A Real Ski-in Ski-Out Unit

• Totally Awesome

  Totally Awesome

  • Guest Patty
  • Date of stay 03/24/13
  • Review Submitted 04/10/13
  What an exceptional VRBO experience! The owner (Bruce) goes out of his way to help renters get the most out of their ski experience. This was our first Colorado ski trip and the documents he sent related to tips and conditioning for skiiing in the mountains were spot on. We are flatlanders from MN with 2 sons ages 7 and 9. Winter Park was perfect for our family. Nearly all the ski runs and chair lifts were accessible for our varying levels - from beginner to intermediate. Getting to the top above the treeline was thrilling - 12,000 feet ROCKS! The ski in -ski out location cannot be beat! We had lunch every day at the condo and were able to really relax before heading out for afternoon skiing. Really can't say enough positive things about this package - mostly due to the really incredible consideration that Bruce shows his guest who are renting this condo. Another bonus was the entire staff at the Zephyr and Winter Park Lodge (including all the restaurants) were very friendly, helpful and professional. Advice - Don't miss the professional photographer who hangs out at the top of the Zephyr ski lift in the morning. He took a bunch of really great photos with the Colorado Rookies in the background.... priceless memory that was captured on film!!!

  Recommended for: Families with young children, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: What a rush to read Patty's evaluation!! Yet at the same time it is a humbling experience to understand that doing my best to be responsive and helpful, taking the time to share my knowledge of Winter Park and "big mountain" skiing, should be received as "exceptional and awesome". It speaks volumes about the "slam bang, sign up now, here's the lowest price on the mountain" procedure of institutional renters. It is is also confirming that once again the extra time I invest with my guests is helpful and deeply appreciated since my goal is to meet or exceed the expectations of my guests. That's why I have good goods in my "home away from home": good linens, toiletries, flat screen TVs, Blue-Ray, built in cabinets for coats and boots, safety grab bars in the bathroom, an infrared grill on the back deck and a "goody" welcome basket for arrivals. After several of my guests suffered from "altitude sickness", cramps in their legs and missed a couple of days on the slopes I decided to make up a "Tips for a Top Skiing Experience". It's certainly not the ultimate physical fitness program but it was something I could do to help people out. Of course, it's also a part of the personal contact that is totally lacking from the institutional renters and a good reason for those looking for a great vacation come to me for a rental. I have an honest consideration for my guests, the planning of vacation, a payment schedule, and an acceptance of the responsibility that I am working for the guest to ensure they and their family has a great vacation. Of course, I must admit that the premier location of my condo is an exceptional advantage, especially when children are involved. Much tension is eliminated by my condo's ski in and ski out capability and precious vacation time can be spent in personal, family interaction, not standing in line waiting for a table in a crowded ski lodge or lunch line. Showing consideration for my guests from the moment they contact me, through the decision making process and having an absolutely first rate place for them to stay makes for an exceptional vacation experience, a fabulous time and results in "priceless memories", as Patty says. The facts are that the "process" begins well before the actual vacation time. Trust is built on both sides by the back and forth contact and we are both "winners". Guests get a great vacation and I am able to build a base of ever expanding guests who come back year after year. It's great!!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• Robert and Sons

  Robert and Sons

  • Guest Robert
  • Date of stay 03/02/13
  • Review Submitted 03/27/13
  Second year in a row we have used this condo for our winter ski vacation. Great place to stay and very close to the slopes and village. Always a joy parking in the underground parking out of the weather. Easy access to the slopes and you literally just walk out the door and you are on the slopes. Would highly recommend this unit for a small family or a couple. We had a great time and the weather in Winter Park was just wonderful. We had great weather and even snowed on us for one day of skiing which was nice. Owner was very helpful and made our trip very relaxing and organized. Thank you again and look forward to using it again in the future. Robert, Kurt, Kris from St. Augustine, FL.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: This critique from Robert and Sons is what I like to see. A family that I was fortunate to serve last year has returned and what a great complement it is!! It's a complement to the premier location of my condo and also to the attention to detail at the condo for having good goods amenities and other upgrades to make the place a first class premier unit to complement the location. The confirmation of a repeat guest is more than just a return visit, it is a statement that my personal service to the guest and the convenience of the location combine to make a great ski vacation. This is the way it ought to be. My goal is to meet all of my guest's expectations of service, location and amenities and if possible exceed these expectations so that guests will go out of their way to obtain a rental next year and the next and the next. That's the kind of response that really counts. The plans for a return visit and the confidence in a supportive rental process and and quality of the condo that they will tell their friends. This is my family's "home away from home" and to have return guests use the condo when we are unable to do so is a concrete statement of appreciation for my personal involvement in facilitating the rental process and for the quality of the home away from home that I try so diligently to provide.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• Better than Promised!

  Better than Promised!

  • Guest AiredaleTraveler
  • Date of stay 03/20/13
  • Review Submitted 03/25/13
  Our time in Winter Park was amazing. We had good snow and great skiing. We arrived at the Zephyr Mountain Lodge a day earlier than I had originally planned. This gave us the opportunity to truly compare this unit to a Riverside unit in the resort. The differences were measurable and this unit was far and above the better property. The Slopeside where this unit is located is a true ski in/ski out! I would be surprised if we walked more than 20 steps outside of the building before putting on our skis and heading down to the lift. At the end of the day, we were able to pop out of our skis and safely store our goods in the locker without having to hike or do the ski boot heel-to-toe two-step. The windows and deck overlooked the mountain which was right outside our building. There were nice sheet sets on the beds and extra blankets in the closet. There was also a humidifier to take the edge off the dry air. This unit had the feel of being someone's home away from home. A nice basket of snacks welcomed us when we arrived. There were ample dishes and a broad collection of spices in the kitchen. We enjoyed having 2 nice televisions with a BluRay and cable access. The humidifier that was there was a blessing!After a long day of skiing, the oversized shower head and the grab bars in the shower were appreciated. Bruce made our stay perfect from the time we first inquired until we returned the keys. My inquiries were handled so quickly and he made me feel confident that the choice we had made was the right one-even before we arrived. Bruce provided great information-not only about his unit but also about the area and what to do to maximize the experience-and did everything he said he would. We got the keys and parking pass well in advance of our trip. The owner of this unit made the process so simple-right down to providing a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the key return. Bruce is a class act. I would recommend this unit and the owner to any friend and will plan on renting it when we travel to Winter Park next time.

  Recommended for: Families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: Cheryl has described and commented on exactly the goal I have set for myself in the establishment of confidence and support of my guests as they engage in the rental process. My condo, with its premier location on the mountain is, of course, an equal element in this process. My goal is to always meet the expectations of my guests who are spending their money and precious limited time on a family ski vacation. In this process it is my hope to to exceed their expectations and I am more than pleased that I seem to have been successful in this case. I want the guest to feel confident in working with me as they engage in the expensive decision in time and money to secure a top of the line family ski vacation at the best price I can provide. It's the "little things" that make the guest aware that I have been thinking of providing a home away from home. That means a humidifier in the room, an infrared grill on the deck, a welcome basket, flat screen TVs and Blue Ray and top of the line linens, etc. The over sized shower head and the grab bars in the tub are not a "big deal" in monetary terms but it communicates the message that I am thinking and aware of their well being. This is the way I consciously work to separate myself from the "institutional" renter. I engage with the prospective guest in the decision making process by making myself available and answering their questions honestly, even at times having to inform them that there are too many people in their party to be comfortable in a one bedroom unit which is just what is needed for 4 but is not a good fit for a family of 5. For those who have children it is an important point to keep in mind what Cheryl comments on. That is the importance of convenience of a true ski in and ski out condo. There is no lugging skis and gear around and the private locker room is just steps away from the slope leading to the Zephyr Express Lift. The description of not having to do the ski boot "heel to toe two step" brings back vivid, and not so pleasant memories of my own experience with the "two step" and I wonder how I ever thought that the money saved by staying off the slopeside condo was worth it in time, frustration and total lack of convenience. Another complement that makes me feel good is that Cheryl plans on coming back again to use my family condo home away from home. Maybe she'll even bring a friend and they can have private time, yet good friendship skiing with the friends in the condo next door.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• Great time!!!

  Great time!!!

  • Guest Anonymous
  • Date of stay 03/18/13
  • Review Submitted 03/25/13
  I have been going through VRBO for many years. And I must say that we have dealt with some very nice and helpful owners in the past. With that being said, Bruce was hands down the best of them all! Every thing was exactly as described. Plus there was never any lag in response time on any questions. The whole transaction was seamless. On top of that the condo was just a few feet from the elevator and then out to the slopes. And the icing on the cake was the fresh powder that greeted us. I love that we could grab our skis and walk out, then ski down. And without much planning ski back in. My family wants to say, Thanks Bruce, we had a blast!!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• Perfect Location

  Perfect Location

  • Guest twshot
  • Date of stay 03/08/13
  • Review Submitted 03/24/13
  What a great unit and location. All of the directions that Bruce provided were spot on in terms of parking passes, key swipes, and finding the unit. Zephyr is such a great location at the base of the lifts right next to a number of bars and restaurants. The unit was very clean and exactly as advertised. Everyone loved the basket of snacks waiting for us. It really can't get any better at Winter Park in terms of proximity to the lifts. We actually had a interesting rental experience due to us only needing two nights, and Bruce having a window of opportunity due to cancellations if we were willing to switch to his other unit for the second day. We were able to hash out all of the logistics beforehand so we were on the same page in terms of activating keys and deactivating others. We had a slight snafu when I left the key for the second day in my bags and the cleaning staff moved our bags next door, but I was able to reach Bruce on the phone immediately and find out how to access the spare key so we could gain access to the unit next door. In the end we figured out a very unorthodoxed way so that he got his placed rented for the weekend, and we found a premier location at a great price. If there were a situation where things would've gone wrong, this would've been it and it was all smooth sailing in my eyes. We look forward to staying here again in future years.

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: What a learning experience it was working Tom's requested dates out with the weird configuration of days I had open. We were able to form a trusting, working relationship where both of us could be honest in our requests, his for the days he wanted and I for the rental fee I needed to be able to stay in business. I was able to lower the per day rental fee and he accepted another day on his initial request. By the end of the "negotiations" it was like working a complicated plan out with a friend and we were able to come up with a "creative resolution" where it was a true "win-win". We were even able to laugh together when the cleaning service, which I had requested to clean his unit early, took all the packed luggage to the next door unit and the swipe key happened to be in the luggage moved. The opportunity to resolve what seemed an impossibility was resolved because of the level of trust which we were able to form where neither was trying to be "the winner" and force a personal "deal" for himself. This is another prime example of the personal relationship that is formed through the VRBO rental process which is impossible for the institutional renter to duplicate. There is no greater confirmation as an owner/renter than to be able to work through which seemed to be an impossible situation. It brings both owner and prospective guest together. Actually, it was a very enjoyable process. Congratulations to both of us! I look forward to renting one of my condos to Tom next year, and the next, and many more to come.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• Snow much fun!

  Snow much fun!

  • Guest Lisa
  • Date of stay 02/14/13
  • Review Submitted 03/10/13
  This slopeside condo unit was clean and convenient! The balcony offered a nice view of a ski run and ski lift. I was able to take pictures from the balcony of my daughter and her friends doing their last run of the day which ended up at the hot tub right outside the second floor of the lodge (ski in/ski out)! The locker for your ski equipment is also located on the 2nd floor. The parking is underground and very accessible. There are nice cubbies in the condo for organizing your ski gloves, goggles, etc. Also, I loved the shelving unit in the bathroom to hold all our toiletries. Bruce was extremely helpful/accomodating and was readily available to timely answer our questions. We ate breakfast and lunch at the condo and had what we needed in the kitchen to prepare our food. The kids had a blast! We loved the 'village' atmosphere here with the shops and restaurants (and a Starbucks)! We will recommend this condo unit to others!

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, families with teenagers, families with young children, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: Working with Dwayne on the rental process was a learning experience. He asked me direct questions regarding the condo's location, what items I had that would make their stay more enjoyable and even chastised me for not having a grill on the back porch. I attempted to defend myself by discussing safety issues associated with pressurized gas tanks or charcoal and he recommended that I look into infrared electric grills,giving me his strong assurance that they grilled just as well as gas or charcoal and were safe. Further, he thought it would be a great addition for people like himself who were renting and would rather grill their own food. With some trepidation I bought one and I must admit it has been a great success. Further, there have been no fire alarms activated by hamburger smoke filling up the condo and bringing forth the security folks. Dwayne also mentions his use of the back porch to take pictures and watch his daughter skiing down the slope. Nothing could be more gratifying than to be as close to the main slope on the mountain and be am observer of your child spontaneously enjoying the thrill of a delightful ski experience with a friend. I'm glad that Dwayne mentioned the quality of cleanliness of the condo. As mundane as it seems I feel it is one of the primary factors in making a great vacation. It ranks up there with the condo's location, the amenities, the good goods and upgrades in which I continually invest, the process of personal investment in the rental process and the "quality price ratio". Nothing can be overlooked even if it is a short stay rental even though the conventional institutional wisdom proposes that it is alright to slight the cost of an exceptionally good cleaning because the guests are only going to be in the condo for three or four days. It's all part of a premier ski experience and that's the standard I try to maintain.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• Our second time around!

  Our second time around!

  • Guest Charmaine
  • Date of stay 01/31/13
  • Review Submitted 02/21/13
  This place is great! This is our second year to rent this condo- same story as last year(See my previous review- February 2012). We had many options, but there wasn't a question as where to stay. Here are a few reasons why we still like this particular condo....everything is quality from the soaps/shampoos to the fantastic towels to the sheets and pillows, it has everything you would want at a home away from home, and you can't beat the location. This year there was a "welcome basket" full of terrific snacks (popcorn, granola bars, chips, chocolates...) which is just what we were looking for after our late night arrival! Another major plus is that Bruce, the owner, also owns the condo right next door. Just like last year, our friends vacationed with us and stayed in that unit. Being side by side allowed us to be close and hang out together, but at the end of the day, we still had our privacy. It worked out so well for both our families. Bruce makes the rental process a breeze. He is very quick to respond to any questions and goes out of his way to make sure you have a great experience in his property and in the Winter Park area. He even sent us BOGO lift ticket coupons which saved us quite a bit of money! The listing description and photos are accurate and I highly recommend this condo (and the one next door!) Looking forward to coming back next year....Thanks, Bruce!

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: It is difficult to respond to such a sensationally positive and comprehensive critique. To respond with appropriate modesty, especially when the reviewer is a two time guest in one of my condos is like trying to downplay a positive, emotionally felt comment from a friend. She confirms the essence of what I try to do. That is, to let the guest know that I am actually thinking of their situation when they come in late by having a welcome basket for them. The "thank you" by the reviewer is a touching moment for me. To think that the guest, paying hard earned money to rent my condo would thank me for having thought of a way to make their stay more relaxing. Likewise, her assessment of the good goods I make sure to have as part of the condo's ambiance. That's the atmosphere I want to provide that further supports the fantastic location I have with my Slopeside condo. To me it's part of the "package" in that the condo's location, the quality of the amenities, the personal contact, the service and the communication of honest and empathic responses for a guest's concerns is also an important part of the rental experience. It is fortunate that I purchased two Slopeside condos side by side. I did it so that my family could have the togetherness of a family and yet have the needed privacy when the situation dictated. It is absolutely great and personally rewarding to hear that others have the same "family-like" experience using both condos with good friends. There are certainly times when I question myself that I am overloading a person with information when I receive a request from a prospective guest. in the beginning contact process of introducing my condo to a prospective guest I never want to breach that fine line between providing honest and important information about my condo's location and its amenities, which I know to be first rate, and getting into the realm of "pressuring". Pressuring is for institutional renters, information regarding a personal property to share with others is building a relationship. That's what's most rewarding about this critique. It's like a friend sharing a great time with the property you shared with her/him. Nothing can be more personally rewarding than knowing that you have been involved with a friend's having a really great time in your home away from home. This is building a friendship and it makes me feel that we should all get together at Winter Park and spend some quality time together.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Fantastic Get-A-Way

  Fantastic Get-A-Way

  • Guest K&K
  • Date of stay 02/08/13
  • Review Submitted 02/19/13
  The property was in an excellent location. Quiet, yet within minutes of being on the slopes. The condo was in excellent condition and the owner, Bruce, thought of everything. The condo had top of the line linens and towels, nice shampoo and soaps, and a fantastic snack basket. The condo even had laundry detergent and extra trash bags. Everything that one would need on a vacation was available. The information that Bruce sent us was explicit and helped in knowing what to do. Communication with Bruce was beyond excellent, and we appreciated his professionalism and quick responses to our inquiries. We're looking forward to another stay in Bruce's condo in the future.

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: This was a very satisfying evaluation for several reasons. The quality of the goods I have in my condo can be classified as "good goods". When guests make an investment of their personal time planning a ski vacation, spending the money to invest in property rental and taking their precious free time to experience a "get away", they deserve to have the best and to have all the information possible to make their vacation memorable. That's why I specifically try to "put myself in their shoes(or skis or boards)",project my thoughts to what the guest's wishes and needs would be materially and how I might be supportive and informative of their vacation planning, their residence in my condo and the activities at Winter Park they might enjoy. This includes the too numerous to mention "other" snow activities for young and old to enjoy. To mention a few: a snow mobile ride, tubing slopes, dog sledding or even exceptional restaurants in Denver. All is under the rubric of supportive engagement for the guest who has put trust in me, the VRBO owner. The "welcome" basket I have in the condo for guests who arrive and would like a snack selection is more than "feeding", it is one of the ways I can connect and communicate that I support them in their quest. I have installed cabinets so guests have more room for clothes. New flat screen TVs with Blue Ray capability, a router for internet connection and even a thought of their safety by installing a grab bar in the shower to help them feel secure on entrance and exit from the bathtub. As mundane as these things might be they are significant in their message to my guests who have put their trust in me. I also gain much personal satisfaction in the rental process because I continually experience a mutuality of purpose and share in a very important decision making process with the characteristics of an evolving friendship. I look forward to contact with my guests in the years to come and I hope that they do too.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Wonderful Condo

  Wonderful Condo

  • Guest Steve
  • Date of stay 12/30/12
  • Review Submitted 01/31/13
  This is a great condo, and the convenience to the slopes is fantastic. You literally walk out the door, pop on your skis, and are off. The condo was exactly as advertised--very warm and inviting. We are a family of four, and were very comfortable. The photos are accurate, and the condo was clean and well-maintained. Also, Bruce was very helpful and made the rental experience quite smooth. He also gave us some great tips about where to eat/rent skis, and other helpful items. On the whole, this is a highly recommended rental experience.

  Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: What a great evaluation!! I appreciate the comments and the honesty of Steve's assessment. I also appreciate his not exposing one of my faux pas in this working relationship. As I remember, I somehow forgot to include the swipe key for the condo along with the parking pass and ended up having to meet him at a Borders Book Store to personally hand over the needed swipe key. I would think that an experience I had last year of doing the same thing would have raised my consciousness regarding these types of errors. When I received the requested "follow up" email last year, I had to immediately FedEx a swipe key to the renter via "overnight express" at a cost of $32.00. I guess it can be expected that an oversight might happen when there is a lot of activity and deadlines have to be met exactly on time. Fortunately it worked out and I have another satisfied guest. That is confirmation that when there is honest communication errors can be resolved and a family ski vacation can be a great experience. It's another example of the importance of the positive contact that can be accomplished only by a level of contact between an owner, renting a valuable piece of property through a direct contact organization such as VRBO that a working relationship can be formed to resolve misunderstandings or errors on both sides of the equation. The impersonal, uninvolved contact one has to deal with in institutional rentals where "volume" is the only thing that matters does not have the structures to support a personal business relationship to bring a problem to a successful conclusion to all parties concerned. It is trusting each other through the communication process, formulated during the rental procedure that matters and sets the parameters for resolution. So, the positive message is that even difficult problems can be resolved and there can be positive endings. Isn't that a nice thought? Bruce

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• Great Winter Vacation!

  Great Winter Vacation!

  • Guest Jen
  • Date of stay 01/23/13
  • Review Submitted 01/31/13
  My husband and I traveled to Winter Park for a quick vacation in January 2013. We love the resort! Everything is so convenient (shops, restraunts) it truly is ski-in, ski-out. The condo owner was very easy to work with and was helpful with recommendations for newbie skiers like us. Having a kitchen was really nice too. We made a quick to the SafeWay and stocked up on breakfast and lunch goodies to eat in the condo. There are really fluffy towels in the bathroom and they were wonderful! We would definitely stay in this condo again.

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: The service, the care and the personal involvement that my family and I have in providing good goods for the condo guests to enjoy and the information we can provide for the guests which make their ski vacation an enjoyable experience to remember is a privilege. When we have spent real time in planning for the amenities and upgrades that will help make the stay memorable and we are fortunate to have such a premier location on the mountain, it is a winner for the guest and a personal confirmation for me. When a busy guest takes time to write a response and states an appreciation for the unit and the process of renting in which we have mutually engaged, it is a very positive experience. Without a doubt it demonstates the old adage that consumers really do care about quality and service and that works both ways. For instance, I have never had to deduct anything from the damage deposit since I have been renting my condo through VRBO. I take it as an indication of the quality of my guests and the appreciation they feel about the honest involvement, truthfulness and respect they experience in the communication exchange. One cannot ask for more than that when guests allow me to become involved in their personal plans for a ski vacation. It's a real reward for the time spent. Thank you, Bruce

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

September 1 - November 15  $125/weekday; $150/weekend
November 16 - December 22  $125/weekday; $185/weekend  THANKSGIVING: $225/night
December 23 - January 2    HOLIDAY rate: $275 - $375/night
January 3 - February 29    HOLIDAY rate: $225 - $325/night        $
March 1 - April 9          $225/night
April 10 - April 19        $150/night
Three night minimum required.
Tax of 9.9% not included in above rates. Cleaning fee is an additional $85.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.