Tuesday, October 30, 2012

From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Ski Resorts Hope To Rebound in 2012/2013 After a Low Snow Winter in 2011/2012

From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
October 30, 2012
 
Skiers and snowboarders who endured the stingy snowfall of last season are hoping for better things this year.
So are the resorts that saw skier visits — and revenue — drop off in 2011-12, one year after most western resorts in the United States reported record- or near-record snowfall.
"That made it tough, having a bad snow year right after such a great one," said Craig Bannister, spokesman for Colorado Ski Country, a trade association that represents 22 ski areas in Colorado, including large ones like Winter Park, Copper Mountain and Crested Butte.
So what's the best-case scenario?
"We've talked to a number of meteorologists who think it's going to be an el NiƱo year, and the late season is going to be very good," Bannister said. "Come January, February, March, it looks like we will get plenty of snow."
Then, Bannister hedged. A little. Being a snow-predictor in Colorado "is very difficult," he said. Two feet of powder might fall at one resort, while a neighboring mountain 15 miles away gets little more than a dusting.
The resorts have no control over how much snow falls, so they spend the offseason making improvements and upgrades in areas they can control. With revenue and skier days down last year, many of them spent less in the offseason months of 2012 than they had in previous years. Upgrades were spread out across all areas of many resorts.
At Winter Park, Colo., that meant adding a tubing run. Vail marks its 50th anniversary this year with a new 10-passenger gondola — complete with heated seats and Wi-Fi access. Copper Mountain added a zipline ride that takes riders over a lake in the summer and an ice skating rink in the winter. And some resorts boosted their snowmaking equipment, figuring what Mother Nature won't provide, man will.
At Copper Mountain, for example, the annual average snowfall is 282 inches. Last year? Only 160 inches. No wonder they started making snow on Oct. 2 — the first Colorado resort to fire up the snowguns.
"Of course the forecast is that the snow will be better this year," said Katherine Bush, communications coordinator for the resort that sits just off Interstate 70, 90 minutes west of Denver. "But we want to make sure we do everything we can to make every guest experience a good one."
The season got started — at least officially — on Oct. 17 when Arapahoe Basin won the annual race to be the first resort to open with one lift and one trail available. A Basin, which averages 350 inches of snow a year, measured far less last year. And many resorts closed earlier than usual because of the low snowfall and warm spring.
Colorado isn't the only western state with world-class skiing. Four Colorado resorts earned spots in Ski magazine's annual top resort rankings this season — Vail, Telluride, Snowmass and Beaver Creek. But Utah claimed the No. 2, 4 and 10 spots with Deer Valley, Park City and the Canyons, respectively, while Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada, took top honors, and Jackson Hole, Wyo, and Sun Valley, Idaho, also finished in the top 10.
Getting to any of the Western resorts is the biggest battle for most St. Louis area skiers and riders. Many of the Colorado resorts can be reached via a very long one-day drive. When you start talking Utah and Wyoming, flying is usually the choice, which adds big bucks to the cost of a ski trip. And after last year's dismal snow, some Midwesterners might hesitate before plopping down so much money for something that's not a sure-deal.
So some resorts are offering special deals to entice people out. At Keystone Resort, there's a "kids ski free" deal for families who stay at Keystone-owned hotels or condos. All season long, including weekends, kids 12 and under get free lift tickets. At Winter Park, the resort decided to offer early season visitors a guarantee — if the early season (up to Dec. 20) snow is not to their liking, they can reschedule their visit for later in the season. The Winter Park promotion, Bannister said, is meant to give guests the versatility and options they might find appealing.
"I think after last year, everybody is just looking for different ways and different promotions to attract visitation,' he said.
Elsewhere in Colorado, Telluride has improved its on-mountain dining, as did Crested Butte.
Vail Resorts, which owns Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone and Beaver Creek in Colorado, along with Northstar, Heavenly and Kirkwood in California, saw a drop in skier visits last season just like most resorts. But that couldn't stop them from spending big to celebrate Vail's 50th anniversary this season. Sure, there's the new gondola. But Vail will also hold a red carpet premiere on Dec. 14 of a commemorative film by Roger Cotton Brown — on the eve of the resort's Dec. 15 anniversary.
Up until about Dec. 20, the prices are low mostly because the snow can be dicey. Prices skyrocket at the holidays, regardless of the snow.
So skiers and riders looking for the best deals should avoid the Christmas break, President's Day weekend and spring break season in March; snowhounds looking for the best powder should check each resort's snow report on their websites. Even then, though, some resorts seem to take an optimistic approach in their measurements.
"We are an optimistic industry," Bannister said. "After all the difficulties last season, it has to be better this season."
For more information on Telluride area real estate, please contact Telluride Real Estate Corp. at 970.728.6655 or info@telluriderealestatecorp.com or visit www.telluriderealestatecorp.com.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Legendary Skier, Ski Area Designer, and Coach Emile Allais Dies at Age 100 in France

Emile Allais dies at 100


Telluride Ski Resort’s Allais Alley named for French skiing visionary

By Heather Sackett
Associate Editor
Published: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 10:02 AM CDT
Telluride Ski Resort would not exist, at least not in its current form, without the French skiing champion Emile Allais. Allais died last week at a hospital in France at age 100.

Telluride ski area developer Joe Zoline hired Allais to come evaluate the land and explore the potential for a ski area in the early ‘70s. A renowned ski resort designer, ski racer and coach, Allais was a visionary, seeing the possibility for a world class ski area where others only saw hard-to-access terrain, too-steep pitches and dangerous cliffs. After his initial visit, he agreed to design and act as the technical consultant on the fledgling resort. Allais’ vision and subsequent construction of the ski resort helped transform Telluride from sleepy mining town into a vibrant mountain community.

In March 1970, local skiing expert Billy “Senior” Mahoney guided Allais around so he could get a feel for the rugged territory. Allais then prepared a feasibility study for Zoline.

“Emile and I spent another 10 days laying out all the ski runs, and he wrote a report that there was a good potential there,” Mahoney said. “I don’t think they would have put up the money and built the lifts without Emile’s report.”


The two, beginning at 6 a.m., used snow machines to explore every conceivable place on the mountain from Gold Hill to Bald Mountain to Prospect Basin. They skied the front side five times in one day, Mahoney said. Allais, 58 years old at the time, stayed with Mahoney, then 42, at his home during the visit. Other consultants who Mahoney had previously guided around to evaluate the future ski area didn’t think much of the land. But Allais’ analysis offered the potential for a world-class resort.

“The Telluride terrain is not real nice like Vail,” Mahoney said. “There wouldn’t be a ski area if it wasn’t for that man. He just knew how to do it. That’s just my opinion, and I think I’m right on it.”

According to a March 1970 story in the Planet’s predecessor The Telluride Times, Zoline chose Allais for his knowledge of the ski industry and reputation. Zoline knew skiers from Denver and other urban areas would only come to remote, isolated Telluride if the skiing here were as good or better than other places.

According to The Telluride Times, Allais at first had doubts about the other side of the ridge that leads into Prospect Basin.

“The importance of the proposed runs on the other side of the ridge above town lying directly to the north of Prospect Basin cannot be overstated,” Allais said. “These runs are necessary to tie in the whole complex of runs on that ridge with the proposed base area at the bottom of the basin.”

Allais won gold medals in the downhill, slalom and combined in the 1937 world championships. He also popularized skiing with the skis parallel, a new method at the time. A former coach of the French Olympic team, Allais also taught skiing at Squaw Valley and Sun Valley.


Allais Alley, an expert, narrow, bumpy run with a run-out gully off of Chair 6, commemorates Allais’ contributions to on the ski area.

“It’s right up there on lift 6,” said Johnnie Stevens, one of the first employees and most recently chief operating officer at Telluride Ski Resort. “It was the old lift line. We have moved the lift since then. We named that Allais Alley in 1972.”

Allais also gave Zoline some advice about working with the Forest Service to secure the proper permits for the ski area: Think big. Those words of wisdom have proven valuable as Telluride Ski Resort has expanded and added more lifts and hike-to terrain over the years.

“He said you always want to think big and take all the territory you can possibly get,” Mahoney said. “He even put some runs on Bear Creek as a potential.”

For more information on Telluride area luxury homes, condos and land, please contact Telluride Real Estate Corp. at 970.728.3111, info@telluriderealestatecorp.com, or visit www.telluriderealestatecorp.com.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Christie’s International Real Estate Announces Partnership


Christie’s International Real Estate Announces Partnership
 with Art Miami

Telluride Real Estate Corp. is an Affiliate of the world’s leading luxury real estate network which is the “Official Real Estate Partner” for 2012 Art Miami


NEW YORK, NEW YORK (October 17, 2012) – Christie’s International Real Estate, the world’s leading luxury real estate network, and Art Miami, Miami’s original and longest-running contemporary art fair, today announced that Christie’s International Real Estate will serve as the “Official Luxury Real Estate Partner” for Art Miami, taking place December 4 through 9 in South Florida, during what is known as Art Week. The sponsorship extends to Art Miami’s new sister event, CONTEXT Art Miami, an emerging and cutting-edge contemporary art fair that will be connected to the Art Miami Pavilion.

Thousands of collectors, dealers, curators and artists worldwide will converge in Miami to participate in the 23rd annual and globally acclaimed event. With the combination of Art Miami's and CONTEXT's exhibiting galleries, the city’s trendy Wynwood Arts District will be transformed into a thriving international destination, featuring 190 galleries from 21 countries within 250,000 square feet of curated indoor and outdoor exhibition space.

Throughout the duration of the Fair, Christie’s International Real Estate will host a booth to showcase luxury residential real estate offerings, affording Art Miami visitors an appreciation of the global scope of the spectacular homes represented by its network of affiliated brokerages. On display will be properties from the 127 brokerages from across the globe which comprises the Christie’s International Real Estate network. Telluride Real Estate Corp. exclusively represents the Christie’s brand in Telluride and was chosen to join after demonstrating expertise in the marketing and sale of fine properties and exemplary levels of client care.

Art Miami and CONTEXT Art Miami are held in custom designed state-of-the-art pavilions in Midtown Miami, within the evolving Wynwood Arts District of Miami. The Fair will collectively showcase the best in emerging and cutting-edge contemporary and modern art. This includes paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography and prints from Europe, Asia, Latin America, India, the Middle East and the United States, in addition to numerous specially curated exhibitions.

“The Christie’s brand is an iconic symbol in the world of fine art,” added Nick Korniloff, Director and Partner of Art Miami. “Our clients have many commonalities. These individuals are not only accustomed to traveling abroad in search of quality works of contemporary art, but often own multiple homes in luxury destinations. It is truly an ideal relationship.”

Dubbed by many as the new contemporary art capital of the world, Miami’s evolution as an international center of the arts has mirrored the city’s growth as a true global destination. A recent report noted that Miami International Airport had more international flights than any other airport in the nation. Miami is home to more than 1,400 multinational corporations with regional operations throughout the city. 

“Ours is the only real estate network owned by a fine art auction house,” says Bonnie Stone Sellers, Chief Executive Officer. “Connecting fine art with luxury real estate is at the core of the distinct synergy we offer our clientele and our Affiliates worldwide. We look forward to participating in this renowned and internationally celebrated event and introducing to Art Miami’s audience the highest levels of client service and luxury expertise in residential real estate that our name represents.”

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About Christie’s International Real Estate
Christie’s International Real Estate is an invitation-only Affiliate network composed of the world’s most proven and qualified real estate specialists. The company has central hubs in London, New York, and Hong Kong; field offices in Beverly Hills, California, Chicago, Illinois, and Palm Beach, Florida; and approximately 127 Affiliates in Europe and the U.K.; North, Central, and South America; and the Caribbean as well as Asia, Africa, and Oceania. The company has recently embarked on an aggressive expansion programme to identify exceptional brokerages in key markets with an aim to invite the most deserving to join our network of luxury real estate specialists. In the past six months alone, the network has added new Affiliates in Hong Kong, the United States, Europe, Africa, Canada, and the Caribbean. For additional information about Christie’s International Real Estate, please visit www.christiesrealestate.com.

About Art Miami
Miami’s longest running contemporary art fair, Art Miami will run from December 4 through December 9, 2012. As the anchor art fair to the City of Miami, the fair will return with a compelling array of modern and contemporary artwork from over 120 international galleries. Art Miami will be held in a state-of-the-art 125,000 square foot pavilion in Miami’s burgeoning Wynwood Arts District. Art Miami’s highly anticipated Opening Night VIP Preview, on Tuesday, December 4, 2012, will benefit the Miami Art Museum. (www.art-miami.com).

About CONTEXT Art Miami
Miami’s newest emerging and cutting-edge living artist contemporary art fair will coincide with the 23rd edition of Art Miami. Trendsetting galleries from around the globe will exhibit in a state-of-the-art 45,000-square-foot pavilion directly adjacent to Art Miami. CONTEXT will feature a curated group of 65 galleries representing exceptional emerging and mid-career artists, including solo artist installations, immersive environments, curated projects and multimedia exhibits. CONTEXT’s highly anticipated Opening Night VIP Preview, on Tuesday, December 4, 2012, will benefit the Miami Art Museum. (www.contextartmiami.com)

Sunday, October 21, 2012

USA Pro Cycling Challenge Sets Record Telluride Sales Tax Numbers for the Month of August

The Town of Telluride sales tax numbers for August 2012 were the highest ever reported for that month, coming in at $467,475, mainly due to the economic impact of the Stage 1 finish of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge bike race, which rolled into Telluride on August 20th.  According to race organizers, 1 million spectators watched this thrilling race statewide, and the economic impact for the state of Colorado totalled $99.6 million, up from $83.5 million in 2011, the race's inaugural year. 

For more information on this, or Telluride area homes, condos or land, please contact Telluride Real Estate Corp. at 970.728.3111, info@telluriderealestatecorp.com, or visit www.telluriderealestatecorp.com.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Telluride Named #5 Ski Resort by Ski Magazine - Up 5 Spots From #10!

From Ski Magazine (www.skinet.com):
 
Up five spots from #10 in 2012, Telluride is on the move. This year's top resort better not get too comfortable.
By Greg Fitzsimmons
posted: 09/28/2012
 
Who books a ski vacation based on scenery alone? Folks who’ve been to Telluride, that’s who. Sitting inside a breathtaking box canyon in the San Juan Mountains, surrounded by stunning peaks, Telluride (No. 1 for Scenery) has readers raving. “It is the most scenic resort I have ever skied.” While getting there is a challenge, those willing to make the trip are rewarded with a quaint mountain town coupled with world-class skiing. One reader hits the nail on the head: “It’s a pain to get to, but that’s really a plus.” Be one of the relative few to make the haul and you’ll find a top-notch array of accommodations, dining, and shops along the main drag, Colorado Avenue, with a grid of side streets boasting more finds and earning the resort its No. 2 Character rank. On the mountain, steep, tight chutes and open, rock-littered bowls satiate gung-ho big-mountain skiers, while winding groomers are on hand for families. Or join the locals and take to one of Telluride’s bootpacks. “Amazing destination, has it all.”

On-Hill Lunch >> Bon Vivant’s 40-foot umbrella provides a tasty refuge at the top of the Polar Queen express (Chair 5). The French country fare includes duck confit and elk-sausage cassoulet. 

Bragging Rights>> Palmyra Peak boasts 2,000 vertical feet of skiing into Revelation Bowl; gold Hill Chutes reward hikers with aesthetic lines and tight couloirs; Bald Mountain is a great option for an intro to hike-to terrain.

Don’t Miss>> Commuting in Telluride is as cool as it gets; free gondolas are the transportation between downtown and the slopeside Mountain Village. Rich in character, downtown Telluride is a snapshot of the good old days, while Mountain Village is refined and modern. For the party-hearty, the free gondola runs until midnight.

For more information on this or Telluride area real estate, please contact Telluride Real Estate Corp. at 970.728.6655, info@telluriderealestatecorp.com, or visit www.telluriderealestatecorp.com