As spring’s warm temperatures stirs our golfing desires, Talisker Club is excited to make a few announcements in preparation for the 2013 Golf Season. Several weeks ago, the club held a Farewell to the Tent event in preparation for the home of Tuhaye’s golf operations to move to a temporary location. Talisker Golf at Tuhaye will be located in the Morningstar Cabin (the Red Cabin) in the heart of Talisker Club Park while new Clubhouse construction continues. The course opened on Friday, May 10th to glorious spring weather.

From weekly events to signature tournaments, Talisker Golf is committed to creating memories and providing the same great personable service!  With many familiar faces returning to golf operations for another season, Talisker Club members can count on instant familiarity.

With the end of the 2012/2013 Park City ski season here, the big question changes from “How was your ski season?” to “How is your business doing?”  Of course, many people think that real estate statistics provide the pulse of our economy, so here’s my take.

The good news is … well… GOOD.  Many of us are feeling good about how things are going and cautiously optimistic that the market will be GREAT soon.

The real estate market is starting to show some very optimistic signs that the full recovery is just around the corner.  The reason I say “some” signs is that not every category is showing 100% positive trends yet.  However, the leading indicators – price and volume of Single Family homes (SF) – are so strong, it is impossible to characterize the overall market as anything below GOOD.

It’s amazing news to see that the Average Price of a Single Family (SF) Home in Park City market has eclipsed the $1,000,000 mark year-to-date.  This is a critical indicator that many homebuilders have been waiting to see.  Homebuilders simply can’t afford to build new homes in the mountains if the average isn’t above this critical number.

The Condominium (CO) segment doesn’t seem to have the same robustness as the SF group.  Volume is down slightly and average price is up very slightly.

However, the Vacant Land (VL) category appears to be the one undergoing the most significant growth.  There was such a positive trend in volume and average price in 2012 that many of us didn’t anticipate another such year in 2013.  A 45% increase in unit volume, year-over-year, is a huge gain!  Location is also important here.  Last year was mostly dominated by sales of distressed home sites in Promontory.  This year, the Promontory area has actually seen a 40% decrease in unit volume year to date.   This indicates that homebuilders and spec builders are looking all over the Park City area to continue the rebound.

The numbers certainly tell a good story.  I also think they are saying is that it is time to get in and buy … before I am writing about GREAT numbers that may make you and many buyers may feel like you missed the wave.

‘Clicquot in the Snow’ showcased the classically styled, full-bodied Yellow Label champagne alongside the impeccable cuisine of The Farm’s award-winning kitchen.  Chef Zeke Wray designed small bites with a creative play on bubbles, including: Champagne Crème Fraiche Ice Cream Cones with Blueberry Caviar,  Veuve Compressed Melon with Crispy Prosciutto and Champagne Braised Mushrooms in Filo Cups.

Guests mingled inside and out of the restaurant.  Although there was some concern early in the day that it would be too cold, the sun came out on Ski Beach.  Once the champagne started to flow, worries washed away and everyone seemed to stay war m and jovial.  One guest raved that the event was “a balanced mix of elite and approachable.  The Farm and Veuve Clicquot are  perfect partners .”

Revelers enjoyed the food and drink right up to the last drop – literally.  Not one bottle of Veuve Clicquot was left in the building by the end of this soiree.

Cheers to Spring Veuve!  A votre santé!

A hot new nightlife spot made an icy debut this winter at Waldorf Astoria Park City’s Slopes restaurant. The Powder Champagne Ice Lounge was a 14-foot bar made fully of carved ice adorned with sculpted ice furniture. Guests stayed warm with cozy fur blankets while sipping chilled glasses of champagne. The Ice Lounge served champagne by the bottle, glass and flight, and included live entertainment and passed hors d’oeuvres. Meantime its antithesis, the poolside Scoop, is gearing up to make a splash with ice creams, gelatos and other specialty drinks for the hot summer season.

One compelling reason for people to purchase at the Waldorf Astoria Park City is the access to year-round on mountain activities. What was new this winter?

Canyons Resort has undergone tremendous transformation in the last two years, starting with the Orange Bubble Express heated seat chairlift, the new terrain at Iron Mountain, countless family-friendly activities and exciting dining options. This winter saw the introduction of a charming boutique for the younger set – Canyons Kids. From goggles and gloves to board games and an old-fashioned wall of candy, kids and parents loved it.  There were also several new dining concepts including Murdock’s Café, a great family-friendly restaurant with grinders, burritos, salads and specialty drinks throughout the day; and Drafts, a traditional sports bar with burgers, pizzas and more than 20 beers on tap. Guests and owners love the new Waldorf Ski-back trail which complements the Waldorf Gondola. Canyons truly has become a “destination” in its own right in Park City!

What’s new with Canyons Golf Course?

Construction on the golf course saw a dozen holes graded last fall.   We also acquired nearly 60 acres of additional land which we are using to revise the golf layout from a 6,200 yard resort course  to a spectacular 7,000 yard mountain course that captures the scenic beauty of the Wasatch Mountains.

Are there other changes that signify Waldorf Astoria Park City is the hub of its own thriving community?

With more year-round residents and more than a dozen sales in the past year, Waldorf Astoria truly is becoming a community. Our spa and fitness facilities have always been popular with owners, guests and local members.  We were very pleased that the Waldorf Astoria Park City has received the coveted Forbes Travel Guide 4 Star Rating. This accolade confirms the impeccable service and facilities in our property.   Slopes and Scoop are developing loyal clientele. In fact, Slopes was recognized in Travel + Leisure as one of North America’s Top 10 New Hotel Restaurants. Powder Lounge was a great hit this winter, especially with the addition of the Veuve Cliquot champagne ice bar this past winter which created a buzz.

Tell us about the growth in the overall residential housing market in Lower Canyons Village.

All of the resort improvements by Canyons have triggered a wave of development and construction activity.  Last summer Canyons Resort Drive, the front door of the resort, received a makeover. This summer will see the construction of Lower Village Road extending from Frostwood Drive through to White Pine Canyon Road, the entry to The Colony. Juniper Landing and Fairway Springs, two townhome projects west of the Waldorf are both moving forward with new construction, and a Wyndham Vacation Resort is soon to break ground.