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.

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.

While Lake Tahoe is home to multiple ski resorts, few rival the diversity of terrain (Tahoe’s largest ski resort), access (most high-speed lifts, most vertical, highest elevation, extensive grooming, tree-skiing) and views which Heavenly Valley offers its visitors. While we would be remiss not to advise of the many beautiful vacation home rentals offered by TheSociety.com (which we will), we suggest checking out the 2009/2010 Heavenly Pass-The Best Deal in Tahoe.

The Heavenly Pass is a bargain at $349/season. Yes, there are a few restrictions as noted below; however, you also have the option of skiing/boarding some of the finest resorts including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin at HALF PRICE.

• Skiing and riding seven days a week at Lake Tahoe’s largest ski and snowboard resort (blackout days apply 11/27&28, 12/27-31 and 2/13&14)).
• Unlimited half-priced lift tickets at any of Vail Resorts’ four Colorado resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone No blackout dates. One lift ticket per day, for pass-holder use only. For the 2009/10 Season Only.
• $20 discount on regularly priced Heavenly lift tickets on 2009-10 blackout dates.
• Exclusive pass-holder e-mail offers allowing you to save on resort purchases, including ski and snowboard school, food and beverage, retail and more!
• 2009 summer Gondola access.

When visiting Heavenly, may we suggest a charming 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom ski cabin literally within minutes of the Heavenly Resort. This cabin is rustic yet comfortable attracting those who wish for expansive accommodations close to the resort at a value price-point (under $500/night). The densely wooded, forest setting gives a secluded feeling, yet is close to everything. Very comfortable, with deck & hot tub, fireplace, two-car garage and just minutes to the nightlife of the area including casinos & the Lake! Spend a day on the mountain then come back and relax in the hot tub.

The chalet has been completely remodeled and updated - everything is new! There is a wrap-around deck with a gas grill. The master bedroom has a balcony (excellent for morning coffee). Bring the whole family because there’s plenty of room! The lower level bedroom has two double beds, the upstairs bedroom 2 queen beds, and the  master bedroom, 1 king bed and a full size futon. Plasma TV with cable, wireless internet, granite counters. TVs in all bedrooms as well! Sofa in the living room is a sleeper so you can utilize this area as well.

Yes….For those who may not be familiar with the Epic Pass, the pass is a unrestricted season pass valid for the ski resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin and Heavenly. The pass is a bargain, especially for those who may be skiing/boarding in excess of 5-6 days. Many of our clients secured Epic passes and booked multiple visits throughout the ski season. If I may quote one client as follows:

Our vacation home rental in Summit County was perfect. We were in close proximity of Breckenridge which is one of our favorite resorts yet the kids loved Keystone for the night-skiing. We took your reservationists advice and skied Vail and Beaver Creek as well. The 40 minute drive was easy, and we skied on weekdays, no lift-lines at all. The Epic Pass was a true money-saver and we look forward to multiple visits during the 2009-2010 ski season…..FWA, Milwaukee, WI

Consider the following for your ski clients, they will thank you for thinking of them.

The Epic Pass, the ultimate accessory for those contemplating a getaway to the resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone/Arapahoe Basin and Heavenly.

Introduced during the 2008-09 ski season, the Epic Pass was an instant success. For $579, the pass allows unlimited and unrestricted skiing and boarding at the 5 of the finest resorts in the Rocky Mountain West. No blackout dates and most cost-effective, by using 5 or more days, the pass pays for itself. Consider the pass whether you are planning one or multiple visits to the Rocky Mountain West. What a great excuse to ski/board the five resorts and have The Society book your lodging. For the Vail Resorts Epic Pass, prices are guaranteed until April 9, 2009 just a deposit now, balance later.

Vail: The “granddaddy” of them all. With the legendary back bowls, charming Tyrolean town, gourmet food and lodging options other resorts envy, Vail has it all in one package. Fly into Eagle or Denver, stay in one of our hand-picked flats of chalets, from mountainside opulence to hidden gems throughout the Vail Valley. (Left, our One Willow Bridge Penthouse)

Beaver Creek: Not exactly roughing it is the motto for those visiting The Beav. Once past the security gates, the resort of Beaver Creek is an enchanted wonderland. A base area literally carved mountainside dominated by a village square with charming shops, restaurants and a year-round ice-skating rink. Consider a village condominium or a luxury ski-in/out home in Bachelor Gulch. For the ultimate Beaver Creek retreat, the Former home of President and Mrs. Gerald R. Ford should be considered. (Pictured at right)

Breckenridge: From rough and tumble mining town to a multi-mountain ski resort, Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s most popular resorts. Main Street charms and delights with quaint shops, restaurants and clubs. The skiing and Boarding, some of the best in Colorado spans multiple peaks ensuring a diverse experience daily. Lodging options from the economical to luxury is available, all within steps to the slopes. Check out the Boulder Ridge Lodge (left) which sleeps 22 people.