A soft swoosh of your skis returns you home, a space designed for you existing in your mountain retreat. Kick off your boots, grab a warm sweater, and savor the alpenglow. Each detail of your home was crafted for the life you create here, blending comfort and elegance seamlessly.
Crisp mountain air embraces you as you step out your door. Click into your skis and glide onto the slopes. Snow-covered peaks are your backyard, a playground for adventures that stretch from a quick run to a full day of exploration.
Editorial
Sarah Innerarity
Public Relations Manager, Resorts
Design & Production
Morgan Goodroad
Senior Graphic Designer
Scott Kapela
Graphic Designer
Contributors
Shannel Ryan President, Colorado
Nolan Carleton
Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Dave Strellner
Director, Strategic Communications
Payton Ross
Brand Manager
Quinn Whitman
Marketing Coordinator, Resorts
Ainsley White
Marketing Coordinator
$8,575,000 | Details on p. 25
33 Aperture Lane, Crested Butte, Colorado
FRONT RANGE
Boulder 1050 Walnut Street, Suite 100
20+ Locally Owned Offices in Colorado
Member of the Exclusive
Boulder | 303.443.6161
Castle Rock
413 Wilcox Street
Castle Rock | 303.660.0801
Cherry Creek
100 Saint Paul Street, Suite 200
Denver | 303.893.3200
Colorado Springs
102 North Cascade Ave, Suite 110
Colorado Springs | 719.578.8800
Denver Tech Center
8000 East Belleview Avenue, Suite 200
Greenwood Village | 303.893.3200
Evergreen
31955 Castle Court, Unit 1 South
Evergreen | 303.674.3200
The Village at Castle Pines
858 West Happy Canyon Road, Suite 100
Castle Rock | 303.893.3200
The Village at Castle Pines Sales Center
482 West Happy Canyon Road
Castle Rock | 303.688.6100
RESORTS
Beaver Creek
26 Avondale Lane, Suite 119
Beaver Creek | 970.845.0400
Breckenridge
101 South Main Street
Breckenridge | 970.453.0550
Crested Butte
401 Elk Avenue
Crested Butte | 970.349.6653
Dillon
707 East Anemone Trail, Suite 4
Dillon | 970.453.0550
Edwards
34253 Highway 6, Suite 2A
Edwards | 970.845.0400
Telluride
137 West Colorado Avenue
Telluride | 970.728.1404
Telluride
215 San Juan Avenue, Suite C3
Telluride | 970.728.1404
Telluride
225 South Oak Street
Telluride | 970.728.3086
Telluride | Mountain Village
565 Mountain Village Boulevard, Suite 101
Mountain Village | 970.728.1404
Vail | Bridge Street
228 Bridge Street, Suite 100
Vail | 970.476.7944
Vail | Mountain Haus
292 East Meadow Drive, Suite 101
Vail | 970.476.7944
Winter Park
78977 US Highway 40
Winter Park | 970.509.1740
Letter from our President
Let it snow! I am thrilled to present this winter edition of LIV Magazine, with over 160 resort properties to explore along with our Voices of the Mountains features that introduce fascinating people in our resort towns who champion the arts, community, hospitality, and outdoor adventure.
Just as you love Colorado’s mountain towns as your primary homes, ski destinations, and places to create lasting memories with friends and family, I too cherish my time in the mountains. As a fourth-generation Coloradan, my family has roots in Ouray County, San Miguel County, Summit County and the Front Range. I truly appreciate the unique culture and vibe of our alpine communities.
This edition explores the process of making a home in the mountains uniquely yours. Whether you are building from the ground up, renovating, or simply refreshing your furniture and finishes, you’ll find tips from experts in our resort communities. In addition to spectacular views and access to world-class skiing, mountain homes are now high tech, leveraging smart features and sustainability to make life more
convenient while honoring nature and the intrinsic beauty of the surroundings.
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty is thrilled to celebrate 25 years of excellence in luxury real estate. As we commemorate this milestone, I’m proud of our tradition of market leadership and honored to serve clients across Colorado with the strength and legacy of our global brand behind us.
Your forever partner,
President, Colorado
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
As you explore this issue, know the homes we represent are special. Each one, a gateway to the extraordinary life you love. With a keen eye for beauty and value, our global real estate advisors are uniquely equipped to see what’s exceptional. Because every home is one of a kind. Just like you. Just like us.
Thank you for being a part of our ongoing journey, and may the pages ahead elevate and inspire you— discover your 1 of 1.
Where mountain luxury meets innovation. Bringing visionary interiors, advanced smart home technology, and eco-friendly energy solutions together to create the ultimate mountain retreat.
Dream realized: you now own a home in Colorado’s majestic mountains, which means waking up to fresh snow, exploring trails just beyond your doorstep, watching wildlife roam past your window, and most importantly, creating lifelong memories with friends and family.
Just as the laidback lifestyle of a resort town is a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city, the process of building, renovating, or updating your home requires a unique approach in the mountains.
the Future Designing
Unsure where to begin? Start by assembling an all-star team— a builder, designer, and property manager. These experts will provide the local knowledge needed to maximize enjoyment in your new home.
Unlike a major urban area, where you can find multiple home décor stores on one block, creating the perfect high-country abode requires advance planning and enlisting local expertise. Top architects, builders, and interior designers are available in mountain towns, ready to help bring your vision to life. With the right team and a solid plan in place, you’ll be relaxing in front of a crackling fireplace with the snowy peaks as your backdrop in no time.
“Homes in a modern architectural style have lots of steel, glass, and stone, which can get cold, so we layer in texture to warm it up. Those layers can include chunky chenille, woven textures, heavy weaves, and even fur. The flooring can also add warmth, with natural and organic live edge textures with raised grains.” -Tony Pestello
Mountain homes run the gamut from sleek modern structures to sprawling properties with rustic elegance and nods to their natural surroundings. Kate Somrak of Crested Butte's Somrak Concept + Structure, Inc., Somrak Interiors, and a LIV Sotheby's International Realty broker observes, “The mountain modern trend continues to thrive, yet homeowners still seek to retain the quintessential essence of a mountain retreat. This balance is achieved through the incorporation of traditional elements such as timber, steel accents, and stonework, which serve to anchor the design.”
Clean lines and contemporary architecture still reign throughout alpine communities.
Katy Allen of Katy Allen Designs in the Vail Valley adds, “Natural materials and texture play a crucial role in today’s designs, with reclaimed wood and stone favored for their visual interest and warmth. Reclaimed wood is frequently used for beams and accent walls, contributing rustic charm to the overall aesthetic.”
Kyle Webb of KH Webb Architects in the Vail Valley remarks, “Exterior materials are evolving, with an emphasis on unique woods and metals that offer longevity and fire resistance, alongside concrete
DESIGN
Bring your vision to life
board and metal paneling. The trend of combining different exterior materials enhances individuality, while large format frameless glass designs provide a sleek, contemporary look that complements the mountain environment.”
According to Tony Pestello, co-owner of iFurnish in Summit County, design trends have evolved from a cool palette with white and gray to warmer tones. Jenni Pruett of Vail’s Pruett & Company confirms, “Luxury buyers are looking for natural materials, particularly unique quartzites, marbles, and limestones with striking veining that add character and sophistication to spaces.”
With expansive snow-capped peaks surrounding your property, ski trails just beyond your windows, and wildflowers blanketing the meadows each summer, it’s only natural to maximize the stunning views.
Floor-to-ceiling windows, retractable nano doors, and spacious decks seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living, allowing you to fully embrace the beauty of your surroundings.
Transitional spaces play a key role in shaping the overall aesthetic of a home. Whether it’s the grand entry revealing sweeping views of the Gore Range, Telluride’s box canyon, or the Ten Mile Range, these areas set the tone and seamlessly connect the beauty of the outdoors with the interior design.
Luis Harvey, partner in Mexamer Construction Group clarifies, “Luxury homeowners have elevated expectations, and they look for outdoor heated spaces, including heated driveways and patios, to ensure year-round comfort and accessibility. This not only enhances the living experience but also embodies the essence of luxury living in today's market.”
Pestello adds “Lounge areas have been more important than dining areas in outdoor spaces for our clients. Firepits, auxiliary heaters, and covering three quarters of the space allow you to enjoy appetizers and drinks outside well into the fall months. Our mountain sun is strong, so we install pieces that will hold up at altitude and withstand sun and snow.”
Somrak agrees: “The arrival experience is a critical aspect of architecture and design. It extends beyond merely entering a physical space; it involves immersing oneself in nature, comfort, and tranquility, encouraging relaxation and rejuvenation. A harmonious experience can be achieved by layering textures, utilizing natural materials, and ensuring that the architecture and design promote a functional flow into the home.”
Ed Venerable, developer and builder with Paragon Homes in the Vail Valley, adds “Of course, the kitchen and great room continue to be the heart of the home. We place great importance on an open connection between these spaces to ensure a comfortable environment for gathering and entertaining.”
“The primary suite is a sanctuary and should be designed to offer the utmost comfort and indulgence, with features that enhance both convenience and relaxation."
-Malia Cox Nobrega
Malia Cox Nobrega, Vail Valley broker with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty and manager of Mexamer Real Estate Fund, says "High-end primary suites typically include two walk-in closets or a single, expansive closet complete with a full-sized washer and dryer for added convenience. And radiant heat throughout, including the bathroom, ensures warmth during chilly mountain mornings."
Fireplaces can serve various functions, from warming up spaces to fostering a cozy ambiance. Double-sided fireplaces can even connect primary bedrooms to offices, enhancing both comfort and accessibility.
Ski rooms and mud rooms are integral to mountain home design. Each season requires different gear, from rain shells in the spring to hiking boots in the summer to ski jackets and gloves in the winter. An organized space for storing everything is imperative for a functional and welcoming home.
Placing the laundry inside or adjacent to the mud room ensures easy access to the washer and dryer for dirty clothes as soon as you enter the home. Another valuable tip is to build boot dryers into benches along with individual cubbies and hooks for all your hiking, biking, and ski gear.
Oxygenation, which simulates lower elevation, is a huge advancement that brings fresh air into alpine residences. Dave Berber of Telluride’s Berber Construction notes “Most new builds are oxygenating the primary suites, if not all bedrooms.” With base elevations at 8,150 feet in Vail, 8,750 feet in Telluride, and 9,600 feet in Breckenridge, this allows ease and comfort for those adapting to lower oxygen levels, especially when traveling from sea level or lower altitudes. This results in less time spent acclimating, more time spent on the mountain, and quicker recovery from strenuous activities such as skiing.
With so many Zoom boomers now calling the Colorado mountains home, it’s no surprise that technology continues to advance, despite the remote geography of resort towns.
By leveraging connectivity and technology, mountain homeowners can check the fresh snowfall from their cameras before leaving their primary residences in Dallas, Los Angeles, or Chicago, adding to the pre-arrival excitement.
Jay Nobrega of Mexamer Construction Group concurs "Luxury means more than just beautiful spaces—it’s about providing advanced, efficient, and adaptable systems for today’s discerning homeowner. We integrate smart systems or prepare homes for seamless upgrades, allowing for remote control of lighting, climate, and security. Our approach includes energy-efficient solutions, automation to safeguard against frozen pipes, and customizable features that enhance both convenience and peace of mind.”
Lighting has advanced as well, according to Victoria Jones, owner of Studio James Design in the Vail Valley, who says “Non-direct options like light coves built into shower walls or staircases enhance the connectivity of open-concept spaces. We ensure that these details are meticulously designed, incorporating lighting on stair treads or using art lights to softly wash walls instead of relying on direct spotlighting.
Pestello adds “You can also program shades and other window coverings at ideal times for sun, shade, and temperature, so the home achieves the ideal balance of light and temperature.”
In addition to maximizing the sunlight to brighten up rooms, abundant sunshine at high elevations makes solar energy an intelligent approach for mountain homes.
According to Rich Clubine of Active Energies Solar, which serves Colorado’s High Rockies from Grand Junction to the tunnels and Steamboat to Gunnison, homeowners can eliminate their electric bill by going solar, and the typical solar array averages an annual return on investment of 10-12% per year— paying for itself within the first 10 years of ownership.
Clubine continues “Economically, it’s the only home improvement that pays for itself. Lots of people are concerned about the environment, so homeowners are moving to renewable energy.”
Furthermore, whether you’re building or remodeling, there are codes in mountain towns that require energy efficiency to offset energy use, so Clubine has many clients seek out renewable energy options such as solar or battery power to satisfy these requirements.
“Smart thermostats, lighting systems, and alarm setups make life a breeze. An increasing number of homeowners are expressing interest in smart home features, enabling them to monitor their ‘home away from home’ and maintain a sense of connection even when they are not present.”
-Kate Somrak
TECH + SUSTAINABILITY
Smart
homes + renewable energy
As homeowners move between their primary residences and vacation homes in the mountains, the property manager is the quarterback of the team, ensuring their home is well-maintained and ready for their arrival.
With abundant snowfall and extreme weather conditions, vigilant care is necessary year-round. This includes prompt snow removal, regular home maintenance, and monitoring to prevent wildlife from entering the home or garage, safeguarding the property in all seasons.
Sherry Brieske, owner and operator of Alpenglow Home Management in Telluride emphasizes “Having an onsite property manager is essential when you’re not in-residence. Partner with someone who will safeguard your interests and protect your investment, ensuring peace of mind even when you’re out of town.”
Mountain homes also feature a range of security systems. “Homes can have low-temperature alerts, water sensors, fire suppression systems, and of course entry-point security in place. It’s crucial to have someone actively monitoring these systems and ready to take action as needed,” suggests Brieske.
And the winters that we enjoy for snowfall and skiing are hard on our homes. We live in a beautiful but harsh climate. Brieske reminds us “Roofs need to be cleared of snow and ice, and gutters cleaned. Driveways should be accessible for emergency vehicles. Regular maintenance like cleaning chimneys and ensuring intake and outtake vent pipes are clear, is critical for both safety and efficiency,” and a reputable property management service can manage all these tasks and more.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Protect your assets
From concept and construction to furnishings and finishes, creating your ideal alpine retreat requires a wide array of local experts on your team who understand the unique materials, techniques, suppliers, and design elements needed to make your mountain home shine.
A space to be you
Market Snapshot Winter Events
Total Sales Volume
November 2023 - October 2024
$376,894,228
Median Sold Price
November 2023 - October 2024
$756,000
Average Days on Market
November 2023 - October 2024
133
Crested Butte Market Report
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Opening Day
November 27
Gunnison Holiday Makers Market
November 30
CBAC Avalanche Awareness Night
December 7
Santa Night Holiday Celebration at the Museum
December 7
Mt. Crested Butte Light Up the Night
December 14
Polka Party with Pete Dunda
December 27
NYE with Cool Cool Cool + Eddie
December 31
The Infamous Stringdusters at the Center for the Arts
January 8
Mt. Crested Butte History Pub Crawl
January 19
Alpenphunk
January 31 - February 2
Alley Loop Nordic Marathon
February 1
Move the Butte
February 20 - 22
Gothic Mountain Tour
February 22
Blister Summit
February 23 - 27
The Grand Traverse
March 30
Magic Meadows Yurt Dinners
December 20 - March 22
Trivia Night at the Museum Tuesdays | March 4 - 25
Data based on sales in Almont, Crested Butte, Crested Butte South, Crested Butte Rural, Kebler, Mt. Crested Butte, Gunnison City, and Gunnison Rural, all residential properties.
ANNA-MARIE DAVIDSON
Musician, Snowboarder, Marketing and Branding Expert, Volunteer
How did your time in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan ignite your love for the outdoors?
I moved there during the summer before my last semester of college. When I moved to the UP, I started trail running, mountain biking, and exploring around Lake Superior. I spent my time working at a restaurant and organic farm and enjoying the outdoors and camping. I met people who were into the same types of activities and really discovered my own passion for nature. I was there for one summer, then I returned to Kalamazoo to finish my degree. After graduating I moved back to keep enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
What are your favorite things about Crested Butte?
I love the end of the road community and the endless adventures to have here. Every time I talk to someone, they mention a trail or mountain that’s new to me. In the summer I primarily mountain bike and sail on the Taylor Park and Blue Mesa Reservoirs. In winter months, I snowboard and split board and take my two dogs out to romp in the snow. I taught snowboarding until 2020 and then I coached mountain biking for a few years as well.
Tell me about the local organization you started to promote confidence in girls.
I co-founded and operated Good Life Girls, a summer outdoor adventure program for girls ages 7-14, with a friend that I coached mountain biking with. Our mission was to inspire confidence, kindness, and respect through outdoor recreation. Our programming involved mountain biking, climbing, hiking, camping, art, and listening to inspirational speakers as a vehicle to teach these concepts.
What’s your go-to spot for local adventure?
I really love skinning to the top of Red Lady Bowl, which is on Mt. Emmons, the mountain you can see driving into Crested Butte. Mt. Emmons provides a beautiful view of the town and it’s been the center of a battle over mining rights for decades. In August, the paperwork was signed to protect the mountain from industrial mining, which is a huge win to preserve this area.
Outside of your role as Marketing Concierge with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty and your love for outdoor recreation, what other activities or interests do you pursue?
I’m a percussionist and sing with a local band, Alternative People, and we’re releasing our second EP this winter. I also enjoy silversmithing and run a creative agency, Silver Spruce Studio.
Can you share more about your involvement with the Crested Butte Museum?
I worked for the museum as the events and marketing coordinator, and I still volunteer on occasion. It’s a history museum with exhibits on mining, biking, skiing, and the local community. They offer pub crawls throughout the year with different stops and a historian at each venue, which is a fun way to learn about our history. It’s all housed in the old Conoco, an iconic location. Tony Mihelich was the owner and shopkeeper of the Conoco for years and the hardware store is preserved inside, so it’s a wonderful place to visit.
Discover Anna-Marie's studio at silversprucestudio.com
"I'M
A COMBINATION OF THE PEOPLE I'VE MET, THE PLACES I'VE BEEN, AND EXPERIENCES I'VE HAD OVER THE YEARS. I LOVE LEARNING NEW THINGS AND MEETING NEW PEOPLE AND BEING PART OF DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES SUCH AS MUSICIANS, ARTISTS, AND ADVENTURERS."
17 Marcellina Lane / Starting at $2,000,000 2-4 Bedroom Residences
JJ Ossola 970.708.5626
Experience high alpine living with mountain modern luxury, just steps from Mt. Crested Butte Ski Resort. Enjoy state-of-the-art amenities, stunning views, and immediate access to world-class skiing and outdoor adventures. Discover the perfect blend of luxury and nature at your mountain retreat.
BRUSH CREEK VILLAGE CRESTED BUTTE
180 Elk Valley Road / Starting at $1,700,000 3-4 Bedrooms, 3-4 Bathrooms, 2,164-2,525 Square Feet
Cassie Gates 970.596.5516
Martin Spencer 970.452.9700
Introducing Crested Butte’s newest luxury offering located in Buckhorn Ranch only minutes from downtown Crested Butte. This community of townhomes backs to open space and features two car garages and stunning views of Whetstone Mountain from southern-facing balconies and patios.
The Peaks at Snowmass is Mt. Crested Butte’s first new neighborhood in 18 years. Each south-facing home offers breathtaking, panoramic mountain and valley views. Featuring three luxurious levels, expansive decks, high-end finishes, and indoor/outdoor living for year-round enjoyment.
& 28 LUDLOW LANE
Palisades, New York / $3,695,000
Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty
3 OAK COURT
Oak Brook, IL / $4,200,000
Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty
Madrid, Spain / $6,448,792
Madrid Sotheby’s International Realty
2645 RIVER ROAD
Wall Township, New Jersey / $5,500,000 Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty
LA MORALEJA
BENDINAT
Bendinat, Mallorca, Spain / $9,563,887
VIVA Sotheby’s International Realty
23 MAUWEE BROOK WAY
Kent, Connecticut / $8,000,000 William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty
San Miguel De Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico / $3,100,000
San Miguel Sotheby’s International Realty
Anse des Cayes Beach, St. Barthelemy / €19,800,000 St. Barth Sotheby’s International Realty
VILLA K
HERNANDEZ MACIAS 105
27 POLO CLUB CIRCLE
Denver, CO / $7,950,000
The Wolfe-Bouc Group 303.669.4449
2600 HIGH PRAIRIE WAY
Broomfield, CO / $4,675,000
Ryan McIntosh 720.495.4563
Jeff Erickson 303.589.2741
1 STERLING AVENUE
Cherry Hills Village, CO / $7,500,000
Kylie Russell 303.521.7165
Jennifer Parson 303.564.3983
141 N GILPIN STREET
Denver, CO / $4,400,000
Trish Bragg 303.638.6355
Maggie Armstrong 303.241.9244
27 ELM AVENUE
Colorado Springs, CO / $3,595,000
Megan Dommer 719.313.2131
Benjamin Day 719.331.9170
104 OLD SUNSHINE TRAIL
Boulder, CO / $3,500,000
Melissa Farrar 425.221.0712
Karlye Pokorney 312.675.1384
1082 W MEADOW DRIVE
Evergreen, CO / $5,300,000
Heather Graham 720.201.4187
Sean Endsley 303.895.4663
30786 SNOWBIRD LANE
Evergreen, CO / $4,000,000
Gwenivere Snyder 303.718.1085
Denver, CO / $3,375,000
Josh Behr 303.903.9535
8758 WITEZ COURT
Parker, CO / $5,200,000
Elaine Stucy 720.881.5718
1295 S GARFIELD STREET
1201 N WILLIAMS STREET #18A Denver,
the life you love
Aniela Wasmanski (LIV SIR, Breckenridge, CO) and Ashley Perkins (Gibson SIR, Boston, MA), Enjoy a ski day!
Sally Puff Courtney Grand Opening of the Telluride Science & Innovation Center
Melanie Dennis, Corey Lamothe, and Chris Irving Vail Valley Mountain Trail Alliance fundraiser
Heather Heuer, Michelle Rampelt, Cassie Gates and Betsy Laughlin, Fall Colorado Association of Realtors Leadership Symposium
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