2014 Snow Bound Magazine preview

SNOWBOUND SKI AND BOARD PLANNING GUIDE

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Spring Breakaways Six top destinations for late-season frolics

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Midwest Medley

Heli Skiing Adventure

Wisconsin and Minnesota

Taking it to another level in the Canadian Rockies

速 Best ski resorts in Michigan,

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W IE V E E U R S P IS

Great Ski-Town Bars

Apres-ski favorites from Stowe to Steamboat Springs

jeff gayduk

SNOWBOUND SKI AND BOARD PLANNING GUIDE

Vol. 1, No. 1, 2014 Edition

Your Guide to Reaching 21st Century Ski & Snowboard Groups

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ith great pride I introduce Snowbound, the new publication for planning a ski & snowboard group vacation. Brought to you by the same folks that publish Ski & Ride, this exciting new annual guide and companion website will serve as a critical connection between ski & snowboard groups and ski resorts & destinations.

WHO GETS IT?

We’re targeting your best group prospects via print and digital circulation.

Next spring, 10,000 ski clubs, tour operators, travel agents and college/youth ski & snowboard groups will receive the inaugural edition in print. Electronically, we will deliver the digital edition to an additional 30,000 group prospects - covering leisure travel groups, reunions, school groups and churches.

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Editorial Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com

REACH NEW MARKETS!

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk

Thanks to our extensive distribution and advanced SEO practices, your message hits traditional and up-and-coming winter sports markets. If you’ve been waiting for the next wave of ski groups, look to Snowbound!

jeff@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com

Contributing Writers

INVITE 40,000 GROUP LEADERS FOR A SITE INSPECTION

Showcase your best assets with included editorial. Your print & online Site InSpection includes all the reasons why groups should choose you. The larger your ad, the larger your Site InSpection (see following samples). Industry studies have shown that content sells as well, or better, than placement ads – with Snowbound, you don’t have to choose, we package them together for you.

Flip through this mock edition to learn the advantages of this new publication and see exactly what your Site InSpection will look like. Then visit us online to learn the rest of the story.

Special introductory rates are available, with early-bird savings through November 15. Contact us today with questions or to reserve your space.

Sincerely,

Cindi Brodhecker Rachel Gilmore Vanessa Day Daniel Morrill

Director, Design & Production – Robert Wyszkowski rob@ptmgroups.com

Advertising & Sales – Justin Roach justin@ptmgroups.com

Advertising Sales Office Phone: 630.794.0696 advertising@ptmgroups.com www.ptmgroups.com

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The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos or manuscripts.

SNOWBOUND is published annually by Premier Tourism Marketing, Inc., 621 Plainfield Rd., Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. Postage paid at Willowbrook, IL and Lebanon Junction, KY. The magazine is distributed free to religious group travel organizers and travel suppliers catering to the market. Single copies for all others is $9.95.

Send Address Change to: Premier Tourism Marketing, Inc. P.O. Box 609, Palos Heights, IL 60463

Jeff Gayduk, Publisher 630.794.0696 Jeff@ptmgroups.com

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publication

All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

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SKI AND BOARD PLANNING GUIDE

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CHARTERING A BUS FOR YOUR GROUP

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you book your own motorcoach instead of going through a tour operator, be an informed consumer and know what questions to ask. Safety, quality, customer service and affordability are among the criteria in choosing the right company.

Whether you are chartering a bus for a day trip or longer journey, reserve it as soon as you know the dates. Availability is at a premium during spring break, for example.

The bus industry is made up of more than 3,000 local and regional companies across the U.S. and Canada. There are no national charter bus companies.

You can go online and find motorcoach companies that serve your town or the flight arrival destination. Also check with fellow teachers and the school district to see what bus companies they have used.

It’s advisable to get price quotes from at least three companies. Because of the variables involved, initial contact should be by phone. The company will provide a written quote via fax or email. Local trips are typically priced by the hour, longer trips (averaging more than 300 miles a day) by the mile.

Keep in mind that the cheapest option is not always the best one. Cutting corners on price could mean cutting corners on safety and quality.

WHEN DEALING WITH A MOTORCOACH COMPANY, ASK THESE QUESTIONS:

❑ How long has your company been in business? ❑ What is the average age of your fleet? ❑ How many motorcoaches do you operate? ❑ What about driver training and safety?

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❑ What is the passenger capacity of the various types of buses available? ❑ What onboard amenities are offered (i.e. restroom, video/audio equipment, tables, shades/curtains)? A public address system with a microphone is a must. ❑ Are food and beverages allowed onboard? ❑ What about taxes and additional charges? In most states there is no sales tax for chartering a bus. Companies may impose a fuel surcharge during periods of fuel price volatility. ❑ Does the price include parking, tolls, driver’s tip or driver’s hotel room? The standard driver gratuity is 10%. You need to book the driver’s room, but for large groups the hotel often will comp the driver’s room. ❑ Are there any additional charges I may be billed for following the trip? ❑ How much of a deposit is required? The average deposit, according to busrates.com, is 22%, but it says the current trend is to require 100% payment upfront. ❑ When is final payment due? Typically, it’s due 10 to 30 days before departure. ❑ What is the cancellation policy? Most companies allow you to cancel without penalty 14 to 30 days before travel. ❑ What is the procedure in the event of a breakdown?

It’s advantageous to deal with a company that has a large enough fleet to replace your coach in case of serious problems. ❑ How does the company handle a faulty air-conditioning unit or public address system? snowbound.com

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SAFETY AND FINANCIAL CONCERNS

A reliable motorcoach operator will be in compliance with government regulations. The American Bus Association (ABA) offers these guidelines:

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Motorcoach companies must have federal operating authority if they cross any state or provincial lines, and should be able to offer you that proof, which is issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or Transport Canada.

Many states and provinces also require that a carrier obtain authority for interstate operations.

❑ Ask for a current insurance certificate that provides a minimum of $5 million in liability insurance coverage.

❑ All U.S. drivers are required to have a current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a “passenger” endorsement printed on the license itself. CDLs are only issued after drivers have demonstrated their abilities through on-road skills and a knowledge test. ❑ Long or quick-turnaround trips may require an extra driver to adhere to federal hours of service safety requirements. (Operators cannot drive more than 10 hours following eight consecutive hours off-duty.)

Ask if the operator is a member of any industry associations, such as ABA and United Motorcoach Association (UMA).

For customer service ratings on most bus companies, contact the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org). ❉

❑ Ask for the carrier’s U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. Carriers are required to have the number clearly displayed. By using that five- or six-digit number, you can view the carrier’s safety and insurance information on the DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website (www.safersys.org). ❑ All U.S-based motorcoaches must be inspected annually. Ask the company about inspection and bus maintenance. Does the company have its own maintenance facility?

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orthern Michigan’s Boyne Mountain is home to an array of winter sport activities and the largest indoor water park in Michigan, Avalanche Bay. Located outside Boyne City, this Swiss/Austrianstyle getaway offers more skiing and snowboarding terrain than any other Michigan resort.

Boyne City, this Swiss/ Austrian-style getaway offers more skiing and snowboarding terrain than any other Michigan resort. Boyne City, this Swiss/ Austrian-style getaway offers more skiing and snowboarding terrain than any other Michigan resort.

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BOYNE MOUNTAIN SLOPE TO SLOPE

four guests. Additional lodging options at Boyne include condominiums, townhouses, cabins and villas.

North of Boyne Mountain, along Lake Michigan is Boyne Highlands and The Inn of Bay Harbor, which also offer lodging. Both are part of Boyne Resorts, the owner of Boyne Mountain.

The resort offers 60 runs, seven terrain parks, a superpipe and 14 acres of ski/snowboard beginner areas among its 415 acres of terrain. Boyne offers terrain for all abilities, with 29% for beginners, 41% for intermediates and 30% for expert skiers and boarders. Boyne’s longest run is Cold Springs (green), GETTING HERE & GETTING AROUND stretching one mile. Two of Boyne’s most difficult slopes include Devil’s Dive and Nose Dive, both located near the Boyne Mountain Airport is located at the resort, adjacent mountain’s peak. The resort has 10 chairlifts, including a sixto the Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa. This is a specialty place, high-speed lift and two magic carpet conveyor lifts. airport for guests with private planes. It has a 5,200-foot paved Terrain parks include Meadows Terrain Park, Chmielewski runway with no landing fee or reservations necessary.

Park and Funland & the Fitz’s Progression Park. For The closest airports for guests flying on public airlines are experiencing the silence and solitude of the winter woods, Harbor Springs Municipal Airport (about 20 minutes from Boyne Mountain Cross Country Center has 22 miles of trails.

INCLUDED WITHMountain Resort) and Cherry Capital Airport, one Boyne Boyne has a 750-foot tubing run with five lanes. There are hour and 20 minutes away. also ski racing programs for all ages and ability levels. For Boyne Mountain is 185 miles (three-hour drive) from Grand those new to the slopes or looking to perfect their skills, lesRapids, 250 miles (three hours and 40 minutes) from Detroit sons are available at Boyne’s SnowSports Academy. and 340 miles (five hours) from Chicago. Cherry Capital Airport has direct flights to Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland and ACCOMMODATIONS Denver offered by United Express, Delta and American Airlines.

Indian Trails Charter Bus in Boyne Falls offers daily servBoyne’s most popular four-star hotel is Mountain Grand ices through the Boyne area. The bus stop is less than one Lodge and Spa. It has 220 hotel rooms as well as one-, mile from Boyne Mountain, and the resort offers complimentwo- and three-bedroom suites, all connected to Avalanche Bay tary shuttle service to/from the bus stop. indoor water park. Mountain Grand is steps from the village ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT center and ski base area.

Clock Tower Lodge is located slope side for quick access Boyne Mountain provides guests with a variety of dining to the resort. Its hotel rooms can accommodate up to five choices. Everett’s, located in the Mount Grand Lodge, serves guests. Amenities include Stein Eriksen’s, a restaurant with an assortment of American-style dishes. The restaurant is steak and seafood specialties; Snowflake lounge, offering open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Trophy Room Pub drinks and dancing; and Boyne’s ice rink. & Pizzeria in Clock Tower Lodge has specialty pizza and Edelweiss Lodge sits atop Victor run, making it the clospasta dishes. est hotel to the slopes. The rooms can accommodate two to

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Eagle’s Nest, located on the top of Boyne Mountain, is accessible by chairlift and offers a BBQ menu. Kilwins Chocolates & Ice Cream, a sweets shop selling ice cream and homemade fudge, is located in Boyne Mountain’s Resort Village. These are just a few of the dining options that Boyne Mountain has to offer.

The mountain has an array of shopping boutiques, including Boyne Country Sports, Geschenk Laden Gift Shop, Del Sol, Made in Michigan and Spielladen Toy & Candy store.

Boyne City, a 10-mintute drive from the mountain, has additional shopping available.

Annual events at Boyne Mountain include Carnival Weekend (March), with a line-up of daily events; Skitoberfest (October), a kick-off of sports season with food, rides and live performances; and Zip of Terror (October), a self-guided night tour of Boyne Mountain’s zip lines. Guests can also enjoy skating at Boyne Mountain’s outdoor ice rink, open during the winter INCLUDED WITH season and located behind the Clock Tower Lodge.

Boyne Mountain provides guests with a variety of dining choices. Everett’s, located in the Mount Grand Lodge, serves an assortment of American-style dishes. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Trophy Room Pub & Pizzeria in Clock Tower Lodge has specialty pizza and pasta dishes.

The mountain has an array of shopping boutiques, including Boyne Country Sports, Geschenk Laden Gift Shop, Del Sol, Made in Michigan and Spielladen Toy & Candy store. ❉

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Boyne Mountain Resort One Boyne Mountain Road Boyne Falls, MI 49713 Phone: (231) 549-6000 www.boyne.com

BOYNE. What are you up for?

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WINTER VACA VACATION TION PACKAGES PAACKAGES Experience a variety of outdoor activities, indoor adventur es and events to celebrate the adventures winter season at BOYNE’ BOYNE’ss northern northern Michigan resorts! resorts!

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BOYNE.COM BOYNE.COM | 800.GO.BOYNE 800.GO.BOYNE SKI AND BOARD PLANNING GUIDE

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ammoth Mountain Ski Area, in eastern California, resides in the Inyo National Forest along the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Not only is it the highest elevated ski resort in California, Mammoth also has the longest ski season in North America— from November to June.

Mammoth Mountain offers excellent dining options, top-notch lodges and hotels, and well-kept ski slopes and facilities, plus dozens of festivals and special events throughout the year.

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MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN SKI AREA SLOPE TO SLOPE

Mammoth Mountain Inn lies 9,000 feet above sea level.

The inn is slope-side to the Main Lodge and just steps away from Yodler Restaurant & Bar and Mountainside Grill.

Offering hotel rooms and condos, Mammoth Mountain Inn is the best lodge for quick access to the slopes.

For a more nature-filled and rustic atmosphere, Tamarack Lodge offers private cabins on the shores of the Twin Lakes.

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails are right outside your door at Tamarack’s XC Resort. The lodge has studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins.

Mammoth offers terrain to challenge all abilities, with 25% of the trails dedicated to beginners, 40% to intermediates, 20% to advanced and 15% to expert skiers and boarders. One of Mammoth’s most difficult slopes is Hangman’s Hollow, situated at the summit’s top elevation—11,053 feet above sea level.

The resort’s 150 trails, spread over 3,500 acres, allow for plenty of ways to explore this winter wilderness. At Tamarack Ski Center take the 19-mile cross country trail to explore the scenic backcountry of Mammoth’s Lakes Basin.

GETTING HERE & GETTING AROUND Tubing at Woolly’s Adventure Summit provides six tubing INCLUDED WITH lanes for racing or taking it slow. There is also a snow play Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is a four-and-a-half-hour drive area for building snowmen, forts and igloos. With thousands of from Sacramento and five-and-a-half hours from San Franacres of snowmobile trails to indulge in, Mammoth Snowmocisco. In the summer, you can make the trip through Yosemite bile Adventures outfitter offers two-hour, three-hour and fullNational Park from San Francisco for a truly scenic drive. day tours. Mammoth has three terrain parks for learning and The closest airport is Mammoth-Yosemite Airport in practicing tricks—Park Disco for beginners, then Forest Trail Mammoth Lakes, about 13 miles from the resort (25-minute and Main Park, the most advanced. drive). Los Angeles has daily flights to Mammoth-Yosemite Mammoth’s 28 lifts (including nine quads, two six-packs Airport via Alaska Airlines year-round. There are also direct and three gondolas) and 68 RFID gates eliminate wait time at flights from San Francisco, San Jose, Orange County and lifts and allow guests maximum time on the slopes.

San Diego airports.

The Eastern Sierra Transit Authority provides public transACCOMMODATIONS portation services year-round within the Eastern Sierra region.

Tour operators including Higher Ground Adventures, Pacific Mammoth has four main lodging options. The Village Lodge Sports Tours, Sierra Ski & Rafting, XTC Tours and Bus2Mamis set amidst the shops, bars, restaurants and activities in the moth provide trips for individuals and groups to Mammoth. heart of town. It offers studios as well as one-, two- and threebedroom condos.

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT Juniper Springs Resort is Mammoth’s mountain-side condominium hotel. It has studio, one-, two- and three-bedMany dining options await skiers after a day on the slopes. room condos and townhouses. The resort has complimentary Yodler Restaurant and Bar at Mammoth Mountain Inn shuttles to Mammoth-Yosemite Airport and Eagle Lodge.

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features classic pub-style dining. The inn’s Dry Creek Bar has great views of the ski areas. The Lakefront Restaurant at Tamarack Lodge is famous for its French cuisine and finedining atmosphere.

The Village of Mammoth is the heart of town and offers many casual dining options. They include Bear Creek Pizza Den, a dine-in or take-out pizza parlor; Lakanuki, a tiki-themed bar and dance club; and Boards, a restaurant embracing the California lifestyle—surfboards, snowboards, skateboards and wakeboards.

INCLUDED WITH Mammoth Ski Museum has a large collection of ski art and literature showcasing the history of ski culture. Catch a movie at Minaret Cinemas, 15 minutes from the resort off of Old Mammoth Road. The town of Mountain Lakes, just east of the Mammoth Mountain, has clothing boutiques, ice cream parlors and sporting goods stores.

M

ammoth has four main lodging options.

The Village Lodge is set amidst the shops, bars, restaurants and activities in the heart of town. It offers studios as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom condos.

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Annual events at Mammoth include Night of Lights (December), a winter light show against the backdrop of Mammoth’s ski slopes, and Mammoth Invitational (April), a weekend of friendly competition in skiing, riding, sledding and more that includes the U.S. Ski Team and other pro athletes as coaches. The Mammoth Ice Rink opens in December for public skating and lessons.

After a day of shopping, eating, boarding and exploring everything Mammoth has to offer, enjoy a relaxing soak at Little Hot Creek or Whitmore Hot Springs, located just 10 minutes east of Mammoth-Yosemite Airport. ❉

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area 10001 Minaret Road Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 Phone: 760-934-0745 www.mammothmountain.com

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MAMMOTH IS CALIFORNIA’S TOP MOUNTAIN RESORT! With 28 lifts spanning 3,500 acres, there's plenty of terrain for everyone. $QG ZKHQ \RX JHW \RXU ¿OO RI ÀRDWLQJ RQ RXU ´ RI KLJK HOHYDWLRQ SRZGHU H[SORUH WKH ZRUOG FODVV GLQLQJ DQG VKRSSLQJ RIIHUHG LQ RXU VNL WR PRXQWDLQ YLOODJH all before ending your day in one of our four on-mountain resort hotels. &DOLIRUQLD¶V EHVW ELJ PRXQWDLQ UHVRUW H[SHULHQFH DZDLWV \RX :LWK GLUHFW ÀLJKWV IURP 6DQ Francisco, Los Angeles and other cities, or a ground transfer IURP 5HQR 0DPPRWK LV FORVHU WKDQ HYHU

Just one call for group rates in lodging, lift, rentals, lessons, transportation, meals and more!

800.400.MTNS (6867) 5#.'5"/#//16* /60 %1/ Å– /#//16*/1706#+0 %1/ FACILITIES UNDER PERMIT FROM INYO NATIONAL FOREST.

teamboat Ski Resort, nestled in the Rocky Mountains of northwest Colorado, is located on Mount Werner at a base elevation of 6,900’ above sea level. The mountain range consists of five peaks—Pioneer Ridge, Sunshine, Thunderhead, Storm and Christie Peak. Covered with champagne powder, the driest and fluffiest snow you’ll ever experience, Steamboat has an annual snowfall of 350 inches and 240 days of sun per year.

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STEAMBOAT SKI RESORT SLOPE TO SLOPE

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ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT

Steamboat offers areas for skiers and boarders of varying abilities, Whether you want to indulge in an extravagant meal or prefer with 14% of the trails dedicated to beginners, 42% to intermediates something quick and easy, Steamboat has a collection of bars and and 44% to advanced/expert skiers and boarders. The resort has restaurants on the mountain. Lincoln Avenue in downtown Steamfour terrain parks—Lil’ Rodeo (beginner), Rabbit Ears (intermediSprings is filled with restaurants, night spots, clothing boutiques INCLUDED boat WITH ate), Maverick (advanced) and Maverick Superpipe (expert). The and art galleries. Strawberry Park Hot Springs, 10 miles north of resort’s 165 trails are spread over 3,000 acres. There are 10 miles Steamboat, is an outdoor mineral spring that offers a relaxing of classic cross count ry trails and seven miles of snowshoe trails. atmosphere after a long day on the slopes. Other local attractions Sixteen lifts with a capacity of 41,465 skiers per hour allow guests include hot air balloon rides, sleigh rides, jeep tours, helicopter maximum time on the slopes. rides, snowmobile tours, tubing and horseback riding. ❉

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ACCOMMODATIONS

The resort offers a variety of lodging options on- and off-site. Two of the top hotels on the mountain, less than a mile from the slopes, are Sheraton Steamboat Resort Hotel and The Steamboat Grand Hotel. Also available are on-site condominiums and homes managed by independent companies. For an off-site stay, downtown Steamboat Springs has many hotels, bed and breakfasts and lodges one to three miles from the resort.

GETTING HERE

Ï & GETTING AROUND Steamboat is 160 miles northwest of Denver (three-hour drive). The closest airport is Steamboat/Hayden Airport in Hayden, about 30 miles from the resort (40-minute drive). Shuttle services are available. American, Delta, Frontier and United provide air service to Steamboat.

United Express offers daily flights from Denver into Hayden Airport.

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It falls. You go outside and play in it. You become 12 years old again.

Pure joy. How else can you explain the ear-to-ear grins that peek out from under the goggles? Perhaps

THIS ISit’s because the YOUR snow here is different. It’s light 1/3 PAGE and dry and fluffy AD and pure. In a word, it’s perfect.

Daily nonstop jet service from Chicago to

Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation 2305 Mt. Werner Circle Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 Phone: (970) 879-6111 www.steamboat.com/

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Steamboat on American Airlines starting Dec. 15!

steamboat.com 877.267.2628

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