Resorts and mountain towns are on sale this summer, offering lodging and play packages to entice travelers after a less-than-stellar winter season.
From Vail to Grand Lake to Telluride, summer marketing is kicking off for free nights, free concerts, discount lodging, meals and outdoor activities.
“We have cautionary optimism,” said Alex de L’Arbre, spokeswoman for the Aspen Chamber of Commerce. “We are hoping for the best and planning for the worst.”
Despite the economic downturn, the U.S. Travel Association’s outlook for summer travel is stable. Travel is expected to be down 2.2 percent from last summer. Americans have planned 322 million leisure trips this summer, according to the survey.
Consumers are expected to take two trips, stay seven nights and spend more than $900, according to the survey.
But they are definitely looking for value, said Peter Yesawich, chairman of Ypartnership, which partnered with the association to complete the survey.
“Americans continue to shop aggressively for value pricing when purchasing travel services,” he said.
Resorts and other destinations are tuning into that need with pricing and packaging.
Vail Resorts Inc., which operates Beaver Creek, Vail, Breckenridge and Keystone, created a new initiative called Epic Summer. The all-inclusive package includes lodging, activities like rafting and horseback riding, transportation to activities and all meals.
“It’s the convenience factor, but it’s also the price,” said Kathryn Wohlschlaeger, spokeswoman for Vail Resorts. “We wanted to create a really great deal.”
The six-night package is $1,195 for adults and $895 for children. The three-night option costs $695 for adults and $545 for children.
In Aspen/Snowmass, a concerted effort among Aspen Ski Co., the Aspen Chamber of Commerce and the village of Snowmass produced packages available throughout the summer, said Meredith McKee, spokeswoman for ASC.
Activities in the mountain towns include gondola rides, biking, hiking and free events. Hotels are offering summer packages, and the five-star Little Nell has a Colorado-resident rate of $175 per night, including breakfast.
Aspen has put together packages that include 50 percent off Wednesdays; buy three nights and get a fourth night free; and the free Aspen summer pass, which offers discounts across town for anyone staying two nights.
“Getting the message out that we are accessible and not necessarily a playground for the rich and famous is important during this recession,” said de L’Arbre. “We wanted to invite people to come to Aspen and experience the wonderful things we have to offer.”
Elizabeth Aguilera: 303-954-1372 or eaguilera@denverpost.com
Deal-laden days for tourists
Some of the promotional deals available in mountain resort towns
Aspen:
50 percent off Wednesdays: Book a two-night stay over a Wednesday night and receive Wednesday night half off. In addition, the half-price discount is available for activities on Wednesdays, including orchestral events, greens fees and bike rentals.
Aspen summer pass: With a two-night stay, guests receive a value card good for discounts to Aspen’s restaurants, shops, adventure activities and cultural attractions.
Bluegrass Sundays: Free performances by top bluegrass musicians Sundays from June 21 to Sept. 6.
Snowmass:
The Snowmass Chili Pepper & Brew Fest on June 5-6 is an early start to summer, with lodging specials starting from $60 a night.
Promotions include “Friday’s Start on Thursday in Snowmass,” a combination of the Thursday night free concert series with affordable lodging.
Vail Resorts Inc.
Epic Summer: An all-inclusive package that includes lodging in Keystone and activities throughout the Vail Resorts, including Vail, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge. It also includes transportation to activities and all meals. The six-night package runs $1,195 for adults and $895 for children. The three-night option costs $695 for adults and $545 for children.
