Discovering Pure Colorado Mountain Living
by Sabina Dana Plasse
The desire to live in a pristine, natural environment that caters to both adventure and relaxation has never been more popular. And in the Rocky Mountain West, the choices are plentiful. But perhaps none compares to that of Glacier, a private mountain community and golf club nestled in the majestic San Juan National Forest, just north of Durango, Colorado.
Setting an incredibly high bar for mountain living, Glacier averages 300 days of sunshine for those seeking serenity and recreation in a high-alpine landscape with unsurpassed quality home options and irresistible amenities. The community offers everything one could dream of, whether you’re a second homeowner seeking an adventurous getaway and an idyllic remote work-from-home environment or a semi-retiree looking for the perfect year-round lifestyle.
At the north end of the Animas River Valley, Glacier is an undiscovered gem in the southwest corner of Colorado’s diverse topography. Only minutes from Purgatory Resort with 1,500 skiable acres, it averages 260 inches of snow during the winter. In the summer, Glacier offers endless high-alpine hiking trails just outside your front door. Along with plentiful fly fishing and mountain biking, as well as golf, tennis, and many more outdoor recreational possibilities, Glacier’s location makes mountain living highly desirable.
“Glacier is home to a wonderful group of people who enjoy the area and its surroundings. Our owners and members are very happy because the quality of life here is among the best in the Rocky Mountain West.”
–Mike Gullotti, Glacier Real Estate Sales
Originally developed in the 1970s, the Glacier property was home to hotel accommodations, a convention center, meeting facilities, and ski area, as well as the 18-hole Valley Course. In 2001, Rick Carlton from Nashville, Tennessee, purchased the property. Carlton had the vision to create a private, luxury club and community, which is now in its 17th year and considered one of the Rockies’ finest residential communities.
“Glacier was designed to be a low-density community,” says Mike Gullotti of Glacier Real Estate Sales. “The homes and homesites are tucked beyond the community’s exclusive gates with no through roads, providing both serenity and privacy, while just minutes from Durango’s bustling town with dining, culture, and history. Glacier is home to a wonderful group of people who enjoy the area and its surroundings. Our owners and members are very happy because the quality of life here is among the best in the Rocky Mountain West.”
From cabins set along the pine-lined fairway of the championship Mountain Course to lock-and-leave residences with far-reaching vistas, Glacier presents an array of real estate opportunities that are designed to fit each family’s lifestyle. The community is set to break ground in 2021 on its newest collection of residences, Etta Ridge, which is an exclusive enclave of luxury mountain condominiums set atop a distinct promontory within century-old Ponderosa pines. Encompassing only five buildings with six residences in each, Etta Ridge grants an intimate mountain experience at the threshold of year-round adventure. Pre-sales have launched and Glacier is now accepting reservations for Etta Ridge.
The homes and homesites are tucked beyond the community’s exclusive gates with no through roads, providing both serenity and privacy, while just minutes from Durango’s bustling town with dining, culture, and history.
–Mike Gullotti, Glacier Real Estate Sales
For golf enthusiasts and those who value the tranquility of life along the links, Glacier has designed two collections of Golf Cabins that offer the ultimate setting to recharge and revel in carefully crafted comforts. The two- to four-bedroom Ironhorse Cabins feature high-end modern style and stunning mountain and golf course views, with only five vacancies currently remaining. Similarly, the lock-and-leave Club Cottage East collection offers two- and three-bedroom floor plans located close to the fully-appointed Mountain Clubhouse. And for those seeking a turn-key solution to build a modern mountain home within as little as eight months, the Craftsman Collection features two flexible pre-approved floor plans that are compatible with six different homesites, ranging from 0.46 to 1.69 acres and thoughtfully positioned within the community’s wild landscape.
Adding to the list of owning options, several homesites are for sale within the community and owners can choose their own builder or one from the Glacier Development Corporation. “Of course, we recommend builders who are familiar with the area and building in the mountain terrain,” says Gullotti. “There is a design review board and exterior guidelines for home construction. We have architects we work with as well. There are enclaves of townhomes and single-family homes available at Glacier, including our Ironhorse Cabin collection that features eight Craftsman-style homes. One is already built and currently for sale, while the others have home and lot package initiatives for their build. In addition, there are re-sales that have come to the market, which include single-family homes.”
“Glacier has spectacular courses and each one has different characteristics on how it plays. The Mountain Course is truly carved up in the mountains, and it feels as if you are playing in the National Forest.”
–Mike Gullotti, Glacier Real Estate Sales
“There are a variety of homes to enjoy at Glacier, from a large single-family custom mountain home on two acres to a two-bedroom Club Cottage that you can enjoy for a few weeks every year,” says Gullotti. “I present these different properties with something for everyone. Over the years, we have planned several phases of construction. It starts with accessibility and the ability to build within the lots. Structure and roads take planning in the mountains. This summer, we have experienced a major uptick in sales. We are up 138 percent in the north country from last year.”
Owners at Glacier have access to two clubhouses with casual and fine dining, 36 holes of world-class golf, three swimming pools, two hot tubs, a fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, as well as outdoor adventures like e-biking, Nordic skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing. Membership options include the Aspen and Alpine, which are thoughtfully designed to suit a distinct mountain lifestyle. “The difference in memberships is the amount of golf you like to play,” says Gullotti. “Glacier has spectacular courses and each one has different characteristics on how it plays. The Mountain Course is truly carved up in the mountains, and it feels as if you are playing in the National Forest.”
With commercial and private air services, the Durango-La Plata County Airport lies just 33 miles from Glacier, making flying in and out of Durango both easy and reliable. For shopping, healthcare, and other needs, Durango is an award-winning, full-service community with a level- three trauma hospital offering life flight services. With everything from mom and pop stores to national chains, the charming town is simply another perk of life at Glacier. “Our popular Discovery Stays allow you to experience Glacier with two- or three-night visits, which include two rounds of golf with a guide, directions to trails for hiking, and where to dine,” says Gullotti. “Come see and let the area speak for itself.”
For more information visit theglacierclub.com. Or contact Mike Gullotti, Broker Associate, The Wells Group, at mgullotti@theglacierclub.com or call 970.729.3262.
