Dining and entertainment are spread over Copper Mountain’s three villages:  The village at Copper, East Village, and Union Creek.  They all light up during the High Alpine Holidays with the long-standing tradition of a spectacular torchlight parade that weaves its way down the mountain to a grand-finale fireworks display.  The Village at Copper sparkles with holiday cheer for the annual event, punctuated with repeat performances by En Fuego on December 20 and January 10.

This year for New Years Eve, Colorado’s premier Disco Mountain band will perform in the Village.  There will be a Disco Dance Contest, Street Performers, Bonfires, a Big Air performance by the Copper Free Ride Team, fireworks and more.  Then January 2-4, 2009, the largest consumer demo in the snowboard world will feature free demos of Burton boards, boots, and bindings.  All will be in readiness for the U.S. Snowboarding Revolution Tour competition as described at copperseries.com.  Families can also take advantage of Kids Night Out, Kids Eat Free, Arcades, Lessons, and Ski Groups.

Copper offers a variety of divided terrain for all levels of skiers and riders.  Beginner slopes are on the western side, intermediate in the center, and expert terrain on the eastern side.  Advanced double black-diamond slopes are located at Copper Bowl, Union bowl, Spaulding Bowl, and Resolution Bowl at 12,000-plus elevation on Copper Peak and Union Peak.  These expert bowls are comparable in difficulty to Breck’s Imperial Bowl.

When measured by area, Copper Mountain Ski Resort is the largest resort in Summit County.  Operated by Intrawest, it extends from a base elevation of 9,712 feet to its summit at 12,313.  There are 2,433 skiable acres including 125 runs accessible through 5 high-speed chairs, 10 chairs, 6 surface lifts, and 1 tubing lift.  Expect fewer lines and shorter wait times everywhere but on the centrally located lifts that service blue and green runs, the Superpipe, and Catalyst, the premier terrain park.

Call Rick Allemang with RE/MAX Properties of the Summit at 970-547-1002 for information about ski properties or real estate in the woods to meet your family’s needs and goals.

Founded in 1973, RE/MAX is the only major real-estate network that is owned and directed by its original founders.  The one-office operation of Dave and Gail Liniger became the world’s most successful real-estate network based on a philosophy of “Everyone Wins.”  From advanced training courses to state-of-the-art technological tools, to international referrals and commercial investment, RE/MAX is dedicated to helping its agents to succeed.  Adding in another assist for agents, the RE/MAX Satellite Network is the only satellite television network in the real-estate industry.

Dave Liniger called the company RE/MAX, short for “real estate maximums.”  The Linigers believe that to attract and retain the best agents, they must be offered maximum compensation, advanced support services, and the freedom that they need to succeed.  In contrast to most real estate offices which charge agents a 50 percent fee, RE/MAX agents pay management fees and keep their commissions.  Consequently, RE/MAX attracts some of the best professionals in the industry.

Based in Denver, RE/MAX International oversees a network of more than 119,000 agents in 70+ regions in over 60 countries.  In 1980, the company expanded into Canada, becoming the leading company for real estate in that country.  In recent years, RE/MAX has expanded into Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico, New Zealand, Turkey, South America and more.

Interestingly, during the 1970s, Liniger predicted that his company would one day have 80,000 agents in the United States.  By 2003, the company included over 80,000 representatives in the world.  And all levels of employees are involved in community service.  Our projects benefit organizations such as the Children’s Miracle Network and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

RE/MAX is recognized by the home-buying and home-selling public for its logo—a red, white, and blue hot-air balloon.  We are proud to wave that hot-air balloon for you to find the best Rocky Mountain vacation property for your family.  Call Rick Allemang of RE/MAX Properties of the Summit at 970-547-1002 for information about Park and Summit County real estate to meet your family’s needs.

Real estate in Breckenridge is reaching new standards with the upcoming exclusive One Ski Hill Place at the base of Peak 8, ski-in/ski-out.  Peak 9 offers the fabulous Beaver Run Resort, the Great Divide Lodge, Village at Breckenridge, and Main Street Station right downtown and only steps from the lifts.  

Peak 8, Peak 9, the back bowls, and the T-Bars are open for snowy fun.  Looking form 9,600 feet at fabulous Peak 9, skiers are sprinkled down the slopes.  From Freeway Terrain Pack and the Ski School Learning zone up at about 10,000 feet, folks are mingling and getting going.  A few skiers already made it up to Ten Mile Station at 10,460 feet earlier today and others have free reign at 11,059 feet at the top of Peak 8. 

From Vista Haus you can see the town with snow covered Rocky Mountains forever in the background.  On the Peak 8 Half Pipe, groomers are perfecting the new snow for today’s adventures.  And way up there at 12,141 feet in the high-alpine Horseshoe Bowl, the strong of heart are experiencing what it’s like to be on top of the world.

On every mountain, the impeccable grooming stands out in North American resorts.  There are favorite places and terrain for every skier and rider.  Four terrain parks and three half-pipes are consistently ranked among the world’s best.  Along with 2,358 acres of pure snow-sports excitement, the perfect mountain town also features a lively après-ski scene and lots to do all year round.  The historical mining town boasts top-notch museums, theater, festivals, concerts, unique shopping, fine and casual restaurants, and plenty of interesting people.

Upcoming signature events at the resort include:

• December 18-21, 2008:  Mountain Dew Action Sports Tour
• January 4-9, 2009:  Ullr Fest
• January 20-24, 2009:  International Snow Sculpture championships
• February 21-24, 2009:  Mardi Gras
• April 1-19, 2009:  Spring Massive

Call Rick Allemang at 970-547-1002 to view these special properties or other vacation real estate in Summit County or Park County to meet your family’s budget and goals.

Located in the Quandary Village neighborhood of Breckenridge, several miles south of town on Highway 9, the very competitive asking price is $699,000.  Throughout the three levels of fabulous Breckenridge CO real estate is a beautiful complement of natural elements such as log, slate, river rock, and massive exposed beams.  It is perfect for a Summit County Colorado vacation home or for year round living.

On the main level, a romantic double-sided river rock fireplace is the centerpiece.  Vaulted ceilings, a wall of glass, and exposed beams invite the incredible Rocky Mountain ambience inside.  The gourmet kitchen features top-quality cabinets, granite tile countertops, a breakfast bar, slate flooring and back splash, and the best of appliances. 

Upstairs, the wonderful master suite walks out to the deck and is next to the loft.  A big screen TV is ingeniously accessible from the large closet.  With dual vanities, a separate shower, and a great jetted tub, the master bath offers private relaxation.

On the lower level, there a media room, bar, workout room (or bedroom), bedroom, and a full bath.  A detached 2-car garage accentuates the natural environment of the home.  Every square foot of this endearing home is impeccable.  It was built in 2004 and has been maintained in top-top shape.

Recreation and hiking trails are nearby.  From Monte Cristo Creek at the end of Blue Lakes Road to the Blue River, to Montgomery Reservoir and Hoosier Pass to world-class ski resorts up the road, this area will bring many warm memories of friendship and offers an active lifestyle for residents.

To drive by the home, go south 7 miles on Highway 9 from Breck.  Before the hairpin curve, turn right onto Carroll Lane.  Call 970-547-1002 for information to benefit from lower interest rates and realize your dream home today.  Call Rick Allemang at 970-547-1002 to view this special property or other investment properties that meet your needs.

Comparing September and October 2005 with the same months in 2008, we find the following figures for all of Summit County Colorado real estate sales:

Month                        Sales          Total Volume      Average Sale price

September 2005         445          $161,353,500          $362,592

October 2005             389          $152,693,400          $392,528

September 2008         201          $127,090,100          $643,131

October 2008             176          $118,230,800          $676,061

Prices vary greatly by area of Summit County.  The average Year-to-Date through October for our communities looks like this:  Breckenridge $758,220, Silverthorne $655,858, Frisco $496,053, Keystone $494,589, Dillon $488,509, and Wildernest $342,712.

According to PortReal Residential Market Update 4th Quarter 2008, “Resort-based metropolitan areas have suffered significantly worse than more diversified markets.”  On the other hand, our Rocky Mountain resort areas are exceptions to that statement, which is based on averages from around the nation that include Florida and California where real estate prices have fallen dramatically.  The truth is that our resort and luxury real estate has outperformed most other markets, including the median-priced home market and investment-grade market.  Our resorts continue to see land and real estate appreciation.

There is high demand for resort real estate close to the Front Range metropolitan areas.  As population continues to increase in those areas, more people will be looking to our recreational playground for vacation properties, second homes, and retirement homes.

And the opportunities for investment in multi-family and single-family homes in Summit County will allow owners to take advantage of another point that PortReal makes:  “Net rental income matches or exceeds the costs of property ownership in 88 percent of US markets.”  People who are not able to pass the credit scrutiny will still be renting both primary homes and vacation properties in the resort areas.

As people tighten their belts, many continue careful real estate investing.  It’s a way of life and livelihood.  In growing areas like ours, over time real estate investments outperform the money markets.  For information about resort real estate to enjoy for years to come, call Rick Allemang of RE/MAX Properties of the Summit at 970-547-1002.

But places remain buildings until they are filled with the warmth of the people within them. Then, they become cherished homes in Breckenridge full of good memories. Think Thanksgiving camaraderie beside the crackling fire with the aroma of fresh baked pie in the air. Juxtapose the feeling with the vibrancy of the clear cool air on the ski slopes. Your family could be at the top of the slope in just ten minutes!

Put the two together and determine to invest in Summit County property in time for Christmas. Located in the woods in the heart of town, the impeccable fully furnished townhome at 104 Village Point Drive could be your family’s vacation home. It is one of the best values in the town with an asking price of $749,900.

Convenient yet secluded, charming and cozy, this three-story townhome has recently been beautifully remodeled and features new fixtures, appliances, lighting, flooring, and furnishings. It has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and over 1600 square feet and a 1-car garage. With views of the woods, the open living area walks out to the deck and hot tub. The large rustic fireplace is the focal point of the great room. The rich cherry kitchen features granite countertops, luminescent backdrops, and a kitchen island. An inviting dining room opens to the kitchen.

Built in 1995, the Village Point Townhomes are perfectly charming and feature lovely landscaping that complements the exterior design. Adjacent Columbine Road leads to Peak 9 and Village Point is on the free shuttle route.

This is a top quality property with a great location. Even with high owner usage, rental numbers are high. It will impress even the most discerning buyer. Call Rick Allemang at 970-547-1002 for more information about the property at 104 Village Point Drive and/or other options in wonderful Summit and Park counties.

What a great place for students to put away a couple of years of college living in mountain luxury homes in Breckenridge, Colorado while skiing or riding and helping out with some of the fun part-time positions in the resort. Call Rick Allemang at 970-547-1002 for information about investing in Breckenridge real estate in our Rocky Mountain resort for students or retirement.

The Summit Campuses of CMC located in Breckenridge and Frisco provide educational opportunities in traditional classroom settings, hands-on professional training and on-line classes for all of Summit County: Silverthorne, Dillon, Frisco, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and Keystone. The school is proud to operate one of the few apprentice-based culinary programs in the country with internships alongside renowned chefs in the resort, a new certificate program for Wilderness Emergency Medical Services, Outdoor Education, and a two-year Nursing Program.

Word is out that the new campus may open as the first smoke-free college or university in Colorado. The initiative is in keeping with the prevailing state-of-the-art healthy and green attitudes and policies that are growing rapidly in the mountain communities.

Colorado Mountain College operates seven campuses that dot the rural mountain areas and service over 12,000 miles. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and seeks alternative accreditation through the Academic Quality Improvement Program.

The College’s Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees are designed to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Graduates have transferred to major universities such as the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, University of Denver, Stanford University, Wellesley College, Vanderbilt University, and many more.

Options for Associate of Arts degrees include Visual Arts, Business Emphasis, and Outdoor Education Emphasis. Associate in Applied Science Degrees include Accounting, Business, Computer Networking, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Entrepreneurship, Fire Science Technology, Microcomputer Support Specialist, Nursing, and Office Administration.

Certificates of Occupational Proficiency include Accounting, A+ Computer Technician, Business, CISCO Certified Network Associate, Electrician, Electricity and Wiring, Emergency Medical Technician, Information Security Specialist, Microcomputer Specialist, Microsoft Office Specialist, Office Administration, Real Estate, Ropeway Maintenance Technician, and Wilderness Emergency Medical Services. Certificates of Completion include Early Childhood Director or Group Leader, Entrepreneurship, and Outdoor Education.

November 14, 15 and 16 are the days to preview Summit County Colorado vacation real estate and to pick up new and used ski gear “Nordic, back-country, and telemark equipment” at the Breckenridge Nordic Center. Located at 1200 Ski Hill Road near some of the above exclusive new Breckenridge real estate, the annual event is a community tradition for residents of the Victorian mining Town of Breckenridge.

As Breckenridge Resort improves and grows, so has the Master Development Plan for the Nordic Center. Thirty-two kilometers of ski trails meander through spruce forest and open meadows along with 16 kilometers of scenic snowshoe trails only a mile from downtown along the free shuttle route. Additionally, the BreckConnect Gondola runs from the free skier parking lots, accessing the Breckenridge Nordic Trail System and eventually the new Nordic World Trails on Peak 6. A new skier bridge and two Nordic skier tunnels allow a continuous looped trail system with no road crossings.

Lately the Nordic Center began rolling the terrain and anticipates that after the next good snowstorm it will be able to provide skate lines in the teaching and training areas. Pretty soon the stove will be cranked up in the warming huts at Kathy’s Viewpoint and Hallelujah Hut and skiers can glide over manicured snow with scenic vistas on all sides, exploring the expanded trails on Peak 7 in the White River National Forest.

Participants in the sport enjoy a casual and friendly atmosphere. It is easy to learn and lots of fun. Ski lessons help everyone to get it right from the beginning and progress faster. Lesson, rental, and trail pass packages are affordable. Improvement is rapid for those who take advantage of expert guidance offered by ski instructors certified by the Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANS) or Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). Children start skiing by age four and develop the physique, coordination, stamina, agility, social skills, and a sense of accomplishment. When heading to the hills, it is best bring hats, gloves, sunglasses, and layers of clothing to accommodate the weather and body heat generated by the workout.

Next week (Nov. 21-23) there will be a ski swap at our Frisco Nordic Center. The Annual Nordic ski Swap benefits the Summit Nordic Ski Club. Twenty percent of all sales will be donated to the SNC, a nonprofit organization that assists junior Nordic skiers.

For information about resort real estate to enjoy for years to come, call Rick Allemang of RE/MAX Properties of the Summit at 970-547-1002.