The Bear Blog

What’s better than touring gorgeous model units? Touring gorgeous model units with complimentary wine tasting of course!!

During the month of February, each Wednesday the sales team at Trappeur’s will be hosting wine tastings in one of our model units. What a great way to sample some fun wines while checking out the developer’s remaining inventory.

This event is open to the public, so spread the word.

3:30-5pm beginning 2/1 (today!).
We’ll go around the globe, culminating with the developer’s vineyard in Australia for our finale… Don’t miss it!

The front page of the Steamboat Pilot on Wednesday read “First Powder Day of the New Year”…Ok, ok, that is accurate…but more accurately it should have read “First Powder Day of the Season!” And what a powder day it was. I braved the sub-zero temps on Tuesday and headed up. The groomers were corduroy goodness and the powder runs were just that, fluffy face shot filled fun. Yep, it was a great way to start the day. This is why we live here, and this is why people come to Steamboat. They reported eleven new inches of snow on Monday/night and it really has been coming down ever since. Forecast is calling for more this weekend and occupancy is up. Finally, it’s beginning to look a lot like Steamboat.

Someone made a very large, 3-tiered snowman on the Medicine Springs side of Bear Lodge. Kudos to you, and thanks for adding him to the property. He is very welcoming and made me smile on my drive into work this morning.

And for those who are interested, December’s real estate transaction summary was just released by Land Title as follows: December was a good month with $47M in gross volume with 136 Transactions, making it the third strongest in volume of the year and coming in +72% higher than last December in number of transactions. (though down -13% in dollar volume against December 2010) Upper end transactions were strong, contributing to the good gross showing in December.

All in all, it’s still a bit of a mixed bag. Our year-end Gross Dollar Volume of $450M, was slightly off 2010 (-12.01%) with transactions showing a slightly heavier decline of (-23.06%). One other thing to point out is the high number of Fractional Sales we have had over the past 3 years.

Bank sales continue to be a factor with 18 this month.
Loans were up – with a total of 170 recorded for December, making December the highest transaction & loan month this year.

Highest PPSF for December 2011:
12/30/2011: $2,825,000 Edgemont Condo Unit 2803 aka 2410 Ski Trail Lane, #2803 – 5 Bedroom 5 Bath YOC 2009 with 3,642 SF Living Area. PPSF is $775.67. This is a new construction sale on Steamboat Mountain.

Highest Priced Sale for December 2011:
12/29/2011: $4,500,000 City South Subdivision Lot 1, Mid Valley Business Center #2 Lot 2, M&B: Sec 20-6-84 – 3 Commercial Parcels: All Vacant Commercially zoned, with a combined land size of 14.52 AC. This property is located at 1440 Pine Grove Road. PPAC is $309,917. This was a Bank Sale.

Other sales over $1.4M:
12/28/2011 $2,050,000 Sanctuary Subdivision #5 Lot 132 Re-plat aka 3050 Clearwater Trail – 4 Bedroom 4.5 Bath YOC 2006 with 5,808 SF Living Area on 1.48 AC Land. PPSF is $352.96.

12/14/2011: $1,425,000 Big Valley Ranch at Steamboat Subdivision #2A Lot 25 aka 28880 Skyline Drive – 3 Bedroom 3.5 Bath YOC 1992 with 4,636 SF Living Area on 36.10 AC Land. PPSF is $307.38

In the 10 years I’ve lived in Steamboat, I think this is probably the worst December for snow that I’ve seen. Remembering back to last December, probably the best I’ve ever seen, it’s remarkable how it can change year to year. But here’s the thing…IT ALWAYS COMES! So let’s all take a deep breath, stop complaining, and realize we have no control over mother nature. Yes yes, I understand that it’s disappointing when you plan an expensive ski vacation and the conditions are less than ideal, but as with any weather-dependent sport, it’s never guaranteed (of course if you come to Steamboat in February or mid-season there’s more of a guarantee then). So let’s just make the most of it. Thankfully, unlike a lot of other resort towns, there are still plenty of things to do in Steamboat: dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross country or skate skiing, ice skating, tubing, shopping, eating, hot springs, spa day, touring beautiful model units (ahem)… get out there! Use the lack of snow as a catalyst to explore other activities. Who knows, you may just find something you enjoy!

I chatted briefly with a family at the Resort who, despite the lack of snow, was having a wonderful time. Then I chatted with a family who was bitter about it. Attitude makes all the difference. Don’t let mother nature ruin your vacation (or ruin your day if you’re a local). According to some, the conditions are actually not all bad all things considered.

I’ll step off my soapbox now.

This weekend is New Years. There are countless events around town in which you could partake. Many of the town’s restaurants are doing special dinners, and several of the bars are hosting events. Be sure not to miss the fireworks display at 7pm on New Years Eve – Steamboat loves its fireworks displays!

Then we toast to a new year. A new year filled with hope and promise (and hopefully some more snow).

Happy 2012 from all of us at Bear Lodge to you. We hope you enjoy your holiday, wherever you may be!

I love the energy around Steamboat this time of year. Town starts bustling with visitors, and the spirit of the holidays is in the air. Snow is also in the air (thanks to everyone in Steamboat who washed their cars yesterday!)…for the next couple days the forecast is calling for the white fluffy stuff, just in time for Christmas.

The snow will be incredibly welcomed and also will fall just in time for the many vacationers hoping to spend their holidays in the champagne powder. Town is starting to fill up nicely. As the Steamboat Pilot reported today:
“Airline program managers at Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. reported at mid-afternoon that 812 passengers were expected to arrive at Yampa Valley Regional Airport on Tuesday.
Despite an early-morning forecast of a storm in the Chicago area, the American Airlines flight from O’Hare International Airport arrived ahead of schedule and also departed at little ahead of time.
As of shortly after 2 p.m., the daily flight from Minneapolis was expected to arrive several hours behind schedule because of weather in the Twin Cities. Airline program managers advised passengers to be aware that the flight status could change and suggested they check frequently with the carrier, in this case, Delta.
The 812 arriving passengers are enough to produce a 75 percent occupancy of the aggregate inbound airline seats into Steamboat on Tuesday.
Departing passengers Tuesday number 367, a 33 percent load factor.”

This weekend marked the first and second apres ski parties at Trappeur’s. Angela Brumley is the new party hostess, and they are pulling out all the stops- cookies galore, new wine and beer, trays and trays of food… it’s such a great time (and all complimentary for owners and guests). Live music on Fridays by a local artist- a great way to finish the ski day or start the evening, whichever way you want to look at it. Next weekend, we will be doing a bubbly tasting to ring in the New Year.

With the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012 we stop and reflect, and look forward to the future. Happy Holidays to everyone, and blessings for a wonderful year ahead.

Welcome, December…Welcome to the 2011-2012 Steamboat Ski Season.

Trappeur’s Crossing is a sight to behold. Thousands upon thousands of lights surround the property. Poinsettias and garland decorate the interior of the amenities center. It’s gorgeous. We sure are festive around here. And the finishing touch, a beautiful tall tree, adorned with ribbons and bows and ornaments, sits right in front of the sales desk! It’s hard not to feel the warmth and excitement of the holiday season at Trappeur’s.

The Steamboat Ski Resort is in full swing. This week’s temps are COLD, slightly reminiscent of last year’s record breaking temps, but no matter, just bundle up and hit the slopes! Storm Peak Express opened over the weekend to yield a total of 7 lifts and 46 trails open to date. 57.5 inches of snow has fallen so far in the ‘boat. We’re off to a great start.

Saturday also marked the return of Nordic Combined with the first competition of the season. Brett Denney, Todd Lodwick, and Adam Loomis took the podium. For the full article please see http://www.steamboattoday.com/news/2011/dec/03/denney-wins-nordic-combined-event-steamboat/.

The apres ski parties at Trappeur’s are set to start on Friday 12/16. I was fortunate enough to help pick out the wine for the season, provided by Ski Town Wine and Spirits…it’s going to be new and tasty! This year we are also adding a champagne tasting over New Years as well as several wine tastings with Sommelier Patrick Houghton throughout the season. And for the kids, we’ll keep the hot chocolate flowing. Let the holidays begin!

Hope to see you soon!

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I thought I would take a moment to say how thankful I am to be a part of such a wonderful community. I am thankful that this time of year makes me pause, to appreciate the beauty of this town, and everything life has to offer. Thankful for family, friends… truly blessed.

But back to business. Right now you’re thinking of planning your trip, getting antsy because the snow is flying, wondering where you will stay when you come to Steamboat (right?). Let us save you some trouble!

Because everyone loves a great deal and we love to make people happy, we wanted to announce yet another incentive.
If you are thinking about purchasing in Steamboat, we invite you to experience the lifestyle at Bear Lodge. We have teamed with the Vacation Rental Specialists, Simply Steamboat (www.simplysteamboat.com) to offer discounted stays in Bear Lodge. If you proceed to purchase one of the developer’s 7 remaining residences, your ENTIRE stay will be credited towards the purchase of your new home. And the best part, there is no obligation. Just mention “Bear Lodge developer incentive” when you call to book your reservation. So pick up the phone today, book your trip to Steamboat, and your lodging in Bear Lodge. It will be a vacation you will remember for a lifetime (and you may even be inspired to make Steamboat your home).

Now that is something for which to be thankful!

Mud season is in full swing in Steamboat. With the change of the leaves (fall colors were epic this year, hope you caught them!), the temps start to drop, and preparation for winter begins.

This time of year is always bittersweet. Some locals are already antsy for those first fresh tracks on the mountain. Others are still wondering what happened to summer and realize that they never even took their ski rack off their car in the first place (ahem). But seeing as how Steamboat had its first snow 10/6 and more since then, one thing is certain: It’s going to be another great winter!

Recently Steamboat was featured in Ski Magazine http://www.skinet.com/ski/resorts/steamboat in the top 10 ski resorts. http://www.steamboattoday.com/news/2011/oct/14/ski-magazines-annual-rankings-place-steamboat-8th/
Of course I’m biased, no lift lines, champagne powder, the best aspen tree skiing there is, and a town that’s incredible to boot…. and also, some great places to stay (hint hint).

If you’re thinking about a trip to Steamboat, there’s no time like the present. And if you’re thinking of second-home ownership, Steamboat is a great place to be. We are offering some incredible deals right now, and with only 7 residences left, the deals won’t last forever. Trappeur’s Crossing Resort & Spa has more amenities than any other lodging resort in town… so Bear Lodge is truly a perfect place to call Home. Make it yours today!

It’s hard to believe summer is winding down here in Steamboat. And with the end of summer, and the sale of our remaining 1BR residence (which also happened to be the sales office), the sales team has officially moved. If you wander over to Bear Lodge, the signs will point you in a new direction…We have moved out of unit 6118 and back into Trappeur’s Lair (the Amenities Building) across the street from Bear Lodge. Now officially back on the landing by the check in desk (on the way up the stairs), we hope you will still stop by for a tour, say hi, and feel free to ask us any questions about Bear Lodge, Trappeur’s Crossing, or Steamboat in general.

This weekend marks the first USA Pro Cycling Challenge which comes through Steamboat on Friday and leaves Saturday. To follow the race go to http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/. We are the only stage of the race that stops and starts in the same town. Here is the schedule of events (I think I may need to request the day off on Friday, sure don’t want to miss a thing!) http://www.steamboatprocycling.com/events/
World renowned cyclists such as Cadel Evans, winner of the 2001 Tour de France, will be in town in what is the most anticipated race of the summer. Bike enthusiasts, supporters, and the whole town are buzzing about this exciting race. We’re hoping for wonderful weather to showcase the beauty of the Rockies and the Yampa Valley.
Andy Schleck was in town last week pre race, and led a ride; I heard he even commented on potentially buying a home here (Hey Andy, come see us, I know you’d love Bear Lodge!).

So if you’re kicking yourself that you’re not in Steamboat this weekend, well, you should be. Let’s just hope that the race returns next year! But it’s not too late to get to Steamboat for some end of summer fun, and soon, the changing fall colors (yep, I said it… fall is in the air!).

Summer is in full swing in Steamboat.  Last weekend we celebrated our nation’s birthday with a huge fireworks display, the annual 4th of July Parade, and the rodeo.  It was a gorgeous weekend where the amount of ice cream consumed reached a record number (my guess), and the town was filled with smiling people. Summertime in the Boat is unparallelled.

Next weekend is the annual hot air balloon festival and art in the park.  It is one of my favorite weekends.  If you’ve never seen the sky dotted with dozens of balloons at one time, this weekend is a must!  I remember one year I actually got to experience riding in a hot air balloon- it’s amazing how peaceful it is up there. And how surreal everything feels, knowing you can reach out and touch the sky.  Steamboat looks beautiful from above too.  Then, wander down to the park by the library for entertainment (music/dancing) and lots of goodies -both food and crafts- to be had.

Every weekend brings something new to Steamboat.

Life at Trappeur’s Crossing is happily busy again.  This summer ResortQuest has implemented changes to its summer offerings…including ice cream socials on Saturdays (Ciao Gelato anyone? YUM!) and yoga Friday & Saturday mornings (to justify your gelato later!).  They also have added live music to the Friday “summer social” parties and the last couple weeks have been a huge hit- the wine/beer/appetizers are flowing, as is the great conversation with owners and guests.  I do enjoy Friday afternoons here. Truly, Trappeur’s Crossing offers more amenities than any other resort in Steamboat.  It is a full-service resort.

It’s nice to see the Bear Lodge garage so full of cars again.  The pools were in use this weekend and I’m sure the grills were too…And I realized how nice the air conditioning here is.  Yesterday’s heat reached about 90 degrees…just a little bit of advice, if you’re looking for a condo in Steamboat, make sure it has air conditioning.  It is certainly true that you don’t need it most of the year, but on those few weekends you do, it sure is nice and does make a difference!

One final note from the sales team at Bear Lodge…if you currently own a condo in town (valued under 500K) and are thinking of an upgrade, we might accommodate a trade as a part of your purchase here.  Just one more way the developer of this resort can help make your dream of owning at Bear Lodge come true.

So, enjoy summer in the Boat, or wherever you may be.  We hope to see you soon!

Spring is officially here in Steamboat.  To kick off the summer season, Bear Lodge is announcing a new developer incentive…

Not only will the next sale receive 25% off original list pricing (prices on website are updated to reflect this), but the next buyer will also receive 3 YEARS PAID HOA DUES AT CLOSING (a $39K-$42K value)!  We are excited about this promotion and are looking forward to welcoming new owners here at Bear Lodge.  This is a deal you don’t want to miss if you are considering purchasing a home in Steamboat Springs.

• Price includes a turn-key furniture package (all furniture in the unit is included) …units are rental ready.
• Buying from the developer does have certain perks- not only are the units brand new, but we also offer a 1 year warranty on everything in the condo (normal wear and tear excluded).
• Additionally, the furniture and art work can be tailored to suit your personal taste.
• Although Bear Lodge is a part of Trappeur’s it has its own HOA… this is important so that (for example) if another building in the resort needs a new roof, that assessment is completely separate from Bear Lodge and does not affect Bear at all.  Buying in a new building comes with that peace of mind.

We only have 7 residences remaining, which consist of 3&4 bedroom units on the first and second floors.  Bear Lodge the #1 selling development in Steamboat due to quality construction, developer reputation, and Trappeur’s Resort as a whole.  We are proud to be debt free on the property (no risk of foreclosure or upheaval).  Of course, I’m biased, but Trappeur’s Resort is really like no other in town- no other development has this combination of amenities (yoga classes, ice cream socials, happy hours with live music, etc!)- and is the perfect place to call HOME.

So if you’re curious, stop by for a tour of the model units, come visit me in the sales center (at the check-in building), or stop by on a Friday evening for our “summer socials” where I’ll be pouring the wine/beer (it’s all complimentary for owners and guests).   We hope to see you in Steamboat this summer and at Bear Lodge.  Please call or email lori@ariacolorado.com for more information.