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Steamboat Magazine

Moving Mountains’ ‘Grande’ Properties Address Large Group Travel Trends

12/06/2013 12:43PM ● By Grant Johnson

Steamboat Springs, ColoradoMoving Mountains, the luxury lodging specialist in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is catering to a developing niche in the ski vacation industry: high-end group travel. The company has noted steady increases in bookings for large family groups, corporate retreats and multiple couples traveling together who seek the amenities and privacy of a larger than average vacation home. To cater to this niche, Moving Mountains manages several luxury duplex residences that can combine to sleep 20 to 30 guests under one roof.

“We’re dubbing it ‘The Rise of the Grandes’,” said Moving Mountains president and co-founder Robin Craigen. “While any of our homes can be occupied by single families or small groups, several can be combined to accommodate larger party sizes. In recent years, we’ve seen growing demand for this type of ski vacationing, especially when it comes to multi-generational family travel.”

Moving Mountains’ portfolio features “grande” luxury properties that can accommodate 24 to 32 guests in eight- to 10-bedroom homes. By managing both sides of a connected or adjoining duplex, Moving Mountains can offer them together as a “grande.”

“Having the ability to offer our residences either as a single or a ‘grande’ has provided great flexibility, which maximizes the rental potential for our residences,” continued Craigen. “In some cases, our homes book 50 percent of their calendar as a ‘grande’.”

These luxury grande homes are not the typical duplex that may come to mind. They range in size from 7,000 square feet up to more than 14,000 square feet, with exquisitely appointed amenities and access to a full range of services. Following is an overview of Moving Mountains’ “grande” offerings:

Falconhead Grande Lodge offers unrivalled lodging for large groups, coupled with spectacular views over the Yampa Valley. It is ideal for multi-generational family gatherings featuring multiple kitchens, living rooms and recreation rooms. The main floors feature Great Rooms with vaulted ceilings and oversized stone fireplaces. The open floor plan connects the living areas to the gourmet kitchens and dining areas. Due to the impressive floor plan of more than 14,000 square feet, this residence offers the ambience of staying in a private lodge rather than a vacation home. With 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms it can sleep up to 32 guests.

The Bear Grande Chalet at Burgess Creek is a duplex property of more than 9,600 square feet that is interconnected, allowing both residences to be combined as an eight-bedroom ski vacation home. Located two minutes from the Thunderhead lift, the Bear Grande Chalet offers two spacious great rooms with covered decks, mountain views and a private hot tub. All of its eight spacious bedrooms are equipped with super flexible bedding configurations and private en-suite bathrooms.

The Peaks Grande Chalet offers premier comfort and privacy just a short walk from the heart of the Steamboat ski village. For large groups seeking a home-away-from-home atmosphere with a close connection to the mountain village it is unrivalled. The Peaks Grande Chalet combines Sunshine Peak and Storm Peak chalets. The intimate Great Rooms allow guests to gather and relax while taking in surroundings before the gas fireplace. The spacious and open floor plan of each home connects the living spaces including the kitchen and dining areas. Peaks Grande Chalet offers eight bedrooms with bedding options to sleep up to 23 guests. The 7,800-square-foot residence also features eight bathrooms, private hot tub and ski shuttle, with the slopes less than one-half mile away.

Located on the mountain close to the ski trails, the Arabella Grande Lodge is the perfect base for a large group seeking privacy and options for four to six families or a group of 26, with flexible bedding configurations. With 7,000 square feet of living space this property is located just under the gondola in a private neighborhood. Comprised of two adjoining residences, each of the two Great Rooms have vaulted ceilings, big screen TVs and gas fireplaces and provide a comfortable, airy setting for living, dining and entertaining. The lodge boasts eight bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a private hot tub and ski shuttle.

Berghaus Grande Chalet is a custom-built duplex home in a quiet neighborhood, designed for larger groups seeking privacy and easy access to the Steamboat ski mountain. It can easily accommodate up to 19 guests when both sides of the duplex are combined. The two warm, open plan Great Rooms combine living space with the kitchen and dining areas. The four bedrooms in each side of the property are comfortable and spacious. Combined, the 7,290-square-foot residence offers eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms, a private hot tub and ski shuttle. The ski mountain is one-half mile away. 

In addition to opulent accommodations, Moving Mountains offers its guests a full range of benefits, such as chef services and private transportation to the slopes, restaurants and other activities. Moving Mountains brought to Colorado the European-style Catered Chalet experience 15 years ago, and that unique offering sets it apart from nearly all other lodging opportunities in North America.

The catered chalet experience provides a complete package with lodging, meals and transportation. Guests enjoy more vacation time and a superior vacation experience by removing day-to-day chores such as shopping, cooking, cleaning up after meals and driving their group around. Moving Mountains is one of only a few companies in Colorado and just a handful in North America that offers this experience, combining lodging and full-service catered meals.

For more information or to view Moving Mountains’ residence photos, activities, menus and more, visit www.movingmountains.com or call 1-877-624-2538 or 1-970-870-9359. 

About Moving Mountains

Moving Mountains is a locally owned and operated company that manages and operates luxury vacation rental homes and catered ski chalets in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Founded by Robin and Heather Craigen in 1997, Moving Mountains introduced Colorado to the catered chalet concept that is widely popular in Europe. Moving Mountains currently manages 20 private luxury rental homes and 26 slope side private residences at One Steamboat Place, Edgemont and Chateau Chamonix.