Skiing in the Rockies is poles apart from that in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. However, prices are often about the same in many cases. You can get by, very nicely indeed, for about $80 per person per night, sometimes with transportation thrown in.
At The Inn at Mountain View Farm, which has won accolades from both Yankee magazine and Vermont Sports Today, you can opt for the $80-per-person Alpine Ski Package, valid through March 30, 2003. Weather permitting, the combo includes lodging in a double room with a hearty Vermont country breakfast, two adult alpine ski passes to Burke Mountain, 35 kilometers of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, afternoon tea and sweets by the fireplace, and all taxes.
The deal is blacked out over Valentine's Day (February 14-16, 2003). Weekday prices start at $80 per person, double occupancy, for standard room (double or twin beds) with private bath, $105 per person for a queen-bedded room and $130 per person for a luxury suite with whirlpool or fireplace. Add $15 per person to any price for a weekend stay.
Burke Mountain, called "the undiscovered gem of Vermont skiing" by Yankee, has 43 ski and snowboarding trails and a 2,000-foot vertical drop, just a ten-minute ride from the inn. You can also take off right from the inn to enjoy some snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Cross-country skis and snowshoe rentals are available locally. Click here for a recent Newsletter article on cross-country skiing.
For more information or to make reservations, phone the inn at 800/572-4509 or e-mail innmtnview@kingcon.com. The Web site, which also offers other seasonal packages, is www.innmtnview.com.
Colorado's Calling
United Vacations has a kids fly and stay free deal to Vail and Beaver Creek valid through February 14, 2003 and again from April 7 through 20, 2003. You buy a four-night or longer ski trip from select cities, and one child (ages 2 to 12) gets to fly free with each adult air-inclusive vacation air ticket purchased. This is valid from all United Airlines gateways.
Sample vacations include roundtrip airfare to Eagle Airport, 35 miles from Vail, four nights' lodging, a full-sized four-door rental car from Hertz, and a Christy Sports equipment rental discount and free helmet rentals. Pricing for children is free.
The cost at Vail's Racquet Club in a one-bedroom, one-bath condo start at $614 from Dallas and San Francisco, $624 from Houston, $634 from Los Angeles and Chicago, $654 from San Antonio and Austin, $699 from Atlanta, Philadelphia and Washington DC, $714 from Boston and $744 from New York.
At Beaver Creek, prices at The Pines Lodge for a room start at $699 out of Dallas and San Francisco, $709 from Houston, $719 from Los Angeles and Chicago, $739 from San Antonio and Austin, $789 from Atlanta, Philadelphia and Washington DC, $799 from Boston and $829 from New York.
All prices are for midweek departures, and subject to change without notice. Prices do not include airport fees and charges. Phone 888/328-6877 for reservations or more information. You can also purchase online at www.unitedvacations.com.
