Split Jet Stream, Skiers' Woe

Nov 30, 2011 — Dennis Hanlon, Summit Sotheby's International Realty

It is not uncommon in fall/early winter for a split jet stream to set up over the interior west. What occurs is that a strong and dominant high-pressure system takes hold of the western US. Low-pressure systems originating in the Gulf of Alaska typically move southward along the coast of British Columbia and swing inland anywhere between Northern California and Washington, sweeping over Utah and providing our famously fluffy powder snow. However when a high-pressure system sets up over the west as it is currently, as these low-pressure systems start to move inland they encounter the high-pressure and split apart. With one part going north over the top of the high-pressure and another section swinging south under the high-pressure leaving Utah warm and dry. This is the pattern that we are currently in. But the high pressure is just far enough to the west that the northern branch of the jet stream does clip Utah bringing us occasional light snowfall. This is what is going to happen this Wednesday and Thursday with probably not more than 3-4 inches of snow for the northern Utah resorts while the central and southern Utah mountains could see several feet.HMMM, Could we possibly switch this pattern for May, when it snows continuously and we want sunshine? On a brighter note, Deer Valley opens this Saturday and conditions should be pretty decent for opening day. I haven't heard what is going to be open yet but I would expect runs down Bald Mountain, Flagstaff and Northside should be open. The Stein Eriksen Lodge, located on the mountain in Silver Lake, Deer Valley, has received the Forbes 5-Star rating for its spa. This is the only 5-star rating for a spa in the state of Utah and only one of 4 throughout the country. This is quite a feather in the cap for Stein's, as it completely redid its spa two years ago and has made great efforts to bring up the level of service. Last week I spoke of The Montage Hotel here in Deer Valley. This week I'd like to talk about one of Deer Valley's other great hotels, The St. Regis. The St. Regis Hotel, located in the Deer Crest area of Deer Valley overlooking both the town of Park City and the Jordanelle Reservoir is truly one of the luxury hotels here in town. The St. Regis first started selling units in 2005, prior to completion of the hotel, The hotel was substantially completed in December of 2009 and at that time was about 60% sold. Even during the downturn of the economy the majority of owners who purchased during the pre-construction phase ended up closing on their units, and this year there have been four new sales in the St. Regis. There are only ten units available for sale, a one-bedroom listed for $1,370,000, two-bedrooms listed around $1,500,000, and three-bedrooms listed anywhere from $2,000,000 to $3,000,000 depending on location and views. The hotel has the space, feel, and services that you'd expect from the St. Regis and certainly lives up to its brand. The St. Regis features a wonderful heated patio overlooking the ski slopes of Deer Valley, which is a favorite gathering spot for lunch or early afternoon cocktails in the spring and Sunday afternoons throughout the summer.

South Lake Union Seattle Property Wins Prestigious Architecture Award

Nov 29, 2011 — Betsy Q Terry, Ewing and Clark - Our Distinctive Home Shop

It's not every day that a property receives an architecture award. But the Art Stable, an Olson-Kundig designed live/work loft building, received an Honor Award for design excellence from the 2011 American Institute of Architects of Seattle. The Art Stable was one of four architecture projects in the state of Washington that received the award.

Where to Invest? Park City vs. Denver

Nov 28, 2011

Courtesy of Scott Maizlish of Summit Sotheby's International Realty Park City Real Estate is a great investment when it is acquired at a great price! Park City is unequivocally the easiest ski town to get to in the West. 
While others are spending full days, and multiple sky high air fares trying to reach every other ski town, Park City vacationers are skiing in the afternoon of their arrival and in the morning of their departure.

Canada-BC-Vancouver-Whistler Trends-Snow snow snow

Nov 24, 2011 — Ursula Morel, RE/MAX Sea to Sky Real Estate

Canada-BC-Home Sales Climb Higher Outside Vancouver-Whistler Trends-Snow snow snow Vancouver, BC – November 15, 2011. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential unit sales in the province rose 6.5 per cent to 5,865 units in October compared to the same month last year. The average MLS® residential price was up 2.6 per cent to $535,695 last month compared to October 2010.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 24, 2011 — Liane ("Li") Read, Sea to Sky Real Estate

November 24, 2011. It's Thanksgiving for our U.S. friends! Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in early October, and so we get to enjoy two celebrations as we join U.S. islanders, here, for dinner enjoyments. My impression is that U.S. Thanksgiving begins a holiday season...a time for family & friends, for traditions that unite us.   Although still about thankfulness and enjoyment of family & friends, the Canadian festival is more tied to the Harvest Time, perhaps, in our climate. In spite of all the uncertainties afoot in our times, it is important to regularly remember the things that are good, that are hopeful, that knit together and not divide us, and to consistently practice the attitude of gratitude, no matter where we are. Happy Thanksgiving!

400 acres, spectacular ocean views, on Salt Spring Island....

Nov 23, 2011 — Liane ("Li") Read, Sea to Sky Real Estate

A huge opportunity awaits at top of Mt Tuam.... Three parcels, all connected, with dramatic and extravagant views, with significant pasture areas, seasonal creeks, springs, ponds. Two parcels with power at lot line...two access points (one off Anna's Drive & one off Musgrave Road)...some forest, some cleared, many level / valley areas plus promontories that deliver amazing & impactful view panoramas...truly, amazing land, and it just happens to be on special Salt Spring Island! Approximately 20 minutes from Ganges Village and about 10 minutes from Fulford Village & ferry to Victoria. Salt Spring offers a year round lifestyle...all amenities/services are on Island, and so it is a stand alone community and not a bedroom community of nearby Vancouver Island. 3 elementary, a middle, & a senior school plus hospital & related health services plus banks, strong retail village, arts based community perspective, community pool, golf courses...lots to do & to see & to enjoy...and very easy daytrips to Victoria, Vancouver, mid-Vancouver Island. A most alluring lifestyle on Salt Spring Island.... These three land parcels (160, 80, & 160 acres) enjoy excellent sun exposures (e/s/w), proximity to services and yet are wonderfully private & "apart"...seller is motivated, is offering three titles as one unit, and will also consider selling separately. A family compound? Corporate retreat potential? An Eco-tourist destination? An estate in the making? Call me! Bring your architect, and let's walk this one soon...an unparalleled land holding investment.liread33@gmail.com

We Are Skiing

Nov 22, 2011 — Dennis Hanlon, Summit Sotheby's International Realty

This past weekend four more Utah resorts opened for skiing. Brian Head in central Utah, Alta and Snowbird in Little Cottonwood Canyon, and Park City Mountain Resort have all opened with very good conditions for the middle of November. We received about 6" of snow Friday night and snow has continued off and on all weekend and into today, Monday. This week, Thanksgiving week, Canyons Resort opens followed by Deer Valley the following weekend, December 3rd. With the early snow that we have been receiving and the resorts opening with very good conditions, the lodging companies are all reporting higher than normal bookings for the year. While in the past, management companies have all said that visitors are booking closer and closer to their actual vacation time to see who has the best snow and rates. This year with early snow throughout all of the Rockies, visitors are once again booking ahead and booking early to assure that they get the accommodations that they want.

50 Top Luxury Real Estate Markets in the USA: Park City/Deer Valley

Nov 22, 2011

Courtesy of Ron & Alexandra Seigel of Napa Consultants, International Utah is getting some exposure thanks to Deer Valley’s ranking as the #1 ski resort in North America by Ski Magazine. Luxury Real Estate members interviewed in this article are Diane Rinehart and Kelly Rogers of Slifer Smith & Frampton Park City, and Karen Keating of Summit Sotheby’s International Realty.

Kauai - The Garden Island

Nov 22, 2011

Courtesy of Ron & Alexandra Seigel of Napa Consultants, International As Fall continues to bring colder weather for some, we take a look at a warmer part of the world—Kauai, Hawaii. Luxury Real Estate member Yvonne Summerfield of Premier Kauai Real Estate is interviewed. Elvis was married here in Blue Hawaii. Spielberg filmed Jurassic Park here. The magnificent scenery of the Garden Island of Kauai has been the backdrop for countless other famous films including South Pacific, King Kong and even Avatar. We asked the top luxury real estate marketing professionals who live and work here what is most beautiful about their island. Invariably, they said that the scenery was breathtaking, but it is the people of Kauai and the strong sense of community they create together, that is the true beauty of the island.”

78 acres, lakefront, equestrian dream, on Salt Spring Island!

Nov 21, 2011 — Liane ("Li") Read, Sea to Sky Real Estate

Exceptional opportunity awaits your pleasure! Approximately 78 pastoral acres, on the shores of St. Mary's Lake, on special Salt Spring Island, with superb equestrian facility...a unique offering on the premiere Southern Gulf Island! Pasture, barns, boarding options, stellar outdoor and indoor facilities, custom designed main home, five cottages, offices, seminar space with catering kitchen...dock, pool, outbuildings.... This irreplaceable property is in 3 titles...all with lake frontage. A portion of the property is subdividable, if desired. Parts are suitable for an herb garden and a vineyard...a varied topography, here...pasture plus forest. Let's view this soon...24 hour notice required. Superlative holding, at a very best buy price....
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