RESORT REPORT | MARCH 2016

EAT, STAY, LOVE: VAIL 

Breathing powdered-snow life into the meaning of “après ski,” Vail is one of the most elite resort destinations in the country … and the world. Majestic mountains, verdant terrain, first-class eateries and a dynamic arts and entertainment scene make this city a vacation locale not to be missed. But just in case you need a little more convincing – or want to live vicariously through photos and text – here’s what to eat, where to stay and everything to love about Vail.

THE 2016 VAIL FILM FESTIVAL

Intimate and accessible. Those are the two words Sean Cross, co-founder and festival director, uses to describe the Vail Film Festival, this year taking place April 7-10 in (but of course) Vail, CO. “One of the most special aspects of this event is that you can watch a film then talk directly with the filmmaker and the stars,” describes Cross, who launched the festival thirteen years ago along with his brother, Scott. “Over the years, we’ve found the openness and willingness of the filmmakers and celebrities to interact with attendees has been amazing,” he says. For the 2016 festival, actors Keanu Reeves and Peter Facinelli have already confirmed attendance, with more stars expected to join in support of the 67 films being shown (including 11 world premieres and two U.S. premieres). Also on the line-up: A tent in the center of Vail Village where festival-goers can experience virtual reality via fancy headsets, just like the kind high-tech filmmakers use today.  “It’s an amazing, immersive experience and ultimately, a celebration of film,” says Cross. And here’s more to celebrate: The Vail Film Festival is offering an exclusive 15% discount on the cost of admission to friends of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (that means you). Enter coupon code BHHS here and please remember to enjoy the show.

THE SONNENALP

“It’s like stepping into Bavaria in the Colorado mountains,” says Patricia McNamara, director of sales and marketing for the Sonnenalp hotel in Vail, CO. The Sonnenalp, a luxurious hideaway tucked into the Rockies, has been a timeless mainstay in Vail for more than 36 years. The family-owned resort prides itself on unabashedly embracing its German-Austrian heritage by creating an aura of alpine comfort and style. “We’re a family-run hotel but we also provide a warm, family experience,” explains McNamara. Think backyard fires every Wednesday, hot chocoloate, schnapps and s’mores for guests on Saturdays.

And on a more seasonal note, hiking, biking, fishing, river rafting and golf arrangements in the summer and a concierge ski service in the wintertime. “We even make sure your boots are nice and toasty when you come back down the mountain,” McNamara explains, “that way, you’re ready to return to the slopes the next morning and start all over again!” Warm boots and hot chocolate, you say? Yes, that’ll do.

For more information about the Sonnenalp, visit www.sonnenalp.com.

ESCAPE TO … BIG SKY, MONTANA

This spectacular home in Big, Sky, MT features only the most fantastic details and flow. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom house sits on 4.7 wooded acres with expansive views of the stately Spanish Peaks and Lone Mountain. Hand-carved mantels, handsome wood floors, six fireplaces, a wine cellar, a sunroom, beautiful fir beams repurposed from a naval shipyard and more transform this estate from awesome to awe-inspiring.

Click here to learn more.

ESCAPE TO … SNOWMASS VILLAGE, COLORADO

Welcome to this custom-build, masterpiece of mountain archiitecture, created exclusively for the owners by famed Snowmass architect T. Michael Manchester and local contractor Jack Wilkie. The estate, located in the shadow of the imperial Mt. Daly, reflects a thoughtful approach to all-season design and takes full advantage of a 360-panorama view, which includes the mountain and ski area just beyond, Snowmass Creek valley, the Continental Divide, and the adjacent ski trail. In winter, ski in from the Dawdler trail to the meticulously designed mudroom, leave your boots to dry then catch a game (or two or five) in the cozy downstairs media room. Once the games are over, settle in by the upstairs fire and watch as the alpenglow settles over the valley below. In summer, set up the telescope for stargazing on the terrace and enjoy long evenings by the fire, marshmallow-roasting stick or wine glass in hand. The possibilities in this mountain gem of a property are endless … and frankly, so are the views.

Click here to learn more.

ESCAPE TO … ASPEN, COLORADO

Experience Aspen by way of a grand mountain home designed for relaxed family living by noted archtiects, Robert Trown & Associates. The panoramic views, a thoughtful floorplan, the finest of finishes and meticulous attention to detail leave guests astounded. Features include: antique, plank wood floors; multiple fireplaces; a great room showcasing Mt. Daly and Aspen’s ski areas by way of floor-to-ceiling windows; a library and bar; a grand master suite with study; generous ensuite bedrooms; a bunk room; a wine room; and numerous stone terraces designed for conversation and appreciation of the vistas in all directions. The home also boasts a magnificent outdoor dining room, just right for candelit dinners and for watching the sun set behind the mountains. Elegant yet unpretentious and inviting, this estate is the ultimate in Aspen luxury and charm.

Click here to learn more.

RESORT BY THE NUMBERS

In which we provide, for your own edification and enjoyment, the latest data related to select U.S. resort markets … *

Palm Desert, CA

Average Sales Price: $458,774

Median Sales Price: $357,042

% Change Median Sales Price from 2014 to 2015: -2.3%

Palm Springs, CA

Average Sales Price: $611,209

Median Sales Price: $523,291

% Change Median Sales Price from 2014 to 2015: 4.0%

Big Sky, MT

Average Sales Price: $1,067,952

Median Sales Price: $622,000

% Change Median Sales Price from 2014 to 2015: -4.4%

Bozeman, MT

Average Sales Price: $454,433

Median Sales Price: $362,000

% Change Median Sales Price from 2014 to 2015: 11.4%

Aspen, CO

Average Sales Price: $3,313,930

Median Sales Price: $1,500,000

% Change Median Sales Price from 2014 to 2015: 1.0%

Park City, UT

Average Sales Price: $2,200.000

Median Sales Price: $1,500,000

% Change Median Sales Price from 2014 to 2015: 17%

Vail, CO**

Average Sales Price: $1,083,724

Media Sales Price: $585,000

% Change Median Sales Price from 2014 to 2015: 4.5%

*All information pertains to 2015 single family attached and detached properties and was provided by the California Desert Association of REALTORS® and Desert Area MLS, Gallatin Association of REALTORS/Southwest Montana MLS, Aspen Board of REALTORS^® MLS, Park City Board of REALTORS^® MLS and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties 2015 Vail Valley Market Trend Report.

** Statistics reflect all residential types.