In an attempt to clarify what VailSkiVacations.com offers I’ve decided to put forth this post detailing the general operations and business model of the company.  Readers of this blog should be aware of its connection to the company, blogs function in a reader friendly manner that makes updating them quick and effortless.  As a result, they’re a convenient location to inform readers of the happenings related to their realm.  This post will take that one step farther by informing readers how VailSkiVacations.com, and its subsidiaries operate.

A basic overview of the company highlights how the business is divided to better serve unique markets; VailSkiVacations.com offers clients a quick, convenient and locally ran portal for booking accommodations in the Vail Valley while VailBeaverCreekLuxuryProperties.com is your source for real estate in the Vail Valley.  Both components operate from the same office located in Vail, CO where they’re staffed by intelligent locals committed to offering superior customer service.  We achieve this by working in a dynamic market where relationships and networking offers the best access to properties.  This is where we excel, as locals we have outstanding relationships with many property management companies and brokers in the Vail Valley.

Our company differs from our competition by blending the best components of a property management company with those of a travel agent.  We own no properties, nor have any allegiance to a set company ensuring an unbiased approach to our selection of properties.  This in turn guarantees we have access to a wide array of properties, translating to competitive prices and better options.

As noted in my previous post, we’ve begun to expand our operations past the Vail Valley and into the Front Range in hopes of alluring this market towards our innovative business.  If you’re interested in properties or rentals in the Denver area check out this post or these websites; LuxuryRentalsofDenver.com and LuxuryPropertiesofDenver.com.

Never satisfied with remaining static, or being complacent in this challenging economy, VailSkiVacations.com and VailBeaverCreekLuxuryProperties.com are now expanding to encompass the Denver and Front Range.  This alluring market is void of a company that operates in our manner, and as such we made a calculated decision to expand operations.  Our expansion to Denver will be formulated under two subsidiaries, each offering outstanding customer service and a functional business model that enhances customer relationships.

Similar to our Vail Valley operations, LuxuryRentalsofDenver.com and LuxuryPropertiesofDenver.com will feature high end properties that are available for rent or for sale on the market.  Differentiating our company from our competition is certainly critical, and easily accomplished with our innovative business model.  Because our company operates as a hybrid of a travel agent and a property management company we have access to a large, diverse inventory of the area’s best properties.

This unprecedented access to booking a wide array of rentals ensures we offer highly competitive prices while matching you and your preferences to the perfect accommodations.  Independence from owning properties guarantees we present an unbiased practice to finding you lodging, resulting in better customer service and a great selection of properties.

Please check out our new websites for LuxuryRentalsofDenver.com and DenverLuxuryProperties.com to view our inventory and other information about this exciting market expansion!

It’s been a few years since Vail’s reconstruction began, and while many of the projects have finished including the Arrabelle and the Vail Plaza Club a new batch of luxurious lodges, hotels and condos are projected to be completed in 2010. This second batch has certainly caught our attention; from the stunning Club at Solaris to the highly anticipated Ritz Carlton in Lionshead there is plenty to be excited for.

Truthfully, Vail has reached a new pinnacle in which it now accommodates more guests than ever, looks amazing and has certainly solidified its reputation as a world class skiing destination. Below we’ve highlighted a few projects that will certainly grab your attention, from revolutionary design to flawless guest service each soon to be finished project is a quality investment of your time or interest.

The Club at Solaris

Estimated Completion: April 2010

Since its beginnings the Club at Solaris (previously discussed here) has garnered attention, its set out to revolutionize not only design in Vail but how the real estate market works. The Club at Solaris is intriguing because it offers a wide array of fractional ownership opportunities with unique twists, the premier offering is a membership guaranteeing accommodation at any time of the year and whenever and however often you desire it. Limited ownership guarantees this as an illustrious investment, but it has a myriad of perks that include great access to Vail Mountain and the Village as well as the extensive amenities located in the building.

The Ritz Carleton Residences at Lionshead

Estimated Completion: November 2010

No longer will the Ritz Carleton in Bachelor Gulch (reviewed here) gain all of the Vail Valley’s praise, it will have to learn to share with its compatriot located in the newly renovated Lionshead Village. This stunning building will feature over 100 residences ranging in size from 2 to 6 bedrooms; these great accommodations will be complemented by stunning interiors and a wide array of amenities. Yet it’s the Ritz Carleton’s superior guest service and attention to detail that solidifies its reputation as one of the leaders in luxury residences. This is certainly going to have a pronounced effect on Lionshead Village as the Ritz Carleton and Arrabelle will reinvent this smaller, more reserved village of Vail.

For more information or help booking accommodations or inquiring about fractional ownership in either of these properties check out VailSkiVacations.com or call us at 1-877-411-8245 or visit our sister sites: LuxuryPropertiesofDenver and LuxuryRentalsofDenver

Here’s an excerpt from the Vail Daily’s December 6th article chronicling new construction in the Vail Valley.  Vail’s extensive makeover is starting to unwind and the town looks great, with the completion of a few more projects in the next few years Vail will truly assert itself as one of the most luxurious ski towns in the world.

‘Renaissance’ chugging along in Vail

An update of construction projects

Melanie Wong
mwong@vaildaily.com
Vail, CO Colorado

Four Seasons

Work continues in the next couple weeks on the building’s roof, and interior work is ongoing in all the wings of the resort. Scaffolding was installed around outside of the building, and the property has been wrapped and sealed in critical areas to prepare for interior work throughout the winter.

Four Seasons Resort Vail includes a 121-room hotel, 16 condominiums and 19 “fractional residences.” The site is located just southwest of the main Vail roundabout and will include a restaurant, spa, pool, library, apres ski lounge and shops.

Arrabelle at Vail Square

Crews are finishing up the street and landscaping work at the new village.

The Arrabelle has 66 condos, 36 hotel rooms, a spa, meeting rooms, a restaurant, locker rooms, offices, stores, parking and a loading dock. The stores include Burton, Vail Sports, Patagonia, Quiksilver and Starbucks. The restaurants are Blue Moose Pizza, Centre V, the Vail Chophouse and Rimini, a sweets shop.

Vail Cascade Resort and Spa

Over the next few weeks, the resort’s hotel entrance will be finished. The hotel’s back patio will also be finished soon with a new hot tub, fire pits and pool.

In the spa, work on the men’s locker room is complete and final installations for the women’s locker room are under way. A new air conditioning system is also being installed throughout the building.

Ritz Carlton

The steel is going up for the building’s frame, and the project is on schedule to be completed in November 2010.  Vail Resorts’ Ritz-Carlton Residences are in Lionshead at the corner of South Frontage and West Forest roads, next to the Vail Marriott. It will have 71 condos.

This post is aimed at highlighting some of the best homes available to rent in the Vail Valley, from stunning ski chalets in Beaver Creek to secluded mountain homes in West Vail there are a wide array of fabulous homes.  By renting, or even just admiring, such homes vacationers can gain a feel of what it’s like to own a second home in the Vail Valley.  Needless to say it’s quite the luxury, from summer to winter the Vail Valley is a bustling place with vibrant city life in Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon and Edwards.  Complemented by a wealth of outdoor activities such as world class fly fishing, stunning hiking, skiing at Vail and Beaver Creek there is no limit on what you can do when in the Vail Valley.

A few of our favorite homes available for rent are highlighted below, each is unique in its presentation, size and amenities so make sure to check each one out.

327 East Rockledge

Situated between the two Vail Villages this secluded house offers guests a great chance to ski all day and make it home for a relaxing night.  Nestled into Vail Mountain it overlooks the valley and the Gore Creek, leaving guests breathless at Colorado’s beauty.  Tall vaulted ceilings create a very welcoming and large feeling home that features an entertainment center, wood fireplaces, private hot tub, jacuzzi tubs and more.

421 Beaver Dam Circle

A fabulous home awaits at the base of Vail mountain, with easy access to Vail Village great city life awaits.  Vail’s amazing restaurants, bars, and shopping are all in close proximity yet you might not want to leave this stunning home.  Room features and Amenities include: TV, VCR/DVD, CD, Large deck with gondola and forest views, large dining room with table for 10, Fully equipped kitchen, large outdoor Jacuzzi with sound system and easy access to the slopes!  Attention to detail is guaranteed here, let the picture to the left guide you to this luxurious home featuring 4 bedrooms spread throughout 3 floors.

If either of these homes has you interested in renting them, or previewing other great homes in the Vail Valley our educated Real Estate staff can help you.  Contact us through VailBeaverCreekLuxuryProperties.com or at 1-877-411-8245.

From the Vail Daily comes reports of a strengthening Real Estate market in Vail where October posted 2008’s highest overall sales. Great properties in Vail and Beaver Creek helped bump these numbers, particularly the Westin which we’ve covered in past posts here.  Though the economy faces a troubled future investment in the Vail Valley has illustrated the strengths of the market and what a resilient place it is.  The following is an excerpt from the Vail Daily, the full article can be found here.

VAIL VALLEY, Colorado – October was the biggest month so far this year for real estate in Colorado’s Vail Valley, according to figures released Wednesday by the Land Title Guarantee Company.  The boost came from 40 closings worth about $32 million at the recently opened Westin Resort in Avon.  The total dollar volume for October was $167,624,200, which equates to an overall average sales price of $956,373.

There were seven transactions over $4 million. Four of those transactions were at the Willows in Vail.
Rod Slifer, founding partner of Slifer, Smith and Frampton Real Estate, said he felt the majority of the closings came from the Westin Resort and Arrabelle.  “If you pulled out those two, I think the number would be a lot lower,” he said. “If you go back a lot of years, the number of transactions has declined every year, but the dollar amount of the transactions have increased.”  With the economy struggling, Slifer said the report was good news for the Vail Valley.  “I think we all know the economy is slowing down,” he said. “We just need to hang in there.   “Snow would help, too,” he added, “but if we could have numbers like these every month, I’d be a happy man.”

A stunning opportunity to own a residence in the Vail Village awaits at One Willow Bridge, this accomplished collection of Fractional Residences offers guests the Platinum rated luxury they desire.  One Willow Bridge excels through a perfect blend of great customer service, and outstanding accommodation.  Located in the heart of Vail Village the property is easily accessible and just yards away from the scenic Gore Creek, great restaurants like Sweet Basil and Vail mountain.

Fractional Ownership is a great method of reducing the inconvenience and cost of owning a vacation home in Vail or Beaver Creek, through a deeded contract owners receive ownership for a predefined adjustable fraction of the year.  This reduces your cost as you’re not buying the unit in full, have less responsibilities for maintenance, and don’t see the unit go to waste when you’re not using it.

If these images of One Willow Bridge or the concept of Fractional Ownership have caught your attention feel free to contact our knowledgeable, local real estate brokers at 1-877-411-8245.  We’d be more than happy to converse with you and can provide detailed information regarding Real Estate in the  Vail Valley.  Our company’s free lance Real Estate component specializes in matching clients with their dream home, because we’re not committed to pushing or selling any single property we can provide a wide array of options to help you find exactly what you want.

   As the world markets and our country hang in the balance, the Vail Valley real estate market feels relatively paralyzed compared to the previous 2 years of sales.  This trend may continue as uncertainty and inactivity in the market begins to bring home prices back to earth.  The following is an article by David Frey with New West Travel & Outdoors which echoes these sentiments:

TROUBLE IN GLITTER GULCH

Meltdown Hits Snow Country

The world’s woes can seem far away in the Rockies’ playgrounds, but the economic meltdown is having its effects here, too. Foreclosures are rising and the once-meteoric real estate industry is sputtering.

By David Frey, 10-02-08

     While Wall Street was trying to regain its staggering losses and Congress was reaching for a way to prop up the economy’s tumbling dominoes, it was party time at Vail.

     At the foot of Beaver Creek Mountain, 1,000 people came last Friday to nibble caviar and sample from the ice-carved vodka bar at its newest luxury lodge: a half-a-billion-dollar world of ski valets and spa treatments, all in a LEED-certified, eco-friendly setting.

     The world’s woes can seem far away in these playgrounds of the Masters of the Universe. But the economic meltdown is having its effects here, too. Foreclosures are rising. The once-meteoric real estate industry is sputtering.

     “A lot of that was being driven by people’s 401Ks,” says Louis Meyer, CEO of the engineering and surveying firm Schmueser Gordon Meyer, which handles many of the region’s largest projects. He likens the outlook to the days after Black Sunday, when western Colorado’s economy crumbled after Exxon shuttered its oil shale plant in 1982.

     In some respects, the region may weather the turmoil better than others. It’s buffered on one end by an uber-wealthy clientele and on the other by a booming gas industry that has provided jobs and a demand for housing that has buoyed home prices and helped stave off foreclosures.

     “We’re probably the latest to go into the slowdown and we’ll probably be the earliest to come out,” says Jerry Jones, a real estate broker and ski industry consultant.

     In other respects, though, the region’s reliance on real estate and construction make it vulnerable. “We are largely a real estate economy,” says Wally Obermeyer, president of Aspen’s Obermeyer Asset Management Co. “You count the number of Realtors in town, and their income is down significantly.”

     In workaday Garfield County, downhill from Aspen and Vail, building permits by June were down 30 percent. Two large development projects have stalled, blaming lack of financing. Others may be on the horizon.

     The county’s foreclosure rate is nearing its highest peak since the oil shale bust, snagging struggling families and industry professionals. “We’re going to see foreclosures at a record this year,” says mortgage broker Drew Sakson, who watched clients face foreclosures, then found himself staring down the same threat.

     The county has posted 78 foreclosures so far this year, approaching 2007’s year-end total. It’s on pace to hit 107 by year’s end. That would still be less than 2003 and 2005, but it’s among the highest rates since 1987, when, in the shadow of Black Sunday, foreclosures stood at 165. Two years earlier, they had peaked at 244.

     “My feeling is, there’s going to be a lot of blood,” Sakson says. “I mean a lot.”

     Sakson found himself overextended. He missed two mortgage payments on a rental property. “The snowball started rolling on me, too,” he says. He managed to come up with the money, but others haven’t been so lucky, and their numbers are rising.

     “They bought too much house from day one,” says Yanina Toranza-Viera, Valley Housing Partners program director for Garfield Mountain Regional Housing Corp., which counsels prospective homeowners and helps them find affordable housing. Most can’t blame adjustable-rate mortgages, she says. They defaulted even before the rates changed.

     The region’s rocketing real estate market once seemed immune to bursting bubbles, but now, homes aren’t selling and prices are dropping in both tony resort towns and working-class burgs. The listing of available homes in the area “looks like the New York City phone book,” Sakson says.

     Just a year ago, homes were flying off the market, whether they were swanky dream homes in Vail or worker bungalows in towns like Rifle. “In Rifle a year ago, it was extremely difficult to buy a house,” says Toranza-Viera. “It was a seller’s market. There was little stock, a lot of demand. Now it’s changed completely.” In Aspen’s Pitkin County, real estate transactions for the year are down 33 percent. Sales are down 44 percent. On the lower end, many buyers simply can’t afford the inflated prices or can’t qualify for a loan. On the upper end, wealthy buyers may be holding out for bargains.

     “Most of the buyers in that price range are pretty astute,” Obermeyer says. “They’d just as soon wait until the deleveraging has lowered prices.”

     The super high-end may be a different story altogether. “It sells to a unique customer,” said Michael Berry, CEO of the National Ski Areas Association. “Oftentimes they’re far away. The headwinds we see in this country may not be the same as an oligarch from Russia.”

     As for the ski season, industry officials say they’re cautiously optimistic. Forget a plummeting economy. Skiers, it seems, only care about falling snow.

     “One of the last things that people sacrifice is their ski vacation,” says David Perry, vice president of the Aspen Skiing Co. “It’s such a part of people’s souls, and it’s so important to people. An outside analyst may view it as discretionary. Skiers don’t view it as discretionary.”

     The industry is facing some setbacks. Vail is warning investors to expect a dip in profits next year, but that’s due mostly to the sagging real estate market. Montana’s Moonlight Basin has halted construction due to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, a primary backer. Idaho’s Tamarack Resort earlier filed for bankruptcy protection.

     But when it comes to skier numbers, Berry says, good snow trumps bad economies. In the post-9/11 downturn, the stock market tumbled, but ski areas set a record.

     “I think people adjust,” Berry says. “I don’t care whether you’re in the middle-income or upper-income bracket. They give up a couple lattes to make it work.”

     For consecutive years, real estate in the Vail Valley has reached new heights.  Record sales were recorded in Eagle County , and in surrounding areas for both 2006 and 2007.  Today, the uncertainty stemming from our national economy, our mortgage and recent banking crises, and the wave of foreclosures have created a new environment for real estate opportunities here in the Vail Valley.  Cash is king …again, and with the growing number of homes available for purchase coupled with the perception of inactivity in the market relative to back-to-back record sales years, the Vail Valley is ripe for good deals on homes in the upcoming months.

     Some real estate markets can weather any storm.  These markets are on a virtual island, and seemingly impervious to national economic hardships.  Vail, typically, is a good example of one of these markets.  However, while Vail has not seen many foreclosures, it is not completely immune to our current national economic struggles.  As "adom" (actual days on market) for homes increases in conjunction will a growing number of homes available, the patience for Sellers and Developers to move property will be tested.One factor protecting the Vail Valley is its enormous international appeal to foreign vacationers and investors.  Activity from international buyers has picked up dramatically as visitors to our resort seek to take advantage of our weakened dollar.   Although this welcome influx of foreign capital assists greatly in maintaining the vitality of our market, it is not great enough to overcome the other factors’ negative impact.

     Put simply, if you have access to cash, and need a great place to invest it, the timing is good to buy in the Vail Valley.  Whether it is new construction, and the builder needs relief from his construction loan payments on homes that are attracting little interest, or just a motivated Seller because they are feeling the crunch elsewhere during these challenging times, opportunities are knocking here.  The reality is this market will rebound.  History says in no uncertain terms that money in real estate here is money well spent.  If you can own a piece of the Vail Valley for a great price while discovering the priceless memories of spending quality vacation time here, this is a great opportunity to secure a home in the premier Rocky Mountain ski resort. For any questions regarding the content of this article, please feel free to contact me at info@vailbeavercreekluxuryproperties.com ; or call at 970.477.1770. 

     I look forward to hearing from you,

            Adam Schiller