Vail, Colorado, January 20–27, 2025

The Vail ski trip was a resounding success, offering participants an exceptional skiing experience with minimal crowds, excellent accommodations, and strong camaraderie. We recommend that future club trips continue to pick the typically quiet week immediately after the MLK week-end. Participants very much appreciated the excellent hotel. They noted that including breakfast in the package, and organizing dinners every evening, fostered social interaction. Participants also valued having a non-stop flight and a comfortable private coach transfer. The more expensive hotel rooms proved harder to sell ex ante, even though ex post they were well-received by those who stayed in them.

Skiing Experience

Vail lived up to its reputation, especially during this off-peak week. The post-MLK timing ensured minimal lift lines and open slopes. In the Back Bowls, participants saw abundant animal tracks and heard birds chirping. Even on the Front Side, we had chipmunks crossing the trails right in front of us. All a far cry from the endless lift lines we often hear about.

Accommodation

Participants were delighted with the Tivoli Lodge. Notable features:

• Inviting ambience.

• Prime location. Only one block to the lifts, (sort of) ski-in, and close to many restaurants.

• Well-decorated, generously proportioned rooms. The premium rooms featured mountain views, fireplaces, and balconies.

• Excellent hot buffet breakfast and a welcome reception.

• An outdoor hot tub with scenic sunset views.

Social & Dining

Several participants remarked on the sense of camaraderie that developed during the trip. Including breakfast in the package encouraged people to mingle in the morning, and find others to ski with. The formal mid-week group dinner at an Italian restaurant was very well received. All other evenings, the trip leaders organized informal dinners in nearby restaurants. Some participants also organized high-end gastronomic experiences in Vail’s most renowned establishments.

Transportation

Participants valued the convenience of a non-stop flight. They also appreciated the private coach transfer with spacious seating and Wi-Fi.

Participation & Booking Insights

There were 19 participants, incl. the trip leaders Frona Hall and Nikola Spatafora. Of these:

• 16 participants requested air-inclusive packages, while 3 requested land-only packages.

• 11 participants were in the more expensive hotel rooms, while 8 were in the cheaper rooms.

• 2 participants requested single supplements.

• 11 participants were unattached, while 8 were couples.

Demand for the cheaper hotel rooms significantly exceeded supply. In light of the inquiries we received, we are confident that participation would have been significantly higher if we could have secured more of the less expensive hotel rooms.