This interview is with Inge Von Aulock, Editor in Chief & Airbnb Host at Baldy Basecamp.

Inge Von Aulock, Editor in Chief & Airbnb Host, Baldy Basecamp

Inge, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in the world of hospitality and property management?

I entered the property-investment space as part of my wealth-building journey, starting with traditional rental properties before expanding into the short-term rental market. While I use property-management companies for most of my portfolio, I made the strategic decision to self-manage Baldy Basecamp, a 6-unit recreational property, to deeply understand the operational aspects of hospitality management.

This hands-on experience has proven invaluable, teaching me everything from effective guest-communication strategies to the nuances of dynamic pricing in different seasons. Managing both self-operated and professionally managed properties has given me unique insights into the advantages and challenges of different management approaches, which has helped inform my overall investment strategy.

The hospitality industry, particularly in the short-term rental space, requires a delicate balance of operational excellence and guest satisfaction, and my experience managing Baldy Basecamp has shown me firsthand how attention to detail and proactive management can significantly impact both guest experience and property performance.

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field, particularly focusing on investment properties and creating memorable travel experiences?

My journey into property investment wasn’t a straight path—it emerged from my broader motivation for financial independence after finding myself as a divorced single mom with debt. While building my investment portfolio, I discovered that real estate, particularly in the hospitality space, offered a unique opportunity to create both financial growth and genuine value for others.

The decision to focus on a recreational investment property came from recognizing that memorable travel experiences have a lasting impact—they give families and friends the space to connect and create moments they’ll cherish for years to come. What started as a strategic investment decision evolved into something more meaningful as I witnessed how thoughtfully managed properties could enhance people’s vacation experiences while building long-term wealth. This alignment of purpose and profitability has proven to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my work in this field.

You mentioned blending market research with unique selling points to set competitive rates. What are some creative ways hosts can differentiate their properties and appeal to a specific niche market?

Property differentiation starts with deeply understanding your location’s unique attributes and the specific needs of your target guests. At Baldy Basecamp, for example, we noticed a gap in the market for family-friendly ski-in/ski-out accommodations that could comfortably host multiple families, so we designed our units with spacious common areas and practical amenities like boot-warmers and gear storage.

Beyond physical features, hosts can differentiate through specialized services or partnerships—we’ve built relationships with the ski hill, local ski instructors, and the equipment rental shop to offer our guests exclusive deals and convenient booking options. Creating memorable experiences through thoughtful touches, like providing detailed local guides with insider tips or stocking units with board games and movies for après-ski entertainment, helps build a loyal guest base who appreciate the extra effort.

The key is identifying what truly matters to your target market and then consistently delivering value that goes beyond basic accommodation.

Managing guest expectations is crucial.  Can you share an experience where you received negative feedback and how you turned it into an opportunity for improvement?

One of our earliest guests at Baldy Basecamp provided feedback that proved invaluable—they mentioned wanting more proactive communication before check-in. Rather than simply addressing this as a one-time issue, we saw it as an opportunity to enhance our entire guest-communication strategy. We developed and implemented an automated communication workflow that ensures guests receive comprehensive information at key points throughout their booking journey, from initial confirmation to check-out instructions.

This systematic approach has not only eliminated similar concerns but has contributed to maintaining our perfect 5.0-star rating across all platforms. What I learned from this experience is that guest feedback, even when challenging to hear, often highlights opportunities to create systems that enhance the experience for all future guests.

Maintaining a pristine property is essential for positive reviews. What cleaning hacks or routines have you developed that go beyond the basics and truly impress your guests?

My approach to property maintenance at Baldy Basecamp centers on understanding the unique challenges of a recreational property, particularly dealing with ski gear and outdoor equipment. We’ve developed a comprehensive cleaning system that includes designated mudrooms with boot dryers and gear storage, which helps contain outdoor debris and protects the main living spaces.

Beyond standard cleaning protocols, we focus on high-impact details that guests might not expect but consistently appreciate—like sanitizing remote controls, deep-cleaning air vents seasonally, and using hypoallergenic cleaning products that leave a fresh but not overwhelming scent. We’ve also implemented a thorough checklist system that our cleaning team follows, which includes special attention to often-overlooked areas like window tracks, light switches, and doorknobs.

For a ski property specifically, we maintain extra attention to floor care during winter months, with specialized mats and cleaning products that handle salt and snow residue while protecting our flooring investment.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for travelers. How do you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your properties and operations?

Our sustainability initiatives at Baldy Basecamp focus on meaningful practices that benefit both the environment and our guests’ experience. We’ve installed smart thermostats and LED lighting throughout the property, which not only reduce energy consumption but also allow guests to easily control their comfort. To minimize single-use plastics, we provide high-quality, filtered-water systems and reusable water bottles, which guests particularly appreciate for their outdoor activities.

We’ve also partnered with local recycling programs and provide clear guidelines for waste sorting, making it easy for guests to participate in our sustainability efforts. In our ongoing operations, we use environmentally-friendly cleaning products, energy-efficient appliances, and have implemented a linen-reuse program that gives guests the option to minimize unnecessary washing while still ensuring they have access to fresh linens whenever needed.

Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, especially in the hospitality industry. What strategies do you use to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance?

My approach to work-life balance centers on creating robust systems and leveraging technology to automate routine tasks while maintaining high service quality. For Baldy Basecamp, I’ve implemented automated check-in procedures, guest-communication workflows, and maintenance schedules that allow me to manage the property efficiently without being on call 24/7. Setting clear guest communication boundaries while still ensuring excellent service has been crucial—I use automated messaging for common questions and have local support staff for immediate needs, which allows me to be responsive without sacrificing personal time.

Having experienced both corporate burnout and entrepreneurial overwhelm earlier in my career, I’ve learned the importance of building scalable systems that support both property success and personal well-being. These systems not only help prevent burnout but also ensure our guests receive consistent, high-quality service regardless of whether I’m personally handling their requests or my support team is assisting them.

Looking ahead, what trends do you see shaping the future of travel and accommodation, and how are you adapting your business to stay ahead of the curve?

I’m seeing a significant shift towards longer stays and more immersive travel experiences, particularly in recreational destinations like ours where guests are increasingly combining work and leisure time. To adapt to this trend, we’re enhancing our properties with dedicated workspaces and high-speed internet while maintaining the recreational amenities that make vacation time special.

Another key trend is the growing demand for personalized, tech-enabled experiences, which we’re addressing through smart-home integration and customized local activity recommendations based on guest preferences.

The rise of conscious travel is also shaping our industry, leading us to invest in sustainable practices and deeper connections with local communities to provide authentic experiences. Looking ahead, I believe success in this industry will increasingly depend on creating flexible spaces that can accommodate both traditional vacationers and the growing number of remote workers seeking longer-term stays in desirable locations.

What advice would you give to someone considering investing in a short-term rental property for the first time?

Starting with thorough market research is crucial—understand your target location’s seasonality, local regulations, and competition before making any investment decisions. Beyond the property itself, carefully consider the operational aspects: your time commitment, local support networks, and systems needed for guest management and maintenance. I recommend starting with one property and managing it yourself initially, even if you plan to eventually hire a property manager, as this hands-on experience provides invaluable insights into what makes a successful short-term rental.

Focus on properties with unique advantages or “moats”—whether that’s an exceptional location, distinctive amenities, or access to popular attractions—as these features can help maintain high occupancy rates, even during off-peak seasons. While short-term rentals can provide excellent returns, they typically require more active management than traditional rentals, so make sure you have the time, resources, and systems in place to deliver consistently excellent guest experiences.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Success in the short-term-rental market comes down to creating value for both guests and property owners through thoughtful systems and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re managing one property or multiple units, focus on building scalable processes that maintain consistent quality while allowing for sustainable growth.

I’ve found that the most rewarding aspect of this business isn’t just the financial returns but seeing how well-managed properties can create spaces for people to connect and create lasting memories. The industry is constantly evolving, and staying successful means remaining adaptable while never losing sight of the fundamental goal: providing exceptional experiences for every guest.