Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Plans For Ski Season

By: Destination Club News
Date: October 31, 2009

With diehard ski fans already enjoying fresh powder following a series of Colorado snow storms in late October, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club is looking to add to that experience for their exclusive base of members by refreshing two of its prized ski destinations in Aspen and Bachelor Gulch. Planned to be completed in the middle of November, both will remain open through the refurbishing.

Philadelphia based Daroff Designs will undertake the changes for the Aspen Highlands, adding a "green" component to the property by using low volatile organic compounds paint and environmentally friendly furnishings, including natural finishes and fabrics and reclaimed products. According to the club, "Each residence will have one-of-a-kind hand-spun Persian rugs; custom, Colorado Buffalo leather sleeper sofas; original, seasonal oil paintings; as well as 52- and 40-inch Sony Bravia flat screen televisions." With nothing overly extravagant planned as the residence was designed by Robert A.M. Stern, the Dean of the Yale School of Architecture, Daroff Designs will continue the design with "heirloom quality" finishings.

Closer to home, Boulder, Colorado based The Ranch House Interiors Group will bring their expertise to Bachelor Gulch. Using the Rocky Mountain backdrop as their guide, the redecoration of the property will showcase nature as well as add to the travel experience. While "green" projects are planned for the properties, including the same style of paint used at the Aspen Highlands residence, the actual color of the property will play a major role in augmenting the natural appeal of the residence. "Red, green, golden and rust tones are incorporated into the design to reflect the seasonal changes of trees and other natural plant life in the area. Other designs within the residences reflect the surrounding geographic location demonstrating the different layers of the skyline and the natural flowers found mountainside."

With the peak ski season quickly approaching and Christmas and New Year's just around the corner, both of these properties may be needed to be outfitted with revolving doors for the abundance of members who will soon be traveling for the holidays.

"With these refurbishments, we look forward to welcoming new and returning Members to the freshly revamped residences during the upcoming ski season," said Bob Phillips, the Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. "We strive to offer a balance of the 'comforts of home' coupled with the luxuries Members have come to expect from The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club."

The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club has two different membership programs for their club: Home Club and Portfolio. Home Club is identical to the fractional arm that Ritz-Carlton has offered, where members are deeded owners in a specific residence. The club's Portfolio Membership is the one that more closely mirrors the destination club concept, where members have access to multiple properties. Like the Home Club Membership, members own a deeded beneficial interest.

Aspen offers both Portfolio and Home Club Membership options while Bachelor Gulch is limited to Home Club Memberships.

If you would like to learn more about The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and how they compare to other destination clubs, please request a free copy of our Destination Club Guide.