Whitewood Tours Ski Vacation Blog

2007-07-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

STEAMBOAT'S 2007/2008 NONSTOP FLIGHT PROGRAM SHOWCASES SERVICE FROM 10 MAJOR AIRPORTS

New Saturday Service from New York’s JFK Airport, Expanded LaGuardia Service Highlight Program

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-June 28, 2007-The Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation’s nonstop flight program will offer unprecedented access to Steamboat this season via nonstop air service from ten major airports on American, Continental, Delta, Northwest and United Airlines. This is the highest number of nonstop destinations ever provided by the program, with all flights into the Steamboat/HDN airport.

"There's no comparison, this season will irrefutably be the biggest in the history of nonstop flights into Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A.®,” said Andy Wirth, vice president of sales & marketing. "Most importantly, this will make Steamboat even more easily accessible from major markets across the country and globally.”

Growth in the program is the result of brand new 757 nonstop Saturday service into Steamboat/HDN from New York’s JFK Airport on Delta Air Lines. In addition, 757 service from NYC-LaGuardia expands from six-week Saturday service last season to Saturday service for the entire 2007/2008 season. Steamboat/Hayden (HDN) Airport is just 22 miles/35kms from downtown Steamboat. Once passengers touch down, they’ll experience the new, ultra-spacious $18 million terminal facility, which opened this past February 2007. In addition to nonstop air service from ten major airports, Steamboat/HDN has convenient connecting service from more than 150 other domestic and international cities.

Carrier City Aircraft Frequency Capacity
American Chicago 757 Daily 188
American Dallas/Ft. Worth 757 Daily & Additional Saturday 757 188
Continental Houston 737-800 Daily & Additional Saturday 737-800 155
Continental Newark 737-700 Saturday 124
Delta Atlanta 737-800 Daily 150
Delta New York-LaGuardia 757 Saturday 183
Delta New York-JFK 757 Saturday 183
Delta Salt Lake City CRJ-700 Two Daily Flights 70
Northwest Minneapolis/St. Paul A-319 Daily 124
United Denver 737-300 Daily 120
United Express Denver CRJ-700 Two Daily Flights 66
United Express Denver Dash-8 Two Daily Flights 37

"Steamboat’s popularity continues to grow as evident by the record number of winter passengers this past season,” continued Wirth. "As a result of the new state-of-the-art airport facility and a direct flight program built upon big jets, convenience and a variety of options for guests, Steamboat’s nonstop flight system is unmatched within the industry and truly a key differentiator and competitive advantage for this community.”

When you factor in the recent major airport improvements along with a 34% growth in air seats over the past five years, Steamboat is positioned to take full advantage of the Steamboat Unbridled revitalization campaigns. Steamboat Unbridled marks the launch of vast and comprehensive improvements to the entire Steamboat vacation experience and will be the first step in significantly advancing the resort’s competitive position over the next decade.

Whitewood Tours Can book all flights in and out of Steamboat for your next vacation. Click HERE to plan your Steamboat Ski Vacation Now.

2007-06-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

Whitewood Tours June Newsletter

Greetings from Whitewood Tours and welcome to our June newsletter. With Summer underway, we want to update you on exciting things happening at your favorite mountain resorts.

Summer in the Rockies! Whitewood Tours can book your summer mountain getaway. The mountain resorts have new and expanded events and activities every year.

The mountain resorts have consistently grown their summer seasons every year and they are the perfect getaway for friends, family and corporate retreats. Imagine hiking through a high alpine meadow filled with wildflowers and breathtaking views, or taking a leasurly stroll through downtown to get a cup of coffee and just enjoy the day. How about rafting through crystal clear rapids on one of Colorado's world famous rivers or standing in a quiet eddy trying to figure out which fly the native trout are hungry for today.

Then there is the Golf! The mountain golf courses are some of the best in the county with drop dead views and perfect greens. You can sneak in a quick round while the rest of the party shops or relaxes with the kids. Mountain biking has grown all over and now most resorts offer trails for the novice as well as the gravity thrilled.

So, as you can see there are multiple reasons to plan your mountain getaway for this summer. Contact us today and we will put together some options for you. We are currently working on a summer specific website and will launch that very soon, but the rates are loaded and ready to be quoted for you.

Still longing for deep snow and steep, fast turns - South America is where it is at! We know you have read about the resorts and more and more people have been taking their mid summer break and heading south of the equator where winter is in full swing. Portillo Chile is one of the most renowned South American resorts and is unbeatable for terrain as well as on slope accomodations. You don't have to wait till the snow flies here in the states to take your next ski trip, we have plenty of specials still available and can help you plan a trip of a lifetime!

Winter 07-08 Update: We have been busy loading rates and specials for all of the resorts for next winter and we are almost complete! Now is the time to book your space for next winter as we have seen more and more time frames filling up earlier and earlier each season. Be sure to check out our Specials page for new deals weekly and start planning your trip today. We will be happy to get some packages together for you - just contact us and let us know what you are looking for.

Staying in touch - Check out and visit our new Blog for archives of newsletters, and quick updates throughout each month. We will be listing ski area improvements, industry news and other items to keep you informed with the latest news.

We are based right here in Colorado and consistently ski and research all the ski areas that we sell. If you would like some advice on a new resort or if you simply would like to return to where we booked you in the past, drop us a line or send an email and we can begin talking about it. There are some great "Early Booking" specials in effect right now and would love for you to take advantage of them!

Best Regards,
Whitewood Ski Tours
1-800-810-2656
info@whitewoodtours.com
Think Snow!

Don't let this winter sneak up on you. Plan your next ski trip today! We look forward to hearing from you.

800-810-2656

www.whitewoodtours.com
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2007-05-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Whitewood Tours Ski Vacation Blog! We will update this Blog on a regular basis to bring you the latest news in the Ski Industry, with Ski Resort updates, Ski Vacation packages, the best Restaurants at our resorts and even some live updates from our own trips.

Whitewood Tours has offices based in Steamboat Springs Colorado and Winter Park Colorado. Our agents are real live skiers and riders that eat, sleep and drink ski vacations. Our goal is to provide you with the most information possible to allow you to plan the best vacation for your needs.

So, stay tuned and feel free to drop us a line if you want to see specific information, reviews or just to say hi. Thanks for stopping by and we look forward to another excellent ski season.

Sincerely,
Aaron Bailey
President
Whitewood Ski Tours

2007-05-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

STEAMBOAT'S RECORD $16+ MILLION IN 2007/2008 ON-MOUNTAIN IMPROVEMENTS

Christie Peak Express, Headwall Re-Grade & Snowmaking Lead List of On-Mountain Improvements

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO-May 1, 2007-On-mountain improvements valued at a record amount of more than $16 million will be made to the Steamboat Ski Area for the 2007/2008 season, complimenting the $23 million in Steamboat Unbridled revitalization projects over the next three years, including $6 million which will be invested this summer.

"These changes mark the launch of nearly $40 million in vast and comprehensive improvements to the entire Steamboat vacation experience and will be the first step in significantly advancing the resort’s competitive position over the next decade," said Chris Diamond, president of the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation.

Of the record on-mountain capital amount for 2007/2008, the majority will go towards the installation of the new Christie Peak Express high-speed detachable six-passenger chairlift, removal of several chairlifts in the base area, Headwall slope re-grade, significant snowmaking improvements and enhancements to the Meadows parking facility.

"These on-mountain improvements, along with the base area infrastructure improvements, the real estate developments at the base area and in downtown Steamboat Springs and the brand new terminal and airport facilities at the Steamboat/Hayden airport have and will dramatically enhance what is already a unique and special vacation experience," said Andy Wirth, vice president of sales & marketing. "Make no mistake, even with all of these incredible changes, what makes Steamboat different and what is at the heart of the Steamboat experience will not change. Steamboat is legendary for its genuine, warm friendliness and a town that’s roots are deeply set in the real west. These attributes are what set Steamboat apart and will remain a main stay of the experience!"

ON-MOUNTAIN IMPROVEMENTS :

Christie Peak Express High-Speed Six-Passenger Chairlift: Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation will install a Leitner-Poma of America high-speed, six-passenger chairlift that will replace three lifts (Preview, Headwall and Christie II) in the base area. The new lift’s lower terminal will be approximately where the lower Headwall terminal sits, with an angle station (unload capabilities only) just above the top of Southface, before continuing to the top of Christie Peak where Christie II currently unloads. Christie Peak Express will have a length of roughly 4,700 feet and a capacity to move 3,200 people per hour, which is 400 more per hour than the Gondola. The new express lift will cut the ride time to the summit of Christie Peak by more than two-thirds, from 15 to a swift 4.8 minutes.

"The new Christie Peak Express will radically change the entire lower mountain experience and unlock its untapped potential while at the same time acting as a redundancy back up for the gondola," said Doug Allen, vice president of mountain operations. "In addition, beginners will benefit from the slower load and unload speeds of this lift that will keep them progressing on to the next level, while overall moving ski/snowboard school participants more efficiently."

As a part of the resort’s long-standing commitment to the environment, the Christie Peak Express will offset its electricity requirements by alternative energy, joining the wind-powered Burgess Creek and solar/wind-powered Sunshine Express lifts.

In addition, five magic carpets (Tenderfoot, Colt, Filly, Tumbleweed and Sidewinder) located throughout the base area will be upgraded, realigned and lengthened. The new Preview lift, using the repositioned Southface lift, will be realigned to conform to the re-grading of the beginner terrain, extend further up Headwall and increase capacity from a double to a triple chairlift.

Headwall Re-Grade: The resort will embark on a comprehensive re-grade of the Headwall area this summer. Currently under the plan, the Headwall amalgamation of multiple fall lines and cross traffic will be divided into three distinct and unique trails offering a grade of between 9% to 21%, with the majority falling in the 15-17% zone. Historically, the resort has modified the existing beginner terrain with machine-made snow. Once completed, the new earthwork will significantly reduce water consumption, energy and time while allowing crews to focus snowmaking energies in other high priority areas across the mountain.

In association with the re-grade, the beginning trails of Main Drag and Boulevard, located off of Christie Peak, will be merged into one trail significantly improving the width (to 40 feet wide) while maintaining a constant 10% grade, considered ideal for beginner/novice skier/riders. A forty foot platform is wide enough to comfortably handle larger volumes anticipated from the new six-passenger lift, while giving novice skiers/riders the feeling of a mountain trail as opposed to a catwalk.

"The consistent grade developed from these modifications as well as the new high-speed, six-passenger lift will be vital to providing the best learn-to-ski/ride experience available in years for our guests," said Jim Schneider, vice president of skier services. "These improvements will ideally position the resort for future learn-to-ski/ride expansions and programs."

Snowmaking: Steamboat’s snowmaking system will undergo more than $1 million in improvements as pipe throughout the base area is replaced extensively on Headwall, Main Drag/Boulevard as well as the resort’s primary pipeline. Currently in use on Vogue, the new pipe, ultizing the latest in snowmaking technology, is lined with concrete and rated to last an average of 50 years, twice as long as existing pipe and able to handle pressure upwards of 700 pounds per square inch.

New low energy, high-efficiency snowmaking guns, which use 30 percent less energy than conventional guns while producing the same amount of snow, will be added to the resort’s arsenal. Upgrades to five of the system’s primary pump houses will also take place over the summer. These improvements enhance water management, increase capacity, and reduce energy consumption while continuing to provide the highest safety levels possible. The system covers 375 acres of top-to-bottom terrain (3,600 vertical feet) or a total of thirty-five trails.
Thunderhead Kids’ Ski/Snowboard Cafeteria: Building upon the more than $1 million renovations to the on-mountain food courts last year, the Thunderhead kids’ ski/snowboard cafeteria will undergo improvements including the addition of a new entry way on the north side of the building as well as upgrading interior components. The new entry way will provide exclusive access for ski/snowboard groups while reducing the traffic and congestion in the main Thunderhead entry portal. The second floor cafeteria is reserved solely for the kids’ ski and snowboard program.

Meadows Parking Facility: The resort’s remote parking facility, the Meadows, will undergo changes as the lot is expanded by more than 38,000 sq. ft. on the north end. The new expansion will be able to accommodate just over 140 additional parking spaces, bringing the total for this free, shuttle-serviced lot to roughly 1,035 parking spaces. With the onset of One Steamboat Place construction, the resort’s shuttle fleet and facility maintenance will be temporarily housed at this location. The small triangle Lot 3, located between the Knoll and Mt. Werner Circle, will be converted to a close-in, drop-off and turn-around area.

Signage: The resort will implement the first phase of an all-inclusive plan to replace all on-mountain trail signage as well as incorporate new iconic elements for the six individual peaks such as Storm Peak, Sunshine Peak and Thunderhead Peak. The new, re-designed signs will significantly advance communication at key location points across the mountain, enrich directional elements and improve the guest's overall impression. Signage will be broken into three distinct categories: directional/informational (black), trails (steel blue) and emergency information (red).

Advanced Life Support/AEDs: Having already been credited with saving the lives of several individuals, the resort will add six additional automated external defibrillator (AED) units for the 2007/08 season. The units are capable of viewing and recording cardiac rhythms as well as administering life-saving cardiac shocks. The resort first purchased an AED Life Pak 300 during the 1992/93 season. Currently, the resort employs twelve AED units in its rapid response cache.
Miscellaneous: Additionally, upgrades and improvement projects will take place across several departments including Information Technology, Security, Food & Beverage, Rental/Retail, Facilities, Steamboat Grand, Slope Maintenance, Lift Maintenance, Lift Operations, Patrol and Ski/Snowboard School and Competition Services. These miscellaneous projects make up the remainder of the capital improvements for the resort.

STEAMBOAT UNBRIDLED
Over forty years ago, the world-class ski area now called Steamboat was established by pioneering visionaries whose spirit still remains strongly embedded in the experience today. Now, the vision for the next decade of Steamboat is being formed by visionaries with the same unique, unbridled and pioneering spirit.

"Steamboat Unbridled represents a renaissance of the mountain, its base area, retail and dining establishments, a transformed Steamboat/Hayden Airport, as well as exciting, new real estate developments," explained Wirth. "In all, it’s anticipated that nearly one billion dollars over the coming years will be invested in Steamboat Unbridled. Many of these changes are already underway and numerous projects will continue to take shape over the coming years."
Individuals interested in understanding more as well as seeing what’s in store over the coming years can visit steamboatunbridled.com for more information, artists’ sketches, plans and more. Current Steamboat Unbridled projects will center on the following:

Ski Time Square: Construction of a new bus and shuttle stop at Ski Time Square and walkways connecting the Gondola Transit Center and the ski base area is currently underway. The project will address streetscape including a new roundabout and traffic flow as well as utility, concrete sidewalks, concrete unit pavers, snowmelt system, site lighting, irrigation and landscape improvements. (2007)

Way finding: To welcome guests, a dynamic system of signs and banners will create a signature sense of place and vibrancy for Steamboat. The signs and landmarks blend elements of the Yampa Valley’s strong ranching traditions with the energy and exuberance of the mountain sports industry. (2007, 2008 & 2009)

Creation of a Promenade and Plaza: Encircling the base of the ski mountain, a new Promenade will connect people to Steamboat’s distinctive resort destinations: skiing, shopping, dining, accommodations and transportation. The Promenade will extend around the toe of the ski hill forming places to gather, relax and enjoy Burgess Creek. (2008 & 2009)

Day lighting Burgess Creek at the mountain base: Formerly diverted underground, the day lighting of Burgess Creek will return the sound and flow of water to the mountain base during summer as it courses south along a new Promenade. (2009)

New Real Estate Development: Look for construction to begin on One Steamboat Place, adjacent to the Gondola Building, this summer. One Steamboat Place will provide private, luxurious mountain residences conveniently located in the heart of Gondola Square. In addition, an estimated 4,000 high-end pillows will come online over the next several years with more than a dozen developments that mix residential with commercial and extend from the base area to downtown Steamboat Springs. Some of these projects include:

Alpenglow
Alpine Mountain Ranch
Bear Claw III
Highmark
Howelsen Place
Marabou Ranch
One Steamboat Place
The Porches
Riverwalk
Steamboat 700
Steamboat Barn Village
Trappeur’s Crossing
The Victoria
Wildhorse Meadows
-www.steamboat.com-