We expect the first quarter of 2010 to follow the trend from 2009’s 4th quarter and real estate under contract thus far look very encouraging.  Consumer confidence appears to be returning with buyers taking advantage of extraordinary opportunities and, sellers of premier luxury properties are again placing them on the market for sale.  

Numerous welcome snowfalls have descended upon Telluride with around 200" of perfect snow thus far.  Mother Nature’s natural snow has provided an excellent base and tremendous ski conditions.  The Telluride Ski Resort continues its unprecedented terrain expansion by opening Gold Hill Chutes 2 through 5 this ski season. The new chutes offer intermediate and expert skiers the opportunity to explore world-class runs, the likes of which are seldom accessible by chairlifts.

For the second year in a row, Telluride was ranked as the #2 ski resort in North America by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine’s Reader’s Poll. While this award is based on a myriad of criteria including everything from dining and ambience to lifts and terrain, our exceptionally high marks in ‘Local Ambience’ and ‘Terrain and Lifts’ are what put us over the top.  Telluride also received the honor of being named #1 for Nightlife in the Rocky Mountains by visitors to On the Snow.com—the most visited winter sports website in the world. Other recent accolades include being ranked #10 overall in Ski Magazine’s Readers’ Survey, a ranking which was bolstered by our noteworthy placement at #2 for ‘Overall Satisfaction’ and #4 for ‘Scenery’.

Getting to Telluride has never been easier.  Telluride Regional Airport’s phase II modernization program was completed on schedule in fall 2009.  It included the removal of the existing runway, reducing grades, widening safety areas, extending the length of the runway and adding all new runway lighting.  The result - the runway now meets FAA standards. Phase III is anticipated for completion this year. This will widen the remaining safety areas and add an engineered material arresting system (EMAS).  The airport sits atop Deep Creek Mesa and is North America's highest commercial airport.   

Current market conditions still afford unprecedented opportunities for buyers to enjoy real estate ownership in Telluride’s breathtaking community.  Exceptional values along with an excellent selection provide the catalysts to prompt buyers to act now while these conditions remain!