Steamboat Springs

A place where Big Storms are a bad thing, so different from Steamboat

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:05:00 +0000

It is interesting to be in a place where people don't look forward to big storms. In Steamboat we spend all year wishing for a huge snow year, 4 ft of new snow overnight and talk about the big years past like they were a hot girlfriend but in Florida a hurricane is a bad thing. Interested to see it but hope for people that live here that it mellows out.

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

Snow forecast for the rest of the week in Steamboat

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:04:00 +0000

It looks like the Steamboat ski area started making snow at the right time. The paper this morning said they were able to lay down 5-6ft piles Sunday night. I checked them out yesterday when I was up looking at the new promenade we are building at the base area. See below for the Steamboat weather forecast this week. A week or so ago there was over 3 feet up on Buffalo Pass where I backcountry ski and more fell over the weekend that I didn't get to check out.

From the Steamboat Pilot "Jim Daniels, a forecaster with the National Weather Service’s Grand Junction office, said a potential for heavy snow this week, coupled with a cold blast, will keep snow on the ground and temperatures low enough to continue snowmaking operations.

Forecasters predict at least some chance of snow from Tuesday night through Friday, with a 70 percent chance of snow Tuesday night and Wednesday. “I think you’ll see several inches there in town, and we’re expecting some more at higher elevations,” Daniels said.

Allen said snowstorms sometimes can raise temperatures in the area, putting snowmaking on hold, but because of a double-blast of cold air coming through this week, Daniels said that likely would not happen. “It’s looking like a pretty good storm coming in there, especially for this time of year,” he said.

The area is under a hazardous weather outlook for the rest of the week, with dangerous driving conditions possible later in the week, especially on Rabbit Ears Pass."

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First night of Snowmaking in Steamboat!

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:36:00 +0000

I walked outside this morning and there was a fog over portions of the lower mountain along with the tell tale sound that snowmaking had begun for the 2009/2010 Ski Season here in Steamboat. Fall is incredible here in Steamboat and one of my favorite times of the year here so I never want it to end but at the same time I can't help myself and dream of skiing with any sign that it is coming soon. I hope that you can join us this year, it has been a cool snowy fall and if this keeps up it could be a great winter.

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

4 weeks until the 2009/2010 Ski Season Begins in Steamboat Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:43:00 +0000

I don't know about you but my dreams and day dreams are now filled with powder days and fast cruisers on the mountain not to mention deep backcountry ski days up on Buffalo Pass. Some new gear has somehow found it's way into my collection and I am considering new skis for me and my wife. I will also take the kids in this week for their season rentals. They talk everyday about skiing with daddy on the big mountain and I can't wait to get out with them. Are you ready yet?

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

30 Inches of Snow on Buffalo Pass plus 9 more last night!

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:13:00 +0000

It's been a wet and cool fall and we got the most precipitation since May 9th in town. That's saying something since we had some serious rain in May and June this year. I'm very excited to see so much snow on Buffalo Pass so early. Hopefully this means Buff Pass will be ready before the ski mountain opens at Thanksgiving. Another great season would be outstanding, a normal season will be great too.

From the Steamboat Pilot “We expect El Niño to strengthen and persist through the winter months, providing clues as to what the weather will be like during the period,” Halpert said. “Warmer ocean water in the equatorial Pacific shifts the patterns of tropical rainfall that in turn change the strength and position of the jet stream and storms over the Pacific Ocean and the U.S.” Steamboat Powderhounds know Mount Werner is prone to getting day after day of snow when the jet stream settles over the Yampa Valley on a northwest flow.

One might not guess it to look at the modest snow cover on Storm Peak, but the snow depth is building just north on Buffalo Pass to as deep as 30 inches, in the estimation of one local expert. Chris Diamond, Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. president, observed during a public speaking engagement this fall that the last El Niño year resulted in more than 400 inches of snow. That year, 2005-06, weather patterns dumped 432 inches of snow at the midway point on Mount Werner."

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page or check out the One Steamboat Place blog for info on one of the best ski ski out condos in Steamboat Springs.

Steamboat 700

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:09:00 +0000

Here is a letter to the editor I just submitted. I have struggled with whether to support this since the beginning as I explain below. That is not the normal path for me. To be honest I never expected to support Steamboat 700 even though I thought along that they would get to the point of meeting the WSSAP's objectives.

Start of my letter:
Your article supporting Steamboat 700 is very well thought out and your points are well taken. For the record I never thought I would support Steamboat 700 because I was worried that it was too big and nervous about adding too much at once. The more I have dug into the issue and thought about how things will develop with or without Steamboat 700 I can't get around the fact that this is the only way to add the infrastructure we need for the growth that is coming. It will happen much further from town with no contribution if we don't allow Steamboat 700. I'd rather take some risk than face the nearly certain consequences of inaction. This is the first time I have supported Steamboat 700 in public or private. Just like everyone else I am very concerned about anything that could change Steamboat. Yes, I am an active real estate broker but I see Steamboat's livability and charm as the most important reason that my family is here along with those of my clients.

I believe that it is critical to make it possible for all of our friends along with people like teachers and nurses to become long term members of the community they make possible. They have earned this and will continue to do so. It shouldn't be too easy or doable on a whim but it should be possible for those that have dedicated themselves to living here and make our community special. I am nearly certain it is likely to reduce my own property values in town by having additional supply close by so this is not an economic judgement. For me it comes down to just a few things.

1 - Steamboat 700 is as close to the WSSAP as we are likely to get. Despite his ads to the contrary Kevin Bennett created this plan along with the water agreement that benefits that land. His signature is on the document. We asked for this and they have done a remarkably good job delivering it. Yes it would be wonderful to get more for "free" that is not really free but we don't live in a candy store where everything costs 5 cents.

2- We live in a beautiful, special, extraordinary place that is so compelling we have all worked much harder and made significant comprises to be here. This passion is one of the things that makes Steamboat even better. That is nothing new, most of us can only imagine how hard it was for Steamboat's founding families to make a life here especially in the winter. Great people like John Fetcher could have lived anywhere but they chose to live here and worked hard to make it special.

These compromises couldn't be more worth it and others will continue to be willing to make the same choices. I meet these people every week in my business and understand it well. My wife Wendy & I made this choice and couldn't be happier that we did. We need to do anything we can to protect what is great about Steamboat using plans that will actually be effective. I haven't been able to think of a way that not doing this development will actually achieve this goal. The Pilot is right to say it will only push people out further in the county, increase commuting, pollution and get nothing from that growth to help pay for the increased demands on our community's roads, schools and other infrastructure. If demand does not materialize there is no way it will get built so approving it does not put us at risk.

3- The biggest reason for me is precedent, there is not a lot of question what will happen if you look at Aspen and Vail. They have have not planned close in for the growth that has come and will continue to come. We have friends in both places and it is considered normal for people to commute from 30-60 minutes into town to work and play. They both have a slew of problems and a weaker community because of this. Housing in town is nearly unattainable and families have less time together as a result. I have played endless scenarios in my head and can't think of a way that we will be different if we take the same path.

I want a community that is together all day, remains a special place and has the resources to pay for the long term growth that will come either way. Those of us who were not born in Steamboat were lucky to be accepted by this wonderful community. We should be grateful for that and also take responsibility for keeping it a special place. That doesn't mean we should close the pass behind us. That is purely fantasy and will be the fastest path to pushing us and our neighbors out of town just like has happened in Aspen / Vail. This is a very tough decision but is has been studied and negotiated by our fellow citizens / representatives with tons of public input. I now have arrived to the same conclusion and trust them to implement this deal. I know it will not be perfect, nothing is but it will clearly be far better than the alternative.

Best,

Jon Wade

It's Offical, Colorado's Ski Season Opens today Wednesday Oct 7th

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:08:00 +0000

Loveland opens today, A- Basin Friday. It has felt like an early winter was in the cards for a while and now we have proof. The top of the Steamboat Ski area looks almost skiable too.

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

Even a cold, wet, snowy day in Steamboat beats any day pretty much anywhere else

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:34:00 +0000

Said perfectly by a friend who is town from Houston who works and of course plays in Steamboat as much as possible. I have always felt the same way so I couldn't agree more. Is there a way for you to work and play more in Steamboat? Do you need to be in the office everyday or can you spend more time here in Steamboat by telecommuting?

I know a large number of busy successful people that work early on Eastern time, get out and ski, bike or fish then work some more in the afternoon. Most say that they get more done and come up with great ideas while they are out playing. It works that way for me so why not see for yourself? For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

Farmers Almanac predicts a great snow year in the Rockies!

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:36:00 +0000

Farmers Almanac has come out with their predictions for this winter it is looks like Steamboat has a good shot at another great snow year, they call it phenomenal which is sure to have me dreaming of deep powder for the next few months. I would do that anyways but this will make them better. Its been snowing here since early evening so I will take that as a good sign.

Where to Hit the Slopes in 2009-10
The Farmers’ Almanac’s famous long-range weather forecast for the coming winter is calling for an ice cold sandwich,” but what does that mean for skiers?

This year’s forecast indicates that central parts of North America, including the Great Lakes, Plains, and Rocky Mountains, will be cold and snowy, while coastal regions will see milder weather. While that’s great news for skiers who enjoy the rugged, mile-high peaks of the Rocky Mountains, East Coast skiers may be in for a less than stellar year.

All signs indicate an early start to the season in the Rockies. As usual, Colorado will be king. With 54 peaks above 14,000 feet, and an annual average of about 300 inches of snow, resorts in this skier’s Mecca should get more than enough powder this winter for a phenomenal season.

Look for a thick blanket of snow, accompanied by bitterly cold temperatures, to fall throughout December, with frequent storms dropping more of the white stuff through early spring, in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, and Alberta, Canada."

The forecast isn't as good in the East so start making your plans to come out and help us stabilize the snow here in Steamboat. For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

Snow predicted tonight in the Northern Mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 06:04:00 +0000

I can't help but day dream a little myself, how about you? News 4 predicts 6 to 16 inches ... I say not this time but it could happen. This is the week we always get snow so it wouldn't be a surprise but don't worry we usually have at least another month of great weather before winter starts preparing for opening day here in Steamboat.

Update: the storm never materialized but winter will be here in about a month

Fox Stealing Golf Balls in Steamboat Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:07:00 +0000

A local Fox might think he is bringing home some nice eggs to his kits. He means well but I don't think that they will be hatching anytime soon. For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

Skiing ranks Steamboat #1 in Trees and #2 in Snow behind Alta!

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:24:00 +0000

No question there for me but the one key ranking they miss is an easy number 1 for the great people that live and visit here. Steamboat has easily the nicest people not to mention a genuine town that can't be copied from somewhere else like so many other ski towns have been. What do you think?

My advice? Get in a great fall, your gear in order, in shape to burn a lot of great tree runs and your friends in Steamboat will look forward to seeing you a few times this winter. For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

Snow on Trail Ridge Road Last Night

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:45:00 +0000

Not this much snow any only a few days in the past instead of decades but I thought this was a fun picture to share. Fall is definitely in the air. It's time to get in all the things you meant to this summer, enjoy a great fall and start to think about winter if you aren't already.

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

Current Market thoughts for Steamboat and Beyond

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Sometimes, when things are in flux we all need to remember a few simple thoughts. Here are some quotes, ideas and axioms that you will need to remember to get you through these economic times safely and profitably.

$19 trillion--The value of our country's real estate in 2008. In 1999, the value was $10 trillion, increasing to a whopping $22 trillion in 2006. The total amount of real estate doubled in seven years! It would seem that we really shouldn't complain.

Warren Buffett is the world's richest man---and the most successful investor in history. Here's Buffett's advice: Realize that markets always come back---they did after the Bear market in 1974, after the stock market crash of 1987, after the dot.com bust in 1990, and he bought in the 'down markets' everytime. Bad news is an investor's best friend. He is buying now!

"Where there is change, there is opportunity".

"Real Sellers....attract Real Buyers". Sell ahead of the market, don't follow it all the way down.

"You make money on the buy, not the sell. If you're a seller, get what you can for your property now and buy the 'best buys' to make your profit."

Focus on the above Axioms and adjust your sail in the middle of a storm. This is when fortunes are made and goals are met for those that are ready.

For information on specific residencies in Steamboat check out Steamboat Homes

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

Fall is on it's way to Steamboat

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:46:00 +0000

It's that time of year when the cool evenings, nights around freezing and now the start of fall colors tells us to kick things into gear and get out to get our fill of summer sports. Don't worry, even thought it normally snows in September we still have nearly 2 months of great weather left. In fact from the last couple weeks of August until mid to late October is my favorite time of the year if you exclude powder days of a foot or more that is. It has really felt like fall but Saturday was one of the few days over 90 this summer in Steamboat that I can recall and a nearly perfect day to be a the lake and then on the bike. This picture was taken on the Hot Springs trail.

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs, CO blog main page.

My Steamboat Princess

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:18:00 +0000

A couple pictures of Neve my Steamboat Princess. She is fully qualified as a princess but fortunately for me is just as much of a tom boy that isn't afraid of getting dirty or much else for that matter.

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

My Steamboat Cowboy

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:42:00 +0000

While I would prefer to use an action shot this one was too cute not to share. To purists he may not be an authentic cowboy yet but that is only because he hasn't decided what he wants to be. Until then he can dream. The rest of us should be more like him.

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

Snow Last Night on Lost Ranger Peak

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:28:00 +0000

There was a dusting of snow last night on Lost Ranger Peak in the Zirkel Wilderness area just north of Steamboat Springs. Fall has been in the air for 2-3 weeks and very much so the last 4-5 days with cold nights and cooler days. Winter is coming so it is time to get in all of the things you planned to do this summer, get ready for the leaves to change and start planning for winter in my favorite town.

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

Steamboat Springs Parade of Homes - Free tickets

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:41:00 +0000

I have 5 free tickets to the Steamboat Springs Parade of Homes this Saturday 10-4pm if anyone would like them. Just give me a call at 970-819-6930. There are some great homes on the tour.

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

June New Home Sales Rise 11% Nationally

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:43:00 +0000

More encouraging news that our national market is beginning to recover.

June new home sales rise 11 percent AP

By ALAN ZIBEL, AP Real Estate Writer Alan Zibel, Ap Real Estate Writer – 32 mins ago

WASHINGTON – New U.S. home sales rose by the largest amount in more than eight years last month, in another sign the housing market is finally bouncing back from the worst downturn in decades.

The Commerce Department said Monday that sales rose 11 percent in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 384,000, from an upwardly revised May rate of 346,000.

It was the strongest sales pace since November 2008 and exceeded the forecasts of economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters, who expected a pace of 360,000 units. The last time sales rose so dramatically was in December 2000.

Sales have risen for three straight months. The median sales price of $206,200, however, was down 12 percent from $234,300 a year earlier and down nearly 6 percent from $219,000 in May.

The report is another encouraging sign that the beleaguered housing sector is finally coming back to life. Last Thursday, the National Association of Realtors reported that home resales posted a monthly increase of 3.6 percent in June.

There were 281,000 new homes for sale at the end of June, down more than 4 percent from May. At the current sales pace, that represents 8.8 months of supply — the lowest level since October 2007.

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

Colorado’s Best Mountain Community for Families: Steamboat Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:03:00 +0000

The Mountain Mammas blog posted a piece titled Tour de Colorado’s Best Mountain Community for Families: Steamboat Springs. It's nice to see that she liked Steamboat despite plenty of drama from her kids and a case of the keys left in their running car.

No surprise to anyone who knows Steamboat. What is she doesn't get is that her car wouldn't be anymore likely to be stolen had it been left unlocked while running. We are fortunate to live in a very special place populated & visited by wonderful people.

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

Options for continuing base area upgrades recieve a warm welcome from City Council

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 05:25:00 +0000

I am fortunate to be a part of the Urban Renewal Authority Advisory Committee that manages the funds for improvements at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area. We have laid the foundation for significant improvements to the base area and have had several breakthroughs in working through the designs and agreements necessary for construction of a new promenade linking the inside of the base area together.

To do this we need a second larger bond issue which has become more difficult to get and less comfortable given the current uncertain national market and uncertain city revenues. It looked like we would not be able to proceed and several naysayers asked why we even bothered to continue to meet. The answer was because we all care deeply about Steamboat and understand the importance of improvements to our base area. As business people it just wasn't in our nature to give up without looking at more options.

Several people on the team including myself suggested we see if there was a way to do this responsibly for the city. David Nagel stepped up to lead the effort and organize the team. With a lot of work in a short time we were able to put together a detailed analysis of how this could be structured to reduce risk on the original bonds and leave a comfortable margin on the new bonds given new properties that will be finished soon. It looks like we can proceed with minimal risk. City Staff and now Council agreed and we hope to have a final decision soon.

This is good for Steamboat now and sends a strong message about where we are going. I will look forward to seeing the council make a well considered choice from this group's recommendations on May 5th once we have new assessments of the base area property values that fund URA improvements to confirm we can safely pay the bonds.

You can read the Steamboat Pilot article by clicking here. If you have any questions about this project or how it will impact the base area and property values feel free to call me at 970-819-6930 or email jon@mybrokers.com. For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

A New Closing at Marabou Ranch, overall signs of life in Steamboat

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:26:00 +0000

Some encouraging news from Marabou Ranch came in the form of a closing on a lot for $2.5M. Overall lot sales are limited right now so this speaks to the quality of the experience they deliver at Marabou, the relative value you can find in Steamboat compared to places like Vail & Aspen and people's continuing desire to spend more time in Steamboat Springs. This correlates with increasing amounts of positive news on the national front and the increasing likelihood that a recovery is in progress.

I have seen a big increase in sincere near term interest the last 4-5 weeks due in part to value, availability of people's first choice and the desire to realize goals while there are some good deals to be had. Volume within my firm is up significantly and we are seeing people in town after ski season specifically to look at property which didn't happen to often last fall.

Let me know if you would like to more insight into our current market here in Steamboat Springs and if there is an opportunity for you that makes sense. Call Jon at 970-819-6930 or email jon@mybrokers.com. I hope that everyone has a great spring.

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

The Perfect Steamboat Ski In Ski Out House?

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:50:00 +0000

It feels like we have gotten this much snow recently and more is on the way. It's funny that when I am up top of Mount Werner in the trees I am ducking limbs all of the time. Even after all the warm weather we had I can't help but feel like the snowpack in the trees is similar to last year's record season based on the number or branches I am ducking under in the trees. I don't know where this house is but it definitely offers the prospect of ski in ski out access to ENDLESS un-tracked powder. I can dream can't I?

For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.

Late Spring Powder Day in Steamboat

noreply@blogger.com (Steamboat Springs) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:42:00 +0000

I thought I would share a couple of shots from today. It was easily a top 5 day for me in a year with many EPIC powder days in Steamboat. This picture was taken after a few hours of skiing since we can never seem to stop when the snow is at its best. My neighbor and friend Pete is an inspiration and a role model at any age, especially at 65. I could barely keep up on continuous top to bottom tree runs and didn’t mind it a bit. Steamboat is truly a magical place. I only wish I would have had my SLR with me to truly do his skiing justice. The shot was taken a bit late, it was much better ¼ second earlier. Pete also won his age group in NASTAR Saturday then the overall National handicapped for age on Sunday. I think the fountain of youth must be in Steamboat. See the attached pictures but they don’t begin to do the conditions justice. For more click back to the Steamboat Springs blog main page.