The Winter Vacation That Almost Wasn`t
July 7, 2025
A Cautionary Tale from Aspen and Why Booking with a Trusted Provider Makes All the Difference
Planning a ski vacation to Colorado often begins with anticipation. The thought of snow-dusted peaks, warm fireplaces, and unforgettable time spent with loved ones brings a sense of excitement that builds for weeks. For many families, these moments are more than just a trip, they are cherished traditions. However, for the Harper family of Dallas, Texas, their 2024 winter vacation to Aspen became a cautionary tale.
The Harpers had spent months preparing for the trip. It was to be a multi-generational getaway, with grandparents, parents, and children all gathering in Aspen to celebrate the holidays and enjoy the magic of the mountains. Their accommodations were booked through a popular online platform, Airbnb. The listing featured a picturesque chalet with sweeping views, modern amenities, and the convenience of self check-in. On the surface, it seemed like an ideal choice.
Upon arriving in Aspen, snow was gently falling, and the family’s spirits were high. However, those feelings quickly began to shift. No one was present to support them. As typical with Airbnb, vacation rentals are booked online and guest's receive a lockbox code...and that's it. The code provided to enter the property did not work, and the family found themselves standing outside in the cold with luggage and children, trying in vain to contact Airbnb. After nearly 30-minutes waiting on hold with Airbnb and an hour for them to call back, a backup code was discovered and they finally stepped inside. What awaited them was a home that had not been prepared for new guests; there was no heat, no linens, and no signs that anyone had checked the home prior to their arrival.
The situation worsened the next morning when a pipe burst in an upstairs bathroom, rendering part of the home unusable. With no on-site contact or property management support, the Harpers were forced to find last-minute hotel accommodations. They were able to secure two rooms at a nearby property, but at a significantly higher cost and with none of the comforts they had envisioned. While they continued with their vacation as best they could, the stress and disruption cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyful and restorative experience.
Stories like this are becoming more common as travelers rely on anonymous booking platforms like Airbnb that lack local presence and personal support. While these services can offer convenience, they often fall short in delivering accountability and peace of mind when things do not go as planned.
In contrast, professionally managed vacation rental companies such as Gondola Resorts provide a more personalized and secure experience. Based in Colorado and deeply familiar with the unique characteristics of its ski towns, the Gondola Resorts team works directly with guests before, during, and after their stay. Guests are provided clear and easy checkin instructions, properties are professionally prepared, and there is always someone available to provide assistance or local recommendations.
Recent research from the 2025 Reclaiming Demand white paper supports this preference for connection. According to the report, over 90 percent of travelers who attended live events or engaged with travel professionals in person reported feeling inspired to book a new trip shortly after. The study highlights a growing desire among consumers for authenticity and trust—qualities that are often missing in algorithm-driven booking platforms.
The Harpers plan to return to Aspen, but their experience has changed how they think about travel. They now understand the importance of knowing who or what company is supporting them. For them, and for many others, the difference lies in service, reliability, and local expertise.
As travelers continue to seek meaningful and memorable experiences, the value of personal connection has never been more important. For those planning a visit to Colorado’s iconic ski resorts, choosing a provider with a local presence and a commitment to guest care can make all the difference between a vacation remembered for the right reasons and one remembered for the wrong ones.
A Cautionary Tale from Aspen and Why Booking with a Trusted Provider Makes All the Difference
Planning a ski vacation to Colorado often begins with anticipation. The thought of snow-dusted peaks, warm fireplaces, and unforgettable time spent with loved ones brings a sense of excitement that builds for weeks. For many families, these moments are more than just a trip, they are cherished traditions. However, for the Harper family of Dallas, Texas, their 2024 winter vacation to Aspen became a cautionary tale.
The Harpers had spent months preparing for the trip. It was to be a multi-generational getaway, with grandparents, parents, and children all gathering in Aspen to celebrate the holidays and enjoy the magic of the mountains. Their accommodations were booked through a popular online platform, Airbnb. The listing featured a picturesque chalet with sweeping views, modern amenities, and the convenience of self check-in. On the surface, it seemed like an ideal choice.
Upon arriving in Aspen, snow was gently falling, and the family’s spirits were high. However, those feelings quickly began to shift. No one was present to support them. As typical with Airbnb, vacation rentals are booked online and guest's receive a lockbox code...and that's it. The code provided to enter the property did not work, and the family found themselves standing outside in the cold with luggage and children, trying in vain to contact Airbnb. After nearly 30-minutes waiting on hold with Airbnb and an hour for them to call back, a backup code was discovered and they finally stepped inside. What awaited them was a home that had not been prepared for new guests; there was no heat, no linens, and no signs that anyone had checked the home prior to their arrival.
The situation worsened the next morning when a pipe burst in an upstairs bathroom, rendering part of the home unusable. With no on-site contact or property management support, the Harpers were forced to find last-minute hotel accommodations. They were able to secure two rooms at a nearby property, but at a significantly higher cost and with none of the comforts they had envisioned. While they continued with their vacation as best they could, the stress and disruption cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyful and restorative experience.
Stories like this are becoming more common as travelers rely on anonymous booking platforms like Airbnb that lack local presence and personal support. While these services can offer convenience, they often fall short in delivering accountability and peace of mind when things do not go as planned.
In contrast, professionally managed vacation rental companies such as Gondola Resorts provide a more personalized and secure experience. Based in Colorado and deeply familiar with the unique characteristics of its ski towns, the Gondola Resorts team works directly with guests before, during, and after their stay. Guests are provided clear and easy checkin instructions, properties are professionally prepared, and there is always someone available to provide assistance or local recommendations.
Recent research from the 2025 Reclaiming Demand white paper supports this preference for connection. According to the report, over 90 percent of travelers who attended live events or engaged with travel professionals in person reported feeling inspired to book a new trip shortly after. The study highlights a growing desire among consumers for authenticity and trust—qualities that are often missing in algorithm-driven booking platforms.
The Harpers plan to return to Aspen, but their experience has changed how they think about travel. They now understand the importance of knowing who or what company is supporting them. For them, and for many others, the difference lies in service, reliability, and local expertise.
As travelers continue to seek meaningful and memorable experiences, the value of personal connection has never been more important. For those planning a visit to Colorado’s iconic ski resorts, choosing a provider with a local presence and a commitment to guest care can make all the difference between a vacation remembered for the right reasons and one remembered for the wrong ones.