Up in the Air. Horizan Flights to Mammoth 
Up In The Air

With increased flights, the number of passengers flying Horizon Air between Mammoth and LAX has skyrocketed ... seems the overall situation at the Mammoth Yosemite Airport is gaining altitude ...

By Geisel, THE SHEET
February 2010

Even if you’re George Clooney’s character in the recent movie “Up in the Air,” it would be hard to rack up 10 million frequent flier miles going between here and Los Angeles. Even so, a lot of travelers are taking advantage of Mammoth/Yosemite’s expanded flight schedule, especially between here and LAX.

According to the most recent booking report figures presented to the Airport Commission Wednesday evening, bookings are up roughly 110% over the same time last year. One would think that an additional flight might water down that statistic, but the opposite seems to be true. According to Assistant Airport Manager Brian Picken, the stats aren’t averages either, but represent actual “butts in seats.”

And even the recent bout of weather hasn’t hampered travel much, with only one or two delays experienced, and a handful of cancellations, all weather-related. If anything, said Airport Manager Bill Manning, most flights are turning around quite speedily, averaging 15 minutes early both arriving and departing. By comparison, Vegas and Orlando airports were both recently closed for icing, but so far ice has not been problematic at MMH.



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Mammoth Track Project Running On Track 
Mammoth Track Project Running On Track

Mammoth Times

Brimming with enthusiasm and excitement, Deena and Andrew Kastor told the monthly Chamber of Commerce about the Mammoth Track Project, which is scheduled to break ground in April 2010.

The all-weather, year-round track and infield should be complete some 90 days later.

The track and infield represent Phase I of the project, along with terraced seating, a fitness trail and some fencing. Phase II includes clubhouse, dog park and parking lot and picnic pavilion at the location on Green Church Road.

In connection with the track project, Deena Kastor spoke to the monthly Chamber luncheon about the world of possibilities the track presents. She envisions it as a place for running but also for track and field events, with hurdles and pole vaulting and steeplechase pits.

She talked about the opportunities for education and running, citing the example of a 21-day running camp this summer that would be a collaboration between Cerro Coso Community College and the High Sierra Striders running club. “Twenty-one days is the magic number to get oxygen pumping more efficiently,” Kastor said.

The Kastors’ dream of Mammoth being a high-altitude training site moves closer with construction of the Mammoth Track. Half of the $4 million dollar cost has been raised so far, enabling Phase I to get under way. To keep up to date visit mammothtrackproject.org




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Contracts. Good for your guest and good for you. 
Why does a guest or a homeowner need a contract? Contracts establish what is expected from the guest and the homeowners. Contracts protect both parties.

A contract tells the guest what they are responsible for and what is expected of them during their stay at the vacation rental. The language in the contract should be clear and detailed so there is no confusion.The more details the better. A contract similarly lets the guest know what the owner is providing in terms of refunds, cancelations, deposits, damage repair and so on.

By having a clear and precious rental contract both parties can rest assured that in the event of a problem the finger pointing will be at a minimal because each parties responsibilities have been defined ahead of time.

More on contracts and keys points to add to your contract if you are an owner and keys things to watch for if you ar a guest, will follow in the next blog.

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Happy Campers  
How does an owner insure that their guests are happy campers. Happy campers mean returning guests.

First: Owner need to represent their property accurately. Describe in your advertising accurately what the property features. Don't exaggerate but don't underplay either. Tell it like it is.

Second. Provide lots of pictures even ones of the outside and the surroundings.

Third. When decorating your property put some personal touches (not too many) just enough so that it feels like home. Guests who are renting from owners want that personal touch, they are not looking for a hotel feel.

Fourth.Provide a guest book. This will be a great source of ideas and suggestions for the homeowners to use in updating, decorating or fixing the property. It also provides new guests with a view into the past guests experiences that were memorable and pleasurable.

Fifth: Always have a good cleaning crew. We'll discuss this later.

Sixth: Provide the guest with all the information they will need to check-in as soon as they book their reservation.Also provide the guest with directions to your property.

Seventh: Make sure when the guest arrives they have everthing they need for the first night. We will discuss this later also.

Eighth: Provide the guest with emergency numbers in the event of a problem.

Ninth: Provide the guest with local information and referrals to restaurants, and other services.

The tenth suggestion is one we will discuss tomorrow.

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Renting a condo from an owner 
When renting a condo from a home owner there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First: Paying for your reservation
We recommend you pay be credit card. Paying by check can be tricky for homeowner and guest when it comes to disputing charges and reservations. Credit cards, we feel are safer for both parties. Charges can be disputed, reservations can be confirmed and so on.

Second: Check-in Instructions
After you have paid for your reservation make sure to get check-in and check-out instructions from the owner. Be sure to read them and know when to check-in and check-out. I suggest you take these with you when you go on your trip. I know it sounds silly but you would not believe how many people have called while on the road,asking for directions, address and check-in times for the condo they reserved.

Third: Emergency info.
Make sure the owner provides you with emergency contact information (phone number 24/7)in the event there is a problem at your condo. Remember this is a house and things can break.

Fourth: Home sweet home
Unlike a hotel the condo you have rented is someones home. Please respect it as your own home.

Fifth: Damages or breakage
If you break something or you notice something is broken or missing notify the homeowner immediately. Our vacation homeowners take pride in their rentals. Since most owners do not live in the immediate vicinity they rely on cleaning crews and guests to notify them of broken or damaged items. In order to keep the home looking nice and functioning optimally please notify the homeowner immediately when you notice any damage. If you have damaged something the rental insurance will cover the repair. So please report.

Sixth: Enjoy your spacious and comfortable home away from home.



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