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Olympic medalist, Billy Kidd, also Steamboat’s director of skiing, enjoys a day of first tracks. Photo by Steamboat/Larry Pierce
When it comes to saving money on skiing in Colorado, locals deserve to know about the best bargains. While some of the season’s best ski pass deals have come and gone with cheap early-season pricing, there are some secrets to be uncovered.
First, if it’s a multi-resort pass you’re after, you can still get in on unlimited skiing at Keystone, Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin, plus 10 days at Vail and Beaver Creek with the Colorado Pass, but prices are higher now. Same goes for the Rocky Mountain Super Pass PLUS, which gives you unlimited skiing at Winter Park and Copper Mountain, as well as six days at Steamboat and other bonus discounts. Passes are also available for each of these mountains individually.
Other deals at some of Colorado’s classic ski mountains still abound. Eight great resorts make up the Colorado Gems package, and you can get discounts at each with the Colorado Gems Card available from Colorado Ski Country — go online at www.coloradoski.com/Resorts/Gems. Each area also offers discounts on its own. For example, Loveland’s season pass now includes three free days at Monarch Mountain and the area’s smart 4Pak deal gives you four transferable lift tickets with no blackouts. For beginners, Ski Cooper in Leadville has an incredibly inexpensive season pass, and new Echo Mountain in Idaho Springs will entice park riders at $139 for a season pass.
Of course, we can’t forget our favorite backyard ski area, Eldora. Just a 30-minute drive from Boulder will take you to one of the Front Range’s most accessible and family-friendly mountains. Check out college student discounts on season passes, the midweek pass and the no-limit pass, which you can transfer to family, friends and co-workers. Eldora isn’t just for learning any more!
—Julie Kailus
ARAPAHOE BASIN
Main: 970-468-0718 (888-272-7246)
Lodging: 800-248-1942
Snow report: 888-272-7246 ext. 1
Web: www.arapahoebasin.com
Arapahoe Basin is known for legendary steeps and dramatic, close up views of the Continental Divide and springtime “beach” and BBQ areas. A-Basin’s largest expansion since it opened in 1946, Montezuma Bowl is scheduled to open this season, bringing 900 new acres of skiing terrain to the mountain.
Scoop: This year, Arapahoe Basin was the first resort to open in North America.
Carve big in Arapahoe Basin’s newest adddition, Montezuma Bowl–900 more acres of terrain! Photo courtesy Arapahoe Basin
ASPEN/SNOWMASS
(Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Snowmass)
Main: 800-308-6935
Lodging: 800-525-6200
Snow report: 888-277-3676
Web: www.aspensnowmass.com
With four mountains—each with a distinct personality—Aspen/Snowmass features nearly 5,000 combined acres of skiable terrain and over 300 trails. A charming, historic town adds to the appeal of this world-famous ski destination. New features this season include Snowmass’s one-stop shop, the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center; a dedicated Elk Camp Meadows Beginner Area; and upgrades to the relocated Snowmass Terrain Park.
Scoop: Find a free Aspen/Snowmass Ambassador to show you the secret shrines to Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and Jerry Garcia.
BEAVER CREEK
Main: 970-754-5750
Lodging: 888-830-SNOW or 970-496-4500
Snow report: 970-476-4888
Web: www.beavercreek.com
In addition to excellent diversity of ski terrain and accessible village-to-village skiing, Beaver Creek is famous for its upscale feel, likened to a European alpine village. Service is five-star, with everything from free chocolate chip cookies and heated walkways to three luxury spas. The new Riverfront Gondola, expected to open this season, will connect the town of Avon with Beaver Creek ski area. Additionally, the super-fast Buckaroo Express Gondola now delivers kids to The Ranch, a new 4,500-square foot on-mountain facility.
Scoop: Instructors lead a free Rail Jam Series every Thursday to teach kids and adults about park-riding tips.
BRECKENRIDGE
Main: 970-453-5000
Lodging: 800-239-1643 or 877-234-3981
Snow report: 800-789-SNOW or 970-453-6118
Web: www.breckenridge.com
Four mountains with terrain for all abilities, linked by gondola extraordinaire BreckConnect, meets 140-year-old former mining town in one very quaint and centrally located setting. A storied snowboarding history assures riders access to top-ranked parks and pipes. This year, major real estate developments continue the evolution of Peaks 7 and 8 base villages.
Scoop: For an alternative to the slopes, Maggie Pond, a picturesque outdoor ice-skating rink, is open all day until 10pm.
COPPER MOUNTAIN
Main: 866-841-2481
Lodging: 888-219-2441
Snow report: 800-789-7609
Web: www.coppercolorado.com
Copper features a vas selection of naturally divided terrain for all abilities and versatile bowl skiing. To complete the mountain experience, three base villages deliver accommodations, restaurants, bars, shops and a kids-only lodge. Scheduled to open sometime this season, new glade areas, accessed from the Alpine or Super Bee lifts, offer expert skiing with a twist.
Scoop: Copper Mountain is close by, just 75 miles west of Denver. Snowcats will take you up Tucker Mountain behind the back bowls. It’s not as scary as it looks.
CRESTED BUTTE
Main: 800-810-7669
Lodging: 800-544-8448
Snow Report: 888-317-6482
Web: www.skicb.com
Off the beaten path—in a good way—Crested Butte delivers all the benefits of a historic mountain town and a budding ski village. While known for some extreme terrain, CB has plenty of corduroy cruisers, too—including loads of powder stashes if you know where to look. As Crested Butte Mountain Resort continues to undergo a dramatic transformation, look for new luxury lodging properties, conference centers, event spaces and renovations at the slopeside Club Med.
Scoop: Crested Butte is home to the legendary U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Championships.
 Clear skies and fresh snow make for the perfect ski day in the Elk Mountain Range at Crested Butte. Photo courtesy Crested Butte |
ECHO MOUNTAIN
Main: 303-325-7347
Lodging: 303-325-7347
Snow Report: 303-325-7347 ext. 3
Web: www.EchoMt.com
Just 35 miles from Denver, Echo Mountain is a dedicated freestyle snow park perched among the pines on the approach to scenic Mount Evans. Trendsetting rails and slides, accentuated by music pumped onto the slopes and night riding under the lights, draw riders to this youth-oriented mountain. In its second season, Echo Mountain has added glades and wood features; a bigger beginners’ area; a new bar and café; and junior and adult nighttime programs.
Scoop: Late-day tickets (good from 3pm to 9pm) let you ride under the stars for $29.
ELDORA MOUNTAIN RESORT
Main: 303-440-8700
Lodging: 303-440-8700
Snow report: 303-440-8700
Web: www.eldora.com
Just 21 miles from Boulder, Eldora Mountain Resort—Boulder County’s backyard ski area—offers close in, no-hassle skiing without the big-ticket price. A diverse mountain for families, with plenty of steep stuff and newly expanded glades, Eldora is also recognized for its cross-country center and an RTD bus service from Boulder that drops skiers 50 feet from the lift. Eldora has a fantastic ski school for kids — it’s where nearly all of Boulder’s hot skiers and riders learned to turn.
Scoop: To test your skills, head to Eldora’s steep double-black diamond runs in Corona Bowl… better be ready!
EVENTS in Eldora
KEYSTONE
Main: 970-496-2316 or 877-625-1556
Lodging: 970-496-4500 or 877-753-9786
Snow report: 970-496-4111
Web: www.keystone.snow.com
Three mountains of varied terrain, a top-ranked terrain park and plenty of extras like yoga and wine tasting are a few of Keystone’s specialties. This Vail-owned resort also boasts a massive nighttime ski operation and the highest-altitude AAA four-diamond dining experience in North America. In addition to an expanded mountain spa and the new snowcat-accessed Independence Bowl, Keystone is working on a major base-area redevelopment plan.
Scoop: Kids will flip for tubing and ski-biking at Adventure Point, located atop Decrum Mountain. Watch traffic lights for less crowded lifts.
EVENTS at Keystone
LOVELAND
Main Phone: 303-569-3203
Lodging: 800-225-LOVE
Snow Report: 303-571-5580 ext. 2
Web: www.skiloveland.com
Locals choose Loveland for its easy access, no-hassle parking, short lift lines, and affordable tickets and food. Adhering to a true Colorado ski experience, this cozy mountain has stayed true to the core of skiing, featuring dramatic mountain views and the highest lift-served terrain in the world. A new website, complete with live mountain cams, snow alerts and insider news, is the latest from Loveland.
Scoop: One of the closest ski areas to Denver, Loveland is perched on the Continental Divide, just 53 miles from the Mile High City. Big bowls above tree line are great for fresh powder.
EVENTS at Loveland
MONARCH MOUNTAIN
Main: 888-996-7669
Lodging: 888-996-7669
Snow report: 888-996-7669 ext. 1
Web: www.skimonarch.com
This hidden gem is worth the drive for its affordable lift tickets, abundant snowfall, virgin-powder tree skiing and reputable snowcat operation. This season, Monarch Mountain has upgraded with some $600,000 in capital improvements. The most significant of these is the new No Name Bowl, which adds 200 acres of snowcat-accessed skiing in Gunnison National Forest. Monarch is also known for killer light powder.
Scoop: Families enjoy Monarch’s ease and accessibility. All runs flow naturally back to the base area, and lifts are just steps from the parking area.
 There are no friends on a powder day! Photo courtesy Monarch Mountain |
POWDERHORN
Main: 970-268-5700
Lodging: 970-268-5170
Snow report: 970-268-5300
Web: www.powderhorn.com
Located some 35 minutes from Grand Junction on Colorado’s Western Slope, this unassuming, family-friendly ski area boasts affordable skiing, excellent glade skiing and a pleasantly informal atmosphere. Lift lines are rare. With the resort’s proximity to Grand Junction’s desert valley, guests can ski in the morning and play golf in the afternoon.
Scoop: Scenic Powderhorn is suspended 4,000 feet above the valley floor on Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world.
PURGATORY
(Durango Mountain Resort)
Main: 970-247-9000
Lodging: 970-247-9000 ext. 3
Snow report: 970-247-9000 ext. 1
Web: www.durangomountainresort.com
Here’s a destination resort with big plans for the future. Purgatory Mountain, about 45 minutes up the road from historic Durango, offers interesting “terraced” terrain that delivers undulating fun for all ability levels. In the midst of a 25-year expansion project, Purgatory is upgrading its entire base village, including a new lodge, chairlifts and lodging, plus upgraded facilities and restaurants.
Scoop: Snow tubing has never been more fun than at the three-lane (fast to slow) Snow Coaster tubing hill.
SILVERTON MOUNTAIN
Main: 970-387-5706
Lodging: 970-387-5706
Snow report: 970-387-5706
Web: www.silvertonmountain.com
Silverton Mountain is one of a kind. This rugged, guided, big-mountain skiing experience feels like a backcountry powder trip with the added ease of a lift. Featuring Colorado’s most expert, ungroomed terrain and 400 inches of average snowfall, this little ski operation with a big attitude serves up an unforgettable riding adventure. And you end up after a rugged day of skiing in a true mountain party-hearty town.
Scoop: With a limited number of skiers allowed on the mountain each day, it’s best to book your Silverton trip well in advance. Make sure the roads are open to get there before you go.
SKI COOPER
Main: 719-486-3684
Lodging: 719-486-2277
Snow report: 719-486-2277
Web: www.skicooper.com
The little mountain that could, Ski Cooper remains a charming, affordable, family ski area that reminds one of simpler times. Situated outside the lofty, historic mining town of Leadville, Ski Cooper treats guests to extras like the famed ski-to Tennessee Pass Cookhouse and revered Chicago Ridge Backcountry Ski Tours. This season, ski school enhancements include a new magic carpet and lift.
Scoop: Ski Cooper’s award-winning ski school and accessible beginners’ areas make the mountain a great place to learn to turn.
 Watch out for snow cats when skiing Ski Cooper, the charming resort outside of Leadville. Photo courtesy Ski Cooper |
SOLVISTA BASIN
Main: 970-887-3384
Lodging: 800-757-7669
Snow report: 970-887-3384
Web: www.granbyranch.com
SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch has become more than a ski area. Two interconnected hills—one beginner and one intermediate—funnel to a single base area. Surrounding the family-oriented mountain are Nordic trails, luxury condos, a golf course and hot springs. As part of a $6-million reconstruction, the resort is currently renovating its base lodge and lodging facilities at the base area.
Scoop: SolVista Basin is only 15 minutes north of Winter Park, further expanding vacation possibilities.
STEAMBOAT
Main: 970-879-6111
Lodging: 800-922-2722
Snow report: 970-879-7300
Web: www.steamboat.com
This massive, eclectic mountain loaded with steeps, bumps, cruisers and classic tree skiing rises out of the friendly ranching town of Steamboat Springs. It’s no surprise that this ski-obsessed town, complete with a ski-jumping complex off the main street, has produced 54 Winter Olympians. With billion-dollar plans that will affect the mountain and downtown, Steamboat has recently added a new, six-passenger chairlift called the Christie Peak Express, regraded the Headwall terrain, expanded parking and improved snowmaking.
Scoop: With a unique microclimate that creates snowstorms exclusive to the northern mountains, Steamboat calls its signature light and fluffy snow “Champagne powder.”
EVENTS in Steamboat Springs
 A skier enjoys a day of powder skiing in Steamboat after one of the resort's famous Champagne Powder® snowstorms. Photo by Steamboat/Larry Pierce |
SUNLIGHT
Main: 800-445-7931
Lodging: 970-945-7491
Snow report: 800-445-7931
Web: www.sunlightmtn.com
Another “Colorado Classic,” this affordable, unpretentious ski area 30 minutes outside Glenwood Springs is easy to navigate, making it an ideal destination for families. Sunlight specializes in inexpensive ski-and-stay packages that include lodging, lift tickets and access to the town’s Hot Springs Pool.
Scoop: Add some entertainment to a Friday ski outing—acoustic acts perform at the Last Turn Lounge on Friday afternoons.
TELLURIDE
Main: 970-728-6900
Lodging: 800-778-8587
Snow report: 970-728-6900
Web: www.tellurideskiresort.com
Far removed and proud of it, Telluride is one of Colorado’s most visually dramatic destination resorts. Situated at the dead end of a jaw-dropping vertical mountain valley, this ski area is known for unparalleled scenery, luxury lodging and pampering, few crowds or lift lines, and a fiercely independent nature. This season Black Iron Bowl opens with 353 acres of in-bounds hike-to skiing off lift 12.
Scoop: A free gondola connects the historic town of Telluride with the modern, upscale Mountain Village.
EVENTS in Telluride
VAIL
Main: 970-476-5601
Lodging: 800-525-2257
Snow report: 970-476-4888
Web: www.vail.com
The largest ski mountain in North America, Vail offers lots of moderate terrain and a few memorable skiing experiences. World-famous back bowls complement miles of groomed terrain, and an expansive village offers endless shopping and après-ski dining options. This season, three new lifts will try to shorten ride times to popular runs and on-mountain restaurants, and enhance access to beginner areas.
Scoop: Vail’s popular children’s ski program gets a makeover with the remodeling of Golden Peak Children’s Center and Small World Play School Nursery.
EVENTS in Vail
 Rails and tricks aren’t just for snowboarders anymore. Photo courtesy Vail Resorts |
WINTER PARK/MARY JANE
Main: 970-726-1564
Lodging: 800-979-0332
Snow report: 303-572-SNOW
Web: www.skiwinterpark.com
Winter Park is where much of the Front Range population learned to ski. A locals’ mountain, this resort offers everything from easy access from Denver to legendary mogul skiing at Mary Jane. Excellent glade skiing sets “The Jane” apart from Colorado’s tamer chichi resorts. In addition to new construction in the village area and parking enhancements, the Panoramic Express Chairlift promises faster access to Vasquez Cirque, Parsenn Bowl and Eagle Wind Trails, as well as 100 acres of new intermediate and advanced terrain.
Scoop: Winter Park is home to the renowned National Center for the Disabled, a leader in adaptive skiing techniques and instruction.
EVENTS in Winter Park and Fraser Valley
WOLF CREEK SKI AREA
Main: 970-264-5639
Lodging: 970-264-5639
Snow report: 970-264-5639
Web: www.wolfcreekski.com
Lots of powder, few crowds, a laid-back scene and affordable lift tickets make intimate Wolf Creek a legendary ski destination that’s worth the trek to southwestern Colorado. Recent on-mountain upgrades include the installation of water-free restrooms at the top of Raven and Treasure lifts. Big Texas money is trying to develop the charm away. Ask a local for details.
Scoop: To take in the scenery from the top of Wolf Creek Pass, hit the Nordic and snowshoe trails, open along Forest Service Road 391.
Copyright 2007-08 Brock Publishing
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