Aspen and Vail: ski with the VIPs in Colorado for a fraction of the price
This winter’s ski season started slowly in the western United States. While Europe saw epic snowfalls in the Alps, ski resorts in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains struggled with too much sun and not enough of the white stuff.
Yet taken overall, Colorado resorts get significantly more snow than their European counterparts: Vail averages three times as much as Méribel in France, for example. So despite the 10-hour flight from London to Denver, British skiers are among the 13 million who choose Colorado each year.
They come for good service, uncrowded slopes and “Colorado champagne” — the light, dry snow that transforms Aspen and Vail, two of the best-known resorts, into ski heaven.
“British buyers are increasingly interested in US fractional ski homes as it becomes more challenging to buy in Europe,” says Paul Kleinekorte of selling agents Pure International. “Colorado’s exceptional off-piste skiing and long, reliable season are another part of the appeal.”
SKI AND BE SEEN IN ASPEN
Forbes Magazine says 50 billionaires own homes in Aspen, where the local airport is one of America’s busiest private jet terminals. Regulars include singer Mariah Carey and actress Kate Hudson.
Aspen has a reputation for healthy outdoor year-round living, with 34 public parks, four yoga studios and excellent restaurants. Domino’s Pizza is the only fast-food eatery left after McDonald’s and Starbucks closed.
Dancing Bear, a private residence club by Timbers Resorts, is in central Aspen, a two-minute walk from the ski gondola and shops. The 19 top-quality three-bedroom residences are divided between two buildings linked by an underground tunnel.
Deeded fractional shares go for £632,000. For that owners get a guaranteed six weeks’ use a year with access to excellent facilities including a concierge, a rooftop lounge, games room, gym, spa, cinema and restaurant. To preserve the private club atmosphere, owners cannot commercially rent their homes.
“To be in the heart of Downtown Aspen with all these services, close to all the town offers yet with beautiful mountain views and a private rooftop terrace is what sells these homes,” says director of sales, Pamela Ross. “It’s the equivalent of a £3.5 million condo.”
Owners choose their weeks on a rotating basis, ensuring that every four years they get Christmas or New Year. Summer is equally popular in Aspen thanks to a vibrant cultural scene and annual arts festivals. Visit Pure International for more information.
Skiing is split between four mountains linked by bus. Aspen Ajax is the most expensive while nine miles away, homes in purpose-built Snowmass Village are up to 50 per cent more affordable. Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s has an attractive two-bedroom apartment close to the slopes with communal pool and restaurant for £473,000.
MORE AFFORDABLE VAIL
Vail is the most-visited and largest US ski resort. Its extensive, perfectly maintained slopes and location two hours from Denver help to swell the 3,000 year-round population to 12,000 each winter. It attracts plenty of stars, yet it’s far less glitzy than Aspen and property is a third cheaper on average.
Prices in Vail rose 10 per cent last year, helped by low supply and high domestic demand, says Savills. Fractional residences are a significant part of the market. Austria Haus Club in Vail centre has 18 fractional flats and 25 hotel rooms managed by Vail Resorts. Two- and three-bedroom flats start from £126,500 for five weeks’ annual use through Engel & Völkers.
The Sebastian-Vail is a Timbers Resort operating as an 80-room hotel with 36 two- and three-bedroom residences sold on a tenth fractional share for £256,000. Half of the 197 available shares are sold to buyers, most from the US but also Europe, Asia and Mexico. Extensive facilities include a bar, restaurant, spa and outdoor hot tubs. Visit Pure International for more information.