VAIL: ECONOMY AFFECTING SALES
Season pass sales and advance bookings are down, Vail Resorts Inc. officials are saying, and it's because even ski resorts aren't immune to a struggling economy, the Rocky Mountain News reported. The company, which owns and operates four Colorado ski resorts and one in California, adjusted its forecast downward for earning in fiscal 2009 vs. the record profit and revenue results posted for fiscal 2008. "We have certainly begun to see the impact of the current economic softness during these unprecedented times," said Vail CEO Rob Katz.
AVON: WESTIN IS GREEN
Among all the green-washing talk in today's construction industry, the Westin opened its doors last week to become the first luxury resort in Colorado on track to be LEED (Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, the Rocky Mountain News reported. Among its notable features is a roof made of recycled tire rubber, seaweed employee uniforms, VIP parking for hybird drivers and more than half of the construction in the $500 million resort was recycled or salvaged. The 19-acre resort also marks a turning point for Avon, which is putting money into turning its cluttered downtown into a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly urban center.
TELLURIDE: BRIDAL VEIL FALLS MAY OPEN TO CLIMBING
The iconic and dramatic waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls, outside of Telluride may open to ice climbing after its closure because of property and insurance issues, the Telluride Daily Planet reported. What has been called one of the most difficult waterfall ice climbs in North America has been shut to the public in the winter because the access has been held privately. But, as San Miguel County officials close on a piece of land that could grant public access, they're hoping that the landowner, Idarado Mining, around the falls will be able to work out coverage through its insurance company too. The county learned that its insurance company was willing to provide insurance that would cover any possible litigation, which could make it possible.
