March 29th, 2010 by Joseph
A little secret we keep out west, the best months for skiing are March and April. Statistically the snowiest months of the year. In addition to the ample snowfall, the warmer daytime temperatures provide an excuse to shed the ski jacket and replace with a wind-shirt. Why not plan a last minute getaway to the top resorts in Utah.
Park City Closing April 11: The largest resort in Utah, Park City is popular with skiers and boarders in search of the big mountain experience. In addition to a variety of terrain from gentle beginner trails to expert bowl terrain, Park City exceeds most vacationers’ expectations.
Deer Valley Closing April 11: Known as one of the few true skiers’ mountains (snowboarders are verboten); Deer Valley is one of the finest ski experiences available worldwide. In addition diversity of terrain and exceptional grooming, our Deer Valley homes are positioned for true ski-in/out access. Deer Valley is considered the premier luxury ski resort and our homes will not disappoint.
In Town: The Town of Park City is a former mining town transformed into a quaint resort town with some of the finest dining and shopping options within the 8-state Rocky Mountain Region. Main Street is most popular with visitors providing a diverse collection of shops, art galleries, restaurants and entertainment. However, be sure to check out the side-streets for hidden treasures off the beaten-path.
Town Steps: Feeling energetic, take a walk up the “town steps” between town and the Park City Mountain Resort. You will enjoy the views of town, the surrounding mountains and the renovation of the quaint mining shacks renovated for today’s affluent vacationer.
Town Lift: Want to skip the lines at the Park City Mountain Resort base area? Hope onto the Town Lift from Main Street. You will actually be carried over the base area and dropped on the mountain. Please note, if skiing or boarding into town from the resort, the run is a solid intermediate. Beginners, consider skiing or boarding to the main base area and using the Town Steps of the free bus for access to town and Main Street
March 8th, 2010 by Joseph
At The Society we request our property and estate managers to advise concerning “deals and steals” which we provide to our readership and blog. Please review and consider taking advantage of these “deals and steals” while available:

Deer Valley, UT: Consistently rated #1 by readers of Ski Magazine, Deer Valley is a skiers paradise (yes skiers, sorry no snowboarders permitted on the slopes). One of the premier vacation rental opportunities is now available for specific dates for the ultimate spring skiing experience which is characterized by sun-kissed days,starry nights and abundant spring snow. Ski Casa Nova is a ski-in/out estate without rival. The 13,000 SF estate sleeps up to 25 guests. The following rates and dates are on a space available basis:
March 13-20, 2010 (7 nights) Std. Rate $71,400 Special Rate $42,840 (40% off)
March 20-26, 2010 (6 nights) Std. Rate $38,000 Special Rate $24,429 (25% off)
Contact: Jenni Haines | Estate Manager and Concierge
P: 800.978.5002 | Jenni.Haines@SkiCasaNova.com

Deer Valley, UT: For those who may consider Casa Nova slightly large for their vacation, we have a beautiful 4 bedroom vacation rental in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Deer Valley. Those who may be familiar with Silver Lake know the location is premier with a quaint village setting located mid-mountain, a true ski-in/out village setting reminiscent of the Alps. Lookout 6559 is a premier luxury 4 bedroom town home which sleeps10 in opulence and luxury, which is what Deer Valley is all about. For bookings through the remainder of the season, 25% off on a space available basis.
Contact: Jaci Buckingham | Sales & Marketing Manager
P: 435.649.6175 | T: 800.348.6759 Jaci@ParkCityLodging.com
Mayan Riviera, Mexico: While we may be basking in the snow here in the Colorado Rockies and getting in those final runs of the season, Mexico becomes the location of choice when the snow melts. Many of us wait a few months until late spring and summer to travel to Mexico when the weather is glorious and the crowds non-existent.

March 2nd, 2010 by Joseph
Many resort towns what we all consider iconic hotels and resorts. These are the properties which set the standard for their peers to attain while continually improving the guest experience. In Deer Valley it’s the www.steinlodge.com, in Vail, The Sonnenalp, in Aspen, The Little Nell. In Telluride, it is The Peaks Resort, the defining symbol of Mountain Village, the mid-mountain base area known for its opulence and extravagance yet comforting with true rocky mountain sensibilities.
For those who may be unfamiliar with The Peaks Resort or The Peaks as it is known locally is Telluride’s premier full service resort. The hotel offers its discriminating guests 149 hotel rooms including 32 suites and 14-penthouse flats plus 34 truly unique 3, 4 and 5 bedroom mountainside cabins known as the See Forever collection due to their privacy and views.
We are proud to present the Penthouse Flats and The See Forever units
Each of the 14 penthouses is individually decorated encompassing the finest furnishings providing a mountain chic interior which is comfortable and inviting. In addition, to views and vistas which cannot be replicated anywhere, the penthouses are truly luxury personified.
Guests residing in one of the penthouses will be spoiled with down comforters, lavishly stocked refreshment centers, and oversized bathrooms with separate shower and bathtub. In addition, all penthouses feature all common hotel amenities plus plush terrycloth robes/ slippers, individual heating controls, multiple closets, clothes press, laundry basket, coffeemaker furnished with the finest gourmet coffees and teas.
For those who desire the privacy of a vacation home rental coupled with the amenities of a luxury full service resort and spa, The Peaks See Forever Luxury Rentals are for you.
Located adjacent to the resort, the spacious units feature one-of-a-kind custom décor along with full-size kitchens, in-floor radiant heating and wi-fi internet connectivity. All of the one- to five-bedroom units offer amazing views of the nearby San Juan Mountains and are ideal for families, groups of friends or those in search of additional space and privacy to relax and be at ease.
February 3rd, 2010 by Joseph
***Attractive rates available for President’s Week/Valentine’s Day Holiday and Spring ski season***
DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE. PLEASE INQUIRE. CONTACT JENNI HAINES AT JENNI.HAINES@SKICASANOVA.COM OR 435-659-8825 TO BOOK THIS STUNNING PROPERTY FOR PRESIDENT’S WEEKEND.
MORE PROPERTY INFORMATION AVAILABLE HERE: http://www.skicasanova.com
As February is in our sights, we skiers embrace the changing of the season. Yes, it is still winter, however, on the local scene, it is a change. The crowds from Sundance have jetted back to Los Angeles and New York. The Pacific storms battering California have blessed Utah with abundant light powder, seemingly snowing daily. Our personal favorite, the days have been getting longer waking up to sun over the peaks and relaxing in the hot tub with the sun setting beyond the Great Salt Lake.
President’s Weekend is one of the best times of the winter season to come out to Deer Valley. The snow is abundant, the temperatures cold enough to insure powder from the heavens and an added bonus, Valentine’s Day falls on the Sunday of the Holiday Weekend.
We suggest President’s Week at the Casa Nova residence, one of the finest mountain homes in Deer Valley. Located in the prestigious mid-mountain enclave of Deer Crest, Casa Nova is a one-of-a-kind ski-in/out estate providing the pinnacle of luxury accommodations within the confines of Deer Valley.
The 13,000 SF estate provides 7 bedrooms and 10+ bathrooms. While the estate is oriented towards 14 guests, groups of up to 25 adults and children have called Casa Nova home when visiting Deer Valley.
Amenities within the 4 levels of the home include the Grand Room with its grand piano and dance floor. The Screen Room with THX sound and 345 movies on demand, rivaling most Blockbuster outlets. Forget delivery pizza before the movies; use the kitchen’s custom wood-burning pizza oven for an authentic Neapolitan crust. After a day of skiing, consider “The Spa at Casa Nova” where guests enjoy the exercise room or the massage room. Both the steam room and sauna seat six in comfort. The hot tub seats 9, just do not argue over the audio feed.
Casa Nova truly represents the pinnacle of luxury vacation rentals in the Deer Valley Resort. Don’t just take our word for it; Casa Nova was named the Ultimate Villa Vacation by Robb Report (the only one in ski country).
January 28th, 2010 by Joseph
As February is in our sights, we skiers embrace the changing of the season. Yes, it is still winter, however, on the local scene, it is a change. The crowds from Sundance have jetted back to Los Angeles and New York. The Pacific storms battering California have blessed Utah with abundant light powder, seemingly snowing daily. Our personal favorite, the days have been getting longer waking up to sun over the peaks and relaxing in the hot tub with the sun setting beyond the Great Salt Lake.
President’s Weekend is one of the best times of the winter season to come out to Deer Valley. The snow is abundant, the temperatures cold enough to insure powder from the heavens and an added bonus, Valentine’s Day falls on the Sunday of the Holiday Weekend.
We suggest President’s Week at the Casa Nova residence, one of the finest mountain homes in Deer Valley. Located in the prestigious mid-mountain enclave of Deer Crest, Casa Nova is a one-of-a-kind ski-in/out estate providing the pinnacle of luxury accommodations within the confines of Deer Valley.
The 13,000 SF estate provides 7 bedrooms and 10+ bathrooms. While the estate is oriented towards 14 guests, groups of up to 25 adults and children have called Casa Nova home when visiting Deer Valley.
Amenities within the 4 levels of the home include the Grand Room with its grand piano and dance floor. The Screen Room with THX sound and 345 movies on demand, rivaling most Blockbuster outlets. Forget delivery pizza before the movies; use the kitchen’s custom wood-burning pizza oven for an authentic Neapolitan crust. After a day of skiing, consider “The Spa at Casa Nova” where guests enjoy the exercise room or the massage room. Both the steam room and sauna seat six in comfort. The hot tub seats 9, just do not argue over the audio feed.
Casa Nova truly represents the pinnacle of luxury vacation rentals in the Deer Valley Resort. Don’t just take our word for it; Casa Nova was named the Ultimate Villa Vacation by Robb Report (the only one in ski country).
Casa Nova is available for President’s Week. For more detailed information about Casa Nova, please click through to “The List” and our Casa Nova posting.
December 31st, 2009 by Mark
The State of Utah is known worldwide for its fluffy powder snow and diversity of resorts from the rustic Alta and challenging Snowbird to the family-oriented Solitude Resort and the always popular Park City Mountain Resort. Utah offers the winter sports enthusiasts a plethora of options. Yet, one resort without fail stands out. Rated #1 by Ski Magazine readers, this is a resort where nightlife is truly non-existent, a resort where snowboarders are verboten. A resort where deluxe service and the epitome of luxury are not buzz words, they are the mantra. This is Deer Valley.
Just 40 minutes northeast of Salt Lake City, Deer Valley is an exclusive mountain resort attracting VIP clients from around the world. Deer Valley is the resort for those seeking a skiing experience with luxury and service usually associated with the finest beach resorts and urban 5-star hoteliers. Deer Valley sets the bar for other resorts to aspire to; to date, none have.
Deer Valley offers unique, true ski-in/out opportunities. Deer Crest, a neighborhood within the Deer Valley Resort, currently boasts over 50 of Deer Valley’s most impressive homes. Ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 square feet, these one-of-a-kind custom properties feature extraordinary architecture, detail, finishes and are thoughtfully constructed to take advantage of Deer Crests views, ski access and open space. Chalet owners build their dream homes in keeping with Deer Valley’s renowned mountain design and style. Literally mid-mountain, Deer Crest is a luxury location attainable by the very few. This is where you will find Casa Nova, a one-of-a-kind ski-in/out estate within the enclave of Deer Crest.
Casa Nova, named the Ultimate Villa Vacation by Robb Report (the only one in ski country), is the ultimate chateau vacation rental in Deer Valley. This luxury estate offers true ski-in ski-out access to Deer Valley Resort and is located just minutes from downtown Park City. The13,000 square foot /1,207 square meter home boasts 7 bedrooms of which 4 are true master suites. To call Casa Nova a ski chalet is selling it short as the estate is literally a self-contained resort with sleeping options for up to 25 adults and children. With 11 bathrooms, no one will be waiting by the door.
October 26th, 2009 by Joseph
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.
October 26th, 2009 by Joseph
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.
October 14th, 2009 by Joseph
While we have all witnessed Paris Hilton at Sundance in her “snow-bunny” attire, the reality is Sundance is a firm festival for the general public. Robert Redford never envisioned Sundance to be an elitist event; it was and is an opportunity for new films to be shown, critiqued and for a few lucky directors and producers, akin to hitting the lottery.
The Sundance Film Festival will be held January 21-31, 2010 in Park City, Utah. As a veteran of Sundance, my experience has been that while the VIP screenings happen during the evening, some of the best opportunities for film viewing are in the late afternoon. While the VIPs are screening movies at 7:00PM, visitors like me gather with friends at restaurants on Main Street and discuss the films we viewed and compare the runs we enjoyed that day at Park City and Deer Valley.
While Park City and neighboring Deer Valley have many lodging options, if I may share a secret, the best lodging location, in my opinion is Park Avenue, just steps from the base area yet world’s away from the congestion and behemoth condos.
At The Society we are proud to be able to present a new vacation rental residence on Park Avenue with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths which sleeps 14-16 in comfort and luxury. This new residence while retaining the rustic charm of the mining town on its exterior is a marvel of the newest luxuries and amenities inside.
The Park Avenue Residence is just 250 steps from the lift. Yet, it is also an easy walk to town including the grocery store, Starbucks, Cold Stone Ice Cream and Main Street. While the location may impress, the interior will surely revise your outdated opinion of the vacation ski home.
The 4,200 SF home is ideal for families and friends traveling together. With 5 bedrooms, privacy and luxury will be enjoyed by all. The two distinct and separate living areas will pacify those who wish to travel together but also desire some “alone time”.
For the chef of the party, the $250,000 gourmet kitchen will surely impress (even the take-out pizza looks great on the slab granite). The game room with red-felt regulation pool table and wet-bar will appeal to those wanting to “stay in tonight”. Whoever calls dibs on the master bedroom will enjoy the romantic private fireplace. For the kids, the bunk room will be their getaway and for the adults, a sanctuary for the children. Te outdoor hot tub is most welcome after a day on the slopes or for a dip before bedtime.
October 6th, 2009 by Joseph
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:
- Deer Valley, Utah – no snowboarders allowed on mountain & limited # of passes sold per day.
- Whistler Blackcomb, B.C. –site of the 2010 Winter Olympics
- Vail, Colorado – largest single mountain resort in North America & legendary back bowls
- Park City, Utah – consider the Silver Passport lift pass
- Beaver Creek, Colorado – where locals escape Vail weekend crowds
- Snowmass, Colorado – new base area for 2009/2010
- Sun Valley, Idaho – say hello to Gov. Arnold of California
- Squaw Valley, California – former Winter Olympics venue
- Mammoth, California – option for the S. California resident
- Steamboat, Colorado – western family resort, challenging trees and powder
- Telluride, Colorado –hidden gem, culinary tour de force
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming – not for the faint of heart
- Heavenly, California – cross the border and gamble into the morning
- Aspen Mountain, Colorado –the original “glamour gulch”
- Breckenridge, Colorado – spring break central for colleges and universities
- Northstar-at-Tahoe, California – small scale, big challenges
- Aspen Highlands, Colorado – expert terrain and a Ritz-Carlton
- Copper Mountain, Colorado – segregated terrain, bowls can challenge
- Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana – never a crowd
- The Canyons, Utah – see #4, Silver Passport program
- Keystone, Colorado – a true resort with “charging privileges”
- Big Sky, Montana – limited nightlife, to exhausted from skiing all day
- Winter Park, Colorado – drop in next door at Mary Jane
- Crested Butte, Colorado – high-altitude skiing/boarding
- Snowbird, Utah – for strong intermediates and experts
- Solitude, Utah – small family-oriented enclave
- Taos, New Mexico – from valley heat to snowcapped peaks in 30 minutes
- Alta, Utah – skiing as it was 40 years ago
- Snow Basin, Utah – rustic chic
- Alpine Meadows, California – Tahoe’s hidden gem
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