SIERRA SEASONS WINTER
W W W. Q M R E S O R T S. C O M Message from the CEO To Our Valued Owners, Winter is upon us once again and I trust you all had a great holiday season with your loved ones! The snow has been falling in Lake Tahoe and we have a great snow pack So, if you were on the fence about coming up here, what are you waiting for? There is no better time than the present to come up and enjoy the winter wonderland known as Northern Nevada! In this issue of Sierra Seasons, we will touch on a few items including How to Make the Most of Your Winter Wonderland, Booking Tips & Tricks, Traditional Owners Corner, Owner Rental Program (ORP), How to Rent on Your Own, Things to Do this Winter Season, and more! I hope this information is informative and entertaining and our contact information is contained in the back of this issue if you have questions or you want to book your next dream vacation. The timeshare industry and the travel industry are experiencing a boom as the economy continues to show positive economic indicators. According to (USTravel.org, 2019), leisure travelers (domestic and international) spent a total of $717 billion in 2017, up 4.7 percent from 2016. While the 2018 numbers have yet to be released, I expect to see continued growth in the travel sector based upon the increased demand that our resorts and our partner resorts experienced in 2018. What does this mean for our owners? It means more people are travelling and using their timeshares! It also means that you should be cognizant of the fact that the desirable dates in high demand areas are being booked out further based upon this increased demand. My recommendation is to get your requests in early for 2019 and the more flexible you are with your dates, the better opportunities will present themselves to you. Interval International (II) is doing a tremendous job for you in fulfilling your exchange requests as 43% of our owners requests are travelling to Premier or Elite resorts! II is also reporting that 73% of your requests are Instant Confirmations, meaning that your exchange requests are being confirmed within 48 hours of the initial request. These numbers are truly amazing statistics and prove that our owners are going to the very best resorts all over the globe with a rapid confirmation fulfillment rate when making requests with II. So, with this in mind, get those requests in early and take advantage of this opportunity to make some lasting family memories at the world s best destinations!!! Happy Vacationing, Larry Roberts CEO QM Resorts 01
WWW.QMRESORTS.COM Management s Memo Meet your QM Resorts construction crew, a.k.a. our Special Projects Team! Lead by Brick Anderson in Tahoe and Nate Chamberlain in Reno, our Special Projects team takes pride in beautifying your resorts! The crew works diligently at your resorts to continue to improve the quality of your units inside and out. They have completed some major milestones over the last year including the complete interior renovation of the North Lake Lodges, completing the interiors of over 50 Thunderbird Resort Club units, continued renovations at the Ridge Sierra, and more! So, when you see an orange shirt at the resort, thank them if you are enjoying their work while spending time at your home away from home! Save the date! Here are a few upcoming events to keep in mind. For additional activities and venues, please visit one of the websites listed below. DATE January 26, 2019 February 10, 2019 March 8, 2019 March 15-17, 2019 Now through March Now through March EVENTS Winter Whiteout 5 Reno Run 4 Love Dancing with the Stars: LIVE! Wizard of Oz The Musical Lake Tahoe Sleigh Rides at Sand Harbor State Park: (775) 588-2953 Ice Skating at Greater Nevada Field FOR MORE EVENTS: https://www.visitrenotahoe.com/reno-tahoe/what-to-do/events https://www.gotahoenorth.com/events/ http://tahoesouth.com/events/ 02
WWW.QMRESORTS.COM LAKE TAHOE IN THE WINTER Tahoe in the winter... It s the yin to the summer s yang. A snowy winter wonderland. A place where frost glistens across sheets of ice. Where peaks are packed with fresh powder. A place where snowboarders and skiers revel in delight. Yes. Lake Tahoe. It s a magical place to be in the winter. Truly it is. But if you re heading to Tahoe in the winter, you re likely wondering what it s like. What can you do here? What s the weather like? What are the best peaks? Which ones have the longest runs or biggest vertical drops? Where should you eat or stay or play? These are all valid questions. Some of the answers are objective. Some, not so much. If you re traveling to Tahoe in the winter, you re likely interested in North Lake Tahoe. Convenient access to 10 peaks makes this a mecca among winter destinations. The season here tends to start towards the end of the holidays. Right around the beginning of the year. Fall in love with Lake Tahoe in the winter. You ll gasp at the scenery. But if you re wondering what you can do in Tahoe in the winter, here s the scoop. Pretty much everything and anything winter-fun related. While traditional hiking won t really be possible, especially after big snowfalls, snowboarding, skiing, mountaineering, and even snowshoeing are fair game. The obvious choice when it comes to Tahoe in the winter is skiing. There are loads of peaks and resorts to choose from. Where you go or which one you choose is entirely up to you. Some feature longer runs. Others feature bigger vertical drops. Still others feature cross-country skiing. In North Lake Tahoe you ll find 10 peaks and ski resorts to choose from. Here are just a few. Diamond Peak (Nevada) 6700 ft base (2042 meters), 8540 ft (2603 meters) summit - Longest run is 2.5 miles (4.02 km) and biggest vertical drop is 1840 ft (560 meters) Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe (Nevada) 8260 ft base (2517 meters), 9700 ft (2956 meters) summit - Longest run is 2.5 miles (4.02 km) and biggest vertical drop is 1800 ft (548 meters) Squaw Valley - Alpine Meadows (California) 6200 ft base (1889 meters), 9050 ft (2758 meters) summit - Longest run is 3.2 miles (5.15 km) and biggest vertical drop is 2850 ft (868 meters) In South Lake Tahoe, you ll discover 3 peaks and ski resorts to pick from. It s simply a matter of preference. Heavenly Mountain Resort (California) 6567 ft base (2001 meters), 10067 ft (3068 meters) summit - Longest run is 5.5 miles (8.85 km) and biggest vertical drop is 3502 ft (1067 meters): 97 total runs and 30 chair lifts - https://www.skiheavenly.com or call 800-220-1593 for lift tickets Kirkwood (California) 7800 ft base (2377 meters), 9800 ft summit (2987 meters) - Longest run is 2.5 miles (4.02 km) and biggest vertical drop is 2000 ft (609 meters) Sierra-at-Tahoe (California) 6640 ft (2023 meters) base, 8852 ft (2698 meters) summit - Longest run is 2.5 miles (4.02 km) and biggest vertical drop is 2212 ft (674 meters) January is a popular month in Lake Tahoe. In January, you can expect more snowfall. However, thanks to average temperatures in the 40 s F, you won t get bombarded the entire month. However, when snow does come, it often comes fast and fierce. Like December, January in Lake Tahoe will bring more crowds and higher prices. February is the tail end of the winter in Lake Tahoe. But still very much busy. After all, Valentine s Day falls in February. And, if there ever was a romantic destination on earth, it d certainly be this earthly haven. In February, you can expect snow. For the most part at least. You can also expect moderately cold temperatures. March borders on Spring in Lake Tahoe. Although it does still qualify as a winter month, March is considered a shoulder season. The winter traffic is winding down and the summer traffic hasn t quite picked back up. In March, you can expect to get a bit of both worlds. From cold snaps with snow to warm sunny days. March still has plenty of snow in Lake Tahoe. You can enjoy all the peaks and the resorts. All of the chair lifts in Tahoe are in full swing during March. But you ll also enjoy almost picture-perfect ski conditions with a condition called corn on the slopes. It s a period when grains of snow will often freeze together at night and loosen in the warmth of the sun the next day. The snow becomes far more forgiving, especially when falling through turns. Lake Tahoe in the Winter; AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE OF SNOW AND SUN! 03
WWW.QMRESORTS.COM Reservation Booking Tips & Tricks Appreciate a good booking tip or two? It is our pleasure to share them with you and encourage you to start thinking and planning for your next vacation. Get the most out of your time with these helpful tips: Your Owner Services team is available to find out how to maximize your use time. Busy days ahead? Visit www.qmresorts.com to submit a request online. Questions about your trip or resort? Send a quick email to us at info@qmcorp.com Book as far in advance as possible! Remember, your use time is not the only way to enjoy amazing vacations. All levels of Club QM ownership are entitled to Bonus time reservations; reservations that would not go against your owner use time for an incredibly reduced price! Bonus time reservations for your ownership level are available to be booked as follows GOLD Platinum SILVER BRONZE Up to 1 4 Nights a year Up to 21 Nights a year Up to 30 Nights a year unlimited *Bonus time does not roll over. Reservations are booked per each resort s booking guidelines. Where Did Club QM Owners Travel In 2018? California/Lake Tahoe 24% South 5% Southwest 9% Caribbean 4% Europe 2% Florida 2% Rockies 3% Hawaii 14% Orlando 9% Northwest 5% Northeast 3% Mexico 8% Las Vegas 12% 04
W W W. Q M R E S O R T S. C O M Traditional Owners Corner: THUNDERBIRD RESORT CLUB Heading into the winter season, look no further than the Thunderbird Resort for your next get away! Cozy up in your new home away from home with hot cocoa and family & friends; take a short drive up the hill for skiing, sledding or just a fun snowball fight. Our Activities Director, Peggy Tavener, hosts the best events. Join us for Tuesday bingo, hot chocolate bar Wednesdays or champagne socials on Friday! For a full list of activities, please contact Front Desk during your stay or Owner Services before you check in by calling (800) 821-4912. The remodel is looking amazing with half of the units completed and a facelift on the parking lots. Take a quick look below for progress on how hard our team is working for you. We look forward to seeing you soon! 05
WWW.QMRESORTS.COM Owner Rental Program Update As we enter into 2019 we ve really kicked the Owner Rental Program into the next gear and made it even better! QM Resorts Club Member s Owner Rental program is now in its 3rd year and we re happy to report that the program is doing well. We ve really been able to make some headway on the benefits and howto s of the program so it fits all of our owners needs. Benefits You have a dedicated Revenue & Reservations team, who are here to help with all your needs. Your week is listed on QM Resorts website, 500 OTA retail partners, and on the Global Distribution System (GDS) which is available to any of the thousands of Subscribed Travel Agents worldwide. Renting your week is a great way to supplement the cost of your maintenance fee. Your week can be returned to you when requested (in writing) prior to the start of your listed week. How To What you need to do: To enroll for the 2019 ORP: please visit http://qmresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/owner-rental-agreement-2018.pdf to download the 2019 Rental Contract & W9. When done filling out all the proper forms, send it back via email to RevenueMgr@qmcorp.com, fax to 775.355.4081, or snail mail to 515 Nichols Blvd. Sparks, NV 89431. Once your paperwork has been received and processed we will contact you via phone or email with any questions and to finalize your entry into the program. How it works: Complete and return Contract and W9. FAQ s When the month that you have chosen has ended your check is mailed within approximately 90-120 days after the last day of your rental month. Your listed interval may be listed in increments (one or two nights) or in full, depending on availability, but you will always be paid out for a full week. Only your CURRENT YEARS time (no rollover time) and the TOP TIER of your ownership can be entered into the program. Whatare the fees associated with the owner rental program? QM Resorts Owner Rental Program currently deducts the following fees from the collected revenue before processing payment: housekeeping fee, credit card fee, resort fee, vendor commission, and tax. How are rental rates calculated for the owner rental program? Rental rates vary depending on such variables as resort quality, location, season, suite size and day of week. Additionally, other variables including holidays, special events, and market demand determine competitive rates for the resorts participating in the program including standard discounts to help with movement of rental nights. How do I place my use time in the owner rental program? - YOUR HOA ASSESSMENTS, DUES, AND MAINTENANCE FEE MUST BE CURRENT. - Sign and return the Rental Contract and book your dates with reservations. When do I receive payment for my "Listed Interval" rented through the owner rental program? For your listed week, you will receive payment in the mail approximately 90-120 days after the last day of your entered month. Why can t I put more than one week into Platinum 1 week @ a QM Signature Resort the owner rental program? Gold 1 week in a 2 bedroom We rent the week that you are deeded to. Silver 1 week in a 1 bedroom Owner Rental Program Tiers: Bronze 1 week in a studio 06
WWW.QMRESORTS.COM Renting Your Week on Your Own Some owners are using sites such as Airbnb or VRBO to rent their unused timeshare week to offset the costs of their maintenance fees! This can prove to be a valuable strategy if you decide that you might not use your week or decide to split your time. Using this method can save you some expenses related to the Owner Rental Program but it also requires further action on your behalf if you desire to use a site like this. Not going to use your use time or looking to offset your maintenance fee? You can rent your time on your own if you follow some basic rules Pay your current year s maintenance fee in full. Book your time during desirable dates at one of your home resorts. List your property on the rental site of your choice. Fill out the Third Party Sales Agreement form found at http://qmresorts.com/third-party-sales-agreement/ The form includes information such as the booking site you used, your rental guest s name and contact info, arrival and check-out dates. Submit your request form at least 7 days in advance of your incoming arrivals. Pay for extra cleaning fee in advance if you have more than one reservation arriving during your week. Cleaning Fees Studio - $60 1 Bedroom - $70 2 Bedroom - $85 North Lake Villa - $100 Liability for Damages Just be aware that a Rental Guest using your use time is your guest and you will be ultimately responsible for any damages or theft that may occur during their stay; however, we will collect a $100 deposit from them upon arrival. If we are unable to collect for any additional damages then it will be the responsibility of the owner to cover damages and attempt to collect from the renter directly. 07
WWW.QMRESORTS.COM Winter Things to Do Around Reno and Lake Tahoe Winter Activities for Families Some of the events listed below are suitable for the whole family. Here are some others that aren't necessarily organized activities, but fun for everyone nonetheless. Wild Island Family Adventure Need 2 Speed Indoor Kart Racing Ice Skating at Greater Nevada Field Winter Trails in Lake Tahoe Northstar at Tahoe Gondola and Lift Rides Reno and Lake Tahoe Winter Events There are numerous events around Reno and Lake Tahoe to help you have fun during the cold weather. Here are a few for your review. For more details, please go to www.visitrenotahoe.com/events BrewHaHa January 26, 2019 Reno Run 4 Love February 10, 2019 Downtown Reno Wine Walk February 16, 2019 Alpenglow Sports Mountain Festival February 16 24, 2019 Snowfest! February 28 March 10, 2019 Snowfest! is jam packed with events for all ages and celebrates life in the High Sierra. So many activities and events, from the Polar Bear Swim to a Parade and Fireworks show. Reno Museums and Places of Interest Nevada Museum of Art National Automobile Museum Wilbur D. May Center Museum: Cabin Fever Series Jan-Feb Sparks Heritage Museum Nevada Historical Society Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center at UNR Nevada State Museum in Carson City 08
Share the Magic. Reap the rewards! The best things in life are most enjoyed when sharing with those special people you care about the most. What could be more rewarding than sharing an opportunitywith your friends? Help them discover the Club QM vacation ownership and all of the advantages of your vacation lifestyle? Sharing can be rewarding You earn rewards each time you refer an eligible guest to tour the resort. For each eligible referral that visits and previews Club QM you receive a thank you gift of $150*. This is a great opportunity for your friends and coworkers to learn more about the benefits of ownership here at Club QM while enjoying a one-bedroom suite at the Thunderbird Resort Club. Don t miss an opportunity to share some magic! Send your coworkers, neighbors and close friends! You must pre-register your guests prior to travel to receive referral credit, so give us a call today. Thank you, Concierge Services 800-438-2754 *Referral promotions change from time to time, contact your Concierge to see what current REWARDS are and see what the eligibility requirements are for your referral. Referral Programs are subject to change without notice.
W W W. Q M R E S O R T S. C O M Automatic bill pay can simplify your life! Let us help make paying your maintenance dues easy and convenient so you can focus on the things that matter most in life... like your next vacation! Never forget a due date No more late fees No more writing checks or calling in with a credit card Monthly payments Auto pay is a prepayment system so that you never have to worry about making sure you are paid up before planning your trip. This convenient bill payment method is debited monthly directly from your checking account. To set up auto pay, your account must be current. For more information or questions about signing up, please contact accounting at: (800) 788-4297 / email info@qmcorp.com QMRESORTS.COM At QM Resorts, your time is important to us and we understand that calling us is not always convenient. Visit www.qmresorts.com and skip the phone call! Learn about all five of QM s properties and view pictures of rooms. Book time or exchange a week, request information, contact the concierge, read testimonials and read the latest QM news at your convenience. Direct phone numbers for the corporate office, reservations, accounting and marketing departments, as well as the general email address, can be found on the Contact Us page. Visit www.qmresorts.com EMAIL AND IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION INFORMATION To receive future newsletters by email, send your email address to sophia.terry@qmcorp.com or contact owner services at 800-821-4912. Owner Services 800-821-4912 Marketing 800-438-2754 Corporate Office 800-788-4297 Accounting 800-788-4297 Email: info@qmcorp.com PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD Know the signs! 6 Red Flags of a Resale Scam: If you re contacted regarding the sale of your timeshare or the elimination of maintenance fees; If an offer sounds too good to be true (it likely is); If you re asked to pay an upfront fee for a future service ; Promises to modify or cancel your timeshare contractual obligations; or Any call or mailing offering to transfer your paid-off ownership to another party; If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a representative of ARDA or ARDA-ROC; (ARDA and ARDA-ROC DO NOT contact owners unless first requested by the owner to do so. ARDA and ARDA-ROC DO NOT perform any resale services.) Don t send money up front! Before listing your ownership for rent or sale, learn more by visiting the Timeshare Resale Resource Center website at http://ardaroc.org/resales/ 10
515 Nichols Blvd, Sparks, NV 89431 www.qmresorts.com