As the current season is dominated more by marketing than actual deal making, our efforts are undeniably helped by the coat of snow applied over the past few days as well as the call for several feet to come from a series of storms due in next weekend.  While there is no marketing quite as effective as snowfall, a significant volume of media attention being paid to Northstar and the region in recent weeks has created great exposure.

 Several examples seek to stoke demand for skiing with details on all that is new for the coming season:

 

San Francisco Chronicle, Al Saracevic and Michelle Devera – Oct 27

Building anticipation for ski season

http://articles.sfgate.com/2011-10-27/sports/30331187_1_ski-season-heavenly-and-northstar-lel-tone

 

7x7.com, Dan Giesin – Oct 18

Tahoe’s Northstar Changes Its Name

http://www.7x7.com/tahoe/tahoes-northstar-changes-its-name

 

Examiner.com, Jeffrey Weidel – Oct 17

What’s Shaun White worth? An estimated $7 million a year in endorsements

http://www.examiner.com/skiing-in-san-francisco/what-s-shaun-white-worth-an-estimated-7-million-a-year-endorsements

 

San Francisco Chronicle (Slope Dope Blog), Al Saracevic – Oct 13

Northstar adds terrain – 170 skiable acres

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/10/13/SP011LH00S.DTL

 

First Tracks Online Ski Magazine – Oct 8

$30 million in capital projects underway at Northstar-at-Tahoe

http://www.firsttracksonline.com/2011/10/08/30-million-in-capital-projects-underway-at-northstar-at-tahoe/

 

While others, perhaps more importantly, come from travel pieces that introduce the region to consumers beyond our typical feeder market:

 

Yahoo! Sports, S. Alexander Cooke – Oct 27

Top U.S. Ski Vacations for 2012

http://sports.yahoo.com/ski/news?slug=ycn-10299645

 

While travel and ski publications provide remarkable exposure for the region, the real story is one that better served for the Business Section. The following article details a fascinating presentation from the leaders of Northstar, Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows, and Homewood as they describe their plans for the future of their respective resorts and the region at large.

 

http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20111101/NEWS/111109986/1066&ParentProfile=1051

 

The benefit of all this investment will likely unfold gradually in the form of a rising tide for the entire region. Nonetheless, the upgrades of both facilities and service at the resorts will immediately help to elevate their stature in a manner consistent with the direction of real estate; an evolution towards a more luxurious market.  The oft-reported success of Martis Camp, noteworthy sales of premium homes in Big Springs at Northstar as well as the launch of the Northstar Mountainside Residences this winter introduce just such an elevated class of luxury real estate.

 

Back to the reality of our current market, there are a few notable transactions occurring in anticipation of the season to come:

 

  • At Northstar, a marquee sale transacted at 2331 Overlook Place for $2,700,000.  A newly completed spec project, this home is but a few doors down from the neighborhood chairlift and offers long views of the Martis Valley. At $612 / square foot, this lays a strong baseline for the community.
  • Same neighborhood, other side of the spectrum, 1708 Grouse Ridge, a bank-owned property, is pending sale for $1,149,000 (asking). While sub-premium for location and quality, this represents an extraordinary opportunity to own in Big Springs.
  • Also a great value, 356 Skidder Trail near the Northstar Golf Course, closed escrow for $635,000. 
  • At Martis Camp, the “cabin” found on Lot #256 is pending sale for $2,345,000, scheduled to close escrow in two weeks.
  • Homesite #334 at Lahontan closed escrow for $89,000; a remarkable value for land in this setting.
  • W-38 at Gray’s Crossing closed escrow for $50,000; another deal that will prove remarkable in time.

 Pray for snow this week and a successful opening to ski season a week thereafter.

 Written by Steve Kegal, posted by Tim Lampe.