The Ski Organizers Staff
Mark Hotop
Ski Vacation Specialist
(800)283-2754 ext. 289
mhotop@skiorganizers.com
- Experience in the Ski Travel Business: I grew up in a ski family. It is what we did in the winters. I learned to ski on a golf course that had a rope tow. I still remember my first run when I was 4yrs old. When we were old enough our parents started taking us on ski vacations. It was what we looked forward to all year long. As soon as the ski trip was done I was asking where we were going next. I continued my passion of skiing into adulthood by submerging myself into the ski industry. I raced throughout my teens and into college. When I was racing in college I coached a high school alpine team. Needless to say, I have traveled to numerous resorts throughout North America and have been a resident of many. I would love to share my knowledge and passion of skiing with you and your family.
- Best Tip for the Perfect Ski Vacation: If you are travelling from near sea level to the high elevation of the mountains it is best to prepare yourself physically before the vacation. It is all too easy to be affected by the altitude change and the symptoms are no fun. The simplest thing one can do is drink a lot of water while you are at home, before the vacation starts. And don’t forget your sunscreen.
- Favorite Ski Resort: Crested Butte, CO. Love the town and really love the mountain.
- Favorite Apres Ski Bar: Bart and Yeti’s Vail, CO. If you left the dog at home you can get some “fido” time as the locals bring their dogs to the bar.
- Favorite Lodging Property: Most recently, Cross Timbers Condos in Steamboat. We were staying as a family and it offered a lot of space at a great value. It wasn’t ski in/ ski out, but only a short walk to the gondola. If I were going on a romantic ski vacation I would say the Christiana in Vail.
- Favorite Resort Restaurant: Red Onion Aspen, CO. It closed in 2006 due to an expiring lease but is scheduled to reopen this coming season after major building renovations. Opens early 2009. Lots of history and a local’s favorite.
- My best ski day was:This is truly a difficult one to pin down, there have been so many. I can narrow it down to three. Taos, NM is one. I was 16 and it was snowing so hard that you could go up to the same run you just skied and it would be fresh tracks all over again. Big Sky, MT is another. I was fresh out of college and in great shape. I was tree skiing in Bavarian Forest and everything was just clicking. There was 12” plus of fresh snow and no one but me to track it up. And last but not least, Spring of 08’ in Crested Butte. The Butte got pummeled with snow last year and everything was skiable. We played on that mountain like it was a jungle gym, epic. I believe Warren Miller filmed there last season on some new terrain that the resort plans to open this winter; Teocalli Bowl 2.
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