| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 29/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 44 |
| Copyright: Other |
add-on market
Las Vegas acts as centre for activities
BRITONS on a short break to Las Vegas are not only staying longer in the resort but also using it as a base to do other things.Trips by air to the Grand Canyon have been one of the most popular excursions to lure visitors away from the Strip during the day.
Others include helicopter trips to nearby shopping malls, a round of golf on desert-landscape courses, visits to spa and health resorts, and stays at nearby Lake Las Vegas, a huge hotel and country-club style complex designed to attract both couples and families.
However, Virgin Holidays is taking the market a step further this winter when it introduces skiing packages to the resort, based on the new Virgin Atlantic non-stop flights from Gatwick. A range of excursions can be then added to these.
Although the sceptics will question the viability of winter sports in the desert resort, Virgin Holidays managing director Ron Simms is confident it will sell.
“We are featuring the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort at Lee Canyon which has a summit elevation of 9,500ft, annual snowfall of 130in and 75% cover of snowmaking. Ski-lift capacity is also good, with an hourly capacity for 3,500 people.”
The operator is offering seven and 14-night packages from £489 and £599 respectively, including accommodation at the Circus Circus hotel in Las Vegas, car hire and Virgin flights. The season runs from December 1-March 31.
“It offers fantastic snow conditions with 500 acres of skiable terrain, a 9,600ft elevation and 10 ski lifts with an uphill capacity for 10,500 people per hour.”
Virgin features the resort with accommodation at the Cedar Breaks Lodge in Brian Head from £559 for one week, £639 for 10 nights or from £739 for 14 nights twin-share – again including flights to Las Vegas, car hire and accommodation.