Company Guarantees Snow

September 30, 2000
By Bruce Lewis
OF THE RECORD STAFF -- Park City, Utah

Calling it a first in the industry, lodging giant ResortQuest International has begun a program guaranteeing snow conditions.

Local corporate entity Resort Property Management will be participating in the guarantee program.

"We have so many winter resort properties spread throughout the country that our clients will be able to find good snow," said Vicki Gaebe, who works for ResortQuest in Park City.

If the snow conditions at the booked resort are unsatisfactory to the guest for any reason, the guest may ask for comparable accommodations for the same time-period at one of ResortQuest's other ski properties. Based on availability, ResortQuest will transfer the reservation at no additional cost.

"No questions asked. If the guest doesnt like what they see in snow conditions at one location, they can transfer their deposit monies to another one of our properties and not lose anything," Gaebe explained.

A number of local properties allow guests to withdraw reservations and obtain a refund of their deposits if a certain percentage of terrain or a certain number of lifts arent open at local ski areas.

"Rather than canceling their ski vacation and doing something else, this program allows them to continue their ski vacation in a different location with better snow," Gaebe explained.

The companys snow guarantee applies to guests who have reservations with arrivals through Jan. 7. The guarantee allows guests to make last-minute changes to their winter plans without forfeiting deposit money or paying a cancellation fee. Guests may change plans one week before the reservation or at any time during their trip. The snow guarantee allows one change per trip.

Under the snow guarantee, ResortQuest will try to find new accommodations for its customers at 10 of its locations in the West. Customers have to arrange transportation to the alternate location.

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