John Nilsson - Vail Beaver Creek Homes for Sale - 970-390-7600

Vail, Colorado Daily Photo - An Evening in the Vail Valley

I thought I might share this idillic shot taken on a recent evening listing photo shoot. I think it conveys a lot about the many faces of our beautiful area.

The real estate market here continues to make a dramatic comeback. In an intercompany email today, Julie Bergsten, Vice President of Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, reveiled that the Slifer sales staff booked $76,097,500 in new contracts during the month of February just ended. This volume was more of February 2011 which totalled $32,803,500! Further encouragement can be found in that the 57 transactions were skewed more to the mid to higher price ranges indicating that the mid to high price range market is now returning. It had been MIA for the last 18 months.

There are definite signs of a turn here. If you have been thinking of making a purchase in Vail, don't wait!

Photo: Nilsson Images

Vail, Colorado Daily Photo - Snow Cats and Mt. of the Holy Cross -

The relationship between man and nature is the key factor in the appeal of the wonderful sport of skiing. While we often consciously ignore this innate realationship when stepping into our bindings, sliding down the ramp at the top of the lift, or carving a turn through the white stuff, nature is always there. We must protect this man/nature relationship through good stewardship. To me, this photo brings home the importance of respectng and relating to nature in all we do. Kudos to Senators Mark Udall and Gerald Polus for their support of Wilderness Plans for Colorado.

Photo: Nilsson Images

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Vail Colorado Daily Photo - Nice Turns!

Did you ever notice that there are times in life when looking backward is as satifying as looking forward? Some nice linked turns in new powder creates one of those opportunities. What great skiing we are having this week! There are lots of folks in town and real estate activity is "spirited". Warm temperatures and blue sky are the icing on the cake.

Photo: Nilsson Images

Vail Valley Daily Photo: If you aren't here now, your're missing out!

What more could you ask for? 15+ inches of new snow in the last 7 days (falling mostly at night), blue skys and comfortable temperatures, 90% of the mountain open, great nightlife and lots of family fun. If the low snow reports of the previous month have discouraged you from coming to Vail, let me assure you that the skiing experience here now is as good as it gets. Some of the best skiing, snow, and temperatures are traditionally right around the corner. Get on up here!

Photo: NilssonImages.com

Vail Valley Daily Photo: The new 10th Restaurant is a Winner!

Vail Mountain has a fabulous new sit-down-order-from-the-menu restaurant that is really impressive! If you are tired of stomping with the heards through slippery lunch counter lines and fighting to keep from having your tray knocked out of your hand in the standard run of the mill mid mountain restaurant, you are going to love the 10th! The restaurant's immediate big time success demonstrates that you won't be the only one.

Try this experience on for size: Ski the morning until your legs can't take it any more. Then, go to Mid Vail and walk in the door of The 10th where you are greated by a delightful hostess who directs you to the plush coat room where you can hang your steaming ski parka, take your boots off, and slide your aching feet into cozy slippers. Then it's off to your reserved table sporting linen table cloths and perhaps the best views of any restaurant in the country. Did i mention that a plastic knife or fork is nowhere to be found? The winelist is extensive and the menu impressive.

Prices? Let's make this comparison.

Actual Experience #1 - Lunch at Wildwood Shelter, top of lift 4. Bowl of Chili (very tasty), a baked potato and a medium diet Coke in a paper cup. Stood in line for 15 minutes, sat at communal picknic table, ski boots on. Someone spilled coffee on my goggles and stepped on my coat sleeve that fell off the coat hook when I wasn't looking.Total check - $22.50.

Actual Experience #2 - 11:30 seating at The 10th. Shepherd Pie, bread basket, nice glass of wine (in a real wine glass), large cup of coffee, shared desert. Linen Table Cloth, crystal, real dinerware, great waiter/great service, wonderful food. No boots. Total check - $23.00 - plus tip (sorry).

I don't know about you but I sensed some real value in Experience #2.

You've got to try The 10th.

Photo: NilssonImages.com