Telluride: Colorado's best kept secret?

Below you will find a link to a recent article about Telluride in the Denver Post. I have also pasted the article in the text below. I hope to see you in Telluride this winter. The snow has been falling all day today! For info on Telluride real estate contact Buzz Fedorka at buzz@fedorka.com

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_13620417


Telluride: Colorado's best-kept secret?
By Kyle Wagner Denver Post Travel Editor

The view of Telluride's slopes and bowls astounds. (Telluride Ski Resort )
Raise your hand if you've never skied Telluride.
You're certainly not alone. Chances are you've never even visited Telluride, and you're not alone there either.
To the locals, that's one of the many reasons that it's so great to be among the slightly fewer than 2,400 people living in this former silver mining town tucked up against the San Juan Mountains.
"It's not one of the drop-in places," says Alicia Nogueira, who moved to Telluride 18 years ago from San Francisco. "You have to plan to come here, and that brings people with a different purpose. They really want to be here, as opposed to, 'Oh, I'm here because that other place was full.' "
That's what Telluride Ski Resort founder Joe Zoline was banking on when he put in the first ski lift in 1972.
A skier cuts a swath through Revelation Bowl, the newest cluster of runs.
Joe Morita bought the resort in 2002 from Ron Allred and his partners, who purchased it from Zoline in 1979. Morita then doubled the skiable terrain by adding Prospect Bowl. A private investment group took over in 2003 and added Black Iron Bowl in 2007 and Revelation Bowl last year. Now the ski area sports more than 2,000 skiable acres, and at 13,150 feet, has the highest skiable terrain in the United States that you can hike to (its highest lift-served skiable terrain sits at 12,570) — not to mention some of the most sought-after, as freeskiers from all over the world come to practice for World Cup events and compete in the qualifiers held here annually.
But for the most part, the resort, like the town, has retained its quirky character — even as celebrities (Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, makeup mogul Bobbi Brown, diplomat Richard Holbrooke and Ralph Lauren with his mega-ranch up the road, to name a few) followed the hippies famous for having followed the miners in discovering Telluride's isolated charms.
Thrown into the mix is an ever-increasing number of festivals — possibly the most festivals per capita in the country. They include the world-famous Telluride Bluegrass Festival, the Telluride Film Festival, the Blues and Brews and the Mountainfilm Fest. It reached a point in 1991 that the town added a "Nothing Festival" as a half-hearted protest.
A four-legged visitor waits while two-legged ones partake of the town's hip shops and dining.
Nogueira considers herself to be more of a hippie type. She owns Bali Dog, a shop that sells handpainted yoga pants from Brazil. In San Francisco, she had been a computer-graphic artist but also a yoga instructor. She was looking for a calmer way of life, but one that also incorporated her love of skiing and the outdoors.
"I had skied since I was 16, in Switzerland, and when I visited Telluride, some friends said, 'You should move here and teach,' and I thought, 'You guys are crazy,' " she says. "But then I decided I would just come and spend a winter and just hang out. Yeah, that was the plan, and I came and fell in love with the place, and so then I stayed a summer, and wow, the summer is great. That hooked me. So the next year I bought a house."
Nogueira started teaching yoga, but also became a ski instructor and taught ski school for Telluride Ski Resort, and had daughter Olivia Nogueira-Wheaton, now 12. They explore Telluride together, reveling in the outdoor activities that a town nestled in a box canyon and carved by a glacier have to offer.
"We go snowshoeing in the full moon on the valley floor," Nogueira says. "My daughter loves doing that. There's so much to do here year-round, but winter is a magical time; it's just so pretty, and the mountain is so diverse and challenging. The fact that we don't have lift lines or crowds here means you can get a lot of time up there and really explore, get a good workout."
A self-described "laid-back skier," Nogueira says she seeks out the gentler runs. "I don't go into the bush too much," she says. "I don't do trees that much. I'm kind of conservative."
She likes Bushwacker, an easier black-diamond run off the Plunge Lift. It's steep, groomed every few days, and ideal for strong intermediates who want to push themselves.
"The new terrain is fantastic," Nogueira says, referring to the runs on Prospect Bowl. "I love Gold Hill, which has these stunning views, and it's wide-open and steep."
This year, there's actually more to love, because the resort added another four chutes on the double-black Gold Hill. With the addition of Chutes 2-5, that means Chutes 1 through 10 are now open to the public in an area controlled by two World War II 105mm howitzers that were installed last season. The howitzers fire explosives into areas prone to avalanches (which the Gold Hill section is). Howitzers have an extremely low misfire rate and can be shot in poor visibility, and have been key in Telluride's long-range plan for controlling steep areas with high snow buildup.
The new terrain drops 1,600 vertical feet into Prospect Basin (Chute 1 is right off Revelation Lift, while chutes 2-10 require hiking), and has a variety of features — including couloirs, rocks, faces and chutes — all above treeline.
"It's not easy skiing, but it's very straightforward," Nogueira says. "You can see everything from there."
Captivated by the breathtaking silence
James Kleinert would not describe himself as a conservative skier.
"I prefer to be out of bounds," says the former member of the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team. "I like the quietness, being out away from the resort. You can hear a pin drop. It's just beautiful."
Kleinert was captivated by Telluride decades ago as a competitive skier, but it wasn't until May 2007 when his other passions, documentary filmmaking and horses, brought him back to the area to work on a film, "Saving the American Wild Horse."
"I was living in Taos at that point, and there's this amazing mustang herd out at Disappointment Valley, so the film immediately tied into the Telluride community," Kleinert says. "So I was basically commuting from Taos to Telluride every other weekend from that point forward."
He moved to Telluride for good in February 2008. "That was quite a time to move here," he says. "That winter they had the biggest snowfall they've recorded since the mountain opened, and it was an unusual year because the snow bonded, so they weren't getting any big, nasty avalanches. We had these epic days of skiing."
And like so many Telluride residents that season, Kleinert was faced with a tough decision: sit at his computer all day or ski?
"Ha, well, I picked skiing," he says. "And I couldn't help but start collecting all this great footage."
Kleinert also reconnected with an old buddy from his competitive days, Scott Kennett, a freestyle skier who had moved to Telluride as well. That same winter, Kennett introduced Kleinert to a group of backcountry enthusiasts, and the result was "The Edge of Telluride," a film that premiered at the Mountainfilm Festival in May.
"The mountain resort itself is wonderful, but the backcountry here, now that's something else," Kleinert says. "I've skied many mountains around the world, after skiing the World Cup for almost 10 years — Japan, Europe, North America. But there's something about the San Juans, their jagged ruggedness. There's a wildness and a remoteness to it all. You really feel like you're in the mountains there."
He's now working on the next project for his Moving Cloud Productions, movingcloud.com — there's a follow-up to the wild horses film that focuses solely on Disappointment Valley. Meantime, he plans to be in the mountains as much as possible. "I really enjoy the cardio workout you get from putting on skins and climbing," he says.
Then he'll refuel at some of the exceptional dining Telluride has to offer.
"When you live here and are working, it's hard to get out much, and it gets expensive," he says. "But my favorite place is this little Mexican place called La Cocina. They make this amazing fresh homemade salsa, four or five flavors. If you get their chips and salsa and a beer, it's great. I think its $3.50. If you're on a budget, it's the best cheap meal you'll ever have."
La Cocina is one of Nogueira's favorites too. She also likes the pad Thai at Siam and the fresh seafood at Honga's Lotus Petal.
"It's funny that these are places that we all run into each other at," Nogueira says. "But that's what I like about Telluride. I like it that everyone knows everyone else, and that it feels safe and special.
"Sometimes I think, 'Ah, it's too small, too closed in and I have to get out of here' — but that's crazy. It's amazing to live here."

Telluride's Featured Property Listing of the Day

Idarado - Pandora, Lot 4 - $925,000

One of 37 exclusive homesites to the east of the Town of Telluride, Pandora 4 boasts river frontage, and spectacular views of Telluride’s box canyon, mountains and green spaces, just a short distance from town, via road or walking path. 1.37 acres.

For information on Pandora Lot 4 or other Telluride real estate information,

email buzz@fedorka.com.

Telluride Air Bookings

The Telluride Montrose Regional Air Organizations is reporting that December and February air bookings are ahead of where they were at this time last year, but still a bit short of where they were at this time in 2007/2008. Not as good as the 2007/2008 ski season, but better than ’08/’09s season…already, and it’s only October! The closer in booking trend appears to continue to Telluride so now it is time to make your air reservations to Telluride for the holiday. Please contact buzz@fedorka.com for information on Telluride travel or Telluride real estate. I hope to see you here over the holidays.

Telluride's Featured Home Listing of the Day

Valmoré - 751 Mountain Village Boulevard - $12,500,000

Nestled on the Mountain Village Center’s most prestigious lot, overlooking the Lift 4 ski runs and the hub of the Village, this ski-in/ski-out retreat is a truly stunning European-styled mountain house. With 7 bedrooms including 3 masters, 8 bathrooms and 2 powder rooms, this home also features a spa/massage/exercise area, elevator, gourmet kitchen with butlers’ pantry, office, eat-in wine room, large media room with wet bar, 6 fireplaces, and much, much more.

For information on Valmore or other Telluride real estate information, email buzz@fedorka.com.

The Peaks Resort Named A Top 10 Best Snow Resort

The Peaks Resort Named A Top 10 Best Snow Resort
Acclaimed family publication, Parents magazine, names countrys leading winter resorts

October 21 , 2009 (Telluride, CO) Americas number one family magazine, Parents, revealed the findings from their first-ever 10 Best Snow Resorts For Families survey. On the newsstands in November, the survey findings boast the best resorts for winter vacation locales across the United States. Considered to be one of the leading affordable, snow covered and family friendly, The Peaks Resort joined the ranks of other notable resorts including: the Tripp Family Lodge (Stowe, VT); Resort at Squaw Creek (Lake Tahoe, CA); or The Lodge at Suncadia (Cle Elum, WA). For a complete listing of the resorts, visit parents.com/snowresorts.

At Parents we know that a winter vacation is a real treat, but tight budgets and the challenge of finding a kid-friendly destination can make planning a trip tricky, said Dana Points, editor-in-chief of Parents. The ten affordable resorts on our list have thought of absolutely everything families could want while on vacation. Whether youre interested in skiing or smore-making, an ice rink or a heated pool, there is something for everyone at Parents top picks.

Indeed, The Peaks Resort offers winter wonderland activities for families of all ages and interests. Located mid-mountain on the Telluride Ski Resort and in the Mountain Village, the resorts aprs ski and snowboard oasis, the resort includes smores by the fire, a thrilling waterslide into the year round indoor / outdoor swimming pool and even an indoor rock climbing wall. And, out the resorts front door awaits ice skating and dog sledding, sleigh and horseback rides and Colorados only heli-skiing operation.

A fact not overlooked by Parents, each resort on the list offers their family friendly activities and amenities at rates starting at less than $250. To be one of the premiere winter and family vacation resorts in the country, as recognized by such a reputable, family-oriented publication, is a considerable honor, said Noel Vanlandingham, The Peaks Resort general manager. Time and time again individuals and families return to visit us, no matter the season, because of our commitment to the guest experience and making their vacation as enjoyable as possible.

For more info on the hotel, visit The Peaks Resort & Golden Door Spa at www.thepeaksresort.com. For information on real estate, contact Buzz Fedorka at buzz@fedorka.com or 970-728-1234.. www.Fedorka.com.

Improvements to the Peaks/Golden Door Spa Telluride, Colorado

There have been many changes happening at The Peaks and Golden Door Spa this summer – from the exterior renovations of the resort, to the introduction of a number of new fun activities at the spa including the launch of the ISUN Skin Care line, Summer Soiree pool parties and live music at the pool.

Upcoming improvement projects include the opening of a new restaurant on the lobby level, installation of a new outdoor Jacuzzi and other smaller and larger changes.

In the interest of minimally impacting member and guest routines, the spa and resort are planning to remain open through the fall. The spa will keep the same hours: 6:30 am – 8:30 pm, 7 days per week and valet parking will be available during that time as usual.

The Peaks is also going to be one of the official host hotels for the 2010 Snowboard World Cup this upcoming December! The Peaks will certainly be the center of activity with the media center in the ballrooms and many of the snowboard competitors staying there and hosting of the Opening Party.

If you want information on any of the upcoming events or real estate in Telluride please email me at buzz@fedorka.com.

The challenge is on ... Fall Tilt 12-Hour Endurance Downhill Mountain Bike Race October 3 at the Mountain Village Bike Park & Calendar of Events

After a two-year hiatus, downhill mountain biking is back in Mountain Village in a big way with a bike park dedicated solely to the sport. To celebrate the park’s grand opening, the Town of Mountain Village, in conjunction with Bigfoot Production, is hosting Fall Tilt, a 12-hour endurance downhill mountain bike race challenge. The race will be held Saturday, October 3, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the Mountain Village Bike Park is the stage for this event. Fall Tilt is geared towards all levels of mountain bike riders, and the total number of laps during the 12-hour period will determine the various challenge winners. Prior to race day, the town will host the park’s grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for Friday, October 2 at 10 a.m. at the entrance of the park. Fall Tilt Race Open Practice will begin right after the ceremony.

“This downhill bike race challenge is going to bring out some of the region’s best riders and allow them to showcase their endurance and strength,” said Mountain Village Community Relations Manager Nichole Zangara. “From speaking to some of the local downhill riders, I’m certain the race course will test the riders’ skill levels, offer a technical challenge, and determine the toughest competitor. Never before has Mountain Village ever hosted a gravity event like this one, and one that goes into the evening hours. It’s certainly going to be worth watching.”

Riding after dark will require the use of approved front-mounted bike lights. Rentals will be available, but limited. If a rider intends to run the last two or three hours of the event, they are required to have an adequate lighting system otherwise they won’t be allowed on the lift.

There are various classes and categories for the Fall Tilt race: solo, duo teams and four-person teams. Registration is available online at BikeReg.com; on-site For rules and regulations, visit the Web site, www.falltiltintelluride.com.

Fall Tilt Venue:
The downhill race course is comprised of four adjacent downhill trails that will be utilized simultaneously from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Terrain will vary from rocky, technical riding on the World Cup course to flowing, slower riding on a “recovery” trail or two. It is up to the rider’s discretion as to which trail they will use for each downhill lap.

Fall Tilt Downhill Course
No Brainer:
This single blue, three-foot wide and one-and-a-half-mile trail runs from the top of the park to the bottom with a 12 percent average grade. Expect smooth, rolling, curvy cruisers. It’s family fun for everyone.
T-Bone:
This double blue, singletrack trail cuts off from the No Brainer Trail and reconnects after one-third of a mile. T-Bone is a good introduction to singletrack turns while weaving through the trees.
Pan-Coaster:
This brand new single black trail runs a half-mile long and features numerous, meticulously crafted berms that flow in and out of the trees adjacent to the World Cup Trail. There are plenty of opportunities for air on Pan-Coaster.
World Cup:
What’s a Mountain Village Bike Park if it doesn’t incorporate a little of the old with a little of the new? As part of the original World Cup downhill race course, this double black, rocky singletrack stretches a quarter-mile long and incorporates log jumps, steep drops, and berms … a potpourri of a downhill rider’s dream.

Fall Tilt & Fall Fest 2009 Calendar of Events In addition to Fall Tilt, the Town of Mountain Village and the Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association have planned a weekend jammed-packed with things to do: Oktoberfest activities and live music Friday and a Fall Crawl and the Fall Tilt After-party at Hop Garden Saturday.
Please view the complete Fall Tilt and Fall Fest Event Schedule.
For further information on this and Telluride real estate, contact Buzz Fedorka at buzz@fedorka.com or 970-728-1234.