June 13 - 16, 2010 - Animas River Days

This event includes something for everyone from annual and new boating events, to local food fare, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, fly fishing and tying demonstrations to creative and interactive activities for the kids.

March 3-7, 2010 - The Durango Independent Film Festival

Bringing the Best in Independent Film to the Durango Community. Visit www.DurangoFilm.org for showtimes and locations.

February 26, 2010 - Chocolate Fantasia

All the chocolate your heart desires. Sponsored by Rocky Mountain Chocolate, Fort Lewis College and local restaurants and caterers. Festivities begin at 5:30 pm at the Fort Lewis College Student Union Ballroom. Call 970-259-1021 for more information.

December 31, 2009 - New Year's Eve Special Train

Enjoy a festive evening excursion onboard a turn-of-the-century Presidential-class train. Entertainment, hors d'oeurves, and a cash bar. Visit www.DurangoTrain.com for details and reservations.

December 31, 2009 - New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade

Celebrate the New Year with a torchlight parade down Purgatory Mountain, followed by fireworks in the base area.

December 18-20, 2009 - The Nutcracker Ballet

State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara returns for beautiful holiday tradition. Tightly choreographed dancing, enthralling costumes and relentless energy set to modern music. Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall, 2:00 & 7:00 pm. Ticket prices range between $25 - $30. http://www.durangoconcerts.com/ or (970) 247-7657

December 9, 2009 - Leahy Family Christmas

Celtic Canadian Christmas adventure with new and traditional music, dance and vocals. Leahy is a Celtic Canadian powerhouse of eight siblings each of whom a triple-threat of fiddle-driven music, dance and vocals. From sacred hymns and traditional carols to a smorgasbord of fiery reels and jigs, this program covers the full spectrum of the holiday. Come see it at the Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall at 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices between $23 - $37. http://www.durangoconcerts.com/ or call (970) 247-7657

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended Into 2010

The purchase date deadline for the Federal first time home buyer tax credit of up to $8,000 has been extended. All purchase contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

The amount of income someone may now earn has been increased and the criteria for buyers has been expanded for those purchasers who have already owned and occupied a primary residence for five conecutive years of the last eight years.

Limitations for all of these programs apply, it is a great benefit to those people purchasing homes in the next few months. Please contact me for more information.

Shane Dawson, Broker
(970) 769-2949 or shane@durango.net

SW Colorado Ski Resorts

Durango Mountain Resort (f/k/a Purgatory) is ranked as one of America's premier family-oriented ski resorts. Annual snowfall is about 260 inches per year with 85 trails on 1200 acres. Here are a few fun facts:

Elevation at Base: 8,793'
Elevation at Summit: 10,833'
Vertical Drop: 2,029'
Longest Run: 2 miles

Ski resorts in our area:

• Durango Mountain Resort - Top-notch family ski resort with varying levels of terrain. There is much more to do here than ski - check into snowboarding, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, tubing, sledding and more!
• Hesperus Ski Area - located about 10 miles west of Durango, it is a small, friendly and inexpensive place to ski day and night. Small, but challenging runs for advanced skiers, too. Lighted terrain until 9 pm, including snowboarder park; beginners area serviced by tow rope.
• Chapman Hill - in town on Floriday Road, a family-friendly venue for beginner and intermediate skiers - two tow ropes, ice skating rink, supervised warming house with warm drinks and snacks.
• Silverton Mountain - facility for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders with a 3,000 ft vertical drop. Guided skiing available.
• Kendall Mountain - Located in Silverton with family skiing, 2 sledding hills and free ice skating. Trails for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Telluride Ski Resort - 16 lifts plus gondola on 1,700 acres of powder.
• Wolf Creek Ski Area - Located east of Pagosa, it is a powder hound's haven with more snowfall than any other area in the state - appx 465 natural inches annually! Highway closures from snow storms may occur so check with the resort before leaving home.

December 12, 2009 - Bar D Wrangler Christmas Jubilee

Durango's much beloved cowboy crooners present a warm-hearted and fun-filled show that will inspire the entire family to remember the true meaning of the holidays. 7 pm at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. For more info and to buy tickets, call (970) 247-7657 or visit www.durangoconcerts.com. Our family had such a great, fun time at this last year - we'll definitely be there again!

Durango's Train Voted 3rd Best in the WORLD!

The Society of American Travel Writers, the world's largest organization of professional travel journalists and photographers, recently polled its members to come up with the top 10 most exciting and scenic train rides in the world. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad finished in third place! In first place was the Rocky Mountaineer that travels from Vancouver to Banff or Jasper, and in second place was the Glacier Express in the Swiss mountains. Way to go Durango!

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - Quick Facts

· The tax credit applies to first time home buyers only. A first time home buyer is defined as anyone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years.

· If held more than 3 years, the tax credit does not have to be repaid.

· The tax credit is calculated at 10% of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.

· Principal residences, purchased after April 8, 2008 and before December 1, 2009 qualify for the credit.

· Singles taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 may qualify for the full tax credit.

Consult your tax professional about how this credit can benefit you!

January 27 - 31, 2010 ~ Snowdown Festival

Snowdown -Snowdown "Life's a Beach," The 32nd annual Durango Winter Celebration, Costume Contest, and Parade. There is no shortage of fun during this week-long winter party. Festivities include parades with unique hand-made floats, the Snowdown Follies, and all the food and local beer you could ask for. For more information visit http://www.snowdown.org/.

Transit Center Opens

The Durango Regional Transit Center reflects the idea that, while there is no single answer to the transportation needs of the future, the role of the automobile will be shrinking. If nothing else, downtown's parking situation will see to that.

As such, the new center will accommodate a variety of mass-transit options, from the Trolley's serving Main Avenue and the Lift taking residents around town to inter-city buses. And it has racks for 150 bicycles. Clearly, the city envisions riders using the transit center not only to catch a bus, but to connect back and forth from buses to bikes, and as a center of urban biking itself. It is a vision that plays to the direction Durango is taking.

The city expects the center will qualify for certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, that the center meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards.

Lake Nighthorse

Lake Nighthorse, which is about 20% full, is being created by filling a human-made reservoir in Ridges Basin over the hill to the southwest from Bodo Industrial Park. The 120,000-acre-foot body of water, part of the Animas-La Plata Project, provides Animas River water for three Native American tribes and nontribal entities in Colorado and New Mexico.

While the budding lake has huge recreation potential - camping, hiking, boating, angling - current economic conditions have created a funding vacuum. The cost of developing recreation at the lake is estimated at $20-$25 million, not counting a boat ramp that is being funded by another source.

November 20 - December 27, 2009 ~ The Polar Express

The Polar Express™ - Come celebrate the holidays with non-stop service to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express™! Inspired by the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, come experience the magic of The Polar Express™. Read along with the story as the train makes it’s round-trip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot chocolate, and a treat. And, for those who believe, a special gift for each child. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas! Visit this web link (The Polar Express) for additional information and reservations. If you would like to speak with a reservationist please call 1-888-872-4607.

October 10 - 31 ~ Pumpkin Patch Express

Peanuts™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express - The Great Pumpkin Patch Express is coming to the D&SNGRR! Take photos with Snoopy, Charlie Brown and Lucy! Enjoy Storytelling, Live Music, Bouncy Trains, Temporary Tattoos, a Straw Bale Maze, Apple Scoop game, Bubble Station, Imagination Station and much more!!!! Visit this web link (The Great Pumpkin Patch Express) for additional information and reservations. If you would like to speak with a reservationist please call 1-888-872-4607.

October 1 - 4, 2009 ~ Cowboy Gathering

Cowboy Gathering - Poetry, Music and a Parade highlight the events downtown. Poets and musicians from throughout the country grace our intimate stage at the Diamond Circle Theatre, performing classic and contemporary poems and songs that will bring tears to your eyes and keep you in stitches.http://www.durangocowboygathering.org/

October 1 - 7, 2009 ~ Durango Heritage Celebration

Durango Heritage Celebration - Enjoy the history of Durango with the Victorian Era, the cowboys and the train. An event to highlight the town's colorful and diverse past, focusing on Durango's incorporation in 1881 to 1910. The purpose of the event is to benefit the community, educate those in attendance and, of course, bring joy to all who participate. http://www.durangoheritagecelebration.org/

September 26 - 27, 2009 ~ Fall Photo Special on the Train

The 20th Annual Fall Photo Special - Come see the majestic San Juan National Forest at its peak autumn color aboard the world famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! Be dropped off at carefully selected locations along the tracks and take photos as the train rolls by. Visit this web link (Fall Photo Special)for additional information and reservations. If you would like to speak with a reservationist please call 1-888-872-4607.

September 26 - 27, 2009 ~ Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest - Enjoy fall in downtown Durango with special events on Main Ave. Great food, local brews, pub crawl, live music, kids activities and more! 970-259-3583

August 30, 2009 - San Juan Brewfest

CookManFood is teaming up with the United Way of Southwest Colorado as well as Durango Mountain Resort on the 11th annual San Juan Brewfest to help break last years records and continue to make this one of the premier events in Durango. San Juan Brewfest will be held Sunday August 30 and gates will open at 2 p.m. and close at 6 p.m. They will have live music from A Dub Rock Band on Main Ave between 12th and 13th Streets in front of Buckley Park.

Durango, Colorado Land - How to buy it?

Many people have a dream of owning Durango, Colorado real estate. Specifically, they want to create their vision of an ideal lifestyle, be it town, ranch, farm, or resort property. There are many things to consider when on the quest for land that will provide you with the ideal locale and atmosphere for all your pursuits, so we thought a brief discussion would be helpful.

Think first of what your goals are for the land? Do you want to build a home? When? Do you want to hold the land for investment? How long?
In Durango, few people who come from elsewhere want to build immediately. Usually the quest for the perfect land begins a few years out. Experience says that plans may change, so remaining flexible, and looking at a good “exit strategy” up front will help make your decision one you can live with in the longer term.

Features of the land itself help establish priorities: What type of views are desired? What about water-is it just for the home or do animals, fishing rights, etc. need to be considered? Are there children and pets? How close to town/city amenities is necessary? What about topography- meadows and grasslands? rolling hills? forest and trees? And, for riders, hunters, hikers and the like, is the parcel close to public lands?

Access to land parcels can vary as some Durango area properties have seasonal access, usually meaning snowmobile only in winter. Roads in rural areas are usually gravel, either County and maintained by same, or private, with Covenants covering their maintenance by the group of owners. So, type of road, ownership and maintenance, and the grade/distance one has to travel should all be weighed. With that said, there are many, many options out there for Durango Land buyers.

(Are you making a checklist yet? It can be a good guide when looking online, or working with a broker to help find the right types of land.)

In the Durango area, ranch and recreational properties offering hunting, fishing, winter sports and rural lifestyle are located throughout La Plata County. Alpine climate with dense fir forests, aspens and close-up mountain views can be had in the North Animas Valley. Lots range in size from ¼ acre home sites, to many acre retreats. The Bayfield/Vallecito area is known for lush meadows, pines, and wide open views, with plenty of water. West Durango including Hesperus, can have big La Plata Mountain views, rolling pastures, creeks, and trees. South of Durango is a bit warmer and drier, with rolling grasslands, big mountain or valley views, and possible irrigation water.

No matter where the land is located, home sites are generally valued based on amenities, locale and aesthetics, such as views, water and infrastructure nearby.
Home sites vary from small lots in established subdivisions- town and rural- to 35+ acre parcels with roads and utilities. Acreage runs from small parcels to large 1,000 acre ranches. Ranch amenities vary greatly, and consulting a ranch sales expert can help target your search to what suits your needs.

In summary, owning land in Durango, Colorado offers you the opportunity to create your own vision and lifestyle, and can provide a lasting legacy for your family. Let us know what questions you have, we are at your service!

Posted by Shane Dawson and Marlene Gebhardt 6/10/2009

Hiking Mountain View Crest Trail

This is a truly amazing hike on up on Missionary Ridge in the Weminuche Wilderness Area of the San Juan National Forest in Durango, with 360 degree expansive mountain and lake views. The hike is considered moderate (long and high but not difficult) - it is 10 miles, starting out at an elevation of 10,600 feet and climbing to 12,998 feet.

Much of the hike is through beautiful meadows, with rocky ridge-line to your right and tall, skinny lodge pole pines to your left. Babbling mountain streams will appear often, as will the occasional prairie dog. The first lake you will see is Dollar Lake; this is approximately the half-way point of the hike.

As you tread on in the refreshing cool mountain air, you will come to a rather steep but easy climb. Be ready to be blown away once you reach the top of this crest! It feels like you can reach out and touch the majestic Needles (three “Fourteeners” – Eolus, Sunlight and Windom), as well as Pidgeon peak (13,972 ft) and Turret peak (13,835 ft). Wherever you look, you will see peaks beyond peaks through the saddles of these massive mountain ranges.

Once you are able take your focus away from these powerful monsters, you will spot two Caribbean-blue lakes: Ruby and Emerald. These jeweled lakes will come into better focus as you head left ¼ mile to the first rise (12,802 ft). There is a second rise another ¼ mile beyond that, called Overlook Point (12,998 ft). When you get to Overlook Point, you will be able to take in views Pear Lake and Webb Lake.

The Cost of Real Estate in the West

Take a look at how the average price of a single-family home, condominium, and parcel of land compares in mountain towns across the West:

Aspen, CO
Single Family: $ 5,312,281
Condos: $ 1,528,101
Land: $ 1,638,750

Telluride, CO
Single Family: $ 2,035,000
Condos: $ 1,239,521
Land: $ 1,479,375

Teton, WY
Single Family: $ 2,120,725
Condos: $ 887,438
Land: $ 1,493,518

Vail, CO
Single Family: $ 1,689,464
Condos: $ 1,502,810
Land: $ 457,187

Park City, UT
Single Family: $ 1,203,259
Condos: $ 875,998
Land: $ 940,267

Sun Valley, ID
Single Family: $ 1,183,070
Condos: $ 735,942
Land: $ 504,194

Steamboat, CO
Single Family: $ 838,409
Condos: $ 446,090
Land: $ 427,749

Durango, CO
Single Family: $ 379,640
Condos: $ 255,163
Land: $ 237,500

Source: Data reflects first-quarter 2008 sales; courtesy of Rocky Mountain Resort Alliance and the Durango Area Association of Realtors