Keep calm, spring break 2016 is here

EAGLE COUNTY — People matriculating across the country, and the world, will be taking their spring breaks this month, and local businesses and hotels are preparing for the late-season rush.

“March is always the busiest month,” said Greg Phillips, aviation director at the Eagle County Regional Airport, “and we’re excited about that.”

With flights coming from 10 different locations to Eagle County, the airport will see about 15 flights per day until winter service ends April 4.

“It’s like Christmas in March,” said Troy Goldberg, owner of Troy’s Ski Shop in Vail. “It’s looking like it’s going to be super busy.”

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Goldberg said he won’t be adding staff to help with the spring break crowds, but he did say some employees will be working a few extra hours the next couple of weeks.

The Coyote Cafe at Beaver Creek has been preparing for this month for the past several weeks.

“It’s just busy from the time we open to the time we close,” said Buzz Busby, owner of the Coyote Cafe.

With the recent warm weather, Busby said visitors and locals alike are enjoying the outside patio.

“Spring break is what Coyote Cafe is all about,” he said.

LODGING PREPARED

Local hotels are preparing for the influx in guests coming this month.

“It’s going to be busy,” said Chris Cofelice, director of sales and marketing at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain. “We’re adding some events around the busy time to make it a really great experience for our guests.”

The events include Friday Afternoon Clubs, a tequila tasting and dinner on March 12, as well as movies for kids, lobby crafts and a children’s buffet on Thursday through Saturday evenings.

“It’s real nice that different states and schools have different breaks at different times,” said Robert Purdy, general managers at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. “And this year with Easter, where it falls, it made the last week of March much stronger than a typical last week.”

Daylight Saving Time begins March 13, adding another hour of daylight to the spring evenings and more time to apres outside.

“It’s an exciting time of year for us,” Purdy said. “The team gears up for these last three weeks of the season and then things quiet down real quickly.”

Vail and Beaver Creek mountains both close on April 10.

BE FRIENDLY

With visitors coming to the valley, local businesses and owners are preparing to play host.

Rayla Kundolf is the director of three art galleries in Vail (Masters Gallery, Gib Singleton Gallery and Galerie Zuger). While spring breakers don’t necessarily flock to art galleries, Kundolf said she is happy to see people in town.

“I’m an ambassador to my town. I’ve been doing this for 23 years at this desk,” she said, adding that she’s helped visitors with everything from dining reservations to directions. “The most important thing during this time is to remain positive. Sell your town.”

The attention to customer service expands all the way to the airport, the place where many visitors begin their vacation experience.

“We’ve been talking about customer service, taking care of our passengers and providing the kind of experience they all deserve to have on a great vacation to our valley,” Phillips said.

It’s an exciting time to be in the valley, but for locals, it’s not a time to let up just yet.

“March are the times we live for — it’s Christmas, Presidents Day and the end of March,” Purdy said. “You’ve got to make your numbers during these days, otherwise you’re going to have a tough year. Good snow helps.”

Reporter Ross Leonhart can be reached at 970-748-2915 and rleonhart@vaildaily.com. Follow him on Instagram at colorado_livin_on_the_hill.