The Red Fox Alpine Lodge

May 2008

To Our Patrons at the Red Fox Alpine Lodge:

It is hard to believe that we are already making plans for our upcoming 2008-09 winter Ski and Ride season.   In fact, after a record-breaking snowfall this past April, many hard-core enthusiasts are still enjoying backcountry skiing on both sides of Mount Mansfield!  However, summer is approaching and, as such, our plans for 08-09 are definitely well underway.

Most importantly, we want to thank YOU for taking the time to join us this past winter.  We hosted many fabulous organizations (115 groups between the Fox and the Round Hearth Lodge), including more than 30 NEW groups who are now part of our loyal circle.

As we embark on our 21st year of providing safe, fun and affordable youth group ski trips, retreats, and programs, we do have some very exciting announcements and changes, which we want you to be the first to know.  Grady Vigneau, Owner of the Red Fox Alpine Lodge and the Round Hearth at Stowe, has accepted the position of Headmaster at Bridgton Academy located in North Bridgton, Maine.  Most importantly for you to know as a Red Fox group leader, as Grady, Merry, and their family make their transition to Maine, rest assured that they will remain in their ownership role, with plenty of input and leadership of our operation.

As transitions go, there are always changes and decisions to make.  Given the Vigneau family move to the state of Maine, we have decided to sell the Red Fox Alpine Lodge. This has not been an easy decision process.  However, taking into account all aspects of the move, the desire to maintain a cohesive management team to continue to maintain AND IMPROVE our high standards of customer service to YOU, our loyal group leaders, the decision has been made.   As such, beginning with the upcoming winter season (2008-09), we will be hosting youth ski and ride groups ONLY at the ROUND HEARTH at STOWE.   (Per our decision, please note that the Red Fox will no longer operate as a winter youth group lodge.)

WE WANT YOU TO CONTINUE TO JOIN US IN VERMONT FOR YOUR SKI and RIDE VACATION and HOPE THAT YOU WILL DO SO at THE ROUND HEARTH in STOWE!  We are confident that both the Round Hearth Lodge and Stowe will meet your needs.  An on-going $80 million expansion at Stowe Mountain Resort continues to transform the face of the "Ski Capital of the East".  Multiple renovations and the addition of a new inter-mountain transfer lift, new trails, a new beginner area, two new high-speed detachable quads and new fully-automated snowmaking on Spruce Peak has reinforced Stowe's position as the East's premier resort.

In our 21st year of service to you, we are in our best position ever to make your 08-09 trip the most memorable, enjoyable, comfortable, and service-oriented experience you have experienced to date!  PLEASE call us with ANY questions or concerns you may have.  We certainly do hope that you and your young people will join us again this winter, making new friends and memories of a lifetime!

Given that we will host groups ONLY at the Round Hearth, space will be at a premium. As such, we encourage you to discuss your plans early and to communicate them to us as soon as possible.   Our leadership team will be will be contacting you soon after you have received this letter to discuss dates along with our updated policies on commitments, deposits, and other trip plans.

Sincerely,

Grady & Merry Vigneau, Owners
Jason Kirchick, Director of Sales & Marketing
Christian Pinillos, Director of Operations