Copper Creek Golf Course at Copper Mountain

After 22 straight days of 90+ degree heat in Denver I was ready to escape to the mountains. I headed to Copper Mountain with my wife to try out the Copper Creek Golf Course. It was 102 degrees when we left Denver. 45 minutes later we pulled into the Dillon Dam Brewery where we stepped out of the car into crisp 60 degree mountain air. Talk about refreshing!

We arrived at Copper Mountain and checked into our condo in Passage Point. It was late in the evening so we opted to stay in and veg out with the TV. We opened the doors and windows of our condo and enjoyed the cool mountain air. Did I say "refreshing" yet?

Our 10:30 tee time gave us time to sleep in a bit, cook breakfast, and grab a Starbucks in the Village before heading to the golf course. We've never played Copper Creek so we were excited. I've seen the course before, but it's usually buried under a few feet of snow. There are several holes at the base of the mountain that I did not even know existed. Sure, I've SKIED the 18th hole, but this was my first time teeing off from that slope!

The Starter at the course was friendly and helpful. He explained that Copper Creek is the highest 18 hole championship course in the U.S. The thinner air allows balls to fly 18% further than at sea level. I have to take his word on that. What I do know is that I cranked one drive 270 yards. As a 25 handicap player that might be my longest drive ever.

Did I mention how nice the weather is in Colorado's mountains in the summer? The high that day was 65 degrees with some scattered clouds. It was 100 degrees in Denver.

I recognized the tee box for the first hole as a ridge that makes a nice little jump in the winter. Not until just now did I recognize the first fairway as a green run that leads to the Super-Bee chairlift! The front nine slides away from the mountain and runs among the condos at Copper Mountain. I admit that I lost a few balls to the many water features that dominate these holes.

The back nine snakes around the Fairway Neighborhood with long and tight fairways. Starting with the 12th the course opens up with views of the Sky Chutes and the 10 Mile Range. We both agreed that we prefer the back nine where the course winds up the lower flanks of Copper Mountain. The trees provide that "mountain" feel and the terrain is more interesting. The 18th starts high above the green and begs you to let loose with your driver. Unfortunately, I let loose with a giant divot. Not what I wanted, but hey, it was a great day of golf in the mountains!

Spring Fling-2008- Steamboat, Colorado

April 4 – April 6, 2008

Come join us for us for our annual spring party in Steamboat Springs! The snow has been unbelievable this year at the ‘Boat with over 370 inches of legendary champagne powder and still counting. If you’ve never been to Steamboat, this is the year to come….with warm temperatures, no crowds and tons of snow the spring skiing and riding should be better than ever. Check out the spectacular deals we’ve got on lodging and lift tickets below.

Package Includes:
• 2 nights accommodations in Steamboat with tax
• Free Shuttle to shops, restaurants and lifts
• 2 ½ day lift ticket of champagne powder skiing

Spring Fling Per Person Pricing 2008

PRICE PER PERSON BASED ON # OF PEOPLE
Studio + Loft - Ski Times Square $168(2) $139(3) $129(4)
One Bedroom - Ski Times Square or Shadow Run $180(2) $145(3) $134(4)
Two Bedroom – Shadow Run $129(4) $119(5) $109(6)
Two Bedroom – The Ranch & Villas at Walton Creek $139(4) $129(5) $119(6)
Two Bedroom - Ski Times Square $144(4) $134(5) $124(6)
Two Bedroom + Loft - Shadow Run $129(6) $119(7) $109(8)
Three Bedroom–The Ranch & Villas at Walton Creek $134(6) $124(7) $114(8)
Two Bedroom + Loft - Ski Times Square $134(6) $124(7) $114(8)

**Up Graded Style Lodging Options** pricing
PRICE PER PERSON BASED ON # OF PEOPLE

One Bedroom - Storm Meadow (Christie base) $195(2) $160(3) $149(4)
Two Bedroom - Storm Meadow (Christie base) $159(4) $149(5) $139(6)
Three Bedroom - Storm Meadow (Christie base) $149(6) $139(7) $129(8)

Two Bedroom - Terraces at Eagle ridge $159(2) $149(3) $139(4)
One Bedroom - Storm Meadow (club) $195(2) $160(3) $149(4)
Two Bedroom - Storm Meadow (club) $154(4) $144(5) $134 (6)
Two Bedroom + Den - Cross-Timbers $199(4) $189(5) $179(6) $169(7) $159(8)



Come on out and enjoy the amazing snow conditions this April in Steamboat Springs. So, take advantage of the SAVINGS and join us for an end of the year Ski/Travel Organizers tradition at this years annual Spring Fling!!
Ski & Travel Organizers
(800) 283-2754 x 217 •
tyler@skiorganizers.com • www.skiorganizers.com

My Favorite Resort - Today …

A wise and reflective skier once noted, “ My favorite ski resort is the one I am skiing today.” Probably true for us all. None the less, I’m here to say, given a few blue sky days, Crested Butte, Colorado might well become your favorite ski resort – for all time.



Here is our recent first hand experience …



We arrived in Crested Butte this past Saturday night. The drive over from 60 degree Denver was beautiful, particularly as we drove down the Arkansas river valley and up over Monarch pass. Approaching Gunnison, the temperature begin to drop – quickly, all the way to 3 degrees. We turned north and 28 miles later, we cruised into the charming Historic District of Crested Butte, with snow piled high, up to eight feet in front of restaurants and shops, and higher still at the stop signs.




We continued on up the 3 mile drive to Crested Butte Mountain Resort, huge snow fields on all sides. A few minutes later we arrived at Mountaineer Square Lodge, an upscale condominium development and new “Village Center” with underground parking below significant retail space on the first floor, and spacious, well designed lodging above. Our unit, number 412, a one bedroom, two bath residence – was remarkable for it’s size (larger than many two bedroom units I have seen of late) as well as for it’s useful design and luxurious touches. We had a balcony looking into the courtyard, a deep jetted tub, two showers and a modern slate and stainless steel kitchen. Lodging here, you might find yourself saying, “I could live here”.



That first night we were looking for light fare for dinner. Room service would have been ideal – but that was one feature Mountaineer Square does not offer. Instead, we discovered Trackers Bar & Lounge, located on the second floor of the building. Trackers offers ‘take out’ and take out we did. A couple of tasty burgers, a tossed salad and a bottle of merlot later, and we were ready to settle into an easy chair and watch the gas fireplace, or one of two plasma TV’s and relax from the journey. Tomorrow we ski.



To be continued.

Keystone Is Bigger, and skis much, much better than you might imagine.

Another surprise directly ahead …




On our drive to the west from Denver we have already passed the historic town of Georgetown and the landmark skiing of Arapaho Basin. Now we descend from over 12,000 feet to the relatively low elevation of about 9,600 feet, when on the left you see impressive, yet not glitzy, Keystone Resort.



This place has a lot to offer a lot of different types of skiers. The reason can be found in the three mountains that comprise the skiing portion of this multifaceted resort.



Durcum, the “front mountain”, the only one you see from the highway, looks pretty gentle. It’s about 2,400 vertical, and much of this peak is designated as Green and Blue terrain. So warm up here – and take advantage of the night skiing, Wednesday – Saturday. It’s included on your daily lift ticket



You can have a blast at night, with almost no one around, skiing in a tuck from the summit down a groomer called Schoolmarm. Take it non stop to the Gondola (just don’t miss the Durcum Dash cutoff – or you end up at Peru Express. Time yourself. Hop the Gondola for a quick, out of the wind dash back to the top. Try it again, set your line and carve the turn. Or … take the Peru Express back up the mountain - and in two minutes you are cruising along under the stars in total, and I mean total, darkness. It’s a unique experience – at least in the west where night skiing if rare and the sky is generally clear. Try it.








Next morning, take that same gondola. But this time ski down the back side of Dercum to the Santiago Express – and on up to the top of North Peak, elevation 11, 660. OK, this is a different world – all stronger pitch blue and black terrain here. There are over a dozen challenging descents – and when you are done with this frolic, ski down Anticipation to the base of the Outback. Mountain number three, who would have guessed.



Take the Outback Express to the summit of the third and final Keystone peak, elevation 12,200 feet. Now it’s almost all Black terrain, with glades, and bumps and a notable lack of grooming! Is this Keystone? You bet. This resort can be gentle, yet fun, challenging but not intimidating if that’s what you seek – or downright difficult, particularly for those willing to hike a bit.



Did you say hike? Yup, Keystone has “above and beyond the lifts” terrain as well. In bounds, but out of sight. The Bergman and Erickson Bowls above North Peak, also the North and South Bowls - and the Wombat Chutes all above the Outback. All black terrain as you might imagine. But not Double Black, so try it.



There is so much more to Keystone than meets the eye. And the skiing is just the start.



Next time, lets take a look at the lodging and dining options. That’s an eye opener too.

Check out Arrowhead – the classy, yet affordable way into Beaver Creek.

Most of us would love to vacation this winter in Beaver Creek. With its amazing level of personal service, European style “Village to Village” skiing, and outstanding array of terrain serviced by numerous high speed lifts, this is one luxury resort that touches all the bases.

Problem is, all that service, skiing and beautiful lodging is not cheap. Fact is, luxury condos in the main Beaver Creek Village are pricy, particularly high season. Ahhh … but there is a way to enjoy the good life at Beaver Creek – and not spend the kids college savings. It’s called Arrowhead Village, and it’s a sweet deal.

Arrowhead Village is the high end gated golf course community at Beaver Creek. Same great mountain architecture, same high level of service. Fact is, these one, two and three bedroom units are rather expensive in the summer time. But come ski season, prices of the Arrowhead condos fall to a very reasonable level. Think of this as Beaver Creek quality - at a Breckenridge price.

And the best part is, you’re are just steps away from a high speed lift, that whisks you to great green and blue terrain on Arrowhead mountain – and direct trail connections on over to Bachelor Gulch and finally Beaver Creek proper.

Make a day of it by warming up on your “home mountain”. Then take a few runs on the blue cruisers of Bachelor Gulch (taking note of the amazing homes in this section of the resort). Finally, hop on the Centennial express and then over to Cinch Express, to the very top of Beaver Creek. You are now standing over 4,000 vertical and at least 6 miles as the boards glide above your Arrowhead condo. This is one big resort!

Time for lunch. The nearby Spruce Saddle, voted best mid mountain restaurant by the Ski Organizers staff stands ready to please. After lunch …

Stay tuned.

Next time at Beaver Creek we will test our skills on Grouse Mountain and the Birds of Pray - as well as the wide open Larkspur Bowl, before heading home to Arrowhead Village for a much needed Jacuzzi and some après ski.

Heaven is obtainable after all.

To hear more about Beaver Creek – and dial into a great all inclusive package, call the Ski Organizers at 800 283 2754.

Winter Park opens in 15 days

Mark your calendars-Winter Park will fire up their lifts for the 2007/08 Ski Season on November 14th.

Want to get some early turns in? We CAN make that happen. Call one of our Skier/Rider Sales Agents at 800-283-2754 and we'll get you on the slopes fast.

For more information on Winter Park, click here.

First Snow of 2007 Colorado Ski Season!

September 17, 2007 :: The first snowstorm of the 2007 ski season fell Monday in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. A hearty cold front brought snow to Breckenridge Ski Resort and the higher peaks west of Denver. The aspen leaves are turning yellow and orange, meaning ski season is on its way to Colorado.

Plan your Colorado ski vacation with SkiOrganizers.

Opening Dates for
Colorado Ski Resorts

RESORT	OPEN *	CLOSE *
Arapahoe Basin	TBD	TBD
Aspen Highlands	12/8/07	4/6/08
Aspen Mtn	11/22/07	4/13/08
Beaver Creek	11/21/07	4/13/08
Breckenridge	11/2/07	4/20/08
Buttermilk	12/8/07	4/6/08
Copper Mountain	11/2/07	4/13/08
Crested Butte	11/17/07	TBD
Durango	11/22/07	4/13/08
Echo Mtn	12/1/07	3/30/08
Eldora	11/21/07	4/13/08
Loveland	Late Oct.	Mid May
Snowmass	11/22/07	4/13/08
Steamboat	11/21/07	4/6/08
Telluride	11/22/07	4/6/08
Vail	11/16/07	4/13/08
Winter Park	11/14/07	4/13/08

* Dates subject to change

Keywords:
2007 ski season, Colorado Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Denver, Colorado ski vacation, opening dates for Colorado Ski Resorts

Steamboat Spring Fling 2007

Celebrate a
Great 2007
Ski Season!
2 nights +
2 days skiing
from $109 pp

APRIL 13 - 15

Come join us for us for our annual spring party in Steamboat Springs! The snow has been unbelievable this year at the ‘Boat with nearly 30 feet of legendary champagne powder and still counting. If you’ve never been to Steamboat, this is the year to come….with warm temperatures, no crowds and tons of snow the spring skiing and riding should be better than ever. Check out these spectacular deals on lodging and lift tickets.

Package Includes:

• 2 nights condo accommodations with access to hot tub & pool
• All taxes and resort fees
• 2 days of champagne powder skiing
• Free shuttle to lifts
• Reduced rates on ski rental

Condo Properties: (click for details)

• Ski Times Square
• The Ranch
• Shadow Run

Rates:



Call Tyler @ Ext. 217
303-771-1178 or 800-283-2754
tyler@travelorganizers.com