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MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: THRU: DATE OF MEMO: MEETING DATE: RE: Mayor and City Council Don Taylor, Director of Finance Jim True, Assistant City Attorney Steve Barwick, City Manager June 1, 2009 June 9, 2009 Alternatives For Additional Funds for Local Marketing REQUEST OF COUNCIL: Direction as to which alternative to pursue to raise additional funds for local mazketing or to not pursue additional funds at this time. PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: City Council received a request from ACRA for $15,000 in funding in order to prepare documentation for creation of a Local Mazketing District (LMD). The LMD would be a special district that would assess a 1 % lodging tax to fund local mazketing. City Council asked staff to investigate what was necessary to form a district and as an alternative, report on the alternative of an additional 1 %mazketing tax assessed by the City (not the district). Much of the legal work has been done by counsel hired by ACRA. However, staff is comfortable that if it is the direction of Council, staff can assist in the completion of the creation of the district. BACKGROUND: The City currently funds local marketing through an existing '/:% lodging tax. The city contracts with the Aspen Chamber and Resort Association to provide the mazketing services which is focused on the non winter time periods. Comparisons to other Resort communities show, in general, that Aspen allocates less to promoting itself. Attachment A shows the existing tax rates and amounts applied to Mazketing and promotion for select cities in Colorado. Since the economic downturn some aze questioning if Aspen is devoting enough to this effort. ACRA began exploring alternatives for raising additional funds for mazketing and settled on formation of a Local Marketing District. The Local Mazketing District would assess a 1% lodging tax that would raise approximately $1,000,000. The proposed local marketing district boundary is shown on attachment B. Page 1 of 3 DISCUSSION: There aze considerations, pros and cons to consider for each of the two approaches for raising additional funds for marketing. These are listed out below. Tax Implementation Administration City council would enact an ordinance directing that the question be placed on the ballot. An additional 1% lodging tax would have to be voted upon by all City voters. City would collect the tax and contract for mazketing services in the same manner that it does now. There would be no additional administrative cost. Budget is approved by City council each yeaz. LMD Petitions would need to be signed by the commercial property owners within a specified area (District) and they would need to represent at least 50% of the commercial property assessed valuation within the District. City Council would pass an ordinance directing the question be placed on the ballot confirming the formation of the District and authorizing the district to collect a I% lodging tax. Only registered electors residing within the District would vote on the question. The LMD would be a separate governmental entity. It would have a sepazate board of directors. Depending on the specifications within the Petition, the Board of Directors may be appointed by City Council or elected by the voters of the District. At this time the proposal is to have the board appointed by the City Council. Board members must be an elector within the District. Administrative costs aze estimated to be 7.5% or $75,000 per year. City Council would approve the operating plan for the District each year. Page 2 of 3 Revenue collections Franchisement Tax would be collected by the City in the same manner as the existing lodging tax. The revenue would receive the same auditing and follow- up that the city provides now. Revenue under the City tax would be greater as it includes all properties, not just those within district boundaries. All registered electors in the City would be entitled to vote on the lodging tax question. As this revenue source could be used for this or other municipal purposes there is an azgument that a City wide vote is appropriate. There is also an azgument that additional mazketing affects all citizens in some manner either positive or negative. Tax would be collected by the State and would apply to those properties and businesses within the district boundaries. Only registered electors living within the District boundaries would vote on the lodging tax question. An argument is that locals would not pay the tax and businesses aze the entities most affected by the implementation of the lodging tax. It may be easier to pass a lodging tax measure with a smaller voting population. FINANCIALBUDGET IMPACTS: The additional mazketing would be funded by the new tax and therefore no significant financial impact to the City. It should be noted that part of the City's limited tax base would be allocated to this purpose. RECOMMENDED ACTION: No recommended action. ALTERNATIVES: The third alternative to the others listed above is to do nothing or postpone the matter to the 2010 election or later. PROPOSED MOTION: Direct staff to proceed with one of the three alternatives. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: ATTACHMENTS: Page 3 of 3 ~ c ~ o o ~~ o 0 ~ ~ m vcn o u ~ ~ v c -, -~ ,~ -i~• o - G7 ~ cn~cn -i d x v c x ~ n> X N 3 X_ ~~~ ~ N ~p v ~ X ~ X ~ N ~ X . • ppj y ~ N 6 x U fD (D Z Z ~ N 01 N.+ p W Q c m• c frt1 ~ ~ N N ~ ~Q3-a r ~ ~ iv~ oo rv~~w C ~ ~ ~ fD O p ~ A OO O O ;s O flOCn~ O O O O ~ ~~ (0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 0 0 0 ~ o C co ~ ~ °' ~ ~ 3 ~ °..' 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I I ' •r i _, ; ~f ~ax'~ rv~~-i j ,~~ e. RI .6 "~ l.~ I /` ~ / i X41 ., ` _J i `. ~___.-. __.._.. l_ .~ .. Y O N C N 9 C N ___ ~ P X J" ASPEN C H A M B E R RESORT ASSOCIATION MEMORANDUM To: City Council Via: Don Taylor, City of Aspen From: Debbie Braun, ACRA president Warren Klug, ACRA chairman of the board cc: ACRA Board of Directors Aspen Lodging Association executive committee Date: June 4, 2009 Re: Alternatives for additional funds for local marketing Attachments: LMD Petition LMD Operating Plan LMD Planning Map BACKGROUND: The ACRA has been working in collaboration with the Aspen Lodging Association and the Chamber membership to come up with alternatives for stabilizing funds for destination marketing and to increase dollars available so that in a down economy we are not requesting monies from the general fund to help promote Aspen. As you recall in November of 2008, the City Council approved the $625,000 marketing budget, and by January 2009 the budget was revised based on economic conditions to $500,000. The council in the supplemental budgeting process, allocated an additional $325,000 to the marketing effort; $125,000 to "back-fill" and $200,000 to promote "affordable Aspen:' In the first quarter of 2009, ACRA and the ALA held a strategic planning summit, which reviewed four options for creating additional funding for marketing. The four options included a business improvement district, a local marketing district, an increase in the current lodging tax, or do nothing for the remaining part of the year. In May of 2009, ACRA requested funds from the City at a work session to move forward with the local Marketing District. The ACRA and the ALA had hired an attorney to help form the district's petition ballot language and work plan. We also hired a planner to draw the district boundaries and help create the valuation for said boundaries. The City Council asked staff at the May meeting to investigate what was necessary to form a district and as an alternative, report on an additional 1% marketing tax assessed by the City, rather than forming a district. In researching our four options, it became clear to us that the local marketing district was a natural way to proceed. Many of our competing resorts like Estes Park, Steamboat and Vail have successfully formed districts and the participatory process worked well for business owners and government officials. In the two- part process, we would be engaging with commercial property owners to sign the petition to form the LMD and then residents within the district to get it passed on the November 2009 ballot. While we are not opposed to the second option, an increase from the 1% lodging tax to 2%via a city-wide vote, it is our opinion that this can be a cumbersome process and potentially confusing to voters. In our initial research, residents felt that they could not bear higher taxes -even though this is a lodging tax, not a property or sales tax. They did not realize that of the current 1%tax only .59'o went to marketing; and they had many ideas on haw to split the money up to benefit other city services, bark beetles, transportation, open space etc... To be successful with either tax approach, a major education effort will be essential, remembering that this is a tax that NO LOCAL WILL EVER PAY. Getting the right information to the smaller district voter number will be more manageable, less costly, and potentially more successful than if we need to educate all voters in Aspen. The district as proposed includes approximately 700 registered voters. Our goal is simple, to reach a successful outcome while engaging with all the stakeholders. With the formation of the LMD we are setting the strategic framework needed to plan for the future of our resort. Our road map has the visitor at the center of all our initiatives, (and ultimately the money they spend in our community) and are recognized as integral to our overall economic health and community vitality. While there are certainly pros and cons for both approaches, one of our greater challenges is making the relevance of marketing Aspen understood by the local stakeholders. Visitors have choices of where they go and where they spend their money so travelers see the relevance ACRA provides. Today's economic landscape requires focus, commitment, and attention from every element of the community, if we expect to protect, maintain and grow market share. It is our hope that the Aspen City Council will recognize the work that has gone into the formation of a local marketing district, agree that it is good approach, and trust that ACRA and ALA will work towards a successful outcome. We are respectfully asking you to support our recommendation for the formation of a Local Marketing District. We believe it is the leadership of the Chamber, the Lodging Association and the City Council collectively that can bring forward to our constituencies an ideal way to combat the downturn. Awell-supported, fully-funded destination marketing organization can deliver an immediate return on investment to the entire community. DISCUSSION: Included in the City staff memo "discussion" are the pros and cons to each approach. We would like to add some clarification to the LMD portion. 1. Administration: Administrative costs for the LMD per the memo are estimated to be 7.5% or $75,000 a year. We believe that figure comes from the maximum allowed by statute and as an estimate and higher than required. Many of the administrative costs would be absorbed /shared with the current destination marketing program, therefore no need for duplication of accounting, administrative costs, etc... 2. Revenue collections: The City staff memo states that the revenue under the City tax would be greater as it includes all properties, notjust those within the district boundaries. for clarification, we have included all Aspen lodges (including the Meadows and Highlands) in the district boundaries, so we believe the tax collected will be the same, not less. The only property not in the boundary is the Inn at Aspen and once the district is formed, they can contract into the district. 3. Franchisement: The City staff memo states that, as this revenue source could be used for this or other municipal purposes; there is an argument that the city wide vote is appropriate. The current TPF resolution is very clear that the money must be used for marketing initiatives and not other municipal purposes. It was also noted that part of the City's limited tax base would be allocated to this purpose. It should be said that regardless of a LMD or increasing the existing tax, it is the same number, same tax. Either voting method "uses up" the same tax potential. RECOMMENDED ACTION: While the City staff has no recommended action, we are again respectfully requesting the Council move forward with the Local Marketing District, based on the submittal of a duly signed petition including s0% of the commercial property owners by valuation. PETITION FOR THL ORGANIZATION OF THE ASPEN LOCAL MAR%LPPING DISTRICT (~h'ID) The undersigned persons hereby petition fhe City Council of the Ciry of Aspen, Colorado for the organization of a local marketing district In support of this petition, petitioners state: 1) The name of the proposed district shall be the Aspen Local Marketing District ("ALMD" or "proposed district"). 2) The service area of the proposed district will consist of the area generally bounded by Main Street to the north, 5th Street to thewest, Cleveland Street to the east, and Aspen Mountain to the south, inchxting the commercial arras _ _ _ of the Aspen Meadows Resort and the Aspen Highlands Ski Area. The service area of the proposed district consists of approximately 186 acres, more or less. A map of the proposed ALMD boundary is attached hereto for reference. 3) The ALMD will be authorized to provide any and all services authorized by the Local Marketing District Act, including but not limited to coordinating tourism promotion activities. Services of the proposed district will be funded by a one percent (1 %) marketing a~ promotion tax, following voter approval of the same. 4) The names of three persons who represent the petitioners and who have power to enter into agreements reLLLing to the organization of the ALMD aze as follows: Name: Title: a. Warren IGrrg General Manager, Aspen Square b. Casandra Foister General Manager, Innsbruck Lodge c. Tim CL~rk Partner, Friar Properties 5) This petition is signed by persons who own commercial property in the service area of the proposed district having a valuation for assessment of not less than fifty percent of the vahration for agc~cmrnt of all commercial real property in the service area of the proposed district 6) This Petition is filed with an initial cash deposit in the amount of Five Huadred Dollars ($SOO.Ot-), an amount deemed sufficient to coves all municipal expenses connected with organizational proceedings in case the organization of the proposed district is not effected. 7) A copy of the ALMD's initial opeaaiing plan and budget (the "Initial Operating Plan"j has been submitted to the City ~ntempaaaneously with the submittal of this Petition, or will be submitted to the City prior to the required public hearings on the sufficiency of this Petition. 8) Petitioners hereby formally request that the Board of Directors of the ALMD have five (5) members, all of whom shall be appointed by the City, pursuant to and in accordance with Section 29-25-108(1)(b), C.R.S. WfIIItEFORB, petitioners respectfully request Ciry Council to approve the organization of the Aspen Local Marketing District, to approve the Initial Operating Plan, which document will include the ALMD's preliminary 2010 budget, to appoint the initial five (5) members of the Board of Directors of the proposed district, and to take such other and further actions as maybe necessary to effectuate the arga~ation of the AL14ID in accordance with the Local Marketine District Act and other applicable laws of the State of Colorado ASPEN LOCAL MA~tKF'TING DLSTRICT PETITION WARNING TT is AGAINST THE LAW: For anyone to sign this petition with azry name other than his or her own ~ to knowingly sign his or her name more than once for the same measure or to knowingly sign the petition when not eligible to do so. Do not sign this petition unless you own (or the entity on whose behalf you are signing, pursuant to a duly executed Affidavit of Authority or equivalent dowmect, owns) commercial real property within the boundaries of the proposed Aspen Local Marketing District, as shown on the map attached to this petition Do not sign this petition unless yon have read or have had read to you the petition in its entvcty and understand its meaning. Property Owner/Petitioner. Authorized Signature: Date of Signature: 2009 Street address andlor description of commercial real property located in the proposed Aspen Local Marketing District owned by Property Owner/Petidoner named above: Strect Address: Located in the City of Aspen, in the County of Pifkin, State of Colorado Petition Circulator Wilffiss: Sign and print name Poursignad~re must be witnessed by aNotaryPublrc un/ess you sign thisPetilioa to front of aPetilion t~irtxdator. Notarisation: STATE OF COLORADO ) ss. COUNTY OF PIITONN ) The foregoing petition signature was subscribed or acknowledged before me this 2009, by (owner (title, if appropriate) of (name of entity awning commercial real property, ifappropriate. My commission expires: [SEAL] Notary Public day of name) as AFFIDAVIT OF AUTHORITY Required if record title to commercial real prepeaty is held by a corporation, partnership, LLC, LLP, LLLP or any other entity that is nat a natural person I, (print name) do solemnly swear or affum that I hold the following office or title with (name of entity}, the record owner of commercial real property located wifhia the service area of the proposed Aspen Local Marketing District as more partirailarly descrrbed in the foregoing Petition, that I signed the Petition for the formation of said district on behalf of the owner of said property, and that I am authorized to sign the Petition on behalf of the said owner. Office/ Title Held: Petition Circulator Witness: Sign and print name Your srgnadrremust be wiinecsed by aNotoryPub/rc unless you sign thisPetiliorr in frourt of aPetrtion Cnrrdatar. Notarization: STATE OF COLORADO ) ss. COUNTY OF PTlKIN ) The foregoing signature was subscribed or acknowledged before me this 2009, by as title held) of My COmmicclOn eRplreS: [SEAL] (hPe of~0')- (name of _ day of (office / errtity), a Notary Public ARFIDAVIT OF CIRCULATOR STATE OF COLORADO ) ss. COUNTY OP P1TI{IN ) The undersigned, being a citizen of the US. and first duly swum upon oath, hereby affirms and states: I have read and understand the laws governing the circulation of petitions; I circulated the foregoing Petition for the organization of the Aspen Local Matketnrg District; each signature on said Petition section was affixed in my presence; each signature on said Petition section is the signature of the person whose name it purports to be• I was eighteen years of age or older az the time the Petition was circulated for signature and signed by Ste petitioners; that I have not pazd and wrIl not m flee future pay and I believe that no other person has paid or wiIl PaY+ direcflY or ~Y. ~Y money or other thing of value to any signet for the purpose of inducing or causing such signet to affix the signei s signature to the Petition; and I reside az the address set forth below. STATE OF COLORADO ) ss. COUNTY OF P1TItIN ) Signature of Petition Circulator Date of signature Please Print: Name of Residence Address: Street City T.rp Code County Telephone Notarization: The foregoing affidavit was subscribed and affimted, or sworn to, before me this day of . 2009, by My commission expires: [SEAT,] Notary Public S OPERATING PLAN AND BUDGET FOR THE ASPEN LOCAL MARKETING DISTRICT (2010) in the Ciry of Aspen, State of Colorado Submitted: June _, 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE DISTRICT .........................................................................1 2.0 COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DiRFC°mRC .............................................................2 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF DISTRICT' SERVICES .............................................................................3 4.0 I~TANCIAL PLAN AND BUDGET .......................................................................................4 5.0 ADMINLSTRATTON AND OPERATION ................................................................................4 6.0 MUNICIPAL OVERSIGHT OF DISTRICT ACI'TVITTFS ......................................................4 7.0 CONQ.USIODT_..... ............................. ...............:::.:.,...................................,:.:::.:::.::::...-5 EXHIBIT A Legal Description of Territory Within District ' EXHIBIT B Map EXHH3IT C District Services EXHIBIT D Proposed 2010 Budget OPERATING PLAN AND BUDGET FOR THE ASPEN LOCAL MARKETING DISTRICT 1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE DISTRICT 1.1 Introduction and Purpose. This Operating Plan and Budget for the Aspen Local Mazketing District (rite "District") has been prepared and submitted in accordance wish the previsions of the Local Marketing District Act, Sections 29-25-101 et seq., C.R.S. (the "Act"). The main purpose of the District is to promote the continued vitality of commercial businesses within the service area of the District (the "Service Area") by focusing on providing services in the following three main areas: {a) organization, promotion, marketing, and ..,",~.,e..,o.....r....s,r.,. a ...... n.~ ., development; and (e) cooninating tourism promotion activities (collectively, the- "District- Services"). The District, acting by and through its appointed Board of Directors, will work closely with those groups which caurentiy perform marketing activities. in and around the Service Area, including but not limited to the City of Aspen (the "City"), fire Aspen Chamber Resort Association ("ACRA"), the Aspen Ski Company ("ASC'~, Ski Aspen Snowmass ("SAS', and the Town of Snowmass Village ("TOSV'). The Service Area of the District consists of approximately acres and is located entirely within the City. The District is a Title 29, Article 25, Part 1 Local Mazketing District, and will be utilized to provide the District Services identified in this Operating Plan. The District Services w~71 not be provided unless and until voters approve a one percent (1%) marketing and promotion tag (the "District Tax") at an election held for that purpose. Cogently, it is anticipated that voters will vote on the question of the formation of the District and the authorization of the District Tax at an election to beheld on November 3, 2009. 1.2 Background The fomtation of the District is a critical step onward expanding and enhancing the current marketing activities undertaken by ACRA, ASC, SAS, TOSV, and other groups. Section 29-25-102(2), C.R.S. states that the creation of local marketing districts is a key component in ensuring the continued economic growth of the State of Colorado. The Service Area of the District, and the Aspen-Snowmass area, is the premier resort destination for visitors from within the State of Colorado, across the United States, and internationally. The creation of the District establishes a vehicle through which the Service Area and surrounding region is assured of visibility in an increasingly competitive international tourism mazketplace. 1.3 District Service Area. A description of the boundaries of the Service Area of the District (the "Service Area") is attached hereto as Exhibit A. A map depicting the boundaries of the Service Area is attached hereto as Exhibit B. 1.4. Ooeratin¢ Plan Contents. Pursuant to the provisions of the Local Marketing District Act, Section 29-25-101, et seq., Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, dlis Operating Plan specifically identifies (a) the District Services to be provided by the District, (b) the District Tax to be imposed by the District, and (b) such other additional information as the City may require. 2.0 COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2.1 Appointed Board. Electors. The Board of Directors of the District shall have five (Sl mrmMm 11 of h m h 11 M n..i 1. rh !L'n 8nt to again a66e1Fd~6e-wit]} Section 29-25-108(1)(b), C.S. All Board members must, by law, be electors of the District As set forth in the resolution organising the District, an °elector° of the District shall mean a natural person who is legally qualified to vote in the State of Colorado, who has complied with the registration requirements of the Uniform Election Code, and who: m Makes his primary dwelling place in tyre District; or (II) Owns commercial real property within the boundaries of the District; or (III) Is the natural person designated by an owner of commercial mat property in the District which is not a natural person to vote for such owner. Such designation must be in writing and filed with the City Clerk and the secretary of the District Only one such person may be designated by an owner. 2.2 Initial Board. The individuals who are to be appointed to the initial Board of Directors of the District are: 1) [~] 2) [insert] 3) [insert] 4) [insert] 5) [insert] 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF DISTRICT SERVICES 3.1 District Services. As set forth in Section 1.1 above, the District Services consist of services to be provided by the District in the following categories: (a) organization, promotion, marketing, and management of public events; (b) activities in support of busit~ss recruitment, management, and development; and (c) coordinating tourism promotion activities. The District Services are more particularly described in Exhibit C attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The Board of Directors of the District will, to the extent practicable, coordinate the District Services with ACRA, ASC, ASA and TOSV in order to avoid the duplication of services. 3.2 District Powers. In addition to the District Services described in Section 3.1, the District shall have all of the poweas of a local marketing district as described in the Act 4.0 FINANCIAL PLAN AND BUDGET 4.1 General Matters. Budeet The District's preliminary 2010 budget is attached hereto as Exhibit D. and is incorporated herein by reference. The specific line items identified in the budget, including 'basic marketing activities," "related marketing activities," "winter marketing campaign," and "group sales initiative" are further described in Exhibit C. Following organization of the District by resolution of the City Council and approval of the formation of the District and District Tax by voters at the November 3, 2009 election, the Board of Directors of the District will formally adopt a budget for 2010 irr compliance with the Colorado Local Government Bndget Law, including the required public notice and hearing before the Board of Directors of the District The Board shaIl take no formal action on the final 2010 budget unless and until voters have approved the formation of the District. The budgets for 2011 and subsequent years shall be incorporated into the District's annual Operating Plan submitted to the Ciry for review and approval as required by Section 29-25-110, C.RS. 4.2 Initial Election. The District shall hold an election on November 3, 2009 for the purpose of authorizing the formation of the District and authorizing the imposition of the District Tax. 4.3 District Tax. Contingent on the favorable outcome of the November 3, 2009 election, funding for the District Services will be provided through the imposition of a one percent (1%) marketing and promotion tax on the purchase price paid or charged to persons for rooms or accommodations as included in the definition of "sale" in Section 39-26-102(11), C.RS., and as further set forth and authorized pursuant to Section 29-25-112, C.RS. Revenues generated by the District Tax will be collected by the Colorado Department of Revemre (the "Department of Revemre" n};:~~~ ~ ' ""tiin~l~t,ashion, pursuant to and in accordance with Section 2 - - 6 C R S., m order that the Drstnct Services identified in this Operating Plan may be fended and operational beginning as early as calendar year 2010. In accordance with Secfion 29-25-112(1)(6)(11), C.R.S., the Department of Revenue shall perform an annual analysis to determine the net incremental cost of the collection, administration and enforcement of the marketing and promotion tax, and shall retain an amount determined to be necessary to offset said incremental costs, except that such amount may not exceed three and one-third percent (3.33%) of the amount collected in any year. 5.0 ADMINLSTRATION. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE 5.1 General. The District shall be responsible for providing its own administrative operations and the District Services. District Services will be performed by District personnel or by contract or agreement with other governmental or non-govemmental entities. Pursuant to Section 29-25-111(I)(j), C.R.S., the District shall be authorized to exercise all rights and powers necessary or incidental to or implied from the spec powers granted to local marketing districts 5.2 Fundin¢ of Administrative and Ooeratine Costs. The District's administrative and operating costs, including accounting and legal services, will be funded through the District Tax. As set forth in the preliminary budget attaohed hereto as Exhibit D. administrative and operating costs are expected to comprise approximately 7.596 of the District's overall budget The majority of District funds raised by the District Tax will be spent on the provision of District Services. 6.0 MUNICIPAL OVERSIGHT OF DISTRICT ACTIVITIES 6.1 Annual Operative Plan and Bud¢et. The District shall submit to the City by September 30th of each year, an annual operating plan and budget describing its proposed budget fot the next fiscal year in accordance with Section 29-25-110, C.R.S. This Operating Plan shall constitute the District's Qperating Plan and Bndget for 2010. The District shall submit its next operating plan and budget to the Ciry on or before September 30, 2010, and by September 30th of each year thereafter. 6.2 Inclusions and Exclusions. Any proposed inclusions or enclusions of territory into or from the District shall be accomplished pursuant fo and in accordance with Scetion 29-25- 113, C.R.S. 7.0 CONCLUSION It is submitted that this Operating Plan for the Aspen Local Mazketing District meets the requirements of the Local Marketing District Act and that the District Services identified in this Operating Plan are those services whic]t best satisfy the purposes of Part 1 of Article 25 of Title 29, C.RS., as required by Section 29-25-107(4), C.R.S. It is fiuther submitted that the formation of the Aspen Local Mazketing District has a demonstrable public purpose, in that it will support and promote the continued vitality of the commercial interests located within the boundaries of the Service Area by providing a vehicle through which tourism promotion activities and related District Services may be funded on an annual basis moving forward. The creation and continued existence of the District will ensure that the Service Area and the related region remains a visible world class destination and remains C(1mT1Prl tiyP in tPTmc of r~*+1+m a tn__'_et ~__. 1-• ^~'~'~-•~ ~- ~+ ~ - z r a ~a-~ ~r a-" marketplace. 5 EXHIBTT A General Description of District Boundaries The Aspen Local Marketing District is generally bounded by Main Street running east from Fifth Street to Monarch, but including half of the blocks north of Main Street between Garmisch and Second Streets; then north on Monazch past Clark's Market and inrl,,,tin 4h~ezA~pp3~emmersial-buil~;•,,•. •r,en-up-IV~ll-Strec~te thP-alle3~between Hopkins and Hyman, east down the alley to Original Street, south to Hyman and east again to West End, then north to Hopkins, east to Cleveland Street then south to Cooper Avenue. The boundary runs west on Cooper to Original, up to Lhe Avenue to include the Aspen Silverglow and Gant properties, then south to include the Aspen Alps properties, west along Aspen Mount ain to include the Shadow Moumain Condominiums, then north along Garmisch to Hyman, west along Hyman to include the St. Moritz, north on Third Street to Hopkins, west again to Fifth Street and north Main Street. The Aspen Local Marketing District also includes the commercial buildings at the Aspen Meadows and Aspen Institute, and the commercial buildings at the base of Aspen Highlands. Approximate area included totals 186 acres. A specific map. of the District Boundazies is attached. p~ LO ~F" u ~s s ~ t. "g:. n x ~~ . TF~ iiid ~~1 ~~. w~, Y ~ ry F 3 W t ~» ~^s ~~ ~ s ~_~. a ~a 8~ R -~ ~~8~". as ~,. i 9 ~ +M~ 7 ~~ y( P ~ '~ ' a ~~~"s~3~~f~ . °QIII'Ilf .,,~ e ij` ~.~ r. ~pE~. : ~ Q^ ' ~- E~G~ .. 'sy A 'p}'y 1 ~ t1' ~"' M y r x ~ SG' ~ _ i :~' ~'~ ~ ~. (~$ W ` . ~~.. h u l ~ w ~~~` _~ STREET ~ Fi y ~ ::.;v ;.. f ~'xR ~. ~ ~,-: t ... J4' t OND ST ' T STRE ~ ;'4 i,. i ' _ ~' .f~ ";... ~ 8 '~ ., :.. .= ... 6 si' . ,' mwn'! wfF r ~ OP ' ~~ Q 1 i ~- `' ~~ . [' ~`!Q. EXHIBIT C District Services The services to be provided by the Aspen Local Mazke[ing District are those certain services described in Section 29-25-111(lxe), C.R.S., as more particulazly described below: A. Organization, promotion, marketing and management of public events 1. Public and Special Events. The District will focus on funding special events in the Aspen downtown core aimed at adding vibrancy to the community and enhancing the visitor experience. The District may assist existing special events with organization, promotion, marketing, and management B. Activities in support of business recruitment, management, and development 1. Public Relations. The District will focus on increasing the travel budget to host more journalists and television crews in and around the City of Aspen for targeted stories. The District will also focus on increasing participation in the Colorado Tourism Office ("CTO") and other media events in key markets, which events are deemed to support business development within the service area of the District 2. Business Development Film Commission. The District will consider developing a local fihn commission aimed at providing resources and support for companies interested in filming in and around Aspen, which will develop business within the service azea of the District by generating revenue for local businesses and hotels. C. Coordinating tourism promotion actlvities 1. Basic Marketin~Activities. One of the primary purposes of the District will be to assist and interface with the Aspen Chamber Resort Association ("ACRA") to coordinate tourism pmmotion activities, including but not limited to the following: • Increase advertising budget (print and online) within targeted media o er y er markets such as Houston/Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Atlanta To the extent practicable, advertising funds will be allocated to maximize effectiveness by complementing advertising done by CTO and ACRA. Direct mail and email marketing campaign - to past visitors to the City of Aspen and surrounding area from the database of the Aspen Skiing Company ("ASC"), the Town of Snowmass Village ("TOSV"), Stay Aspen Snowmass ("SAS") and ACRA. Further pazticipation in CTO cooperative advertising opportunities and travel trado-show program EXffiBIT D 2010 Budget (preliminary) ASPEN LOCAL MARKETING DLSTRICT Revenues Marketing and promotion taxes[ Other Total: Expenditures Marketing Programs (Basic Mazketing Activities and Related Mazketing Activities) Public and Special Events, Public Relations Winter Marketing Campaign Gmup Sales Initiative Miscellaneous Management / Administrative and Operating Costs Legal Accounting /Audit Insurance Emergency Reserve Total: 2009 YTD 2010 and Budget ~Jce~ 0 1,000,000 0 0 0 1,000,000 0 500,000 0 150,000 0 150,000 0 75,000 20,000 50,000 0 8,000 0 8,000 0 2,000 0 , 30,000 0 1,000,000 ~ Estimated revenue based on proposed one percent (1',~) marketing and promotion tax imposed and collected in accordance with Section 29-25-112, C.R.S. ,~ r ~, ~, _ `6~ T I "~$ °' U L ~~ B ~ Y ' 6 ~ ~ ,l w •~ a ~'~Y i ;I C 3 ~~ '°s c ~ °~",9 ' o L a ' € ~* I ay. Js Q ~ ~~ ~, ~ o ° ` ~ 1 i ` ~ rn ~ :.+ c ~. 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' _ C `r\ 1 3 ~ d c ~ H ~ c ~ ~_.`_ d ~ ~ Y~ ~ ~ c e a ~' _o d n. CISRCCIIEEK~ PEN A C H A M B E R RESORT ASSOCIATION To: City Council From: Debbie Braun, ACRA president Julia Theisen, ACRA vp, sales and marketing Date: June 5, 2009 Re: Marketing Update-Supplemental Budget Attachments: Media Placements The supplemental budget (200k) allocated by the City of Aspen has enabled us to reach a broader audience both regionally and nationally and to launch new marketing initiatives that have substantially increased our campaign this summer. We have collaborated with the community and crafted summer promotions and our media pitch to make Aspen more accessible, affordable and consumer friendly in this competitive marketplace and tough economic times. Three summer promotions have been launched: Buy 3 nights, get 4; 50% off Wednesdays and the Aspen Summer Pass - which offers the summer visitors substantial discounts throughout the resort. We have had good participation from the community and we will continue to grow the promotions as the summer season progresses. The media pick-up on these promotions has been an enormous success. A story on affordable Aspen was pitched to the travel editor of Associated Press and "Aspen on a budget" ran in media outlets nationwide and internationally, including CNN.com, TravelandLeisure.com, Denver Post, USA Today, yahoo.com, and many other outlets in both print and online media. The supplemental budget also provided a much broader distribution of our summer promotions. The following is a highlight of marketing initiatives to date: Direct Mail -Attached is a glossy insert that was distributed in the New York Times Sunday edition on June 7`t'~ Distribution includes 160k households in 10 national markets -Denver, Albuquerque/Santa Fe, Phoenix, Tucson, Dallas/Ft Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, St. Louis, Kansas City, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Colorado Tourism -increased participation with CTO's cooperative advertising opportunities including advertising in their online newsletter which has resulted in over 2,500 leads to date. Targeted Media the ability to utilize targeted media outlets for specific audiences that have not been utilized in the past due to budget constraints. These include specific golf, adventure, arts and entertainment and family media. City Events -increased marketing campaign in Denver and Front Range markets for COA events including golf packages, Cycling Criterium and Rooftop Comedy Festival as well as marketing planned for upcoming events. Participation in the Cycling Criterium increased 65%, from 92 cyclists in 2008 to 151 in 2009. Drive Market -Hosted over 40 guests from 9 Colorado Welcome Centers throughout the state the weekend of June 5-7~'. These guests are now Aspen ambassadors for the more than 1 million people that visit welcome centers each summer in Colorado. Research shows that 80% of visitors at welcome centers have not yet decided on how they will spend their summer vacation. Email Marketing -we have increased our email marketing efforts to targeted lists. One email blast through Travel & Leisure /Food & Wine magazines resulted in over 500 leads. Public Relations TV Coverage Hosting a TV producer to shoot segment on "Affordable Aspen" in June to be aired on one or more of the following stations: WGN Chicago, CW New York and KTLA Los Angeles. Hosting AARP TV hosts Peter Greenberg and Martina Navratilova in July to film several segments about Aspen. Media Placements National coverage on affordable Aspen including our summer promotions -see attached spreadsheet for media coverage to date. PEN A C H A M B E R RESORT ASSOCIATION To: City Council From: Debbie Braun, ACRA president Julia Theisen, ACRA vp, sales and marketing Date: June 5, 2009 Re: Marketing Update -Supplemental Budget Attachments: Media Placements The supplemental budget (200k) allocated by the City of Aspen has enabled us to reach a broader audience both regionally and nationally and to launch new marketing initiatives that have substantially increased our campaign this summer. We have collaborated with the community and crafted summer promotions and our media pitch to make Aspen more accessible, affordable and consumer friendly in this competitive marketplace and tough economic times. Three summer promotions have been launched: Buy 3 nights, get 4; 50% off Wednesdays and the Aspen Summer Pass - which offers the summer visitors substantial discounts throughout the resort. We have had good participation from the community and we will continue to grow the promotions as the summer season progresses. The media pick-up on these promotions has been an enormous success. A story on affordable Aspen was pitched to the travel editor of Associated Press and "Aspen on a budget" ran in media outlets nationwide and internationally, including CNN.com, TravelandLeisure.com, Denver Post, USA Today, yahoo.com, and many other outlets in both print and online media. The supplemental budget also provided a much broader distribution of our summer promotions. The following is a highlight of marketing initiatives to date: Direct Mail -Attached is a glossy insert that was distributed in the New York Times Sunday edition on June 7~h~ Distribution includes 160k households in 10 national markets -Denver, Albuquerque/Santa Fe, Phoenix, Tucson, Dallas/Ft Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, St. Louis, Kansas City, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Colorado Tourism -increased participation with CTO's cooperative advertising opportunities including advertising in their online newsletter which has resulted in over 2,500 leads to date. Targeted Media -the ability to utilize targeted media outlets for specific audiences that have not been utilized in the past due to budget constraints. These include specific golf, adventure, arts and entertainment and family media. City Events -increased marketing campaign in Denver and Front Range markets for COA events including golf packages, Cycling Criterium and Rooftop Comedy Festival as well as marketing planned for upcoming events. Participation in the Cycling Criterium increased 65%, from 92 cyclists in 2008 to 151 in 2009. Drive Market -Hosted over 40 guests from 9 Colorado Welcome Centers throughout the state the weekend of June 5-7~'. These guests are now Aspen ambassadors for the more than 1 million people that visit welcome centers each summer in Colorado. Research shows that 80% of visitors at welcome centers have not yet decided on how they will spend their summer vacation. Email Marketing -we have increased our email marketing efforts to targeted lists. One email blast through Travel & Leisure /Food & Wine magazines resulted in over 500 leads. Public Relations TV Coverage Hosting a TV producer to shoot segment on "Affordable Aspen" in June to be aired on one or more of the following stations: WGN Chicago, CW New York and KTLA Los Angeles. Hosting AARP TV hosts Peter Greenberg and Martina Navratilova in July to film several segments about Aspen. Media Placements National coverage on affordable Aspen including our summer promotions -see attached spreadsheet for media coverage to date. •~Ce~s ~y6iu Z uanuaiuiw a y~inn 6ui6po~ ~y6iu ~Cepsaupa/~/~ 6uipn~~ui uadsy ~noy6noay~ ~~o %pS ania~a~ pue slCepsaupaM uo awo~~ •6uiaadu~ed a~~c~s-uadsy asanoa ~o pue (opi~ no~C sapn~aui ~ey~ 'sarC) un~ ~C~iu~e~ '6uiddoys sse~a-p~aonn `a~i~~y6iu pue 6uiuip 'aan~uanpe aoop~no `s~uana ~ean~~n~ pue sae uo neap ~a6 ~~,no~C ssed ay} u~lM 'SSb'd aauauanS uadsy auk `~aaaas ~da~-~saq s~aauauans site o~ ~a~lal~ ano~C ~a~ vanes pue s~~~iu z Cue X008 ~~2~~ H1'b 13 J `S1H JI N ~ Jlb~lS ~~ ~Sl~b'aS~Na~M ~~O %OS NO LI SSdd ~N~dSd 'ASPEN SUMMER EVENTS JUNE 11-14 2nd Annual RooftopComedy Festival 15-16 Arts & Ideas Series I Aspen Institute 16/8-25 Time Travel Tuesdays I Aspen Historical Society 18-27 Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Festival 19-21 FOOD&WINE Magazine Classic in Aspen 20-10/17 Aspen Saturday Market 21-26 33rd Annual Aspen Summer Words 21-8/30 Bluegrass Sundays 23-8/11 McCloskey Speaker Series ~ Aspen Institute 23-8/22 Theatre Aspen 25-8/23 Aspen Music Festival and School 29-7/5 Aspen Ideas Festival MI® JlJIVE - I~ili~ ~-~JGlJST Art Auctionette I Anderson Ranch Arts Center Aspen Science Center, Physics-is-for-kids JULY 4-8/22 Saturday Classical Music 4 Aspen's Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration 9-12 Aspen Antiques & Fine Arts Fair 17-8/10 Aspen Santa Fe Ballet 18 19th Annual Komen Aspen Race for the Curev 18-19 Aspen Arts Festival 23 Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Night Swing 24-27 Aspen Health Forum ~UC7UST ,~.,, ~, ~r ~ ,~: ~ ; ~;,_. 1-10/11 Fred Tomaselli ~ Aspen Art Museum 7 artCrush ~ Aspen Art Museum 8 16th Annual Summer Celebration Gala ~ Aspen Institute 8 Annual Art Auction ~ Anderson Ranch Arts Center 8 Aspen High Country Triathlon and Duathlon 8 Aspen Rotary Club Ducky Derby 20-22 6th Annual AREDAY 22 6th Annual Aspen/Snowmass Ride for the Cure° SEPTEMBER 3-7 The 37th Annual MotherLode Volleyball Classic 4-6 Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival 17-20 The 42nd Annual Aspen Ruggerfest 24-27 The Meeting 26 Golden Leaf Half-Marathon Classic 30-10/4 Aspen Filmfest OCTOBER 7-12 John Denver Week t t. ri N M Budget Aspen: Ski hotspot offers cheap summer thrills - USATODAY.com Budget Aspen: Ski hotspot offers cheap summer thrills By Catherine Tsai, Associated Press Writer Page 1 of 2 C~ PRINTTHI Powered by ~"'?j Clic#cab+lity ASPEN, Colo. -This mountain playground has Gucci, Prada and Burberry stores downtown but still can offer the average Joe a budget vacation for those who can get here. This summer, people who stay at least two nights at participating hotels receive an "Aspen Summer Pass" good for discounts around town. More discounts are available if the stay includes a Wednesday night. The best time to find Aspen lodging deals is in the so-called mud season when the ski mountains are closed. But summer may be the best time of all to enjoy the beauty of Aspen's high-altitude surroundings. GETTING AROUND: Covering a bit more than 3.5 square miles, Aspen is tiny enough to get around on foot or by bike. Buses offer rides up and down the Roaring Fork Valley. They're free in town and between Aspen and Snowmass Village; www.rfta.com. Many visitors fly into the Eagle County airport, about a 70-mile drive from Aspen, or Denver International Airport. From Denver, it's about afour-hour drive west along Interstate 70 through scenic Glenwood Canyon to Colorado 82. If high, narrow stretches don't bother you, detour through Leadville and drop into Aspen from Independence Pass, whose highest point is above 14,000 feet. Colorado Mountain Express and Gray Line both have shuttles with Denver-Aspen service. WHERE TO STAY: A few hotels in town offer cheaper lodging, but check the fees for cancellations and for putting extra people in a room. Rooms at the Tyrolean Lodge each have two queen beds, a twin bed and kitchenettes with dishware so you can make your own meals, but there's no pool. Rooms start around $75 during low season in the fall and late spring and top out at $225 over the Christmas and New Year holiday season and during the Winter X Games in late January. Summer rates are $130-155; www.tyroleanlodge.com. Chalet Lisl's rooms also have kitchens, with abasement-level studio starting at $68 in low season, $118 in summer; www.chaletlisl.com. St. Moritz Lodge & Condominiums offers standard rooms but also hostel-style shared rooms and bathrooms starting at $36 per night in low season, $52 in summer. There's a small outdoor pool and a steam room, plus free breakfast; www.stmoritzlodge.com. The Stay Aspen Snowmass website lists last-minute deals on cushier options under "Deals & Offers" at www.stayaspensnowmass.com. Outdoors types can camp at various sites for as low as $10-$15 a night; www.snowmassvillage.com/snowmass_camping. Hardy travelers up for mountain biking, hiking or backcountry skiing can check out one of 29 huts managed by the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association in the Rocky Mountains. Margy's Hut near Aspen is about $30 per adult per night. It's open most of the winter through April 30 and from July 1 to Sept. 30. Bring your own food and bedding; www. h uts. org. Budget Aspen: Ski hotspot offers cheap summer thrills - USATODAY.com Page 2 of 2 WHAT TO DO: The reflection in Maroon Lake of the majestic peaks in the Maroon Bells wilderness area make for a postcard picture. The access road is located off Colorado 82. Road access is free for walkers and others using nonmotorized transportation. Access by car is limited. Buses leave every 20 to 30 minutes from the base of Aspen Highlands for $6 per adult. A bus from Aspen goes to the Highlands free, and there is a free parking lot at the Highlands; www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver/recreation/wilderness/maroonbells /index. The Aspen Art Museum at 590 N. Mill St. has free admission. It is closed Mondays and on major holidays; www.aspenartmuseum.org The Aspen Music Festival and School offers free performances by the American Academy of Conducting Orchestra at 4 p.m. Tuesdays, from June 25 to Aug. 23; www.aspenmusicfestival.com/. The festival also has ticketed performances ranging from $10-$150. For most of the summer, the Silver Queen Gondola takes visitors up Aspen Mountain for $23 per adult. Weekly passes at $46 offer unlimited rides plus extra discounts like 10% off lunch at Sundeck Restaurant. Some people opt for a free trip by hiking the 2.5-mile way up 3,000 vertical feet. Once you're there, pick up a score card and map to play on a mountaintop game of disc golf. The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies offers free, 45-minute guided nature walks that leave from the top of the gondola line on the hour, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, if you rode the gondola up, you can listen to a free concert by the Aspen Music Festival and School at 1 p.m. on Saturdays. There's free bluegrass on Sunday afternoons this summer. EATING: Tricks like eating during happy hour or sitting at the bar and ordering from the bar menu can help you get a more palatable price for food from higher-end restaurants like Cache Cache, 205 S. Mill St.; www.cachecache.com. Hickory House Ribs, 730 W. Main St., touted on one of Oprah Winfrey's past shows, has decent ribs that won't empty the wallet; www.hickoryhouseribs.com. Big Wrap at 520 E. Durant Ave. has wraps, tacos, smoothies and salads that are each less than $7 before tax; 970- 544-1700. FALL: If you can't make it here this summer for the music festival and the beautiful weather, hotel prices are even lower in the fall -and enjoying the autumn scenery, when the trees turn yellow and gold, is free. INFORMATION: www.aspenchamber.org/. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. Al! rights reserved. This maferial may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Find this article at: http://vrww. usatoday.com/traveUdestinations/2009-06-04budget-aspen_N. htm ^ Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc. Print this page Page 1 of 1 Print this pace Stay And Play Free In Aspen May 18, 2009 Jill Adler, Associate Editor A deal is rare in Aspen but check it out: Stay two nights and get the third free. You could book a long weekend at Aspen Meadows for $80 a night plus tax and resort fee, which is $18. It's a steal! Located in Aspen's historic West End, Aspen Meadows Resort stretches through the Colorado Rockies along the Roaring Fork River and a 40-acre meadow. Aspen Meadows Resort combines unique Bauhaus design, luxurious lodging and leisure and recreational activities that are unrivaled. The resort features 98 spacious suites overlooking the Roaring Fork River or the Rocky Mountains. Plato's Restaurant serves inspiring cuisine with views of Aspen and the tranquil surroundings. Summer activities include hiking the multitude of paths along the Roaring Fork River, fly- fishing, biking and more. Guests who stay two nights at Aspen Meadows will receive the third night free but act fast. The offer is valid only through May 31. Rates start at $120 per night plus tax and resort fee. Guests who book three nights at the Limelight Lodge receive a fourth night free for reservations made before June 1. Sweetening the deal, the pet-friendly Limelight offers a 20 percent discount on treatments at the Aspen Club R Spa and free one-day bike rentals for each guest. Room rates start at $100 in May, $129 in June, $289 in July and August, and $189 in late August and September. Guests at either lodge also receive the Aspen Summer Pass, a value card offering significant savings to Aspen's best attractions. More information: Aspen Meadows, or call (800) 452-4240; Limelight Lodge. Map Aspen, CO View Weather URL: htto•//www mountainoetawav com/aspen/deals/a/7368/stav-and-play-free-inaspen Copyright ©1968-2008 Mountain News Corp. All Rights Reserved. • if'amily fun, great summer savings in ski country - CNN.com Dwelling on the past won't help my future. .com /travel Page 1 of 4 swlrcH ro sctlwAS room Gc><E~ e. '31c HOME WORLD U.S. POLITICS CRIME ENTERTAINMENT HEALTH TECH TRAVEL LIVING BUSINESS SPORTS Hot Tonics » Road Warriors • Travel Companion • Rick Steves' Europe • Taking the Kids • Travel Troubleshooter • more topics » Bonnie Schneider has your weat Watch Now: Live on CNN.com » Family fun, great summer savings in ski country updated 9:47 a.m. EDT, Mon May 25, 2009 By Eileen 09intz Tribune Media Services (Tribune Media Services) --Got the M&Ms? STORY HIGHLIGHTS • In the summer, ski resorts off • Lodging can be more than 50 • Book three nights and get a fi Next Article In Travel » iEiiT SIZE ~~ Whenever we hike in the mountains, a little chocolate therapy does wonders when the kids are tired and the adults are cranky. Hand out a sweet treat and those vistas -- fields of wildflowers, craggy peaks --are guaranteed to seem that much more spectacular whether you are on foot, mountain bikes or riding a ski resort chair lift. Yes, ski resorts in summer. They might just be the best vacation value going in this summer of great vacation values. Ski instructors around the country whisper that they came to the mountains for the snow but stayed -- raising kids in ski towns - because of the glorious mountain summers. There is so much to do -- everything from whitewater rafting to free concerts, mountain biking to camping and alpine slides. And ii's so cheap! Lodging can be more than 50 percent less than it is httn://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/eetawavs/OS/25/ski.countrysutmner/ 6/5/2009 A family takes a break on a hike at Keystone Resort in Colorado. .Family fun, great summer savings in ski country - CNN.com Page 2 of 4 in winter, says Dan Sherman of www.ski.com, which has just launched www.summermountaintravel.com. You can even snare a deal on a luxury resort. If tony Aspen and Vail were out of reach last winter, now's your chance. In fact, to encourage families to visit in summer, for the first time, Vail Resorts has launched all-inclusive summer vacations complete with airport pickup, guided hikes, mountain picnics, visits to Rocky Mountain National Park and even a parents night out (www.epicsummer.com). Also check out www.vailallthelove.com for more deals on everything from lodging to restaurants to shopping. Book three nights and get a fourth free at many Aspen hotels --along with a coupon book good for discounts at everything from admission to the Aspen Music Festival (where kids 17 and under are free this summer) to two-for-one rock climbing and even a free candy bar from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (www.aspen cham ber.com). I especially like the newly renovated Limelight Lodge. Right in downtown Aspen, the Limelight has been owned by the same family for more than 50 years. If you are looking for an adventure with your kids, you can hike and stay at some of the 29 backceuntry 10th Mountain Huts or take a free guided hike atop Aspen Mountain with naturalists from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. The skateboarders in your gang will also love the Rio Grande Skate Park, considered one of the best in the country. Don't forget ski resorts on the East and West Coasts either. Waterville Valley, New Hampshire - in the middle of 770,000 acres of the White Mountain National Forest -offers all-inclusive packages that start at just $45 a person a night, including golf, canoeing and mountain bike lessons. ~Oft~t MISS And in Vermont --which is celebrating the Lake Champlain In Depth: Taking the Kids Ouadracentenial with an array of special activities --Smugglers' Notch Resort has slashed summer prices by as much as 20 percent. Come in June and child care at its first-rate nursery is half off, too. In California, Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort offers the widest variety of mountain biking of any parkin Califomia --and lots of stay-and-bike packages. Those with physical and mental challenges, including those with autism, aren't left out either, with terrific programs and camps that challenge them to get into the wilderness at the Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte, Colorado, the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, Colorado, and the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah. Whatever your family's interests or abilities, you could easily spend a week in Park City, Utah where you can find a condo for under $100 a night and plenty of Main Street restaurants in the historic (and oh-so- picturesque) mining town offertwo-for-one meals. On Friday nights, see a free award-winning film at a city park - a winner from the Sundance Festival, which is held here every winter. There's a Park Silly Market every Sunday selling everything from fresh sushi to lobsters flown in from Maine to antiques. Everything is recycled, too. Ride a chairlift up to any of Park City's three resorts and go mountain biking or hiking. There are free concerts at Deer Valley on Wednesdays and at the Canyons on Saturday nights. Deer Valley has a mountain bike school, as well as 50 dedicated trails. There are mid-mountain hiking trails that connect the resorts and the Utah Olympic Park -- 27 miles' worth -- where incidentally locals tum out in force on Saturday afternoons to . <, watch the "flying aces" show, ski jumpers practicing their jumps and landing in a pool. It seems as if the entire N town might show up to watch the show. Visit the Olympic Park, free every day except Saturday, and test your mettle on an Olympic toboggan run. "The G forces really surprised me," local Steve Williams said. Q There is an Alpine slide and an Alpine Coaster at Park City, as well as a zip line, bungee trampoline, mini-golf $ and places to gofly-fishing, horseback riding and whitewater rafting. We stayed at the Snow Flower Condominiums, a good bet for families because of the location and summer prices. I love all the mining 4 history, too. Underneath the mountains are 1,200 tunnels that were once the property of 70 mines, mostly silver. Atone point, miners camped on the side of the slope. 5 The thing about ski resorts in summer, locals tell me, is that they've got the 21 st-century entertainment, golf 6 courses, spas and restaurants but also plenty of places to get away from it all in the mountains with the kids. httn://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/eetawavs/OS/25/ski.country.summer/ 6/5/2009