Ski Your Day – And Night – Of Arrival.
If you are like most destination skiers that use Rocky Mountain Vacations, you don’t live within an easy drive of western scale skiing. You have to fly here. And if the pattern follows, you don’t have 7 days to devote to a ski vacations – perhaps years ago, but now-a-days the average is more like a 4 to 5 night stay. So naturally, you want to maximize your time on the mountain, skiing or boarding to your hearts content. Right?
Well here is good way to stretch that slope time without spending another night.
Ski Keystone your day of arrival. Here is the game plan I recommend to clients…
Keystone, which is a easy two hour drive from Denver International Airport, offers night skiing Wednesdays – Sundays throughout most of the season (ask us for specific dates of operation). So what you do is either select Keystone as your vacation destination (and there are a multitude of good reasons to go this direction) or else plan to visit Keystone on your day of arrival, and buy the 2 PM – 9 PM ticket.
Naturally, you will need an airline arrival time of no later than 11 AM. But that’s no problem, there are any number of flights that arrive at DIA by that hour. In fact, getting an early start from your hometown airport is a good idea always, as that puts you ahead of any airline traffic delays that are almost certain to come into the system as the day wears on.
Next, you will want to select a rental vehicle within your Ski Org vacation package – in order that you are not waiting for the shuttle to leave the airport. Instead, you just grab your gear at baggage claim, hop on the van to Hertz or Avis, pick up your pre arranged rental vehicle, and drive south on Pena Boulevard to I 70 and head west. Turn south at Hwy 6, and 12 minutes later you are entering Keystone.
Look for the River Run parking lot, pull as close as you can (the day skiers are already starting to leave, thank goodness) and park. Walk through River Run (probably the nicest of the several Resort “neighborhoods) and look for the River Run Lift Ticket office, If you bought your lift tickets through Ski Org, then your ticket is waiting for you. You did buy that ticket from us, right?
Hop the Gondola, and within minutes you are at the top of Dercum Mountain, the easiest of the three Keystone peaks. Now cruise down Schoolmarm, a green trail, to the mid mountain Montezuma Express – just to warm up. And then once back on top, assuming you are an intermediate skier or better, immediately drop down Mozart and up Santiago Express to begin skiing the North Peak area.
From here work your way to the Outback. Both of these peaks are Blue and Black terrain only. The idea here is to get yourself all the way to the ‘back’ of the resort before those areas close at 3:30 PM. Actually, that’s when those lifts close, so plan on catching the last Outback Express ride at 3:25 PM, and get that last run in this pristine section of the Resort.
Once The Outback and North Peak close, ski your way back to the top of Dercum Mountain. Now pause for a drink or an early dinner, and wait while the most of the destination and Denver day skiers head for home.
Now the fun ramps up … because you have 2,360 vertical and a dozen long, long trails basically all to yourself. It’s just amazing – and this time of the year, the sun won’t set for another couple of hours. But the lights come long before that ( to help with the lengthening shadows ) – and once it is dark, the runs glow before you. The sensation of skiing this huge mountain after dark, yet with perfect visibility, with nobody it seems but your friends around with you, is utterly unique in western skiing.
Ski or board all the way till 9 PM and I promise you, you will feel like you own this mountain. This time of the day, Keystone is your private playground. Moreover, you will be well satisfied with your first day of skiing Colorado. Why? Because you just enjoyed 7 hrs of ski/board time. That’s basically a full day on any other mountain. And with use of the River Run Gondola and several other high speed lifts, you just skied a ton of vertical and many, many miles of terrain.
So there you are, a great way to stretch your Colorado ski vacation by one, very full day.
Labels: Keystone
Red Bull Games in Winter Park March 7 - 8
We're reclaiming Colorado's winter games glory March 7-8. Teams of four compete for fame, honor and bragging rights in the Snowbladecross, Gaper Park Challenge, and Old School Team Challenge. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams with the best combined score. First place takes home $1,976 and four Rocky Mountain Super Passes! Prizes will also be given for best costumes and team mojo. Plus, every competitor receives a 1976 Gaper Hat and white turtleneck. So, bring your straight skis and snowblades and show everyone what old school is all about!
Labels: Winter Park
News from Valle Nevado, Chile
2008 Season: Valle Nevado hotel reservations on the riseIf you are a last-minute vacation planner, now is a good time to change your habits. Because the 2008 season at Valle Nevado--during which the resort will celebrate their 20th anniversary--has awakened a great interest in many individuals who have already reserved rooms at the Valle Nevado, Puerta Del Sol and Tres Puntas hotels.
"The interest of people in staying at our resort is so great that there is already a considerable increase in reservations for 2008, atypical for this time of the year," said Paz Pilasi, Reservations Supervisor at Valle Nevado.
Valle Nevado is more than 3,000 meters in altitude and is the largest, skiable area in South America. Its hotels can lodge more than 1,300 people. There are three hotels and two apartment buildings, namely the new Valle del Sol and Valle de la Luna apartments.
Valle Nevado HotelValle Nevado Hotel has 53 rooms and all the comforts to make your stay wonderful, with a spectacular view of the Andes Mountains. All rooms have a terrace and view of the slopes and direct access to the slopes
from the lobby.
Puerta Del Sol HotelThis is a family-oriented hotel with more than 120 rooms and it is an icon at Valle Nevado. You can exit directly to the heated pool and are just steps away
from the slopes.
Tres Puntas HotelThis hotel was designed to be a more accessible alternative for snow-loving families. It has more than 90 rooms located less than 100 meters from the slopes. It is fully equipped, like all areas of Valle Nevado.
For more information on Valle Nevado please
click here:
Name three great Ski Lodges
Name three, just three of your favorite ski lodges. Could be all in the same ski resort (some resorts have that many that qualify in my book) or more likely three lodges at the base of three different mountains. Could be a grand hotel, could be condo, or today’s popular condo / hotel. Might be a simple Inn or a B & B that just feels right.
Where would your top three (but only three) ski lodging be? It’s not easy picking out just three, it is? Send me a blog message with your selections – I’d like to know your top three. Just one rule … you need to have stayed there at least once, and skied the nearby terrain.
Meanwhile, here is the first of my three, all time favorites …
The Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta, Canada This is Canada’s Castle in the Rockies, and I think fair to say the Banff Springs is one of the truly Grand Hotels in all the world of skiing. Built in 1888 by Canadian Pacific Railroad as one of a string of elegant tourist destinations along their western rail line, the Banff Springs stand today as a reminder of slower paced, and in some senses more refined age – at least if you were wealthy.
The property has gone through several complete renovations and expansions and now boasts over 700 rooms and over a dozen outstanding suites. Splurge a little and ask to be upgraded to suite accommodations. You will not be disappointed. A number of these suites are on the top floors of the castle and are serviced by a private elevator that travels outdoors, up the side of the building. As you open the door to your suite, you step into another world.
Within the Banff Springs, you will find 12 unique restaurants and lounges offering a variety of cuisine. The Willow Stream Spa is remarkable, with every pampering treatment imaginable, and a waterfall pool with music piped in underwater.
The town of Banff offers almost unlimited shopping, dining and entertainment options. This is a very pretty ski town, surrounded by huge craggy peaks. The entire area is within the Canadian National Park system, so you can imagine how pristine the landscape really truly is.
Finally, outstanding skiing is 20 minutes away, at Sunshine. Or for a fun half day, consider smaller, but steep Mount Norquay, just 5 minutes outside of town. A 40 minute ride on the free shuttle will take you the biggest downhill terrain of all in this particular region, that being majestic Lake Louise. This huge ski mountain is itself just 5 minutes from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – but that’s another story altogether. Stay tuned from two more great ones!
Labels: Ski Lodging
Steamboat Grand Hotel Promotion
Take advantage of some great Spring rates at the Sheraton Grand in Steamboat,Colorado.
March Madness Sale
Sale Dates: 02/22/08-03/29/08
Stay Dates 02/23/08-03/29/08 *
5% Off Studio Rooms
10% Off Hotel Queen Rooms
30% Off 1 Bedroom Condos & Grand King Condos.
Valid for dates listed above for new reservations only. Cannot be combined with any other Ski Organizers offer or discount
Labels: Steamboat
Fun facts from Vail Resorts
Heavenly had over 10 FEET of snow fall in just one week for a total snowfall of 13-16 FEET for the month of January - this means that Heavenly has had the snowiest month on record EVER, and the records go back to 1975-76.
Vail received more snow since December 1 than any other year in it's history. Vail has received over 25 feet season to date (as of February 20).
Beaver Creek recorded its snowiest December and January since 1996 with 183 inches- that's over 15 FEET of snow in just two months with over 24 feet of snow season to date!
Keystone and Breckenridge are having above average seasons as well with season to date snow totals of over 19 feet at Breckenridge and 15 feet at Keystone.
Labels: Vail Resorts
Resorts Where A Rental Car Is Handy – Resorts Where The Shuttle Makes More Sense
Now that we have identified the pros and cons of a rental car vs. a shuttle service in your ski package, all this is left is to look at the resorts where a rental car might be almost an imperative – and other resorts where, all things considered, really the Shuttle makes more sense.
If you don’t mind driving in snow, of course, select a rental vehicle when visiting …
Copper Mountain: Reasoning – While this is a great ski mountain, the shopping and dining options here are truly limited. But the mountain towns of Frisco, Dillon and Silverthorne are just a 10 minute drive, and there you will find abundant shopping and dining options. Silverthorne has a huge Outlet Mall with bargains galore, and The Mint is a great “cook your own steak” landmark. The parking is mostly underground at Copper, so you don’t have to worry about clearing a foot of snow off the car every day (don’t we wish).
Arrowhead at Beaver Creek: Reasoning - Arrowhead is the best value in all of Beaver Creek, but there is a reason. While the condos are of high quality, the location is off the beaten path. In the daytime this is no big deal, your lodging is walking distance to a high speed quad and the ski mountains are interconnected. But come nightfall, this place is quiet and there are no restaurants, not a one. But within 5 miles of here, there are many. Over at Avon, The Outback Steakhouse is a favorite of locals and tourists alike and down towards Edwards, the old stage coach stop is highly recommended.
Jackson Hole: Reasoning – in three words … Teton National Park. And here are four more … the Museum of Wildlife Art. Each of these well worth while attractions are outside of town and off any shuttle service. Bottom line, this is an area of great natural beauty, and the best way to see much of it is by private vehicle. Moreover, while the Jackson airport is very close by, and shuttle service is efficient and inexpensive, when vacationing in Jackson, you will be lodging either downtown and traveling out each day to the mountain to ski, or the other way around. So you will use the vehicle then as well. You might even consider a powder day at Grand Targhee. It’s about a 90 minute drive – but this is the one of best locations anywhere to uncover fresh snow. Well worth the beautiful drive over and back.
Lake Tahoe: Reasoning – For me, one of the highlights of any trip to Tahoe is the drive around the lake. Emerald Bay, Sunnyside, the eastern shoreline beyond Kings Beach – it’s all so beautiful and basically impossible to access except by private car. And then too, there are over a dozen ski resorts ringing the lake, and if you have a car and the right multi resort pass, you have your pick of any of them. One of the best, Kirkwood, is 25 miles south of the lake – best to have your own car.
Next time … where a Shuttle makes the most sense. Stay tuned
Rental Vehicles vs. Shuttle Vans – Which is Right For You?
OK, you have the lodging picked out and it’s time to put the finishing touches on your ski trip with the help of your Rocky Mountain Vacations sales agent, and that agent asks … “Do you prefer your own rental vehicle, or would you rather take the shuttle on up to the resort.”
Which way should you go on this? Depends …
The case for a Rental Vehicle.
A rental car or SUV provides freedom. You decide when you go to the supermarket to stock the condo, or drive to that sister resort for a day to ski new terrain. Maybe you just want to take a side trip for an afternoon, to somewhere the resort shuttles just don’t go. With your own vehicle, the open road calls. This is All American stuff.
A rental vehicle can be a lot of fun. Indeed it should be. Always wanted to drive that new Subaru Outback, or the fancy Lincoln Navigator, see how it handles in the snow? Here’s your chance. A rental vehicle is a week long test drive, and there is no doubt that you will come away to a very clear picture about what it would be like to own the wheels you just rented. And if you happen to be a ‘car nut’ this is just too good an opportunity to pass up!
A rental vehicle is a private travel experience. After traveling for hours with 200 of the closest strangers you will ever know, dropping into a wide comfortable leather seat of your SUV, can be a soothing feeling. Turn on the premium sound system, check out the cool navigation system, feel the power of engine – and of course that new car scent. Nice.
Children do better in a rental vehicle than on a shuttle van. Lets face it, by the time to get to the west, it’s been eight hours since you left home. The kids are tired, and probably getting a bit cranky. Loading everyone into a shuttle van might not be the best experience for you – or your fellow van mates. On the other hand, with a properly sized rental vehicle, the kids can doze off to sleep because they will be comfortable, and in the company of Mom and Dad. Bring along a portable DVD player, and family tranquility is assured.
When it’s time to leave Ski Country, you can probably leave the Resort a little later for the airport than the pick up time for the shuttle would allow. This is because others have to be picked up and ready to go before leaving the Resort. You may even be stopping at another resort along the way or other lodging properties, to pick up additional travelers. Good to remember, half empty vans don’t make much money for the shuttle company.
The case for taking the Ski Resort Shuttle.
The price of a shuttle is fixed, paid for 100% within your package – whereas rental vehicle have unavoidable ‘extra costs’. These additional costs, which include state, local and airport taxes / fees, can really add up … typically to 25% or more of the cost of the rental fee.
Gasoline is not cheap these days, and SUV’s are thirsty beasts. At $3.00 + per gallon, you are looking at $50 to $60 per fill up. So you have to factor this into your vacation budget. Probably looking at 2 fill ups easy, if you take even one side trip during the week.
Insurance is not really optional. It’s true, your own auto policy probably covers you when you rent a car (always check with you insurance agent before leaving home on this important point). But even so, if you do bang up the rental, you will be charged for the time your former 4 wheel friend is in the shop for repairs. This bill really adds up quickly, because the daily rate for a walk up customer is typically the fee assessed in these situations. Solution … buy the Ski Org Travel Protection Plan – which you should do anyway, and rental car insurance is included. But if you don’t buy our plan, cover the vehicle before you leave the rental location. Hint …the Travel Org protection plan is the better value – by far.
Know yourself. Some people don’t mind driving on show covered roads - might even enjoy the adventure of it. For others, this is strictly a white knuckle experience. If you live in a warm climate, and are a member of the while knuckle crowd, opt for the shuttle and leave the driving to someone who does this work everyday.
Most shuttle drivers are courteous men and woman – and some are quite knowledgeable of the resort region and can be interesting to talk to on the way to your resort. Just be sure to keep a few dollars handy for a well deserved gratuity to be presented upon arrival.
So there you have it, the basics on rental vehicle vs. shuttle van. But there is one more huge element to all this. And that is … where are you going on this vacation? Do you basically need a rental vehicle at your resort of choice – or will you be likely to just park the vehicle and not turn the key for a week? To find the answer, resort by resort … stay tuned.
Labels: Car Rentals, Shuttles
What our clients are saying.......
Dear Rocky Mt. Vacations and especially Bob Stepniewski.
I am so pleased with the service you have provided my family the many times you have helped us with our ski trips. You are always looking for a great place for the best price package. Your patient with me is outstanding and the relationship makes me feel I have a friend even though we have never met.
As were were leaving Jackson Hole on our last trip, we had a hugh snow storm and had to be diverted to Denver instead of our Chicago connection, but were not told this till we were on the plane. Many passengers were pulling up the internet on the phone, laptops and calling friends to explain their dilemma, and all I had to do was call Bob and he worked on our connecting flights so we could make it home that same day. As we landed in Denver, I called Bob, and he was so delighted and fun loving in the delivery of the great news that we had a connection in an hour and forty minutes and it was for SIX passengers and all the seats were together. I was thrilled that I didn't have to go to Chicago to spend the night in the airport like many of the others had to do. Our next connection from Charlotte to Greenville, was also as smooth and all the seats were together. I could not have found those seats that fast on line and the stress of it all was left because Bob was there to the rescue. I ask him what was his favorite cake and he said Carrot cake. I found a bakery in his town and had it delivered. I really appreciate his quick response and his connections in the travel business to assist me in such a short time span. If I could have made the cake myself and deliverd it to him, I would have.
I told everyone on the plane that was setting around me what a great travel agent could do and to give Bob a call on their next trip. I will never go anywhere without using an agent like Bob to assure that I have all the help I can get when needed.
What a great guy and friend.
Connie R.
Greenville, SC
Thanks Connie, We appreciate your feed back.
Labels: Client feedback
Spring Fling-Steamboat, Colorado
April 4 – April 6, 2008 Come join us for us for our annual spring party in Steamboat Springs! The snow has been unbelievable this year at the ‘Boat with over 370 inches of legendary champagne powder and still counting. If you’ve never been to Steamboat, this is the year to come….with warm temperatures, no crowds and tons of snow the spring skiing and riding should be better than ever. Check out the spectacular deals we’ve got on lodging and lift tickets below.
Package Includes:
• 2 nights accommodations in Steamboat with tax
• Free Shuttle to shops, restaurants and lifts
• 2 ½ day lift ticket of champagne powder skiing Spring Fling Per Person Pricing 2008
PRICE PER PERSON BASED ON # OF PEOPLE
Studio + Loft - Ski Times Square $168(2) $139(3) $129(4)
One Bedroom - Ski Times Square or Shadow Run $180(2) $145(3) $134(4)
Two Bedroom – Shadow Run $129(4) $119(5) $109(6)
Two Bedroom – The Ranch & Villas at Walton Creek $139(4) $129(5) $119(6)
Two Bedroom - Ski Times Square $144(4) $134(5) $124(6)
Two Bedroom + Loft - Shadow Run $129(6) $119(7) $109(8)
Three Bedroom–The Ranch & Villas at Walton Creek $134(6) $124(7) $114(8)
Two Bedroom + Loft - Ski Times Square $134(6) $124(7) $114(8)
**Up Graded Style Lodging Options** pricing
PRICE PER PERSON BASED ON # OF PEOPLE
One Bedroom - Storm Meadow (Christie base) $195(2) $160(3) $149(4)
Two Bedroom - Storm Meadow (Christie base) $159(4) $149(5) $139(6)
Three Bedroom - Storm Meadow (Christie base) $149(6) $139(7) $129(8)
Two Bedroom - Terraces at Eagle ridge $159(2) $149(3) $139(4)
One Bedroom - Storm Meadow (club) $195(2) $160(3) $149(4)
Two Bedroom - Storm Meadow (club) $154(4) $144(5) $134 (6)
Two Bedroom + Den - Cross-Timbers $199(4) $189(5) $179(6) $169(7) $159(8)
Come on out and enjoy the amazing snow conditions this April in Steamboat Springs. So, take advantage of the SAVINGS and join us for an end of the year Ski/Travel Organizers tradition at this years annual Spring Fling!!
Ski & Travel Organizers
(800) 283-2754 x 217 •
tyler@skiorganizers.com •
Labels: Colorado, Steamboat
Another client report from Big Sky, Montana
Hi Anita,
I want to thank you for helping us make this a great trip. Everyone had a fantastic time. In our lifetime of skiing, we have never experienced snow as heavenly as this trip. On Saturday, our last day of skiing, the powder was over two feet deep on many runs. To be honest with you, before the trip I was a little worried about not enough snow. By the end of the trip, however, I was worried we can't get home because of too much snow. I envy you - you can ski this anytime.
On our day off from skiing, we took a trip to Yellowstone for a snowmobile tour. The picture (attached) was taken in front of Old Faithful. That's me on the right in the brown jacket. There are only 18 people in the photo because two guys wanted to sleep late.
We're already thinking about where to go next year!
THANK YOU Mr Chi Fong. We LOVE hearing from our clients.
Send us your story and photos and we will post on our BLOG.
Labels: Big Sky Montana
Our client Chris reports from Big Sky, Montana
Hi Julie,
I wanted to write and let you know how our trip to Big
Sky went. It was AWESOME! Lots and lots of fresh
snow - never less than a couple of inches every day
and night, including a good 6"-8" one day. And
because it was quite cold (temps at the top of the
Swift Current lift were typically 0 or maybe 2F at the
beginning and end of the day), the snow quality was
excellent, and stayed that way - powdery and soft all
week long.
The mountain offered up a really diverse mix of
terrain, and Chris and I did not have any trouble
finding whatever we were in the mood for - bumps,
glades, steeps, etc. We particularly liked the
terrain off the Thunderwolf lift (Andesite Mountain).
1750' of drop with a high speed quad, and really not
many people over there at all. That area was perfect
for us: lots of glades, including some very steep
stuff, bumps of varying size and steepness all over
the place, and huge expanses of untracked powder all
week. We also liked a lot of the stuff off the
Challenger lift, and the Shedhorn/Dakota territory
stuff was really nice too. We got over there once,
the day after the heavy snow, and it was nothing but
deep, trackless powder, both on the trails and in the
trees.
And you were right on the money about the breakfast at
the Huntley/Shoshone - outstanding! Accomodations
were great, and the staff were all very helpful.
Chris and I agreed that it was THE best week of skiing
we've ever had. Great terrain variety/challenge,
incredible snow conditions, and no crowds at all.
Sadly, we did not make it to the peak, partly because
visibility up there was very poor most of the week,
and partly because Chris messed up his knee late in
the day on Wednesday. The sky cleared on Thursday,
but I was skiing alone and didn't want to go up there
solo. And on Friday, though Chris did get back out
there and put in a solid day, we weren't sure he had
enough in his leg to come down from the top.
Attached is a picture I took on Thursday. It's from
the top of Andesite (between the top of the
Thunderwolf and Ramcharger lifts), looking over to
Lone Peak. Hard to believe it's a color photo - but
with the exception of other skier's clothing, it was a
pretty monotone look most of the week - gray skies,
gray rocks, white snow, and very dark green trees.
But I like the way it captures the imposing feel of
Lone Peak - it's a big, scary mountain, and in this
photo, it looks it. When I got home I realized that
I'd taken very few pictures - we were just too busy
skiing.
Anyway, thanks again for putting this one together for
us. I'm already thinking about next year.
Chris
THANKS Chris, We LOVE to hear from our clients in the field!
Labels: Big Sky Montana
Hotel Terra Jackson Hole- "March Madness Sale
Greetings Skiers and Riders
Over 400" of snow has fallen SO FAR here in Jackson Hole.
Time for you to get out here and ski some of this EPIC snow and enjoy the amazing new hotel called Hotel Terra.
“Spring Break” and the Easter Holidays are almost upon us and we are extending a “March Madness Sale” at Hotel Terra Jackson Hole.
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Hotel Terra is Jackson Hole’s newest luxury and “green” hotel and just opened on February 1, 2008. The new hotel is spectacular, a green, luxury hotel that is quite like no other in Jackson Hole, simply fantastic!
WINTER STORM CYCLES LEAVE WHITE GOLD AT WHISTLER BLACKCOMB
Consistent snowfall spoils skiers and riders
WHISTLER, BC, February 07, 2008 – Whistler Blackcomb receives an average of 33.5 feet of snow each year but this season is shaping up to surpass that mark once again. Since the beginning of the winter season Whistler Blackcomb has received 734cm/24 feet of snow and more than 20 days with over 10cm of new snow.
Over the past seven days Whistler Blackcomb has received 51cm/20 inches of new snow. The five day forecast is calling for a possible 85+cm by Sunday as a strong frontal system hits the coast. The long-range forecast is calling a series of disturbances to pass over the area bringing even more snow to the Coastal Mountains by the end of the week. The snow base is currently sitting at 289cm at mid mountain on Whistler and there is more snow on the way.
“The freezing level has stayed consistently low and with all this snow it means great conditions all the way to the village,” says Ryan Proctor Whistler Blackcomb Public Relations Coordinator. “I’m not sure when the last time that I had to look for powder was, it feels like we’ve been getting fresh snow almost everyday.”
Incredible snow conditions and great events mean February is shaping up to be one for the books. February 12 is the two year countdown mark for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Also, make sure to check out the Canadian National Snow Sculpting Team showcasing their work on Whistler Mountain, February 27-29.
Labels: Whistler
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