One of the newest homes to our network is also one of the finest accommodations we’ve seen to offer families and friends legitimate luxuriousness during their trip to Disney/Orlando.

In a destination known for discounted neighborhood pool home rentals, this home called Shannon Serene gives guests the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the Disney area to a peaceful, serene lakeside setting with all of the luxurious comforts that discerning travelers crave.  Located in Winter Park, Florida, just a quick 25 minute drive from Disney World, Shannon Serene is a favorite among guests in the know.

Winter Park, Florida is known by local residents as “Little Europe”.  Guests will find high-end shopping, museum, exclusive dining and eateries lining Park Avenue and a tree-shaded Central Park.  Olde Winter Park houses many celebrities, financiers and professional athletes.

The home itself is nestled right on Lake Killarney with private beach and lake access offering activities including bass fishing, water skiing, and boating along 300 acres.  The lake serves as an eco-preserve for bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, and otters.

Key Home Features:

• 5,100 sq ft
• 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom
• Completely renovated in 2008
• Home theatre system with 54″ LCD
• Lakefront master suite
• Unique New England coastal style architecture
• Custom library with 1000 book titles

Proximities:

• 4 min drive to Dubsdread Golf Club
• 5 min drive to Winter Park town
• 25 min drive to Disney World
• 50 min drive to Daytona Beach

Traveler Testimonial - Perfect Family Weekend!

“We just returned home from staying at this property. Our daughter was playing in a tennis tournament nearby and we wanted to have the feeling of home instead of a hotel room. One word…WOW! The home is absolutely beautiful and the location is perfect! The photos with the listing are just a sample of the incredible decor and architectural details in the home. After each morning match, we couldn’t wait to get back to enjoy all of the fun the location offered. Our family had a great time fishing, playing the piano and enjoying board games together. And my husband found a home away from home watching World Cup soccer on the flatscreen in the library! And as they say in real estate, location, location, location! The location was perfect. We love Winter Park and enjoyed an afternoon in the Park Avenue area. With the home located near the interstate, we drove to the tournament in 15 minutes, Millenia Mall in 20 minutes and Universal Studios in 30 minutes. It’s a convenient location. The owners went the extra mile to ensure we had a wonderful stay by providing great recommendations for the area and full amenties were at our disposal. They had compiled a list of restaurants in advance so we could make reservations. Dinner at Houston’s at sunset was spectacular! We would highly recommend this property to friends, family or anyone looking to stay in the Orlando-area. We definitely plan to rent again!”

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

Yes, it has been all over the news last week, the mountains west of Denver received their first official dump of snow generating buzz for the upcoming 2009/10 ski season. The vast majority of resorts are open by Thanksgiving Weekend with a few resorts holding off until early December. At present, excellent lodging rates are available from opening day to December 25th  (see “early bird deals). Thus, consider a pre-holiday ski outing, avoid the crowds and get those quads in shape.

• Vail/Beaver Creek: November 20/ November 25
• Keystone/Breckenridge: November 6/ November 12
• Steamboat Springs: November 25
• Winter Park: November 18th (70th consecutive season)
• Telluride:  November 26
• Park City/Deer Valley: November 21/ December 5
• Jackson Hole:  November 29
• Heavenly:  November 20

Yes….if you desire a specific property, it is best to book as soon as possible. The properties in highest demand including ski-in/out, walking distance to the lifts and most recently renovated always book early. The majority of our management partners in “ski country” usually will take a deposit and require full payment 45-60 days prior to arrival. Ski homes are each uniquely individual from charming flats and condominiums to chalet’s including indoor pools, outdoor hot tubs and ski-in/out locations. Our inventory of vacation ski rentals is very diverse with lodging options and resorts for all tastes and budgets. Avoid disappointment and book now knowing your ski vacation is secured. Hint, consider booking your air and rental car now as well, while demand is still light.

For many summer is known for the 3H’s, heat, humidity and haze. The majority of the continental United States stifles during the months of July and August with one area of exception, the Rocky Mountain West.

The Colorado Rockies, literally within 45 minutes of downtown Denver is immune to the 3 H’s of summer. Due to topography, elevation and climate, the mountains of Colorado enjoy warm days, cool nights and very low humidity. There is a diversity of mountain communities and resorts from economical Keystone to historic Breckenridge. Winter Park, close to Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park to Vail/Beaver Creek for those who desire to be pampered. Aspen’s cultural opportunities rival most major cities. Steamboat Springs brings with west to life. Telluride, a hidden gem in SW Colorado where every street is a “Kodak” moment.

For many in the United States, Colorado is an easy accessible destination. The Denver Airport is convenient to most mountain resorts via car or shuttle flight. For those driving, all our properties include free on-site parking. With gas and flight prices at historic lows, you do not have an excuse not to visit.

Above: Fox Valley at the Raven in Summit County, CO has a single vision; to provide the serenity of mountain living in an exclusive golf course community. Fox Valley at the Raven is a short drive from six of Colorado’s world class ski destinations and countless other mountain activity venues. Surrounded by 130,000 acres of National Forest, and just a stones throw from the renown Blue River’s gold medal trout fishing, Fox Valley at the Raven has it all at your fingertips.

Silverthorne is the ideal mountain community, with access to hundreds of thousands of acres of national park lands to enjoy camping, fishing, hiking and biking. Nearby Dillon Reservoir also offers all types of aquatic activities. Additionally, you could spend your time shopping Summit County’s largest mall. Not to be overshadowed, Silverthorne offers a wide selection of restaurants from fine dining to your favorite burger joint. You can enjoy this peaceful mountain setting and be only an hour away from Denver and Denver International Airport.

–Keystone - 15 minutes
–Breckenridge - 20 minutes
–Copper Mountain - 20 minutes
–Vail - 30 minutes

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.