One of the pleasures of summertime hiking around Timbers Resorts' Colorado properties, Dancing Bear Aspen, The Timbers Club in Snowmass, One Steamboat Place or The Sebastian - Vail, is the dazzling floral display you’re sure to encounter. Wildflowers usually present their colorful heads mid-summer, but with the mild spring conditions throughout the state this year, they've been blooming weeks ahead of schedule. Don't delay your hikes in the high country to see gems in Mother Nature's jewelbox. At each of our luxury resorts, Owners and guests can take guided hikes with naturalists who will point out all of the variations on the trails and hillsides such as these six wildflowers.

1. Birdfoot Violet (Viola pedata)

Dainty birdfoot violet flowers are pale to dark purple with a white splash in the center of the bloom. The plant gets its name from the fact that the foliage resembles a bird’s foot. Birdfoot violet is a clumping, low-growing plant, reaching just 4 to 10 inches high with leaves that are 1 to 2 inches long. Find this violet in dry outcroppings up to 8,500 feet.

Source: Wikipedia

2. Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

The fuchsia-colored, tufted flower-heads of this wildflower sit atop 3- to 4-foot-tall stems. Blazing star is an erect grower with thin, medium-green leaves. Spy this wildflower in dry, open areas at 3,500 to 8,000 feet.

3. Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea)

Colorado’s state flower grows 1 to 2 feet tall and features light green foliage and blue and white spurred petals that resemble eagle’s talons. Discover this beauty at elevations of 7,000 to 12,000 feet in a variety of habitats, from aspen groves, to open woodlands, to stream-side.

4 Monkshood (Aconitum columbianum)

Spot the bright purple flowers of this wildflower at a distance. The distinctive blooms sit atop 1- to 5-foot-tall, thin stems. All parts of the plant are poisonous, so just admire the flower — no touching. Find monkshood growing up to 8,000 feet in partially shaded areas.

Source: Wikipedia

5. Scarlet Paintbrush (Castilleja integra)

Reaching 6 to 16 inches tall, this plant sports striking, orange-red plumes that resemble a paintbrush. The plant’s silvery-gray foliage is narrow. Locate scarlet paintbrush in woodlands at 10,000 to 12,000 feet.

6. Winding Mariposa Lily (Calochortus flexuosus)

This exotic wildflower features white to lavender petals with yellow centers and pink stamens. The plant gets its name from the fact that its grass-like foliage naturally curls, and the stems tend to twine. Leaves may be present during flowering or have withered and fallen. The plant is commonly found in dry locations at 1,600 to 6,500 feet.

Source: SWColoradowildflowers.com

For more information about Timbers Resorts, contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone, 888.366.6641.

Suddenly, it's summertime, and the riding is easy.

The gentle roads of vacation never came easier for Timbers Resorts' Owners than they do these days astride a new, sleek, good-looking street cruiser.

Let's take a look at the world of very urbane cycling — epitomized these days by the elegant cruiser model bicycle. We'll look at three Timbers Resorts properties where cruisers and all the accoutrements for a comfortable ride await (plus trails to frame your journey). We'll also look at some classy designs that you might choose to eventually own.

Timbers Resorts: Trails to Ride on Road Bikes:

One Steamboat Place: By the mid-2000s, Steamboat Springs in Colorado boasted more miles of country road than anywhere else in the state. That means a biker's paradise for street-cruiser riders. From Long Lake Loop to Yampa River Core Trail, check out the Chamber Resort Association's menu of routes to explore.

The Sebastian - Vail: While Vail is working on a valley-wide paved trail system — perfect for cruising — enthusiasts can right now start with the banks of Gore Creek and then work their way up to U.S. Route 24 (all the way to Leadville). More information awaits at Vail's website.

Dancing Bear Aspen: Try Castle Creek to reach a real ghost town, all the while enjoying the scenery of the valley. Head over to Old Snowmass for a gentle ride around a ranch-covered landscape. Or, tap into the Aspen Cycling Club for some deep-insider knowledge about the best places to put your pair of wheels.

Street Cruisers: Fly Rides to Try . . . 

There are a few basics that every rider can look for in a street cruiser.

Look for a sturdy machine, yes, but not too heavy (so stay away from steel). Seek the soft curves and comfy seats that have made these a summertime tradition for more than 70 years, but don't go too wide when it comes to the place you park your posterior. Too much seat means chafing for most folks.

Here are some top makers' models, from the sophisticated to the playful:

— Schwinn Classic AL 3: Olive green and light enough to let you ride without hauling a hefty bit of gear under pedal, the Classic AL 3 is not only noteworthy for its lightweight durability but also for its retro cool looks.

— Six Three Zero Mammoth: Single speed with forward-shifted orientation for ease of motion, this is one of the largest in the world of cruiser bicycles. Expect to pay in the $300s.

— Nirve: Based on bikes of the 1950s, you'll find this company's ladies' designs echo times past with spring saddles, long fenders, and wide curved handlebars. These retail in the $300–$500 range.

You can find good deals on these cruisers at Amazon.com, but also at retail spots like REI and others.

Or just ask your concierge at the Timbers Resorts property that you call home, and our cruiser-outfitted locations will have you at the handlebars in no time.

For more information about Timbers Resorts, contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone, 888.366.6641.

Rodeo fans big and small, saddle up for some real Colorado fun!

It's time for the summer tradition of Western Wednesdays at the 39th annual Snowmass Rodeo from June 13 - August 15, 2012. The price is right at $18 for adults, $10 for kids ages 11-15 and free for kids 10 and under. Located at the Snowmass Village Rodeo Grounds, which is only eight minutes from your Aspen luxury condo at  The Timbers Club at Snowmass, Owners can take advantage of the on-site valet service so they can get to and from the rodeo with ease and style. For those staying at Dancing Bear Aspen just down the road, Owners enjoy rides to and from the Wednesday events as well, a popular pastime for families and rodeo fans.

The Snowmass Western Heritage Association makes every effort to keep the rodeo historically accurate. You'll feel like you've been transported back to the 1890s, as silver was becoming a booming business in nearby Aspen, and ranchers started flocking to the area.

Check out this don't-miss list for this year's weekly rodeo event:

Before the Rodeo (5-7 p.m.):

Lil' buckaroos enjoy the pre-rodeo fun drummed up just for them. This rip-roarin' good time includes a petting zoo, pony rides for $10, a bucking mechanical bull ride for $7, a moonwalk bouncy house for $5 and even roping lessons! Kids ages 4-12 try their hand at the Calf Scramble, and the 5-7 crowd gives Mutton Bustin' a shot.

Big buckaroos can shop for local art, jewelry and Western-wear while the kids play, then enjoy BBQ chicken and ribs courtesy of Aspen's Hickory House. And yep, there's even a full bar at the saloon.

At the Rodeo (7-8:30 p.m.):

The rodeo kicks off with flair as cowboys and cowgirls enter the arena on their horses during the Entry Parade. A great time is to be had watching Saddle Bronc Riding, Team Roping, Bareback Riding, Barrel Racing, harrowing Bull Riding (could you stay on for eight entire  seconds?) and finally Dally Ribbon Roping.

Post-Rodeo:

Simmer down with marshmallows roasted over an open fire during a Cowboy Singalong hosted by Twirp Anderson.

If the rodeo has you tuckered out on Thursday mornings, Owners at The Timbers Club might want to relax in one of the three hot tubs or get a massage.  Those bull riders wish they could lasso some of that!

For more information on all of the exciting activities available to you in the Aspen/Snowmass area, contact The Timbers Club concierge at [email protected] or 970.922.2400 or The Dancing Bear Aspen concierge at [email protected] or 970.920.2500.

A highlight to summertime in the Rockies is the abundance of outdoor activities and social engagements - many of them free to the public. One such tradition in the Aspen/Snowmass area, home to Timbers Resorts properties Dancing Bear - Aspen and The Timbers Club, takes place on the slopes of Snowmass. As an Owner in one of these Private Residence Clubs, you're either just a short, chauffeured drive or brisk walk away from the shows that draw families, friends and music enthusiasts of all ages.

• Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, July 5
Direct from rural Southern Indiana, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band features a “fingerpickin’, scrubboard scratchin’, drum-bucket country blues trio.” As its name would suggest, the group features the vocals and guitar style of “Reverend” Josh Peyton, his wife Breezy Peyton (on washboard and vocals) with Aaron Persinger on drums.

• Monophonics, July 12
This band is considered one of California’s premier psychedelic soul bands. Raised in the midst of the San Francisco Bay Area’s rich musical culture, Monophonics carries on the tradition of music native to their hometown, which flourished during the birth of psychedelia. Monophonics was formed in 2005 and due to a recent staff addition, now has an even more pronounced psychedelic soul and heavy funk sound.

• Quick and Easy Boys, July 19
The pride of Portland, this funky R&B, garage pop band hearkens back to the best of The Police, Minutemen and My Morning Jacket. The Quick & Easy Boys built their fan base in the college town of Eugene, Ore., before heading north to Portland. Expect electrifying stage antics and unique musical moments from guitarist Jimmy Russell, bassist Sean Badders and drummer Michael Goetz that may even inspire the most serious concert listener to get up and dance!

• Pure Prairie League, July 26
One of the pioneering “country rock” bands, Pure Prairie League is best known for its classic “Amie,” and the full throttle tune “Two Lane Highway.” Or maybe you’ve heard the ballad “Let Me Love You Tonight.” Originally formed in 1969, Pure Prairie League enjoyed a reboot of sorts back in 2000, adding additional depth to the band. But in person, as they demonstrated two seasons ago during a Fanny Hill appearance, PPL performs songs that are true to their original form, rich harmonies and all.

• Honey Island Swamp Band, Aug. 2
This New Orleans roadhouse rock & roll group actually has a San Francisco connection: four of the Louisiana-based musicians hooked up in California while waiting out the Hurricane Katrina devastation. Their music has been described as “Bayou Americana,” and it combines guitar, mandolin, four-part vocal harmonies and a stomp rhythm section. Honey Island Swamp Band’s first full-length album, “Wishing Well,” was awarded OffBeat Magazine’s “Best Blues Album” for 2009.

• Van Ghost, Aug. 9 
Direct from Chicago comes this six-piece band that’s flavored with pedal steel and psychedelic guitars, a strong rhythm section and “haunting” harmonies. Following their debut album, “Melodies for Lovers,” the group headed by Michael Harrison Berg beelined it to Nashville to begin work on their next move. After adding an award-winning producer/engineer/mixer, Van Ghost continues to progress and delight audiences in small clubs and larger venues alike.

• Chali2na, Aug. 16
From his days growing up on the hardscrabble streets of Chicago’s South Side to his subsequent explosion onto L.A.’s hip-hop scene to his tenure as MC for seminal group Jurassic 5, Chali fits the part of a 21st century artist. Chali’s baritone is distinctive and he has used it at arena shows in Tokyo, at Lollapalooza shows as well as when hawking brands including Coca Cola. He may also be familiar to local audiences as the former frontman for Ozomatli.

For more information on Timbers Resorts' properties and all of the exciting happenings at each location, contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone, 888.366.6641.

Who wants to spend summer in the city? Not only are the world’s major urban centers uncomfortably hot, the arts and culture scene goes dormant. Not in Aspen though, where a calendar full of festivals will keep you busy (and cool) all summer and your stay at Dancing Bear Aspen keeps you close to the action.

For the intellectuals among us, start off in June with the Aspen Summer Words Literary Festival (June 17-22) hosted by the Aspen Writers' Foundation, where writers of all sorts come together to learn from and inspire one another. Then hit up the Aspen Institute's Aspen Ideas Festival (June 27-July 3) where a group of leaders in the arts, science, culture, religion, philosophy, economics and politics delve into today's most significant ideas and issues.

Music fans will want to make it to one of Jazz Aspen Snowmass's festivals either in June (June 22-July 7) or over Labor Day (August 31-September 2). JAS's mission is to present and preserve jazz, but artists like the Black Eyed Peas and Bob Dylan have popped up in the past as well. Not highbrow enough for you? Then the Aspen Music Festival (June 28-August 19) is sure to satisfy. Take in performances from the Aspen Chamber Symphony, the Aspen Festival Orchestra, the Aspen Philharmonic Orchestra and more, or attend lectures and recitals.

In the visual arts, the Aspen Chamber Resort Association will be putting on the Annual Aspen Arts Festival (June 28-29), where Dancing Bear neighbor Wagner Park will fill with paintings, sculptures, photography, glass, wood, jewelry, collage and ceramics.

The summer finishes off with MountainSummit: MountainFilm in Aspen (August 23-26), a collaboration between MountainFilm in Telluride and the Wheeler Opera House. It's a ways off so the specific films haven't been announced yet but don't expect any fluff. You'll be seeing leading independent documentary films.

There's always so much to do so never fear, you can find ongoing performances all summer at Theatre Aspen, an outdoor theater in Rio Grande Park, and Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Your culture fix is always within reach.

For more information on how you can become an Owner at Dancing Bear Aspen and enjoy all that this cultural mecca has to offer, contact our Ownership Representatives at [email protected], call 970.920.2510 or stop by our sales gallery at 411 South Monarch in downtown Aspen.

Dancing Bear Aspen celebrated the 30th annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen in June with a series of special events at Aspen's premier Private Residence Club. The Launch Party on Thursday, June 14, served as the unofficial kick-off to Food & Wine weekend where guests enjoyed appetizers, drinks and unwinding under the stars on Dancing Bear Aspen's rooftop terrace. Ownership Representatives led tours throughout the model residence and distinctive amenities, DJ Cerius provided infectious beats and the Exposed Photo Booth captured the spirit of the grand celebration.

The Fly. Drive. Reside Party with Sentient Jet, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars & Timbers Resorts presented an evening of style, luxury and prestige at Dancing Bear Aspen on Food & Wine Friday. Guests test drove Rolls-Royces, savored dishes from Timbers Resorts executive chef Sergio Howland of The Sebastian - Vail, sipped flutes of Veuve Clicquot in the Sentient Jet Lounge, enjoyed 32 Winds Wine from Sonoma, danced under the tent and topped it off with Godiva chocolates.

On Saturday, June 16, Dancing Bear Aspen hosted A Toast with Timbers Resorts - essentially an evening wine tasting with special vintages from Timbers Resorts' properties, as well as from our partners at The PlumpJack Group. Lance Thompson and Gary Obligacion from The Sebastian - Vail spoke to each varietal as guests toured five different varietals from Napa to Tuscany.

Click on the links above to view photo galleries from each of the memorable occasions.

Timbers Resorts' four Colorado properties are all within easy reach of two must-see day trip destinations - Leadville and Glenwood Springs.  While staying at One Steamboat Place, The Sebastian- Vail, Dancing Bear Aspen or The Timbers Club, take a short drive  via the scenic Rocky Mountain highways to each of these towns for a mid-trip change of pace.

1. Leadville lies an hour south of Vail Village, along the winding and mountainous Highway 24. The highway itself is a designated scenic byway, offering jaw-dropping views of steep mountain ravines, running streams and long waterfalls.

You can also spot the ruins of historic Camp Hale -- a military training and ordinance facility active from 1942 to 1965. The area is now part of the White River National Forest.

Leadville itself features an array of Victorian buildings, geological exhibits and unmatched antiquing. Visit the Mining Museum while you're there. The historic footprint of Leadville isn't limited to just the town. A handful of ghost towns -- including the Climax Molybdenum Mine and surviving buildings -- dot the area nearby.

The Leadville summer race series has put this town on the map with its 100-mile mountain bike race, 100-mile running race and variety of other high country competitions.
2. Glenwood Springs is a resort community featuring the largest hot springs in the world. Have a soak or enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this town just over an hour west along Interstate 70. Like other tourist towns in Colorado, you'll find more than enough opportunities for shopping or  dining.

The area hosts a variety of hiking and biking trails, many part of the national "Rails to Trails" effort that converts unused railroad tracks into public pathways. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy a two-mile day hike up to Hanging Lake. The trail is steep, but relatively short and well-maintained.
Glenwood Caverns, also in Glenwood Springs, is the largest cave open to the public in Colorado. Tours range from easy explorations to "wild cave" tours for dedicated spelunkers. You'll see alien structures that are millions of years old, like King's Row and The Black Grottos. Above ground, the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offers a discovery center, thrill rides and a laser tag arena.

For information on how to spend your time in Colorado, contact the concierges at any of our properties at [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].

Aspen and the Arts. Nestled in all the alpine charm of what is Colorado's best-loved skiing resort community, the home of Timbers Resorts' Dancing Bear Aspen is a haven as well for music, art, and culture.

It is a notion that Timbers Resorts cherishes, and one that Owners and guests are invited to discover when they explore the environs of their private residence club.

Because coming to Aspen is not just about that rare and all-important retreat. Of course there are the amenities: unique boutiques, fine dining and fine wine, spectacular scenery. The Aspen Idea of uniting mind, body, and spirit are nourished by all of these things. The team at Timbers Resorts is especially excited to highlight an example of what is also the best in performance offered by Aspen. Enter the Aspen Music Festival & School.

Dancing Bear Aspen is proud to support this important pillar of culture and education as an Encore Sponsor of one of its 2012 summer programs. On Sunday, July 29, Dancing Bear Aspen will be the underwriter of a special concert and post-performance reception, inviting Owners and guests to premier seating at the show with an invitation to join for an exquisite VIP reception afterward.

The details:

Date: July 29, 2012 || Time: 4 p.m. || Venue: Benedict Music Tent || Reception: Dancing Bear Aspen patrons meet in the VIP tent

On July 29, conductor Manfred Honeck — acclaimed music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra —  leads the Aspen Festival Orchestra on a journey through Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, op. 83 and Richard Strauss' Ein Heldenleben (A Hero's Life), op. 40.

Pianist Yefim Bronfman and violinist Robert Chen are featured.

The pianist, Bronfman, won a Grammy in 1997 for his Bartók recordings. The violinist, Chen, is concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and has won top prizes in major musical competitions around the world. He has collaborated with Itzhak Perlman and Yo Yo Ma, among others.

Dancing Bear Aspen Owners are invited as guests to this remarkable night. Contact Audrey Allen at Dancing Bear Aspen via email or by calling 970.920.2510 for details and visit the Festival's site to see all the offerings. We'll see you at the encore!

The Pro Cycling Challenge is ready to roll back into town. From August 22–23, Dancing Bear Aspen celebrates the return of one of the country's premier two-wheeling sports events when Aspen plays host to two stages of the race. The USA Pro Cycling Challenge brings 135 of the world's best riders into one competition, and it boasts what may be the most challenging course ever offered on American soil. Here's how you can enjoy it from the vantage of our luxury vacation homes.

The Race

In a seven-day test of skill and pedaling endurance, August 20–26, the participants in the Pro Cycling Challenge tackle nothing less than the Rockies. In its inaugural year, in 2011, almost 1 million spectators watched the drama unfold. This summer promises to be an equally breathtaking 683-mile ride.

Originally envisioned by Colorado governor Bill Ritter and Lance Armstrong, since its start, the race has been a source of Colorado pride.

“The USA Pro Challenge was an event that shined an international spotlight on Colorado,” said current Governor John Hickenlooper to race officials. “Any expectations we had for success were surpassed ten-fold.  We want race week each August to be known as a Colorado Cycling Holiday to attract visitors from all over the world and to celebrate Colorado, good health and cycling.”

Dancing Bear Aspen and the Pro Cycling Challenge

Not only is Dancing Bear Aspen a bronze sponsor of the PCC, our luxury residence property provides a dramatic vantage as the riders pass through Stages 3 and 4.

Aspen is home to what's known as the race's Queen Stage. Cyclists will ascend well outside of most rider's typical altitudinal comfort level, climbing and descending mountain roads at thousands of feet.

It's here you'll find the opportunities to get up close with the action alongside the course that winds through Aspen's downtown It's here at the Stage 3 finish line, and the start of Stage 4, that you'll be able to brush shoulders with the athletes. All the excitement — and elegance — you'd expect while in Aspen, a venerable cycling capitol of Colorado - and at Dancing Bear Aspen, the most luxurious private residence club in town.

Owners at One Steamboat Place and The Sebastian - Vail can also watch the race when it rolls through Colorado by following the 2012 route.

To discover the exquisite lifestyle at Dancing Bear Aspen, visit our site, cycle on over to 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].