“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!

This week, Frias Properties staff photographer Kevin Burton continues his blog series called “Behind the Lens,” detailing recently photographed units managed by Frias Properties. In this installment, Kevin focuses on Alpenblick #2, a luxury townhome in the Galena Street Neighborhood.

This week, I headed up to the Alpenblick to shoot a new set of photos for Alpenblick #2, a three-level 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath luxury townhome. The owners of this particular townhome had been working recently to make a number of upgrades to the unit, which was already one of the nicest units in the complex.

The Alpenblick complex is located conveniently in the Galena Street Neighborhood, a collection of properties managed by Frias Properties of Aspen known for their location and quality. The Galena Street Neighborhood encompasses an area in and around south Galena Street, one of the main streets in downtown Aspen. The Alpenblick complex is close to everything: downtown, Lift 1A and the Silver Queen Gondola. Staying at the Alpenblick means being near it all!

When guests walk in the front door, the first noticeable aspect of Alpenblick #2 is the rich furnishings and high-end accents that adorn the living area. This unit oozes luxury! A patent leather sofa and chair bring the living area to life, as does the crackling gas fireplace in the corner. Candlesticks and an oil painting in the living area only add to its luxury allure.

Directly off the living area is the dining area and kitchen. The dining table allows seating for eight for formal dining, and there’s even an additional breakfast bar close for those who want a more intimate setting. The kitchen is open but compact, making great use of all the area, and features high-end stainless steel appliances. There’s a large amount of counter space and plenty of storage, a dishwasher, and even a full set of dishes and other kitchen appliances. The entire area is well lit by natural lighting that pours in from the deck, located directly off the dining area. The deck has peaceful residential views and overlooks downtown.

The upper level of the unit features the master bedroom and guest master, each with their own en suite bathrooms. The master bedroom is open and airy, has flatscreen TV, and has two double doors that open to a deck that overlooks the complex courtyard. The master bathroom is highlighted by a steam shower and amazing tile work throughout. The guest master is similar, complete with plush linens, an en suite bathroom and its own deck!

The lower level of this unit has two more guest bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom. The bathrooms feature steam showers and luxury stone and tiling. Each bedroom has what’s called a “split King,” meaning each room can have either two twin beds or one king bed. This option allows boarding flexibility for singles, groups or families! Call (800) 633-0336 to talk to one of our vacation specialists about options, or to book now!

Other unit amenities at Alpenblick #2 include hardwood floors, an iPod station and flatscreen TVs and DVD players throughout.

Complex amenities at the Alpenblick include free Aspen airport transfers (to and from), on-site free parking, free wireless internet access, and an on-site heated pool and hot tub. The pool and hot tub are conveniently located only a few steps from the front door of Alpenblick #2!

And, all Frias Properties of Aspen guests also receive complimentary passes to the Aspen Club & Spa, the valley’s premier full-service spa and workout facility. The Aspen Club & Spa has everything from state-of-the-art exercise equipment to pampering spa treatments! (Passes to the Aspen Club & Spa can be obtained from any Frias Properties front desk during regular business hours.)

According to the Associations’ Property Manager, Paddy Allen of Frias Properties, the new glass elevator gives the complex – located right on the Roaring Fork River – even more attitude and appeal.

“The color scheme of the building has changed,” Allen said. “There are more earth tones.”

In addition to the new elevator, there are other additions, including new railings and two new stairwells, Allen said. Other cosmetic improvements included adding brick on the north and south sides of the building as well as to the chimney chases.

For the railings, Allen said the choice was made to use ipe wood, a large tropical hardwood that grows abundantly in Central and South America. Ipe wood is prized for its durability, strength, natural resistance to decay, wet conditions and insect infestation. Famous for being used on the Atlantic City, N.J., boardwalk, ipe wood is rapidly becoming a top choice for commercial and residential decking and other outdoor use. In addition to its strength, it has a beautiful dark color and a tight grain that gives it very consistent coloring.

Allen said the homeowner’s association hired R.A. Nelson & Associates of Avon, Colorado, as the contractor for the renovations. Founded and headquartered in Vail Valley, R.A. Nelson & Associates have helped build some of the most noteworthy resort communities in the Colorado, including Aspen, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Vail, as well as in Lake Tahoe and Mammoth, California.

According to the R.A. Nelson website, the company focuses on “taking care of the communities where we live and play: building sustainable structures with the knowhow of a local.”

The project began on May 7, 2011, and continued until Dec. 21, 2011.

Allen said other minor improvements will continue into the spring, including enhanced landscaping and possibly renovations to the on-site hot tub.

We currently offer 13 units at the Chateau Eau Claire condominiums, ranging in size from 1-3 bedrooms, rated standard to deluxe. You can view all of our Chateau Eau Claire units online to see furnishings and check availability for when you want to visit!

The Chateau Eau Claire sits in a great location in east Aspen overlooking the majestic Roaring Fork River and only five blocks to the Silver Queen Gondola. Even closer to downtown! The complex also sits on the free local bus route, with access to all four ski mountains and all of downtown Aspen’s shops, restaurants and entertainment!

Chateau Eau Claire amenities include free Aspen airport transfers; on-site free parking; free wireless internet access; and an on-site hot tub. Guests here also have access to a heated pool, additional hot tubs, a workout center and a conference room directly across the street at the Chateau Roaring Fork.

All Frias Properties of Aspen guests also receive complimentary passes to the Aspen Club & Spa, the valley’s premier full-service spa and workout facility.

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!

• the act of adjustment, so as to accommodate or be accommodated
• something that meets a need or convenience
• room and board; lodging
• a seat, compartment, or room on a public vehicle

Back in the day, accommodations, was the word people used when they walked into their local travel agent to find places to stay on their vacation. But somewhere along the line, accommodations, even in Aspen, lost favor to the word, lodging… We surmise this is because it is a hard word to spell! But that is just an assumption.

Regardless of whether you are looking for accommodations or lodging in Aspen, Colorado, we are here to be very “accommodating!”

You can choose hotel rooms and suites that we manage at the Independence Square Hotel in the heart of downtown. Or you might want to select one of the many fractional residences that are part of the Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt and others.

The heart of our operation though is vacation condominiums, or condos, as they are known… probably for the same reason we don’t use accommodations anymore! Choose from literally hundreds of affordable, standard and luxury condos in a variety of locations throughout Aspen.

At the pinnacle of accommodations in todays’ Aspen, are the private home rentals. Perfect for large families and small groups, our home rentals come in many styles with one that is sure to match yours!

No matter how you say it, we here are Frias Properties look forward to helping you plan the perfect Aspen vacation, soon!

Photo Courtesy: Aspen Skiing Co.

To take advantage of Aspen lift ticket deals, you have to make your purchase at least 7 days in advance. Whether you call them to order or use their online purchase alternative, let them know you need “lodge delivery” to Frias Properties. That way your lift tickets will be waiting for you when you arrive at our front desk! Save money and perhaps, even more importantly save time and you won’t have to wait in line. It doesn’t get any better than this!

Out on the slopes, you will find a new high speed chairlift on Buttermilk, called the Tiehack Express that has cut the time it takes to get to the top by almost 2/3!!!! The iconic Highlands Merry-Go-Round restaurant at mid-mountain has also received a $6 million makeover that retains much of the charm and nostalgia the mountain possesses.

If you need any help deciding what is best when it comes to lift tickets,lessons or equipment rentals, email our concierge, Mariya, who can help you sort it all out!

Last week, I had the opportunity to shoot a new set of photos for Shadow Mountain #1 in the Galena Street Neighborhood. To say this unit is in a “neighborhood” may be somewhat of a misnomer, since the Shadow Mountain complex itself actually rests on the east slope of Shadow Mountain, the western-most ski boundary of Aspen Mountain.

Located high on a ridge at the top of Aspen Street, the Shadow Mountain complex sits directly across the street from Aspen’s historic Lift 1A, which offers ski access to the Silver Queen Gondola and all of Aspen Mountain. By taking Lift 1A at any time, a skier has immediate access to all of Aspen Mountain’s trails.

Shadow Mountain #1 is a luxury unit located on the first level of the complex, directly off of the on-site parking area. No need for stairs to get to this unit! The easy accessibility makes loading and unloading simple, whether using Frias’ free airport transfer service or driving your own vehicle. As a guest with Frias, you’ll receive on-site parking for free!

Inside, this unit oozes luxury. From the amazing two-story stone gas fireplace in the living room, to the updated kitchen and bathrooms, this unit offers luxury to even the most discerning guest. All bedrooms feature steam showers with high-end tile work and finishes, and there’s even a jetted tub in the upstairs 3^rd guest bedroom.

The floor plan of Shadow Mountain #1 is highlighted by a large main-level living area, with a walk-through dining and kitchen area which leads directly to the living area with vaulted ceilings. There’s a formal dining area and a breakfast bar, which offers a number of serving options. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and a gas range an island with a pop-up ventilation system!  Immediately off of the dining area/kitchen is a nice deck with a grill and patio seating. At this unit, you can sit on your deck and watch all the action on Lift 1A! First chair, anyone?

The living area and loft may be the coolest feature of this unit. Aside from the two-story gas fireplace, there’s also a large flatscreen TV with HD cable service and a surround sound system built into the walls. So, after a long day on the slopes, you can relax by the fire in the living area and sample some of Aspen’s great entertainment on PlumTV, Aspen’s local TV station.

Off of the main living area is a mud room and a spiral staircase that leads upstairs to the loft. The loft offers two queen beds, a full bathroom with steam shower and jetted tub, and a flatscreen HDTV. There’s even a balcony that overlooks the main living area.

The master bedroom and two additional guest bedrooms are located on the bottom floor, each with its own private bathroom with steam shower. Each room offers a different décor and bathroom style, making each unique in its own high-quality, ornate style.

The Shadow Mountain complex also features a heated outdoor pool that is kept at hot tub temperatures during the winter, offering the ability to go slopeside to poolside in a matter of seconds! Truly an amazing highlight at this unique unit.

I’d recommend this unit to any die-hard skier/snowboarder who wants to maximize their time on the mountain. Lift 1A is an easy-in, easy-out gateway to all of Aspen Mountain – with considerably less ski traffic than the Silver Queen Gondola. Easy loading and unloading means more time on the hill, right? This unit would also be great for a couples ski group, a family vacation, or even those with children.

Don’t forget, all Frias Properties of Aspen guests also receive complimentary passes to the Aspen Club & Spa, the valley’s premier full-service spa and workout facility. To get your free pass once in-residence, contact any Frias Properties front desk or call (970) 920-2000.

As a bonus, you’ll also receive free on-demand in-town transportation to and from any location in town!  Luxury. Accessibility. Comfort. Amenities. Shadow Mountain #1 offers it all.

Photo from guest: May Selby

Here is a quick rundown on your options for flying to Aspen during the 2011-12 ski season:

United Airlines – Continues to be the dominant connection carrier out of DIA with 9-12 daily flights. This year, United is also offering non-stop flights from Chicago, 3-4 times a day, Los Angeles 4x daily, Houston 2x daily and San Francisco 1-2 flights per day.

American Airlines – This year AA fans can find non-stop flights daily from Dallas and Los Angeles.

Frontier Airlines – Serves us this year with four DIA connecting flights to serve their network of cities.

Additionally, Eagle County airport (EGE), which is just 90 scenic minutes away, offers additional non-stop flight options from American, United and Delta airlines.

Upon arrival at the Aspen Airport, only, we will whisk you to our check in offices with complimentary, hassle-free airport transfers. See you soon!