Summer is officially gone, and Mother Nature has “painted” our valley gold with tinges of red! We are so blessed to have four magnificent seasons. This season also brings our first snows with four plus inches at Snowmass on Monday night.

Indian summer returns by this weekend with sunshine and temps back towards 60 degrees. Thanksgiving is November 23 this year, and we will keep you posted that Skico opens on time!!!

New Aspen Mountain terrain will give skiers

a ‘Hero’s’ welcome

Aspen Skiing Co. announced on Tuesday that new terrain being developed on Aspen Mountain in time for the upcoming ski season will be called “Hero’s.” The area formerly was known as “Pandora’s.”

The “Hero’s” name will honor all of those who played an instrumental role in the exploration and opening of Aspen Mountain’s new terrain expansion, according to a news release. (CLICK HERE)

Solid snow year predicted for 2023-24 Aspen-Snowmass ski season

Aspen Weather is predicting snowfall this winter that’s 15% above the average for local ski mountains. Aspen Weather operates primarily through the website aspenweather.net. Its meteorologist, Cory Gates, explained during a Monday presentation that a special “Modoki” El Niño phenomenon this winter will bode well for skiers. Gates and his partner Ryan Boudreau laid out their annual snow forecast during a winter outlook party at Mi Chola in Aspen.

(CLICK HERE)

REAL ESTATE UPDATE

THE CUCKOO REAL ESTATE PRICES CONTINUE TO SURPRISE EVEN ME SOMETIMES.

There have been numerous “sold before MLS” from $15,000,000 to over $75,000,000. What this tells us is that Buyers will pay for their “perfect” property and search for what they want - even if it is NOT listed.

Because of my long history of working real estate in this town, if you give me your Aspen property wish list, I can usually get it done. I completed over half a dozen unlisted transactions last year - often “both” sides, and this year, got one sold and am working on two more. I also believe that many of the listings that have not sold this year will be ripe for realistic offers. With my new licensed assistant managing about 84 properties, we may be able to approach some to sell!! Remember, if you are a Seller - let’s just figure out a ballpark - not a planet (get it?)

RESTAURANT UPDATES

Fall in Aspen is a spectacular time to enjoy the slower pace as you watch the aspen trees change from green to gold to white. It’s also a great time to take advantage of the restaurant deals happening around town. Be sure to check out these fall dining specials before the winter season hits.(CLICK HERE)

Aspen Farmer's Market

Don't miss out on the last Aspen Farmer's Market for the season, this Saturday, October 7th! Since 1998 it has been a local's tradition to stroll through the market buying Colorado-grown produce and Colorado-produced artisan products. CLICK HERE

SCENIC FALL DRIVES

Maroon Creek Road, Castle Creek Road, and Independence Pass while it is still open are all available for those who prefer to enjoy the golden Aspens from the comfort of their car. Or head up to Ruedi Reservoir along the Frying Pan River and count the pumpkins along the road.

Each October, pumpkins appear mysteriously along Frying Pan Road between Basalt and Ruedi Reservoir. They range from tiny decorative gourds all the way up to uncarved jack-o’-lanterns, and you can find them perched on rocks in the middle of the river, nestled in the bookcase like rock walls along the road or adorning road signs and fence posts. The pumpkin fairy puts approximately 100 pumpkins of all sizes and makes for a fun outing!