Tag Archives: ski

National Plan For Vacation Day Deals & Special Offers

Studies consistently show that utilizing paid time off is a practice that will help you maintain work-life balance, reduce stress and allow you to recharge. But, the benefits don’t stop there. Upon returning from vacation, employees show higher productivity, stronger workplace morale and it leads to greater employee retention. Learn more from Forbes →

Unfortunately, encouragement of PTO usage is not the current business trend. The US Travel Association and its subsidiary, Project: Time Off, estimate that 662 million vacation days go unused annually by American employees. On January 30th, National Plan for Vacation Day, Americans are invited to turn the tide by planning their vacation time for the rest of the year.

Several of our properties are offering flash deals for 24 hours on January 30th in order to encourage the use of ALL vacation days by Americans by the end of 2018 and to support the Project: Time Off campaign. We hope you take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to plan out a healthier year and have an unforgettable vacation to look forward to at one of our renowned locations.

The following deals are all subject to availability and will only be offered for 24 hours on January 30th, 2018 (with the exception of the Big Sur Lodge).

Big Sur Lodge

47225 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Take a trip to the gorgeous west coast for a remarkable experience in one of California’s most celebrated vacation destinations, Big Sur. The Big Sur Lodge will be offering up to 35% off their cozy accommodations nestled deep in the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Spend your time off basking in the tranquility of this beautiful redwood cathedral. PLAN YOUR VACATION ⟶

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Echo Bluff State Park

34489 Echo Bluff Drive, Eminence, MO 65466

Escape the pressures and stresses of the workplace, retreat to the serenity of Echo Bluff State Park and the beauty of the internationally admired Ozarks. For all of Plan for Vacation day, reserve two or more nights and get 20% offPLAN YOUR VACATION ⟶

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National Park Inn and Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier National Park

National Park Inn – 47009 Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304
Paradise Inn – 52807 Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304

The only thing better than visiting one of the most overwhelming spectacles in the United States, is doing it at a discounted rate. The Paradise Inn and National Park Inn are offering 20% off room rates PLUS a one-day complimentary snowshoe rental at their unbelievably fascinating location in Mount Rainier. PLAN YOUR VACATION ⟶

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The Lodge at Breckenridge

112 Overlook Dr, Breckenridge, CO 80424

Spend your vacation days in awe of the magnificent Rocky Mountains and beauty of its surrounding natural splendor. The Lodge at Breckenridge treats its guests with convenient proximity to the graceful Colorado environment and to the quaint town of Breckenridge. The Lodge will be featuring a 20% off discount for two or more night reservations between April 8th and June 14th, 2018. PLAN YOUR VACATION ⟶

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Bear Mountain Inn

3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986

With its extraordinary historical background, exceptional views and exciting year-round activities, Bear Mountain Inn is the perfect location to spend your valuable time-off. Flee the city work life and immerse yourself in relaxation with their special Plan for Vacation Day deal: reserve two nights and receive 20% off! PLAN YOUR VACATION ⟶

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Giants Ridge

6329 Wynne Creek Dr, Biwabik, MN 55708

Spend your PTO cooling off on the sleek slopes of Minnesota’s most acclaimed skiing and snowboarding destination. Giants Ridge provides exceptional Iron Range winter adventures for every level of outdoor enthusiast. Exclusive $35 adult and $25 kid lift tickets will be offered to be enjoyed for the remainder of the ski season. PLAN YOUR VACATION ⟶

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Boating In DC

The Wharf Boathouse – 690 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Key Bridge Boathouse – 3500 Water St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Boating in DC activities offers paddlers two captivating experiences renowned throughout the metropolitan area – The Cherry Blossom Paddle at the Wharf Boathouse and the Cherry Blossom Tour at the Key Bridge Boathouse are featuring a free 1-hour kayak rental for every reservation made to these two mesmerizing tours. PLAN YOUR VACATION ⟶

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Unforgettable Thanksgiving Vacation Ideas for 2017

Don’t you just love the tireless cooking and tedious preparation that is required for your incoming Thanksgiving Day guests? You don’t? Maybe it’s time to try something different! Take all the stress out of your Thanksgiving holiday this year and indulge in a beautiful family getaway to one of these five legendary locations for an unforgettable feast.

Giants Ridge

6329 Wynne Creek Dr, Biwabik, MN 55708

Giants Ridge is the number one Minnesota family vacation destination and a super hub for outdoor winter recreation. As the Midwest’s top-rated ski and snowboard hot-spot, Giants Ridge offers 35 downhill ski runs and over 60 KM of the finest-groomed Nordic ski trails and snowboarding parks in Minnesota. Spend Black Friday skiing down these gorgeous slopes and burning off the calories from your festive Giants Ridge dinner the night before.  LEARN MORE ⟶

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Echo Bluff State Park

34489 Echo Bluff Drive, Eminence, MO 65466

Echo Bluff State Park is secluded from the distractions of the digital age in the heart of the uniquely beautiful Missouri Ozarks. There are more than 30 total miles of scenic wilderness trails where you can get the full Echo Bluff experience. After spending Thanksgiving Day exploring the stunning local scenery, return to the Betty Lea Lodge for an epic holiday meal at the Creekside Grill before retiring to your acclaimed contemporary accommodations. LEARN MORE ⟶

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National Park Inn at Mt. Rainier

47009 Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304

Mount Rainier is an iconic destination for world class explorers, photographers, hikers, mountain climbers, and adventurers. It’s also an unbelievable location for families to escape 14 thousand feet above sea level and onto an active volcano. The views are extraordinary especially under a blanket of ivory snow. Discover all that Mt. Rainier has to offer and then retreat to National Park Inn for their delicious annual dinner. Treat your family to a once in a lifetime Thanksgiving experience. LEARN MORE ⟶

 

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The Lodge at Breckenridge

112 Overlook Dr, Breckenridge, CO 80424

Voted one of the best hotels in Breckenridge by The Daily Summit, this award winning Lodge will treat you and your family to an overindulgent Thanksgiving buffet with an awe inspiring Rocky Mountain view. Breckenridge itself was voted the #1 place to visit in Colorado, #1 Best Ski Destination and #2 Best Small Town to Visit in the USA by usnews.com. You are practically guaranteed an itinerary full of great family activities and never ending Coloradoan fun. Spend the day in an adrenaline-filled state flying through a winter wonderland and then refuel with their beloved Thanksgiving buffet. LEARN MORE ⟶

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Bear Mountain Inn

3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986

Escape the contemporary Thanksgiving of New York’s concrete jungle to the natural fall splendor of Bear Mountain. After you spend the day exploring and indulging in the remarkable, seemingly endless reaching views of the Mountain, retreat to the historic Inn for their annual Thanksgiving buffet in the Perkins Ballroom. Spend the night there and beat the rush to the Woodbury Commons Outlets for the Black Friday deals in the morning or for another day of enjoying the wonderful State Park. LEARN MORE ⟶

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Giants Ridge to operate under single management

Eveleth, MN: A contract has been finalized under which Guest Services, Inc., in partnership with Billy Casper Golf, will manage all Giants Ridge operations, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) Commissioner Mark Phillips announced today.

Effective May 1, 2017, Guest Services, Inc. and Billy Casper Golf will oversee all Giants Ridge operations, including golf, ski, rental, retail, concessions, and facilities.

Giants Ridge in Biwabik includes two 18-hole championship golf courses, hiking trails, award winning bike trails, alpine and nordic ski operations, wedding, banquet and conference facilities. More than 100,000 visitors enjoy the many offerings at Giants Ridge each year.

Giants Ridge - Biwabik, MN
Giants Ridge – Biwabik, MN

Existing contracts with multiple vendors for golf, ski, rental, retail, food and beverage, and other operations, expire April 30, 2017.

During the month of April, a transition will occur from the current multi-vendor operational model to the new model. The transition comes following 18 months of studies involving numerous stakeholder groups about ways to make Giants Ridge more efficient and more successful.

IRRRB will continue to own all Giants Ridge physical assets and property.

“Giants Ridge is the crown jewel of the Iron Range. This is an operating model and partnership that provides Giants Ridge with new opportunities to grow and attract more visitors and investment,” said Phillips. “Guest Services has an excellent track record of delivering the top level of customer experience. IRRRB will continue to own and invest in Giants Ridge to ensure it remains a premier destination and a key contributor to the region’s economy.”

For each dollar invested in Giants Ridge, 1.6 dollars goes back to the local economy, creating a more than $43 million multiplier economic impact, according to a 2016 Giants Ridge Economic Impact Analysis performed by THK Associates Inc., of Aurora, Colo. Giants Ridge employs more than 150.

“We are proud to officially launch our new partnership with IRRRB, and we look forward to delivering spectacular visitor services and experiences at Minnesota’s #1 Family Vacation Destination – Giants Ridge,” said Scott Shepherd, Chief Commercial Officer at Guest Services, Inc.  “Our very unique corporate culture and our Recreation Area first operating mentality perfectly situate our firm to commit the most to the iconic properties we’re privileged and honored to steward.  It’s also very important to our firm to provide meaningful local jobs that offer great benefits.”

“Billy Casper Golf was built through golf innovation, superior customer service, and unparalleled industry expertise,” said Mike Cutler, Senior Vice President of Billy Casper Golf. “We look forward to our partnership with Guest Services, Inc., and delivering the ultimate customer experience to Giants Ridge visitors.”

The new www.GiantsRidgeCareers.com website will debut this week to effectively communicate transition updates, list available employment opportunities and details for how to apply.  Representatives from Guest Services, Inc. and Billy Casper Golf will also be on site this week to meet current employees, begin the employment transition process, as well as conduct a career fair for any remaining (available) positions.

 

About Guest Services, Inc.

For over a century, Guest Services, Inc. has earned the reputation as a premier hospitality management company and national and state park concessioner that has taken great care and pride in delivering best-in-class food, lodging, retail and recreation services. The Fairfax, Virginia-based company and its subsidiaries employ over 4,000 valued team members at more than 300 properties, which welcome approximately 35 million guests annually across the United States. Guest Services, Inc. is proud to welcome guests at the award-winning DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Naples, The Lodge at Breckenridge, Mount Rainier National Park, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and, iconic state park lodges such as the Bear Mountain Inn in New York, Big Sur Lodge in California and Echo Bluff State Park Lodge – Missouri’s newest state park in the Ozarks.  To learn more visit www.guestservices.com.

About Billy Casper Golf

Billy Casper Golf is one of the largest privately owned golf course management companies in the U.S., with nearly 150 properties in 29 states.  Headquartered in Reston, Va. – with regional offices across America – BCG has more than 25 years of results-driven expertise.  The company specializes in full-service course management as well as assistance in specific segments of the golf business, including course and property maintenance, staffing and training, career growth, clubhouse operations, food and beverage, merchandising, golf instruction, marketing and public relations, special events and financial management. To learn more visit www.billycaspergolf.com.

IRRRB is a state economic development agency headquartered in northeastern Minnesota whose mission is to promote and invest in business, community and workforce development for the betterment of northeastern Minnesota. To learn more about the agency and its services, visit http://mn.gov/irrrb/. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/IRRRB.

For more information, please contact:
Sheryl Kochevar
Communications Coordinator, IRRRB
218-735-3021
Sheryl.Kochevar@state.mn.us

Contact Information for Guest Services:
Liz Gerber Morris, Director of Sales & Marketing
239-593-3339
morrisL@guestservices.com