[[FullName]]:

Hello everyone!!

Please be sure to forward this email on to anyone going on the trip to be sure that they got it.  It has EVERYTHING in it that you will need to know for the trip.  Please take a few minutes to read it over in its entirety.  Please print this email on Wednesday night (after it is fully updated the night before the trip) and bring a copy of it with you on the trip so you have it.  It is also posted on our website if you accidentally delete this email: http://www.phillytrips.com/page/480/

This is the final trip information before we leave for VAIL.  We have a great group of 48 people traveling with us.  Temps should be normal and snow should be flying!  Conditions should be great, but be sure to check the weather the day before we leave to plan accordingly on how to dress on the mountain.

As you probably know by now, we are expecting a substantial snowstorm for the Philadelphia area this Tuesday in to Wednesday.  Please see the info below for more information.

For communication on the mountain, it is a good idea to bring hand-held radios (information below) to communicate with each other on our own channel.  Cell phones should work out there, but hand-helds are easier from past experience.  See below for more information.

For those not aware or may have not skied out West before, it is recommended you get to the gym and spend some time on the treadmill.  Ok, maybe a little late for that, but try to get your lungs prepared the best you can - go outside for a few last-minute jogs this week or push yourself a bit more at the gym.  Also, drink lots of water when you are in Vail.  This will help greatly in fighting off altitude fatigue and sickness.  Water is really important - you cannot drink enough as it is very dry out there. (beer - water - beer - water is a MUST!)

We urge people to be friendly and introduce yourself to each other on the trip.  Every trip we have done has involved a GREAT group of people and everyone gets along really well going out to dinner together, etc.  There is a good chance that you will meet new friends and will keep in touch in Philly.  Bring some business cards if you got 'em...

If you have any questions, please just reply to this email.  We will see you Thursday!  GET EXCITED - we are.  :)

Josh & Dennis, Vail Trip Coordinators
http://www.PhillyTrips.com
Planning Group Travel for Philadelphian's!

*** DO NOT MISS YOUR FLIGHT OR FORGET YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE/PHOTO ID ***

:: EMERGENCY CONTACTS ::

Call Josh if you get injured, miss a flight, transfer, etc...  If you cannot reach Josh, please call Dennis.  We need to know that this has happened.  If something occurs and you think that we even MIGHT need to now about it or you are looking for what is going on at that time or later on, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL US.  We are here to to assist and make sure you have the best possible time that you can on the trip.

:: CELL PHONES AND TEXT MESSAGES ::

Please be sure that your phone accepts TEXT MESSAGES while on the trip.  It is the way we will communicate with the entire group at once for important trip updates (where to go at night, happy hour, apres ski, etc).  Please log in to your account online and make sure your Cell Phone is correct under "Personal Information" on the right side - do this right now if you can so we can start to communicate with you if needed.  You can login here: https://www.phillytrips.com/secure/login.asp

:: SNOWSTORM INFORMATION ::

To be proactive, we have reached out to our supplier to understand how the possible nor' easter this Tuesday in to Wednesday may effect our travel.  Until the airport is closed or our flight is canceled, it is business as usual.  We will do everything in our power to keep you informed.  Please keep your phone close by as we will send out text message updates as needed.

If in fact our flight is canceled or delayed, we will get you information as fast as we can.  You can still sign up for Travel Insurance if you want to (see details in next section).

:: TRAVEL INSURANCE ::

While not required for everyone to have, travel insurance is offered to all travelers and can be purchased up to 24 hours before you leave.  If you have to cancel the trip or are delayed, you can cover yourself and your vacation from any extra fees or inconvenience.  For more information and a free quote, please click here: http://www.phillytrips.com/page/473/

:: WEATHER IN VAIL ::

You can get the latest conditions (which are looking good!) here: http://www.VAIL.com

:: PARKING AT THE AIRPORT ::

We set up a special deal for everyone coming on this trip.  Park at Central Air Park, we will give you a pass to get you $5/day parking!  This is less than half the price of the airport parking lot.  It is just off of 95 and they have shuttles to take you right to the airport.  We park here for all of our trips and it is literally no-wait for shuttles, they come pick you up right at your car, and they even help put your stuff on the shuttle.  Here are the directions: http://www.centralairpark.com  You MUST park here to get the discount.  We will give you the discount coupon on the trip, just ask us for it.  You will use it when you leave the airport.

:: WHEN YOU GET TO PHILADELPHIA AIRPORT ::

If you are coming on the flight from Philly with the rest of the group, please arrive at the gate where our flight will be leaving from at least 2 hours before the plane leaves.  We want to try and meet and account for everyone that is to be on the flight.  This will give you your first chance to meet others on the trip.  We also want to give you your trip goodie bag & t-shirt.

:: CARRY-ON ITEMS ::

We all know that security check points have been very strict lately.  Be sure that you know what you can and cannot take on the plane... there is no use in getting anything thrown out.  Just put it in your checked luggage.  Click here for more information on carry on items: http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm  Here is another good article on Airport Security.

:: LUGGAGE ::

As you know, US Air has baggage fees.  For Luggage Details & Questions, please see here: http://www.phillytrips.com/page/483/

:: AIRLINE TICKETS ::

For those of you we purchased airfare for, your information has been submitted to US Air.  We have eTickets, so all you need to do is show your driver's license or passport when you get to the air port to check in.  DO NOT FORGET YOUR WALLET, PURSE, AND/OR DRIVERS LICENSE/PASSPORT WHEN GOING TO THE AIRPORT!!!!  You will not be getting on the plane.

Be sure to get to the airport at least 2-hours ahead of the departure time to account for lines, etc.  You can get your frequent flyer miles at the airport at check in.  For info on baggage requirements, please see our page on PhillyTrips.com: http://www.phillytrips.com/page/483/

:: FLIGHT INFORMATION :: DO NOT MISS THE PLANE!!! ::

If we set up airfare for you, our flight information can be found on our website here: http://www.phillytrips.com/page/472/  Be sure to check the US Air website to see if the flight is delayed, etc before leaving for the airport.  In the event of an issue, we will contact everyone via text message immediately with updates. 

:: DENVER AIRPORT - BUS TO VAIL ::

Arrove Stage Lines will be transporting us from Denver Airport to Vail.  Upon arrival at the airport, please proceed to baggage claim to get your items.  After everyone in the group has retrieved all of their luggage, we will take a quick roll call before we get on the bus.  PhillyTrips.com will take care of coordinating with the bus company, you need not do anything besides wait and the baggage claim area with the group until we give you information on where to go with your bags to get the bus. 

If you are NOT using our airfare, but your flight comes in before ours, we can get you on the shuttle.  Please let us know in advance if you have not done so already that you want to take our shuttle so we can make sure to check you in.  Please go to our baggage claim area and call Josh to meet up.  There is a $20/way fee to ride our shuttle that you can pay to Josh or Dennis on the bus.

We will make a 30-Minute Grocery/Beer/Liquor stop on the way to Vail if you want to pick up a few things.  Remember, these are hotel rooms, not condos.  They do not have cooking facilites in each room, so buy things you do not have to cook only.

:: IF YOU MISS THE GROUND TRANSFER ::

If you miss the group transfer, please go to the Ground Transportation Desk in the airport to arrange the transfer.  They will set up an individual transfer for you to the resort.  Please keep in mind that this transfer is not included in the trip cost.  DO NOT MISS YOUR FLIGHT!  If you do, call Josh to let us know ASAP.

:: OUR HOTEL - THE EVERGREEN LODGE ::

We are staying at The Evergreen Lodge, a hotel in a great Vail location.  Breakfast is INCLUDED each day (only for our group, not normally for guests).  Full Details can be found here: http://www.phillytrips.com/resort-hotel/132/60/  If you have specific questions about Evergreen, please give them a call at (970) 476-7810.

:: WELCOME RECEPTION ::

On the day that we arrive, we have set up a welcome reception at 3:30pm with hot chocolate & light snacks in the hotel. Please be there.  This is when you will get your lift tickets and it is the first chance to meet the entire group.  You also will be able to speak to someone from Vail about the town, area, and the mountain.  After the reception, there is another welcome reception from 5-6pm with complimentary drinks.  After, go to the Vail 21 location (see Ski / Snowboard Rentals below) to get your rentals and get a bite to eat in town after.

:: HOT TUB & POOL ::

The hotel has a heated outdoor pool and oversized hot tub. {{Bring your bathing suits!}}  Technically, alcohol is normally not allowed in the area, but if we have it in cups or cans, we should have no problems - NO GLASS.  There is NOTHING like sitting in a hot tub after a long day of skiing - trust us!

:: SKI / SNOWBOARD RENTALS ::

If you need rentals, we have set up a 20% discount in Vail at the main place to get rentals.  You MUST sign up for rentals in advance online.  Full details can be found here: http://www.phillytrips.com/page/479/

:: CLOTHING ::

Going out in Vail - In Vail, jeans and a shirt/sweater are perfectly acceptable.  Vail is a ski town with great restaurant and bars.  Dress as you see fit - but bringing dressy clothing should not be needed!!  Remember to bring boots AND sneakers as it should snow...

On the slopes - Dress for the conditions!  Bring sunscreen, jacket, sweater, under-armor, etc... please check the weather before we go.  Dressing is layers in ALWAYS better to keep you comfortable... you can take a turtle neck off and still have other layers on - or add if it gets cold.

If you need any clothings, there are some amazing specials currently at The Ski Bum. Details here: http://www.phillytrips.com/page/477/

:: ABOUT VAIL ::

Here is info on some fun things to do if you decide to take a day off of the slopes... http://www.VAIL.com  Remember, it is CarniVail while we are there - more info here - FUN :: http://www.vail.com/events/carnivail.aspx

:: VAIL BARS/RESTAURANTS ::

Ok people... IT IS VAIL!!  There are over 100 bars & restaurants for you to frequent while you are there. Check out http://www.vailvalleydiningguide.com for a list of all the places - sushi, burgers, fine dining and more.... Many will be looking to go out at night - ask others if they want to join you.  Great way to get to know everyone.  *** From our experience, take it easy your first night in Vail to make sure you are ready for the slopes in the morning!!

:: HYDRATION ::

For those that have Camelbacks, it is highly recommended that you bring it with you to keep hydrated on the mountain.  Drink LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of water on the trip.  If you are drinking at night, order a beer or drink AND a glass of water.  ALWAYS DRINK WATER.  It is amazing how much it helps keep you alert and energetic when out on the mountain while fighting off altitude fatigue/sickness.

:: CUT YOUR TOE NAILS ::

Sounds silly, but make sure you cut your toe nails.  Want to make sure you do not ruin your trip with a hurting toe nail from jamming it on the front of your boot.  Yes, we are speaking from experience...

:: SKI LEVELS ::

We encourage people with similar skiing abilities to spend time together on the mountain.  Feel free to ask each other how good of a skier/boarder they are when on the shuttle, at the welcome reception, or out at night.  It makes for a very fun day when you can ski with now people who are the same ability as yourself.  For those that have never skied out West, you should be able to do more advanced terrain than if you were on the East coast.  The trails are usually wider and with much softer, better snow.  So, typically you should be able to handle a steeper terrain than normal since your edges will actually hold you.

:: APRES SKI ::

Each day after the slopes, we will pick a good spot (and TEXT you) for everyone to meet up for Apres Ski, or HAPPY HOUR at the mountain base area!  This is typically a fun time and highly recommended each day, even if you just want to have a hot chocolate.

:: GOING OUT OF BOUNDS ::

On a slightly more serious note, those of you that are thinking about heading out of bounds at Vail, BE PREPARED.  Be sure that you have the required items before you venture out.  It could save your life.  Please view this blog article for more information: http://blogs.westword.com/ontheedge/2010/01/first_avalanche_death_of_the_y.php

:: THE SKI BUM ::

For those that want to gear-up for the big trip, the Ski Bum has offered our group an amazing discount you should take advantage of for the trip.  More info here: http://www.phillytrips.com/page/477/   You MUST to bring that coupon in from our website (click the link) to get the discount.

:: WALKIE TALKIE RADIOS ::

:: BARS, CLUBS, and NIGHTLY PARTIES ::

Each night, there will surely be groups of people going out in town for dinner and drinks after.  Talk to people on the trip during the day, at lunch, at the hot tub, etc.  Give Josh a call to see where everyone should be heading.  We will communicate with you via text message for what's going on that night.  We will have places to go that will be expecting us - nights are always a great time with the group!

On Monday night, our last night in Vail, we will organizing a group dinner for everyone.  While not required, this is a always a VERY fun time and a great way to wind down the great trip with everyone.  The dinner location will be announced when we are on the trip.  It will be pay-for-your-own meal and the reservation will be for our entire group. Please try to make it!

We encourage everyone to go out together other nights, but this night we would like to have the entire group together.  You can always call Josh or Dennis for details.

:: CHECK OUT OF HOTEL & SHUTTLES BACK TO THE AIRPORT ::

The bus will be on site starting at 5:45AM on Tuesday.  Departure is at 6:15AM from the hotel to the airport.  You will be required to check out of the hotel room and take the keys to the front desk along with your luggage by 6:00AM.  The bus will leave promptly at 6:15AM for the airport.  DO NOT, we repeat, DO NOT be late for the bus!!!!  You can sleep on the bus ride to the airport.

As always, if you have ANY questions, please feel free to reply to this email and we will promptly get back to you. SEE YOU TUESDAY!  Think Snow (for VAIL, NOT Philadelphia!)