Very few of us willingly admit, the burger is a staple at lunchtime for many of us who ski and snowboard. After a challenging morning on the slopes, for us, the burger is the “food of choice” for lunch. Even though many resorts have upgraded their on-mountain dining options including private clubs, for us diehards, the burger rules. Even Vail Resorts understands the popularity of the burger by recently announcing the on-mountain burger has been improved for the 2009-2010 season. Price range for the burger will remain at 2008-2009 season pricing. See ya at Mid-Vail, opening day just weeks away.

For the third time in a row and the 5th time this decade, the readers of Ski Magazine have ranked Deer Valley Resort the number one ski resort in North America. Down the road, Park City raised in rank from #5 to #4 this year. Neighboring resort, The Canyons also made the top 20 list.

Known for its diversity of terrain and easy access from Salt Lake City. Deer Valley Resort is best known for its commitment to providing a level of care rarely found at a ski resort; delivering classic, consistent, and quality service both on and off the mountain.

Rounding out the top 5 top resorts are 2. Whistler/Blackcomb, B.C. 3. Vail, CO. 4. Park City Mountain Resort 5. Beaver Creek, CO. TheSociety.com offers vacation home rentals in the top 5 resorts as voted on by readers of Ski Magazine.

We understand the ski chalet or flat rental is one of the most important aspects of your winter mountain vacation. While our management partners at The Society will insure your mountain lodging offers the superior value only available via a vacation rental, we wanted to provide our readers with additional information concerning lift pass deals at the most popular mountain resorts:

Lift Passes: In Ski Country, many options and great deals are available for skiers/boarders. If you plan to ski/board in more than of 6 days this season, consider a season pass as follows:

Colorado:

Epic Pass: The Epic Pass is the “granddaddy” of bargains. For $599, skiers and boarders have unlimited access to the slopes of Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge and Keystone. The pass pays for itself after approximately 6 days of skiing. NOTE, THERE ARE NO BLACKOUT DATES! In Vail, may we suggest a lovely 3 bedroom/ 3 bathroom flat, sleeps 16 in West Vail, just minutes to the slopes and with the luxury of a wood burning fireplace.

Summit Pass: For those who plan to ski mostly in Summit County, the Summit Pass is a great deal. For $399, you get unlimited access to the slopes of Keystone, Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin. To go with your pass, we suggest The Chateau at Trappers Glen, a luxury 6 bedroom private home which sleeps 18 offering private seclusion above the snowflake lift in Breckenridge. In the evening, apres ski in the private hot tub and walk to dinner along Main Street.

Rocky Mountain Super Pass: For $399, The Rocky Mountain Super Pass is the best product for unlimited access to Winter Park / Mary Jane and Copper Mountain throughout the 09/10 ski season.

Telluride: Located in the southwestern part of the state, Telluride is one of Colorado’s Premier Ski Resorts. You can secure an adult Season Pass to Telluride for $1198. They do have a great College Season Pass for only $299 through Oct 30th, $725 after Oct 30th. Our Tramontana #5, a luxury 3 Bedroom Luxury Condo which sleeps 11 is located in Telluride Mountain Village is an excellent choice for the visitor to Telluride

Steamboat Springs: Buyers of all Steamboat season passes are eligible for a Winter Park and Copper add-on for only $60! Plus, for every adult Steamboat Season Pass (full or upgraded), a parent or legal guardian will receive one child (12 and under) pass FREE. An excellent affordable family retreat is our 3 bedroom penthouse located at Storm Meadows at Christie Base, ski-in/out, sleeps 8, graded “A” by central reservations, perfect for families and friends.

Last season, those looking for cost savings eliminated private and class lessons. While many consider lessons a splurge, we at The Society consider it a perk of the vacation. Note, if you have a family or group of friends, most private instructors can take up to 6 participants: a great way to spend the day and it’s cost effective. Whether class or private, instruction offers the following advantages:

• Skip the Lift Line: how enjoyable during prime vacation periods.
• Increase Skill Set: When you ski/board techniques improve, makes the vacation more enjoyable.
• Hidden Trails: A good instructor knows the mountain and will also know where the best snow conditions are.
• A New Challenge: Break the bad habits (like me, not bending in the knees) and challenge yourself to exceed status quo abilities.

Aspen & Snowmass: The resorts of Glamour Gulch have been most proactive in their marketing department. Look for discounted lift passes, rental equipment and a $50 voucher for those who purchase 5 days of private instruction.

Copper Mountain’s new “Discover Private” program allows skiers who don’t want to spend $475 for a full-day private lesson to pay $150 for two hours of private instruction.

Winter Park is offering four half-day group lessons for $99 if purchased in advance.

Vail Resorts is offering small-group “Adventure Sessions,” with loosely structured lessons and lift line-cutting privileges for $119 to $129 per skier.

-Harnessing the power of a multi-faceted sales and marketing program  to assist upscale resort clients wishing to target the affluent demographic concerning rental, sales and management opportunities-

DENVER, CO -October 22, 2009 - The Society and La Sarenne Luxury Properties today announced the debut of their newest online marketing opportunity, The Diamond Affinity Program, a turnkey luxury resort marketing and sales platform.

“The Diamond Affinity Program has been designed and executed to overcome a major void in how resorts market and sell their products.” said Bruce Cuthbertson, partner with La Sarenne Luxury Properties, a California-based resort development firm adding, “The present economic malaise has impacted many resorts which have relied on antiquated sales and marketing tactics to achieve their goals. The Diamond Affinity program is a whole new sales and marketing platform designed for today, tomorrow and the future. We did not replace the tools in the toolbox, we designed a whole new container, inside and out.”

The Diamond Affinity Program is an all-in-one resort sales and marketing package. Using a multi-pronged approach, The Diamond Affinity Program harnesses the power of:

• Online Marketing: targeting the affluent and luxury lifestyle audience.
• CRM Tracking: including initial contact to close concierge assistance.
• VIP Events: in select markets to provide prospective clients in-person introductions.
• Public Relations: focused on the lifestyle, consumer and business marketplace.  

“No other entity in the industry has brought together the expansive marketing relationships, leveraged media purchases and targeted demographics combined to deliver not only large quantities of highly qualified prospects but exceeding close-rates above the industry standard,” said Michael McFadden, co-founder of The Society, a Colorado-based marketing firm representing hospitality and vacation oriented companies. McFadden added, “The economy has dictated the call for new ways to market luxury resorts and the Diamond Affinity program beckons that call.”

The Society and La Sarenne came together to leverage their resources to create the Diamond Affinity Program. “It just made sense to create this program jointly, taking advantage of our complimentary services to best serve the resort client desiring to turn lookers into bookers and visitors into owners.” said Cuthbertson.

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Contact: Bruce Cuthbertson   
La Sarenne Luxury Properties, LLC  
1-877-336-3942     
Bruce@LaSarenne.com    

Contact: Michael McFadden
The Society
1-866-789-8222 X1
Mike@TheSociety.com

While The Endless Summer profiled surfers in search of the perfect wave, the term has been used to describe the climate of Southern California. No matter the season, we strongly suggest a visit to Laguna Beach where little changed since The Endless Summer was released to movie theaters in the 1960s.

Laguna Beach is truly a unique enclave within greater southern California. The town is literally nestled between the Pacific Ocean to the west and majestic canyons to the east. Whatever your interest; from the beach (glorious) to the arts (a true artist’s colony) to nature (hikes and nature paths) to dining (from beachfront casual to over-the top gourmand), Laguna Beach has options for everyone.

One of our partners, Best Laguna Vacations offers, in our professional opinion the best selection of beach villas and cottages available in Laguna Beach. Yet unlike other vacation spots where one comments “ok, now what?” after just a few days, Laguna is best experienced for one week or more. Our partners at Best Laguna Vacations are enticing clients of The Society to “stay a little longer” by offering:

• 5% off the second week of rental

• 10% off the third week” on a luxury selection cottages on oceanfront Cress Street including:

A 2 bedroom with an ocean view deck, perfect for wine at sunset:
http://thesociety.com/vacation+rental/23815

A 3 bedroom so close to the ocean, the waves will lull you to sleep. http://thesociety.com/vacation+rental/23817

According to a recent article in the Travel section of The New York Times, those looking for bargain travel deals between now and the holidays should act soon. The article states travel from business centers including New York and Chicago is increasing leading to higher airline ticket costs.  While bargains continue, prices seem to have bottomed-out and are now on the up-swing as the holidays approach and the economy continues to strengthen.

Winter destinations including Florida, the Caribbean, Arizona, Mexico and Hawaii are embracing increased booking volumes for the upcoming holiday season. However, if you are willing to travel before the high season, opportunities are still available at wallet friendly rates.

• Mexico Vacation Rental Opportunities
• Florida Vacation Rental Opportunities
• Hawaii Vacation Rental Opportunities
• Arizona Vacation Rental Opportunities
• Las Vegas Vacation Rental Opportunities

Once the symbol of discounting during most of 2009, even Las Vegas has staged a comeback. Beyond the negative publicity concerning foreclosures and empty developments, the Strip continues to thrive, the finest restaurants now offer deals via prix-fixe options and the shows still go on. Hotel prices have bottomed-out and are beginning to rebound. Las Vegas actually was removed from Hotwire’s Top-10 list of North American cities with the deepest hotel price cuts.

While rooms can be had at The Wynn for $139/night, we suggest a vacation rental where you and your guests can enjoy premier luxury and privacy not found at the large hotels. Instead of the screaming children and crowded poolside dining options, enjoy your own pool and hot tub, all clothing optional. Be sure to check out our Mini-Castle collection, a group of 4 gated estates just minutes from The Strip. With the sheer opulence, luxury amenities and unequaled privacy offered by our Mini-Castle estate, hotels on the Strip may become a distant memory.

Hawaii has come through the recession better than mant destinations. Tourism numbers held steady  this past spring as many visitors who had considered Mexico revised their vacation plans and traveled to Hawaii. While prices have dropped and deals are available, the influx of Asian clients due to the loss of value of the US Dollar is propping up the Hawaiian tourism economy. The best deals are flat and estate rentals on the smaller, less popular islands away from the major resort enclaves. We suggest contacting our partners at Ali’i Resorts on Maui.  From now until December 14, 2009, the 3rd night is free on select properties, new bookings only, not valid with other promotions, discounts or offers.

Florida is considered a “suburb” of the Northeast and Midwest, the perennial favorite for snowbirds has become a bargain paradise. Tourism during the 2nd quarter of 2009 dropped almost 10% when compared to the previous year. Translation, incredible rates and opportunities from airfare to lodging to activities. Tourism is a major economic generator for Florida and the opportunities available at present will soon be a memory, do not miss the opportunity to vacation like a “King on a Pauper’s Budget”.

Take a look at the Sandhurst Estate on Captiva Island, a secluded getaway ideal for weddings, corporate retreats or large groups.