50 YEARS OF AUSSIES TO ASPEN

ASPEN SNOWMASS HAS BEEN #1 FOR AUSSIES HEADING TO AMERICA FOR A LONG TIME. WE ARE THEIR #1 SOURCE OF INTERNATIONAL SKIERS TOO. FROM CELEBRITIES AND BILLIONAIRES TO REGULAR SNOW HOLIDAY TRAVELLERS, IT OCCUPIES A UNIQUE PLACE IN OUR SKI HEARTS.

THE REASON FOR THAT HAS A LOT TO DO WITH ONE MAN, DAVID WITHERS, WHO PUT IT ON THE ITINERARY OF HIS NASCENT TRAVELPLAN SKI HOLIDAYS BUSINESS BACK IN THE 1972-73 SEASON.

FROM A TRIAL TOUR BACK THEN, OVER 26,000 HAPPY CLIENTS HAVE FOLLOWED. TO SHOW THEIR THANKS, THE CITY OF ASPEN PROCLAIMED A ‘DAVID WITHERS APPRECIATION DAY’ ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY ON FEBRUARY 23RD.

Fifty years ago there were basically two main types of international snow travel: the working holiday for the impecunious, with Europe, especially Austria, the favoured destination; or, for the better off, tours to Europe or North America, often accompanied by tour hosts. NZ was barely on the radar, Japow not invented. Catering to the latter group, Wither’s knew he had to meet his client’s high expectations.

After three years of European tours he took a punt on the USA, with a trip to Aspen and Vail spending a week at each resort.

Vail was the cheaper option then, with more modern accommodation, but from the get go the feedback was the clients preferred Aspen, which had had a 20 year head start on Vail as a ski resort and benefited then (and now) from being an original historic town, not being 100% purpose built.

Travelplan added Steamboat as a third option not long after, but more and more clients just preferred Aspen. And preferred to stay there for their whole trip, rather than have to pack and travel between resorts.

That preference for the longer stay has become the hallmark of Aussie snow travel to a lot of places now. Early on, the accommodation operators and the lift company started to appreciate that fact. Compared to the local market who, however well-heeled, tended to come for just a few nights, it became obvious to smarter hotel and apartment operators that instead of having gaps in their bookings they could fill up for longer with the ever growing numbers of Aussie guests. The popular and ideally located - next to the gondola on Aspen Mountain -North of Nell apartments are a good example.

Withers was proactive in suggesting ways to maximise that to benefit the operators and the clients. Which was pretty much the start of the now widely accepted and hugely popular long stay discounts. Pay 10, stay 14 nights, etc. Plus the lift company came to the party with some great longer stay deals, which now run up to the SKI30 pass for 30 days skiing at Aspen Snowmass’ 4 mountains, plus a bonus 2 days in 2023 season at Thredbo.

The need to secure flights meant earlier booking was always a feature, and not surprisingly the best deals became linked to Early Bird cut off dates, which is still the case today. The whole ‘Early Bird’ ski holiday deals concept really began with Travelplan at Aspen all those years ago, and continues today, spread widely across the industry.

Post the Covid hiatus, demand is strong - right back to pre-pandemic levels, Withers reports. But airfare gouging played havoc with bookings last season. Business class fares were up to five times as much as previously, and economy fares also much higher. As airline capacity rebounds and demand spreads, hopefully the situation will improve for winter 202324. More than ever, booking early will help.

Wither’s success was based on an amazing work ethic. I know; he contracted my design business to do their snow brochures for several years 20 odd years ago, and the 3AM phone calls when he remembered an extra deal or something to include were frequent. He was ever the perfectionist.

The City of Aspen and the Aspen Ski Co. put on a much deserved big celebratory bash for him in February - they have received over 26,000 direct clients from Travelplan bookings.

We wish him all the best and hope he keeps traveling to Aspen for many years to come. Son Toby now runs the business, but I’m sure dad still has the odd bit of advice for him.

Our advice is, to paraphrase the legendary Warren Miller, every year you don’t go skiing you’ll be a year older when you do.

Ditto for going to Aspen - you really should go check it out. — Owain Price

More at Travelplan.com.au

There’s simply nowhere else like Utah. From mesmerizing hoodoo formations to towering rock arches to world-famous, powder-packed peaks to steep and deep canyons, it’s the sort of place you’d expect to have to travel to the ends of the Earth to find. Yet it couldn’t be easier to get to. Skiers know this better than anyone. The new international airport that’s 10 minutes from exciting downtown Salt Lake City delivers you to a skier’s paradise that’s home to 15 major ski resort destinations, 10 of which are within a one-hour drive from the airport!

Three of those downhill ski resorts (the appropriately named Powder Mountain and Snowbasin, plus Nordic Valley) are reached through the historic railway hub of Ogden. The city manages to mix rustic ruggedness with hip urbanity, nowhere more so than on the vibrant

25th Street, an eclectic main street scene that you won’t find in any other ski town. The magical time warp effect of this Old West town that has become new again adds an unbeatable element to any ski vacation.

Further south, Brian Head Resort is perfectly positioned to catch a full nine metres of annual snowfall. With a base elevation that’s the highest in all of Utah, you know the dry, light snow that Utah is famous for abounds at Brian Head. The mountain’s 71 runs are split evenly between beginner, intermediate and expert terrain, so there’s something for everyone at Brian’s Head.

BRIAN HEAD–UTAH’S FAMILY-FRIENDLY SKI PLAYGROUND

Brian Head Resort is an unforgettable winter getaway. Located just 90 minutes of Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, here’s a one-ofa-kind ski destination with short lift lines and Utah’s highest base elevation; all within a three-hour drive of the glamor of Las Vegas. Brian Head is a laid-back western town with easy access to snowmobiling, ice skating and snowshoeing. Being close to multiple national parks makes it easy to extend your vacation, packing your itinerary with extraordinary sites and experiences.

Plan your trip at brianhead.com

International Airport and only 15 minutes from the iconic Park City, sits the burgeoning town of Heber Valley, Utah. Former site of the 2002 Winter Olympics biathlon and cross-country ski events, home to three expansive state parks with miles of trails, and surrounded by mountain vistas, this quaint valley has become a distinguished destination for outdoor adventure. Summer provides hiking, biking, fishing, camping, river rafting, and ziplining. Winter offers snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skiing, dog sledding, and ice fishing–along with one of the world’s most amazing Ice Castles experiences. Come enjoy one of Mother Nature’s favorite destinations!

Discover the diverse dining, lodging, activities, events, and attractions in this alpine town. Here, we’ve coined the phrase “après all day” as the culture and lifestyle of Heber Valley invites guests to explore more, whether that be on a snowmobile or mountain bike, spa day or midday cocktails. With so much to do, see, taste, and experience, a visit to this beautiful mountain town leaves you longing for more.

The cool temps and dry warmth of summer is a perfect blend for golf by day and stargazing by night. And known as a true winter wonderland, the valley becomes a skier’s paradise during the winter months. With the new Mayflower Mountain Resort opening in winter 2024/25, Heber Valley, Utah is becoming a top ski destination for many around the world. Now is the perfect time to plan a visit and discover Heber Valley for your next vacation, work trip, family reunion, or important destination meeting and event.