As a small business, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals is always asking how we can provide our guests with an experience that not only satisfies them, but goes beyond satisfaction to creating a truly unique vacationing experience. We work to make customers who want to tell their friends about our company – and use our services time and time again. This ski season Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals has initiated a guest services program that goes beyond what’s expected and shows you that you don’t need to be a guest at the Ritz Carlton to be treated like one.

Check out the details of our revamped guest service initiative below:

 

Thank you!
Every customer that books lodging with us receives a hand written thank you card in the mail a week after booking.  In the cards is also your destination specialist’s business card , because you never know when you’ll want to use them again or pass the card on to a friend!

Guest Arrival
Our guests check into hundreds of properties across our different locations, and we’re ready for them.  At time of check-in, each guest receives a personalized welcome note which includes the following:

1)      Lift Tickets -If the guest purchased lift tickets through us, they will be waiting in the envelope for them at time of check-in–you shouldn’t have to deal with long lift ticket lines if you pre-purchased tickets.

2)      Real Estate Letter of Introduction – Andie Odie, of Rocky Mountain Luxury Properties has enclosed a personalized note to introduce herself and offer up her time to educate those who are interested, about the local real estate market.  Learn more at RockyMountainLuxuryProperties.com

3)      Preferred Client Card – RMVR’s Preferred Client Card gives our guests exclusive discounts made available just to them at participating restaurants, spas, rental shops, adventure companies and more.  These businesses were hand-picked by our staff to be featured on the Preferred Client Card because we personally stand behind them and the services they provide. Preferred Client discounts include 30% off at the boutique at Aria Club and Spa,  a free order of hot sake with your meal at Foxnut Sushi, 15% off everything at the Marketplace on Meadow Drive, buy 3 Get 1 Free on any activity at Nova Guides, and many other smoking deals. (The preferred client card is currently only available for Vail and Beaver Creek guests). Learn more about all of the exciting offers at RMVRCard.com

4)      Trail Map – For obvious reasons, we will provide you with a trail map so you can plan your next day on the mountain, a get a feel for the mountain before you go skiing.

5)      Concierge Business Card – RMVR wants to let our guests know that we are here for them from the time they step off the plane to the time they step back on, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our concierge at any time.

Gift Baskets
Qualifying guests are welcomed into their private home or condo with a handmade gift basket!  The welcoming gift basket contain a bottle of red wine, Vail Mountain Coffee, Mountain Man Fruit and Nuts snacks, Cliff Bars, a survival kit, our Elevated Living property magazine, maps and other area information.  We all know that traveling can take its toll, which is why we love to surprise our guests with these baskets upon arrival!

 

What really makes the difference in our service here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals is our local, passionate staff.  At any given time we are just minutes away from our guests, which means we can join them for a lap on the mountain, or if something unexpected happens, we can be there to make it right.  Call one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. today to experience the difference for yourself!

 

 

 

I have lived in Vail, Colorado for 3 months now, but the time is coming for me to leave and go back home to Denmark. I came to Colorado to work for Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals as an Intern in September 2011, not knowing what to expect regarding the company or the community. But I have no doubt that I made the right decision moving here.

 

During my internship at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, I did not only learn about the American working culture, but also about the Mountain town working culture. I have come to enjoy the culture very much—it makes work something to look forward to every morning. The fun coworkers, challenging work tasks and heartwarming office dogs welcome me each day when I arrive to work, always giving me a great start to the day. At Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals everyone works hard but plays harder. During lunch breaks employees are hitting the slopes, going to yoga or hiking in the surrounding mountains. I am going to miss my coworkers and new friends at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, so to all of them “be well, do good work and keep in touch”.

 

For my last weekend in Vail I wanted to do something fun, so I participated in a classic ski resort tradition (just a few months early). Dressing up in a costume on the mountain for closing day is an old tradition, but I did it here for my last weekend and it was hilarious. My costume was a blight yellow chicken costume with a head piece on top of my ski helmet and orange feet taped to my ski boots.

That same day I had a friend visiting from Denver who had never skied before, so we stayed on the beginner slopes while I was teaching her how to stop and how to turn. The beginner slope we rode was up by Adventure Ridge in Lionshead at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. At adventure ridge there was a ski school filled with kids, so half of the day I was doing the Chicken Dance with a bunch of laughing kids. I did not know the Chicken Dance before that day, but every time people saw me, they started singing and doing the Chicken Dance.

 

The chicken outfit brought more laughs later on when I was riding up the lift. I was riding over a beginner slope when a young skier began the run with his ski instructor. The boy tripped and fell down into the snow on his back, gazing up into the sky. Just as he fell, my chair was going over him and he shouted “there is a chicken!” The concerned instructor replied “are you okay, did you hurt your head?” The boy then responded “no, there really is a chicken!” as he pointed up at me. Then we shared a quick laugh as I continued up the mountain.

 

After a long day of practicing with my friend, we skied down the whole mountain. It was a long trip for her but she was very proud when she got to the end, and I was a proud and tired teacher. The next day I called my father in Denmark to thank him for all his help and patience teaching me how to ski when I was a kid. Being a teacher for a day helped me realize how technical skiing is and that it is a much harder job than I thought.

 

Another really fun activity I did in during my last week was tubing at Adventure Ridge by the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead. Tubing is where you sit or lay on top of a big rubber ring filled with air and then ride down a snow track as fast as possible. The ride makes your whole body tickle and it is a thrill that I want to experience over and over again.

My stay in Vail has been a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to come back and visit sometime!

 

Find out how Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals and their team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^®  can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of their fun-filled destinations.

Snowmass is a beautiful village located in the Brush Creek Valley in the Colorado Rockies. It is a small village, and while it lacks the vastness of other resorts it is consistently rated as one of the top family ski resorts in the United States. Upon your arrival to Snowmass you will immediately get a feeling of comfort and peace. Snowmass will meet your every need; they have casual and fine dining that will make your taste buds dance, excellent shopping and wonderful family entertainment. Also, Snowmass ski area is the largest of the four Aspen/Snowmass Mountains (the others are Ajax, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk). In fact, it is larger than the other three mountains combined, so you will always be able to find a variety of terrain creating challenges for all skill levels.  You will never get bored here, as the event and activity schedule for Snowmass is packed. Further, if you ever wanted to experience something else you are just minutes away from Aspen village, Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk Mountain.

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals has a large inventory in Snowmass, all you need to do is browse our site or pick up the phone and give us a call. We will find the property that fulfills all your vacation needs while providing superb concierge services for all your favorite activities. Your dream property could, for instance, be one of the beautiful condominiums at the Hayden Lodge in heart of the new Base Village in Snowmass.

The Hayden Lodge is located slope-side with ski-in/ski-out access, providing quick and easy access to the Mountain throughout the day. They offer Studio, 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom condos, along with hotel rooms, giving you plenty of options for your lodging. All properties have a fully-equipped kitchen with Energy Star rated appliances, allowing you to cook for your whole party. If you are traveling with a loved one, you might even be lucky enough to get breakfast in bed!

In all of the rooms you will find soft Egyptian cotton sheets, washer/dryer units and a gas fireplace. You can also use the complimentary high-speed internet to upload all your magnificent vacation pictures and make everyone else jealous, wishing they were vacationing with you. On-site you will also find a recreational Jacuzzi, which is perfect for unwinding after a long day exploring Snowmass. Another amazing amenity at the Hayden Lodge is the daily housekeeping service. After all, it’s always great to return to a cleaned room after a day of skiing on your well deserved vacation. The Lodge also has a heated parking garage, so feel free to bring a car with you. However, there is a free shuttle to the Aspen Airport and a free shuttle within Snowmass Village.

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

It’s 8:30 am, temperature outside is 15 degrees and yes I’m still smiling.  This is 7th day living in Vail and everything has been amazing, I have done so much in so little time.  Moving from Maryland to Colorado is a big change not only weather wise but also the people.  The vibe here is great and everyone I’ve met or bumped into is super cool, friendly…I never have felt more welcome from all the places I’ve lived in around the U.S.  The town is lively and there is always something going on, there’s now way you can get bored here. I was checking the Vail Daily and just on Saturday there are over 40 different things to do!

Check out all that’s happening around town for yourself in Vail Daily February Events and  while you’re at it, why don’t you just stay a few more days, or a week perhaps…there’s plenty to do and I totally recommend it. Definitely worth the trip. Need help or want more info about lodging in Vail? Why don’t you go for it and contact your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

As a broke grad school graduate with Sallie Mae constantly pounding on my door, FREE is a word I like to hear.  When I found myself in Vail for the winter, I figured I’d probably be scraping by on teeth and nails.  With awesome events like the Snow Ball Music Festival and the X Games coming to the area, I’ve been pinching pennies wherever I can to afford going to them.  As a supporter of Bud Light for many years now, I was elated when I learned of the Bud Light Street Beat FREE concert series!  It’s just what I need to hold me over until the Snow Ball Music Festival in March.

There’s just something about live music that makes me feel more alive.  The Vail Valley Foundation presents free music in the streets of Vail on a Thursday once a month.  Last night, I got to see Lyrics Born at Checkpoint Charlie in the Vail Village.  After a long day of work, his energy was explosive and contagious.  I could hear the bass before I even saw the stage, and it immediately got my heart pumping.  As soon as I reached the crowd, it was impossible to not start dancing to the beat.  I had never really heard of him before, but was definitely impressed with the originality of his sound.  With a unique ensemble for support, I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage not wanting to miss a second of their set.  Ending his performance with an encore, featuring an amazing freestyle portion, I was left wanting more.

The next concert in the series will feature Earl Wear & Haywire on February 24, again at Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village.  Be sure not to miss these special intimate events where the crowd is small enough to really feel a connection with the artists who are performing.  Make sure you contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to help plan a great little getaway and experience everything Vail has to offer.

My New Years Eve resolution in 2008 was to start living my dreams. Now, in 2011, I’m happy to say that I haven’t let myself down. It still amazes me to look back at everything I’ve been able to do in the past two years, and that I’m still blessed with the opportunity to continue my current lifestyle. Last Sunday I was able to check snowmobiling off my list.

When I was a child living at home in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, every winter I would be running around playing in the snow and stop in my tracks when snowmobilers zipped through the fields in my back yard. 20 years later and I’m still fascinated by them. One of my new friends, Cali and I, decided to book ourselves a trip with the Nova Guides. They provided everything we needed for a successful trip. It felt amazing to move so quickly through the snow. They provided us with helmets, boots, a snowsuit, and our own snowmobile! I was a little nervous at first, but once we started moving I felt incredibly comfortable. The handlebars were heated so my hands were nice and toasty for the entire half-day ride.

When we were finished our guide gave us a cup of nice warm hot chocolate we could enjoy in their lodge by a roaring fire. All in all, it was a great, exhilarating day. It allowed me to see the valley in a totally different way. There was nothing to worry about from pick-up to drop-off. Now that I’ve got that checked off my list, next is snowshoeing!

If you’d like to go snowmobiling, please contact our concierge Morgan Russell at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

Who moves to a ski town not knowing how to ski or snowboard? Someone who really wants to learn. Last winter I was unemployed, sitting around at home, not sure what I wanted to do with my life, and began to follow the Olympics religiously. Athletes I had never heard of before; Shawn White, Apollo Ohno, Lindsey Vonn, all became idols for me within days. Watching these athletes day after day putting everything they had, everything they spent years training for, into the few minutes they spent competing was exhilarating. Every sport they featured whether it was bobsledding, skiing, or curling, I wanted to learn. The 2009 Olympic games inspired me to move to Vail.

Vail was the natural choice for me because in my research I discovered that Vail is one of the premiere skiing resorts in the world. Not to mention, Gold medalist, Lindsey Vonn, is a Vail native. My toughest decision when I got here though was what I wanted to learn first, skiing or snowboarding? Ultimately, I chose snowboarding. Yesterday was the first day of, what I now realize to be, my long road to becoming a snowboarder.

I woke up Saturday morning excited and slightly nervous about my first day on the mountain at Vail Ski Resort. If you ask me, there couldn’t have been a better day for it. The sun was out, it was cold but not freezing and I was with new friends who were just as excited for me to be getting out there as I was to learn. For days I had been told that I would spend the majority of the day on the ground, but I really felt like proving them wrong. But, boy was I wrong. All in all, my day consisted of one lovely gondola ride to the top, and one four-hour run to the bottom. So far, Vail-1, Jen-0, but I plan on changing that as soon as I can.

I honestly haven’t felt so good and so bad at the same time in my life. I felt like a child learning how to walk. My knees are purple, and every muscle in my body, including the muscles in my fingers hurt. Just keeping my head up seems like a chore, but I’m counting down the days until I can go back out and try again. Even if I spend the next few days falling down the entire mountain until I figure it out, I couldn’t imagine being in a more beautiful place for it. So, whether you’re a beginner or an expert or an Olympian I highly suggest coming out and skiing Vail. When was the last time you learned something new?

Arriving at Rocky Mountain Ski Vacation Rentals – After driving 20 hours through a snow storm from California, I arrived in the small town of Vail, Colorado on Saturday, December 18.  What an interesting place to find myself right before the holidays.  Typically a popular time of year for many tourists to arrive, I came for different reasons.  Alone in a new town and armed with just a sack full of clothes, hope, and a zeal for adventure I was in search of self discovery.  I’m not going to lie, I couldn’t help but no

tice a tiny knot in the pit of my stomach signaling that this could have been a terrible decision.  But, without a familiar soul to greet me, and not a clue as to how to ski or snowboard, I put my faith in the stereotype that people from Colorado are friendly, helpful, and laid back.  And, as luck would have it, as soon as I got out of my car, I was greeted with a smile and a hug and any fear I had prior to my arrival instantly melted away.

With a passion for making new friends, a desire to become a part of the community, and an itch toget out on the mountains, I woke up for my first day at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals not really knowing what to expect.  I was pleased to find that the warmth I received from my new roommates extended to every department in the office.  Surrounded by beautiful snow covered mountains and an office ambiance that is similar to meeting up with old friends, it’s impossible to feel anything but comfortable.  Underlying the relaxed atmosphere though, is a team of individuals whose passion for their work is equal to their passion for life. The feeling I get when I enter the office is on par with feelings I used to get when I was in university.  It is a breeding ground for ideas and inspiration.

So, with my first week here coming to a close, and Christmas and New Years just around the corner, I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be.  With the mountains calling, and being away from the hustle of a city I couldn’t imagine a better place to remember what it’s like to be alive.  I’m excited to make lasting friendships, memories, and discover all the secrets this town has to offer.  Not to mention, this year is calling for a record amount of snow and I’m ready to begin my journey of becoming a snow sport connoisseur.  So, if you’re looking for a sweet getaway this winter season, and developing a relationship with a company dedicated to superior client services, be sure to contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for an ski vacation experience you won’t soon forget.