Updates from Sally Shiekman

One of the things I love most about living and working in the Roaring Fork Valley is how much care we take in evolving while staying grounded in what makes this place so special. Snowmass is a perfect example—and this summer, it’s undergoing one of the most exciting transformations I’ve seen in years.

Aspen Skiing Company has announced nearly $80 million in infrastructure upgrades at Snowmass. If you ski here regularly—or even if you just visit now and then—you’ll feel the difference.

What’s Changing?

The Elk Camp Lift is getting a full upgrade, transforming into a high-speed six-pack that will increase lift capacity by 50%.

The Cirque Poma Lift, beloved by expert skiers, is being replaced with a more efficient T-bar—again, doubling capacity.

Elk Camp Restaurant is adding a new outdoor (but covered) deck with 120 more seats.

And perhaps the biggest news of all: The iconic Ullrhof Lodge is being rebuilt from the ground up. The new design will feature three stories, seating for nearly 700 guests, and a sleek, modern mountain aesthetic—all-electric and future-ready. Expect it for the 2026/27 winter season.

But Summer Isn’t on Hold…

Construction may be underway, but Snowmass isn’t slowing down one bit. In fact, summer activities on the mountain are as vibrant as ever—and this year, there are a few new surprises.

Lift-accessed mountain biking is open from June 21 to August 4, with discounted bike park passes—just $200 for the full summer ($100 if you’re already a winter passholder).

Sunset Tuesdays are back with free gondola access and downhill bike races from 5–8 p.m.

Brand new this year: Friday Afternoon Club at Elk Camp, featuring live music, gondola rides, and food & drink specials every Friday until 6 p.m.

My favorite summer activity in Snowmass is the Thursday night concert series on the hill, with music starting at 6:30pm through August 21st. 

And of course, all your Lost Forest favorites are still here—alpine coaster, climbing wall, disc golf, ropes courses, zip lines, fishing pond, and plenty of ways for families to explore together.

Why This Matters (Especially for Buyers and Sellers)

Whether you’re looking for a second home, a mountain retreat, or a savvy investment, this kind of long-term infrastructure investment matters. It’s a clear signal that Snowmass isn’t just a seasonal ski town—it’s a year-round destination with growing appeal. With world-class upgrades, expanded amenities, and a stronger summer offering than ever, Snowmass is stepping into its next chapter—and that could mean real opportunity for buyers.

If you’re curious about how these changes could affect home values, rental potential, or your own long-term plans in the Roaring Fork Valley, let’s talk. I’m always happy to share what I know—and to help you find your perfect fit in a place that just keeps getting better.

Let me put my Mountains of Experience to work for you.

— Sally
sally@sallyshiekman.com
970-948-7530

The Hottest Real Estate Markets in Q1 2025*

Across the country, the 2025 spring real estate season has been sluggish. In April, U.S. existing-home sales fell 0.5% to an annualized rate of 4 million, the weakest April since 2009 (National Association of Realtors, May 22, 2025). Even as inventory rose 21% year-over-year, a national median home price of $414,000 and mortgage rates climbing back toward 7% have dampened activity in many markets.

But Aspen? The Aspen real estate market functions uniquely, driven by factors that set it apart from national trends, influenced by lifestyle, scarcity, and global demand.

Here in the Roaring Fork Valley, we’ve seen a modest bump in listings—about 8% by local estimates—but buyer interest remains steady. And while most of the country is dealing in the $400K range, Aspen’s single-family home prices are averaging around $4,000 per square foot, according to the most recent report by Andrew Ernemann of Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty (April 2025). That equates to median home prices well into the multi-million-dollar range, depending on size and location.

Aspen vs. National: April 2025 Real Estate Snapshot

 

	Metric National (April 2025)	Aspen (April 2025)
Median Home Price	$414,000	Varies by size; ~$4,000/sq ft
Year-over-Year Inventory Growth	+21%	+8%
Homes Sold in Under 30 Days	60%	~50%
First-Time Buyer Share	34%	~5%

Market Insights

Nationally, 60% of homes sold in April went under contract in less than 30 days. In Aspen, that figure is closer to 50%, but it varies dramatically at the high end. Many luxury listings take longer to sell—not because there’s no demand, but because these homes are highly unique, and buyers are deliberate.

The share of first-time buyers nationally hit 34%, the highest since 2020. In Aspen, however, first-time buyers make up just a small slice of activity, closer to 5%, as our market is driven by seasoned investors, second-home seekers, and long-term lifestyle planners.

What Does It Mean for You?

If you’re a seller, this is still a favorable time to list—particularly if your property is updated, priced appropriately, and well-presented. Buyers are active, but selective.

If you’re a buyer, you may benefit from a bit more negotiating room than you had in the ultra-frenzied years of 2021–2022. That said, high-quality homes in desirable locations still sell quickly.

Aspen may not follow national trends, but understanding both perspectives helps us make more innovative moves locally. Whether you're thinking of buying, selling, or simply staying informed, I'm here to help.

Let me put my Mountains of Experience to work for you.

~
Sally Shiekman
Aspen Realtor | Over 33 Years
Mountains of Experience
Aspen Snowmass | Roaring Fork Valley

If you’ve flown into Aspen, you know the airport is one of the most scenic—and sometimes most stimulating—arrival experiences in the country. Now, it's about to get a serious upgrade.

Starting in 2027, the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport will close its runway for a major realignment project, expected to last from March through October of that year. The goal? To meet updated FAA safety standards and make room for larger aircraft. While that means some short-term inconvenience, especially for summer travelers, it’s a bold investment in Aspen’s long-term future.

Alongside the runway improvements, a brand-new terminal is in the works—designed to be more efficient, environmentally responsible, and better equipped to handle our unique seasonal flow. The design phase kicks off in 2025, and if all goes to plan, the terminal will open around 2028. I’ve seen some of the early concepts, and they look like a modern gateway that reflects Aspen’s beauty and sustainability values. You can learn more at https://www.aspenairport.com/. 

This matters more than you might think. For second-homeowners and full-time residents alike, airport accessibility is a key part of property value—and this upgrade is a signal that Aspen is serious about remaining a world-class destination. I also expect these improvements to shift some real estate trends temporarily. For example, Aspen and Snowmass Village may see more interest in 2027 from travelers rerouting or extending stays.

In the meantime, alternative airports like Eagle (EGE), Rifle (RIL), Grand Junction (GJT) and of course Denver (DEN) will help fill the gap. I’ll be keeping close tabs on how this might affect travel timelines, rental traffic, and buyer interest across the Roaring Fork Valley.

If you’re curious about how these changes might impact your property—or your plans to buy—reach out. I’m happy to help you navigate the local market, even when the flight path changes.

Let me put my Mountains of Experience to work for you.

~Sally