VAIL, Colo. -- "I hit the longest drive of my life!" is a common refrain from golfers unaccustomed to playing at Colorado's high altitude. Golf balls fly farther due to reduced air resistance, which is one more reason why golfers of every ability find mountain golfing an unrivaled experience. This summer, the Antlers at Vail hotel offers an exceptional golfing and lodging value—including a day on one of Colorado's top mountain courses included with each night's stay—with its “Golf Getaway" package. But the biggest challenge of all isn’t taming those long drives in the Vail Valley’s thinner air—or even mastering such locals’ favorites as Eagle Ranch’s renowned hard-way-or-easy-way 12th hole. The real challenge with this special two-person golfers’ package is choosing which of the four spectacular Vail area courses to play first.

Golfers of every ability will find something to love in the Antlers at Vail’s “Golf Getaway” package, available through the end of Vail’s 2006 golf season. For each night’s lodging at the Antlers at Vail, the package includes golf for two at your choice of these courses: Cotton Ranch, Eagle Ranch, Eagle-Vail and Vail Golf Clubs. Prices start as low as $139 per person per night, and include the following:

Double occupancy in a spacious studio suite at the Antlers at Vail hotel
Golfing fees for an 18-hole round at the course of your choice, subject to availability
Golf cart rental
Range balls
This package is offered from May through October 2006, with the lowest rates available in the spring and fall.

Since 1972, the Antlers at Vail has offered a unique Vail lodging experience in a relaxed mountain setting. The hotel recently completed a $2 million swimming pool redevelopment project that includes two outdoor hot tubs and sparkling changing rooms in addition to the spacious heated pool that faces Vail Mountain. A mere 150 yards from the gondola, dining, and night life, the lodge emphasizes exceptional service and amenities—including a recently renovated lobby, conference center, business center and fitness room, plus dog-friendly services and more. For additional information call 800-843-8245 or visit the web site at www.antlersvail.com.

Golfers of every level will face fresh challenges at these spectacular Vail Valley golf courses, each with its own unique terrain and personality:

Cotton Ranch Club (www.cottonranchclub.com), the only Pete Dye Signature Course in the Vail Valley boasts a beautiful Gypsum Creek Valley setting, a “mountain links” layout—target golf at its best—and blazing sunsets. Facilities include a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse, full-service golf shop, 25-meter swimming pool, fitness center, and restaurant.

Nestled in historic Brush Creek Valley, the Arnold Palmer-designed Eagle Ranch Golf Course (www.eagleranchgolf.com) is a locals’ favorite with famously challenging fairways at an elevation of 6,600 feet, as well as an extensive practice facility. A ranch-style clubhouse features a covered porch, dining area, and golf shop—all with impressive Sawatch Mountain views.

Located between Vail and Beaver Creek, the Golf Digest four-star rated, Devlin/Von Hagge-designed 18-hole championship course at Eagle-Vail Golf Club (http://www.eaglevail.org/golf.html) offers a stunning panorama of the Vail Valley. Bordered by the Eagle River and the White River National Forest, and peaking at an elevation of 8,000 feet, the course features a full-service golf shop and exceptional restaurant.

Last—and highest of the four courses at 8,200 feet—Vail Golf Club (http://www.vailrec.com/venues_golfclub.htm) is known for its laid-back Colorado attitude, and for bunkers, cart paths, and water features laid out with special care for those far-flung high-altitude balls. Located in the heart of Vail Valley with majestic Gore Range vistas, this club also offers lessons, clinics, and a full restaurant.

Media Contact: Rob LeVine, General Manager, Antlers at Vail, 970.476.2471; or Darla Worden, WordenGroup Public Relations, 307.734.5335.