Category: Uncategorized

STR on November Ballot

The short-term rental market is about to take another hit in the form of additional taxes levied by the City of Aspen. I sat in on the city council work session last week, and the tax question will be on the November ballot. They are still debating if that tax should be 9% or 13%. If passed, the tax will be effective starting in late spring. The tax question resulted from the recent poll conducted by Fredrick Polls. The poll had 322 respondents; the results can be found here on page 7.

There will be a significant negative impact on the rental market if this tax is passed. If you rent your property on the Airbnb platform, your guest will now be assessed 39% in taxes and fees.

This assessment will steer people away from the Aspen Market, and they will go to a market with a lower tax rate.

I would encourage anyone registered to vote in town or have friends who are registered voters to reach out to the city council and voice their opposition to this tax. There is already an 11.3% tax levied on all rentals. The town claims this new tax will help build more employee housing and help solve the affordable housing issue.

I’m afraid I have to disagree and believe that the employee housing program in Aspen is broken and should be fixed first. In addition, the City of Aspen’s Budget for 2022 is $179mill for a population of 7,000. There has to be room in that budget for additional employee housing. I do not believe that an extra tax is needed to mitigate for employee housing.

Click here for a list of city council names and contact information.

What you need to know about your STR Permit and Ordinance 9

Ordinance 9 goes into effect on October 1st. What does that mean for you as a property owner? Properties located in the lodging district have no restrictions in place. All you need is a business license and a current STR permit. If you sell your property, your permit can transfer.

If you are outside of the lodging district and have an STR permit, you have until October 1, 2022, to sell your property and transfer that permit.

If you sell your property after the October 1 deadline, the new owner must get in line for a new permit. The chances of being granted a new permit are slim due to the large number of outstanding licenses already issued.

With no short-term rental permit in place, your property’s rental income and value will decrease. The GIS map for the lodging zones can be found here but is very hard to read. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Recent Rentals

I recently listed this 3 bedroom 2.5 bathroom rental home on the Roaring Fork River and rented it for 98% of the asking price in one day. My attention to detail and online marketing caught the attention of the renter. They signed a one-year lease with the option to renew for multiple years.

Please contact me here if you or anyone you know is looking to rent their property. I can provide a listing presentation and comparable market analysis to show you the rental potential.

Planning Your Winter Vacation: Luxury Rentals with Prime Ski Access

As summer comes to a close in the Roaring Fork Valley, we look ahead to the next peak season. Whether your itinerary features ski boots and snowy peaks or relaxing by the fire, we’re here to help you find your next mountain getaway. See our top picks for your winter 2022 excursion– while they’re still available!

Exclusive Listing

901 E Hyman Avenue, Unit 9 is an ideal property for an escape in the heart of downtown or an investment property with excellent rental history. This perfectly remodeled, contemporary 2-bedroom/2-bath condo is offered fully furnished with a wood-burning fireplace, stackable washer/dryer, off-street parking, and gear locker.

901 E Hyman Avenue, Unit 9 | Aspen, CO I 875 SF | 2 Beds | 2 Baths | Offered at $3,250,000

An Inside Look at Today’s Real Estate in the Roaring Fork Valley

Halfway through the year, some market sectors are slowing down while others are setting new records. The overall number of sales transactions has declined by over 20% year-over-year in the Aspen area, but total sales dollars stayed the same due to significantly increased sales prices.

The average price per square foot for condominiums in town is up 50% to $2,817 and the average cost of a condominium in the city has doubled to $4.65m.

As of this writing, inventory has increased and sales have slowed down considerably. There are currently 25 properties priced under $6m for sale in the core of town with only 3 under contract. Price reductions seem to be a daily occurrence suggesting the current market may not support such aggressive initial listing prices.

The average price of a single-family home has climbed 49% from $13.195m in 2021 to $19.7m today. There have been 37 $10m+ sales in Q2 2022 compared to 32 in Q2 2021, 14 $20m+ through Q2 2022 versus 9 last year, and 9 $30m+ sales in the first six months of 2022 vs. three in Q2 2021.

Luxury Market Dominance

Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to produce one of the most comprehensive midyear real estate market reports offered by any brokerage in the Roaring Fork Valley, sharing invaluable market insight on all twelve cities and towns in the valley, spanning from Aspen to Rifle. As we enter the second-half of 2022, there are a few signs pointing toward a shift in the Aspen area real estate market; listing inventory is starting to climb for the first time since 2020.

Despite several notable high-end sales, there has been an increasing number of price reductions as sellers try to catch buyers who are becoming more pragmatic in their purchase process. However, a strong increase in sale prices has masked the slowdown in the pace of transactions, increasing the sales dollar volume year-to-date in Aspen. The high-end market remains strong, with 10 sales over $30 million in Aspen so far this year – that’s more than any other entire year, ever!

New & Exclusive Listings

After serving as the rental listing agent for 901 E. Hyman over the past 18-months, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit was recently listed for sale. During the peak season, the unit saw a 94% occupancy rate with an average daily rate of $650. Located just four blocks from the gondola with easy access to everything downtown Aspen has to offer – the unit is a great investment property or a place to call home. Let me know if you, or someone in your network, would be interested in owning this prime investment property in Aspen.

Off Market Long Term Rental

An opportunity to live directly on the Roaring Fork River in one of the mid-valley’s most desirable neighborhoods doesn’t come along too often. This riverfront property is available for long-term rental starting in August for $9,000 a month.

180 River Oaks Lane is a 2,350 square foot single-family home featuring three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a 2-car garage, main floor primary bedroom, picturesque outdoor entertaining space, mature growth trees, and a fenced-in yard perfect for pets. Located on three-quarters of an acre in close proximity to the Roaring Fork Club and Willits Town Center – the River Oaks cul-de-sac is truly one of the best locations in all of Basalt. The property is being updated and is available for long-term rentals starting mid-August. Reach out with any questions.

Need a quick getaway to a wind sports mecca?

If you’re looking for a quick getaway to a wind sports mecca, look no further than Hood River, Oregon. The Columbia River Gorge offers some of the most consistent and powerful winds in the world. Located about 50 minutes from Portland, Oregon, the Gorge offers up numerous launch sites to kite, wing, kite foil, pump foil, and downriver foil. People travel from around the world to spend time here. It’s an easy journey and I was on the water by 3pm after leaving Aspen at 9am.

Hood River also sports some great wineries as well as restaurants and bars. 3 Rivers Grill is one of my personal favorites and it didn’t disappoint this time around. Jimmy and his wife run an amazing establishment with one of the better margaritas I have ever had. Sit on the deck and take in the views of the Columbia River as the sun sets.

Freshies is the place to go for breakfast and coffee. Located right downtown, they make the bagels on site that are always warm and fresh – this place is the perfect fuel-up spot before a day on the water. 

For wind gear, the two best shops in town are Big Winds and Pure Stoke Sports. TJ at big winds is one of the most knowledgeable foil experts in the country. I picked up a new Ozone Wing at Pure Stoke at a great price.

You will not regret a trip to Hood River.

Aces Rock Bottom Ranch

For those who have not been down to Rock Bottom Ranch in the mid-valley, one of their amazing events should not be missed. The 113-acre farm is operated by Aspen Center for Environmental Studies and offers sustainable agriculture and education programs for all ages.  

It was my pleasure to attend a talk last week and had the opportunity to meet their llama Cindy who had just given birth to Conrad four days earlier. The llamas are there to protect the herd of sheep and goats from predators in the area.

The Market

As we head into the summer the most frequent question, I am getting is, “What is the future of the market?”

From May 25 to June 15, we have seen 14 properties close for a total of $240 million. That is a staggering number! While our year-to-date transactions are down by 30%, the total sales volume remains close to the first half of 2021. What this means is that our home pricing has remained strong, which is a great position to be in as a seller.

At this time, less expensive properties seem to be sitting. There are currently 13 properties listed below $5 million in the core of Aspen, none of which are under contract as of June 16th.

Our absorption rate hovers at 2.3 months, showing that we still have very little inventory. The average days on market are slowly rising from 134 in May 2021 to 147 in May 2022. So what is going on?

The building moratorium is fueling a fear that you will not be able to purchase land and build legacy properties. People are in a rush to grab the larger homes. Of those fourteen properties which sold, four closed for over $32 million each.

The condo market is seeing some hesitancy, with rising interest rates, increased fuel costs, the war in Ukraine, and our political uncertainty. Potential buyers seem to be sitting on the sidelines, waiting to see what the future holds.

Food & Wine Aspen

Summer has finally arrived in Aspen. The town is filling up as patrons and vendors arrive for the annual Food & Wine Classic. The schedule is packed with three incredible days of cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and panel discussions by renowned chefs and wine experts. Food & Wine marks the unofficial start of summer in Aspen.

Breaking News: World Cup Ski Racing Returns to Aspen for the 2022-23 winter season

The U.S. Ski Team and Aspen Skiing Company have secured a men’s Super G and Downhill for next season. This will be the first men’s World Cup in Aspen since hosting the World Cup Finals in 2017. The races were announced Saturday through an article online. Along with the Aspen stop, the men will also race at Palisades Tahoe, with both events taking place following February’s World Championships in France. The last time the men’s tour stopped in Tahoe was in 1969.

This comes as a surprise for those who closely follow the white circus. Before the World Cup Finals, then FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis and the others on the governing body said that Aspen would not be eligible for any World Cup events until they upgraded Lift 1A and the finish area. Lewis was eventually fired from the position, and a new governing body was put in place. They approached the Aspen Skiing Company in hopes of shoring up men’s speed events in 2023. In a conversation on Sunday with Mike Kaplan, the CEO of Aspen Skiing Company, he confirmed the event is likely to happen in March but thought the announcement was premature due to some final details that still needed to be ironed out. But, according to Mike, they are very confident the races will happen.

This will be a great season to follow ski racing with four stops in the United States. In December, the women race in Killington, and the men are in Beaver Creek.

Downtime in Moab, Utah

The offseason is a great time to escape Aspen, and many residents head to the desert. I recently spent a week in Moab as a guest of Bruce Etkin, a retired real estate developer who does charity work for several causes. This desert getaway in downtown Moab, appropriately called Happy Days, comes complete with a 4,700 square foot main house, a 1,600 square foot guest house, a massive garage to store all your gear, two Razor side-by-sides and get this, a 25-meter swimming pool complete with a diving board. It’s been years since diving boards were removed from residential pools, and there’s nothing quite like getting off your bike and diving into a pool. Cold plunge and hot tub are also on the premises.

Bruce does not rent this property out, but he generously gifts it to various charitable organizations, which then auction it off to raise revenue for their nonprofit. If you’re interested in having this getaway in your silent or live auction, reach out to Happy Days on their website.

While primarily known for biking and off-roading, Moab offers amazing canyoneering just south of town near Ken’s Lake. We spent the day with Evan Clapper and highly recommend booking a boutique-guided service with Clapper Adventures. He specializes in providing custom adventures to off-the-beaten-track places and has a long record of safely guiding technical activities.

We stopped in Fruita and rode the Colorado National Monument on our way home. This is a 33-mile loop that takes you through some of the most scenic views in the west. Also known as the Tour of the Moon due to its wild terrain, we rode from Fruita East to Grand Junction, which finishes with a 10-mile road ride back to your start point.

You can turn around and go back the way you came for those looking for something longer. This would be 44 miles with about 4,800 vertical feet of climbing. Start early as it gets scorchingly hot in the afternoon.

Exclusive New Rental Listing in Basalt

An opportunity to live directly on the Roaring Fork River in one of the mid-valley’s most desirable neighborhoods doesn’t come along too often. 180 River Oaks Lane is a 2,350 square foot single-family rental home featuring three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage, main floor primary bedroom, picturesque outdoor entertaining space, mature growth trees, and a fenced-in yard perfect for pets. Located on three-quarters of an acre near the Roaring Fork Club and Willits Town Center – the River Oaks cul-de-sac is genuinely one of the best locations in all of Basalt. This property is currently being updated and available for long-term rentals starting mid-August.

Ski Season is Winding Down

The ski season is winding down, with temperatures reaching the mid 60’s all week. On Wednesday of last week, Aspen Mountain received 14 inches of new snow. I have to say it was one of the best days of the season. Bottomless powder with walk-on gondolas all day. We’re usually soaking up the sun and skiing corn snow in April, but we’ll take another powder day – especially for the snowpack and spring runoff in the Colorado River basin.

Buttermilk Mountain closed two Sundays ago; Aspen Highlands closed last Sunday, with thousands attending the annual end-of-season party. Snowmass closed yesterday (pond skimming pictured), and Aspen Mountain extended its season till April 24. Get out and enjoy the snow while you can.

An Inside Look at Today’s Real Estate in the Roaring Fork Valley

Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International is proud to produce one of the most comprehensive real estate market reports offered by any brokerage in the Roaring Fork Valley, sharing invaluable market insight on all twelve cities and towns in the valley, spanning from Aspen to Rifle. In the first quarter of 2022, we continue to see strong price increases across the board, historically low listing inventory levels and more off-market sales occurring than any time in recent history.

We continue to be the number one brokerage in the Valley, and represented 30% of the total sales volume of the top ten companies in the first quarter. Of the 86 transactions above $5 million in Aspen and Snowmass Village, we represented more than 30% of the clients. Click below to see our market dominance in the standard and luxury markets.

The Roaring Fork Valley’s Lack of Inventory

Lack of inventory continues in the Roaring Fork Valley. The newly released numbers show how little there is to buy right now. In Aspen, new single-family listings were down 20% year-to-date, while condominiums were 36% down. Sold single-family homes dropped by 37%, and condominiums saw a 17% decline year-to-date. In March, those numbers were -42% and -57%, respectively.

Properties are going under contract in record time as well. Full price, or over ask cash offers, with no contingencies are par for the course. You need to act decisively and have available financing to be competitive.

The same story is unfolding in the lower valley. In Glenwood Springs, the average sale price for a condominium is up 43% in March and 23% year-to-date. During a recent negotiation, my client offered 5% over the asking price with a 20-day close, all-cash, and no contingencies for a property in Glenwood Springs. The property had nine offers within 24 hours of the listing, and my client did not get the condo.

Summer Preview

• 28th Annual Ride for the Pass. This bike ride/race, which benefits the Independence Pass Foundation, starts at the winter gate and ends at the Town of Independence. The road is closed to car traffic, allowing for an enjoyable ride. For 32 years, the Foundation has been taking care of one of the country’s most magnificent alpine landscapes, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
• Belly Up Aspen has a great lineup for the spring and summer. Some of the highlights are Gary Clark Jr. on May 28th and 29th, Violent Femmes on June 12, and John Fogerty on July 2nd and 3rd.
• Food and Wine Classic returns to its normal timeframe, June 17-19th. There are plenty of events and parties to enjoy around town, even if you could not purchase a pass before they sold out.
• Aspen Ideas Fest returns June 25- July 1. The Festival is divided into three segments, each with its own stand-alone pass.
• JAS/Jazz Aspen Snowmass June 24-27 JAS Aspen Snowmass June Experience has multiple bands in various venues, all in the Downtown Aspen Core.

Not Ready to Buy? Your Luxury Vacation Rental Awaits

Escaping to Aspen has never been easier and more convenient with this recently remodeled two bedroom, two bathroom corner unit at South Point featuring views of Aspen Mountain and Red Mountain. The prime location is walkable to everything downtown and includes a dedicated garage parking spot, ski locker and close proximity to the Gondola and Lift 1A. Bosch appliances throughout, a wine fridge, gas fireplace, in-unit washer/dryer, and deck to soak up the stunning views complete the package. This exclusive listing is available starting May 1, 2022.

Spot Check: Turks and Caicos

Spring break is upon us. The mountains are skiing great with over 40 inches of new snow in the last few weeks. If you are looking for a warm weather escape, Turks and Caicos is a phenomenal getaway.

This is an ideal spot to learn how to kite board with its shallow, 80 degree, flat crystal clear water. There are a number of schools to take lessons at including Kite Provo and TCK Kiting.

I have been traveling to Turks for the last 9 years and have stayed at a number of different properties. On our most recent visit, we stayed right on Long Bay at H20 Resort. They have a full time staff on hand to provide kite lessons, as well as a large rental fleet. If you do not like pumping up your kite, there is a compressor on sight. The staff is very friendly and will lend a helping hand with launching and landing as well.

For those who do not kite, you can explore the island by car or preferably boat. I have used Captain Matt at Caicos Catalyst. Having grown up on the island, Captain Matt knows the area well and can provide you with a full service trip. They offer half or full day adventures. There is some great snorkeling and scuba diving on either side of the island. This last trip we did a 26 mile kiteboarding downwinder, using his catamaran as as support boat. It was amazing!

Please reach out if you have any questions about booking a rental or looking at property down in Turks and Caicos.

The Market is Still Hot

The market in Aspen is still red hot. If you look at some past numbers you will find that our inventory is at all time lows while price per square foot climbs. In January 2012, there were 496 properties available to purchase. January of 2022 that number was 52. That is a 90% drop in inventory.

Price per square foot is over $3,000 in the core of town. Property is going under contract in record time as well, with a large percentage hitting the MLS prior to listing.

Please give me a call or shoot me an email if you would like to discuss property in the valley.

Your Guide to Spring in
the Roaring Fork Valley

With longer days of sunshine and cold temperatures turning, spring is on its way to the Roaring Fork Valley. While March is historically one of the snowiest months of the year in Aspen, it is also the month of bluebird spring skiing and après ski. From Basalt to Glenwood, the snow has already started to become sparse and trails are clearing for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. There are plenty of options for recreation throughout the late winter and spring as the temperamental weather persists through May. Here’s how to savor the remaining days of the winter season from Aspen to Glenwood. 

New & Exclusive Rental Listings

If you are looking for a place to rent this summer, you want to start planning today. Places are filling up and my vacation rentals have been booking as far back as September. I currently have six rentals listed with some open dates. Please give me a call if you, friends, or family are still looking for a summer rental.

This light and airy Chatelet two bedroom/two bathroom unit at 250 S. Original St. couldn’t be more perfectly situated in the central core of Aspen – just steps from everything downtown has to offer and only three blocks to the Silver Queen Gondola. Unit E was updated this spring including a new gourmet chef’s kitchen featuring Wolf appliances, hardwood floors, refreshed paint, and new bathroom fixtures. The convenience of being right downtown combined with the coziness of a wood-burning fireplace and outdoor space to enjoy a morning cup of coffee on the east facing deck makes this the perfect pied-à-terre for your next visit to Aspen.  There is also a dedicated parking space and mail service.

Mask mandate rescinded in Pitkin County

Last night it was my pleasure to dine at Brunelleschi’s Restaurant, the best value in town by the way. It was refreshing to be eating without having to deal with a mask.

It also snowed finally after a lengthy dry spell. Hopping on the gondola with five complete strangers was a surprising treat. No one was wearing anything on their faces – and no one was asking to get out of the gondola cabin. What a great day it was to be on the hill and this storm cycle was a game-changer heading into the spring.

For the first time in two years, it feels like we are almost back to normal. Clearly we’re all hoping we do not see a resurgence of COVID 19 or another new variant. In the meantime everyone in town is enjoying the mask mandate being lifted.

Real estate market is still hot with shrinking inventory

We are seeing a significant drop in sales volume, and transaction numbers, while average cost per square foot and sales prices continue to rise. Sales volume in the mid valley is down by 14.5% year-over-year for January. Total transactions are down by 35.7% while price per square foot rose by 35.2% and the average home sold rose by 26.1% to $1.4 million in the mid valley. These numbers are staggering.

On behalf of one of my clients, an offer was submitted two weeks ago on a half duplex in the Southside Neighborhood near downtown Basalt. It was listed for $1,095,000. We went over ask, all cash, no inspection with a two week close. There were nine offers in the first 24 hours. We were out bid and did not get the property.

We have more buyers with significantly less inventory. Great market for sellers, not so great on the buy side. If you are interested in listing your property please give me a call – It would be great to discuss the market and learn more about your real estate needs.

A Decade of Excellence: The Evolution of Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International

2022 marks the 10th anniversary of Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty and we are proud to recognize our growth as the largest, top-selling real estate brokerage in the Roaring Fork Valley. We are a powerhouse firm of over 200 experts in the industry and 14 offices and we strive to continue leading the way with strategic innovation while providing irreplaceable value to our clients around the world. Though the Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty franchise is 10-years-old, our local expertise is built upon a 20+ year legacy of real estate innovation and influence within the Roaring Fork Valley. 

250 S. Original – Unit D

My newest vacation rental listing, 250 S. Original – Unit D, has good availability through the end of the winter season if you’re looking for a 2-bedroom, 3-bath plus den this is a great option right in the heart of downtown Aspen.

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For those of you who were here the last two weeks of December, you experienced some of the best skiing this area has seen in the last 15 years. We were peppered with over 100 inches of snow in that time frame. It was truly amazing time to be in town.

2021 Market Report

It was another extraordinary year for Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty. We continue to dominate the luxury market with more sales than our next two competitors combined.

Being the best is about more than just sales volume. The data in these reports speak to more than just our performance, but our expert brokers’ unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled service and unrivaled results for our clients, every time. As the number one brokerage in the Roaring Fork Valley for more than 20 years, we consider consistency a benchmark of our success.

There are two details in the report that really catch your eye. One is the declining inventory and the other is the increased price per square foot.

My Chateau Chaumont in the core of town recently sold for over $3,000 a square foot, making it the most expensive sale in that complex by over 29%. When the unit was purchased in 2016, it had been sitting on the market for over 300 days and had no offers. The purchase price was under $925 a square foot. People warned me that the price was too much for the unit – How things have changed over the last 5 years.

For condominiums, days on market are down 39%, average price per square foot is up by 11%, and inventory of condos for sale in December is down 88.4%. There were 112 condos/townhomes available for sale last December. This year there are 13. Trying to find a condominium for sale is a challenge. Trying to get something off market is one of the solutions. Having bought, remodeled, and sold numerous condos in the market, let me help you navigate the process and find your future property.

Crown Mountain Park Winter Improvements

There are number of activities that are available at Crown Mountain Park in El Jebel. There is a new refrigerated ice rink in the park. They have organized youth hockey as well as public skating. Click here for details on the rink.

With the recent snowfall, the skate and cross skiing trail system is groomed and ready to go. There is a 2.7 km loop as well as a 5km loop. Dogs are welcome to run with you while you ski.

Recently Sold

The New Year is off to a great start with my first closing and more snow in the forecast. It doesn’t get more convenient than this beautifully appointed Chateau Chaumont condominium located in the core of downtown Aspen, just one block to the Silver Queen Gondola. The unit features a brand new bathroom remodel complete with soaking tub and backlit mirror – Congratulations to the Buyers!

2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 899 sf | Offered at $2,595,000

After a slow start to the ski season, snow started flying last Thursday. Aspen Mountain officially reported 17 inches of new snow, but there appeared to be closer to 22 inches on north and east facing slopes. The storm came in right side up, with a damp and dense texture and soft top layer which is great for the base. The Ruthies lift and all the dumps are now open for the season.

At Aspen Highlands, the North Woods weather station showed a remarkable 47 inches of new snow. The picture above shows the Aspen Highlands Snow Stake completely buried during the storm.
We picked up another 6 inches in the last three days and the forecast is calling for continued snowfall. Be sure to book your vacation rentals now as things are really filling up. Check my rental listings below.

Aspen City Council freezes short term rental permits and future development

Two pieces of “emergency” legislation were recently passed by the Aspen City Council. For those who own property in town, these could directly affect your ability to rent, and potentially limit future development opportunities.

Ordinance 26 passed on December 14th. This puts a freeze on all new vacation rental permits until September 30, 2022. If you have a vacation rental permit that was issued prior to December 8th, 2021, you can short term rent the associated property until the September date. If you do not have a vacation rental permit in place, you are essentially prohibited from renting your property for less than 30 days.

At the same time, the Council approved Emergency Ordinance 27 which puts a six month ban on all new construction permits that expand living area, square footage and building heights. The council feels there is too much construction and gentrification in town and they want to pause new construction and look at land use issues. A third discussion is in place around changing the land use code in regards to affordable housing mitigation. There are a number of pending questions regarding the new ordinances. In speaking with mayor Torre last week, he said they should have answers by the end of January.

French Alpine Bistro

Last weekend, the Snow Society hosted an event at French Alpine Bistro (aka “The Creperie” or FAB to the regulars), on the corner of East Hopkins St., below Radio Snowboard Shop. Austrian foodie, Karin Derly, has created a true Alpine bistro experience in Aspen. Having heard about The Creperie for years but never made it in, this cozy spot did not disappoint. The delicately lit, wood laden location provides a unique and authentic atmosphere for apres or dinner. The schnitzel, raclette, truffle pasta, and fondue with fresh truffle were my personal favorits. Make sure to leave room for the Midnight in Paris crepe. Make a reservation today by calling (970) 925-1566 or booking online before they are completely full for the holidays.

New Rental Listing

Escaping to Aspen has never been easier and more convenient with this recently remodeled two bedroom, two bathroom corner unit at South Point featuring views of Aspen Mountain and Red Mountain. The prime location is walkable to everything downtown and includes a dedicated garage parking spot, ski locker and close proximity to the Gondola and Lift 1A. Bosch appliances throughout, a wine fridge, gas fireplace, in-unit washer/dryer, and deck to soak up the stunning views complete the package. This exclusive listing is available starting May 1, 2022.

Happy Holidays!!!

Board of County Commissioners approve Aspen Mountain Expansion

The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners formally approved the expansion of terrain on Aspen Mountain by 3–1 on Wednesday, November 17. The Pandora’s project is a boom for Aspen Mountain skiers. The intermediate and advanced gladed runs will add 22% more terrain, or 153 acres on the east side of Aspen Mountain, and will open up the coveted backcountry terrain.

Anyone who has skied back there knows how special this area of the mountain is. The east facing leeward slope collects significantly more snow during storm cycles and at an elevation over 11,000 feet, the snow quality is superb.

Despite having lived in the valley for over 31 years, it’s remarkably easy to recall my first venture into the spectacular Pandora’s terrain. Although we will lose the exclusivity of this out of bounds area, it will be great to have lift access on the east side of the mountain. Glading will start in the summer of 2022 with construction of the lift to begin in summer of 2023. The Aspen Ski Company and BOCC should be commended on completing this process.

Will Aspen Regulate Short Term Rentals?

In a working session on Tuesday, November 16 the Aspen City Council concluded that short term rentals should have some form of regulation. What that regulation looks like is still up in the air. After reading both articles in the local papers and asking for clarification with Aspen City Council members and the mayor, this complex issue has a long way to go before it’s resolved.

One council member and the mayor of Aspen got back to me directly for further clarification and their interpretation of the proposed regulations are significantly different. Our mayor, Torre, was of the opinion that there will likely be no further regulation in the core of town. The East and West ends of town, as well as the Smuggler area, are likely see some type of restriction on the issuing of STR permits as well as a potential cap on the amount of available rental days. Councilman Skippy Mesirow thought that as of January 1, 2022 there could be an across the board ban on new STR permits in Aspen.

Whichever way this goes, it is going to be a contentious battle putting homeowners’ rights in the cross hairs. As someone who owns a STR in the core, and manages several others, the thought of new restrictions and being told what we can do and can’t do with our property by the government does not sit well with me and this is a concerning issue. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Two New Rental Listings

Celebrate the holidays at this magnificent half duplex in the east end of Aspen with ample outdoor space and access to the Northstar Nature Preserve. The natural setting provides privacy and views, yet is conveniently just a short walk to downtown and Aspen Mountain. Living and dining areas flow seamlessly together for entertaining a large family gathering. Multiple wood-burning fireplaces add warmth and ambiance, while natural light fills the home. Five generous en-suite bedrooms spread over three levels provides enough space for everyone to feel at home. This exclusive listing is only available November 25, 2021 through January 3, 2022

5 Bedroom 6 Bathroom | 4,121 square feet | $3,000 Nightly | $3,800 Holiday Nightly | $35,000 Monthly | Video Walk Through

1020 E. Durant is a new vacation rental listing with an open calendar – available for long or short term after Thanksgiving. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom 3rd floor Ute Condo unit features updated modern finishes, Viking stainless appliances, and a wine refrigerator to keep the beverages chilled. Located only a few blocks to the center of downtown and the gondola, this condo is equipped with a fireplace, flat screen televisions, washer/dryer, WiFi and a reserved parking space in the lot. Enjoy a nice steam shower in the primary suite at the end of an active Aspen day, and then take in the views of Aspen Mountain from either bedroom.

2 Bedroom | 2 Bathroom | 814 square feet | $15,500 Monthly | Video Walk Through