Vail Valley Hospitality Professional of the Year!

Last Friday night, January 31, The Vail Valley Partnership held their annual Success Awards Gala.  It’s the same event at which the Antlers won the Business of the Year Award in 2003 and the Green Business of the Year in 2009.  This year, our very own Magdalena King was nominated for Hospitality Professional of the Year.  Out of several dozen nominees, Magda was then chosen as one of three finalists going into the awards ceremony.  Two nights ago at the Vilar Center, we erupted in cheers when her name was called from the stage as the Vail Valley Hospitality Professional of 2014.

Magda award

We could simply not be any more proud of Magda.  It’s so nice to know that others recognized what we already knew … that nobody could possibly be more deserving of this recognition. I could go on and on (and would be happy to).  However, let me just say that in addition to the countless examples of her professionalism (and everything that entails), Magda constantly inspires me and everyone else around her, to be more professional as well.

Magda & Cristina

It was quite fitting that upon receiving her award, she offered a brief “acceptance speech” which was both gracious and thoughtful.  Almost as many people (probably a hundred) congratulated her on her “award winning” public comments, as on the actual award itself.  It was great!

Shame on us for one thing … we didn’t think to get a good picture of Magda in her time of grandeur.  I took this one of her and her sister Cristina (on the left) with my phone.  It will have to do for now, but that’s a shame because there is also a great story behind her beautiful dress.

At the party afterward when Jill Lammers, the Vice-President of the Partnership, complimented Magda on that dress, I had to jump in and point out that Magda told me she had designed it herself, back when she lived in Ecuador.  Jill’s reaction was immediate, humorous and perfect … “Shut UP!” she exclaimed, “You win this award AND you designed your own dress!  You’re killing me.”

All in all, thanks to Magdalena, the whole evening made all of us at the Antlers feel super proud.

Rob

Congratulations to Magda King as VVP Hospitality Professional of the Year Finalist

Magdalena King, Antlers at Vail Assistant Manager, is a finalist for the VVP Hospitality Professional of the Year

Magdalena King, Antlers at Vail Assistant Manager, is a finalist for the VVP Hospitality Professional of the Year

Magdalena King came to work at the Antlers at Vail as Conference Services Manager six years ago, and shortly thereafter moved into the position of Director of Sales. She has been our assistant manager now for just over a year. We are so proud to share the news that she has not only been nominated as the Vail Valley Partnership’s (VVP) Hospitality professional of the Year, but last week was named as one of three finalists vying for the final honor.

Magda is originally from Ecuador, speaks four languages fluently, and until recently served on the board of the local chapter of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). She is a wonderful mother of two charming children, and she still manages to find time to teach English to and lead a book club for our housekeeping staff. We receive many lovely thank you notes from guests specifically thanking Magda for her warm welcome and assistance. And, perhaps most importantly, she challenges us all to be better.

We are so happy to have her as a such an integral part of our team and hope she receives the recognition she deserves and is named Hospitality Professional of the Year. We’re cheering for you Magda!

Colorado Mountain Biking at Its Best with the Antlers at Vail This Summer

Reserve rooms by June 1, 2012 and save 20% to 30% off regular rates

Colorado Mountain Biking at the Antlers at Vail Hotel

Photo by Chauncey Davis

“It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best,” said Ernest Hemingway, “since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.” With 343 miles of bike trails, a bicycle is the perfect vehicle for exploring the Vail Valley’s diverse contours. And for those who prefer to skip the “sweat up the hills” part, the Vail Gondola offers transport for people and bikes to the top of Vail Mountain for an exciting coast down.

The Antlers at Vail hotel is a conveniently located home base—rated #1 in Vail Specialty Lodging by TripAdvisor readers—with comfortable condominiums just footsteps from the popular Gore Creek trail and darned close to the Vail Gondola.

Need more reasons to bring your bike to the Antlers this summer? Here are seven:

  1. Guests who reserve rooms by June 1, 2012 can save 20% to 35% off regular prices, with rates for a studio suite starting as low as $156 per night.
  2. Both Vail and Beaver Creek offer maps for navigating the area’s 340+ miles of biking trails, and the Antlers’ knowledgeable staff will happily provide suggestions and directions.
  3. Vail Mountain Bike Camps offers summer day camps for kids 7 to 13 years old, and private and group mountain biking skill lessons for people of all ages.
  4. The 2012 Vail Recreation District Mountain Bike Races series runs from May 23 – August 15, 2012, offering  mountain bikers of all ages and experience levels fun and the opportunity to win cash prizes.
  5. Riders looking for a summertime challenge can join the Antlers team for the 11th Annual Comcast Colorado Eagle River Ride on Saturday, July 28. The tour begins in Beaver Creek and brings riders along the scenic banks of the Colorado and Eagle rivers, and riders can choose from the 42-, 68- or 100-mile routes. Riders of all levels are welcome, and new team members receive a customized Antlers team jersey.
  6. Want to see how the pros do it? The USA Pro Cycling Challenge features elite professional teams and athletes from around the world, with a stage finish in Beaver Creek on August 23, 2012.
  7. No bike? No problem. Nearby shops like Charter Sports, Vail Bike Tech and Bike Valet offer bicycle and helmet rentals for adults and kids.

Since 1972, the Antlers has offered a unique Vail lodging experience in a relaxed mountain setting. Named the Vail Valley ‘Green Business of the Year’ in 2009, the Antlers is also proud to be named a Platinum Service Award Winner by the Vail Valley Partnership. With condominiums ranging from studio suites up to four bedrooms and plenty of space to spread out, each room at the Antlers offers all the comforts of home including fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, outdoor balconies, free Internet access and free parking in a heated indoor garage. The Antlers Vail is conveniently located in the Lionshead area of Vail with numerous restaurants, galleries and shops within walking distance, and the free Vail town shuttle stops just footsteps away. For more information, call 1-800-843-8245 or visit the Antlers web site at www.antlersvail.com.

Media Contacts: Rob LeVine, General Manager, Antlers at Vail, [email protected], 970.476.2471; or Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, [email protected], 307.734.5335.

Save Up To 50 Percent with Antlers at Vail Hotel’s 2012 Spring Snow Package

Up to three nights free, Vail springtime events give skiers plenty to cheer about

Spring skiing at the Antlers at Vail hotel

Photo: JRM353

November 16, 2011 – Vail, CO – “Lighten up” takes on a whole new meaning during spring snow season, when Vail Resort’s 193 trails are uncrowded, lift lines are short, skiers and boarders shed heavy outerwear for lightweight vests and turtlenecks (or for some hardy souls, shorts), and a lighthearted joie de vivre abounds.

“Spring is absolutely one of the best times to experience Vail,” says Antlers at Vail hotel General Manager Rob LeVine, a Vail local for three decades. “April is actually Colorado’s second-snowiest month, and we often have magnificent snow days with plenty of sunshine late in the season.” The conveniently-located Antlers Vail offers its popular ‘Design Your Own Ski Package’ from April 8 to May 20 in 2012. Pay for three nights and the fourth, fifth – and even sixth night is free. A one-bedroom bunkroom that sleeps four people starts at just $355 per night for the first three nights, with up to three additional nights free. Coupled with Vail Resorts’ deeply discounted spring lift tickets and passes, late-season values can’t be beat.

Along with reduced rates, Vail Resorts’ “Spring Back to Vail” promotion features plenty of end-of-the-season activities including on-mountain snow events and street parties. The best party of the year is held at the top of Vail Mountain on closing day – tentatively scheduled for April 15 this year – when many revelers arrive in costume to celebrate another great season. Other attractions include end-of-season concerts, Vintage SkiFest at Beaver Creek, and the World Pond Skimming Championships.

Since 1972, the Antlers has offered a unique Vail lodging experience in a relaxed mountain setting. The Antlers Vail condominiums – named Green Business of the Year by the Vail Valley Partnership Success Awards – is also proud to be a Green Star rated property. With condominiums ranging from studio suites up to four bedrooms and plenty of space to spread out, each room at the Antlers offers all the comforts of home including fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, outdoor balconies, free Internet access and free parking in a heated indoor garage. The Antlers Vail is conveniently located in the Lionshead area of Vail with numerous restaurants, galleries and shops within walking distance, and the free Vail town shuttle stops just footsteps away. For more information, call 1-800-843-8245 or visit the Antlers web site at www.antlersvail.com.

Media Contacts: Rob LeVine, General Manager, Antlers at Vail, [email protected], 970.476.2471; or Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, [email protected], 307.734.5335

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5 Reasons to Enjoy Vail’s Early Season Snow

Antlers at Vail’s Early Tracks Package offers excellent value on lodging, lift tickets

Enjoy early snow, great deals at the Antlers at Vail hotel
Photo by Jack Affleck

Vail, Colorado — June 30, 2011— The Antlers at Vail hotel’s new Early Tracks Package (November 18 – December 15, 2011) offers a four-night, four-day stay-and-ski deal with the fourth night free. The Antlers offers a variety of room sizes/prices starting at $599 per person for 4 people in a 2-bedroom condo – and the price includes four-day lift tickets for each person! Colorado skiers and boarders know that the early season brings great snow deals without the crowds. Need more convincing?

Top 5 Reasons Why Vail’s Early Snow Season Rocks

1. Be among the first to lay tracks on the pristine new snow (like in this video).

2. Enjoy early season deals on lift tickets, equipment rental and lodging.

3. Fewer crowds = shorter lift lines = more runs.

4. Preview the season’s latest ski equipment when it’s brand spankin’ new.

5. Enjoy the bragging rights that come with being one of the first to experience Vail Mountain!

Since 1972, the Antlers has offered a unique Vail lodging experience in a relaxed mountain setting. The Antlers Vail condominiums – named the ‘Green Business of the Year’ by the Vail Valley Partnership Success Awards – is also proud to be a Green Star rated business. With condominiums ranging from studio suites up to four bedrooms and plenty of space to spread out, each room at the Antlers offers all the comforts of home including fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, outdoor balconies, free Internet access and free parking in a heated indoor garage. The Antlers Vail is conveniently located in the Lionshead area of Vail with numerous restaurants, galleries and shops within walking distance, and the free Vail town shuttle stops just footsteps away. For more information, call 1-800-843-8245 or visit the Antlers web site at www.antlersvail.com.

Media Contacts: Rob LeVine, General Manager, Antlers at Vail, [email protected], 970.476.2471; or Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, [email protected], 307.734.5335