While the Vail Valley in known as a premier winter activity destination, us locals have a saying “Winter is why we ski here, summer is why we live here.” It is a secret among us who enjoy warm dry days, cool nights and an abundance of activities which rival many larger and more famous resort communities. Within an easy 2-hour drive of the Denver Airport, the Vail Valley is a true mountain getaway perfect for everyone in the family and for groups of friends.

For those who desire an “active getaway”: The Vail Valley does not disappoint. While golf is just one of the premier offerings with many public and semi-private courses where your drive is assisted by high altitude other outdoor pursuits include mountain/road biking, hiking, rafting, kayaking, tennis, rock climbing, fly-fishing and other recreational pursuits only limited by one’s imagination.

The Cultural Arts are in full force during the summer season. Bravo-The Vail Valley Music Festival provides classical music and dance throughout the Vail Valley from the Ford Amphitheater with outdoor picnic seating to the acoustically impressive Vilar Center to events in private mountain chalets. Resident orchestras include: Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The New York Philharmonic and The National Repertory Orchestra.

And with the children? Besides the many activities in the Vail Valley to keep the children occupied, we suggest considering The Vail Valley as a “hub” for exploring the central Colorado Rockies. Historic towns and communities including Breckenridge, Aspen, Steamboat Springs, Eagle, Leadville, Twin Lakes, Glenwood Springs, Minturn, Kremmling, Hot Sulphur Springs and others are all within two hours drive of Vail.

Many of our property and estate managers have commented on the robust inquiry activity concerning December 2009 holidays and beyond. In the Rocky Mountain West, the bountiful snowfalls of the past 5+ years and the attractive pricing of lift passes have spurred a boom in multiple seasonal getaways.

Our partners in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho are all commenting on a more positive winter season as inquiries increase and the premier properties i.e. ski-in/out, 6-10 bedrooms and luxury flats are booking early. As one estate manager commented “With the limited selection of true ski-in/out chalets, those in the know are booking via deposits to secure their first choice of lodging”.

With the severe discounting in the hospitality industry i.e. $99 room nights there has been a little secret not mentioned outside the industry, many hoteliers are laying off staff due to the lessening demand for hotel rooms. While on a pure economic rationale, this action is logical, inevitably service will suffer. Historically the tourism and hospitality industries are not “highly paid professions”, yet many go into the business as they truly enjoy servicing guests and have hospitality in their DNA. For our property manager partners, this is especially true.

The vast majority of our partners offer full “concierge” service working with in-house staff and vendors to insure each guest’s desires are met and exceed their expectations. Our property and estate managers have delivered groceries, provided child-care, procured a private jet for a medical emergency, secured legal assistance for a client while on vacation, arranged one-of-a-kind anniversary gifts, private touring of museums and so forth.

So the next time you are tempted by an all-inclusive, truly consider what makes your vacation most special, the services you desire and consider the value of the vacation experience. At The Society, our affiliate’s goal is to provide the most pleasurable vacation experience bar none.