Two of the more popular Ritz-Carlton Destination Clubs (Aspen Highlands and Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek) are currently refurbishing their properties for members and guests alike for the upcoming 2009/10 winter season.

In Aspen Highlands, a “mountain elegant” design concept is being executed mixing furnishings of heirloom quality with “green” oriented and sustainable furnishings including low VOC paint, sustainable woods, new large flat screen televisions and other amenities to keep the upscale standard fresh and inviting.

In the Bachelor Gulch property, there is an emphasis on using natural elements and colors and textures of the Rocky Mountain region. Design elements include the use of 100% wool area rugs, Moore & Giles leather on lounge chairs, fireplace benches and bar stools. Colors including red, green golden and rust tones are being incorporated to reflect the surrounding area and the change of seasons.

While one may think, “Well. Ritz-Carlton has the money to embark on renovations” the message is staying fresh and relevant. While upgrading and furnishings are costly, the return on investment cannot be discounted. In the present market cycle of competition, the most in-demand vacation rentals will be those most updated. Long gone are the days of shag carpet and vinyl furnishings which were trumped by location, location, location. Travelers want it all. A few suggestions:

• Design based your location and enhance the theme. A house in the mountains with a nautical theme may not be the most inviting (unless it is on a lake or body of water)
• Consider impact when budgeting: The entry way is a first impression as are the living/social areas. Spend the money to achieve the most impact.
• Bathrooms: Upgrades such as luxury towels and upscale amenities can go a long way. Consider local products for their uniqueness and cost-effectiveness.
• Going Green: Pitch the “Green” message i.e. “we use locally sourced furnishings and amenities to 1) assist the local economy and 2) reduce our carbon footprint due to shipping and handling.

Hire a Designer/Contractor: With the down economy, many in the design and construction trades are looking for work and clients. Negotiate the best deal possible. Consider volume work i.e. working on multiple homes. Do not hesitate to negotiate the best rates. Even furniture retailers are open to negotiation, especially on bulk purchases. One of our partners, Dhalgren Duck is an excellent resourse concerning design and preparing a vacation home rental into a ”turn-key” opportunity.

It has been a tradition of Ski Magazine to list their top ski resorts annually. The ranking criteria consider many variations from terrain to nightlife to readership ratings. Last week we provided “opening dates” for a few resorts, this week, the top 30. Below is the list with a few comments added by our “winter sports specialists” here at The Society.com:

1. Deer Valley, Utah – no snowboarders allowed on mountain & limited # of passes sold per day.
2. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C. –site of the 2010 Winter Olympics
3. Vail, Colorado – largest single mountain resort in North America & legendary back bowls
4. Park City, Utah – consider the Silver Passport lift pass
5. Beaver Creek, Colorado – where locals escape Vail weekend crowds
6. Snowmass, Colorado – new base area for 2009/2010
7. Sun Valley, Idaho – say hello to Gov. Arnold of California
8. Squaw Valley, California – former Winter Olympics venue
9. Mammoth, California – option for the S. California resident
10. Steamboat, Colorado – western family resort, challenging trees and powder
11. Telluride, Colorado –hidden gem, culinary tour de force
12. Jackson Hole, Wyoming – not for the faint of heart
13. Heavenly, California – cross the border and gamble into the morning
14. Aspen Mountain, Colorado –the original “glamour gulch”
15. Breckenridge, Colorado – spring break central for colleges and universities
16. Northstar-at-Tahoe, California – small scale, big challenges
17. Aspen Highlands, Colorado – expert terrain and a Ritz-Carlton
18. Copper Mountain, Colorado – segregated terrain, bowls can challenge
19. Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana – never a crowd
20. The Canyons, Utah – see #4, Silver Passport program
21. Keystone, Colorado – a true resort with “charging privileges”
22. Big Sky, Montana – limited nightlife, to exhausted from skiing all day
23. Winter Park, Colorado – drop in next door at Mary Jane
24. Crested Butte, Colorado – high-altitude skiing/boarding
25. Snowbird, Utah – for strong intermediates and experts
26. Solitude, Utah – small family-oriented enclave
27. Taos, New Mexico – from valley heat to snowcapped peaks in 30 minutes
28. Alta, Utah – skiing as it was 40 years ago
29. Snow Basin, Utah – rustic chic
30. Alpine Meadows, California – Tahoe’s hidden gem