Vail's Summer Projects to Upgrade 2010-2011 Winter Season

 

One Ski Hill Place

This summer, Vail Resorts, Inc. is investing $75-85 million in the 2010-2011 winter season with "high-profile amenities" projects and the opening of two new real estate properties. As the renovations take place, the resort is also touting its new summer offerings.

Two New Properties

One Ski Hill Place, a RockResort property, located at the base of Peak 8 at Breckenridge Ski Resort and steps from town, is expected to open in June. The hotel is comprised of wholly-owned ski-in/ski-out units that range from studios to four bedrooms. Each unit includes wood floors in the kitchen, granite countertops,stainless steel appliances, a five-piece master bath, stone fireplace, deck and high-speed WiFi access.

 

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail

is a limited collection of 71 whole-ownership residences at the base of Vail Mountain, expected to open in the fall. Within walking distance village shops and restaurants, as well as Gore Creek, the property's units range from a two-bedroom home to a six-bedroom penthouse.  Each features luxurious bathrooms, upscale kitchens with Bosch stainless steel appliances and views of the mountain and village.

Mountain and Hotel Upgrades

In addition to adding new properties, Vail is upgrading several aspects of its mountain resorts, as well as other hotels.

The Vail Mountain High Noon Lift (Chair 5) ,which serves the Sun Up Bowl and Sun Down Bowl (pictured), will be replaced with high-speed quad lift that cuts ride time in half from 12 minutes to six and has an uphill capacity of 2,400 people per hour. Also at Vail, Adventure Ridge will expand its tubing hill, adding lanes and a new enclosed lift.

Meanwhile, new to Heavenly Mountain Resort in the upcoming winter season will be a 14,750-square-foot restaurant at the top of the Heavenly Gondola. Vail Resorts is alos upgrading its grooming capabilities by increasing its fleet of snowcats to more than 130. The company is also adding new snowmaking equipment.

Finally, guest rooms at the Keystone Lodge will be upgraded amenities with new flat-screen TVs as well as new tinted windows that that will reduce solar gain during the day and heat lossat night.

New Offerings for Summer 2010

We've told you before about Vail's summer aspects making it a truly year-round destination. The company continues to focus on its offerings and new this summer is the addition of an alpine coaster at Breckenridge Ski Resort, planned to open in August 2010 and operate in the summer and winter. The Alpine Coaster will be located at the Peak 8 Fun Park and the three-foot elevated track will wind guests of all ages through loops and curves within the canopy of Peak 8 giving coaster riders spectacular mountain views.

Also, the Epic Summer program is back for its second year offering families an all-inclusive guided trip designed to showcase a quintessential Colorado vacation experience. Families can choose from a four- or seven-day itinerary with a local guide who leads the tour which highlights summer activities in the Rocky Mountains including horseback riding, gold panning, hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park and much more. This all-inclusive trip is offered at a great value with transportation in Colorado and meals included. Prices start at $249 per adult per night ($183 per child per night, ages 6-12) for the week-long trip. Airfare is not included. Visit www.epicsummer.com.