Colorado Kicks-Off its Legendary Winter Season with a Late-October Snow Storm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Caitlin Sullivan / 970-372-6571, csullivan@mmgmardiks.com

Roland Alonzi / 212-219-7560, ext. 6765, ralonzi@mmgmardiks.com

Colorado Kicks-Off its Legendary Winter Season
with a Late-October Snow Storm

Book Your Colorado Ski Vacation Now and Save Big on

Airfare, Lodging, Lift Tickets and More!

DENVER, Colo. (October 29, 2009) – The snow is in Colorado, why aren’t you? A winter snow storm has hit Colorado, dumping several feet of fresh powder on the Rockies and skiers and boarders couldn’t be more exited. With an average snowfall of 300 inches a year, Colorado offers a legendary winter vacation experience. In addition to being the world’s premier ski/snowboard destination with 26 unique ski areas and resorts offering more than 2,000 trails and 40,000 acres of mountain terrain, Colorado also provides visitors with a variety of off-the-slopes winter activities including dog sledding, snowshoeing and ice climbing. The time has never been better to plan a Colorado vacation. Areas and resorts across the state are offering great values on airfare, lodging, lift tickets and more. For a complete list of travel packages and vacation deals visit www.COLORADO.com.

Fly the Pocketbook-Friendly Skies:

Kids Fly Free on American Airlines– Families flying into Eagle Airport (EGE) between December 1 – 17, 2009 on American, will receive one free child ticket available for every adult fare purchased, with no blackout dates. To receive the free ticket, travel must be booked by February 10, 2010. Kids also ski on the day of arrival and travel via the Colorado Mountain Express to Vail or Beaver Creek for free from November 20, 2009 – April 18, 2010. Book by calling Vail/ Beaver Creek Reservations at 866-668-8245 or go online to www.FlyVail.com.
Fly Direct Into Eagle – It has never been so easy to fly into Eagle Airport (EGE) from Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas/Ft. Worth or Denver, all now offering direct flights. Travel from November 20 – April 11, 2010 and ski for free at Vail or Beaver Creek upon day of arrival with valid boarding pass and Vail Valley lodging confirmation. Visit www.snow.com or call 800-404-3535. Direct flights are also available to multiple other ski resorts and areas including Aspen, Steamboat Springs, Crested Butte and Telluride.

Family and Friends Fly Free to Crested Butte – This winter season, when traveling to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) on United, Delta and American, take advantage of the Friends and Family Fly Free program. Between December 17, 2009 – April 4, 2010, buy two airline tickets and get the third free when staying in Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s lodging properties for at least four nights. For more information or to make a reservation go to www.skicb.com

Loads Off Lift Tickets and Lodging:

Dynamite Deal at Copper Mountain – This winter Copper is offering the perfect deal for those looking to ride the slopes. Stay for at least two nights and the third night is free. This deal includes the Beeline Advantage Lift Ticket offering guests their own dedicated lift line, in addition to kids under 12 skiing/riding free with the purchase of every adult ticket. Book this package by October 31, 2009, and get up to $25 per reservation ($100 maximum) to spend at Copper. Check out www.coppercolorado.com or call a Copper Vacation Specialist at 866-534-7444.

Best Deal Ever at Durango Mountain Resort – No need to look any further for savings; as Durango Mountain Resort is offering the “Best Deal Ever. Period.” The package includes three nights lodging and three days of skiing for just $57 per person per day and must be booked by November 15, 2009. Guests who book lodging AND a lift ticket will be paying $8 less per day than the cost of a single lift ticket at the ticket window ($65). Details can be found online at: www.durangomountainresort.com

Guaranteed Great Deal at Keystone Resort – Now is the perfect time to book your winter escape at Keystone Resort. From November 6, 2009 – April 10, 2010, excluding blackout dates, the resort will offer guests the 149/189 guarantee deal ensuring travelers a guaranteed low rate on one- and two-bedroom condos this winter with rates of $149 and $189. For more information go to www.keystoneresort.com or call 800-354-4FUN.

Reap the Rewards in Steamboat Springs – With Steamboat’s consistent Champagne Powder^™ and its friendly, western atmosphere visitors will be hard-pressed to find a better deal for both lift tickets and lodging. The Early Rewards package, offers 20% off lodging and lift tickets when guests book four or more nights of lodging and a 3-day lift ticket. But don’t wait to receive the 20% savings, reservations must be made by November 18, 2009. To make a reservation call 888-284-9477 go to www.steamboat.com.

Early Bird Gets the Worm at Breckenridge – Early season in Breckenridge means blue skies, fresh snow and big value. Book three nights of lodging and three days of adult lift tickets and receive an additional night of lodging and an additional day of adult skiing free. Prices start at only $78 per person, per night. Package offered November 12 – November 29, 2009. Or $91 per person, per night from November 30 – December 18, 2009. For more details go to www.gobreck.com

Fourth Night Free in Aspen – Book now with the historic Hotel Jerome, A RockResort, for this upcoming winter season and receive your fourth night free! The offer is available November 26, 2009 through April 4, 2010 and must be booked by November 25, 2009. Prices start at $187. Guest will receive 25% off stays four nights or longer. For details visit www.rockresorts.com or call 877-412-ROCK(7625).

Don’t Break the Bank in Boulder – Those looking for a cost effective way to ski this winter, set out to Eldora Mountain Resort located just 30 minutes from Boulder and find lodging with lift tickets, starting at just $64.50 per person for a one-night stay. The Boulder Ski Escape Package is the perfect way to enjoy the slopes without breaking the bank. Some deals even include breakfast and transportation. To experience the laid back local vibe of Boulder visit www.boulderskiescape.com from November 20, 2009 to April 11, 2010.

Be One of the First at the Viceroy Snowmass – Debuting on November 25, the new Viceroy Snowmass will offer a special introductory rate from November 25 - December 23. Rates start at $150 per night for a studio. Those who buy one night will get an additional night at 50% off. The offer is subject to availability, per studio, based on double occupancy. For more information visit: www.viceroysnowmass.com

It’s All About the Girls at The Osprey Beaver Creek – From January 6–9, 2010
The Osprey at Beaver Creek, A RockResort, will host the “ReTreat Yourself” women’s getaway. Women are invited to connect with each other on the mountain and on their mats, with skiing/snowboarding guided by pro-athletes and Beaver Creek instructors, plus yoga classes and life coach sessions to encourage personal power.
“ReTreat Yourself” includes a three-night starting at $1,428 per person based on double occupancy. Resort fees and taxes included. Single occupancy rates are available. Lift tickets will be available at a discounted rate. For additional package details visit www.vbcrp.com

Kids Ski Free at Sunlight Mountain – Pack up the kids and head to Sunlight Mountain Resort, where kids ages 12 and under ski free this winter with the purchase of any full-day adult lift ticket and overnight lodging. Additional details can be found at www.skiswimstay.com.

Everything’s Better in Threes at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek – The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is now offering the ‘'Three for Free” package. Those who book the "Three for Free" offer receive three components for Free: a free night, free room upgrade and free daily breakfast for two at 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. From January 3 – Feb. 11, 2010, the Free Night component the guests will receive is a 4th Night Free when booking three nights. For more information visit www.parkhyattbeavercreek.com

Savings and Fun Off the Slopes:

Spectacular Savings at the Broadmoor – Stay at the Broadmoor from November 15, 2009 - February 28, 2010 and take advantage of the Spectacular Winter Special offer. Package prices start at $80 per person, per night. The package includes complimentary Broadmoor movie theater access, 15% discount on select retail purchases, complimentary Serenity Shower or Tub Soak with purchase of $100 in spa services and a 10% food discount in Charles Court, Penrose Room and Tavern. Those staying three or more nights will receive a complimentary upgrade (subject to availability). For details visit: www.broadmoor.com

Family Fun at The Westin Riverfront – Head to Avon and take advantage of The Westin Riverfront’s Mini Mountaineer Family Package. The package includes a stay in a spacious 2-bedroom condominium, three hours in the Westin Kids Club for two kids, one ice skating session for a family of four (either at Nottingham Lake or Beaver Creek Ice Rink), Kids Eat Free coupon to Restaurant Avondale, two-for-one wooden nickels to the Avon Recreation Center indoor water park and a s’mores kit. Priced starting at $759 per night, three night minimum stay required. Available December 16, 2009 – April 15, 2010. Go to www.westinriverfrontavon.com or call 866-9491616 to make a reservation

Saddle Up in Gateway, Colorado – Horseback riding in the winter? That’s right. With the Ranch Hand Package at Gateway Canyons Resort guests can experience the winter season on horseback. The package includes two night accommodations, instruction on trail riding basics and technical skills, a half-day ride and a one and a half hour ride and two boxes lunches per person. Rates start at $269 per person based on double occupancy. For reservations call 866.671.4733 or go online at www.gatewaycanyons.com

Mush Your Way Through Crested Butte – The Iditarod-style dogsleds at the Lucky Cat-Dog Farm allow aspiring mushers to venture into Crested Butte's backcountry. Adventures include morning rides and lunch rides, complete with hearty soup and home-baked bread. The tours are designed to introduce guests to the basics of mushing and, when desired, teaching participants to run a team of very experienced huskies on a pristine wilderness trail. So bundle up, and get ready to do some exploring. Prices range from $110 to $130 per person (pricing subject to change). Visit www.skicb.com for details.

Gourmet Snowshoeing in Steamboat – Join a Steamboat Ambassador for an informative and fun snowshoeing tour followed by a gourmet lunch. Tuesdays through Sundays the tour is on the Vista Nature Trail, approximately 1 mile long, and ends at Thunderhead Lodge where guests enjoy a delectable gourmet lunch and refreshing glass of wine at Hazie’s. On Mondays, the tour treks across the Duster rail to the Rendezvous Lodge finishing with lunch and wine at Ragnar’s. Guided Gourmet Tours are $55 and include gondola ride, snowshoes, guide, lunch, glass of wine, tax and gratuity. Tours are available December 15, 2009 - March 28, 2010. Go online to www.steamboat.com for additional information.

Go Off-Road Through the Rockies – Head out in the snow for scenic individualized ATV tours for 2-5 people. A guide will help you navigate your way through the Colorado Rocky Mountains on historic mining trails, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Continental Divide. Rates start at $65 for a one-hour tour and $99 for a two-hour tour. Call 303-567-0717 or visit www.milehirafting.com

ABOUT COLORADO

Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 26 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, nine national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, call 1-800-COLORADO or visit http://www.COLORADO.com. Media are invited to visit the Colorado Media Room at http://www.COLORADO.com/mediaroom for story ideas, press releases/press kits, as well as high-resolution, downloadable photos and video for editorial use.

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