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.

Timbers Resorts is honored to be included among the nominees with Castello di Casole and The Sebastian - Vail in two esteemed contests - the  2013 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards Survey and the 2013 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards.

• For info and instructions on The 2013 Travel + Leisure Awards Survey, simply click here.

• For info and instructions on The 2013 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards Survey, simply click here.

Thanks for voting! To learn more about Timbers Resorts and its travel award-worthy lifestyle, please contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone, 888.366.6641.

What's the secret to happiness for Owners at Dancing Bear Aspen when in their adopted home (Aspen)?

It's not just the exquisite surrounding at Dancing Bear 's luxury accommodations and fractional living spaces, it's Aspen itself. The community is rich with ideas, with arts, with options for the active lifestyle ... and Timbers Resorts is a part of that community.

Let's take a closer look at what that means. When you move here, when you stay here, the place itself is a part of a tapestry — day to day, night to night — this is the town and these are some special ways to explore it.

Opportunities and Ownership

The short list of ways that Aspen and Dancing Bear intertwine could stretch on for quite a length, but some highlights are worth a moment. We'll touch upon seven: ways you'll play to the ways you'll relax, from the spots you'll dine and drink to the events that bring together Owners and other members of the Aspen community.

— Aspen Outfitting Company: Getting outside is part of the Aspen experience. The Outfitting Company helps Owners at Dancing Bear to see and experience everything about the stunning landscapes in this part of the world. Timbers Resorts Owners enjoy preferred rates on equipment and outdoor activities (including prime access to private fishing spots).

— Aspen Music Festival: In the summer, especially, Aspen comes alive with culture. A key event is the music festival. From concerts to receptions, Dancing Bear Owners are invited to private performances and guest status at the main events.

— Aspen Center for Environmental Studies: One can't underestimate the importance of nature to the environs of Aspen. The ACES brings Owners into the rich landscape surrounding Dancing Bear, up into the woods and mountains on guided hikes at preferred rates.

—Remède Spa: After a day of play, an afternoon or the next morning at the spa makes for a healthy mind and body. Dancing Bear Owners enjoy 10% off the menu of soothing services at Remède, plus complimentary access to the spa and facility.

— Casa Tua: If all this good living has encouraged an appetite, step into this elegant nightclub and restaurant for fine dining (and a little dancing after). Dancing Bear Owners are also invited to the art and fashion shows for which Casa Tua is also known.

— Brexi: The onsite bistro at Dancing Bear is part of a family of great eating establishments in Aspen. Step out to Wild Fig, Steakhouse No. 316, or Above the Salt, and present your Dancing Bear Aspen Restaurant card for a 10% discount.

— IWM Cellars: If you've a taste for fabulous pours, explore the selection via IWM and The Little Nell, where preferred rates and online cellar management is part of the Dancing Bear experience in Aspen.

For more information on living like a local at Dancing Bear Aspen, visit our site, stop by our Sales Gallery at 411 South Monarch Street in Aspen, or contact us via phone at 970.925.2510 or via email at [email protected].