Returning troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan are being treated to some R&R by Vail Resorts with “Operation Freedom Lodging.” Between April 1 and December 16, Vail Resorts is offering 1,000 complimentary room nights to these service men and women at its owned and operated hotels in Breckenridge and Keystone resorts.
“Operation Freedom Lodging is a gesture of our appreciation for the courageous men and women who have been serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past months,” said Toni Piringer, vice president of hospitality for Vail Resorts who developed the program.
A soldier from any branch of the military who has served on active duty for more than 30 days in Iraq or Afghanistan is eligible to receive up to three consecutive nights of complimentary lodging at a Vail Resorts owned and operated hotel in Breckenridge and Keystone.
Operation Freedom Lodging is valid between April 1 and December 16, 2004. Toll-free numbers, (800) 832-3694 for Breckenridge and (800) 270-4690 for Keystone have been set up for returning soldiers who are interested in making a reservation for up to three complimentary room nights. Once a reservation has been made, the soldier will be put in contact with Fort Carson in Colorado to verify their eligibility.
Since November 2001, Keystone Resort has been a preferred provider of recreation for the U.S. military through the “Rocky Mountain Blue” strategic alliance. Keystone and the U.S. Air Force entered the long-term partnership to provide affordable year-round resort vacations in Colorado's Rocky Mountains to the military community. Rocky Mountain Blue offers discounts on lodging, recreation and conference gatherings to all branches of the military and Department of Defense employees.
“We greatly value our partnership with the U.S. Air Force and hope that all members of the military take advantage of what Rocky Mountain Blue can offer them and their families at Keystone Resort,” Piringer said.
