VAIL RESORTS CHANGES PLAN FOR MOUNTAIN RESTAURANT
Who says Vail Resorts does not listen? (We have at times). A new fine-dining restaurant that was originally planned for the top of Vail Mountain (near the ski rental yurt) is being relocated to the mid-Vail area as a result of public input. Final plans for the restaurant are subject to U.S. Forest Service final approval which is not expected to be a problem. In addition, to the new restaurant, the upgrade of Chair 5 in High Noon lift in the Back Bowls is also under review and could happen as soon as next year for the 2010-11 ski season.
NEW TREE SKIING IN BEAVER CREEK AND POSSIBLY VAIL
A by-product of tree-cutting operations to clear trees killed by the pine beetle will be new gladed tree skiing in the Bachelor Gulch area of Beaver Creek. Extensive removal of beetle-kill pines has resulted in opening up what was dense forest such that it will now be quite skiable. Tree-cutting operations are expected to expand to other areas of Beaver Creek as well as on Vail Mountain. In Vail, tree-cutting is expected to get underway adjacent to the Eagle-Bahn gondola and Avanti lift.
ECONOMIC STIMULUS $$ FOR VAIL VALLEY?
The proposal to build a new interchange on I-70 to service Eagle/Vail Airport recently got a big boost as the $70 million project was among a handful of projects endorsed by the Colorado Department of Transportation to receive a federal grant. Having an interchange at the airport would add a great deal of convenience for travelers and is generally supported by the community. The only groups opposed are some Eagle businesses which benefit by airport traffic passing their storefronts and the Colorado State Patrol who love to write speeding tickets along the highway between Eagle and the Airport. In the past the major obstacle has been money, but if federal funds are available, this project could become a reality in relatively short order.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES MAKING A PLAY TO BUY FRONTIER AIRLINES
Tourism not only in Colorado, but everywhere, is so reliant on the availability of competitive air travel. Obviously, the number of flights into Eagle County Airport is critical, but probably even more important is the availability of affordable flights into Denver. With all the ups and downs in the airline business, Colorado has been fortunate to have major hubs for two airlines in Denver – United and Frontier – as they tend to keep each other honest in pricing. The problem is that both airlines have been in and out of bankruptcy in recent years. However, more stability may be on the horizon as Southwest Airlines, which has been consistently profitable, is making a play for Frontier. Frontier employees (several live in the Vail Valley) are being told that the routes would not be cut and relatively few jobs would be lost. If the bid is successful, Southwest’s presence will be just about equal with United and could ensure that Colorado will have a financially viable low-cost carrier for years to come.
BEAR TROUBLE ESCALATING IN VAIL VALLEY
Being nestled in the middle of a national forest, residents and visitors to the Vail Valley have come to expect that we share this locale with wild animals, but lately the animals seemed to have taken co-existence to another level. In recent weeks, there have been several incidents of bears breaking into homes in Vail, Eagle-Vail and Wolcott wreaking havoc in neighborhoods and causing one bear to be destroyed. Even worse, this is not even bear season yet which tends to be early or later in the season as they wake up or seek to fatten up before winter. Could be an interesting fall.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GREAT AIRFARES INTO EAGLE/VAIL AIRPORT
Historically, flights into Eagle/Vail Airport have been considerably higher then those into Denver as airlines believed, rightfully so, that travelers were willing to pay a premium to avoid a major airport and the 100-mile drive up the hill. However, last year as the economy worsened and tourism waned, airlines motivation to fill empty seats resulted in some great flights into Vail at prices LESS then those into Denver. Well, we are already seeing the airlines get aggressive with Vail pricing, especially American Airlines who is the biggest player. Right now, great fares are beginning to appear. For example, non-stop flights from New York to Vail are starting at just $109 each way plus taxes. Miami at just $129 each way and deals abound from other locations. In fact, in many cases, it is cheaper to get a flight through American’s hub in Dallas to Vail then it is for the flight from Dallas. A flight from Fort Lauderdale to Vail in February via Dallas was $109 each way while the flight from Dallas was $181 each way. Go figure? In any event, keep shopping and tweaking your dates for the best fares directly to Vail.
LODGING UPDATE: SUMMER SLOW & WINTER DISCOUNTING STARTED ALREADY
To be blunt, summer business stinks. Tourism is way down as people everywhere have tightened their belts and watched their spending. Condominium properties are especially suffering as they are confronting with stiff competition from hotels that are offering deep discounts. Hotels like the Marriott, Vail Plaza, Sonnenalp and Arrabelle in Vail, are all offering great deals as well as the Hyatt in Beaver Creek. Rates are as low as $99 per night for some of these 4-5 star properties and even with these rates, the Villages of Vail and Beaver Creek are very quiet. Dining specials in some of the valley’s most popular and upscale restaurants have continued throughout the summer. The outlook for winter is uncertain. While we are all optimistic that the nation will be well on its way to an economic recovery by the time winter season hits, lodging properties are still concerned about the lack of consumer confidence and how it may impact winter season. As such, we are already starting to see some discounting of winter rates to entice skiers to book early. Still in the end, it always seems to come down to snow. We are confident that…. if we have it (snow), they will come. However, the big question is…how much they are willing to spend?
FALL BED ORDER
Uncomfortable beds are among the biggest complaints we receive from rental guests each year. Perhaps it is time to replace your beds. We have the best deal available, but you need to act soon! Vail Realty has a contract to purchase beds directly from the Serta factory at prices substantially below retail. Contact us for information on pricing and delivery. However, we must have your order by October 15th.
FALL “DEEP” CLEANING
Enclosed is a Deep Clean Checklist as a reminder to those of you who have purposely elected to defer “Deep cleaning” until just before the start of ski season. Deep cleaning is a vital aspect in the maintenance of your property and is required for all properties in our rental program. Please complete the enclosed form and return it to us as soon as possible.
WINTER 2009-10 CALENDARS
Another reminder, please return your winter calendars to us as soon as possible. In this economic environment, we do not want to lose any rental opportunities and we need your calendar before we can accept reservations on your property for next winter.
OTHER NEWS HEADLINES:
Get your Epic Pass at www.EPICPASS.COM
Edwards Rated in Top 10 Towns in USA for Rich, Young Singles
Blue Sky Basin To Celebrate 10th Anniversary on January 6th
REMINDER: Eagle County Airport to be Closed this Summer for Runway Work
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