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The Travel Game Has Changed – And We're Ready to Play!
Amigos/as, as your President – and this year’s Texas Ski Council Bidfest Chair (more on that exciting event later) – I’m in a unique position to stay closely connected to how the travel industry is evolving, and I’m excited to share some insights with you.
I recently listened to an eye-opening presentation by Sara Clemons, President of Sports America, delivered to members affiliated with the National Ski Council Federation (NSCF). By the way, our own Kerry Huffstutler represents the Texas Ski Council at NSCF, ensuring we stay connected to these vital industry developments.
Sara highlighted just how dramatically the travel landscape has shifted. If you've been wondering why trip planning seems more complex these days, you're not alone. The travel industry has undergone significant changes that are reshaping how clubs like ours plan those memorable adventures we all cherish – whether we're heading to the mountains for skiing, exploring coral reefs for diving, cycling through scenic landscapes, or immersing ourselves in rich cultural and historical destinations.
What’s Different Now?
The days of casual trip planning are behind us. Today’s travel landscape demands strategy, timing, and insider knowledge — think less "peaceful meditation retreat" and more "Wall Street trading floor," where the best deals move fast and insider information is golden.
Airlines Are Playing Hardball
Remember when Southwest was the go-to for flexible group bookings? That flexibility is largely gone. Southwest now requires a 25% deposit upfront and severely limits your ability to reduce group size without potentially losing your entire booking. Delta and American have followed suit with stricter cancellation policies. The message is clear: commit early or pay the price.
Lodging: First Come, First Served
Here’s where the "early bird gets the worm" principle really matters. Premium ski destinations like Big Sky and Snowmass are now booking just one group per week. The same goes for boutique diving resorts or historic hotels — properties we love are becoming more selective with group bookings, demanding earlier commitments and larger deposits.
The Ikon and Epic Pass Strategy
These passes have added complexity to trip planning, with tiered pricing schedules that make timing your purchase critical. Since these passes are a significant investment for members, when you buy matters as much as where you go. That’s where our partnership with Sports America becomes invaluable — they help us secure the best possible deals for Los Amigos members.
To make these investments worthwhile, we’ve adopted a strategic rotation: focusing on Ikon resorts one year, then Epic resorts the next. This helps maximize member value while offering diverse mountain experiences.
Why This Matters to Los Amigos
These aren’t just industry shifts — they directly affect our club’s ability to deliver the exceptional travel experiences you expect.
Earlier Planning Cycles
What used to be a 12-month process is now closer to 18–24 months. By knowing what TSC trips are selected through 2027, Los Amigos can strategically choose destinations that complement the TSC calendar. For example, we announced this spring that TSC will not have a Shootout in 2027, opening up February for our own club trip or a partnership with another TSC club. Early planning helps us lock in the best properties and rates while giving members more variety.
Smarter Financial Strategies
With property deposits reaching up to 25% and airlines demanding large upfront commitments, our budgeting has become more sophisticated. We’re working hard to balance securing top options with managing cash flow wisely.
Member-Centric Game Plan
We’re digging into trip data more deeply than ever — it’s like studying game film to improve our strategy. How many members use group air? Who prefers Ikon vs. Epic resorts? What's the demand for ski vs. land-based adventures? With about 30% of our members being active or veteran military, we also factor in Epic’s phenomenal military rates. These insights help us build trips that reflect your interests and deliver the best value.
Your Invitation to Get Involved
This brings us to an exciting opportunity that puts you in the driver's seat of trip planning — and one I’m particularly excited about as this year’s Bidfest Chair:
TSC Bidfest, August 1–3, at the Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio North Stone Oak.
As host club, we get a unique opportunity to experience this premier travel planning event in our own backyard. Picture a room full of travel professionals from across the globe, presenting their best proposals for 2026–2027 trips — tailored specifically for the 13 clubs of the Texas Ski Council. This isn’t just another trade show — it’s where the magic happens.
What Makes Bidfest Your Winning Play?
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Direct Access: Meet face-to-face with tour operators, resort reps, and travel pros
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Exclusive Presentations: Hear proposals crafted just for our TSC clubs
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Insider Knowledge: Discover new destinations and trends before they go mainstream
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Collaborative Planning: Connect with members from other clubs and share insights
Your Input Starts Before Bidfest
In July, we’ll survey Los Amigos members about which destinations interest you most. Your feedback helps us focus our attention at Bidfest and ask the right questions. It’s a crucial part of choosing trips that reflect what our members truly want.
Why Your Voice Matters
Yes, the travel industry is more complex — but that also means more opportunity for clubs that stay informed and involved. Your participation, starting with the July survey and continuing through events like Bidfest, directly influences the trips we’ll be enjoying in the years ahead.
Looking Ahead
The travel industry isn’t slowing down, and neither are we. By staying ahead of these changes, Los Amigos will continue delivering unforgettable adventures — from mountain peaks to coral reefs, from scenic bike trails to historic city centers.
Whether you’ve joined us on dozens of trips or are thinking about your first, these insights explain why we’re asking for earlier commitments, having pricing conversations sooner, and inviting your input every step of the way.
On behalf of the board, we truly appreciate your continued support and welcome your input as we adapt to this new travel landscape together.
Sun, Snow and Good Times,
Brian Goebel
President 2025-2026
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