000

There are a total of 10 Four Seasons Private Residences for sale in Vail.  If you are looking for value, quality construction, great location with mountain views and first class amenities, look no further.  All pricing is subject to change, so while other’s are waiting until they are completed, you can have built in equity if you act soon. 

For floor plans, photos and details on the Four Season Private Residences in Vail, contact Teri Lester, Luxury Residential Broker:  970-376-0779 or tlester@gatewayland.com

With the slowing economy, a good way to conserve cash and improve energy costs is to have a home energy rating. Home energy ratings can identify cost-effective improvements that potentially save homeowners hundreds of dollars each year. 

Energy Efficient Windows with View of Vail

This is a great time to take advantage of some of the price reductions now happening on homes in the Vail Valley.  As the saying goes for stocks and homes, Buy Low - Sell High!

There are  homes on Gore Creek, the Vail Golf Course, Ski-In, Ski-Out, and homes with mountain views available.   Local bankers predict tough times for the Vail Valley’s real estate and construction economies, but the experts say they are optimistic the economy in Eagle County, Colorado will bounce back.

While many agree that the resort economy tends to be less affected by economic downturns than the rest of the country, Eagle County can expect some loss of jobs, stalled real estate market and changed lending practices, said several financial experts at an economic symposium held in Beaver Creek on Thursday.  A slower real estate market will be accompanied by a drop in home sale prices, too, said County Assessor Mark Chapin.  In 2006, there were 859 sales of single-family homes, compared to 300 so far this year, Chapin said.

There are some amazing homes that have gradually come down in price.  While the real estate market in Vail waits for the recovery, you can find great opportunites to own your mountain dream home.

Vail Mountain Home

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

Golden Peak in Vail

Manor Vail New Construction

Own the views, convenience and new amenities at Manor Vail.  For more photos, plans and information on Manor Vail, contact Teri Lester, Eco-Broker:  970-376-0779 or tlester@gatewayland.com

Ford Park in Vail

Vail Recreation

Custom Cabin on 35 Acres with Trout Pond

There are many reasons to own property in the Vail Valley and one now it just got easier.   With the current economic bank situation, many potential buyers are not able to secure a mortgage.  When this happen, Sellers get creative and offer owner financing to buyers.  Sellers can defer capital gains on property over time and both buyers and sellers create a win - win situation. 

There are one bedroom condominiums from $319,000, ranches with trout pons on 35 Acres listed at $1,250,000 and custom mountain homes throughout the Vail Valley that can be purchased with owner financing. 

Owner Financing a Home in Vail

When lending gets tight and sellers want to sell and buyers are looking for ways to purchase property in Vail, this owner financing option should be considered.

For more information on properties in Vail where sellers are offering Owner Financing, contact Teri Lester, Eco-Broker at 970-376-0779 or tlester@gatewayland.com

Information on Owner Financing

Vail Property