Q. When should I book my trip?
A. Our trips are sold on a first come first serve basis. Booking early assures that your vacation is at preferred lodging and if you're with a group, D.P. can reserve rooms next to each other, an entire floor, or most of the complex! Our accommodations, while numerous, will sell out in a short time, so put down your deposit to hold your room.

Q. How can I get more information about the trip?
A. Call toll free, 1-88U-SKI-THIS. That’s 1-888-754-8447.
  Or send an email to uskithis@austin.rr.com,
  Or mail to 6425 S. IH 35, Suite 105, PMB #293, Austin TX 78744

Q. How do I sign up?
A. IT’S EASY! E-mail us your reservation form and call in your credit card information OR just call us with all of your information OR make a copy and drop it in the mail with your deposit. A $100.00 deposit guarantees your reservations and you’ll receive a confirmation form from us.

Q. Does the $100.00 deposit go towards the total trip price?
A. Yes, and your space is reserved on the trip. You will receive a confirmation form with your remaining balance. Remember, rooms are reserved on a first come, first served basis!

Q. Can my friends and I stay in the same accommodations?
A. Yes, just indicate who your roommates are on your reservation form. For a group (small or large) you may arrange for rooms close to each other or a whole floor or condo complex dedicated to your group.

Q. What if I don't ski or snowboard?
A. Mail your full, unused, four day lift ticket to Dickson Productions within 30 days following the conclusion of the trip. We will then get a refund from the Steamboat Ski Corp and mail that refund back to you.

Q. Will I get my $25.00 damage deposit back?
A. Yes, the deposit is mainly a precautionary measure. It will be mailed back to you after the trip.

Q. Can I snowboard on this trip?
A. Yes. You can ski, snowboard, tube, enjoy the concerts, parties, and scenery...whatever you desire.
Oh yeah! Steamboat has the largest halfpipe in North America for skiers and boarders.

Q. Do I have to be a good skier or snowboarder?
A. No, the skill level in Steamboat ranges from beginners to extreme experts. We encourage beginners by offering full day lessons at a third of the cost of most other resorts - only $20.00. No matter how you ski, everybody has a blast!

Q. Tell me about the "Musicfest."
A. Mix Top Rock, Alternative, Country, Blues, Jam music with a huge party crowd high in the rockies and hold on tight for one of the best weeks of your life! A music marathon with some of the finest musicians on tour. The Musicfest is about a select group of musicians that entertain and enjoy a week on the slopes, concerts and parties with their fans. There is no other event with this much talent in one place for this long. It's incredible - and the Musicfest is FREE with purchase of lodging package.
For more information see www.themusicfest.com

Q. How much entertainment can I expect?
A. Every day at about 3pm it kicks off. (These are some of the best up-front and close concerts you'll experience.) And, it goes on from Day One. Just to give you an example, last year there were over 50 remarkable performances. It's always fun to see who jumps on the stage with who, and what special guests show up to create some classic performances. Plus, we've added more for this year's trip.

Q. Does the Musicfest cost extra?
A. No, your trip package includes exclusive credentials for the private "After The Slopes" Steamboat Musicfest events. Thanks to our sponsors, Steamboat Ski Corporation, Shiner Bock, Pepsi, Southern Thread, Tito's Vodka, Dickson Producitons and the musicians, your trip package does not increase in price for this remarkable line-up of live entertainment.

Q. Do I have to attend the tons of activities, events, concerts and parties?
A. Of course not, but there's always a party going on nearby if you change your mind!

Q. Am I guaranteed a room and will the price change?
A. You are guaranteed the room and the price you sign up for.

Q. Are there Dickson Productions staff members on-site?
A. An experienced staff of over 30 Dickson Production representatives will be in Steamboat to oversee all operations and to answer any questions, 24 hours a day. Dickson Productions has an office in Steamboat with set daily hours. At check-in we give you all the information to contact us and come by and see us, plus we will see you at the many events.

Q. How does Dickson Productions offer these trips so inexpensively?
A. Simply, buying power and alliances. Dickson Productions is the largest ski group of its kind in the nation at a resort that supports the largest National College Ski events. We supply the best quality accommodations and we DO NOT over fill the rooms. Plus, all other extra events and activities are largely supported by sponsors and Steamboat, you get it for free at no added charge to your trip price. There's nothing like it!

Q. How much money should I take?
A. Money or credit cards are welcome everywhere and it cost about the same as it would to hang out in your home town. You will also receive a discount book with great savings at bars, restaurants and more. Steamboat offers money saving specials during college week!!!

Q. But it’s a resort, and……
A. Yep, but Steamboat turns into "The Musicfest" and the restaurants and bars offer great specials: everything from restaurants for your fine dining experience, the moderate priced mountain tavern eateries and of course fast food and delivery restaurants. And don’t forget that your condo has a fully equipped kitchen.

Q. How did Steamboat become the leader?
A. Maybe it’s the 5 huge mountains all within steps of your lodge (we know how you hate to wake early to catch a bus to another resort) or maybe it’s the tons of "champagne powder" snow or the awesome skiing/boarding experience from beginners to experts. It also has the best nightlife. Maybe the cost, or the natural Hot Springs at night, the snowmobiling, the night skiing, the "After the Slopes" concerts, free night tubing, the thousands of students, the airports 20 minutes from the slopes, it’s extremely easy to drive to or maybe it’s all of the above! (see events a couple of questions down)

Q. What is "Champagne Powder"?
A. (Sorry, it’s not a new drink) It’s light, dry, fluffy, powdery snow that is easy to ski on. It’s unique only to Steamboat, a result of Steamboat’s location in the Rockies. Another reason Steamboat is so famous!

Q. Is Steamboat a world-class resort?
A. Yes, it’s one of the largest in the world, and yes, 69 Winter Olympians live in Steamboat, a true testimony to the awesome skiing and unbelievable, highly unique snow conditions!

Q. What events happen during MusicFest and National College Week?
A. For instance, last year we sponsored an outdoor concert at the mountain base as everyone was skiing down, FREE All College Party on top of the mountain (yes, indoors at night), live concerts every day starting at 3pm, where everyone meets after the slopes. Each year we add more including the huge tent (beer garden included) concert music series, washer tournaments, mini-movie series, a tug-of-war, volleyball tournament in the snow and more. It is like nothing else!

Q. Are there other activities?
A. Yes, yes, yes…Sleigh rides, snowmobiling, hot air balloon rides, night skiing, ice skating, natural hot springs, indoor water park, group dinner in a log cabin in the mountains, horse drawn sleighs, and cross country skiing. Optional activities may not be free.

Q. What’s the difference in lodging?
A. The majority of our accommodations are ski-in/ski-out (not just ski-out, there's a difference!) or situated just steps from the slopes. Also Steamboat is laid out where the nightlife and restaurants are walking distance from most lodges. Plus, there’s an elaborate free shuttle that takes you just about everywhere including the grocery store. All of our lodging is inspected by DP staff for quality, amenities and service. Our accommodations are the best offered during College Week. Check the web or call us for more information.

Q. How do I get there?
A. Air, motorcoach or drive, itís up to you. Because Steamboat is an easy, beautiful drive, many choose to drive from all over the country. Others choose to fly: Steamboat has the closest major airport of any resort in the Rockies, about 40 minutes from the slopes, or fly into Denver and take the shuttle.

Q. Can I charter a bus for a group and come on our own?
A. Of course. You can arrange your own bus charter. This can be a great fundraiser for an organization or venture for a group leader. Check with your local bus company or travel agent.

Q. When do I get my lift tickets?
A. Lift tickets and pre-purchased highly discounted ski and snowboard rentals will be given to you at check-in, along with event credentials and activity guide, sponsors "care packages", discount book, trail maps and other free stuff.

Q. Are the highly discounted ski and snowboard rentals high quality equipment?
A. Absolutely. We offer the sports package, not the recreational package. Our skis, boots, and poles are the newest equipment available, including brand name skies like K2 and Olin and rear entry boots all depending on your ski ability. You may request high performance equipment, you’ll be charged about an additional $7.00 per day. You save about 50% utilizing D.P.'s buying power.
Snowboards and boots: We utilize a shop that specializes in snowboard equipment ONLY. It’s owned and operated by Snowboarders who also design and maintain the snowboard park in Steamboat. This shop has won best snowboard shop in Colorado the past several years.

Q. Where are the rental shops?
A. All shops are located on the mountain. So if you want to try different equipment during the week, just stop by and change! Most have free storage so you can drop off your equipment and walk to the "After the Slopes" party. We’ll show you where the shops are at check-in.

Q. Do I have to get rentals through Dickson Productions?
A. Nope, but you can save tons of money by getting it from Dickson Productions. It goes back to that Dickson Productions power-buying thing, through which we pass on serious savings to you. Don't forget, these shops are right on the mountain for your convenience plus the shops "staff up" so you get your equipment as quickly as possible and by friendly folks willing to help you with any quesions.

Q.I'm a hot shot skier and want high performance or demo equipment, can I get the huge rental discount?
A. Absolutely, just purchase the quality sports ski equipment through us and when you're getting your equipment ask for whatever upgrade you like (you may be surprised at the high quality equipment your getting.) A discounted upgrade fee, (approx. $7 a day) may apply and you can pay right there.

Q.Will I have to wait in line to get into the music events?
A. Most times we have several performances going on at different venues at the same time and it's fun to walk around to all of them. Some of the hottest acts draw alot of folks and lines may form for a short time. It's best to show up a little early or on time.

Q.Is it guaranteed that I can get in to all the shows?
A. Nope! It hasn't happened yet since there are so many performances going on but we have chosen some shows to be in smaller venues for a very intimate setting.

Q.If I'm under 21, can I get into all the events?
A. All events are 18 and over (parents call us if under 18!).

Q.Can anyone get into the Musicfest events?
A. Not a chance! The Musicfest events are exclusively for those on the Dickson Productions trip. You'll have special credentials to get in and this event will sell out.

Q.Is there anything else like the Musicfest?
A. NO. This is one of the most unique and premiere music events of its kind. We don't want to brag, so just ask anyone who's been or see the quotes from past participants and performers. There's really nothing like it!

Q. How can I find out more about Dickson Productions?
A. Click "About Dickson Productions", bigskitrip.com, dicksonproductions.com, or call us. We’ll answer any questions or concerns you may have. We have been in business since 1982 and have plenty of references. Oh yeah, we all ski or snowboard and know what a great mountain and "real" good music is all about! 1-888-754-8447.

Q. Is this trip for real?
A. Absolutely. It may sound like too great of a trip for the price...so click here for actual letters from past participants.