“As we loaded our gear into the SUV, our 6-year-old said, ‘Dad, I can’t wait to ski and see my friends at Aspen Snowmass Ski School today,’ I knew it was going to be a great day,” Tim said.

An Aspen native, Tim first joined his father in the real estate business and soon thereafter gained extensive and valuable experience in management, sales and most recently development. His family consists of wife Kara and children Ben, 6, and Kendall, 8. Both children are avid skiers and have been attending the ski school since they were 3 years old. Tim has been a skier most of his life while Kara enjoys snowboarding.

The family’s first stop of the day was to take the kids to ski school, where “drop off went like an orchestral maneuver,” Tim said. “We were at Tiehack by 9:15 to hike, enjoy each other’s company and the views.” The couple hiked to the top and enjoyed complimentary Powerade and Clif Bars while taking in the breath-taking views at Cliffhouse.

Tim and Kara then headed over to Snowmass to ski and ride. The couple enjoyed time at Elk Camp among bluebird skies and a plethora of fresh powder as the kids continued at ski school.

“Après-ski found us at sunny Two Creeks while awaiting the ski school to wrap up,” Tim said. The couple enjoyed quality time at the base area, which is highlighted by a retail shop and a café.

Afterward, the couple picked up the kids from ski school and wrapped up their day by sharing all of their outdoor experiences with one another.

“Yet another perfect day at Aspen Snowmass. Living the dream” Tim said.

Frias Properties offers a number of 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units that are perfect for family vacation rentals. Units vary in rating from standard to luxury.

All Frias Properties of Aspen guests receive complimentary passes to the Aspen Club & Spa, the valley’s premier full-service spa and workout facility, offering everything from state-of-the-art exercise equipment to pampering spa treatments!

Just the other day, I had the opportunity to visit and photograph Fifth Avenue #204, a 3-bedroom, 3-bath standard unit.  This vacation rental condo has a lot of new improvements and features, and makes a great addition to this blog series.

The Fifth Avenue condominiums are located at 800 S. Mill St., in what is known as the Galena Street Neighborhood. Here, you find a collection of properties managed by Frias Properties of Aspen that encompass the location in and around Galena Street. If you are unfamiliar with Aspen, Galena Street is a main north-south street in the heart of downtown Aspen. Complexes that are  part of the Galena Street Neighborhood include Fifth Avenue, the Fasching Haus, the Durant Condominiums, Alpenblick and the Mountain Queen, among others.

Walking toward Fifth Avenue #204, the first thing you notice is the ski lockers conveniently located at the bottom of the stairs. No need to carry them up! After a long day of skiing, that’s a reward in and of itself. The ski locker can hold several pairs of skis or snowboards, and there’s even a lock and key for security.

The unit sits on the back side of the Fifth Avenue complex, facing south and toward Aspen Mountain. Partial mountain views and plenty of sunlight highlight the deck by the front door. Even from the outside, you can see plenty of sunlight beaming through the large windows near the door.

When you walk in, the first thing you notice is the light … and the space. Massive vaulted ceilings shoot upward, and with light pouring in through the south-facing windows, the whole living area comes to life. Switching on the house lights adds even more allure to this spacious, open, yet affordable unit.

The living area features a new sectional sofa and ottoman, and a new gas fireplace in the corner! There’s also a brand new 50-inch flatscreen TV in the living area with HD cable and Apple TV. Ever heard of Apple TV? It’s a new innovation where guests can enter their Apple ID and have access to their iTunes – including movies, TV, music and more! It’s available for all guests to use free of charge with your existing Apple ID.

The fully equipped kitchen is just off the living area and features a stove, microwave, dishwasher and a number of household appliances, including a full set of dishes. How about breakfast before a big day on the slopes? There’s a great breakfast bar with plenty of seating!

Off to the left of the living area are stairs leading to the master bedroom. The master bedroom has an en suite, full bathroom and a deck with views of downtown Aspen and Red Mountain. There’s also plenty of closet space and a dresser for storage, plua a flatscreen TV. The owner recently upgraded all the linens in this unit as well! After a long day out, return to Fifth Avenue #204 and sleep in peace in the plush bedding.

Off to the right of the living area and directly in front of the front door, are stairs leading to the first guest bedroom. This loft-style room has a window that runs the length of the room, allowing light from the living area and vaulted ceiling windows to come in. There’s also a flatscreen TV, chest of drawers and full en suite bathroom.

Just off the kitchen are stairs leading down to the second guest bedroom, which has two queen beds, its own en suite bathroom, and a flatscreen TV with cable.

Another great aspect of staying at any Fifth Avenue unit is having access to the Durant Condominiums pool and hot tub, which is very close by. There’s also laundry facilities on-site for those who need it. In addition, guests at Fifth Avenue also receive free on-site parking and free wireless internet access. Guests who stay at the Fifth Avenue, check in at the Fasching Haus, which is directly across the street, making check in a breeze!

As always, any guests who stays with Frias Properties of Aspen will receive complimentary passes to the Aspen Club & Spa, the valley’s premier full-service spa and workout facility. The 77,000-square-foot Aspen Club & Spa features everything from pampering spa treatments to a state-of-the-art workout center!

“Our sincere thanks goes to Dennis and Will – and entire Frias Properties team, Aspen area cooperating brokers and our valued clients – for making 2011 another successful year,” said owner Chuck Frias. “Both Dennis and Will have a track record of service and success in Aspen real estate, and we look forward to a happy and prosperous 2012.

A University of Maryland alum, Dennis has been a Roaring Fork Valley resident since 1981 and has served Aspen and Snowmass real estate buyers and sellers since 1987. He moved to the valley after being offered a job with the illustrious Aspen Mountain Ski Patrol. Jung says he thought he’d “give it a try for one winter” and never left. He lives in Aspen with his wife, Lisa, and son, Paul. This is the seventh time Jung has received a Frias sales honor. He was the company’s leading sales broker in 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009.

“Dennis is always eager to share his expertise and enthusiasm with you,” Frias said. “His track record of success speaks for itself year after year.”

Burggraf, a Westchester, N.Y. native and graduate of Hobart College, was a private wealth manager for Morgan Stanley before joining Frias Properties in 2004. Recognizing the investment potential of Aspen real estate, Burggraf has purchased and completed several remodel projects on his own. He’s served as a broker associate and luxury rental director for Frias Properties over the last eight years. He lives in Missouri Heights with his wife Sarah, and is currently expecting his first child. He was also recognized as the top revenue earner for Frias Properties for 2010.

“Will’s familiarity with the property inventory allows him to consider his clients wish list and identify which properties may be a fit,” Frias said. “He understands that a property purchase in Aspen is not just a home, but an investment,” Frias said.

Those interested in Aspen real estate can e-mail Jung at Dennis@FriasProperties.com or call (970) 429-2414. Those who wish to discuss opportunities with Burggraf are encouraged to e-mail him at Will@FriasProperties.com or call (970) 429-2415.

To earn this accolade takes two important ingredients; excellent consistency of the comfortable condominiums we offer in Aspen, combined with superior customer service that we strive for the moment we greet each new guest. It doesn’t matter whether you choose a luxury condominium or an affordable one. Our staff goes above and beyond to provide the same great service to all of our guests.

Here is a brief overview of the condominiums our FlipKey guests gave the most five star reviews to:

Shadow Mountain #20 ::: Case in point, this is a 2 bedroom, standard rated condominium that has ski in ski out access to Aspen Mountain. This popular unit still has some space available this season if your dates are flexible

Chateau Roaring Fork #9 ::: This popular 3 bedroom condominium is located directly on the Roaring Fork River and is very close to everything Aspen has to offer. It has open dates at this writing from mid-February.

Chateau Chaumont #4 ::: This deluxe, 2 bedroom, perennial favorite in the heart of town has recently had a full remodel and has a pretty full calendar but if you are flexible there are dates open still!

This is just a small example of what we have to offer you for vacation condominium rental in Aspen, winter or summer. Rest assured that literally dozens of them have already been rated 5 stars by pst guests. Don’t forget. All guests receive complimentary Aspen airport transportation and free passes to the Aspen Club and Spa. We can’t wait to welcome you to our town!

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit (and photograph) an excellent top-floor vacation rental managed by Frias Properties: Chateau Dumont #15. Located at 925 E. Durant Avenue, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath standard unit offers amazing views of Aspen Mountain and the Silver Queen Gondola from the living area, master bedroom and deck. Large windows and skylights throughout also provide optimum natural light for this south-facing unit.

The open, comfortable living area is highlighted by a wood-burning fireplace. After a long day on the slopes, guests can warm up by the fire while watching the sun set over Aspen Mountain. And, in the mornings, guests can wake up and view all the mountain activity from their master bedroom. This unit is perfect for a family with young children, as the second bedroom comes complete with two twin beds and its own bathroom with a tub and shower.

The greatest benefit of staying at any Chateau Dumont, however, may be the location. Situated only one block from the Silver Queen Gondola, guests can easily walk to the lift in their ski boots. Staying here, it wouldn’t be hard to be the first one on the mountain on a fresh powder day! Location also makes it easy to ski down, take a quick lunch break, and get back up on the mountain quickly. Chateau Dumont also has its own private courtyard with views, making après-ski a delight.

Guests who book at Chateau Dumont #15 also benefit from free Aspen airport transfers, a free on-site underground parking garage, wireless internet access, flatscreen TVs, a washer/dryer, dishwasher, and complimentary passes to the Aspen Club & Spa. Sound like a complete package? It is!

To view Kevin’s new photos and to read more about this unit, click here:

Skiers and shredders from “down under” are best known for taking their month long holiday in Aspen. Work-a-day Americans are hard pressed to take the kind of extended sojourns that Aussies and South American’s cherish annually. But, with the advent of the internet and other high-tech means of staying tethered to the office from a far-flung place, it might be time to reconsider a season of “ski bumming.” By all means, get creative; schedule visits from your friends who could help subsidize your rent by paying for a week… maybe even find a ski-bum type of job to justify your decision. it’s up to you and we want to help!

Our seasonal and long term rentals are all furnished. So, it is just like taking a vacation rental. The difference is, you are not going home at the end of the week!

Some of our most popular long term rentals are found at the Cottonwood Complex. They feature a great location about 8 blocks from lift 1A and easy walking distance to downtown Aspen. Cottonwood #2D is a 2 bedroom with den. The Townhome at Maroon Green, we wrote about recently, is also in the seasonal rental class, offering 4 bedrooms of exquisite luxury. If you want to be right in the downtown core, you might choose Dolomite Villa #1 which is a 4 bedroom, less than 2 blocks form the lifts on Ajax Mountain.

These are just a few ideas for you to consider. If you want to come for the Winter, give us a call today and we can fill you in on all the details to get the planning underway. With a La Niña weather pattern in the offing, this could be the winter you remember forever!

This party was on point with specialty hors d’oeuvres prepared by top chefs of Denver and custom cocktails. They offered a unique element called “Smashed at the Bash”; where guests got to choose their liquor of choice and then add 3 fresh ingredients that were muddled together to create a supreme cocktail.  In addition to amazing food & drinks, SWS provided their guests with 15 minute private massages by Aspen Club & Spa professionals.  Throughout the evening, Frias Properties collected guests’ business cards to be placed in a drawing for a complimentary 2-night stay in one of our deluxe homes or condominiums.

Krystina Coleman, Operations Manager at Frias Properties said “We could not have asked for a better event to be held here at the Fasching Haus. Everyone came to enjoy themselves and that’s just what they did.  No one really knows how beautiful the Fasching Haus is unless they stay here, so I am very happy that it got some exposure.”  Really, what more could you ask for in a party? – Great food, tasty spirits, and wonderful company in Aspen, Colorado.

We deliver more than “just another pillow for a head” when we plan group lodging at Frias. Our dedicated Group Sales department focuses on these group guest experiences:

1. Finding the right lodging location in town for the group
2. Making sure the group lodging is near each other
3. Personal QC check of each lodging unit by Group Sales after housekeeping says it’s ready
4. Access to private conference room for group functions with cutting-edge A/V
5. Our Sales Manager personally welcomes all at the Welcome Reception if you have one
6. Everyone gets complementary privileges to the Aspen Club and Spa

Our Group Sales Manager, Alex, invites you to experience “The Frias Touch”, no matter what time of year or type of group you want to come to Aspen.

Ski Clubs: Spring and early Summer are the time to make plans for your ski club outing to Aspen in 2012. Get the best availability at the best prices when you start your planning early.

Wedding Parties: We can help as little or as much as you need planning your destination wedding in Aspen. From accommodations that anybody can afford to tips on where to have the rehearsal dinner, we live here. So ask!

Family Reunions: Winter or Summer, family reunions in Aspen are guaranteed to be memorable. We can make you look good by handling all of the different family accommodation needs as well as any other details to make your visit the best ever.

Business Meetings: From a small executive retreat to seminars, sales meetings and everything else that goes into building your business. We want to be your partner here in Aspen for your next business function.

But don’t take our word for it; read what others have to say about our group services! As a special thank-you for your group business we will include a Free fruit and cheese platter for your welcome reception when you say you read our blog!

With over 2 feet of fresh Colorado champagne powder endowing our slopes in early February, Tim has been up on the hill getting his fair share. Ask any local and they will say, “I came for the Winter but stayed for the Summer.” That’s pretty much a code word for “I’m not telling you where the powder is stashed!” Oh sure, Tim loves the Summer when he gets to hike and mountain bike. But frankly, that is all pursued so that he can enjoy days like we are having here now!

If you are coming to Aspen soon for a ski or snowboard vacation get ready for some of the best conditions we have ever seen!

By the way, these outstanding pics were shot by Jeremy Swanson!

It’s been an exciting year on the web for us! This past Summer we finally separated our real estate and rentals divisions with their own web sites. But as soon as that was completed we worked in ernest with our web consultants to create a new and more functional vacation rentals site that has now released.

The first Frias Properties web site debuted in 1995 at the onset of the internet. This new design becomes the fourth major redevelopment of our online presence and wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of all involved as well as visitors like you who made suggestions. Thanks to all!