Photo by JRM353

Rocker skis and snowboards were all the rage at the Snowsports Industries America show this spring, with new technology promising to add more fun and maneuverability to the sport. So what’s more fun than more easily gliding through the powder? How about a rock-bottom lodging and lift ticket deal at Vail, North America’s #1 ski area?

This winter at the height of ski season, the Antlers at Vail hotel offers its popular “Value Vail” package.  From January 7 to February 14, 2013, guests can enjoy 30% savings off regular prices.  Rates for the five-night package start at just $1149 per person for four people in a two-bedroom condo–including four-day lift tickets for all four skiers!  Readers who do the math will discover that the per-night, per-person rate for this deal is just $230—an unheard of price to stay and ski in Vail.

General Manager Rob LeVine recommends booking early to secure a package.  “We sold out of the Value Vail package last year, and we anticipate even more skiers and snowboarders at the resort this year,” he says.  “To get the deal, we recommend that travelers lock in dates and packages as soon as possible.”

The Antlers Vail offers condominiums ranging from studio suites up to four bedrooms with fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, outdoor balconies, free Internet access and free heated indoor parking – plus free equipment storage for skiers and boarders.  Every room provides plenty of space to spread out and all the comforts of home, and the Antlers’ Vail-insider staff is on call to answer questions big or small.

Conveniently located 200 yards from the Vail Gondola, numerous restaurants, galleries and shops are within walking distance and the free Vail town shuttle stops just footsteps away.  Named the Vail Valley ‘Green Business of the Year’ in 2009, the Antlers Vail condominiums are also proud to be named a Platinum Service Award Winner by the Vail Valley Partnership.  For more information, call 1-800-843-8245 or visit www.antlersvail.com.

Media Contacts: Rob LeVine, General Manager, The Antlers at Vail, (970) 476-2471, RLeVine@antlersvail.com or Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, (307) 734-5335, darla@wordenpr.com.

1962 - The Vail Journal announces Vail's official opening

When Vail Mountain opened for skiing in 1962, the area had one gondola, two chair lifts and nine ski runs. Today, it’s North America’s largest ski resort with 31 lifts and more than 5,000 skiable acres. It’s fitting that Vail Resorts will kick off its 50th anniversary festivities by installing a new state-of-the-art gondola in the same location as the original Gondola One. The new ride will boast heated leather seats and WiFi, and will speed up the mountain at 1,200 feet per minute.

The Antlers at Vail hotel opened in 1972, and general manager Rob LeVine has been actively involved in the town’s planning and development for more than three decades. “I’ve been here long enough to remember when we put an Amana Radar Range microwave oven in one of our rooms, and people would come from all over just to see it work!” he says.

In honor of the resort’s half-century anniversary, The Antlers at Vail hotel celebrates with 50% savings from November 16 to December 13, 2012. The Antlers “50 For 50” stay-and-ski deal starts at $579 per person for 4 people in a 2-bedroom condo for 4 nights—and the price includes four-day lift tickets for each person! Along with the parties, historic presentations, concerts and other celebrations Vail has planned for its fiftieth birthday, skiers and boarders can enjoy uncrowded slopes and shorter lift lines in the early snow season.

For four decades the Antlers has offered a unique Vail lodging experience in a relaxed mountain setting. Named the Vail Valley ‘Green Business of the Year’ in 2009, the Antlers is also proud to be named a Platinum Service Award Winner by the Vail Valley Partnership. With condominiums ranging from studio suites up to four bedrooms and plenty of space to spread out, each room at the Antlers offers all the comforts of home including fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, outdoor balconies, free Internet access and free parking in a heated indoor garage. The Antlers Vail is conveniently located in the Lionshead area of Vail with numerous restaurants, galleries and shops within walking distance, and the free Vail town shuttle stops just footsteps away. For more information, call 1-800-843-8245.

Media Contacts: Rob LeVine, General Manager, Antlers at Vail, RLeVine@antlersvail.com, 970.476.2471; or Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, darla@wordenpr.com, 307.734.5335.

Left, autumn colors at the Antlers at Vail hotel; right, photo by Rennett Stowe.

Whether you prefer the vigorous, athletic stride of Nordic walking or an easy, meandering stroll, autumn is the perfect time to enjoy Vail’s abundant attractions on foot. The days are sunny, the crowds are gone, the aspen trees make their annual transformation to brilliant gold—and the values can’t be beat.

The Antlers at Vail hotel is a conveniently located home base, with spacious condominiums and plenty of room to spread out. The Antlers Fall Walkabout promotion offers autumn lodging discounts of up to 35% off regular room rates from September 11 through November 18, 2012; prices for a studio suite start at just $156.00 per night.

“Autumn is one of my favorite seasons in the Vail Valley,” says Antlers General Manager Rob LeVine, a resident for more than three decades. “People tend to think of our mountains for physical activities like hiking and mountain biking, but the fact is that many people visit during the fall to slow down a bit, explore the area and take in the scenery.” In fact, one of Vail’s best walks is just footsteps from the Antlers. A paved path runs along Gore Creek from Lionshead to East Vail, with benches along the way to take in the dappled sunshine and sounds of rushing water.

Those who prefer downhill ambulation to uphill climbing will enjoy a scenic ride on the Vail Gondola to the summit followed by a three- to four-hour walk down the mountain. The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens—the world’s highest botanical garden at 8200 feet— also gives guided walking tours through the end of September.

Can’t imagine stretching your legs without your favorite canine? Dogs are welcome to stay at the Antlers at Vail, and are greeted with a giant bowl of dog biscuits when they arrive. The Antlers’ condominiums range from studio suites up to four bedrooms with fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, outdoor balconies, free Internet access and free heated indoor parking. Conveniently located 200 yards from the Vail Gondola, numerous restaurants, galleries and shops are within walking distance and the free Vail town shuttle stops just footsteps away. For more information, call 1-800-843-8245 or visit www.antlersvail.com.

Media Contacts: Rob LeVine, General Manager, The Antlers at Vail, (970) 476-2471, RLeVine@antlersvail.com or Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, (307) 734-5335, darla@wordenpr.com.

Photo: JRM353

November 16, 2011 – Vail, CO – “Lighten up” takes on a whole new meaning during spring snow season, when Vail Resort’s 193 trails are uncrowded, lift lines are short, skiers and boarders shed heavy outerwear for lightweight vests and turtlenecks (or for some hardy souls, shorts), and a lighthearted joie de vivre abounds.

“Spring is absolutely one of the best times to experience Vail,” says Antlers at Vail hotel General Manager Rob LeVine, a Vail local for three decades. “April is actually Colorado’s second-snowiest month, and we often have magnificent snow days with plenty of sunshine late in the season.” The conveniently-located Antlers Vail offers its popular ‘Design Your Own Ski Package’ from April 8 to May 20 in 2012. Pay for three nights and the fourth, fifth – and even sixth night is free. A one-bedroom bunkroom that sleeps four people starts at just $355 per night for the first three nights, with up to three additional nights free. Coupled with Vail Resorts’ deeply discounted spring lift tickets and passes, late-season values can’t be beat.

Along with reduced rates, Vail Resorts’ “Spring Back to Vail” promotion features plenty of end-of-the-season activities including on-mountain snow events and street parties. The best party of the year is held at the top of Vail Mountain on closing day – tentatively scheduled for April 15 this year – when many revelers arrive in costume to celebrate another great season. Other attractions include end-of-season concerts, Vintage SkiFest at Beaver Creek, and the World Pond Skimming Championships.

Since 1972, the Antlers has offered a unique Vail lodging experience in a relaxed mountain setting. The Antlers Vail condominiums – named Green Business of the Year by the Vail Valley Partnership Success Awards – is also proud to be a Green Star rated property. With condominiums ranging from studio suites up to four bedrooms and plenty of space to spread out, each room at the Antlers offers all the comforts of home including fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, outdoor balconies, free Internet access and free parking in a heated indoor garage. The Antlers Vail is conveniently located in the Lionshead area of Vail with numerous restaurants, galleries and shops within walking distance, and the free Vail town shuttle stops just footsteps away. For more information, call 1-800-843-8245 or visit the Antlers web site at www.antlersvail.com.

Media Contacts: Rob LeVine, General Manager, Antlers at Vail, RLeVine@antlersvail.com, 970.476.2471; or Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, darla@wordenpr.com, 307.734.5335

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It started me thinking what the old timers, such as Bert Farin (Antlers alumni) and our G.M. Rob LeVine would say.  Apparently years ago, Chair 5 was shut down for an entire winter due to a broken bull wheel!  I sent both of them an e-mail to see if they remembered the details.  

Bert responds:

“My first winter in Vail was 78-79.  The next season I had moved to Jackson Hole and that was the year Chair 5 was shut down.  So it was the winter of 79-80.  If I recall, it had to do with the cable.  I think they tried to add triple chairs to the old cable and it wasn’t safe, so the State shut down the lift for the whole season.  I was in JH so it didn’t affect me, but I was thinking it would suck to be in Vail and not have access to the b.b.  Ironically that was a poor snow season in both WY and CO, so maybe it wasn’t the end of the world.  I should get double credit for knowing the history even when I wasn’t in town.  Bummer about not having the lift ready to go.  At least you still have access to China Bowl and Category III (see I am an old dude).”

Rob LeVine responds:

“Proving once again that my memory ain’t so good … I thought it was around 82 or 83.  However, I totally trust Bert’s recollection.  I do remember how bummed (and pissed) everyone was when it was finally announced, but Bert’s right … it wasn’t a banner year for snow, so it could have been worse.

Not surprisingly, there were folks who would ski down and then either ski out Two Elk trail, or hike back up … similar to the old stories about Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton.  You know that “Forever” referred not to how long the run seemed, but to how long it took those pioneers to hike back out.   I’m afraid I don’t recall much else.”

Well, hopefully we don’t have much more of a wait…

Chris Ratzlaff

My name is Greg, The Director of  Nothing,  and in my years here I have been witness to a wonderful business practice at our little condominium resort.  I also have been surrounded by borderline insanity with regards to day to day operation of this place.  The purpose of this ongoing series is to share some of the things that go on around here that you probably wouldn’t know or hear about without me making it public.

I’ll promise this one thing; what you read in the coming months is true and almost factual.  I will reserve the right to embellish on any one situation I deem obligated to report.  The characters are real, although I’ve changed the names of a few to protect their innocence.

Let’s get started….

It’s October in Vail and our little town sleeps this time of year.  We are in transition so to speak.  A lot, but not all restaurants and shops close down for vacation purposes, hotel staffs are working shorter hours and the weather usually starts its change from glorious fall days to cold rain and spitting snow.

Not this year however.  I don’t remember such beautiful days through September and this far into October.  People must have heard of the pleasant season we are having because there are more guests staying with us this time of year than I can remember.  Good for them I say.  Take advantage of the reasonable room rates and delight in the surroundings.

It’s 6:45 am and Darci, our Front Office Manager (she should have 2 titles;  the other one being What Goes On In the Back Office Manager), is unlocking the doors to the Lobby.  She is constantly amazed how early people get up as 4 guests are waiting with coffee cups outside in their pajamas.  One is reading the paper and leaning against the sign that says “Lobby Opens at 7:00 am”.  He asks Darci, as she fumbles with her keys, “What time does the Lobby open?”

She turns on the lights and is escorted to the coffee station to begin the first brew of the day.  She checks messages after settling in behind the front desk.  ” You have…19…new …messages….to listen to your …messages.

Meanwhile Rob (El Jefe), as a testimony to how nice the weather has been, is still riding his bike to work.  He peddles away at 7:30 in the morning and the only thought that runs through his mind is “I’ve got to win the Sole Power Challenge.  I’ve got to win the Sole Power Challenge” (more on that later).

This particular day was going along at a routine pace.  Chris (Assistant Mgr or Director off All Things Big & Small) is on vacation.  We just call him Ratz.  There is no real relevance to this except that the front desk gang have a tendency to relax a bit more when they are at work and he is in Italy (more on that later). 

I love my coffee and will make several stops a day to the Lobby to enjoy a cup and today was no exception. I say hello to everyone before going to the back offices to check the mail.  “Darci, I heard everyone went out last night to celebrate a perfect strangers birthday. Did you get enough sleep last night?”

She looks up and says “Greg you know me better than that.  I never get enough sleep.  I could sleep 14 hours a day and still take a nap.  And we did go out and she wasn’t a stranger.  Amy knows her because of Yvonne when she lived here.  Yvonne knows her because a good friend of hers knows her Uncle in Des Moines.”

“Certainly sounds like someone you would lay down and die for.  I hope you weren’t required to bring a gift” was the only thing I could think of saying.  “Is El Jefe in yet?

“I didn’t see him but I know he came in through the back door and went right to his office.”  She went back to starring blankly at her computer screen.  No chit chat with me today.  I can see that.  Poor girl didn’t get enough sleep.

I poked my head into Rob’s office to say hello and I saw him sitting at his desk with his head in his hands.  Very uncharacteristic.

“Good Day Rob.  Is everything all right?”  I really thought he was going to lift his head up and I would see the swollen eyes and tears running down his face…………tbc

In its inaugural year, the Conway Cup presented by Korbel is a community race featuring 40 four-person teams in a dual-format race.  The winning team will earn entry into the Korbel Ford Cup, along with VIP access and gift bags.  The second and third place teams will also walk away with American Ski Classic swag, like VIP bags, social invitations or VIP access.  All proceeds benefit the Conway Family Fund.

update:  later that day…   Wide World of Sports, the agony of defeat

~ Aisha

Photo by Jack Affleck

Vail, Colorado —March 8, 2010—Cherry blossoms may be budding in some parts of the country, but Colorado gardeners know that April is typically the state’s second-snowiest month. The biggest April snowfall on record was in 1933, when the state received a whopping 33.8 inches of snow. This April, the Antlers at Vail – just footsteps from the ski resort and gondola – offers its ‘Spring Snowball Savings’ deal with  lodging discounts that increase incrementally for longer stays. Coupled with Vail’s abundant snow and springtime sunshine, skiers can enjoy Vail’s best at amazing prices.

Offered April 11 – 18, 2010, Antlers Vail lodging discounts range from 10% to 50% off depending on the length of stay:

Stay 1 night – save 10%
Stay 2 nights – save 20%
Stay 3 nights – save 30%
Stay 4 nights – save 40%
Stay 5 nights or more – save 50%
  
More good news for skiers and boarders: Vail Resorts is offering deeply discounted multi-day lift tickets from April 12 through closing day (tentatively scheduled for April 18) for just $199, good for up to 7 days of skiing.  Vail’s closing day party is a longstanding tradition; each year, hundreds of revelers – many in costume – gather at the top of Vail Mountain to celebrate another great season. “It might be snowing sideways or bright and sunny, but one thing is a constant:  the party will go on,” says Antlers GM Rob LeVine, a Vail local for more than 30 years.  

Since 1972, the Antlers has offered a unique Vail lodging experience in a relaxed mountain setting. The Antlers Vail condominiums –  With condominiums ranging from studio suites up to four bedrooms and plenty of space to spread out, each room at the Antlers offers all the comforts of home:  fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, outdoor balconies, free Internet access, complimentary parking in a heated indoor garage, a heated pool and hot tubs with million-dollar views. The Antlers Vail is conveniently located in the Lionshead area of Vail with numerous restaurants, galleries and shops within walking distance, and the free Vail town shuttle stops just footsteps away. For more information, call 1-800-843-8245 or visit the Antlers web site at www.antlersvail.com.

Media Contacts: Rob LeVine, General Manager, Antlers at Vail, RLeVine@antlersvail.com, 970.476.2471; or Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, darla@wordenpr.com, 307.734.5335

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That being said, every once in awhile you can be teased by your own accomplishments and I am in the “there’s still hope I will join the world rankings once again” mode.

It started three weeks ago.  Team Antlers arrived as we always do for the Wednesday night league at the bowling alley.  Yes, I said Bowling.  The Antlers has an organized team that has been involved in the league play for 5 years.  We have uniforms and everything.  We have always been in the lower third of the standings and struggle to win just like the Chicago Cubbies used to be or the Cleveland Indians are now.We’re a likable team though.  The other guys really seem to enjoy playing against us.  It must be our magnetic personalities combined with a killer attitude to compete and ultimately lose.

Three Wednesdays ago we busted out of the gate and started to show all the young, finely tuned athletes in Eagle County what kind of grit and fiber we’re made of.  Entrenched firmly in last place and arriving as we do (non-threatening), we took the unsuspecting opponents for all they had.  Cowering like small children, they left that night with a bit more respect for us than when they arrived.  Yours truly bowled a career high 218 and was hoisted upon David LeVine’s shoulders and carried off to the parking lot.

Not to be outdone, Rob LeVine quickly blew out my candle in order to make his shine brighter.  The following week he recaptured the spotlight and bowled a career high 226.  I attempted to hoist him onto my shoulders but dropped him on the table into a half finished pizza and a pitcher of beer.  Another win for Team Antlers.  On this night, we crawled out of the cellar in the standings.  The rest of the league was taking notice of the new kids in town.

Week 3 would be pivotable. We could sense the fear in our opponents eyes and felt our new found confidence.  Ladies and Gentlemen, we are on a “roll”.  The cellar is for rats and we now believe we belong upstairs like the cozy, little, huggable kittens we are.

I will spare you the details of last nights competition.  I will only say that there were no 200 games.  Speaking only for myself, I still feel like I can compete, I just don’t think I want to win.  It’s too much pressure.

Rob said it best as we packed our bags to leave.  “We took a peak out of the cellar, didn’t like it, so we crawled back in”.

Greg Z