They colored them in shades of Starry Night, and they speckled and splattered them in the style of Jackson Pollock. At Dancing Bear Aspen, there's new student-made artwork to be seen.

Mondrian, Keith Haring, and Joan Miró — the pupils at Aspen Community School invoked them all, creating a series of brilliantly hued bears for the paneling surrounding Timbers Resorts' new Mountainside project at Dancing Bear Aspen.

The Story of the Bears: Mountainside Panels

From kindergarten to grade six, some 100 young artists joined Hilary Forsyth, teacher at Aspen Community School, in imagining, crafting, and adding the vibrant collection to the paneling now on display. Supplied with a line drawing of one very happy bear, the students first discussed different ways that color and concept can work with an image.

"We discussed creativity and surface patterns," said Forsyth. "We discussed how artists can change the surface of a bear — by not coloring it just brown — and others will still know it's a bear. The artworks stemming from that discussion are hanging at Dancing Bear."

In addition to the theory behind the art, some classrooms dove into the history of the artists upon whose work they based the colorful bears.

"In grades five and six, students learn about the lives and artwork of 30 great masters in art history," Forsyth said. "Their Dancing Bear drawings had to have been inspired by one of these artists. There are students who referenced Starry Night by Van Gogh, Jackson Pollock splatter paintings, Mondrian minimalist works, Keith Haring, and imaginary works from Joan Miró, to name a few.

"I hope you have a chance to see their artwork," she continued. "Working with Dancing Bear to showcase student artwork in Aspen, in a public setting, is a wonderful opportunity for the students at the Aspen Community School."

Mountainside: The Big Picture (2014–15)

The students' work will remain a part of the site throughout the start and time of Mountainside's construction. For Timbers Resorts, it's another beautiful intersection of community, art, and an ongoing commitment to making our luxury fractional homes a place for both.

Looking ahead, when Mountainside is complete — joining the Parkside building — the new addition will create a whole new way for Aspen-lovers to make a home with us. The coming months will bring new amenities, new neighbors, and the crackle of progress as we approach a completion date in summer 2015.

What follow are some highlights of Mountainside, when complete.

• A brand new reception area in the tradition of Dancing Bear's artful and accommodating common spaces.
• One penthouse residence (4 bedrooms; 4.5 baths), measuring some 3,900 interior square feet and 2,700 exterior.
• 10 corner residences (3 bedrooms; 3.5 baths). Average size: 1,814 square feet.
• A new spa, featuring a grotto and a steam room.
• A new full-service restaurant and bar.
• A new ski locker room.
• An underground parking garage.

We hope you'll come see the artwork now, and the final product next summer. It's all a part of the evolving face of Dancing Bear Aspen, where our student-made panels are just the beginning of a much anticipated new chapter.

To learn more about ownership opportunities with Dancing Bear Aspen, please contact the sales team at 970.920.2510 or [email protected].

Aspen is ascending art-world walls, with the unveiling this month of the Aspen Art Museum's new facility. Tokyo architect Shigeru Ban, winner of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize earlier this year, designed the new museum building, a minimalist cube encased by a crisp patchwork of plywood strips, and triple-the-size of its predecessor.

The internationally renowned ski town's latest aesthetic enhancement adds an attractive new benefit to Dancing Bear Aspen residence club stays as a modern marvel amid the historic mining era buildings and classic luxury vacation homes common to the landscape.

The Grand Staircase, flooded with natural light.

W editor Stefano Tonchi, Tom Ford chairman Domenico De Sole and the head designer himself, and artists Richard Phillips and Marilyn Minter were among 600 attendees who flocked to the 10th annual ArtCrush Gala held on the museum's original grounds the weekend prior to the grand opening. An auction at the event raised $3 million while Ban himself led VIP museum tours of his masterpiece (his first-ever museum project, by the way).

The new AAM opened its doors on August 9 with a 24-hour party for the public with gallery tours, concerts inside and out, a silent disco on the roof, a meditation session and dream analysis, sunrise yoga and more.

A sophisticated wood-and-glass cube, protruding from downtown Aspen's core, the AAM has a mammoth rotating-room glass elevator that immediately lifts visitors to a rooftop sculpture garden, where an entrance foyer awaits and indoor space blurs with outdoor, separated only by sleek glass-sliding doors. The idea is, you pause first, to soak in the stunning panoramic views of Aspen Mountain, then scramble down through the six museum galleries, bathed in natural light beaming through skylights. Ban, the mastermind behind the design, explains that his intention was to create a feeling "like the experience of skiing—you go up to the top of a mountain, enjoy the view, and then slide down."

AAM Architect Shigeru Ban arrives at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Ban’s play on natural materials and effects—cool, gray cement floors; soft cardboard tubing; warm, woven wood; stark shade, glowing light—is magnificent and sure to rival the art works displayed within.

Catch-them-when-you-can rotating exhibits will spotlight works by New York-based Cai Guo-Qiang, German-born abstract painter Tomma Abts, installation artist Jim Hodges and German artist Rosemarie Trockel this fall, as well as an exhibit featuring humanitarian architecture works by Ban. Wrangle the kids and make a day of it—just be sure to check with the concierge first about the educational kids and family workshops (as well as Make Your Own Lift Ticket sessions) offered at the museum. Thanks to a lifetime donation from AAM patrons Amy and John Phelan, entrance will always be free of charge. Enjoy!

To learn more about ownership opportunities at Dancing Bear Aspen, please contact us at 855.920.2510 (toll free in the US) or 970.920.2510 (direct) or via email at [email protected].

We are pleased to introduce Timbers Jupiter as the newest property within the Timbers Resorts portfolio. Those who know Florida know Jupiter as the jewel of the Atlantic coast. In the center of this captivating setting lies Timbers Jupiter, a Private Residence Club nestled within the acclaimed 285-acre Trump National Golf Club and only minutes inland from the glistening shores of Juno Beach. Here, you’ll find championship golf on the Jack Nicklaus Signature course and world-class water sports, as well as a vibrant cultural scene, premier shopping and sensational dining.

The residence club includes 21 two-bedroom and 29 four-bedroom freestanding villas featuring a central spiral stairway and private plunge pools. Homes range from 1,900 sf. to over 2,900 sf. and are elegantly furnished with expansive lanais that include a built-in BBQ and views overlooking the course.

Every amenity and service is at hand, including a pool, tennis center and the award-winning spa. Owners at the Private Residence Club, formerly managed by The Ritz-Carlton, will now have access to the Timbers Reciprocity Program and an opportunity to trade their vacation time to visit other Timbers Resorts destinations.

For Club Reservations: 866.799.0663
For Real Estate Sales (toll-free): 866.578.9174
For Real Estate Sales (outside the U.S.): 970.510.6798

Referred to as “America’s Race,” the fourth annual USA Pro Challenge takes place August 18-24, 2014. For seven consecutive days, the world’s top cyclists race through the majestic Colorado Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure. For many Timbers Resorts Owners, cycling is a popular sport - both as spectators and as participants - and our properties in Tuscany, Sonoma and Colorado are surrounded by some of the world's best routes for road biking. The adventure concierge at each Timbers destination can arrange for gear, guides and more.

The 2014 Pro Challenge passes through Aspen (home to Dancing Bear Aspen), Snowmass (home to The Timbers Club), Carbondale (where Timbers Resorts' headquarters can be found), and Vail Village (home to The Sebastian - Vail). Previous years have also included Steamboat Springs (home to One Steamboat Place) and Bachelor Gulch (home to Timbers Bachelor Gulch).

Featuring a challenging course, this year's race spotlights the best of the best in professional cycling and some of America’s most beautiful scenery at the largest spectator event in the history of the state.

View our short video of the peloton passing through Carbondale today for Stage 2 as the riders were en route from Aspen to Crested Butte.

The luxury and service found at Timbers Resorts' private residence clubs are about more than accommodations - whether in the valleys of Sonoma or the mountains of Colorado, food and drink are a critical part of the vacation experience. At One Steamboat Place, the wine cellar is a hallmark of this slopeside residence club. At Mayacama, the Vintner Program and handsome wine cave showcase notable winemakers and collections.

When traveling, an invaluable resource to the oenophile are the opinions, articles, and reviews from Wine Spectator, one of the globe's best sources of wine news and opinion. The WS scale gives a quick overview of what to expect from a wine, but the scores are often misunderstood. The biggest misconception seems to come from wines scoring "88" or "89" - often thought to be a disappointing number! Instead, wines ranked from 85-89 are termed "very good: a wine with special qualities" - hardly the mark of stern criticism. An inexpensive 89 point pick may serve one's purpose (especially in a restaurant setting) with far more value than a pricey 91 pointer! For reference, here's the remainder of the scale:

• 95-100 Classic: a great wine
• 90-94 Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style
• 85-89 Very Good: a wine with special qualities
• 80-84 Good: a solid, well-made wine
• 75-79 Mediocre: a drinkable wine that may have minor flaws

While Wine Spectator's reviews were originally found only in their magazine, technology shifts have made the review archives easier to access, though with a bit of cost involved. The WineSpectator.com site allows access to both reviews and article archives for $5/month or $49/year. For mobile users, the magazine's new WineRatings+ app (available for iPhone and Android) allows one to search 300,000 reviews and vintage charts for $2.99/month.

There is a key tip to utilize when reading Wine Spectator reviews: don't just check the score, but also the taster's initials. The WS staff are very knowledgeable, but all have different palates and tend to favor certain styles over others. Fans of New World, fruit-forward wines, for example, would do well to follow the advice of James Laube, while fans of lean and crisp wine offerings may prefer the picks of Matt Kramer. Neither critic is wrong, but their choices are quite divergent.

Of course, while ratings are helpful, nothing takes the place of a conversation with a wine professional. Whether visiting with the winemakers at Castello di Casole or simply requesting a recommendation at the Truffle Pig at One Steamboat Place, Timbers Resorts respects your love of wine and will work to deliver a great experience during your visit.

To learn more about Timbers Resorts, please contact us at 800.941.4579 (toll free) or 970.963.4626 (direct) or via email at [email protected].

When making arrangements to set off on vacation, booking a pet sitter can be one of the bigger challenges to succumb. (Not to mention the separation anxiety felt from leaving Fido behind.) Since Timbers Resorts welcomes pets at several properties from Colorado to Italy, there's no need to be devoid of your furry companion.

At The Sebastian - Vail, you'll find friendly service and special pet amenities upon arrival, befitting of living in the lap of luxury. Similar to fellow boutique resorts such as the W (with their P.A.W. - Pets Are Welcome - program.), the Peninsula Beverly Hills (known to shuttle VIP pets to grooming appointments in Rolls Royces) and certain Trump Hotels (with their "Trump Pets" program), Timbers follows suit with pet-amenable properties in the U.S. (at The Sebastian and Dancing Bear Aspen) and Italy (at Castello di Casole).

At Dancing Bear Aspen, custom coats are available for dogs (sized small to extra large) during the colder months.

At The Sebastian, cats and dogs sleep soundly in memory-foam pet beds with freshly laundered covers (available in four sizes). Courtesy bags filled with toys and treats to chomp on can also be arranged, as can dog-walking. If needed, kennels can be provided, and for those exhausted after a long hike or walk, a pet masseuse can be arranged. From the moment guests check in, pets are warmly greeted, with welcome messages bearing their names on the chalkboard at reception.

Pet-lover guests approve. Larry Lauck, who recently enjoyed a stay with his family black Lab, Ellie, said, sure, the pooch had been pampered before, "but never in such stylish comforts as at The Sebastian," describing the residence club endearingly as "a dog's life."

Timbers takes prides in being open and inviting to guests' pets, says Ann Sutherland Lynch, director of sales and marketing at the resorts. The Sebastian is particularly of note, adds Lynch, with its offering of "doggie cocktails," including one called Bone Marrow, a beef broth concoction ravished by pets that also, as a side benefit, can bring pet owners together socially and provide a chance to mingle.

The Sebastian also has two dog parks nearby. One is about a mile and a quarter walk to Vail and the other is a lengthier trek of seven miles, to Avon. "In Europe, the dog park is a foreign concept," laughs Lynch, "but all the 4,200 acres of the property are fair game for the roaming." Be sure to mention what type of pet you are bringing on your stay, and its size, at the time of making your next reservation so that proper arrangements can be made.

To learn more about Timbers Resorts, please contact us at 800.941.4579 (toll free) or 970.963.4626 (direct) or via email at [email protected].

While fractional vacation ownership is the primary benefit at Timbers Resorts, it is far from the only lifestyle perk involved. Timbers Resorts has also partnered with preferred companies in the travel industry to make one's journey as interesting as the destination. Whether through private air travel with Sentient Jet or luxury car rental through Hertz, Timbers Collection Members are connected at every point on their trip.

The latest partnership in the "Getting From A to B" collection is with the craftsmen at BMW. From June through November 2014, Members enjoy preferred access to the BMW Ultimate Driving Experience Tour, an eight-city US tour visiting New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston. These events feature interactive displays, hands-on demonstrations, and more in a smart and premium environment. One of the highlights is a two-hour "Autocross," a ride and drive program offering attendees tips and tricks from professional instructors. Another is a four-hour "Teen Driving School" offering safety and skill tips to new drivers attending the clinic. A single-day "Car Control Clinic" will be held in some markets at an additional charge. To cap off the programming at the Ultimate Driving Experience, evening events with drives in 6-,7-, and M series BMW's combined with a chef's tasting will take place in select markets.

For Timbers Collection Members looking to put the pedal to the mettle, a limited number of complimentary spots have also been reserved at BMW's one-day "M School" in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The workshop (valued at $1,450) teaches advanced shifting, braking, skidding, and acceleration techniques to driving enthusiasts interested in improving their driving skill and knowledge.

Several Members have already taken advantage of this fast-paced perk including Dave Martin, an Owner at Esperanza and Castello di Casole. He described his trip to the race track as "One of the most thrilling, educational and overall fantastic experiences of my life. The course exceeded all expectations and is a must-do for any car enthusiast," he added, "as well as anyone interested in improving their overall driving skills. The facilities, instructors, cars and professionalism were all world class and I would highly recommend it to anyone!" (BMW photos are courtesy of Dave from his M School outing.)

Jerry Maglio also found the M School to be "an entirely unexpected benefit of being an Owner at Esperanza and a Member of the Timbers Collection. There were two other Timbers Collection Members there and we were able to enjoy the day together, almost as if we were at one of the properties. I'm glad I already own a BMW because if I didn't I'm sure I'd be making plans to buy one upon returning home!" he added.

For more details on the Timbers/BMW program, visit the information page here. And for a tip from Jerry, be sure to take the BMW Factory Tour (offered for a nominal fee) to maximize your day with BMW. As space is limited, advance reservations are required.

To learn more about Timbers Resorts, please contact us at 800.941.4579 (toll free) or 970.963.4626 (direct) or via email at [email protected].

Open meadows, mountain air, and what are likely the craftiest dogs you'll meet this year. It's the 2014 National Sheepdog Finals in the Roaring Fork Valley. The competition is fierce — and just a little bit shaggy.

Timbers Resorts is proud to sponsor this year's Finals, scheduled September 9–14, and we salute the efforts of the Aspen Valley Land Trust to not only recognize this exciting part of our region's ranching heritage but also to protect the land on which it depends.

Starting in 2011, the Trust understood something special that came along with the dogs, the handlers, and the spirited Western Range sheep that they herd. The Sheepdog Finals not only celebrates mountain life, the event helps raise awareness and support for region-wide conservation.

Held at Strang Ranch, a valued neighbor since 1961, the action is set against a stunning backdrop of some 460 acres of meadow, pasture, sagebrush, and gambel oak. At 7,000 feet, the ranch offers some of the valley's most remarkable views of Mount Sopris and the Elk range.

And the sights on the ground are not to be missed. In a tradition that stretches back to the earliest agricultural times, border collies race, dart and duck, working in almost uncanny tandem with their handlers to direct, corral, divide, and reunite flocks of sheep. No mild lambs, these. Burly Western Range flocks only respond if the dog earns their respect. Even then, these sheep have attitude!

This week, join us just outside Carbondale to root for the best canine and human teams. Eat delicious local fare and shop from onsite valley vendors. It all wraps up on Sunday, with the best of the competitors vying for a $40,000 purse. We hope to see you at the ranch!

To learn more about Timbers Resorts, please contact us at 800.941.4579 (toll free) or 970.963.4626 (direct) or via email at [email protected].

One of the greatest celebrations all season is upon us - Oktoberfest! How did this all start, you wonder? Well, this long-standing fall tradition is steeped in history.

On October 12, 1810, the Bavarian Crown Prince, Ludwig, married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen (“Terri” to her friends). Following the ceremony, there was a large “fest” held in front of the Sendlinger Tor, one of the gates leading to Munich. Everyone had such a great time that they decided to make it an annual celebration. In 1818, the local breweries got involved and tourists from all of Europe began attending. Organizers soon noticed that weather in September was much nicer and more predictable than October. The dates of the celebration were permanently moved to make it more appealing… hence, Oktoberfest in September.

Oktoberfest 2014 in Munich

In 2014, from Maui to Italy, it’s hard to visit a property in the Timbers Resorts portfolio and not find a local Oktoberfest celebration.

Visit The Sebastian - Vail and experience an authentic Bavarian-themed Oktoberfest over two weekends, September 5 – 7 and 12 – 14.  The second weekend’s activities take place in Vail Village, right in The Sebastian’s backyard. Bratwurst eating contests, stein lifting, keg bowling, music, dancing, yodeling, alpenhorn blowing, and authentic Bavarian food and beverages including pretzels and, of course, beer.

One Steamboat Place joins Steamboat Springs, Colo., in celebrating OktoberWest, a Western adaptation of the Bavarian fest as all of the beers and food come from the Rocky Mountains. OktoberWest is held on September 19 & 20, starting with Friday night’s Suds N Grub Stroll. Patrons take a walking tour down Main Street and along the beautiful Yampa River to mingle, nibble, and sample draft beers at a variety of local restaurants. Saturday’s Beer Garden at the base of the mountain features more than 30 Colorado Breweries and the music of Grammy-nominated artist, Shemekia Copeland.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Tuscany and visiting Castello di Casole, you are only a six-hour car ride away from Munich – or a one-hour flight from Florence. The original Oktoberfest starts on Saturday, September 20, and goes until October 5. Many Northern Italians make the journey every fall, joining seven million of their closest friends for the festivities. The Mayor of Munich taps the first keg at noon on Saturday in the Schottenhamel Tent – a highly anticipated rite of passage as no one's permitted to have so much as a sip of their own until the ceremony is complete.

No matter where in "the Timbers World" this year’s Oktoberfest finds you, raise a stein to King Ludwig & Queen Terri and utter a heartfelt toast of “thanks” for their royal wedding and the 204-year celebration that has followed.