For several months, Peak Properties and Triumph Development have been working on the details of a joint venture to bring Peak into the Triumph family of companies. As of July 8, 2011, we are excited to announce that the joint venture is in place and Peak Properties has become Triumph Mountain Properties!

Triumph Development, in conjunction with our sister company Ascent-Sotheby’s International Realty, is a full-service real estate company in the Vail Valley including development, architectural design, construction management, brokerage, and commercial property management. With the addition of the Peak Properties team, we are excited to add residential property management and vacation rentals to our scope of expertise.

As an organization, Triumph is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to our real estate customers and homeowners throughout the Valley. We are a company built on strong, lasting relationships with our customers and partners, and aim to be your trusted real estate advisors when it comes to Colorado Mountain real estate, regardless of your needs. We believe Peak Properties’ dedication to excellence, its commitment to customer service, and its niche in the property management business make it a perfect fit in the Triumph family.

Recognizing the strong relationship that clients have with Mike Connolly and Mary Ferero, they will continue to run and manage the business. Along with the rest of the staff clients of Peak have come to know, Triumph Mountain Properties will continue to look after the needs of Vail Valley property owners and vacation renters.

In the months following the transition, we plan to invest in upgrading our current technology platform to simplify and streamline logistics. We also plan to improve and target our marketing efforts to best reach today’s online customer. And we plan to draw on the resources of the Triumph family of companies – architectural design, renovation design, construction management, brokerage or even redevelopment – to enhance the experiences our clients have here in the valley.

If you would like more information about the Triumph family of companies, please visit www.triumphdev.com. The contact telephone numbers for Triumph Mountain Properties remain the same as Peak’s – office is 970.479.9990, fax is 970.479.0619, toll free is 866.SKI.VAIL (754.8245). Mike Connolly can be reached via email on mikec@triumphmountainproperties.com, Mary Ferero on mary@triumphmountainproperties.com, and Triumph’s Chief Operating Officer Michael O’Connor can be reached on michael@triumphdev.com.
We look forward to seeing you here in Vail and Beaver Creek soon!

Moe’s BBQ: The ‘Bama boys that started Moe’s are on to something so good that Moe’s Original BBQ’s seem to be popping up everywhere these days, but the Original Moe’s Original started right here in Vail! Get your soul food fix with their delicious pulled pork sandwiches and side dishes sourced from family recipes that stay true to their Southern spirit; quite simply, this ma & pa place is low key, unique, and delicious.

Vendetta’s Pizza Bar: Yes, it’s always crowded and usually loud, but there’s a good reason: it’s full of locals telling tales of the sweet powder stashes they found late in the day (and mercilessly destroyed). Located on Bridge Street (let your nose lead you to the amazing pizza oven aromas wafting out the front door), try  to grab a seat in the pizza bar – you can people watch as you dig in to a couple slices of Snow Pig and wash it down with a cold lager. If you are lucky enough to be in Vail in Spring, the back patio next to the Lodge at Vail is a great spot to watch the action of the Village.  If you are however, trying to avoid the umm “interesting” things that can happen as après merges with late night in a beer soaked setting, make a reservation in advance for the full service restaurant that sits below the pizza bar. Often accompanied by live jazz, the restaurant offers the same great pizza, but with table service, and expanded dinner menu of old world italian favorites, a nice wine list, and the option of a kids menu.

Bully Ranch: Located in the posh Euro-styled Sonnenalp Resort, Bully Ranch has been a locals favorite since 1986. The limited kitsch “Old West” atmosphere provides a great environment to belly up to the bar and have some good old fashioned fun. The food at the Bully is really well executed (think bar food made by a famous French chef held gun point by Annie Oakley) a broad menu, big cowpoke portions, a little spice, and quality ingredients. If one fancies themselves a burger aficionado then the Black Angus monster called the “Definitive Burger” is a no-brainer pick.  Also, try the Nachos, they are the ultimate refuel after a big day in Blue Sky Basin; oh and while most might be used to saving the frozen concoctions for beach resorts, give the famous Mudslides a try, they might be the perfect alternative to that epic 1961 Château Margaux that you dropped a car payment on last evening.

Los Amigos: A perfect place for an après bite.  Good vibe, solid food, and exemplary people watching.  If it’s warm enough, make sure to sit outside on the South facing deck and take bets on how many people will miss making an edge on the always ice covered Pepi’s Face and slide helplessly all the way to the bottom (and yes, the author slid the face his first year in Vail to a roaring round of applause from the Amigo’s deck patrons). The menu covers all classic tex-mex dishes, but make sure to hit a carafe of the house margarita and try out some of their delicious fish tacos.

Tap Room: A locals’ haunt at the end of Bridge Street, casual dining often includes casual drinking and the Tap Room is typically a great choice for both food and drink specials. If burgers and chicken wings fit the bill for your evening, then Tap Room is your place. While their menu includes other entrees, I’ve never seen anyone actually eating Chicken Alfredo here, so I can’t speak to their other dining options.  We’ve heard the the wings pair nicely with a Coors and a shot of Patron, though!

A word of caution when keeping it casual in Vail. “Casual” in a ski town is often synonymous with “local” and our five favorites are certainly haunts of the locals and visitors alike. In Vail, the “locals” are the same guys/gals that sell you your lift tickets and tune your skis in exchange for low wages and legendary powder days. In short, most locals try not to take themselves too seriously, so if you can keep it casual and bounce from the bootle of rare vintage Champagne the night before to being able to gulp down the Champagne of Beers (aka Miller High Life) the next, you’ll fit right in!

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A SONG FOR UNPRETENTIOUS EATING: HOT SAUCE

(AS PERFORMED BY THE GREYHOUNDS)

If you wish to book any of these activities or have any questions, please feel free to contact the concierge at (970)479-9990, or shoot us an e-mail at info@peakpropertiesvail.com.

NEW CHAIR 5 VIDEO

When your legs are spent from carving up Vail’s legendary pow, you’ll be glad to find an exponentially shorter  lift line at the bottom (and bit quicker to the top so you can duck into Buffalo’s and refuel for more turns!!!)

As Thanksgiving approaches, I can’t imagine a better place to be, than in the Vail Valley. Aside from the traditional Thanksgiving activities of gathering family or friends for a bountiful feast, watching football, and enjoying the company of one another, Thanksgiving in Vail also means the beginning of a new winter season. The ski mountain, restaurants, and Peak Properties staff are ramping up for another winter season, preparing to bring to life the vacation dreams of our guests. It’s an exciting time and it’s also chalk full of activities to allow you to be thankful for the time you have to spend with your family this seasons.

Vail Mountain opens on November 19th, closely followed by Beaver Creek Mountain opening on November 24th. If you want to start feasting a day early, check out Beaver Creek’s famous chocolate chip cookie competition at the base of the mountain. Either enter your own recipe or taste them all vote on the top 5 cookies to decide which one will be served throughout the winter during the afternoon “cookie time” when warm cookies are handed out at the base of Centennial lift.

Thanksgiving morning, the family can burn off a few of those cookie calories with an early morning walk/run. The Riverfront Club, part of the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa, offers their annual “Turkey Trot”, a short run around the Avon area and Lake Nottingham.

For dinner, while several of the restaurants in the area offer Thanksgiving menus, consider the more intimate alternative of having your holiday meal catered to your vacation home. Several area caterers provide full Thanksgiving meals. A few favorites in the area include Allison Plummer Events (butternut squash flan anyone?) and the Gourmet Cowboy (spice up your table with a Cajun fried turkey). If you haven’t experienced the treat that is a catered Turkey Day meal, this season may be the time to try, as any group in a Peak Properties home who spends 4 or more nights will get an in home gourmet Thanksgiving dinner on the Peak Properties tab! Lay back and watch Football, ski, or whatever while we take care of the rest via a personal chef! (Click below to learn more)

TURKEY DINNER ON US

Popping out of the Turkey coma on Friday, the savvy shoppers of America swarm the malls on Friday morning, but the Vail Valley comes to life by those hitting the slopes. Get out and breathe in the fresh air of the Rocky Mountains and thank yourself for not being in the local Walmart by carving down one of North America’s favorite ski mountains. Cap off your day with the tree lighting ceremony in Beaver Creek, complete with traditional carolers, gingerbread competitions, and a personal visit from the big man himself, Santa Claus.

Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating family, friends, and tradition. I can’t think of a more beautiful location for Thanksgiving than the Vail Valley, and I can’t imagine a better place to take your turkey induced nap than in a Peak Properties luxury rental home. for creating more memories and for kicking off the holiday season while kicking off the ski season. Eat, Drink, and be Merry.

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BE THANKFUL FOR THE GREAT PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE, TAKE SOME TIME TO REFLECT OVER SOME GREAT JAZZ WHILE ENJOYING  A BIG GLASS OF RED WINE

A SONG FOR THE BEGINNING OF WINTER: NOVEMBER 15

(AS PERFORMED BY KENNY GARRETT)

Take a hike. A great thing about Colorado hikes is that you can do them over and over again in one year and see something different every time. Our flora and fauna change so quickly with the varying temperatures at altitude that the same hike you did in May to see the rushing run off of spring’s waterfalls can hold some of the most brilliant fall color landscapes in September. Booth Falls is a local favorite, easily accessible from the east Vail exit, the trail head puts you at the base of a steady climb up one of the many nooks and crannies that our area has to offer. It’s about 4 miles round trip and will take you 1,800 feet up in elevation to Booth Falls, now a humble trickle of water over rock compared to the raging waters it spews forth in the spring. Along the way, you’ll meander through golden aspen forests and experience breathtaking views of Vail Mountain from afar. This hike is great for all ages, but for the less acclimated with altitude, the elevation gain may be a little challenging in some sections. It’s worth the trek uphill to breathe in that crisp fall air and let your senses take over when the sounds of I-70 fade away and the quiet beauty of fall takes center stage. If you stay in one of our flagship 4 bedroom vacation rental homes: 2975 Manns Ranch Road, this trail is actually less than 200 yards from your front door!!

Get your Oom-pah-pah on. September in Vail also means Oktoberfest season, which gives us all a great reason to, well, drink good beer. Vail Village and Lionshead host their nod to the Bavarian tradition September 10th – 12th. The beloved festivities include live music, juicy brats, gigantic steins (yes…of beer), keg tossing, and lederhosen. September 16th-19th is the Great American Beer Festival in the Denver area, so why not celebrate numerous samplings of suds for the whole month by spending a few weekends in Vail and then capping it off with the largest beer festival in America. Colorado is home to more than 100 microbreweries and events like the Great American Beer Festival and Vail’s Oktoberfest are a great excuse to break away from that national light beer and try something new and delicious. Missed the festivals, but still in the mood for microbrews? You can head to Edwards where Gore Range Brewery offers their own microbrews from Great Sex Honey Ale to Whitewater Wheat, brewed onsite and paired with a versatile menu of barbecue, sandwiches, and wood oven pizzas.

Eat up. Maybe it’s all the cornucopia decorations that start to come out in fall (or maybe I secretly wish I was preparing for a month long hibernation ending just before opening day), but fall seems to be a great time to eat copious amounts of richer, delicious foods. The good news is that many of the restaurants in the Vail area offer great “locals” specials during the fall season, further enticing me to store up some calories in preparation for the long winter ahead. Of my favorite fall dining items, soup has to be high on the list. A chef once told me that the true test of culinary expertise can be found in a chef’s soups and I happen to agree. Getting just the right blend of flavors is an art. One of my favorite, Sweet Basil’s corn chowder, is available on both the lunch and dinner menu. For more seasonal delights, try Dish in Edwards. Their tasting menu always offers the freshest and best of dsevery season. Palisade peaches are just about out of season, so get one more bite of summer in by ordering these up for desert paired with honeyed vanilla ice cream.

Drink up. Finally, after you’ve used up all of your fun tickets on mojitos, margaritas, and umbrella drinks, I think the fall season calls for some thing more classic. Here’s a great fall cocktail from one of my favorite new bartenders, Mike at the Colt and Gray in Denver (I can honestly taste the fall colors in every sip). If you want to extend the fall just a few weeks come down to Denver and try it for yourself! Autumn cheers to you!!!

The Brazilian Clipper**
2 ounces Boca Loca Cachaca
½ ounce Domaine Canton Ginger Liqueur
½ ounce Dolin Sweet Vermouth
1 bar spoon St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram
1) In a chilled mixing glass combine all ingredients, ice, and stir for 15-20 seconds (don’t shake!).
2) Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or coupe and garnish with a zest of orange.
**Created by Michael Henderson from Colt and Gray in Denver

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SONG FOR THE AUTUMN IN THE MOUNTAINS: HARVEST MOON

(AS PERFORMED BY NEIL YOUNG)

The home tour event raises money for tuition assistance at Vail Mountain School.  Over 33% of the 350+ students at VMS receive some form of financial assistance through the school’s own fund.  The home tour is one of the chief fundraising events each year to replenish this fund which allows the school to diversify its student population by providing assistance to families who might not otherwise be able to send their children to VMS.

This year, the properties on the tour include two condos in the new Solaris complex (on the site of the old Crossroads center), two homes along Beaver Dam Road (including 254 Beaver Dam Road which Peak is proud to manage), one at the bottom of Beaver Dam Circle, an incredibly unique home at 424 Forest Road, and a Penthouse condominium at the new Ritz Carlton Residences in Lionshead.

Lunch will be at Vail Mountain School and is once again being prepared by the incomparable staff of Larkspur Restaurant.  The school will also be the site of the Gourmet Pantry and a limited trade show for home tour magazine advertisers.  The Gourmet Pantry is an amazing collection of food items made fresh by VMS families available for sale to guests on the tour.

Peak Properties co-owner, Mike Connolly, is the chairman of this year’s tour and has been making the rounds on local television of late to promote the tour (Vail TV 8 and Plum TV).

To complement this year’s tour, Peak is running a special offer of 30-40% off select rental properties for stays including the day of the home tour, along with a pair of complimentary tickets to the tour itself.

If you plan on being in Vail over the weekend of September 19th we hope you will come out to take the tour of these great homes and to support the financial aid program at Vail Mountain School.

To learn more or make a reservation Call 970-479-9990!

The Basics
	Location:	Vail Pass
	Difficulty:	Easy
	Length:	11.2 Miles
	Highest Elevation:	11,080 Feet
	Time to Allow:	2.5 Hours

Directions to Trailhead

You will need two cars for the shuttle. First, leave one in Redcliff. To get there take I-70 west to Minturn – Leadville exit 171. Drive 10.5 miles east on Hwy 24 to Redcliff, turnoff before Turkey creek bridge. Shrine Pass Road (where your ride will end) is the first left, 0.6 miles after turnoff. Do not park on private property in town. Leave the second car at the Vail Pass Rest-Area, this is where the ride begins. To get to the pass take Interstate 70 east 12.5 miles from the Middle Vail (Village) Exit. TOPOGRAPHIC GUIDE (click)

Lost Lake Trail

The Basics
	Location:	Red Sandstone Road
	Difficulty:	Advanced
	Length:	12.7 Miles
	Highest Elevation:	10,248 feet
	Time to Allow:	4 to 5 hours
	Season:	Late May – October

Directions to Trailhead
	Off Interstate 70, take Exit 176 for Vail. Turn to the north and proceed on North Frontage Road to Red Sandstone Road #700. Proceed up Road 700 to the first right turn (Forest Svc Road 786), which will be the Lost Lake 4 Wheel Drive Road. Park where you can but be cautious not to block any roadway or trample any flora/fauna! TOPOGRAPHIC GUIDE (click)