Summit County Colorado Market up 15.5%

The Summit County residential sales market is up a solid 15.5% with the North Side of the county at a 21% gain and the South Side at an 8% gain. The number of properties for sale is currently down about 16%.

 

What is interesting is that the number of properties under contract today is the same as last year at this time - well, we have 1 more property under contract this year! Also the same, is the average sold price year to date for the county is $510k in 2011 and 2012. In fact, the South Side of the county is the same as last year as well with both years having an average sold price of $624k. The North Side is currently at a 2.5% improvement in average sold price.

 

Last year at this time the average asking price of the county’s residential properties for sale was $728k and this year that average is $705k - down 3%. If one looks at the average list price of the properties that are under contract today and assumes that they will continue the trend of a 94.5% sold price to list price ratio that we have today the $510k that we are at today will not change much by year end.

 

Learn more online at Http://WeeklyREActivity.com .

Running of the Santas

The Annual "running of the Santas!  In Breckenridge Colorado.  Just another zany event we do every year in beautiful Breckenridge Colorado.

Enjoy

Breckenridge Peak 6 Expansion is a Go

The decision by the U.S. Forest Service to approve the Peak 6 expansion at Breckenridge Ski Resort has been upheld after rejecting two appeals, carrying endorsements by 45 individuals and environmental groups.

The Forest Service reviewed the appeals, which were filed Oct. 9, and concluded that the approval of the 550-acre expansion did not violate any federal laws, regulations or policies and recommended upholding White River National Forest supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams' decision.

The formal decision was made by appeals deciding officer Brian Ferebee, a deputy regional forester for resources based in Denver.

“We take the appeal process extremely seriously,” Fitzwilliams said. “It's a very strict process and we're harder on ourselves than often others would be on us.”

With the rejection of the appeals, Breckenridge has the go-ahead to implement the expansion.

The ski resort plans to add two new lifts, a ski patrol/warming hut and a restroom facility. New terrain will encompass seven below-treeline trails — totaling roughly 68 acres — as well as about 339 acres of lift-served intermediate, advanced-intermediate and expert skiing above treeline. Approximately 143 acres of hike-to terrain will also be added.

“I am delighted the decision was upheld and eventually I look forward to moving forward with implementation,” Fitzwilliams said.

Some Breck residents are less inclined to celebrate the expansion.

Rocky Smith, a forest policy consultant previously employed by Rocky Mountain Wild who championed the effort of the appeal, said the Forest Service didn't provide a strong argument to uphold the decision.

“This was a very poor review with very poor reasons they gave for rejecting the appeal,” Smith said. “It seems like they didn't read our appeal or they didn't understand it. They responded in a way that makes you shake your head and say ‘why would they say that?'”

The resort is required to wait 15 business days, allowing the implementation process to begin as early as Dec. 14, according to Peech Keller, with the Forest Service.

“We've been hard at work with construction planning so that we can begin implementation as soon as possible,” said Pat Campbell, chief operating officer of Breckenridge Ski Resort. “We are incredibly excited to begin work on Peak 6 and be able to bring to fruition a 23 percent increase in Breckenridge's terrain for our guests.”

Opposition considering legal action

Smith said he's already heard from some opposition affiliated with the appeal that they'd like to argue their case in federal court after review by the University of Denver Law Center.

“We're considering legal action, but we just don't know yet if we'll go forward with that or not,” Smith said. “I don't know what judges we would get and I could not articulate what I think the outcome would be. The lawyers tell us they think it's a case worth taking.”

A history of opposition

Though deciding official Fitzwilliams said the region around Peak 6 is already unable to meet federal standards for lynx habitat, opponents of the expansion say impacts are not weighed by the need to ease crowding.

“Lynx habitat is going to be hurt by fragmenting the area they travel,” Smith said previously. “The Forest Service seems to think that since the habitat is already so bad it's OK to make it worse. It has been affected, no question, by the existing ski area. Right now it is impaired somewhat, but it's not severed. This expansion might sever it.”

Fitzwilliams and researchers for the Forest Service looked at conservation efforts in the project area, but said they “found very few if any that would help lynx at all.”

Many Breck residents in opposition are concerned that the expansion will not ease crowding, but intensify it.

“Breckenridge is a brutally crowded ski resort,” said Chad Zanca, a longtime Breck resident who says he regularly rides terrain off Peak 6. “To make it bigger and bring more people will only make it worse. Once this boundary is maxed out, where do they go next?”

Additionally, opponents of the decision argue the proposed intermediate terrain is unsuitable for the average skier and would not divert traffic from other parts of the ski area.

“Most of the terrain that would be opened up on Peak 6 is not intermediate. It's too steep, would not be graded and it gets avalanche debris from above,” Smith said. “It's going to be tough for the average intermediate skier, some of it is just way too steep.”

But, Breckenridge officials say the new terrain will spread out skier traffic.

“We appreciate the strong interest and thoughtful input of the community, which has helped to make this a better project,” Campbell said. “The expanded terrain will help tremendously to spread out the large crowds we see today and alleviate long lift lines. Further, our guests will be able to explore and enjoy an entirely new skiing experience of high-alpine bowl skiing at Peak 6.”

Still, with the expansion approval upheld, those opposed feel the appeal process was an uphill battle.

“The Forest Service just wanted to affirm this in any way they could, it's very disappointing,” Smith said. “We thought there was a pretty good chance we would lose this because you just usually don't win against the Forest Service.”

New Website

My new website will be up and running sometime on Sunday, Dec. 2.  For a sneak peak visit:

http://www.nancyyearout.remaxagent.com

Let me know what you think.

Nancy Yearout

Sold Properties Surpass 2011 Totals

Last week the number of residential sold properties in Summit County surpassed the 2011 year end total and this week the total number of sales in Summit County gained 2%...in one week the county went from 13% gain in sold properties to today’s 15%!

 

Countywide is up 15% and the North Side of the county is almost at a 20% gain and the South Side is at a 9% gain.

 

The average sold price for Summit County Residential sales fell 1 tenth of a percent and today is up 0.4%. The North Side of the county dropped a bit more and is now at a 3.5% improvement and the South Side remains at minus 0.6%. It will be interesting to see what the next five weeks will bring as we wind the year down.

 

Active listings today are down -14.7% and the total residential properties in the county that are under contract are up plus 7.5%. The 7.5% is primarily due to two situations this past week: 1. The number of properties that went under contract surged by 33% and the number of properties that sold went down by 22%.

 

Learn more detail at http://WeeklyREActivity.com

Plastic Bags or not?

The town of Breckenridge is calling for public input on a possible town policy to curb or eliminate the use of plastic bags.

Officials are hosting a public open house at 6:30 tonight at the Breckenridge Recreation Center Multi-Purpose Room to generate feedback from the community on the issue.

Members of the Breckenridge Town Council are considering a law that would impose a fee or outright ban single-use bags within the town, but want to receive thoughts and input from local residents before taking action.

“During 2010 and 2011 several hundred community residents participated in developing the SustainableBreck Plan,” Mayor John Warner stated in a recent release from the town. “One of the actions identified in the plan was to reduce single-use bags in our community. As we explore the issue further, we learned that both plastic and paper bags have significant negative environmental impacts. We want ideas from the community on how to reduce use of single-use bags.”

The open house will include data on the impacts of single-use bags and other information to assist the public in getting a better overview of the issue, according to the Breckenridge statement.

Additional info is available at SustainableBreck.com

Frisco Adventure Park Up and Running

The Frisco Adventure Park kicked off its third season Thursday debuting its tubing hill operations with nearly 600 people, a record-breaking opening day attendance, celebrating the sunny Thanksgiving Day.

In the first year of operations, the tubing hill was more popular than expected, according to tubing hill staff. Since the first season, the tubing hill's reservations have continued to increase.

“We have seen great growth from the first season to last season and expect to see growth this season,” said Jennifer Printz, guest services manager. “With the beautiful days we're going to have, the tubing hill is one of the few places to find snow to play on. I know a lot of people would like to see a snowstorm and ski runs opening up like crazy but we don't — this is the best alternative for sure.”

Mike Immer from St. Louis, bringing with him a group of 11, a handful from Los Angeles and “the balance” from Missouri, said the activity was great for the whole family but he was disappointed with the amount of snow.

“In general we're disappointed that there's not more snow. We arrived here 15 years ago for a similar vacation and there was a ton, it's a little disheartening that there's not more snow,” he said.

Snowmaking operations for the tubing hill began Oct. 15 but having the conditions to open, has been a challenge, Frisco Adventure Park operations manager Josh Olson said.

“It's been a bit of a struggle with the temperatures and weather we've had — we've only had one cold week for snowmaking since we started,” Olson said. “But we're really happy being able to open on Thanksgiving, we scraped it together and managed to get it open and we're pretty excited about that.”

Even with the lack of snow in the county, the holiday spirit among the families that traveled far for Thanksgiving weekend and the employees working the holiday, was abundant.

Park employee Brayden Pappenfort from Silverthorne benefited from the good graces of his colleagues who let him go home early after not feeling well Thanksgiving morning.

“This is a great job and I'm so thankful for everyone I work with,” Pappenfort said. “It's really fun to be out here on the holiday, everyone looks like they're really having a lot of fun.”

The hourly rate to go tubing at the park is $25, and Frisco residents receive a 20 percent discount on all park activities. A 10-punch transferable pass is available for $199. The tubing hill is open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m., and Monday from noon to 5 p.m

The tubing hill measures 600 feet in length and will have three lanes open today with the option to expand to eight to 10 lanes if there's enough demand. Some lanes are faster and longer than others, according to Olson.

The park has two snowmaking machines to maintain an adequate snow base throughout the season and a snowcat to groom the lanes.

The adventure park and tubing hill slid off its inaugural season Dec. 12, 2010, with snowmaking operations and construction still under way. Since then, the hill has opened Thanksgiving Day.

This season, tubing hill staff anticipates opening five to six tubing lanes, all with different gradients, to accommodate tubers and the beginner ski and ride hill by Christmas.

“If Mother Nature cooperates and we have the right conditions, our goal is to have those areas opened by Christmas,” Olson added.

Ski Areas Gear Up for Thanksgiving

Local ski areas are gearing up for Thanksgiving weekend making preparations to open additional terrain and features, with Keystone's tubing hill and night skiing operations slated to open today.

The ski area will also open The Alley, Dercum's Dash and Ina's Way trails bringing the terrain tally to 170 acres with access to nine trails and seven lifts.

Schoolmarm will be open top to bottom with access to Mountain House and Peru lift. Keystone A51 Terrain Park will have A-51 lift access, night skiing and riding will begin and tubing at Adventure Point.

Breckenridge Ski Resort officials announced the opening of Peak 9 slated for today, adding the QuickSilver Super6, Peak 8 SuperConnect, and the Village Carpets giving access to Silverthorne, King's Way, Lowest Sundown Access, Crosscut, Lower Sawmill and Spruce trails.

Officials plan to open additional terrain on Peak 9 and Peak 8, including a double jump line in the Park Lane Terrain Park for today as well.

Peak 9 will be open with full base area services, including ski & ride school and on-mountain dining at Ten Mile Station and The Maggie.

With the added terrain, Breckenridge Ski Resort will offer Thanksgiving skiers and riders 145 total acres for the weekend.

After opening the American Flyer Lift Nov. 17, Copper Mountain has six lifts running and 129 acres of skiable terrain including: American Eagle with access to the Bouncer, Main Vein and Rhapsody trails; the newly opened American Flyer with access to the High Point trail; the Excelerator Lift with access to the Ptarmigan trail; the Gem and Pitchfork lifts with access to the Green Acres beginner's area and the Easy Rider lift with access to the learning area as well.

Loveland Ski Area tallies are also up to 123 skiable acres open to holiday traffic.

Thanksgiving festivities

Breckenridge Ski Resort will host a Thanksgiving dinner at Sevens Restaurant, located at the base of Peak 7. The Thanksgiving Prix Fixe menu includes the traditional holiday spread, according to a press release.

The resort will also give holiday goers an option for Black Friday along Main Street with various deals at shops around town.

At Keystone Resort, Thanksgiving weekend marks the start of the season's Kidtopia programming with '80s-themed tubing tonight, Meet and Greet with Keystone's Ski Patrol Avalanche Dogs Thursday, the Riperoo parade Saturday, and Keystone's house DJ at Dercum Square ice rink Sunday.

Keystone's Kidtopia programming, newly offered as a daily service this season, is expanding from special event weekends to daily programming all season long in tow with the ski area's offer of free skiing for kids under 13 with the purchase of lodging at the resort.

“Keystone offers a family ski experience unmatched in the industry,” said John Buhler, vice president and general manager of the resort. “With the introduction of a Kids Ski Free offer that's really restriction free, we're letting families travel as their schedule allows, granting them convenient and affordable access to our world-class resort and taking Keystone's commitment to families to the next level.”

The new Kids Ski Free offer bolsters the ski area's numerous efforts targeting families. Keystone has developed several programs and facilities this year that cater to young skiers and riders.

In Keystone Village, the annual holiday light installation kicks off Thanksgiving Day.

Copper's seventh annual Gobbler Chase Snowshoe Race is slated for Saturday. All proceeds from the race will go toward the Copper Environmental Foundation, supporting youth environmental and education projects in the community.

All race participants should plan to meet in Burning Stones Plaza at the Race Registration Tent prior to the start of the race at 11 a.m. The approximate 5k course layout will take the participants toward Union Creek, through the beautiful Copper wilderness on the Colorado Trail, and eventually back into Burning Stones.

I-70. Let's Study it to Death

Transportation officials are passing on an opportunity to partner with a private engineering firm to implement a series of improvements aimed at reducing traffic on the Interstate 70 mountain corridor.

Two companies, Parsons and HDR, Inc., submitted co-development proposals in August that laid out plans to make the expensive task of resolving mounting traffic issues in the corridor financially feasible. Citing concerns about the risks involved with each of the proposals, Colorado Department of Transportation officials declined them both.

“We want to go into this slower than just both feet at the same time,” CDOT project manager Jim Bemelen said.

CDOT paid each of the firms $125,000 for the rights to the ideas in their proposals. Bemelen said the stipend is typical and likely wouldn't cover the firms' costs for generating the proposals.

The Parsons plan, deemed to be the better value of the two, proposed constructing a toll-based two- or three-lane reversible express lane facility that would run from

C-470 to Silverthorne, as well as new tunnel bores at both the Eisenhower and Twin Tunnels in the first of three phases of improvements. Phase II calls for express lanes to be extended to Vail. Phase III would have pushed those lanes out to Eagle and included a high-speed rail system if it was determined to be feasible.

HDR pitched an all-lane tolling approach.

“Either one could work,” Bemelen said.

But officials had concerns with both. Though Parsons plan was deemed to be the better value, it called for the new lanes to extend all the way to Summit County in the first phase of development to make the project financially feasible. But CDOT's record of decision, the result of years of studies and investigations required ahead of the improvement project, didn't cover such a broad solution.

“That's the part that had us nervous,” Bemelen said.

Stakeholder objections and uncertainty of revenue projections if the project were scaled down were also cited as concerns.

The I-70 mountain corridor, where weekend traffic frequently stacks up with tourists commuting between the Front Range and the mountains, has been a point of debate and discussion among mountain communities and transportation officials for several years.

After extensive study, CDOT released a programmatic environmental impact statement released in March 2011 recommending a plan that included a series of solutions to address the growing traffic problems in the corridor. The estimated $16-$20 billion package of improvements included a high-speed rail, highway improvements and new lanes and more strategic approaches to improving traffic.

In July 2011, Parsons submitted an unsolicited proposal for a co-development agreement for improvements on the corridor. CDOT opened the process up, inviting other firms to submit proposals as well. Only one other firm did.

The details of both proposals have been kept under wraps to protect proprietary information until transportation officials reached a decision.

U.S. Forest Service wants comments on Tenderfoot Mountain Trail

After making significant improvements to the Tenderfoot Mountain motorcycle trail system proposal, the U.S. Forest Service is seeking public comment on the project that would allow 21 miles of recreation terrain.

Ken Waugh, recreation staff officer for the Dillon Ranger District, said the trail will succeed in managing areas that are ridden unmonitored.

“User-made trails currently throughout Tenderfoot Mountain are steep and not sustainable,” Waugh said. “We want to change the persona of the trail from a unruly area to one that offers motorcyclists a nice ride through the woods.”

The route would be open to four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles September through November, and open to motorcycles and all non-motorized uses June 20 through August.

About seven miles of trail near Tenderfoot Mountain were dropped from the proposal to decrease impacts to Canada lynx habitat.

To avoid impacts to the Keystone Stables horseback riding operation, approximately one mile of trail in the Frey Gulch Creek area would be constructed and maintained for hiking and horseback riding only.

The total size of the project area is now 1,800 acres; previously, 4,000 proposed acres included the Oro Grande Trail and other trails and areas that are no longer considered in the proposal. The total acreage the trail tread would occupy is less than 8 acres.

To maintain four-wheeled motorized access to Tenderfoot Mountain for big-game hunters, a route would be designated as open to full-sized motorized access for the first mile, then ATV use for 1.4 miles.

Trail system details

The proposed project, located in the Dillon Ranger District at the juncture of the Straight Creek and Frey Gulch trailheads, would create an approximately 21-mile singletrack system including 13 miles of new trail construction and approximately 8 miles of reconstruction and rehabilitation of existing trails.

The trail system would offer a winding trail less than 5 percent in steep grade with challenging, narrow, rocky and winding areas, Waugh said.

When the assessment is released, a 30-day comment period will allow members of the public to weigh in on the findings. Following the comment period, the Forest Service will assess all questions and concerns before deciding official, Scott Fitzwilliams with the Forest Service, opts for the approval or denial of the 21-mile trail system.

Other user-created, non-system trails in the area would be closed and rehabilitated, Waugh said. The trail system, if approved by Fitzwilliams, would be managed for all non-motorized uses as well as for singletrack motorized uses.

The goal is to change an unmanaged, expanding system of mostly steep, eroded user-created trails to a managed, finite system of sustainable, well-designed trails.

The trail system allows for more representation of motorcycle recreation in the multi-use national forest, officials say. Currently, recreators are limited to riding forest roads, creating trails that often don't comply with Forest Service management goals.

“The purpose of this comment period is to provide an opportunity for the public to provide early and meaningful participation on a proposed action prior to a decision being made by the responsible official,” said Jan Cutts, district ranger. “It is very important to note that this proposal does not include the Tenderfoot or Oro Grande trails, which are only open to non-motorized uses.”

An open house will be hosted at the Dillon Ranger Station from 2-6 p.m. Dec. 5. District staff will answer questions about the proposal.

Enforcing appropriate trail use

The trail would be patrolled by Summit County Off-Road Riders as part of the Trail Ambassador program with the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District.

Volunteers would patrol the trails by motorcycle and speak to other recreators about forest stewardship with an emphasis of staying on the trail.

The trail system would also be patrolled by forest protection officers, with one patrol during the week and one during weekends.

At the start of the system, at the juncture of the Straight Creek and Frey Gulch trailheads, a Stay the Trail education trailer would be present two times per year, according to the education and law-enforcement plan for the project.

Stay The Trail Colorado began in 2003 when a small group of off-highway vehicle enthusiasts promoted a new approach to land-management issues.

The approach focuses on the education of responsible trail use to develop stewardship of public lands. Since its first brochure was published in 2005, the program has grown into a resource that both the public and the land-management agencies can count on to educate the public and protect natural resources in Colorado.

6 Inches of Snow Over the Weekend

A storm that hit Summit County late Saturday night stayed strong through Sunday, delivering between 5-7 inches of snow to powder-hungry ski resorts across the county.

Copper Mountain saw 7 inches of fresh powder as of Sunday afternoon, with flurries continuing off and on. Keystone Resort and Arapahoe Basin Ski Area each got a healthy blast of 6 inches, while Breckenridge Ski Resort saw 5 inches of snow, ramping up its opening weekend festivities.

All the resorts were reporting powder and man-made snow conditions on the slopes Sunday afternoon.

The storm brought an unexpected bout of wind and bitter cold temperatures, with highs only climbing into the single digits across the county on Veterans Day and expected to dip below zero Sunday night, according to forecasts available Sunday afternoon.

But weather watchers expect the sun to return today and continue through the better part of the week. High temperatures are expected to climb back into the low 20s today, but ongoing wind will make it feel as cold as -19. Gusts of up to 22 mph are expected today, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service.

Tuesday is warmer, with a high near 32 and sun in the forecasts, but the wind is expected to keep up through the first part of the week.

The next opportunity for snow is Saturday, according to 10-day forecasts.

Breckenridge Colorado Ski Resort Opens Tomorrow

BRECKENRIDGE, CO SKI RESORT OPENS TOMORROW, 11/09/12!

Yes, Breckenridge brings up the rear of the 4 Summit County ski resorts to open. 

For Full Opening day details > http://news.breckenridge.vailresorts.com/mountain/breckenridge/resort-news/breckenridge+opening+ski+season.htm

Breckenridge Ski Resort Website > http://www.breckenridge.com/

Closed Properties up 15% from 2011

The number of properties getting ready to close versus this time last year are up 11% and the number of properties that have already closed are up 15%! The year in Summit County is winding down rather well...

 

This past week the county had -33% fewer new listings, -5% fewer properties going under contract and 20% more properties sold.

 

If our market holds at the current improvement and each year following this one remains at this year’s percent improvement Summit County will regain its peak number of closings by the end of 2017!

 

Congratulations to all as RE/MAX Properties of the Summit is clearly the leader in Summit County for the number of transactions closed; in fact, number two would have to improve by an additional 145 closed transactions year to date just to catch up! In Frisco, #2 would have to more than triple their number of closed transactions to just catch up...more on this later this week.

This week stats and graph links.

 

Http://AllMarketStats.com

Http://HowsTheMarketUpdate.com

Http://WeeklyREActivity.com

Http://CoMtnProp.com

River Mountain Lodge, Breckenridge, Colorado 80424

This is a great studio unit in a great location and is priced to sell NOW.

Below is a short video of the property:

Contact me today for more information:  970-453-7000 or email:  nyearout@colorado.net

Summit County Real Estate Market Remains Up

Breckenridge & Summit County, Colorado Market Update!

Market Remains Up - now 14% and it is interesting as the county approaches the final two months of 2012, the number of residential properties under contract are up 14%. The number of properties already sold this year are up 14.5%. 

Average sold price is flat countywide while the average sold price per square foot is down -2%.

Learn more

 

http://howsthemarketupdate.com/

Loveland Ski Area Celebrates 75 Years

In the mid-1950s, a lift ticket at Loveland Ski Area was only $3.75. The first prices in the late 1930 offered a day pass to use the ski area for $1 while paying 50 cents would give access to the rope tow.

Though the lift ticket prices have been no strangers to inflation, one thing at Loveland Ski Area has always remained the same: The employee passion endures.

“Loveland is a wonderful little corner of the world,” said Wendel Pugh, longtime employee of the ski area. “There is a whole world waiting for you, between all of the little nook and crannies, it's different than other mountains.”

Skiing at Loveland Ski Area can be traced back to the mid-1930s, though casual skiing started even before then. The first U.S. Forest Service permit is dated 1937. Back in those days, the mountain was largely recreated by the Zipfelberger Ski Club, organized in the 1930s by three avid skiers: Jay Clark Blickensderfer, Dick Tompkins and Thor Grosswald.

Technically, Loveland Ski Area first opened its slopes to skiers in 1936 when Blickensderfer installed a rope tow at what is now called Loveland Basin.

“From the little that we do know about this group, it sounds like there were 30 or so members that just did their own thing in the Loveland Basin, both hiking and using older portable rope tows,” said Rob Goodell, director of business operations.

Loveland installed its first ski lift in 1955. It was aptly named Chair 1, and had the same line as the current lift. The following season, Chair 2 was built. The lift began near the slope maintenance building west of the current Basin Lodge.

By the late 1950s and 1960s, construction began on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Tunnel, which runs directly below the base of Chair 4.

During the 1980s, Loveland upgraded the old Chair 2 with a high-capacity Yan triple chair. This provided better, more reliable access to beginner and intermediate terrain. In 1989, a new Valley Lodge was constructed, allowing for better guest services at the beginner and racing hills. It was at about this time that snowboarding was emerging on the slopes.

Now, with Loveland celebrating its 75th year, longtime employees reminisce on the changes in technology and how the mountain has remained so special over the years. The strong retention among Loveland's staff exceeds that of most with some employees having 50 years or more under their belt, and they all have many memories to share.

“We're very proud of our heritage,” Goodell said.

Freddie and Rosie Tronnier, residents of Silverthorne, have both worked for Loveland as ski instructors for the majority of the last half century.

Freddie Tronnier is a full-time employee and is in his 51st season working with the ski area and now serves as the ski school supervisor, while his wife, Rosie, is in her 48th season with the ski school.

“I remember when my kids were out there in rubber boots,” Rosie Tronnier said. “There wasn't any snow wear for young kids being made back then, so everything was handed down.”

In the absence of boots, bindings and thermal jacket materials, most skiers wore sweaters and pants that were only partially waterproof, Rosie Tronnier recalls.

“Can you imagine how cold they would have been out there?,” she said. “I think it made the kids really tough.”

The Loveland lifestyle

Loveland remains one of the only family owned and operated ski areas in the country, currently operated by Virginia Upham.

Keeping the ski area family owned has contributed to the family feel that the staff generates.

“We've stayed here so long because everyone at Loveland makes you feel like you're part of the family,” Freddie Tronnier said.

For Rosie Tronnier, it's the rewards from her work that has retained her employment throughout the years.

Seven years ago, she taught a 86-year-old bus driver from Baltimore how to ski.

“He said that before he died he wanted to learn how to ski,” Rosie Tronnier said. “His entire family pitched in for his private lesson and he stayed on the beginners hill. Tears were rolling down his face, he was so happy to learn. It's really a special thing to be able to help fulfill someone else's dream.”

Ski area officials say that marking the 75th anniversary, the ski area intends on keeping its character intact.

“It is very important to us to preserve the culture and atmosphere of the area,” Goodell said. “We pride ourselves on our facilities and learning terrain for beginners. We have taught numerous generations how to ski and snowboard and we want to continue on with that legacy.”

An evolution of ski technology

Employed by the ski area for 40 years, Pugh, a cleaning contractor, recalls the difference in the ski technology when he first began working at the mountain.

The first skis used at what was then called the Loveland Ski Tow, were wooden planks with leather straps as bindings. The length of the skis differed too from modern skis.

“They had to be long because they were used as transportation and you were less likely to fall through snow if the skis were long in length,” Pugh said.

The cumbersome weight presented challenges for those learning to ski during the sport's infancy.

“I remember the first time I put on skis,” Pugh said. “They were sort of like swim fins, they were more attached to you than you were attached to them.”

“Modern skis feel like they're part of you,” he added.

The advancements in skiing and snowboarding technology has made it possible for more people to learn.

“You had to really pay attention if you went into the trees,” Pugh said. “This new equipment just makes it so easy to ski.”

SKI Magazine's Top 30 Included Three Summit Areas

SKI Magazine's annual reader poll results of the top 30 ski areas in North America placed three Summit County resorts among the rankings.

Breckenridge Ski Resort, Copper Mountain and Keystone Resort were all voted in the top 30 with Breckenridge, topping the Summit County ranking at 14th place.

The winner of the ranking was Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, with last year's winner, Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, ranking second.

Breckenridge dropped five spots and out of the top 10, from ninth to 14th place in this year's poll, with SKI pointing out that readers mentioned the area's crowds and cold, windy weather as the downside; while praising the area's terrain parks and nightlife.

“We are incredibly proud that Breckenridge Ski Resort continues to be one of the most popular ski resorts in the U.S. and recognized by skiers and snowboarders worldwide,” said Kristen Petit-Stewert, spokeswoman for Breckenridge Ski Resort. “There are many different media outlets publishing rankings of all kinds, but our focus remains squarely on our guests and we pay careful attention to all of their feedback.”

Copper dropped from 18 to 20 in the rankings, scoring high on terrain, but losing ground for an unlively après-ski scene, according to the magazine.

Nonetheless, ski area officials say reader poll rankings point this ski season in the right direction.

“Copper Mountain has always been known for its convenient access via the Interstate 70 corridor, so it was no surprise that the resort received this recognition,” said Katherine Bush, spokeswoman for Copper. “Copper's terrain park crew works hard to develop safe, unique and progressive features inside the parks, and we're pleased that SKI Magazine readers have recognized this team's efforts.”

Keystone Resort was ranked 26th, praised for its variety and family friendly staff.

“Keystone is thrilled to be considered among the top resorts in North America and we're honored to be in such great company on the list,” said Laura Parquette, communications manager for Keystone.

Three resorts from Summit County represented among the top 30 list continentwide shows the quality of the local mountain ranges.

“It's great to see our neighbors in the county so well represented, and we congratulate all of the listed resorts,” Parquette said.

More Colorado areas were included in the top 10 than any other state or province, with Vail ranking number three, Snowmass at number eight, rated high for variety and family skiing, and Beaver Creek at number nine for grooming, overall experience and customer service.

Aspen took the number 12 spot, followed by Steamboat, Breckenridge, Crested Butte and Aspen Highlands, with Snowbird, Mammoth, Taos and Copper rounding out the top 20.

Summit County Sold Market Improves - Again

The local sold market in Summit County for residential sales has improved yet again to a year to date gain of 16% with the up and coming closings (properties under contract) still maintaining a strong gain of 9.5%.

 

Last week’s number of properties selling went up substantially (+59%) and those going under contract remained a bit above last year with a 6.5% gain. Continued strong fourth quarter activity. Learn more at Http://WeeklyREActivity.com .

 

Properties Closed: Countywide up +16%. The North Side of the county is up +20% and the South Side of the county is up +11%.

 

Prices: Countywide Flat with year to date 0.5% improvement. The North Side of the County has the highest improved percentage at plus 4% and the South Side the lowest at a minus 1%.

Third Quarter 2012 Update from Breckenridge & Summit County Colorado

Website      Find Homes      Buyers      Sellers      Local Info      Resources      About Me   3rd Quarter 2012 Breckenridge & Summit County, CO Update.     Nancy Yearout RE/MAX Properties of the Summit    800-289-7005, Ext. 7677 or 970-485-0293  nyearout@colorado.net   While we had a great one, summer is just a memory, the aspens have shed their golden leaves and now, just waiting for our first real snow. Our mountains will soon look like the winter panorama you see above.    So,the race is on between Loveland and Arapahoe Basin ski resorts to see which will open first this year! Do you know who won last year?    Breckenridge and all other ski resorts in Summit County are scheduled to open in just a few weeks. Soon the 2012/2013 ski season will  will be in full swing.  Are you ready?   Still time to find your place for the Holidays and enjoy the Lifestyle that is so dear to us all!    How's The Market YTD 2012?      The local sold market in Summit County for residential sales is holding in at13% up!   Last week's number of properties selling and going under contract came in strong with a 54% sold improvement and a 27% under contract improvement over the same week in 2011. Strong fourth quarter activity going on now. Learn more at Weekly Real Estate Activity. . A little more detail... Active listings are down 16%. Listings that are undercontract, and ready to close are up 15%. No matter how one looks at it, the market is up.   Third Quarter Results: Many like to associate to a year in the past that is similar to sales today. And that year, interestingly, is 2006 for both Condominiums and Single Family Homes. Here is a tidbit, there is only a 3% difference between sold home prices today as compared to 2006. Learn more at All Market Stats .    Have I said yet, that it's time buy?  Yes, especially for those of you that want to take advantage of the income producing investment properties. The Ski season accounts for over 75% of the rental income for the entire year. Rental income goes a long ways in helping offset the day to day of your property ownership expenses!   LOCAL SPOT LIGHT   Speaking of rental income...The Summit Daily News reports, that Winter bookings in Breckenridge are looking good.   Preliminary winter bookings in Breckenridge are pacing ahead of the same time last year. Looks good for a busy ski season.   It's all good news!   Read the full article Winter Bookings Up. _____________________________________________________    Do, remember to contact me for up-to-date information, as much as you'd like, and whenever you'd like it. Your time is my time. After all, its your interests that are important, and what works for you, works for me. I am available most any day of the week.     I welcome spur-of-the-moment inquiries and am always ready for a "Quick-look Showing" that fits your schedule."   Look forward to hearing from you,  1-800-289-7005, Ext. 7677 or 970-0293. Send me an email, nyearout@colorado.net      Visit my website to check out all the active listings in Summit and Park Counties:    www.realestate-breckenridge.net         Nancy Yearout Realtor  RE/MAX Properties of the Summit 1-800-289-7005, Ext.#7677      nyearout@colorado.net                             Join & Follow Me on    Check Out What's Happening... BreckenridgeBreckenridge Keystone  Copper Mountain  Arapahoe Basin  Frisco  Silverthorne  Dillon

Sold Prices are at 2006 Levels

The local sold market in Summit County for residential sales is holding firm at plus 13%! Last week’s number of properties selling and going under contract both came in strong with a 54% sold improvement and a 27% under contract improvement over the same week in 2011. Strong fourth quarter activity. Learn more at Http://WeeklyREActivity.com .

 

A little more detail: Active properties for sale are down 16%, properties under contract to close are up 15%. There is one project that is getting ready to close and removing that project from the overall numbers shows the local resale market of under contract properties up 7% or up 15% with the project sales and up 7% without. However one looks at it the market is up.

 

Third Quarter Results: Many like to associate a year in the past that is similar to sales today and interesting enough that year is 2006 for both Condominiums and Single Family Homes. Here is a tid bit, there is only a 3% difference between sold home prices today as compared to 2006. Learn more at Http://AllMarketStats.com .

 

View online: 

Homes - Slide Show: 'Condo Sales Summit County, http://www.haikudeck.com/p/8ANVnH5LvL or View Full Detailed Stats. Condos - Slide Show: 'Home Sales Summit County, Colorado' http://www.haikudeck.com/p/aUfg9oPfb4 or View Full Detailed Stats .

Market Holding Strong at +13 Percent

History & Future. The nationwide housing market basically stopped in 2007 dropping the average home price in the US downward by about a third by the start of 2012. Future predictions on when the housing market will return to historic highs range from the near future of 2016 to 2018 all the way out to CNN’s recent 2023 prediction. A quote from CNN’s article, “Fiserv forecasts prices will bounce back an average of 3.7% a year for the next five years -- a rate that would still leave prices 20% below the peak”.

 

Locally the number of sales dropped in 2007 a bit (down 14%) and plummeted downward an additional 43% in 2008 to finally bottom out in 2009 with another drop of 25% - total drop from 06 to 09 was 63%. Interesting though is that Summit County had a peak in average sold price while the number of sales plummeted and that average sold price has been in a downward movement ever sense. Although 2012 is starting to show signs of change and the next three months of sales will be the deciding factor on average sold price for the year.

 

What is, almost, for sure today is that 2012 will be the third year of improving number of properties sold and with a gain of 13% as of today (if the market retains that gain through the end of the year) the number of sold properties by the end of 2012 will show a year ending at -49% below the peak in 2006. The market is improving and still has a ways to go to get back to or even near the peak.

 

Locally again, Vail was quoted as estimating the 2013 year as being “the continuation of a challenging, but stable economic environment”. What will our local real estate market do in 2013? Will it move forward for another year of positive gain in the number of sales? Will it stall during the first quarter as buyers adapt to changing times? The management group at RE/MAX met the other day and discussed this briefly and had varied resulting crystal balls from a high of plugging along as we have been with an 8 to 12% gain in 2013 in the number of sold properties to a definite stall resulting a declining year and a more challenging market.

 

The reality is that we have been in a changing and challenging market now for 5 (almost 6) years and anyone that has endured knows that what is needed to succeed is a strong plan, consistent execution of that plan and business skills. Those producing today are the same individuals that are seen in the office frequently working in a definite direction with a set of skills that have resurfaced from the 90’s, recently learned and or relearned. The market is what the market is and you can’t change the market, but you can change how you react to the market in order to achieve any level of success – but, heck this is nothing new and in three months our market will be what it has been for 6 years.

 

Interesting.

 

Today sales are up 13%, average sold price is up 1% and the average sold price per square foot is down about 3%. The average sold price is up countywide that 1%, up a whole lot more on the North Side of the County and flat in the South Side and yet the average sold price per square foot is down across the board or county. This past week the number of properties that went under contract is up again over last year by 64% this time…another great week!

 

To review all the current market statistics click the link below:

 

All Market Stats

Two Very Positive Signs

Two quick positive points to review or ponder over your Friday afternoon beaverage of choice.

 

1.       If you didn’t already see it, please click on the link below from the Denver Post about the Resort Real Estate Market in Colorado. The real estate news is continuing to trend positive and that’s good news for buyers and sellers….

 http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_21596305/rise-colorado-resort-real-estate-sales-2012-fueling-hope-rebound

2.       The current weekly NUCs for Summit County Residential properties has surpassed last year’s weekly NUC of 36 – we are at 38 right now as we head into two days of weekend selling!

 

Great Stuff. Have a wonderful and productive weekend.

Nancy

Where is the Market today as compared to last year at this time

Where is the market at today as compared to last year at this time? Well, the number of residential sales in Summit County is up 13% and the average sold price is down -1% - basically flat. Splitting the county in half shows the North Side of the county with a strong 18% improvement and the South Side of the County with a 7% improvement. Interesting that last year at this time the percent change between 2011 and 2010 was flip flop as compared to this year’s with the North Side last year holding an 8.5% improvement and the South Side holding a strong 27% improvement.

 

Learn more at Http://WeeklyREActivity.com .

 

Over the past four weeks Summit County has had 167 residential properties go under contract. For the same 4 week period 2009 had 148, 2010 had 130 and 2011 had 146. Interesting that 2012 is up 13% over the bottoming out year 2009 and up 14% over last year. Of the past four weeks 3 have had the highest new under contract count over any of the same weeks in the prior three years (09, 10, and 11). Very positive growth.

 

The average price is flat countywide (-1%) and the North Side of the county is showing a 6% improvement while the South Side is showing a -4% reduction. Interesting that the South Side is down almost the same percentage it was down last year (-3% without One Ski Hill Place Project Sales in 2010) and the North Side was down -10% last year at this time. This time of year is always interesting to see just how the market year ends up and sets itself up for the following year.

 

The inventory is down to 1429 and with the same pace of improvement about 1000 of those currently active listings will be active on January 1, 2013. Have a look at the attached status report where the Frisco office is 24% up, Breckenridge is up 23% and Keystone is up 65%!

Nancy L Yearout‏
@nancyyearout

Good News for the National Housing Market? Existing U.S. home sales jumped 7.8% in August to a two-year high. Is... http://fb.me/1JxO0yslT

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