Unlimited, Unrestricted, Unreal
Most skiers and snowboarders dream of an 'epic' season. Now, Vail Resorts is making that dream a reality with the Epic Season Pass, a new unlimited, unrestricted season pass that's valid for the entire 2008-2009 ski and snowboard season at five of the top-rated resorts in the world: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly Lake Tahoe, all for an initial price of only $579.
The new Epic Season Pass is a groundbreaking initiative that will completely change how you experience your favorite Vail Resorts ski and snowboard vacation. It offers an epic amount of skiing and riding across five world-class mountain resorts with 17,400 acres of terrain, 128 chairlifts and 722 trails, for each moment of our season from the day we open until we close, normally November until April. No one will be able to out-ski this pass. And at a price of $579, we have made this experience a reality for you.
The new Epic Season Pass is designed to bring greater excitement to the sports of skiing and snowboarding. The new Epic Season Pass gives you the opportunity to ski or ride when you want, how you want.You can visit whenever you like and then decide later in the season to return for a last- minute trip after hearing about one of Colorado's or Tahoe's epic snowfalls. You can ski all day or just for an hour. In essence, we're taking the thought out and putting more fun into a ski vacation.
The Epic Season Pass has all the key limitations and restrictions removed better tailoring it for our customers. At Vail Resorts our mission is Extraordinary Resorts, Exceptional Experiences. The Epic Season Pass is designed to provide you, our customers with exceptional experiences, all season long.
Labels: Vail
Selected Lodging and Casual Dining at Crested Butte
Our primary reason for going to Crested Butte on a recent weekend was to make a final inspection of the lodging and convention facilities (some of which has just opened this past November) in preparation for the SkiTops contention this coming March.
SkiTops is an association of the top 23 ski tour operators in North American, as well as their numerous suppliers – of which Crested Butte is one. This is an outstanding group of professionals. If you would like to learn more about SkiTops, check out SkiTops.com
We spent our first full day in Crested Butte exploring the mountain, in particular the intermediate terrain. Crested Butte has a reputation as largely an ‘experts’ mountain, and indeed about 50% of the total skiable acreage is rated Black or Double Black Diamond. We were interested to see how many “blue” runs there might be – as this is the terrain that the majority of the destination resorts skiers look for. The answer is … there is quite a bit of varied intermediate terrain. We particularly liked the East River area, which is serviced by its own high speed quad. Ah, but I get ahead of myself. Look for a full account of the skiing a little later in this series– after the big 2 foot snow storm that hit Crested Butte during our visit. Stay tuned.
Selected CBMR Lodging.
On Monday morning we met with Sales Manager Tyler Lucas and his associates within the Sales and Convention division of Crested Butte Mountain Resorts. We began by touring the three lodging properties to be used by SkiTops Network Convention.
The Lodge at Mountaineer Square …
I have previously written on The Lodge at Mountaineer Square, but I am pleased to expand on those remarks. Basically, if you would like a kitchen, or just prefer the extra room a condominium provides – and you want to be near the lifts, in the best lodging the resort has to offer, then this is the address of choice. Here you will find truly oversized units (rare in new construction, no matter the resort), an indoor / outdoor pool and hot tub/Jacuzzi, lite, casual fare on site dining within a pleasant lounge atmosphere, and heated underground parking.
A word about this underground parking … it’s super convenient. The entrance to heated parking is about 20 feet from the lobby. After you register, and the friendly bellman takes your luggage, just pull your car around to the right and drive on in. We found a spot not 30 feet from the elevator, left our ski gear in the vehicle and took the lift to our room. Next morning, dressed to ski, we stopped by the car, got our gear, then, zip one floor up, and bingo you are on Mountaineer Square. Walk 3 minutes and clip into your skis. It’s that easy. Oh yes, the lift ticket office is right at your back door as well, as a Camp 4, a great little coffee shop that I am told has Starbucks a little nervous. This Mountaineer Square will spoil you.
I should mention, as this is a premier property, lodging prices here are not cheap, but the value is outstanding. And when compared to lodging of similar quality in say Vail or Beaver Creek, or even the better quality units at Keystone, the Lodge at Mountaineer Square comes in about 20% less. So for the right client, this is a good deal.
Our property tour of the Lodge at Mountaineer Square was conducted by Mr. Nick Altice, Front Desk Manager, and then further enhanced by General Manager Mr. Chuck Donnelly. The property Concierge, Ms Jane Cofran, was most helpful and informative as well.
The Grand Lodge …
Looking for a comfortable condo in the moderate range, still near the lifts? So was SkiTops, and that took us over to the Grand Lodge at Crested Butte where General Manager, Sarah Hartman took us for a comprehensive tour. As the name might imply, there was a day when this property this was ‘top of the line’ lodging in CB. For a time it was branded as an upper end Sheraton as well. Now a days, following a recent renovation, the Grand looks better than ever, and provides a solid value at an attractive price.
Many of the units here are Studio configuration, with either one king bed, or else a king and another king wall bed. The later is a full size bed that pulls down from the wall at night, then pulls back out of the way when not in use. While there is no box spring in the wall unit, the mattress is deep and comfortable, so two couples who are friendly – or better still, a small family, mom, dad and two kids, can lodge here just fine.
The Grand Lodge also boosts a heated indoor / outdoor pool and a hot tub Jacuzzi – as well as the inviting Wildflower Spa. This soothing oasis offers plant derived spa treatments (massage, wraps, body scrubs, facials) utilizing botanical extracts and wildflower essences. I don’t frequent spas, but I am told the ladies love this place. Certainly has a nice water feature and pleasant scent in the air.
Another feature of the Grand Lodge is the WoodStone Grill. Located just to the right of the roaring fireplace in the lobby, the WoodStone is a full service restaurant and lounge that also offers room service - now that’s a feature I appreciate. We had dinner at the WoodStone our second night in town, and I can recommend the Ahi tuna. Joan enjoyed the southern style BBQ pork dish. Prices here are very reasonable. The service was good. Unpretentious dining is the order of the day at WoodStone Grill.
The Elevation Hotel …
This was the last property on our tour, and the only one of the three can be called true “Ski in, Ski out”. It’s right there, sitting basically in between Red Lady Express and the Silver Queen Express lifts. If you hate to walk more than 50 feet before you can ski, and you love upscale hotels, then this is the property for you.
The Elevation is a property in transition. For years this was the former Club Med of Crested Butte. Then the hotel and conference center was acquired by the Resort, and a huge renovation began. That work is not yet done, although you would never know it – as most of the guest rooms are complete and all the public areas are very attractive.
A word about the hotel rooms … they are oversized (about 450 square feet) and the theme is ultra modern chic. These rooms are perfect for the skier who appreciates the upscale “New York” look over the rustic luxury style of say Mountaineer Square. If this is your client, then they have a super hotel and unbeatable location awaiting them in the ‘new’ Crested Butte.
Amenities at the Elevation Hotel include valet parking, the on site Atmosphere restaurant and lounge, a great sundeck with fire pit over looking the skiing, an indoor / outdoor pool and a huge spa and fitness center. All in all, this is a luxury property, right on the slopes, priced accordingly.
Well, that’s it for today. Next time … the great CB blizzard leading to the super bluebird ski day that followed. And stay tuned as soon we will explore historic downtown Crested Butte, a big part of what makes this Colorado Classic so appealing to skiers from all over. Here is a preview for you … the snow in the yards in downtown CB was 6 feet deep. Not the drifts, that’s settled snowfall.
Bye for now.
Labels: Crested Butte
2 more, Great, Late season resorts
Last time we explored the bet “qualifiers” for selecting a Spring Skiing resort. These included looking for a high base elevation, and or, a northern latitude. These qualifiers led us to our first two selections, ski regions both …
Ø Summit County, CO (Keystone, Copper and Breckenridge)
Ø Banff / Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Today we will explore two more last season gems, where you can be far more certain on finding good snow cover ( and often even fresh powder snow overnight ) and great deals – particularly if you remember to book with Rocky Mountain Vacations / Ski Organizers. That number to call by the way is 800 733 4028.
Spring Skiing? Consider …
Winter Park, Colorado
Why This Works For You: Here is a Colorado classic that has much to recommend if for last turns of the season. To begin with, the base elevation, which at 9,000 feet, is among the highest in North American skiing, means that spring comes late here. In fact, this corner of the state, just north of Berthoud Pass, is known to be one of the coldest regions in Colorado. Consider the fact that summertime temperatures here rarely exceed 75 degrees here, and you can imagine how long the ski season can be here.
Then add in location – as in distance to travel. Winter Park is a mere 67 miles west of Denver. Yes, some mountains like Park City are even closer to the gateway airport, by not by that much. So if you can get a morning non stop into Denver, you might just grab an afternoon half day at WP.
Or how about taking the famous Ski Train from Denver to Winter Park. This institution leaves historic Union Station and drops you almost at the lifts for $55 round trip. It’s a beautiful ride up, and a après ski party on the way back down.
But location and a late season is not the only reason to book Winter Park. How about 3,000 + vertical serviced by 7 high speed quads. Or an abundance of Green and Blue intermediate terrain, plus ample Black and Double Blacks. Truth is, this is really a very nice, well rounded ski mountain, rising above two unpretentious ski towns (Frasier and Winter Park) where dining is not expensive by resort standards and the locals friendly folk.
Where to Lodge: I like the simplicity and value of Beaver Village. Like many of the condo properties here, Beaver Village was built back in the 70’s – but it’s well maintained and the two bedroom units are large by today’s standards. For more modern, ski in, ski out lodging, select the Zephyr Mountain Lodge. This most costly option offers onsite dining and room service – unusual in this generally no frills, down home resort. But no matter where you lodge, expect to find virtually all the terrain open right to the end of the season. And of course that is what a die hard, late season skiers/boarders are really seeking!
Snowbird, Utah
My first ever spring ski trip to the west was to Snowbird, Utah – and to this day it remains one of my best ever. Arriving in Salt Lake City, you actually drive east into the Wasatch Range, on up Little Cottonwood Canyon about 16 miles to this dramatic ski mountain with a compact cluster of concrete and wood trim buildings at the base. Everything is made of concrete for a reason – avalanches are a real and persistent danger here. Sturdy is the order of the day, and architectural style comes second.
Why This Works For You: Well, to start with, Snowbird receives 500 + inches of snow per winter. That is one of the biggest numbers is North American skiing. And as this Canyon is steep on either side, the sun doesn’t bake the entire mountain from dawn to dusk. Add to this generally low traffic levels and you have a big, often steep mountain covered with fresh snow almost nightly. And this includes the entire month of April, and on into May. Snows a lot here.
It used to be that Snowbird was only for upper level skiers – the so-called experts. But now, with the new Mineral Basin area (accessed, get this, via a mountain tunnel and a magic carpet ride near the summit of the mountain) intermediates have ample terrain at Snowbird as well.
Where to Lodge: Easy choice. The Cliff Lodge. It’s the best lodging at Snowbird, and in my view, the only place to be. So save your money till you can afford a slope view room on the 8th floor or above. It’s worth it. Ask us about when the rates fall, and book into that week. From the vantage point of your Cliff Lodge room, you can sit with a drink and watch as the groomers perform amazing feats on the steeper terrain facing the Cliff. Memorable.
Want more?
Stay tuned, two more last season resorts coming up.
Labels: Snowbird, Winter Park
More customer feedback
Hi Julie,
Thanks for following up with us. We had a really great time. Yes, we did miss the kids but I think it would've been a much more challenging trip if we brought them so I'm glad it worked out for us to go by ourselves.
We definitely want to make it an annual vacation and soon with the kids when they are old enough to ski and enjoy it.
Since I'm in the travel industry too, I know how important feedback is so here is mine.
River Run Condomininiums
We were very pleased with the lodging. The room (2 BR/3BA with Murphy) was a great size. They had everything we needed to make dinners in the evening. We were happily surprised to see that they provided laundry detergent (4 small boxes of Tide detergent and 4 small boxes of Chlorox for colors). And we were pleased to be provided a bag of Starbucks ground coffee (1 bag of Decaf and 1 bag of regular). I don't know if it would have been restocked each day or not though because we had already purchased our own can of coffee so we didn't use the Starbucks bag until almost the end of the trip.
The staff were rarely seen but the check in and check out process was painless and very efficient.
There were probably one two negatives. One was the bed. It wasn't the most comfortable bed, but I know that is to be expected unless we were staying at a Westin with a Heavenly bed. The other is that it wasn't a bad walk to go into the village if we were wearing our regular shoes, but walking in the ski boots made it seem like it was a mile away. We ended up utilizing the lockers near the lift so we could wear our regular shoes walking to/from the lift. If we stay in Keystone again, we would want to stay in lodging that is the closest to the lift (I think it was JackPine).
We took some time to take a ride to Vail, Copper Mountain and Breckinridge. We skiied Breck on our last day there and thought it would be the best place to stay when our kids are ready to learn. The slopes were so wide and very, very easy!! Great learning mountain. We also liked that it seemed to have some ski in/ski out options (Beaver Run) - so that might be our next location when we're ready again. I liked the casual feel of Keystone and Breckinridge much better than the higher-end feel of Vail. If I'm on vacation, I don't want to always get dressed up and feel like I need to do my hair and makeup. I felt very comfortable just being very casual in Keystone and Breck.
The good news is my husband (it was his first time), LOVED IT!!!! and we definitely want to return and ski every year. We haven't decided about next year though because the kids will only be 2 1/2 and won't really be ready yet - but starting 2010 and after...we're there for sure.
Thank you again for all of your work on this trip. We had so much fun!
Best Regards,
Theresa Scalzitti
Labels: Keystone
Our guest Deb reports from Telluride!
Dear Anita:
We had a blast, check out some cool shots of some nice, steep runs with tons of snow!!!
All it did was dump all week, we had a blast and still wish we were there!!
It's definitely a do over!
Thanks so much for a great trip, we did Bushwacker and Plunge and Kant--mak-em for you tons of times, we had so much snow
and the
Inn at Lost Creek was absolutely charming and the best service from the front desk to the ski valet in the morning.
He practically took the skis off for you after a long day of skiing powder. We wouldn't have wanted to stay anywhere else. We loved the town and the village and the restaurants were superb. The gondola to and from the town was an added bonus and it was a treat not to have to rent a car. We had an outstanding trip, and want to thank you for making is so easy for us to plan and enjoy the vacation.
So.... where are we going next year? we were thinking powder mountain cat skiing, Heavenly area, who knows? But you will plan it for us for years to come ! Thanks Anita, DEB
Labels: Telluride
Best Bets for Spring Skiing
Today is March 02, and as I gaze outdoors it’s 20 degrees and snowing, hard. Last night they got a huge thunder snowstorm that produced 9 inches of fresh up the road in Aspen. But yesterday, it was 54 degrees and sunny in Snowmass. Tomorrow, who knows – more snow, but warmer Tuesday. So what is this all about? Springtime.
Changeable weather patterns have arrived in the Rockies. And that means many beautiful, if unpredictable ski days ahead. Snow one day, suntan weather then next. So pack the sunscreen and come on out. Just keep in mind that planning a ski trip between now and the end of the season is all a matter of laid back attitude, proper latitude and base elevation.
To assist you in making that Spring Skiing Reservation, here are a few of the best bets on where to find great snow and good time between now and the last turns of the year …
Copper,
Keystone or
Breckenridge, Colorado – That’s right, all three of the “Summit County” resorts are a very good bet for late season snow. And don’t forget A Basin, just up the street from Keystone. They often ski past Memorial Day at this late season classic. Plus, if you book Summit County after say April 05th, you are going to get a great package deal from Rocky Mountain Vacations, guaranteed. So why select Summit County? I mean, there are places that get more snow overall, right?
Reason This Area Works For You: Elevation. Each one of these favorites has a base elevation over 9,200 feet. Copper has the highest base elevation of the three, at just over 9,700 feet. That’s well above mid mountain at many resorts, and near the peak of a few. So, it’s realistic to say that April in say Breckenridge is like March in say Park City or Sun Valley.
Where best to lodge? I like Main Street Station in Breckenridge. This condominium / retail development is well located near the base lifts, but also adjacent to historic and hopping downtown Breck. Units and large and very comfortable, and the staff generally well trained. If it’s just two of you and all you want to do is ski, who cares about night life, then opt for Tamarack at Copper Mountain. This is an older building adjacent to the new fancy Village units, but the studios here are unusually large and the walk to the lift is maybe 6 minutes tops. The springtime rates here are quite reasonable too.
Banff / Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada – Here is a really special treat for Spring Skiing. Book a trip with Ski Org to the Canadian Rockies, and see what ‘changes in latitude’ is all about for US skiers and boarders. This is big mountain skiing in a foreign country (where they actually like us) in one of their National Parks no less. So everything is pristine, beautiful, and well, a little different. Interesting, ‘eh?.
Oh, I almost forgot. The scenery all over this region is about as dramatic as it gets. Order a drink at the ‘window bar’ at the Chateau Lake Louise and you will see what I mean.
There are two really great ski mountains in this overall region, Sunshine and Lake Louise – and maybe three. Marmot Basin at Jasper might be equally good in it’s own right. Not sure, so I am going up there next week to check it out.
Reason This Area Works For You: While the elevation is not very high (base elevation is typically about 5,500 feet) you are way up north - well north of all US skiing except Alaska. And moreover, you are well inland, almost a thousand miles from the Pacific. So winter lingers here, even as the sunshine extends well past the last run of the day.
Where to Lodge? That’s easy. Take three nights at the Chateau Lake Louise and then two nights at the Banff Springs. These are Fairmont ‘castles’ in every good sense of the word. Lodging here is a once in a lifetime experience. And in April, these posh, historic hotels are quite affordable – at least the rooms are. You can always dine out a night or two while in Banff and save some on meals . But you have to stay here once, and April is the month to do so, no matter your budget.
Interested in more Springtime Best Bets? Then stay tuned, because there are a dozen in total.
Labels: Spring Skiing
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
