This time of year tends to play with my emotions. There I was last week, happily enjoying my summer, when I all of the sudden I caught a back to school ad. Instinctively, a pit hit my stomach. I’m thinking soccer practice is going to start soon and I’ll inevitably have to go with my parents to buy a trapper keeper to put in my trusty new backpack. Before things get out of hand, I quickly realized that I’ve been out of college for more than a decade and that these ads aren’t for me – not even a little. Then, just as fast as the color left my face, a feeling of giddiness came over me. Nothing that made me jump out of my chair, but enough to put a smirk on my face. My realization: ski season is coming…and it’s coming fast.

I know this might sound crazy, but if the upcoming season is anything like last year’s, we’re only 65 days away from opening day. In fact, Loveland, Colorado fired up their snow guns last week. Sure, it was only a test, but it was enough to get my attention. Both Loveland and Arapaho Basin will surely be making snow (for real) sooner than later, thus beginning their annual, “friendly” first-to-open competition.

Here in Aspen, our team has been hard at work negotiating rates with resorts, lodging properties, equipment rental companies, etc. all over the world and loading sample packages on the special deals page of our website. Among them are early-booking deals offering free nights and discounts for early to mid season. In fact, we’re currently even offering some great deals over the December holidays.

If you know you want to take a trip this year, even if you don’t know when or where, give us a call at 800-299-0656 to get the conversation started. Our Mountain Vacation Specialists know even the smallest details about each and every resort in our inventory. They can help you decide which resort is best for you and work with you to find the special (or specials) that make the most sense for you, based on your interests, budget and the dynamic of your group. For example, the resort and/or special designed for a couple might not be the best choice for a family. We’re here to answer all your questions and guide you through a flawless mountain vacation experience.

We look forward to hearing about your summer and helping you customize the perfect vacation this winter!

D.S.