Alta Vista -- Frequently Asked Questions --

Common Sense (?)

Alta Vista is not your average "ski cabin" where "everything goes."  You have rented a private house with a very unusual list of amenities, gadgets, and convenience items that you normally only find in distinguished private residences (including, for example several TVs, VCR, CD/DVD player, surround sound stereo system, free wireless Internet, free use of telephone, numerous games, chairs for many more people than permitted in your party, an almost endless supply of linens and towels, down comforters, two electric clothes dryers, two coffee makers, a frother, a high-end quiet dishwasher, an electric range with European-style heating elements, two vacuum cleaners, two hand vacs, several hair dryers, a gas grill, sauna, hot tub, deck furniture in various shapes and sizes, solar thermal and solar-electric energy collector systems, and on and on ...).  It makes common sense that some of these items are unfamiliar to you, or they work differently than those you are familiar with -- PLEASE do not break them by forcing them to operate the way you "expect" them to. 

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It is amazing what kinds of -- often very costly -- damage to our home we have experienced over the years due to renters' negligence. We therefore list a few of these common-sense items we ask you to observe. Please understand that we do NOT want to insult your intelligence -- we are confident that you would know this and not commit any of these blunders, but we nevertheless mention them, because they have actually repeatedly happened:
--- please wash wooden utensils by hand only (nothing with wooden handles etc. in the dishwasher, please!)
--- wash color and white laundry separately
--- clean up spills from stove top (before they burn in ... )
--- clean up spills from carpeting (we provide all kinds of cleaners and gadgets for you to use ...)
--- use coffee maker, water kettle, and toaster NOT underneath hanging cabinets (to prevent steam and heat damage to cabinets)
--- definitely positively no ball playing inside the house
--- leave garage doors closed and (rodents and snow and ice outside)
--- remove ice and snow from thresholds of garage doors (so doors will close properly)
--- close windows and sliding glass doors when raining/snowing is imminent
--- put umbrella and patio furniture and cushions inside at night
--- prevent the bears from raiding your trash (keep the "bear box" locked)
--- close sliding glass doors gently
--- turn thermostat down (to 52-degree "suitcase mode") when you depart
--- leave cover on (and heat in) when hot tub is not in use
--- we will appreciate if you leave germs, mud and dust outside and don't wear outside footwear inside the house ...