Frisco, CO -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/06/2009 -- Frisco-based vacation planning and information website firm, The Mountains USA has been given an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). An ‘A+’ is the highest rating that the BBB Corporation awards private business for their ‘trust-worthiness.’

BBB was founded in 1912 and the organization gathers and reports information on business reliability, ethical business operations and accountability. Companies that come into the BBB fold are deemed of a certain standard of trustworthiness in the industry and towards this, BBB rates business on a scale which ranges from ‘A’ (highest) to ‘F’ (lowest).

The Mountains USA (http://www.themountainsUSA.com) has been a BBB accredited business since March 2002. However, in the wake of the economic downturn of the last 18 months, the beginnings of an upward swing are just beginning to emerge. While many players no longer exist, many of the other management companies have been, and are continuing to offer substantial “Discounts, Deals and Specials” in order to stimulate a recovery in a hard-hit travel industry. However, most of these incentives are aimed at increasing early reservations and people are still extremely cautious before putting their hard-won money down.

In such an economic climate, trust becomes an important factor to help the industry get back to its earlier lofty position. Against last year, reservations for 2009-10 show approximately 30% increase over advance reservations for the 2008-9 season.

According to Mr. Paul Connelly, Owner, The Mountains USA, “Management companies are seeing revenues already in advance of last year, and for those waiting to the last minute to scramble to get a deal will end up paying “top dollar.” The reason being that we anticipate the demand for last minute reservations to be high we also expect the market to react and keep the pricing at “normal” levels without offering incentives. The best piece of advice that we can give those planning a ski vacation this season is getting your reservations in early – these deals will not be out there for last minute reservations.”

About The Mountains USA:
The Mountains USA was formed in 2001 with the objective of providing ‘boutique’ vacation planning services for Colorado Ski (and summer) vacations by combining unrivaled local knowledge and service at no cost to the guest. The firm, and the website (www.themountainsUSA.com), sell large volume lodging and accommodations, transportation solutions, ski passes, ski rental/hire and activities packages and negotiates the best rates and discounted prices for guests through close work with ski resorts.

According to Mr Connelly, “Our guests work very hard to enjoy the short time that they have on vacation, and we aim to make every moment the best that it can possibly be. Being completely independent (we don’t have any preferences as to resorts or accommodations), we work solely on behalf of our guests. We ‘go to bat’ for them to find them the right options at the best possible price. That’s why they keep coming back!”