Franklin Connection

Off season pricing on Beaver Creek luxury home rentals combined with a large collection of mountain activities are reason enough for a trip to Colorado, but the summer climate seals the deal. Colorado mountain activities provide escape from hot summer climates throughout the US. Many people don’t realize the value that an off season ski town can provide for the family wishing to get away from the heat and reconnect with each other and nature. The same ritzy retreats that will break the family’s piggy bank during ski season will provide exceptional value for small or large groups wishing to enjoy all that the mountain high country has to offer during the off season summer months.

It’s only been a few years since mountain visitors discovered that the high country provides such an oasis but since they have the resort companies are happy to entertain. Summer culinary events, outdoor music festivals, rodeos, art festivals, and Bar BQs abound as resort officials try to entice families from the heat stricken homes to the cool summer mountain air.

Activities available to the mountain visitor include fly fishing, river rafting, golf, hiking, biking, kayaking, ballooning, horseback riding, wildlife touring, zip lining, golfing, wildflower and bird watching. Of course you can always skip the activities and go directly to the extraordinary food, wine and world class shopping the resorts has to offer. By the way some of the best restaurants and shops offer off season deals intended to keep their staff busy during the lower revenue times so don’t hesitate to stop by that great restaurant you wouldn’t otherwise splurge on. Remember that it is customary and classy to tip on the full price if the discounted meal. In many case you’ll enjoy a 5 star repast for half of the price. Check local newspapers or ask a local on the street for the inside scoop on the deals. Local resort residents are usually happy to share the information; it’s not as if you’ll steal their table this time of year.

In order to locate the best experiences for your mountain visit the internet will be your best initial resource. Large resort companies will offer published promotions and freebies, but don’t hesitate to call a smaller management company to talk about the deals they have available. The finest luxury vacation home rentals are often managed by smaller more exclusive companies. Sometime the company with the least budget for advertising (read overhead) has the most flexibility with rates particularly if you are flexible enough to travel last minute.

Travel companies are often most flexible last minute since they are dealing with “perishable inventory”. Finally unless you have a travel agent you are loyal to, try to work directly with the smaller local companies. A travel agent puts one more commission in the equation which will ultimately push up the rate you pay. In closing the mountains offer an oasis of cool mountain air and sizzling summer savings, but don’t wait to reserve your mountain rental home because the summer is slipping by.