A winter vacation to the Grand Canyon is pure magic. Think mist and snow, sky and rock, silence and solitude, and the warmth of a crackling fire. Check out these reduced rates from Xanterra South Rim L.L.C.*, operator of lodges, restaurants and activities in Grand Canyon National Park, and leave the crowds and costs to the Canyon’s summertime masses.

The Winter Value Rate is $85 per night plus tax at Maswik South and Yavapai West, and $110 per night plus tax at Maswik North and Yavapai East. The Winter Value Rate is available from Nov. 10, 2010 through March 10, 2011, excluding Nov. 24-27, 2010, Dec. 24, 2010 through Jan. 1, 2011 and Feb. 19-Feb. 21, 2011. The rates are valid for single or double occupancy. The cost for each additional person in the room is $9. Children 16 and under stay at no extra charge.  Lodge and room type are subject to availability and seasonal closures. Summer rates at these hotels range from $90 to $170 per night.

The El Tovar Romance Package at the elegant and historic El Tovar includes one night in a standard queen room, a bottle of California sparkling wine and fruit basket in the room and dinner for two with a bottle of Grand Canyon label wine in the El Tovar Dining Room. The base package cost is $375 plus tax subject to availability. Guests may upgrade to a deluxe room or suite, based upon availability, for an additional charge. The Romance Package is available Nov. 28, 2010 through Feb. 14, 2011, excluding Dec. 11, 2010, Dec. 24, 2010 through Jan. 1, 2011 and Jan. 12, 2011. When booking the Romance Package online, guests must enter the promo code “ROMANCE.”

In addition to discounted room rates at off-rim lodges, it is easier to find available rooms at the four properties on the rim – El Tovar, Bright Angel, Kachina and Thunderbird Lodges – than it is during the summer season. Xanterra also operates a variety of interpretive motorcoach tours, restaurants, gift shops and mule rides.

Visitors can book their rooms online by visiting www.grandcanyonlodges.com or by calling toll-free 1-888-297-2757 or 1-303-297-2757 from outside the United States. You can learn more about the park by visiting www.nps.gov/grca.

Source: Xanterra Parks & Resort/Mesereau Public Relations