|
Colorado - Fri. 01/23/26 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
|
|
View in Browser
|
|
|
| |
POTENTIALLY HISTORIC WINTER STORM TO HIT THIS WEEKEND
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
A major winter storm forming in the Southwest is expected to bring heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain and dangerous cold to more than two dozen states from New Mexico to New England beginning Friday, Jan. 23, and lasting through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. More than 130 million people were under winter weather alerts Thursday, with another 106 million facing extreme cold warnings. Forecasters said parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia could see up to 24 inches of snow, while freezing rain and ice threaten travel across large portions of the country. Several states, including Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia, declared states of emergency ahead of the storm. Officials warned of life-threatening wind chills, heightened risks of hypothermia and frostbite, and compounded dangers if power outages occur, urging residents to stay off roads and prepare emergency supplies.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
TWO NEW COLORADO FILMS GARNER OSCARS/SUNDANCE BUZZ THIS WEEK
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
An acclaimed documentary about late Colorado poet Andrea Gibson and a narrative feature inspired by a Denver family tragedy are driving the state’s film buzz with an Oscar nomination and a Sundance premiere. “Come See Me in the Good Light,” produced in part by actor and writer Tig Notaro, traces the life and work of Longmont and Boulder poet Gibson as they and their wife navigate Gibson’s 2021 ovarian cancer diagnosis. Gibson died in July at age 49. The film earned a 2026 Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary and is currently streaming, with the Oscars airing March 15 on ABC. Meanwhile, “See You When I See You,” written by Denver comedian Adam Cayton-Holland and directed by Jay Duplass, is based on Cayton-Holland’s memoir about the 2012 suicide of his sister and its aftermath. Rolling Stone named it one of the most anticipated films at Sundance, where it premieres Jan. 27 and screens through Feb. 1.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
WHICH COLORADO HOUSING MARKETS WERE HOT LAST YEAR?
|
| |
|
|
| |
Colorado’s housing market largely stalled in 2025, but pockets of strength emerged in the northwest and parts of the southeast and south-central regions, according to the Colorado Association of Realtors. Statewide median sales prices for single family homes and condos were essentially flat at $550,000, up $50 from 2024, while sales rose 1.8 percent to 86,346. Inventory eased slightly to 21,689 listings, leaving about three months of supply, and homes took longer to sell, averaging 63 days.
El Paso County led the state in single family sales, while Denver saw a slight price decline and a sharp drop in inventory. Routt County posted a 17.2 percent gain in single family prices, joined by strong increases in counties such as Rio Blanco, Crowley, Conejos and Kiowa, though some gains reflected small sample sizes. Other areas, including Costilla, Bent and San Miguel counties, saw steep price declines tied to shifts in what sold. Overall, single family homes outperformed condos, which saw falling prices and sales across much of the state.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
DENVER-AREA APARTMENT VACANCY RATE HITS 16-YEAR HIGH, RENTS DIP
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Apartment vacancies in the Denver metro area climbed to 7.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, the highest level in 16 years, as a wave of new construction outpaced demand, according to the Apartment Association of Metro Denver. Average rent fell to $1,754 per month, down 3.4 percent from the prior quarter and 4.8 percent year over year, roughly matching rents from early 2022. Landlords are offering record concessions averaging four to five weeks of free rent, equal to 9.5 percent of gross rent, as roughly 34,200 units sit vacant. The surge reflects apartment deliveries from projects permitted during the building boom of 2021 and 2022, when more than 40,000 units were approved. While the development pipeline has shrunk sharply and future construction faces regulatory and financial hurdles, industry officials said current conditions favor renters and could persist for several quarters.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
DOWNTOWN DENVER’S OFFICE VACANCY RATE GROWS TO 38.2% AS TENANTS REIMAGINE THE WORKPLACE
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Downtown Denver’s office vacancy rate climbed to 38.2 percent at the end of 2025, reflecting a prolonged and structural shift in how companies use office space following the pandemic. Vacancy has risen steadily as long-held leases expired, subleased space returned to landlords, and more than 1 million square feet of new offices were added since 2022. Much of downtown east of Larimer Street ended the year more than 40 percent empty, with Uptown posting the highest vacancy at 45.3 percent, while suburbs fared better and Cherry Creek remained comparatively strong. Tenants that remain downtown are leasing smaller footprints and prioritizing amenities, hybrid work and flexible layouts, leaving older Class B and C buildings with the highest vacancies. Industry observers say the market is in a slow transition rather than free fall, with early signs of stabilization emerging as sublease space declines sharply and fewer companies question whether they need offices at all.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS COULD SAVE AIRLINES HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
A new Jefferies analysis finds that widespread use of GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs could trim aircraft loads enough for American, Delta, Southwest and United to save up to $580 million per year in fuel, since lighter passengers reduce the thrust required to fly. One in eight U.S. adults now takes a GLP‑1, and while the projected savings equal just 1.5 percent of fuel costs, airlines already chase even tiny weight reductions, from food items to paper stock. The report notes a two percent drop in aircraft weight could lift earnings per share by about four percent, though analysts do not expect carriers to buy less fuel. None of the four airlines commented.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
OSCAR NOMINATIONS: ‘SINNERS’ BREAKS RECORD WITH 16
|
| |
|
|
| |
The 98th Academy Award nominations were dominated by two big budget, studio-backed films rarely seen in today’s sequel driven marketplace. “Sinners,” a 1930s set horror fantasia rooted in Black culture, led all films with a record breaking 16 nominations, surpassing the previous high of 14 held by “All About Eve,” “Titanic” and “La La Land.” Close behind was “One Battle After Another,” a political drama about authoritarianism and resistance, which earned 13 nominations. Both Warner Bros. releases landed nods across major categories, including best picture, director, acting, cinematography and screenplay.
The best picture field also included smaller, specialty films such as “Hamnet” and “Sentimental Value,” alongside titles like “Frankenstein,” “Bugonia,” “F1: The Movie” and “Marty Supreme.” Acting nominees featured Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet, Kate Hudson and Teyana Taylor, while Warner Bros. led all studios with 30 nominations overall. The Oscars ceremony will be held March 15 and broadcast on ABC and Hulu.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
FIRST MAJOR SNOWSTORM IN WEEKS TO BRING UP TO A FOOT OF SNOW, BELOW‑ZERO TEMPERATURES TO COLORADO SKI RESORTS
|
| |
|
|
| |
Colorado’s mountains are forecast to receive their first significant snowstorm in weeks this weekend, with many ski resorts expecting between 6 and 18 inches of fresh snow and a surge of arctic air that will drive temperatures well below zero. Meteorologist Seth Linden said the storm combines southern and northern weather systems, allowing moisture and cold air to converge over the state beginning Friday morning and intensifying through Saturday, with a possible second wave extending into Sunday. Southern resorts such as Wolf Creek and Crested Butte are favored for the highest totals, while Aspen‑Snowmass, Vail, Beaver Creek, Summit County resorts, Winter Park and Loveland are also expected to see substantial snowfall.
Alongside the snow, mountain temperatures are forecast to plunge into single digits and below zero by Sunday, marking the coldest conditions of the season. While the storm won’t erase Colorado’s record‑low snowpack, it is expected to provide a meaningful boost after weeks of dry conditions, with forecasters cautiously optimistic about additional storm chances later in January and early February.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
X GAMES RETURNS TODAY FOR 25TH YEAR AT BUTTERMILK
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
The Winter X Games return to Buttermilk Mountain this weekend for their 25th year in Aspen, blending familiar competitions with a new phase of growth for the event. Organizers are debuting a refreshed logo and laying the groundwork for the launch of the X Games League later this year, while welcoming back longtime stars such as snowboarder Jamie Anderson, the most decorated female athlete in X Games history, after a multi-year hiatus. Snowmobiling also returns for the first time since 2020, led by veteran Brett Turcotte, as competition begins Friday with adjusted schedules to accommodate incoming snow. X Games leadership says the Aspen event has seen a sharp year-over-year revenue increase driven largely by new corporate partnerships, signaling renewed momentum for action sports. Many athletes competing this weekend are also headed to the Olympics next month, underscoring the event’s continued prestige as both a proving ground and a marquee competition.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
SEGUNDO LIFT TO OPEN SATURDAY AT SUNLIGHT MOUNTAIN RESORT
|
| |
|
|
| |
Sunlight Mountain Resort will open its newly installed Segundo chairlift Saturday morning, completing the resort’s largest capital improvement project in its 60-year history as a winter storm delivers fresh snow to the Roaring Fork Valley. Resort officials said the opening is timed with a forecast calling for 7 to 10 inches of snow, potentially more, which should significantly improve conditions across the mountain. The new three-chair lift replaces the oldest operating lift in Colorado, which dated back to 1973 and had previously served Aspen beginning in the 1950s, and includes modern safety features such as footrests and a restraint bar.
Resort leaders said snowmaking and grooming efforts, particularly on the Ute run, are aimed at spreading skier traffic and maintaining consistent conditions despite a historically slow snow season. The lift’s debut coincides with community events, including the annual “12 Hours of Sunlight,” as the resort works to maintain strong participation and morale amid challenging winter conditions.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
THE BEST AND WORST AIRLINES OF 2025
|
| |
|
|
| |
Southwest Airlines claimed the top spot in The Wall Street Journal’s 18th annual airline scorecard, ending Delta’s four-year run as the industry leader and marking Southwest’s first win since 2020. The rankings evaluated nine major U.S. airlines across seven equally weighted operational metrics, including on-time arrivals, cancellations, baggage handling and customer complaints. Southwest stood out for consistently strong performance, posting the fewest complaints and tarmac delays and a cancellation rate below one percent, despite internal upheaval and major operational changes. Allegiant finished second, buoyed by the lowest cancellation rate and strong baggage handling, while Delta placed third after increases in cancellations and complaints tied to a 2024 technology outage.
At the bottom of the rankings, American and Frontier tied for last place following reliability issues and operational struggles. Overall, the scorecard showed little improvement across the industry, with single year gains and losses often driven by how airlines handled disruptions rather than by structural change.
Best Airlines of 2025 (Overall Rankings):
- Southwest Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- Delta Air Lines
- Alaska Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
COLORADO WEATHER: ARCTIC BLAST TO BRING SUB-ZERO WIND CHILLS & SNOW
|
| |
|
|
| |
Temperatures are expected to drop Thursday night into Friday morning, and the freezing weather is forecast into Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Snow will likely accompany the arctic blast across Colorado, forecasters said.
With wind chill, according to the weather service, Friday’s temperature forecasts include:
- Denver: 2 degrees below zero
- Castle Rock: 3 degrees below zero
- Longmont: 6 degrees below zero
- Fort Collins: 8 degrees below zero
- Greeley and Kiowa: 12 degrees below zero
- Fort Morgan and Julesburg: 18 degrees below zero
- Limon: 20 degrees below zero
The sub-zero temperatures are expected to continue into Saturday and Sunday, with weather service meteorologists forecasting wind chill lows:
- Evergreen: Zero degrees on Saturday and 8 degrees below zero on Sunday
- Denver: 5 degrees below zero on Saturday and 2 degrees below zero on Sunday
- Longmont: 5 degrees below zero on Saturday and 4 degrees below zero on Sunday
- Castle Rock: 6 degrees below zero on Saturday and 4 degrees below zero on Sunday
- Fort Collins: 8 degrees below zero on Saturday and 9 degrees below zero on Sunday
- Greeley: 12 degrees below zero on Saturday and 10 degrees below zero on Sunday
- Fort Morgan: 20 degrees below zero on Saturday and 12 degrees below zero on Sunday
- Limon: 20 degrees below zero on Saturday and 14 degrees below zero on Sunday
- Julesburg: 21 degrees below zero on Saturday and 15 degrees below zero on Sunday
The weather service’s snow forecasts extended through 5 a.m. on Saturday and included:
- Aurora, Brighton, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Centennial, Commerce City, Denver, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Littleton, Northglenn and Parker: 2 inches
- Arvada, Conifer, Evergreen, Golden and Lafayette: 3 inches
- Eldora and on Colorado 125’s Willow Creek Pass near Granby: 5 inches
- U.S. 40’s Rabbit Ears Pass near Steamboat Springs, Colorado 9’s Hoosier Pass near Breckenridge and U.S. 34’s Milner Pass in Rocky Mountain National Park: 6 inches
- U.S. 6’s Loveland Pass and Colorado 14’s Cameron Pass near Fort Collins, and in Winter Park: 7 inches
- U.S. 40’s Berthoud Pass near Winter Park and Interstate 70’s Vail Pass: 8 inches
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
MARKET UPDATE - 01/22/2026 Close
|
| |
|
(Courtesy of Alpine Bank Wealth Management*)
|
| |
|
Canadian dollar (per U.S. dollar)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Mexican peso (per U.S. dollar)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
30-year fixed mortgage rate (Freddie Mac 01/22/2026)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
*Not FDIC insured. May lose value. Not guaranteed by the bank.
|
| |
|
| |
Alpine Bank is an independent, employee-owned organization with headquarters in Glenwood Springs and banking offices across Colorado's Western Slope, mountains and Front Range. Alpine Bank serves customers with retail, business, wealth management*, mortgage and electronic banking services. Learn more at alpinebank.com.
*Alpine Bank Wealth Management services are not FDIC insured, may lose value and are not guaranteed by the bank.
|
| |
|
|
| |
| Make changes to your subscription or unsubscribe here. |
| © 2026 Alpine Bank. |
| |
|
|
