Aspen Updates from Sally Shiekman

I am regularly espousing the deep value of the Aspen, Snowmass, and the Roaring Fork Valley, and it is clear that I am not alone. 

It's time to dig out those skis and if you are ready to move closer to the lifts, give me a call. 

The Impact of Hero's Terrain Closure on Access and Local Real Estate

February 26, 2024
As a realtor with over 32 years of experience in the Aspen area, I've seen the ebb and flow of real estate trends, particularly how they intertwine with our beloved outdoor lifestyle. A recent development at Aspen Mountain has sparked conversation in both the skiing and real estate communities: the closure of certain backcountry access points around the new Hero's terrain.

Aspen Skiing Company, in response to both safety concerns and requests from adjacent landowners, has altered its traditionally open-boundary policy for this area. This decision impacts backcountry enthusiasts who cherish the freedom to explore beyond the ski area's boundaries but also highlights the complex relationship between private land rights, public access, and recreational use in our unique mountain setting.

For skiers, this means a change in how they can access and return from the backcountry areas surrounding Hero's terrain. While there is still a gate for reentry beneath runs marked as part of Hero's Chutes #1, the closure underscores the need for Quick read more or view full article awareness and respect for both the natural environment and private property rights.

From a real estate perspective, this development is noteworthy. The adjacent parcels, one of which is being marketed as a multimillion-dollar investment, illustrate the high value and desirability of land in this area. The closure may enhance the exclusivity and appeal of these properties, potentially affecting their marketability.

This situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance we must maintain in our mountain communities. As we strive to enjoy and develop the beautiful Aspen area, we must also consider the implications for safety, environmental preservation, and the rights of all stakeholders involved.

For those of us who live, work, and play in Aspen, these developments are more than just news items; they're changes in the fabric of our daily lives. Whether you're hitting the slopes, considering a real estate investment, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of our area, staying informed about these changes is crucial.

As we move forward, let's continue the conversation about how we can collectively ensure that Aspen remains a place where outdoor enthusiasts, residents, and investors alike can thrive.
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Sally recently helped my wife and I to purchase a building site in the Missouri Heights area. Sally made the purchase a great experience; she showed us much of what the valley had to offer over a several days time frame. Sally presented us with information on what was currently on the market. We have since purchase a property and are already projecting an increase in value. Sally has kept in touch since the purchase providing valuable information.
Donald Russell
Sally and her team were such a pleasure to work with. When deciding to sell our home, she gave some excellent advice on what we could do to improve how it shows without any pressure to do so. She’s a realist who tells it as it is and we very much appreciated that. She gave great advice when we asked for it, and led us to a surprise free closing on a timeline that worked best for us. If we are back in the roaring fork valley again, Sally will be our first call!
Josh Meyer
Sally is a true professional. Her open manner, honesty and knowledge of the real estate market are outstanding. I would highly recommend her to any potential buyer or seller in the valley.
Nancy Albert
Sally was very professional, persistent without pressuring, and handled all details necessary to complete the sale. When it came time to sell that property and purchase another, although both my husband and I had become good friends with many other local realtors, we both felt strongly that Sally should be our listing and buying agent.
Anne & Mark Grice
I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for the fantastic job you did in helping me find a home. I had been through the process several times before, and my experiences have been mixed. However, after working with Sally, I believe I have truly seen someone who wants to consistently provide the absolute best service for their client. Sally’s professionalism, concern for my specific needs, and consistency in following-up on every detail went beyond my expectations.
Scott Crawford
We feel that Sally is always looking out for our best interests. She has a great knowledge of the market, is diligent, honest and has integrity. We would not consider making another move with out Sally’s help. She is the best!
Gigi & Tim Durand
The most important thing that Sally did for us was to make us comfortable with the experience. She answered all of our novice questions and understood that we were truly starting from the beginning. She showed us a wide range of property so that we had a full view of the valley real estate market.
Jenny & Simon Elliot
Through Sally’s efforts our transactions went through without any problems and we received the highest sales price for a unit of our size in the complex. Sally is a true professional in all respects and provided us with top quality service. She made the process easy and painless. Should we ever require a real estate broker in the future, you can be sure we will call Sally.
Kim Nuzzo and Eileen Kinkelaar
I highly recommend Sally Shiekman as a realtor. She was always available to answer any questions I had and was on top of every deadline in the contract. I am a busy mortgage lender and so I appreciate Sally’s attention to detail, integrity and genuine concern.
Karen E. Crepps
I received your gift card, and want to express my appreciation. Quite a nice surprise! Also to acknowledge all your help with our transactions and rentals over the past few years. It turns out that, directly and including the new Tahoe home, you were involved with five different properties we have had owned over the years. (And you have seen Owl Meadows as well, making six.) Which is quite a few for small time investors. You got us out of the properties we needed to get out of, and into one that was just fine for as long as we needed it. Then out again, as we moved on. We hope to see you on our next Aspen visit. And we will toast you at Valenti’s!
Tom & Jan Restaino
Sally was so good to work with during our entire home buying process. We know we took a lot of her time getting to know the market and what was available. I can't say enough good things about her and her interactions with us. Her communication was so very helpful, and she always followed up. She either responded immediately to calls, texts, and emails or let us know when she could get back to us. We highly recommend using Sally.
Dave Shinneman
Sally worked with us to understand our needs, out architectural preferences, and our financial capabilities. She patiently showed us properties from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, and we fell in love with our house in Carbondale.
Randi Lowenthal
Sally Shiekman has acted as my real estate broker in 4 different transactions. Her professional manner, close attention to the market and new additions to it, attention to detail, and willingness to do what it takes to find the perfect buyer and/or property make her an exceptional broker.
Margo Chisholm
Sally brokered both sides of our first home purchase this last fall. We felt that Sally always had our best interest in mind, carefully and thoughtfully explained the unknown to us (as novices) and took the time to help make this monumental life moment easy for us. Furthermore, her services didn't stop after we closed, she still checks in to ensure we are comfortable and settled in. She is a wonderful resource to connect with regardless of your home purchase needs. We are forever thankful the Sally Shiekman was our real estate agent and in our corner, thank you!!!
Brooke Benton
I want to thank you for all the work you did to sell my Aspen condo. Now that I have worked with you as a buyer and a seller, I am definitely impressed with your professionalism. I know that you are busy, but you are very organized and thorough so that your clients get excellent service. I think the hardest part of any real estate deal is negotiating a contract and getting that contract to closing. I appreciate you helping me get a full price contract with only minor contingencies, and then following each deadline so that nothing fell through the cracks.
Betty Hoye
Sally always carefully explained each part of the selling/buying process, answered every question patiently, and was completely honest about the possible outcome(s) of the entire event. Buying/selling a home is an emotional and exciting time; Sally has the ability to keep things calm while retaining that important sense of excitement.
Wally & Kris Graham
Sally went above and beyond to at first find us a home to suit our needs and finally to sell our home in a timely manner… Sally guided us through all of the details of our sale and was a terrific advocate for us in the process. We wouldn’t consider using anyone else in the future.
Ericka & Joseph Meade
Sally was there with guidance throughout the process of purchasing our home in Snowmass Village. She is knowledgeable about the markets from Aspen to down-valley. We definitely recommend Sally for anyone who is looking for a real estate professional.
Dan & Judi Smith
Sally is the best. We have worked with her twice. Accept no substitute!
Jackson Emmer
Sally is a consummate professional who knows her market and takes great pride in being thorough, direct, and positive. I was particularly impressed with her ability to balance patience with execution, given the property we were selling was quite old. I also appreciated the frankness around expectations, and I am sure that pace of closure for our sale agreement in a matter of days, was due to her. If you want to best, she is it.
Buck Byrum
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