Ogden Valley Skiing in a Season with Little Snow and Much Covid

Yes, there is skiing happening in the Ogden Valley! And it can be surprisingly good considering the serious snow drought we’re experiencing.  And relatively hassle free – considering the explosion of Covid in Utah.

Snowbasin and Powder Mountain have been spinning lifts for weeks, and although all of their terrain isn’t open and the coverage could be better, there are plenty of folks strapped into skis or boards, enjoying our spectacular mountains and the sport they love.  As my husband, who skied for years in the East, says – “would be excellent conditions back there.”  Perspective.  Perspective.  The views are still spectacular, the air is clear, and although we’re lacking in storms, we’ve had plenty of crisp, sunny, bluebird days.

Each of the Valley resorts are doing their best, and have been quite innovative, in trying to give their customers a pleasant day on the slopes while observing Covid protocols.  Sure, you have to wear a mask.  That covers your nose.  But many skiers already wear gators that can serve the purpose, particularly if doubled.  With all the other gear and clothing associated with skiing, a mask would seem a minor inconvenience to enjoy a day on the snow. Food is readily available, either inside with proper distancing, or at outdoor facilities (eat outside or in your car). Online ordering is in vogue.  Chairlifts and gondolas honor the requests of any guest to ride alone, or only with the people they came with.  Restrooms are open, masks and distancing required.

Looking ahead – the snow will likely come, and with the hope of the vaccine as it goes into more and more arms, spring skiing and riding could be epic.  Again…perspective.

The Links Bistro, at Wolf Creek Golf Club, is now open and serving Italian Specialties, take-out only.

 

 

Lisa’s Market Update – January 2021

If it sounds like a broken record…it’s a record those who are selling property will be glad to play over and over.  The sizzling hot real estate market in the Ogden Valley, Mountain Green and  Ogden Bench areas I have reported on for most of the past year  continued through the end of 2020, and shows no signs of abating for the early part of 2021.

Once again, the Ogden Valley led the way in statistical increases in December.  The median price of single family homes jumped to $790,000 from $717,000, while median price per sq. ft. increased from $213.00 to $239.00.  Average days on the market dropped from 60 to 39.  Median price per sq. ft. for condos and townhomes sold in the Valley climbed to $275.00 from $256.00 in November.  Days on the market fell to 14 from 68.

The Mountain Green single family market saw the median sales price rise to 109% of original listing price from 99% – indicating multiple offer situations.  Along the Ogden Bench area, the median sales price rose to $290,000 from $285,000 and median price per sq. ft. went to $157.00 from $150.00.

During normal years, people come to ski or board at the Valley resorts, like what they see, and decide to look at property.  They start investigating the market while they are here, or after they leave.  A lot of transactions that occur in the spring or summer result from interest and research that started during ski season.

This winter season will likely bring two forces that will impact the market from different directions.  Due to Covid, there will be fewer out-of-town, out-of-state visitors who become interested in real estate.  But at the same time, the trend toward folks wanting to own property in less congested settings could positively impact the market.

MARKET UPDATE – December 2020

OVSF- Ogden Valley Singe Family; MGSF – Mountain Green Single Family; OBSF – Ogden Bench Single Family; OV C/T – Ogden Valley Condominiums & Townhomes

Prop. for Sale   Prop. Sold   Med. Days on Mkt.   Med. Price   Med. Sq. Ft.

OVSF          34                    19                      39                       $790,000       $239.00

MGSF          4                       5                        8                        $700,000       $171.00

OBSF          17                    42                       8                         $290,000       $157.00

OVC/T          2                     8                       14                       $261,000       $275.00

For comparative real estate statistics for all Utah ski resorts,  click here.