When Julie and Jim Anderson moved from Minnesota to Fort Collins, their forays into the mountains led them to Steamboat, ‘Ski Town USA,’ with its legendary tree skiing and small town charm. They watched the market for a condo that would put them close to all that… “We thought we’d missed it,” Julie Anderson recalls, “The prices had shot up.” But their luck changed recently when new ski-in/ski-out residences that had started out deed-restricted, moved onto the open market.
Now the Andersons have spent their first Christmas in their new 2-bedroom condo at First Tracks at Wildhorse Meadows in Steamboat… they’ve been back twice since, and are planning two more trips before end of April. “It’s awesome,” says Julie Anderson. “There aren’t many times you buy something as an investment and have fun with it, too.”
During their most recent trip, Wildhorse Meadows celebrated the opening of Wildhorse Gondola, shooting homeowners and guests directly to the ski area’s base. The Andersons have made friends with other buyers (15 of 47 units have now sold), have taken their two pre-schoolers over to the resort-style outdoor pools and spa tubs that are part of the amenities, and watched the 4-year-old take a ski lesson.
“When you have a 2- and a 4-year-old, you carry a lot of gear around,” Julie Anderson adds, noting how convenient the gondola is. The Andersons can stroll over to Strings Pavilion, home to the Strings Music Festival, with Chris Botti, Keb’ Mo’ and other artists headlining this summer (buyers get two 2010 festival season passes)…and will be five minutes from downtown Steamboat’s dining and galleries, not to mention the biking and hiking. (Buyers also get a $1,000 certificate to REI to buy gear; both offers are good on purchases through Mar. 30.)
All of that started when First Tracks switched from price-restricted to open sales, under an agreement with the city. Prices are about the same (studios from $179,000, 2-beds from $295,000)…but the restrictions are gone: no rules on permanent residency, appreciation, what you make, or whether you can rent it out.
Meanwhile, buyers expecting ho-hum units are surprised by the quality. “We had low expectations, but these are nice,” says Julie Anderson. “Kitchens are nice-sized if you actually cook; not the little galley kitchens we saw in so many places.” Buyers also comment on the friendly atmosphere, not just of the town, but of First Tracks’ sales team headed by U.S. Olympian Bobby Aldighieri. You’ll find them at Trailhead Lodge, just off the Mt. Werner exit from U.S. 40 (ask about financing as low as 5% for qualified buyers); toll-free 877-886-7772.
If you go…
WHERE:
First Tracks at Wildhorse Meadows, studio/1-bed/2-bed condos, deed-restrictions recently lifted, steps away from new Wildhorse Gondola; $1,000 REI gift certificate, 2 season passes to Strings Music Festival (purchase by 3/30/10). U.S. 40 to Mt. Werner Rd. (Ski Area exit), rt. 0.5 mi. to Pine Grove Rd., left on Bangtail to sales cntr
PRICE:
Studio from $179,000, 1-bed $250,000, 2-bed $295,000
WHEN:
Today and daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
PHONE:
877-886-7772
