As the present economy has greatly affected the progress of many companies across the country and globe, some are navigating these troubled waters thanks, in part, to strong online marketing efforts.  Vacations Inc, a vacation rental management company in Winter Park, Colorado has placed internet marketing at the top of their marketing mix for the past several years, and their inventory is growing because of it.  Vacations Inc manager Brian Lence recognizes their success in this crucial area.  “Owners are gravitating towards us because of our strong internet presence,” he writes.

Vacations Inc has been a client and partner of Blizzard Internet Marketing for the past 5 years, relying on them for website design, Search Engine Optimization, and web marketing.  Since 2005, they have benefited from a 58% increase in annual website visitors, and search queries in Google find Vacations Inc ranking in position:

“    #1 for “Winter Park Lodging”
“    #3 for “Winter Park Vacation Rentals”
“    #1 for “Winter Park Vacation Homes”
“    #2 for “Winter Park Rentals”
“    #1 for “Winter Park Condos”

That level of market leadership online has been very effective for the company, as well as the home owners that they represent.  Their impressive Search Engine rankings coupled with an enticing new website design is not going unnoticed.

In the last economically troubled year alone, Vacations Inc has added a handful of coveted properties to its Winter Park vacation rental inventory.  Cabins at Porcupine Ridge is an immaculate 4 bedroom, mountain style home in the Winter Park Ranch neighborhood.  The Winter Park Tennis Club offers exceptional views of the valley, an indoor pool, and game room for the kids.  Waterside West is another beautiful condo development offering the privacy and convenience of a home away from home. Trademark provides comfort and space all within a short walking distance to the ski area.  These properties and more have found a place among the Vacations Inc inventory in 2008.

Two years ago, Winter Park Resort stepped in at the last minute to host the 2007 USCSA National Championships due to inadequate conditions at the event’s original location. Almost as soon as the event was over, the Resort put in a bid for 2009 and was duly awarded with the contract.

Also two years ago, Vacations Inc was chosen as one of the official lodging companies to accommodate the athletes, their families and friends during this event. Once again, Vacations Inc has been selected to provide lodging for this year’s Championships, to be held March 3-9, 2009.

The United States Collegiate Ski & Snowboard Association (USCSA) is the sports federation for collegiate team ski racing and snowboarding in America. Athletes can be part of a team at any college in the United States. The USCSA has alpine, cross country and snowboard collegiate competition programs and assures that student athletes of all levels and abilities should have access to a quality and exciting venue of competition.

In excess of 178 colleges from coast to coast, field some 4,700 men and women, alpine, cross country and snowboarding athletes in over 200 race events annually. Competition takes place across three progressive tiers. Conference qualifiers determine the participants at the six USCSA Regional Championships. The Regionals are the last step on the road to the annual U. S. Collegiate Skiing and Snowboard Championships, the showcase event in college ski and snowboard competition. It is anticipated that in excess of 1,000 visitors, comprising 500 athletes and their coaches, families and friends, will descend on Winter Park this March for ten competitions across the alpine, cross-country and snowboarding disciplines.

Vacations Inc is proud to offer some of the best lodging deals for the athletes and their families, coaches and dignitaries for the duration of the championships. Referring to Vacations Inc’s involvement in 2007, Judy Sullivan, USCSA Event Coordinator, singled out Melissa Morrow - Vacations Inc Group Coordinator - for special praise in saying, “how much I appreciated how easy and how reasonable you made housing for our Nationals last year. Thank you for all your help, but most of all thanks for making everything so easy”.

This year, Vacations Inc is looking for a repeat performance, and according to Judy, lodging rates “reflect incredible price breaks just for USCSA. Melissa is aware of the special problems we face and has said that she can be flexible in working with USCSA teams and parents regarding payments, tax exempt status, bedding requirements and tuning rooms”.

Rates start at just $104.00/night for 1-bedroom condos, $140.00/night for 2-bedroom units and $187.00/night for 3-bedroom condos which represent savings of 35% on regular prices! For specific unit availability, to make a reservation or for more information, Melissa may be reached by calling the special USCSA Nationals toll-free hotline, 1-866-685-9876, or by e-mailing melissa@vacationsinc.com.

Brian Lence, President of Vacations Inc says, “We are delighted that Vacations Inc has once again been selected as a major lodging provider for this event. We have forged a very close relationship with the event coordinators and personnel at the USCSA and were thrilled to learn of the Nationals’ return to Winter Park so soon after the last event here. Vacations Inc has developed a solid history of catering to the specific needs of visiting teams, coaches and families coming to Winter Park for organized competition, and we are thrilled to be given the opportunity of playing our part once more. Two years ago I said that “to have so many young and talented athletes in our midst has been refreshing and energizing”. I am looking forward to more of the same in three weeks’ time.”

Vacations Inc is the largest and longest established rental management company in Winter Park, Colorado having provided private vacation rentals in the Winter Park & Fraser Valley for over 36 years.

Winter Park Ski Vacations – Simplified
Vacations Inc 9000 Feet above the Ordinary A new ski season is upon us and it’s finally time to plan that much anticipated Rocky Mountain winter getaway. Our best advice is to keep things simple and stress free. From lodging to lift tickets, lessons to gear rentals, Vacations Inc is available to manage the details!

Vacations Inc. offers a wide selection of Winter Park vacation rentals throughout the valley, including some of the most coveted properties in the region. Whether catering to large groups, families, couples, or individuals, Vacations Inc is certain to have the ideal vacation cabin, condominium, or home rental to suit the needs and preferences of the even the most discriminating visitor.

Vacations Inc employs a friendly and experienced reservations team to:

• Reserve lodging
• Book transfers from Amtrak or Denver International Airport
• Purchase lift tickets prior to arrival
• Reserve ski & snowboard lessons

Even gear rental is simplified!
Vacations Inc has a convenient and exclusive arrangement with Epic Mountain Sports for ski and snowboard rentals. Located behind the Vacations Inc check-in office in downtown Winter Park, Epic Mountain offers excellent service and a wide selection of snow gear for rent, purchase, or demo! Repair services, overnight tunings, group packages, and even ski delivery is available for guests. Of course, Vacations Inc will gladly book and liaise with Epic Mountain for the convenience and rental needs of their guests.
Vacations Inc 9000 Feet above the Ordinary

Vacations Inc is committed to ensuring a simplified Winter Park ski vacation. Leave the stress at home.

Bear Crossing - Brand new Winter Park Development for 2007

Vacations Inc. welcomes a brand new location to their portfolio of premier property rental units. Bear Crossing promises to be one of Winter Park’s finest neighborhoods, with luxury 3 and 4 bedroom town homes just 1 mile from downtown Winter Park.

Bear Crossing epitomizes mountain living at its finest. Efficient and functional floor plans maximize view potential and reflect the beauty of the surrounding natural environment. High quality finishes are standard throughout each unit. Amenities include a gourmet kitchen with granite counter-tops and stainless steel appliances, gas fireplaces in the living room and the master bedroom, a private outdoor hot-tub, and spectacular views of the Continental Divide. Every detail, from private balconies to hardwood floors and solid wood cabinetry, reflects a luxury mountain residence.

Bear Crossing borders open space, the Arapaho National Forest, and the famous Winter Park trail system that offers unlimited biking, hiking, and snowshoeing potential. Most Winter Park tourists take part in a variety of these local area activities, and will be pleased to know that there is a free shuttle bus system that passes within 125 yards of the entrance to the Bear Crossing complex. It is simply a short walk to the bus pick up area should guests opt for the shuttle over private transportation to the ski area.

Vacations Inc forecasts that Bear Crossing will become one of the most sought-after locations in Winter Park by summer and winter vacationers alike. Brian Lence, Vice President of Sales & Rental Management, says: “I have been following the Bear Crossing development since it was first unveiled by the developer back in March of 2005, with the hope that one day we might be able to offer this property to our guests. I am thrilled that this vision has now come to fruition, because Bear Crossing exemplifies everything that our “Premier Properties” program is about. These are units of the highest quality, and will be instrumental in helping create a most memorable winter or summer vacation experience for the discerning traveler”.

Visit our Bear Crossing Complex Page for more information on these new premier properties.

Winter Park is featuring an impressive summer concert series lineup this year, with everything from free concerts in downtown Winter Park and Fraser to popular annual Jazz and Folk Festivals.

Enjoy free concerts in the town of Fraser with their Picnic in the Park Concert Series from 5:30 to 8:30 pm on Tuesday evenings throughout the month of July. From mid July throughout the month of August, the fun moves over to the town of Winter Park with free bluegrass concerts on Thursday evenings from 6-8 pm.

Dave Koz and friends are bringing their Friends at the Movies Summer 2007 Tour to the Winter Park Jazz Festival this year. Featured artists include Dave Koz, David Benoit, Phil Perry and Kelly Sweet. Visit the official Dave Koz website at http://www.davekoz.com for more information on the tour.

From June 29 through July 1, enjoy the Grand County Blues Festival, with a variety of artists and entertainment. To learn more about the Blues Festival and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.grandblues.org.

The Winter Park Jazz and Grand County Blues Festivals have moved to downtown Winter Park this year. Enjoy a short walk to the concerts, dining, and nightly club events from many area vacation rentals. Check out Music Fest details for concert pricing, artist info, and concert lodging packages.