In a quest to enhance air service to Sun Valley, the Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau is spearheading an effort to raise funds from Wood River Valley businesses, organizations and the community at large for future nonstop winter service from Denver in 2006-2007.
In order to entice nonstop service and limit the financial exposure to the airline, a minimum-revenue-guarantee program would be created. Such programs are usually funded through a partnership with a ski resort company, local businesses, and sometimes even local governments. For example, Crested Butte, Jackson Hole, Steamboat Springs, Vail and Telluride all have community-wide revenue-guarantee programs that are in excess of $1 million annually.
The Chamber is looking to raise $50,000 for the program, which, when added to money accumulated from last year's fund-raising efforts, would create a community "war chest" of $100,000-plus.
Money will be raised in two ways. A community raffle, similar to one last year, will be held to win 10 sets of 25-day lift passes for the 2005/2006 season, a value of $1,700 per prize. Tickets will be sold for $10 each throughout the season and fall, with the drawing to take place Nov. 2.
In addition, Sun Valley-area businesses will be able to buy transferable employee ski passes to use as a benefit for their employees.
For $2,500, the pass will allow one employee per day to ski for the entire season with no restrictions. Businesses must be current Chamber members to purchase the pass.
"We all know that it's great public relations to have employees who regularly get out to ski and can then share that excitement and enthusiasm with our visitors," said Carol Waller, Chamber executive director. "In offering this terrific incentive, Sun Valley Resort General Manager Wally Huffman clearly recognizes that continuing to expand our future air service with non-stop flights from new markets is a key element in building our tourism base."
