To keep pace with the wave of new development in and around Vail, CO, including a redeveloped base area at Vail Mountain (http://vail.snow.com), the 292-room ski-in/ski-out Vail Cascade Resort & Spa (www.vailcascade.com) recently announced that it will undergo a $30 million transformation over the next 18 months, with all of the major construction scheduled to be completed before the ski season begins in late 2008. 
The first phase of the renovation has already begun and will be complete by December, prior to the holiday season. These additions and enhancements include the new coffee bar and market (which will convert into an Internet café in the evening); a 4,000-square-foot executive conference facility for small, private, upscale retreats and board meetings; expansion of and enhancements to existing meeting space, fitness center and locker rooms; and guest room upgrades that will include new 42-inch flat-screen TVs in each unit and overhauled bathrooms. 
Phase two of the renovations will begin in spring 2008, with air-conditioning upgrades, pool and deck renovations (including outdoor fire pits, an infinity pool and a new hot tub with a waterfall), enhancements to the Fireside Bar and the deck of Chap's restaurant (Colorado's only AAA Four Diamond-rated steakhouse), as well as the expansion of the creekside meeting room.
Mountain View Accommodations
The best rooms to book are the Deluxe Mountain View Rooms and the Mountain View Suites. These provide guests with views of Vail Mountain, as well as Gore Creek, which runs behind the hotel. The most luxurious and spacious unit is the Presidential Suite.
For large groups or families, Vail Cascade offers a number of penthouse units that can be reserved: the Liftside Condominiums or the brand new Westhaven Condos that are adjacent to the resort. For groups wanting a "home-away-from-home" experience, the property offers a selection of private homes as well. 
The Vail Cascade gives travel agents 10 percent commission. The property's travel agent liaison is Cristen Meyer, leisure sales manager ([email protected], 970-479-7059 or 800-420-2424).
The Vail Cascade also has the 78,000-square-foot Aria Spa & Club, which provides nursery services, healthy spa dining, fitness classes, personal training, cardio and weight-training equipment, an indoor track, indoor basketball court and indoor tennis courts. There are 14 treatment rooms, a couples' spa suite, aromatherapy steam rooms and a boutique.
For kids, book Camp Cascade, a customized, all-season program just for kids that offers activities including basketball, ping pong, tennis, swimming, sledding, snow play, nature walks, games and crafts. Camp Cascade requires 48-hour advance reservations. To enroll your clients' children, call 970-479-5961 or e-mail [email protected].
What's New On Mountain
Opening on November 16 for its 45th season, Vail Mountain ski/snowboard resort is replacing the Highline Lift (Chair 10) and Sourdough Lift (Chair 14) with new high-speed quad chairlifts, which will expedite the trip to Two Elk Restaurant, China Bowl and Blue Sky Basin. In addition, the Little Eagle Lift (Chair 15), in the beginner area at the top of the gondola in LionsHead, will be replaced with a faster triple chairlift.
The Vail Children's Snowsports School, Golden Peak and Small World Nursery are being completely remodeled this summer to increase space for the three- to six-year-old program. Mountain Plaza will offer new skier service amenities near the Vista Bahn, including a coffee house meeting place, ski/snowboard rental and retail shop, adult ski school, lift tickets and ski storage.
With 34 lifts providing access to 5,289 acres of terrain, including seven experts-only back bowls and plenty of groomed terrain for beginners and intermediates, Vail is the largest single ski/snowboard mountain in the U.S. It averages 350 inches of snow and 300 days of sunshine annually. Vail Village has plenty of options for top-notch dining, shopping, après ski and nightlife. 
Two Great Deals
The Vail Cascade, managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts (www.destinationhotels.com), is celebrating its 25th anniversary in December and is one of the original AAA Four Diamond properties in the Vail Valley.
A mile west of the dining, shopping and entertainment options of Lionshead Village, the property is 100 miles west of Denver and 35 miles east of the Eagle County Airport (EGE).
On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, Vail Cascade Resort & Spa has launched a silver anniversary offer in time for the start of the 2007-2008 ski and snowboard season. Beginning in October, guests stay for $25 on their third night with the purchase of two nights of lodging. Rates for the first two nights start at $129 per night with no restrictions. The package is valid from October 25 to December 25, 2007. All room categories at the Vail Cascade are available through this offer, including hotel rooms, suites and any of the property's more than 80 condominium vacation rentals.
In addition, guests reserving the package are eligible to win one of 25 weekend getaways to the Vail Cascade, to be awarded sometime after Christmas. To reserve a package, visit Vail Cascade's web site and go to the "Special Packages" page; to book, use promo code "Anniversary" or call 800-420-2424 and reference the "Anniversary Package."
The resort is also offering a new Fly In/Ski Free promotion. Fly non-stop to Vail/ Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) November 16, 2007 through April 13, 2008 and ski or snowboard for free the day of arrival at Vail or Beaver Creek with a valid boarding pass and lodging confirmation. Passengers on direct flights from Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas/ Ft. Worth and Denver will be able to take advantage of this program. For details call 800-503-8748.