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.

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

Fall in the Colorado High Country is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. As locals, we know the first dusting of snow will appear on mountain peaks by Labor Day weekend. Yet, before the slopes open, attractions from the fall foliage, golf against snow-capped peaks and late-season fly-fishing are just some of the attractions available for the fall visitor to Colorado.

While all the mountain communities are inviting during the fall season, one of our favorites is Summit County, located just 90 minutes west of Denver. For those unfamiliar with Summit County, the area is home to multiple resorts including Keystone, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain as well as charming towns including Frisco, and Dillon (with its beautiful marina, boats available for hourly rental).

September and October are active months in Summit County beyond the preparation for ski season which traditionally begins in November unless abundant early snowfall is received (which is possible due to the El Nino patter for winter 2009/2010). Some of our favorite events include:

September 2: 21st Annual Taste of Keystone: Bring a hearty appetite and prepare your taste buds for the best culinary event of the summer! The Taste of Keystone is a perfect way to experience Keystone’s finest cuisine, while supporting Summit County’s Mountain Mentors, all in one day! Here’s an opportunity to sample a wide variety of cuisine from Keystone’s best restaurants including: Alpenglow Stube, Ski Tip Lodge, Keystone Ranch, and The Bighorn Steakhouse. Top it all off with the finest sweet treats from acclaimed pastry chef Ned Archibald.

September 14-19: 24th Annual Breckenridge Festival of Film, this world -renowned festival features premier films, documentaries, independents, children’s features, a screenwriter’s competition and international celebrities.

September 15: Dillon Marina Lobsterfest: We may be a land-locked state, however, we still know our Lobster.

September 16: Frisco Oktoberfest: The celebration takes place on Main Street, with various venders tempting you with food and drink. There will be lots of music and dancing – of course German style! Come and celebrate German heritage with Oompah music and beer and sausage.

September 22-24: Annual Ski Swap: An event anticipated by locals and visitor alike. Be sure to check out the many bargains and prepare for the 2009/10 winter season. The Rossignol XXX Bandit’s were the bargain of the season in 2008.

September 15 & 22: The Dillon Farmers Market, fresh produce and home-baked goodies.

Due to the economic downturn, many in the popular press are suggesting travelers consider a “Staycation” i.e. a vacation at or close to home to save money this summer. We suggest you use the “Staycation” trend to your advantage.

The reality is, travelers may not be considering a getaway to Europe or Africa or the Far East this summer, however, they will still vacation, yet they will be looking for options and attractive pricing closer to their home. The following are a few marketing tips from The Society:

2-3 Hours Drive Market (200 miles): Within 2-3 hours drive-time of your vacation home rental is an audience which may consider multiple visits this summer. For example, for our partners in Summit and Eagle counties of Colorado (within 2-3 hours of Denver) we are suggesting offering packages of “multiple weekends” at a discounted rate. Let clients book holiday weekends or random weekends on a space available basis at an attractive rate. Provide additional discounts for pre-payment. It’s the weekend summer home without the expense.

3-7 Hours Drive Time (500 miles): This market may consider one to two excursions, usually holiday weekends to your destination. This is a perfect opportunity to pitch the holiday weekend at an attractive rate. Offer early check-in and late check-out to allow the guests the maximum summer getaway for their budget.

7+ Hours Drive Time (500+ miles): Many of our clients visiting the mountains of Colorado drive from Texas and the Midwest. This market is usually 7-12 hours drive time. The vacation may desire to have their own car and views driving the family as more cost-effective versus flying and renting a car. This is the perfect market to consider promoting “Saturday to Saturday” getaways or extended holiday weekends into one week or longer. We suggest promotions such as book 5 nights, receive 2 nights free.

The reality is, a “Staycation” while sounding attractive in the press is not going to be popular when the children are whining “I’m bored”. Be attentive, proactive and use this trend to your advantage.

With the end of summer officially upon us, it’s time to look ahead to to that wonderful time of year … SKI/SNNOWBOARDING SEASON!!!  With that said below are a few early deals (Don’t forget about our Keystone Stay 5 Ski 3!):

Winter Park / Copper Mountain - Colorado:

• Enjoy four days at Winter Park Resort with access to Winter Park’s cruisers and Mary Jane’s famous bumps.
• Four days of skiing and snowboarding access to Copper’s one-of-a-kind naturally divided terrain, FREE Cat skiing and FREE parking.

Best to check the fine print here: http://www.passwagon.com/fourpass.htm

Additionally, Rocky Mountain Super Pass Holders have access to these great offers as well:

• One year subscription to Skiing magazine
• $10 discount on any Winter Park Resort lesson, children and adults, (except Easy Start) all season long, as many lessons as you want for yourself, family and friends!
• Two all day adult group lessons at Copper Ski and Ride School for $49. Valid for regular group lessons from Level 1-4, or any Buster clinics. May be transferred to family or friends. Not valid dates December 27-31, 2008

Taos, New Mexico (with RM Super Pass):

Receive two free days of skiing and riding at Taos for the 08/09 season.

Crested Butte, Colorado

November 26 - December 17, 2008: “This early season when you book your lodging with Crested Butte vacations you’ll also receive FREE skiing.That’s right  free… as in no cost to you for some of the best skiing on the planet.  Use this as an opportunity to shake off the summer cobwebs and experience truly uncrowded skiing and riding at its finest.  Crested Butte…Colorado’s True Colors.”

It’s never too early to plan that perfect ski or snowboard getaway!  Check back with us as we’ll continually add new deals/packages.