Human Resources Plus (HRP), an Eagle based human resources company, announced today the expansion of their business services to include a low cost online human resources membership option to their service offerings that provides easy to understand tools and guidance. Current research is showing that people are stretched thin, doing more with less and this membership offers HR tools for less than a $1 day

The HRP membership is available at www.hplusinc.com and is an ideal resource for employers who understand the importance of HR practices, want to save time and money on HR tasks, limit their risk and remain competitive in this environment. For less than $1.00 a day, HRP membership provides 24/7 access to interview questions and forms, job descriptions, FAQ’s, essential toolkits, employment law information, calculators, surveys, legislative updates, a member forum, hiring forms & samples, live guidance with HR experts and much more.

“Every day over 45,000 employment lawsuits are filed in the US. A majority of them could have been prevented by adhering to employment laws and addressing issues like poor performance correctly. Businesses that are unaware of their HR responsibilities are one step away from costly lawsuits and penalties.” states Rebecca Sobek, co-founder of Human Resources Plus. “HRP membership provides the tools needed to implement and maintain strong practices.”

Human Resources Plus is offering a FREE human resources assessment which can tell you if your business is at risk. Businesses can also test drive HRP membership by registering for a FREE trial. As part of their launch, they will also be giving away a FREE membership every Friday until April 30^th. Take the HR assessment or register for a free trial for your chance to win.

“In the past, I felt overwhelmed with human resources tasks as it is just one portion of my many responsibilities, but the HRP membership has saved me significant time and is cost effective. The membership tool is vital in keeping me informed on legislative changes and gives me the ability to gain professional advice when I need it most.” Laura Warren, General Manager, Austria Haus Club.

For more information go to www.hrplusinc.com or contact us as info@hrplusinc.com.

About Human Resources Plus:

Since 2003, Human Resources Plus has been offering local businesses affordable outsourcing and consulting services for all of their human resources needs. They offer resources, guidance and HR solutions for the following areas: Human Resources Evaluations, Compliance, Workers Compensation/Safety, Strategic Planning, Employee Handbooks, Benefits Administration, Employee Relations, Recruitment/Staffing, Unemployment Administration and Record Retention to name a few. They can be reached at www.hrplusinc.com or by calling 970-328-2860.

 From the bridge of the USS Enterprise, Captain Pickard issued the clear command that in a single word, communicated that he knew what to do, where he was going, that he had a mission, a purpose, and was not about to change his mind. “Engage,” he said, and off went the starship at warp speed, straight as an arrow to get it done.

Yes there were surprises when they arrived at whatever space anomaly, alien outpost or ship-battering ion storm they encountered. And yes, there were losses, good-guy ships, bad-guy ships, new crewmen (an especially dangerous occupation, in that new faces rarely outlived a single episode) and friendly vessels with weaker armament that all took the brunt of the temporal rifts, Cardassian attacks and Romulan deceits. But that’s expected when you’re going, “Where no one has gone before.”

I can’t help but thinking this economy is taking us all where no one has gone before. There’s a lot of fear out there, and a lot of bad decisions are being made in an effort to cope. (Some good ones, too.) But most of them are being made not with a clear, well-trodden path illuminated to guide us and bolster confidence on our journeys, but in semi-darkness and under the duress of external forces out of our control.

Part of it is because this is unknown territory and wandering in the wilderness is, indeed risky business. Not all of us are good at wayfinding or orienteering. Some set out on an adventure of exploration and never return. But part of the bad decision making is, just as it was with our ubiquitous friend, Captain Pickard, because folks in decision-making positions just don’t have all the information they need to make a good decision. They gather available facts, debate the merits of various options and (eventually) get on with taking what they feel is appropriate action. Then of course, they suffer the consequences, for good or ill.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, if you have issues with directions things are going, please speak up. After the fact, it’s a bear to change direction. Yet, time after time, I sit in public meetings when public comment is solicited and there is no public to comment. But very often, I hear and read opinions, criticisms, innuendo and allegations that no one listens, or viewpoints weren’t considered or “what they did was just plain wrong.” Not good enough.

There are some very important issues facing the valley that, although they don’t seem to rise to the level of the debate about Eagle River Station, will have similar impact on economic development, tourism and tax revenues. Just a few current issues to consider; the Ever Vail development, Vail conference center funds use, TOV parking, Connect Avon Now (CAN), Eagle County’s retirement community discussion, marketing efforts for the Town of Eagle, and so on.

You know, it’s very easy to criticize and carp. What most people don’t know is that it’s also easy to speak your mind. All public meetings are posted. All officials and town staff know when and where you can speak out and be heard. And, trust me, there’s plenty of room at these meetings for you to sit. You’d be stunned to know how many of these very important sessions are unattended by the public.

So, gather your thoughts, check the relevant websites for meetings on issues that mean something to you, take a moment to bone up on meeting etiquette or customs (there’s a great example at “Citizen’s Guide to Council Meetings” on the Vail Town Council link at vailgov.com), and, as Pickard commands…”Engage.” Remember you can’t be heard if you don’t talk to the folks who can do something about your issues.

VVP Event Update:

Fri., 3.26, 8-10:30 a.m.: Green Your Organization, One Step at a Time, Antlers at Vail, Lionshead. Light breakfast will be served. Register at www.EagleValleyAlliance.org.

Tues., March 30, 8-9:00 a.m.: Non-profit Seminar: Asking for Money and Living to Tell the Tale, location TBD

Wed., April 7, 8-9:00 a.m.: Partner 101: Benefits Orientation, Vail Valley Partnership Office, Traer Creek, Avon

Tues., April13, 5:30-7:00 p.m.: Ask the Experts, Business Entertaining: Wine 101, Vail Valley Partnership Office, Traer Creek, Avon

Thurs., April15, 6-9:00 PM Lobster and Blue Jeans Networking Party, Vail Chophouse, Lionshead. Contact Michelle Kobelan, VVP Events Coordinator, mkobelan@visitvailvalley.com or 970.477.4001 for reservations.

Eaglecrest DECA needs volunteers for the Vail DECA Invitational at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek on October 25, 2010. 

It should be an exciting time for the students and we appreciate your expertise.

To review, we will have a judges’ breakfast and briefing at the hotel, in the Ouray/Dempsey room at 7:30 a.m.  Immediately following this, you will be judging a “live” selling or human relations event.  The students will have approximately 10 minutes to look over the event.  They may take notes as they study.

They will then come in to you to “role play” that event with you.  You may be a customer looking to buy the product the student is selling.  You may have a human relations problem, which the student needs to solve.  At any rate, you and the student will interact for about 7 minutes, after which you will evaluate them on a score sheet.  You may see about 10 students with the exact same role play scenario.  The goal of the student is to be the highest scoring student.

Students will not only receive this score, but they will have taken a marketing test the day prior.  A combination of scores will result in our winners.

The students have 18 different categories in which they can compete.  Some are individual, some are team events.                       

Individual events: 

Accounting, Apparel & Accessories, Automotive Services, Business Services
Food Marketing, Hotel & Lodging Mgmt, Marketing Management, Quick Serve Restaurant, Restaurant & Food Service Mgmt., Retail Merchandise, Sports & Entertainment Mkt.

Team (2 members) events: 

Business Law and Ethics, Buying and Merchandising, Hospitality, Internet Marketing, Sports & Entertainment, Travel and Tourism  

More details will be given at the breakfast.  We have also included lunch, and you should be done somewhere around 12:30 or so. Dress for Monday is business attire.

I hope this helps.  We could use as many judges as we can get!!  If there are any questions, please feel free to call me at the school at 720.886.1135.  My cell phone number is 303.725.1458.  We look forward to having you be a part of our event!

A legendary element of Spring Back to Vail, the World Pond Skimming Championships presented by Rockstar is a can’t-miss event. The annual competition entails floatable (and sometimes sinkable) athletes launching themselves off an on-snow jump, into a 100-foot pond in attempt to successfully exit the pond on both feet. Competitors will vie for fame and glory in a showing that defies the laws of physics and perhaps even common sense. Judges will score each competitor on distance, style, creativity and water solubility. All eyes will be on the grand prize of two 2010/2011 EPIC Passes and the elusive Golden Skimmer title.

“This year will be my fourth year competing,” said Vail resident Brad Ryan. “Anytime I can dress up in a ridiculous outfit, make people laugh and try to skim across a pond with thousands of people watching, you can guarantee I’m in. Winning a free pass EPIC pass wouldn't hurt either.”

Highlighting the Spring Back to Vail festivities, the World Pond Skimming Championships presented by Rockstar is open to brave souls who aren’t afraid of a little water. It is guaranteed to be a wet, wild and splashing good time for participants and spectators alike. Registration is $50 per person and is limited to a field of 75 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration, as well as detailed event information including rules is available at www.springbacktovail.com. Note that the event will sell-out quickly.

“Making the ESPN top 10 plays of the week was probably the best moment in my pond skimming career so far; I never thought I would beat out Kobe on Sports Center,” said Ryan. “But, as a whole, the competition is fun because it’s an on-going tradition with good friends and another great part of the closing weekend festivities.”

Promptly following the pond skimming event, American alternative rock band Guster will perform a free outdoor concert at Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village starting at 4:30 p.m. Offering a one-of-a-kind sound through the combination of bongos, cymbals and other drums, Guster is known for their amazing live shows.

“I'm loving the fact that I get to ski Vail twice this year all under the auspices of "business!" said Guster’s guitarist and vocalist Adam Gardner. “It was a blast opening the season with Yukon Kornelius at Vail Snow Daze and I look forward to playing the last ski weekend with Guster!”  

It’s all part of Spring Back to Vail, April 12-18, 2010. Each year, Spring Back to Vail brings end-of-season entertainment to Vail Mountain with on-snow events and demos, free headliner concerts, nightly parties and the ever-popular World Pond Skimming Championships. For more information, visit www.springbacktovail.com.

Spring Back to Vail 2010 is rockin’ your way thanks to Vail Mountain, Bud Light, Town of Vail, Men’s Journal, Captain Morgan, Rockstar, and Skiing Magazine and is brought to you in part by Smith Optics, Macanudo, Néve Designs, Vail Daily, KZYR The Zephyr and TV8. The Reverb Eco Village is brought to you by IZSTYLE and Reverb.

The Vail Recreation District (VRD) will host 2010 U.S. Women's Ice Hockey team member and four-time Olympian Jenny Potter for a free skate from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 16 at Dobson Ice Arena.  During the free skate, Potter will be available to answer questions, take photographs and sign autographs. She'll also show her Olympic medals to those in attendance, including one gold, two silver and one bronze. Skate rentals will be available for $3 and all ages and skating abilities are invited to join. In addition, prior to the free skate, Cornelia Holden, U.S. Women's Ice Hockey Team sports psychology consultant and founder of Mindful Warrior, and Potter will speak together from 4:15 to 4:50 p.m. at the Town of Vail Public Library about "Reflections on Mental and Physical Training for the Olympic Experience." (Photo: http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=2203/bio/index.html)
Potter has played in four Olympics, eight International Ice Hockey Federation World Women's Championships and seven Four Nations Cups, plus has won three world titles and four Olympic medals including in 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010. She most recently set the U.S. Olympic single-game record at the 2010 Olympics with five points and became the U.S. all-time career point leader during the games. Potter is visiting Vail to research creating sports camps targeting those whose interests include fitness and healthy living.

According to Dobson Ice Arena Manager Jared Biniecki, having an Olympian skate in Dobson will be a unique experience for those who attend. "We're excited to host Jenny and learn more about her recent experience during the 2010 Olympics," said Biniecki. "The VRD is looking forward to working with Jenny in the future to bring new and exciting camps to Vail for our ice skating and sport enthusiasts."

In addition to Potter, Dobson has also hosted a variety of Olympians including Mark Johnson, 2010 U.S.Olympic  Women's Ice Hockey Coach and 1980 Olympic gold medalist; Jeremy Abbott, 2010 U.S. Olympic men's figure skater, plus 2009 and 2010 U.S. National Champion; Mirai Nagasu, 2010 U.S. Olympic women's figure skater; Niklas Backstrom, National Hockey League player and Sweden's starting goalie; and Marion Gaborik, National Hockey League player and member of Czechoslovakia's men's ice hockey team.

For details on the free skate with Potter, contact Biniecki at 970-479-2271. For details on all other VRD activities, click here. Also, follow the VRD on Facebook by clicking here or on Twitter via Vailrecdistrict.

March 6, 2009

Dear Valued Supporters,

The new Battle Mountain High School facilities are truly remarkable and a testament of the generosity of this beautiful valley and the value regarded the education of our kids.

The Stadium Track & Field is a particularly visible example. It has ignited pride and excitement in our athletic teams and attracted record numbers of spectators. It is simply a great venue. So much so, Battle Mountain High School will be hosting, for the first time, a state-qualifying track & field meet this upcoming May 8^th. Our intention is to grow this into one of the premier events in the region.

We do, however, find ourselves with one obvious outstanding need: hurdles, both for training and to meet the exacting standards of being a state-qualifying competition. The cost of these hurdles will be significant, we estimate around $16,000.00. Our hope is to locate and work with a dozen or so financial supporters that would be each willing to support this project with a donation in the neighborhood of $1000.00. (We would of course welcome more!)

We would like to recognize sponsors by name in game announcements, and on a plaque of sponsors displayed in the stadium or gymnasium areas or, preferably, on the gateboards of the hurdles themselves. (Photos follow to give an idea of what this could look like.)

Thank you for your consideration and your past and continued support of Battle Mountain High School

Sincerely,

Ryan McCay

Athletic/Activities Director

Battle Mountain High School

970.328.2934

ryan.mccay@eagleschools.net

Parents are encouraged to visit the Vail Recreation District (VRD) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Saturday's (3-13) Summer Camp and Activity Expo at the Edward's field house to learn about the VRD's spring, summer and fall offerings for Vail Valley children, including its sports camps, day camps, skateboard clinics, soccer programs and more. During the Expo, parents also can register to win a free registration for a VRD junior golf camp, gymnastics camp and summer day camp for their children for the upcoming summer. Balloons also will be handed out to children throughout the day. 

Registration will be available during the Expo for most of the VRD's youth sports camps, which will include volleyball, baseball, sports training, soccer, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, sand volleyball and gymnastics. The sports camps begin in early June and last through August and offer young athletes an opportunity to learn new sports, develop new skills and refine existing skills. This summer also will include the addition of three new sports camps, the TetraBrazil Soccer Camp, a sand volleyball camp and tennis camps. 

Information also will be available for the VRD's youth summer camps at the Expo, including Pre-Kamp Vail, Camp Vail, Camp Eco Fun and Extreme Camp Vail. Walk-in or fax-in registration for these camps will begin at 8 a.m. Monday, April 5. No online registration is available for the youth day camp programs. 

Registration for the VRD's youth summer camps is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For general information about the Expo, contact Alan Sandberg at 970-390-3533. For details on all these camps and other VRD activities, click here. Also, follow the VRD on Facebook by clicking here or on Twitter via Vailrecdistrict.

Vail Resorts is the premier mountain resort company in the world and a leader in luxury, destination-based travel at iconic locations. Our Company operates in three separate, but highly integrated segments:

Mountain:  Our Mountain segment owns and operates the five premier year-round resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado and Heavenly in California and Nevada.  Our mountain segment includes lift ticket, ski & snowboard school, dining and retail & rental businesses.

Real Estate Development:  Our Real Estate segment, Vail Resorts Development Company, holds, develops, buys and sells real estate in and around our resort communities.

Lodging (aka "Hospitality"):  Vail Resorts Hospitality owns and/or manages a portfolio of luxury hotels under the RockResorts brand, a number of hotels and condominiums located in proximity to our ski resorts, three destination resorts at Grand Teton National Park, six award-winning golf courses and Colorado Mountain Express (CME), the company's premier year-round ground transportation company.  The Company operates or is in development of many luxuriously iconic resorts, including RockResorts, in five states and four countries.

We are looking for a management professional who will be responsible for all aspects of television operations of the TV8 Media Center in Avon, CO. The individual selected for the TV8 General Manager will oversee two LPTV licenses (K45ie and K36db) working with the remote locations in Vail and Beaver Creek, and both live and live-to-tape productions. This position has ultimate responsibility for all television revenue targets and will provide direct and support advertising sales efforts.

The TV8 General Manager will utilize his/her understanding of the resort television model, concept and host responsibility for cultivating and leveraging network relationships and opportunities. Additionally will integrate TV8/TV17 with the mountain operations at Vail and Beaver Creek to enhance the guest experience at the resorts. Will integrate with, support, and leverage Vail Resorts' marketing efforts for all of its businesses (mountains, hotel/property management and real estate), including its online and social media efforts. Accountable for establishing and maintaining collaborative intra-company advertising sales relationships to capitalize on revenue opportunities (i.e. Peaks magazine, on-site media, etc.). Will manage continuous improvement of TV8/TV17 programming and production quality. Provide oversight of all hiring, development and maintenance of sales incentive programs. Must establish a strong community involvement and promotional presence. Will manage relationships within the Vail Resorts organization to leverage its corporate legal, accounting and other capabilities to ensure compliance with regulators, vendors and company policies.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in related field required
• Minimum 5 years advertising sales and marketing experience required
• Minimum 5 years organizational leadership experience required
• Television management and production experience strongly preferred
• Minimum 3 years business background with emphasis on fiscal management required
• Strong computer skills required

For consideration, please go to https://vailresorts.taleo.net/careersection/external/jobdetail.ftl. Enter 100269 if prompted for job number. Select the TV8 General Manager position, add it to your job cart and apply. Contact Susan with any questions at satwood@vailresorts.com

Travelers can still access Glenwood Springs despite a rockslide that occurred early on Monday, March 8, 2010 in Glenwood Canyon. Colorado Department of Transportation officials are optimistic about reopening travel through Glenwood Canyon before the weekend. However, until Glenwood Canyon is deemed safe for vehicular travel, drivers have several alternate routes to take them to their Spring break vacations in Glenwood Springs.

Colorado Department of Transportation officials are working round the clock to clear debris and repair damage to Interstate-70 though Glenwood Canyon that occurred as a result of a rockslide near mile marker 125 on Monday, March 8, 2010. Much progress has already been made and crews are currently in the process of making the highway safe and passable for at least one lane of traffic in both the east and westbound direction. This may occur as early as Wednesday evening and almost certainly before the weekend.  These opening estimates are based on current successful work in mitigation, and may be subject to change.  For continuous updates on Glenwood Canyon, please visit the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association’s site http://www.visitglenwood.com/I-70-update.

Though the rockslide that occurred nine miles from Glenwood Springs along I-70 in Glenwood Canyon is a big bump in the road for travelers, visitors can still access the resort town though they should plan on leaving more time for travel.  "We want visitors to Glenwood Springs to know that when Glenwood Canyon opens shortly, it will be a safe and direct route to a wonderful vacation experience. Mother Nature is always a force to be reckoned with and despite this rockslide, she has worked countless wonders in Glenwood Springs that draw visitors for Spring break year after year," said Kate Collins, Vice President of Tourism Marketing for the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association.

Safety is the paramount concern of Colorado Department of Transportation officials and when the canyon does reopen for through traffic; travelers can be assured that driving through Glenwood Canyon is safe, though some delays can be expected, since only one lane of traffic in each direction will be open.
Visitors with Spring break plans in Glenwood Springs can feel confident that all the great things they have been looking forward to are waiting to be enjoyed including Spring skiing at Sunlight Mountain Resort, swimming at the Glenwood Hot Springs, relaxing at the many spas, exploring at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, as well as dining and shopping.

Though Glenwood Canyon is expected to open in the near future, there are several suggested alternate routes to Glenwood Springs. Maps depicting the various routes are accessible at http://www.visitglenwood.com/I-70-update.

Northern Alternate Route: For those who are making the trip from the Front Range to Glenwood Springs there are two driving options. CDOT recommends that travelers coming from the east drive west on I-70 to the Wolcott (Exit 157); at Wolcott take CO-131 north toward Steamboat Springs; just before Steamboat Springs turn left on US-40; continue west on US-40 through Steamboat Springs to Craig; at Craig turn left on CO-13; continue south on CO-13 through Meeker to Rifle; at Rifle go east on I-70 to Glenwood Springs Exit 116.

Another alternative is to drive west on I-70 to Silverthorne (Exit 205); in Silverthorne turn right onto CO-9 headed north to Kremmling; in Kremmling turn left onto US-40 through Steamboat Springs to Craig; at Craig turn left onto CO-13; continue south on CO-13 through Meeker to Rifle; at Rifle go east on I-70  to Glenwood Springs Exit 116.

Southern Alternate Route: Travelers can access Glenwood Springs from a southern route as well. Take US-285 south to Poncha Springs; at Poncha Springs turn right onto US-50 and continue over Monarch Pass through Gunnison. Continue on US-50 for approximately 26 miles and turn right on CO-92. Follow CO-92 through Crawford to Hotchkiss; at Hotchkiss turn right onto CO-133, continue on CO-133 through Paonia over McClure Pass and into Carbondale. At Carbondale, a left on CO-82 will take travelers into Glenwood Springs.

Visitors also have the option of arriving in Glenwood Springs via Amtrak. Though the train goes through Glenwood Canyon, it is on the opposite side of the Colorado River and completely unaffected by the rockslide. Amtrak operates daily, leaving Denver at 7:30 AM and arriving in Glenwood Springs at 12:30 PM. For complete Amtrak schedules and prices, visit www.amtrak.com. Once in Glenwood Springs, many hotels and visitor destinations are within walking distance or are easily accessible via the free in-town bus service.

For those arriving by air, travel agents or airlines can assist visitors with rerouting flights or adding a leg to arrive in western Colorado. There are several possible airport choices to consider including Aspen Pitkin County Airport, Grand Junction Walker Field, Montrose County Airport, Yampah Valley Regional Airport and Gunnison County Airport.

 Vail Resorts is the premier mountain resort company in the world and a leader in luxury, destination-based travel at iconic locations. Our Company operates in three separate, but highly integrated segments:

*Mountain:  Our Mountain segment owns and operates the five premier year-round resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado and Heavenly in California and Nevada.  Our mountain segment includes lift ticket, ski & snowboard school, dining and retail & rental businesses.

Real Estate Development:  Our Real Estate segment, Vail Resorts Development Company, holds, develops, buys and sells real estate in and around our resort communities.

Lodging (aka "Hospitality"):  Vail Resorts Hospitality owns and/or manages a portfolio of luxury hotels under the RockResorts brand, a number of hotels and condominiums located in proximity to our ski resorts, three destination resorts at Grand Teton National Park, six award-winning golf courses and Colorado Mountain Express (CME), the company's premier year-round ground transportation company.  The Company operates or is in development of many luxuriously iconic resorts, including RockResorts, in five states and four countries

As a partner and consultant to the Human Resources team and the Resort's management team, The Supervisor of Talent Acquisition will focus on three overarching areas of responsibility for Vail Mountain: oversight of workforce planning including talent demand and supply; full life-cycle recruiting for high-impact and year-round positions; ownership and deployment of programs and special projects related to talent acquisition.

Main responsibilities include:

• Partner with the Resort's senior management to develop workforce plans including headcount planning, talent analytics and metrics (turnover, retention, candidate/hiring manager satisfaction, etc.), seasonal furlough tracking and department specific sourcing/compliance/diversity strategies. 
• Act as the Vail Mountain point of contact for the Strategic Sourcing Center to ensure all high-volume positions are being filled with high-quality candidates. Responsible for the process, metrics and hiring manager satisfaction associated with the Strategic Sourcing Center at his/her location
• Partner with hiring managers to review, analyze, and clarify job descriptions/requirements, competencies/skills required or preferred and understand resort operations and positions.
• Manage and act as the Vail Mountain Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Applicant Tracking System (Taleo) including project lead responsibilities, reporting & analytics, training, compliance, and internal user communication.
• Responsible for Vail Mountain ownership and deployment of all talent acquisition programs including but not limited to the Vail Resorts College Program, International Staffing, etc.
• Act as the Vail Mountain lead and change agent for special projects such as but not limited to process efficiency, candidate quality, hiring manager satisfaction, metric analysis and ATS (Taleo) upgrade/module implementations.
• Responsible for the candidate and hiring manager experience at Vail Mountain.  Enable the improvement of this experience by educating and guiding hiring managers in assessment, selection and onboarding techniques including behavioral interviewing, assessment analysis, roundtable meetings, compliance/diversity initiatives and best-practice candidate communication and onboarding.
• Represent Vail Mountain in the company-wide Talent Acquisition Council, own the Resort employment brand (creative, social, print, etc.) and successfully manage Resort-specific budget.
• Responsible for Vail Mountain compliance/audit including but not limited to AAP, EEO, etc.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree 
• Work Experience: 3 + years of talent acquisition experience as a player/coach involving full-lifecycle recruiting and proven process efficiency and effectiveness
• Supervisory Experience: 2+ years proven experience in leading a team to provide a high quality candidate and hiring manager experience
• Technical: Proficient using Taleo or a similar eRecruitment software system; Microsoft Office
• Other: Demonstrated strong oral/written communication and influence skills, proven ability to build internal and external relationships and experience managing a substantial budget

Preferred

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, preferably in the field of Human Resources
• Work Experience: Talent acquisition experience in the travel/leisure industry and/or a seasonal environment.
• Certifications: CIR; Proven assessments solution certification
• Language: Bilingual English/Spanish

For consideration, please go to www.skijob1.com and enter “talent” into the keyword search, add the position to your job cart, create a profile and apply. For questions, please contact Susan at satwood@vailresorts.com

Upcoming Partnership events

March
Tuesday, 3.16, 8:00 – 9:00 AM: Leads Group, Vail Valley Partnership Office, Traer Creek, Avon
Wednesday 03.17, 5:00–7:00 PM: Business After Hours Mixer, Euro Bath and Tile, Traer Creek, Avon
Thursday, 3.18, 4:00 – 6:00 PM: Spring Bring Vail Valley Partnership Open House, Vail Valley Partnership Offices, Traer Creek, Avon
Friday, 3.26, 8:00 – 10:30 AM: Green Your Organization, One Step at a Time, Antlers at Vail, Lionshead
Monday, 3.29, 3:00 - 4:30PM: Take Action: An update from the US Chamber of Commerce, VVP offices, Avon
Tuesday, 3.30 8:00-9:00AM: Non-profit Seminar: Asking for Money and Living to Tell the Tale, location TBD

April
Tuesday, 4.6, 8:00 – 9:00 AM: Leads Group, Vail Valley Partnership Office, Traer Creek, Avon
Wednesday, 4.7, 8:00 – 9:00 AM: Partner 101: Benefits Orientation, Vail Valley Partnership Office, Traer Creek, Avon
Tuesday, 4.13, 5:30-7:00 PM: Ask the Experts, Business Entertaining: Wine 101, Vail Valley Partnership Office, Traer Creek , Avon
Thursday, 4.15: 6:00 – 9:00 PM Lobster and Blue Jeans Networking Party, Vail Chophouse, Lionshead
Tuesday, 4.20, 8:00 – 9:00 AM: Leads Group, Vail Valley Partnership Office, Traer Creek, Avon
Wednesday 04.21, 7:30 – 9:30 AM: Breakfast Scrambler, Lodge at Vail, Cucina Rustica Restaurant, Vail
Wednesday. 4.28, 8:30 – 12:00: Non-profit Strategic Planning Seminar, Vail Valley Partnership Office, Traer Creek, Avon

May
Tuesday, 5.4, 8:00 – 9:00 AM: Leads Group, Vail Valley Partnership Office, Traer Creek, Avon
Tuesday, 5.18, 8:00 – 9:00 AM: Leads Group, Vail Valley Partnership Office, Traer Creek, Avon
Wednesday, 05.19, 5:00-7:00 PM: Business After Hours Mixer, Alpine Appliance, Eagle Vail
Thursday, 05.27, 10:00 AM, Second Annual VVP Shotgun in The Sun, Sonnenalp Golf Course, Edwards

 RSVP to Michelle Kobelan at (970) 477-4001 or via email mkobelan@visitvailvalley.com  for the above events.

Kerri Charles, M.D., board certified in Family Medicine, will join Colorado Mountain Medical, PC on March 22, 2010!

She will be seeing patients of all ages in the Vail and Eagle offices!

Call for an appointment today: 970.476.5695

Colorado Mountain Medical

Join us for the "Spring Bring Open House"

Bring a non-member guest & join the Partnership for our spring "Open House". Join us on Thursday, March 18 from 4pm-6pm at the VVP offices to learn more about the Partnership and to visit with VVP ambassadors and staff.
This will be a fun evening with a prize drawing for both a member and non-member as well as a drawing for a free annual BASE membership for a non-member!

RSVP required to Michelle Kobelan Mkobelan@visitvailvalley.com or 477-4001

.:turning goals into reality:.

Climate change and the greening of America have become focal points in light of the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, the recent State of the Union Address and new developments on climate change in the Senate. The Vail Symposium will review what was discussed (and what wasn't) in the UN meetings and how policy leaders and scientists alike can turn goals into reality for a greener future.

Topics of discussion will include foreign and national policies which may ultimately affect Colorado, mitigation or potential climate changes, and adaptation to potential adverse effects.

Keynote Speakers
Governor Bill Ritter
Elected as Colorado's 41st governor in 2006, he has rapidly established Colorado as a global leader in the New Energy Economy and is contantly working for a greener state.

David Fleischaker
President and CEO of Jolen Operating Company, he served as Secretary of Energy for the State of Oklahoma from 2003 to 2008. Founding chairman of the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center.

Amory Lovins
Chairman and Chief Schientist of the Rocky Mountain Institute. His work spans and integrates energy policy, resources security, economy, environment, and development.

Additional Speakers
(Moderator) Robert Guttman: Director of the Center on Politics and Foreign Relations at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Eldredge Bermingham: Director of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, a unit of the Smithsonian Institution headquartered in Panama City.

Michael Brown: President of Serac Adventure Films. His work brings a firsthand account of melting snowcaps from Mount Everest.

Kirk Johnson: Vice President of Research & Collections and Chief Curator at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Since 1997, he has supervised the Denver Basin Project.

Jennifer Haverkamp: Managing Director for International Policy and Negotiations for the Environmental Defense Fund.

Dr. Vince Matthews: Director of the Colorado Geological Survey. Represents the State of Colorado on BLM's evaluation panel for the oil shale RD&D proposals.

Tom Plant: Director of the Colorado's Governor's Energy Office.

Bob Raynolds: Consulting geologist and research associate at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Auden Schendler: Executive Director of sustainability at the Aspen Skiing Company. Names Time MAgazine's "global warming innovator."

Mark Serreze: Senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado.

Effective March 6, through April 17, 2010, Slifer Designs is offering a $250 CASH BONUS to any concierge whose referral results in a design contract or retail sale of $5,000 or more.

Just send your referral with your business card or your name and ask them to mention you to the Slifer Designs staff, or call the Slifer staff yourself at 926-8200, and tell them ahead of time who to expect! Both the Slifer Designs' store and their offices are in the Riverwalk in Edwards, next to Starbucks.

They sell everything from small gifts and accessories to whole rooms full of furniture, and design and furnish condos and homes in all sizes and price ranges.

Green Drinks is an international grass roots event for all of us who care about a sustainable future. It's a space where sustainable peoples, business owners, government officials and ordinary folk can mingle and talk about ideas over a drink or three. Green Drinks is an organic event, spawned from the minds of many. It has no rules or regulations, but we do like to emphasis specific topics, showcase environmentally sensitive businesses and ingest only the finest local food and beverages.

Green Drinks will be held Tuesday, March 9^th from 5-7pm

This month we are happy to be at the 8100 Restaurant at the Park Hyatt – Beaver Creek. Come join us after runs at the Beav for some jams with local musicians, Jeff & Terry Armistead. SOS Outreach will be joining the Alliance to shed some light on how they are working to build character in youth through outdoor adventure and nature awareness, and how that relates to the mission of the Alliance. The Park Hyatt will be providing complimentary organic appetizers, drink specials and much more. So if you are new to the valley, here for the season, or consider yourself a bona fide local and care about the future of this valley, Green Drinks is for you! For more information go to www.eaglevalleyalliance.org

About Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability - The Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability is a local grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to the alignment of community and environment. The Alliance offers educational programs, provides community services and acts as advocates for market-based sustainability solutions. To learn more go to www.eaglevalleyalliance.org or call 970.827.9999.

About Green Drinks International - Eagle Valley Green Drinks is a chapter of Green Drinks International. To learn more about Green Drinks International go to www.greendrinks.org.

We are all thinking of ways to save money, and it’s also the time of year when part-time residents are starting to put their homes into “hibernation.”  As a part of this process thermostats are turned down, electrical devices are unplugged, and some take the added steps of suspending their cable or satellite TV and telephone services.

While these are all effective steps to take to save money, one thing that is often overlooked is the alarm system.  If phone service to the house is suspended, the alarm panel can no longer communicate with the monitoring company and the house is no longer protected.  Most security companies will receive a notice that the phone line to the security panel is no longer active and will remind the customer to re-activate the phone line in order to ensure that the home is protected.  A better way of saving money is to temporarily downgrade rather than deactivating the phone service completely.  Most security panels only need to receive local calls and dial out to local or toll free numbers meaning that added services like long distance, voice mail, and Internet can probably be suspended without affecting the alarm panel.  Please check with your security company to determine exactly what your system requires.

Vail Electronics can offer remote property awareness and control suggestions as well as additional cost saving options for part-time residents and property managers.  Please call us today to schedule a free in-home consultation.

About Vail Electronics:

Vail Electronics is a residential and commercial Low Voltage contractor servicing the Western Slope of Colorado since 1981 with Security, Fire Alarm, and Home Entertainment Departments.  In this economy we all need to think about protecting our investments and adding value at the same time; Vail Electronics is uniquely positioned to help you do just that, allowing you to Live more Comfortably whether you are at home or away.

Spring Back to Vail, Vail Mountain’s iconic, high-energy, end-of-season bash, returns April 12-18, 2010 with four free outdoor concerts from Wyclef Jean, Guster, Robert Earl Keen and Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars. Recognized as the nation’s largest spring bash in the mountains, Spring Back to Vail celebrates the conclusion of Vail’s ski season by combining music, on-mountain events, in-town parties and the ever-popular World Pond Skimming Championships.

“The 2010 concert lineup is outstanding with Wyclef Jean taking a break from his Haiti homeland support efforts,” said James Deighan of Highline Sports & Entertainment, the event’s producers. “Wyclef and all of the bands are known for their amazing live shows. Vail Mountain is once again offering free concerts, helping make Spring Back the best spring bash in the country. This year’s festival is poised to be the greatest ever.”  

The action-packed weekend of music starts on Friday, April 16 with an international flare. Sierra Leone's Refuge All Stars, who formed in a refugee camp during the civil war of Sierra Leone, will kick off Spring Back’s three-night concert series by sharing their incredible story through their reggae-style sound. The band’s concert at Spring Back will be their first public performance in Colorado to date and their first concert to debut songs from their second album, Rise & Shine, which will be released March 23, 2010 on Cumbancha. Their debut album, Living Like A Refugee, is one of the most acclaimed world music releases of the past several years.

“We are thrilled to bring such a diverse, world-class act to Vail for the end-of-season bash,” said Deighan. “We will host a premier viewing of the band’s award-winning documentary, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, directly before their concert.”

The weekend will continue with singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen bringing his alternative country music to Vail on Saturday, April 17. Known for his sharp ear and catchy melodies, Keen has been performing since 1984 and is best known for favorites like “Merry Christmas from the Family,” “Feelin' Good Again,”  “Jesse with the Long Hair,” “The Road Goes on Forever,” “I'm Comin' Home,” and “Gringo Honeymoon.”

Following Keen's performance, Haitian-American multi-platinum musician, rapper and record producer Wyclef Jean will take center stage. Jean broke through the musical scene in the mid-‘90s as a member of The Refugee Camp (The Fugees), a three-member group that included Lauryn Hill and Prakazrel "Pras" Michel. Blending hip-hop, reggae, R&B and folk, Jean broke off on his own in 1997. His show at Spring Back will be the first concert to debut songs from his new album “Wyclef Jean,” which was released in February 2010.

To close out Spring Back’s three-day concert series, American alternative rock band Guster will perform on Sunday, April 18. With 12 albums and 13 singles, Guster offers a one-of-a-kind sound through the combination of bongos, cymbals and other drums. Performing together for over a decade, Guster’s live shows have a style of their own.

It’s all part of Spring Back to Vail, April 12-18, 2010. A detailed schedule of events can be found on the Spring Back to Vail website at www.springbacktovail.com <http://www.springbacktovail.com/> .  

Spring Back to Vail 2010 is rockin’ your way thanks to Vail Mountain, Bud Light, Town of Vail, Men’s Journal, Captain Morgan, Rockstar, and Skiing Magazine and is brought to you in part by Smith Optics, Macanudo, Néve Designs, Vail Daily, KZYR The Zephyr and TV8. The Reverb Eco Village is brought to you by IZSTYLE, Reverb, Bear Naked Granola, Clif Bar, Climate Counts, NativeEnergy, Oxfam, SIGG, Specialized, Stonyfield Farm and Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance.

Looking for some great videos of Vail Mountain?  Beaver Creek Resort?  A stroll through the pedestrian villages?  Or maybe a quick trip through the terrain parks or a summer hike?

View a variety of videos at VisitVailValley.com including special events such as Vail Snow Daze or the Beaver Creek Master Chef Challenge.  View Vail & Beaver Creek lodging videos from a few select lodges or experience on-mountain dining at its finest.

All this plus a sneak peak of Beaver Creek's famous Crystal Grotto and more.  Check out the video library and share your feedback!

Think about the Survivor tag line OUTWIT, OUTPLAY, OUTLAST, and how applicable is to business today.  As we enter a new year in this time of economic gloom, I have to ask.... What are you doing to re-tool, re-market, and re-connect to your audience so that your business will OUTWIT, OUTPLAY, and OUTLAST your competition?

It seems most businesses follow one of two paths.  Some go into "hibernation", and others are using the opportunity to catch-up and even surpass the "hibernating" competition.  Which path is your business on?

Several years ago there was plenty to go around.  Today, the customer base is smaller and the competition for those buyers is fierce.  Connecting to prospects with cogent and effective messaging is critical to the survival of any company.

iTechnology Design focuses on assisting clients with development of creative, effective and affordable messaging.  We provide solutions to promote your business through web, social networking and mobile applications at a small fraction of the cost of the typical marketing agency.

I invite you to take a look at our portfolio, our services, and when you're ready to begin re-tooling your messaging we would love to talk with you.  I think you will be pleased with the overall value proposition.

Sincerely,
Loren French
iTechnology Design

A web page is a level playing field....
The web can be a great equalizer.  A web page is the same thing for both a mega resort company or a small bed and breakfast.  Both have the same amount of space on the screen. 

What separates the winners from the losers is how each chooses to use that screen.  So here are my top 5 ideas to help you use that space better.
Read More...

Delivering your brand through iPhone

Think back and consider how content was delivered to you 5, 10, and even 20 years ago.  As you go through that thought, one thing should be readily apparent.  The manner in which content was and is delivered has changed, and continues to change.

In a recent post (link at the bottom) on All Things Digital, Peter Kafka wrote about how consumers are receiving more and more of their content through mobile applications, and less of their content through all other mediums.
Read More...

Content Management: Empowering the Site Owner
Is the company website ever truly FINISHED?  For most business owners or managers, the answer is no, the website is never finished.  Just as the last round of changes were completed the next set of changes were being discussed.  In part, this is because the business continually evolves, and so the marketing message also continues to evolve. 
Read More...

Web Stats: How is your site performing?
Do you know how many new visitors you received to you site last month?  Do you know what percentage of your visitors found you through a search versus those that were referred from another site? 
Read More...

The Vail Recreation District (VRD) has plenty of activities to keep adults and children alike busy during upcoming spring breaks. Children can enjoy School's Out Camp or a new spring break gymnastics camp. Parents can take advantage of Parents Night Out or indoor golf lessons. Families can enjoy an array of activities together including a trip to the Imagination Station, visits to the Nordic Center, archery, ice skating and more. Whether you're visiting or live in the Vail Valley, the VRD has an array of activities to keep you and your family busy during spring break and beyond.
Youth Services: 970-479-2292

KidZone School's Out Camp, March 22-26  
Youth Services will offer spring break School's Out Camp March 22-26 for children ages five to 12, or grades kindergarten through fifth. Camp takes place at Red Sandstone Elementary School gymnasium with drop-off from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and pick-up from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Cost is $46 per student or $36 for Eagle County students. Spring break activities will include:

March 22: Ice Skating, Vail Sculpture Walk and Creating Sculptures
March 23: Swimming and Creating Kaleidoscopes
March 24: Sledding and Wood Working
March 25: Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing, plus Painting
March 26: Gymnastics and Creating Boomerangs
Advanced registration and pre-payment are required. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here for details.

NEW! Indoor Archery
Indoor archery is underway from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays at the Red Sandstone Elementary School gymnasium. The program is open to all ages, with those ages 13 and younger requiring adult supervision. Costs are $5 for a range fee and $5 for equipment rentals. Range tips and bows with less than a 40 pound pull weight are allowed. The range offers up to a 60-foot shooting line and follows National Field Archery Association guidelines. Drop-ins are welcome.

Discovery Bunch Winter Sessions Continue
The weekly Discovery Bunch program will continue through the end of the ski season and takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Tuesdays. The program enables preschoolers to play, listen to stories, create art projects, sing songs and discover new experiences in a small, structured setting. Discovery Bunch activities are based on books read each week and relate to a daily theme. Preschool Sports can be added on from noon to 1:30 p.m. and includes lunch and either skating at Dobson Ice Arena or gymnastics at the Vail Gymnastics Center.
Vail Gymnastics Center: 970-479-2287

Tumbling and Trampoline at the Vail Gymnastics Center
The Vail Gymnastic Center offers open gym time for ages 13 and older from 8 to 9 p.m. Mondays and 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays for $12. Open gym allows participants an opportunity to perfect gymnastic skills, practice aerial snowboard and ski tricks on the trampoline or just enjoy the foam pits and other equipment. All skill levels are welcome. Additionally, local and visiting children may drop in to any of the gymnastic center classes for $10 per class. The gymnastic center is located adjacent to Red Sandstone Elementary School.

Spring Break Gymnastics Camp March 23-25
The Vail Gymnastics Center will offer children ages five and older an opportunity to flip, tumble and turn during this three-day camp. The camp also will include activities such as martial arts, fencing, hip hop lessons and more. The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and enrollment is limited to 20 children. Costs are $115 for three days or $40 per day. Children are required to bring a lunch, gym and winter clothing.

Parent's Night Out- March 20
Parent's Night Out will be an opportunity for parents to treat themselves to a night out on the town while children treat themselves to fun and games at the Vail Gymnastics Center.The program will take place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, March 20 and April 10 at the Gymnastics Center. Children ages five to 13 will enjoy games, a movie, snacks, prizes and an opportunity to explore the center's equipment. Cost is $30 per child and advanced registration is recommended.
Dobson Ice Arena:    970-479-2271

Story Time Skating with the Vail Library
Story Time Skating takes place Wednesday mornings at Dobson Ice Arena and the Town of Vail Library. From 10 to 10:45 a.m. toddlers, ages two to four, are invited to join in story time at the Vail Library followed by skating at Dobson Ice Arena. Preschool-aged children are invited to participate from 11 to 11:45 a.m. with story time first, followed by skating. Story time is free and skating is $10 per child. For more information, call Dobson Ice Arena at 970-479-2271 or the Town of Vail Library at 970-479-2814.

Open Skating Sessions
Dobson Ice Arena hosts open skating sessions for all ages and abilities. The arena also offers a wide array of hockey options for youth and adult beginners to seasoned adult players. Skate rentals are $3 and admission is $2, ages four and younger; $5, ages five through 12; and $6, ages 13 and older. Public skate times vary, click here for details.

Women's Ice Hockey Clinics
Women's-specific ice hockey clinics and scrimmages are underway from 9 to 10:30 a.m.* on Sundays at Dobson Ice Arena. The new clinics are being taught by Dobson Ice Arena instructors who lead on-ice drills and instruction for 40 minutes, followed by three versus three and five versus five scrimmages for 40 minutes. Cost is $10 per session. *Participants are encouraged to check with the arena each week to confirm times for the clinics.

Indoor Golfing Lessons Available at the Vail Golf Club: 970-479-2260 X. 4
Adult and children alike will enjoy learning new skills or sprucing up on existing skills with the Vail Golf Club's indoor golf swing analysis program. The swing analysis utilizes multiple cameras, plus sound and light to capture a golfer's swing in real-time and slow motion, and then records it digitally.
Swing analysis lessons are available by appointment only for ages eight and older. Lessons cost $35 per 30 minute session or three for $100 and can be booked by 970-479-2260 ext.

Imagination Station Offers Indoor Fun for the Entire Family: 970-479-2292 
The Imagination Station, Vail's learning and discovery center, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday. Located in the LionsHead parking structure above Subway, the Imagination Station offers children ages two through 12 a wide array of hands-on science and art activities such as a black-light room where children can capture their shadows, toddler play area and "science of sound" exhibits. The Imagination Station also offers a three hour drop off program for children ages three and older who are potty trained. Cost is $10 per child, per hour. Free 90-minute parking is available in the LionsHead parking structure.

Snowshoeing and Nordic Skiing at Vail Nordic Center: 970-476-8366
The Vail Nordic Center continues to offer snowshoeing and Nordic skiing on its 17 kilometer set track for skiing and 10 kilometer separate trail for snowshoeing. The track is groomed daily and offers great views of the Gore Mountain Range, plus a chance to spot local wildlife. The Nordic Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and costs are $8 for a single day adult ticket or free for children under age 12. Lessons and rentals are available. Click here for information.

The Inside Line on the Outside Action
It's Soccer Time! Registration Underway for Youth Spring Soccer
Registration is underway for the VRD's youth soccer program, which will begin in April. Program includes Micro Soccer for ages four to five, U8 Soccer for ages six to seven, U10 Soccer for ages eight to nine and U12 and U14 Soccer for ages 10 to 13. Costs vary from $5 for the U12 and U14 drop-in sessions to $55 for the ongoing soccer programs. Registration ends April 12. Call 970-479-2280 for information.

Registration Underway for Youth Summer Sports Camps
The VRD will host a variety of youth sports camps this summer including volleyball, baseball, sports training, soccer, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse and gymnastics. The camps, which will begin in early June offer young athletes the opportunity to learn new sports, develop new skills and refine existing skills. This summer also will include the addition of two new camps, the TetraBrazil Soccer Camp and a sand volleyball camp. Call 970-479-2280 for details.

Registration for Youth Summer Day Camps Begins April 5
The Vail Recreation District (VRD) has announced its schedule for youth summer camps including Pre-Kamp Vail, Camp Vail, Camp Eco Fun and Extreme Camp Vail, as well sports camps such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse and sports training. Walk-in or fax-in registration for Camp Vail, Pre Kamp Vail and Camp Eco Fun will begin at 8 a.m. Monday, April 5. No online registration is available for the youth summer camp programs. Call 970-479-2292 for details.

VRD Easter Egg Hunt Returns April 3
The Easter Bunny will be hiding eggs for the VRD's annual Easter Egg Hunt, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 3 in the LionsHead Mall. There will be four separate hunts for ages two and under, three to four, five to seven and eight years and older. Once eggs are collected, children turn them in to VRD staff for prizes. Call 479-2292 for details.  

The Vail Valley is home to Vail and Beaver Creek, and easily accessible from both Denver International Airport & the Vail/Eagle County Regional Airport.  A variety of spring events are scheduled and the lodging discounts below make it a no-brainer to plan your spring ski trip today! 

Last Minute Specials
Vail on Sale offers the best last minute lodging discounts in Vail & Beaver Creek

Vail Lodging Offers:

Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort
Save up to 50%. Valid through April 17, 2010. BOOK NOW!

Vail Plaza Hotel & Club
Save up to 40%. Book by April 18, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Vail Racquet Club
Save up to 33%. Valid through April 19, 2010. BOOK NOW!

Vail Cascade Resort & Spa
Fourth night FREE! Valid through April 18, 2010.
Receive up to $150 credit and kids eat free. Book by April 18, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Montaneros Condominiums
4th night free. Valid through April 11, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Lion Square Lodge
4th night free. Valid through April 11, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Manor Vail Lodge
Save up to 20%. Book by April 18, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Austria Haus
Save up to 25%. Book by April 17, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

The Lodge at Vail A RockResort
Save up to 20%. Valid through April 18, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Antlers at Vail
Save up to 20%. Valid through March 26, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Destination Resorts Vail
Save up to 20%. Valid through April 30, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Beaver Creek/Avon Lodging Offers:

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
Save up to 20%. Valid through June 30, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Sheraton Mountain Vista
Save up to 30%. Valid through April 30, 2010. BOOK NOW!

The Charter at Beaver Creek
3rd night free. Valid through April 11, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Avon Village Condos
Save up to 40%. Book by March 27, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Arrowhead Village Condos
Save up to 40%. Book by March 27, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Elkhorn Lodge
Save up to 40%. Book by March 27, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

The Pines Lodge A RockResort
Save up to 40%. Book by March 27, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

The Osprey at Beaver Creek, A RockResort
Save up to 40%. Book by March 27, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

St. James Place
Save up to 40%. Book by March 27, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Beaver Creek Lodge
Save 20%. Valid through March 31, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas
Save 30%. Valid through March 31, 2010.
BOOK NOW!

Think spring, think rafting!

It's not too early to plan your summer adventures. Get 20% off 2010 rafting trips with AVA's Colorado Rafting. You can change the date of your booking up until 2 weeks before the trip, so buy now and figure out the details later. Just don't miss this deal! Go to www.coloradorafting.net  and click on the red Trip Discounts button for booking details. Use promo code raft2010 to book online. Expires March 12.

 Wow! I’m just catching my breath from Lindsey’s gold medal downhill run and already the Winter Olympics are over. I don’t know about you, but whether it was something as obscure (and hard to watch) as curling, or as breathtaking as a short track skating sprint, the whole thing, as it does in every Olympiad, makes my head spin.

Most of us around here have an extra appreciation for what these tremendous athletes endure to be at the top of their game and what it takes to win, because most of us, in our own exceptional or modest ways, participate, compete and thrive on the athletic lifestyle. Through community races, recreation district events and serious competitions brought to the valley from outside promoters, we all get the chance to get across the finish line sooner or later. Some of us are first. Some are perennially in the top ten, and some of us just thrill at the joy of the competition, comeraderie and the sense of personal accomplishment when we finish at all.

The great thing too, is that it’s not just the accomplished and elite athletes that keep this stuff alive. It’s citizens at all levels. Heck, when you look at what’s available now, this month through the Avon Rec Center, Gypsum Rec Center, Edwards Field House, and through the Ski and Snowboard Club/Vail, Vail Recreation District (VRD) and Western Eagle County Metro Recreation District (WECMRD), you would think that all we do around here is play. A quick glance at their websites reveals myriad choices, even as winter keeps strokin’ on. There’s archery, basketball, fencing, gymnastics, hockey, martial arts, skating, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, soccer, volleyball and on and on. You know, from time to time, we will take a moment to thank a facility manager, coach, trainer or a skills instructor for a well-executed event, or a well-organized competition, encouraging a talented athlete, or a great training session, but we need to go far beyond that and give them credit and special acknowledgement for absolutely everything they do.

With all the budget limitations, equipment needs, sponsor solicitation, volunteer and organizational management issues they face, I for one find it incredible that they accomplish so much to the benefit of our youth and adult athletes. They are the ones that truly keep the Olympic flame burning where you can feel the heat…here in the community. In their own way, each of these groups, and it was surely exemplified by the valley’s representation on event podiums throughout the world this winter, contributes to the valley’s recognition, the health and wellness of our youth and citizenry and to keeping the spirit of participation and competition alive.

This is, as it has been from the beginning, a wonderful place to live, work and play. But most of all, it’s the last verb in that phrase, the play part, that keeps us all smiling. Great work guys, and to any organization, individual or group that keeps the flame burning…thank you! You’re role in maintaining the vitality of this community provides us the joy that makes everything else worth the effort.