has anyone ever attempted to get an II exchange for Christmas week?

[igitur]

We own 200 points at BCV and we're considering trying to get an II exchange for next Christmas (2008) for a ski trip out west even though I know that's primetime at the ski resorts.

Has anyone ever attempted to get something for Christmas week (either out west or anywhere else?) I guess we might consider other places as well. We were originally going to "come home" for Christmas but now I'm thinking we might just want to try something different for a change next year.

Thanks!

Deb

 

[Dean]

As a rule that week is VERY high demand for good ski locations, II doesn't get them all that often and many don't make it through any internal trading preferences. But there are a lot of resorts in those areas and if you list enough resort for that week you might indeed get something, I know people who have. Your best option would be to find someone wanting a direct exchange. Make sure to list Utah, Canada, Tahoe as well as CO. You might also consider listing warm weather options for that week as well like Aruba, Key West, MX and SoCal. This is a week that is highest demand at almost every warm and many cold weather options in the Western Hemisphere. If you can do the week before Xmas, your chances of success go up likely a hundred times.

 

[igitur]

If you can do the week before Xmas, your chances of success go up likely a hundred times.

Thanks Dean. One other question. In looking at next year's calendar, Christmas week is Dec. 20 - 27 (a Sat. to Sat.) and the New Years week is Dec. 27 - Jan. 3. Since the kids will most likely have both weeks off, we can go with either week. Which week would be easier to get or are they both just as popular?

Appreciate your input.

Deb

 

[sk8belle]

As I said in your other post, I was able to get a week at a Lake Tahoe resort for this coming New Year's. I made my reservation only last week, so since you've got more time to plan, you've probably got a good chance.

 

[igitur]

As I said in your other post, I was able to get a week at a Lake Tahoe resort for this coming New Year's. I made my reservation only last week, so since you've got more time to plan, you've probably got a good chance.

Thanks, guess we'll give it a try and see what shakes out!

I never really considered Tahoe but if it'll improve our chances, maybe I'll include that area as well.

Thanks again,

Deb

 

[igitur]

I'm thinking maybe we'll hold off and try for a week in Jan. or Feb. since we're really leaning toward a ski trip.

If it'll improve my chances of getting the resort and area we really want, I guess we can always be a bit more flexible on the date. Probably a lot less hassle too when it comes to traveling later on as opposed to around the holidays

Deb

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'm thinking maybe we'll hold off and try for a week in Jan. or Feb. since we're really leaning toward a ski trip.

If it'll improve my chances of getting the resort and area we really want, I guess we can always be a bit more flexible on the date. Probably a lot less hassle too when it comes to traveling later on as opposed to around the holidays

Deb

I think that's a good plan. Not only less hassle, but likely better airfares as well.

 

[sk8belle]

I think that's a good plan. Not only less hassle, but likely better airfares as well.

I was just about to post the same thing. There have been some great sales to UT, CO, and RNO (for Tahoe), but you really have to plan in advance. Having the flexibility in your schedule will certainly help.

Hope you are able to get a week someplace! Check out Grand Timber Lodge in Breck. It looks gorgeous, it's ski in/ski out, and it's got a great location. I really wish my trip there hadn't fallen through.

 

[igitur]

Check out Grand Timber Lodge in Breck. It looks gorgeous, it's ski in/ski out, and it's got a great location. I really wish my trip there hadn't fallen through.

That's one of the resorts we're most interested in! It does look nice and it seems to get really good reviews.

Deb

 

[Dean]

Thanks Dean. One other question. In looking at next year's calendar, Christmas week is Dec. 20 - 27 (a Sat. to Sat.) and the New Years week is Dec. 27 - Jan. 3. Since the kids will most likely have both weeks off, we can go with either week. Which week would be easier to get or are they both just as popular?

Appreciate your input.

Deb

In general terms those weeks will be the same demand for ski areas. I see some suggestion that week 51 (xmas) will be a little easier for Tahoe but no difference for CAN, CO or Utah from what I can see. Week 51 is also a little easier for some warm weather options. Still getting on the list early (like now for next year) and giving 2 weeks rather than one plus as many resorts as you can feel comfortable staying at will improve your chances somewhat. Also, be willing to take any start day (Fri, Sat or Sun). If you can find a resort that has a non traditional start day of M-Th and you would request it, you would improve your chances greatly. I did peak through II's info for the areas and didn't see but 3 or 4 that had such start days and I didn't cross reference to the more restrictive DVC exchange list. That means if you tell them you'll only take Sat, your chances of success will be FAR less. If you could do the week before or after those 2 you mentioned, you'd actually have a very good chance of success. I have a friend who owns a Condo in Keystone and he and I talk from time to time about the finances of renting,using and upkeep. He usually goes Xmas and late Jan but doesn't go Feb to mid April due to the income he'd lose rather than renting it out.