When you think of America’s top chefs, a lot of things might come to mind: Mario Batali’s orange Crocs and Thomas Keller’s starched kitchen whites. Bechamel and butter. Foie Gras and fondue. Flames and passions and the struggle of trying to get a reservation at Matsuhisa, Cache Cache or one of Aspen's top restaurants at the start of the summer season.

What probably doesn’t come up, or at least perhaps not immediately, is physical exercise – much less an early,  winding foot race. But at this year’s Food & Wine Classic in Aspen from June 14 - 16, one of the top events will be just that: a brisk5K run, starting at 7 AM, and hosted by celebrity chef Bobby Flay.

What could possibly get America’s best and brightest toques out of bed and into their running shoes while many of the Food & Wine Classic’s participants are still sleeping off the previous evening’s kick-off parties? The short answer is a good cause: Flay’s 5K raises money to support Wholesome Wave, a charity that supports small farms and works to bring fresh, locally-grown produce to some of America’s lesser fortunate .

It’s hard to imagine a charity that would be closer to a chef’s heart: in 28 states, Wholesome Wave takes on America’s worst food struggles at both ends of the process. On the production side, it partners with some of America’s remaining privately-owned farms, helping them find outlets to sell their produce. On the opposite side, it helps bring food to neighborhoods that often don’t have access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

But even apart from the good cause, there are few better places to work up an appetite. The 5K begins just a few blocks away from Dancing Bear Aspen - A Timbers Resorts Residence Club. The start/finish is in Rio Grande Park, loops through Aspen’s tony West End neighborhood, through the Aspen Meadows Resort and down the Rio Grande Trail back to the park. Along the course, runners will take in views of Aspen’s stunning mountains, the breathtaking landscape that served as the inspiration for former local John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High.”

If that’s not reason enough for joining in the run, there are the rest of the participants. Last year’s 5K featured some of the nation’s top foodsmiths, including Chefs Marcus Samuelsson, Richard Blaise and, of course, Flay himself. Top Chef star Spike Mendelsohn tried to make it, but later admitted that he was unable to drag himself out of bed. As for Top Chef star Fabio Viviani, it’s hard to say if he actually ran the race: he showed up and traveled the route…in a wagon that was pulled by another runner!

Bobby Flay’s 5K will run from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on June 14. Early bird registration is $30, and includes an official registration bag and C-9 tee. If you’re in the area, come out to support a great cause, meet some of America’s best chefs, and work up an appetite for America’s premier food festival!

To learn more about ownership opportunities at Dancing Bear Aspen, please contact us at 855.920.2510 (toll free in the US) or 970.920.2510 (direct) or via email at [email protected].

Let's get the rumor straight: Cinco de Mayo isn't Mexico's Independence Day. If you're looking to celebrate that holiday, you'll have to wait until September 16.

The fifth of May actually honors the Battle of Puebla, which took place well after the country established independence. Before you raise your margarita in honor, get the dish on what this holiday is actually all about.

The History

It was 1862. Mexico was in financial ruin. President Beniot Juarez was forced to default the country's debts to Britain, France and Spain. While Britain and Spain were willing to negotiate a deal, France -- who was at the time ruled by Napoleon III -- took this as an opportunity to storm the territory and drive Juarez into retreat.

Confident, the French set out to attack Puebla de Los Angeles. But they were met by Juarez's rag tag army who -- though outnumbered -- managed to beat the French into retreat. Mexico: 1. France: 0.

Though this battle didn't signify the end of Mexico's problems with France (that was six years later) it did bolster the resistance movement and is therefore thought of as a memorable moment in the country's history.

Cinco de Mayo Today

Surprisingly, Cinco de Mayo isn't a major holiday in Mexico. It's really only celebrated with great fanfare in the region of Puebla and within Mexican communities in the United States who use it as a day to honor Mexican heritage and culture. Celebrations typically include traditional Mexican foods, margaritas, parades and mariachi music.

Celebrate Timbers Style

You can celebrate the holiday by raising a glass at El Bar at Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas. This outdoor cantina's breathtaking view of Cabo's famed Lands End is the perfect spot to sample fine tequilas. Or venture down to the Beach at La Palapa for a beer bucket and a little sand between your toes at the Cabo Lounge Barefoot Bar.

If you can't make it down to Cabo, but happen to find yourself at One Steamboat Place in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, head to the Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant. Snag a table on the rooftop deck to enjoy authentic Mexican grub and a sweet mountain view.

Celebrating the holiday doesn't necessarily need to include a traditional meal and a mariachi band. For those staying at Dancing Bear Aspen, head over to The Cantina or Su Casa for Mexican fare then on to Belly Up to catch some live music.

To discover which Timbers Resorts property best suits your Cinco de Mayo needs, contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone, 888.366.6641.

When 5Point Founder Julie Kennedy first hatched the plan to host a film festival in Carbondale, Colorado, back in 2007, Timbers Resorts has proudly supported her vision. Through her many ties and friendships in the outdoor community, Kennedy created the concept for a spring weekend celebrating five tenets - Respect, Commitment, Humility, Purpose and Balance.

Patagonia Founder/CEO Yvon Chouinard signed on at the start as the title sponsor and even joined the first year as a keynote speaker. Blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer also spoke, presenting a slideshow of his travels to the top of Mt. Everest and beyond. Over the years, the line-up of filmmakers, emcees, moderators, presenters, performance artists and other special guests has been a veritable who's who in the adventure world.

Bringing together circles of communities - whether they be categorized by film, traditional or social media, outdoor retail, sport or even education - 5Point has truly hits its stride. David and Sandy Burden and Timbers Resorts are honored to play a part in this incredible festival set in our own backyard and alongside the many other integral businesses and philanthropists who help ensure its success.

As the 2013 title sponsor of The Dream Project, Timbers is proud to support five high school students and their aspirations to follow their dreams. View the Dream Project video to learn more about this program that impacts youth throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and will certainly carry on for festivals to come.

Read more about 5Point Film Festival by visiting their website.

Imagine a weekend where the world's elite tastemakers gather to rub elbows, trade secrets and discuss trends all while enjoying cocktail parties, breathtaking beach front views and luxury shopping trips.

Fantasy? Or reality?

For experts in luxury goods and services this "too good to be true" gathering is a yearly event: the American Express Luxury Summit. Now in its 14th year, the summit gathers senior level executives from the world's leading luxury brands to examine and reassess the needs of the affluent customer.

Timbers Resorts has been a part of this annual gathering for several years, sending marketing executives to join as delegates.
is year's summit takes place April 21-23 at the beautiful St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point, California. The who's who of luxury living left no stone unturned.  Speakers range from CNBC reporter and editor Robert Frank to President and CEO of The Corcoran Group, Pamela Liebman.

Panels included topics like "What Do Travelers Want Now?" a discussion on how to deliver high end services in a high tech world, "The Return of High Dollar Real Estate," an examination of where the multi-million dollar housing market is headed and "A Special Report: Africa...The Next New Hot Spot" a conversation with Sophy Roberts, editor of Departures on future travel trends.

There are even a few celebrities in the mix. Actor Kyle MacLachlan will be there to discuss the wine business on behalf of his label Pursued by Bear & Baby Bear. And Sir Richard Branson will provide the audience with a dose of his world renown business expertise while in conversation with CNBC reporter Jane Wells on "Building the Consumer Experience."

Don't be mistaken though, the American Express Luxury Summit is hardly all work and no play. Attendees get the opportunity to do a little indulging of their own.

The summit kicks off with a golf tournament on the the lush Monarch Beach Golf Course, followed by a champagne brunch and luxury shopping experience at South Coast Plaza -- Southern California's mecca for high end goods. Surfing, bicycle tours and riding on a vintage schooner are also on the docket. While those executives looking for a little more R&R in between cocktail parties and panels, can take time out for a soothing antioxidant wrap or a wellness massage.

To learn more about Timbers Resorts and the luxurious life, contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone, 888.366.6641.

Thanks to all who participated in our Timbers Resorts/5Point Sweepstakes! In anticipation of the annual spring film festival held in Timbers Resorts' hometown of Carbondale, Colorado, we joined forces with 5Point, Patagonia and Polartec to present the ten-day contest on Facebook.

Participants were invited to submit their names every day for a chance at winning daily prizes. And, every entry was automatically entered in the pool for a chance at winning the Grand Prize! Derek Allison of Broomfield, Colorado, was the fortunate winner and will be our guest at the April 25 - 28, 2013, fest! Please see below for the exciting items including in this action-packed package:

•  Two 5Point Film Festival Passes, April 25 – 28
• $500 travel Visa Card from Polartec
• A 3-night stay at The Days Inn in Carbondale, April 25 - 28
• Roundtrip transportation from Denver to the festival on Colorado Mountain Express
• 5Point Patagonia R2 tops + Polartec 5Point Cap4 tops
• A 3-night stay at Timbers Resorts’ slopeside property, One Steamboat Place

Visit 5Point’s website for more information on the 2013 festival and the 5Point Dream Project page for details on this program presented by Timbers Resorts for our Roaring Fork Valley youth.

Learning is fun when you're at ski school at one of Aspen/Snowmass’s four mountains – Snowmass, Aspen, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. For many Owners and families at Dancing Bear Aspen and The Timbers Club, heading "back to school" can be the highlight of any ski trip.

Whatever your age or ability, Aspen/Snowmass (which is run by the Aspen Skiing Company) has a program that will fit the bill. Lots of families at The Timbers Club in Snowmass favor that ski area for its convenient ski-in/ski-out access.

Parents can cruise with their kids right over to the Treehouse Adventure Center at Snowmass Base Village. In addition to being a meeting place, this unique facility is home to a climbing gym, themed play rooms, stores, rental equipment and family entertainment. Kids as young as two-and-a-half can start getting the hang of skis in a private learning area, while older kids will zoom all over the mountain. They’ll have so much fun on race courses, in terrain parks and making new friends that they may not notice how much they’re learning along the way.

Daredevil teens can even sign up for a three-day park & pipe camp and learn to ride boxes and rails in a Buttermilk park so cool that it’s the home of the Winter X Games.

Aspen Mountain (aka Ajax, so named from its former days as a silver mining mecca) is famous for its black-diamond terrain, so skilled skiers love staying at Dancing Bear Aspen close to the action.

Owners often head out for the day with their favorite Diamond Pro instructor for a full-day of private instruction. The Diamond Pros are the country’s only private affiliation of ski pros and are available exclusively at Aspen/Snowmass. Each Pro is trained and overseen by Weems Westfeldt, the former Director of Operation for Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen/Snowmass. Westfeldt now focuses exclusively on providing the very best private instructors who are exceptionally equipped at getting skiers of all levels to master new skills.

There are no pop quizzes or homework at ski school –- just plenty of fun tearing up the mountain. Reach out to the Aspen/Snowmass Ski & Snowboard Schools for more information. See you on the slopes!

Learn more about Timbers Resorts and where the best slopes are for your family, by contacting us via email at [email protected] or by phone, 888.366.6641.

Work hard, play hard. Or as they say in snow country, ski hard, play hard. And what better place to kick back after a long day hitting the slopes than one of these stellar après-ski hot spots?

If you're visiting...

The Timbers Club in Snowmass

Ski-in/ski-out at Timbers Resorts' first property is what makes this Snowmass resort the finest at the foot of the slopes. Daily après-ski drinks and appetizers are served in the Owners' Lounge, which also serves at the social center of the property. Another option in Base Village is Base Camp Bar and Grill located across the pedestrian mall from the Elk Camp Gondola. This laid back, hot spot is tricked out in simple decor, making it the prime place to grab unfussy grub like burgers, dogs and sandwiches, as well as classic cocktails like a Bloody Mary or an Old Fashioned.

If you're looking for a little south of the border in the snow, try Venga Venga on the Snowmass Mall. This cantina and tequila bar features authentic Mexican cuisine by Chef Richard Sandoval. Warm yourself by one of the fire pits while you enjoy panoramic views. From 3- 6 p.m. the restaurant features an après-ski special that includes a DJ and happy hour drinks and bites.

Dancing Bear Aspen

Aspen is home to some of the sleekest settings for drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and none fits the bill more than the resort's Rooftop Lounge. There you can catch the sunset over downtown Aspen as you soothe sore muscles in one of the hot tubs, or enjoy a martini by the fire pits.

39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel is a sleek spot with enticing mood lighting and cozy couches -- the perfect setting for an après-ski rendezvous. Enjoy creative cocktails from mixologist Denis Côté while sharing small plates from their menu.

For premier outdoor dining, try Ajax Tavern. This ski-in/ski-out bistro located at the base of Aspen Mountain is known for its sun-drenched patio where you can nosh on one of their innovative twists on an old favorite, like the Soft Shell Crab "BLT" or indulge in their après-ski Pristine Raw Bar selections. Pair with a microbrew or one of their signature martinis for the perfect wind down.

One Steamboat Place

Located at the base of Mt. Werner - aka Steamboat Mountain - the Truffle Pig offers casually elegant dining, beautiful views and both interior and exterior fire pits to thaw out frozen limbs. Enjoy an après-ski menu filled with nibbles made from fresh ingredients and a wide selection of wines, specialty cocktails and Colorado brews.

Owners at One Steamboat Place cherish the property's daily après-ski fare served in the Owners' Lounge with an expanded evening on Fridays for the popular Wine Down.

For family-friendly atmosphere, hit Slopeside Grill, located just above the Steamboat Ski Base Area. Ski right up to their Ice Bar for a cocktail or give your legs a rest and relax on their super casual outside patio. The menu features items even picky kids will enjoy like pizza and calzones, as well as gluten-free options for those with allergies.

The Sebastian - Vail

Frost at The Sebastian redefines cool. From the chic, moody interior to the hip guests who gather there, this is the spot to see and be seen after hitting the slopes. Order several small bites to share and pair with an après-ski microbrew or a selection from their signature Scotch collection.

For a little après-ski entertainment, visit the Red Lion, located at the top of Bridge Street. Every day from 4 - 6 p.m. you can catch co-owner Phil Long cover classic songs by well-loved artists like Elton John and Billy Joel. Red Lion is also known for their award winning cuisine and an extensive list of "Winter Warmers," inventive cocktails that are sure to cure that post-slopes chill.

If you have a favorite après-ski gem that we didn't mention here, share it with us in the comments section!

Learn more about Timbers Resorts and the best spots for every activity at our properties by contacting us via email at [email protected] or by phone, 888.366.6641.

In an age of mass production, there’s something very special about products still made by hand with craftsmanship as their core value. Matt Cudmore began creating skis in his garage in 2009, and it wasn’t long before Meier Skis was born. The quality spoke for itself.

Cudmore continued holding down his day job as an engineer until 2012 when he finally quit and was joined by wife Rosie in running Meier Skis full-time. The Glenwood Springs, Colorado-based duo continues to keep everything about their skis local and eco-friendly.

It all begins with the wood, shown off by the skis’ clear topsheet, which is a combination of local Aspen trees and recycled pine known as "beetle kill" due to the onslaught of the forest by the Rocky Mountain Pine Beetle. Then, metal, ink, glue and other supplies are purchased from local vendors and the entire product is held together by resin made from pine oil and recycled vegetable oil instead of petrochemicals.

The added perk of Meier Skis’ local presence and hand manufacturing is that if one of the company’s six models ($590 and up) doesn’t do it for you, they’ll customize a one-of-a-kind ski to your specific needs. Either way, riding a pair of Meier Skis makes you part of a special club. The company currently sells fewer than 100 pairs per year, with distribution limited enough that you’re likely to be the only one on the mountain rocking a pair.

Timbers Resorts enjoys a partnership with Meier Skis, having created skis for One Steamboat Place and The Sebastian - Vail with custom designs to expand into a Dancing Bear Aspen ski next. Through our Owner Referral Program, Owners at each of these properties are eligible to receive skis for the whole family when referring friends or family who close on ownership.

Learn more about Timbers Resorts and our Owner Referral Programs at each property, by contacting us via email at [email protected] or by phone, 888.366.6641.

Timbers Resorts flew South to Miami last month for the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE. The annual winter extravaganza brings many values together Timbers Resorts appreciates and stands for: fine food and wine, beautiful destinations, and time spent with friends and family. The star-studded series of events encompassed seminars, wine tastings, parties, brunches and concerts.

On Thursday, February 21, Timbers Resorts hosted a Taste of Timbers reception at the new Design District establishment, MC Kitchen, with Chef Dena Marino at the helm preparing savory appetizers, flatbreads and decadent desserts. On Friday, February 22, Timbers Resorts took part as the silent auction sponsor and an official photographer for the Best of the Best at the Fontainebleau Hotel where 1800 guests dressed to the nines to enjoy wines rated ninety points and higher on Wine Spectator's list along with delicious dishes. On Saturday, February 23, Timbers Resorts participated in the Tribute Dinner for Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Christophe Navarre of Moët Hennessy with Martha Stewart as the Mistress of Ceremonies. The evening began with a cocktail reception followed by dinner, the live auction with a deluxe trip to Castello di Casole in Tuscany among the coveted items and an awards presentation to Chef Matsuhisa.

See below for several photos from our few days in Florida or click on the event links above to view galleries from each evening. To learn more about Timbers Resorts, please contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone, 888.366.6641.