Each year for nearly 25 years we made an annual trip to the Colorado Rockies to spend a week skiing. Snow skiing has certainly changed over the 25 years, but we have some favorite places and tips to share that will help make the most of your trip. In this post we will highlight four of our favorite Colorado ski resorts. Each has its own pros and cons, but depending on your preferences, any of these can make for a fantastic ski trip.
We like to make our trip during the first week of February. There is usually very good snow, and since it is the week before President’s Day, it is less crowded and somewhat less expensive.
TIP: If you can, try to avoid Spring Break (Mid-March). It is usually warmer during the day, but that warmth also results in slushy conditions near the base from the heavy traffic, and lots and lots of people. So just be forewarned!
So, join us as we take a look at some exceptional ski resorts and maybe you will find one you would like to try.
A Little Bit of History
Skiing in the Colorado Rockies started in the 1800’s, but not as a sport. With mining operations booming in the mountains, there were many small towns popping up and miners were working all over the mountains. But with harsh winter conditions, travel between towns was difficult. About the only way to get around was skiing. As the 1800’s came to a close and the mining operations were on the decline, skiing as recreation and a sport started to gain momentum.
Slowly through the first few decades of the 20th century, ski clubs and ski areas started to pop up. But what got people really excited about the sport was the 1932 Olympics in Lake Placid. By the 1970’s, major ski resorts were established across Colorado, including Breckenridge, Vail and Steamboat Springs, with many more to follow in the decades to come.
With some of the best skiing in the world, and certainly some of the best accommodations slope side, Colorado has become one of the premier ski destinations in the world.
Location and How to Get There
While there are many ski resorts across the state, we will focus on four of our favorites. They are Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Steamboat Springs and Keystone. All of these resorts are accessible from the I-70 corridor and easily reached by land and air.
• Airports
o Denver International Airport (DEN) – Denver is a relatively new and modern airport located east of downtown. Since there are numerous, reasonably priced flights to Denver from most locations in the United States, a lot of skiers choose to fly into Denver and drive to their ultimate destination.
Depending on the resort you have selected, drive times can range from just over 2 hours to almost 4 hours. In addition, if weather conditions are poor, or you hit the weekend morning traffic heading out to the resorts, drive times can be even longer.
o Hayden, Colorado (Yampa Valley Regional Airport HDN) – The easiest way to get to Steamboat Springs is to fly in to the airport located in Hayden, a 30-minute drive from the Steamboat Springs Ski Area. Many of the major airlines have flights in to Hayden, typically using full size jets, not small commuter planes. The airport is small, so the number of flights is limited. Booking your flights early is a good idea.
o Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) – Eagle County Airport offers a good selection of flights to and from many major U.S. cities, and serves the ski resorts of Beaver Creek and Vail. The drive is about 25 minutes to Beaver Creek and 40 minutes to Vail. Although flights into Eagle County can be a little more expensive, if you want to avoid a long drive from Denver, flying into Eagle County could be a good option.
• Shuttles – There are shuttles at all the airports that can take you to and from your resort. You can reserve everything from a shared ride to a private service. These options can be very economical and will spare you from the stresses of driving, especially if the weather is not great. We have used this option a few times from both Denver and Steamboat Springs. There are several services to choose from, including the Mountain Shuttle.
• Transportation within the Ski Resorts – All of the ski resorts offer shuttle service between the ski slopes and many of the local accommodations and restaurants. And the best thing is – many are free!
For example, Breckenridge resort uses the Summit Stage, which provides free transportation within Summit County. That means that not only will you be able to travel all around Breckenridge, you will be able to travel free to Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and Copper Mountain if you would like to try those ski areas.
• Rental Car – Renting a vehicle during ski season can be surprisingly expensive, especially if you are looking for one with 4-wheel drive capabilities. The cost for a week can easily range from $600 to over $1000. Of course, having your own vehicle gives you a lot more freedom. However, if you utilize the shuttle service to and from the airport and the free transportation at the resort, you can save a ton of money by not renting or worrying about having a vehicle.
TIP: Even if you are lucky enough to have sunny weather throughout your trip, you will be encountering winter driving conditions at the high elevations of mountain ski resorts. That means there will be ice and snow. Therefore, if you decide to rent, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended!
Lift Tickets
In our 25 year of skiing, the one expense that has increased the most is the cost of a lift ticket. Be prepared for sticker shock when you first see the prices. They can range from about $125 to over $180 per day. The price variation depends on the resort and the number of days you plan to ski. The lift ticket prices at the four ski resorts that we will review are all within this range.
When you purchase a multi-day lift ticket, you will notice options like ‘4 of 5-day ticket’. This means that once you ski the first day, you have a total of 5 days to use the remaining days. This can be a nice option, since it will allow you to take a day off during that 5 days.
TIP: Most resorts offer Beginner Ski Lessons that include a lift ticket. It’s usually only an option for beginners, but the price is not much more than the lift ticket by itself. And if you have never skied before, you should definitely take a lesson or two.
Equipment Rental
Ski and snowboard rental shops will be located near the slope and in nearby towns. If you rent away from the slope, in the town areas, you will probably find cheaper rates. Ski packages will typically include a ‘sport’ versus ‘premium’ package. The cost for a premium package is usually only a few dollars more, and the premium package will almost always include the newest equipment.
Many years ago, only the skiers on challenging terrain used helmets, but the trend now is for everyone to wear one. We highly recommend a helmet. It will run about $10 more a day, but will not only provide safety, but will keep your head much warmer.
Altitude
This is a good place to tell you about our strategy for dealing with high altitude. Most of our ski trips originated from Tampa, which is just above sea level. Traveling to a ski resort that is over 8000 feet can be a little tough on flatlanders! So, in order to adjust to the altitude more effectively, we always fly out to Denver a day early and then spend one night at a hotel near the airport. It is amazing how spending just one night at 5000 feet will help you the next day when you arrive at your resort that is likely to be over 8000 feet. Getting a good night’s sleep that first night in Denver, eating a good breakfast and staying hydrated will definitely help your body adjust to altitude more easily.
The next morning, we suggest not heading to your resort until 10 AM. On weekdays there is a lot of traffic in the Denver area and on weekends everyone is headed to the resorts. Save yourself some angst from sitting in traffic and get a later start. You will still have most of the day to get to your destination, get your tickets, equipment, and maybe do some grocery shopping.
Now let’s briefly talk about the elevation of the resorts themselves. The elevation of the Steamboat Springs base is 6900 feet. Keystone’s elevation is 9300 feet and the Breckenridge base is located at 9600 feet. Beaver Creek actually has three bases. Beaver Creek and Bachelor’s Gulch bases are located at 8100 feet, and the Arrowhead base is at 7400 feet.
When you are considering elevation, the most important thing to know is the elevation at which you will be sleeping. While you are sleeping, your respiration rate is at its lowest point and you are taking in the lowest levels of oxygen. This reduction in oxygen level is what contributes to altitude sickness. Believe me, sleeping at 7400 feet versus 9600 feet is a huge difference. So if you have not been skiing, or not stayed at elevation before, then considering the elevation of your lodging is critical. While we like all of the resorts reviewed below, Beaver Creek (Arrowhead Base) and Steamboat are best for elevation.
The humidity can be very low at high altitude. Very low humidity can contribute to a dry nose (even nose bleeds) and uncomfortable sleeping. Sometimes hotels and condos offer humidifiers. However, we like to ensure that we have a new, clean device. So, we usually stop by a department store and pick one up for around $30 and then just leave it when we are done. The comfort provided by the higher humidity is definitely worth $30!
TIP: Everyone, regardless of fitness level, can be susceptible to altitude sickness. Symptoms can range from a mild headache to pulmonary edema. Even if you have successfully traveled to high elevations in the past, you can still fall victim to altitude sickness. Talk to your doctor about a prescription for Diamox . This drug increases respiration rate, thereby increasing your oxygen levels and making acclimatization to high elevations much easier.
Ski Resorts
o Breckenridge
Breckenridge is one of our favorite resorts and we have skied there more than any other resort. If the weather is good, the drive from Denver takes about 2 hours. The interstate traverses some gorgeous mountain scenery, as well as the Eisenhower Tunnel (picture), where it crosses the Continental Divide. The town of Breckenridge sits right at the base of Peak 9 of the ski resort, and is our favorite area to stay. With great shopping and restaurants just a short walk away, this location is one of the best in town.
• Skiing
Breckenridge has excellent terrain for the beginner skier, as well as lots of advanced trails for the intermediate and advanced skier. Take a look at the Trail Map and find the Silverthorne run. With its consistent, gentle slope, along with its proximity to so many other easy runs, it offers the best beginner terrain of any place we have skied.
Breckenridge also has top-notch ski instructors and all of the popular trails are groomed nightly. Since Breckenridge is so popular though, it can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. With all the traffic on the lower parts of the mountain, it does mean that the lower slopes can get a little ‘chewed up’ by late in the day.
• Places to Stay
There are so many places to stay and options that it is hard to pick just a few. So, we are providing a sampling of some of the places we have stayed over the years. We do prefer a condo to a hotel room, and we also prefer ski in/out, or at least a short walk to the lifts. That way it is convenient to take a break for lunch or to easily get back to the condo at the end of the day.
If you are traveling with kids or other adults, then a condo is the best choice. It is great to have the extra room that a condo affords and if you travel with other adults, splitting the cost of a condo can make it a more affordable option.
• Trails End Condominiums – Trails End is our favorite place to stay in Breckenridge. These condos are located right in the center of everything. The Silverthorne ski lift is right outside the back door, and shopping and restaurants are all within a short walk. We have stayed in both the 1 and 2-bedroom units, and they are all spacious. Some units are more recently renovated than others, so review the pictures before you commit.
• Antler’s Lodge – We stayed in the Antler’s Lodge condo, but any of the condos along upper 4 O’clock Road are excellent. The ski trail runs behind the buildings and the Snow Flake ski lift is just down the street. This area is super convenient and just up the road from town. Most of these condos can be rented through a management company or through services like VRBO. So, you can view each unit individually and review all the pictures online before making a selection.
• Powderhorn – We stayed at Powderhorn several years ago. It is also run by a management company, but you can find listings for this condo on other rental sites. Powderhorn has nice units with good amenities. It is on the opposite side of the lift from Trails End and is about a 3-minute walk to the Silverthorne lift.
• Lances West – For a slightly more economical option, Lances West condos may fit the bill. They are not ski in/out though and it is about a 5-minute walk to the Silverthorne lift.
• Places to Eat
• Blue River Bistro – The Blue Rivere Bistro is a somewhat upscale restaurant located right on Main Street. The menu leans Italian, but the menu is varied and the food is very good. This restaurant is one of our favorites and we try to make it there each time we are in town. Be sure to make reservations though, as it is quite popular.
• Briar Rose Chop House and Saloon – If you are in the mood for a great steak or fresh game, don’t miss the Briar Rose. This restaurant is located just one block off of South Main Street and is an easy walk from the base of Peak 9. The Elk Medallions are a real favorite, but with so many great menu items to choose from, it will be a tough choice!
• Mi Casa – How can you go wrong with classic Mexican food and great margaritas? Mi Casa has been open for more than 30 years. The food and drink are always good here and we always make it a point to eat here at least once. They are also open for lunch and since they are located at the base of Peak 9, it’s easy to stop in for a mid-day break while skiing.
• Downstairs at Eric’s – Downstairs at Eric’s has also been open for 30 years, so you know it must be good. If you are looking for a place that is more laid back, with a sports bar atmosphere, this is it. It’s a fun place for both adults and kids, with a menu to satisfy everyone.
• Breckenridge Brewery – The Breckenridge Brewery was the first place we ever ate in Breckenridge and it is celebrating 30 years of business in February 2020. Breckenridge Brewery started as a small, craft brewery with a local following. After 30 years though, they have grown substantially and now their beers can be found throughout the U.S. The Breckenridge location is still a great, relaxed place to try their amazing selection of craft beers along with traditional pub fare. Stop in here for a tasty bite before or after you stroll through the shops on Main Street.
• Other Activities
There are many other activities in and around Breckenridge if you need a day off of skiing. For a fun day, try the Country Boy Mine where you can take a mine tour or even pan for gold. There are also some great outdoor recreational activities available such as snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. If it is a pretty day, consider taking a drive up to Arapahoe Basin and take in some beautiful scenery. If you prefer to stay inside, take the kids to the Breckenridge Recreation Center for a swim or to take advantage of their indoor slides and lazy river.
TIP: Breckenridge is located in Summit County and is centrally located among 3 other top-rated ski resorts including Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain and Keystone (covered a bit later in this post). You may want to consider spending a day at one of these other nearby resorts to get a taste of the other skiing that Summit County has to offer.
o Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is another of our favorite places to ski. Since it is farther from Denver, it tends to be a lot less crowded than Breckenridge and the other resorts in Summit County. The drive from the Denver airport is about 2.5 hours depending on traffic and conditions, and it is about 45-minute drive from Breckenridge. After passing the Breckenridge exit off I-70 you will go over Vail Pass (at over 10,000 feet), before descending to Vail and then on to the town of Avon and the Beaver Creek Resort.
• Skiing 
Click on the Trail Map so you can follow along. Beaver Creek has three separate bases, so you have a choice depending on your preferences. The main base is Beaver Creek. While you can ski across the entire mountain, regardless of which base you start from, Beaver Creek will get you the quickest access to the most terrain. It also provides the easiest access to the green runs, which may be especially important for beginning skiers. There are also more shops, ski rentals and lessons located here.
The second base is Bachelor’s Gulch, which is home to the Ritz Carlton Hotel. There isn’t much else at the base except the hotel, but this area has some good intermediate, blue runs. Be sure to stop by the hotel for a delicious hot chocolate or Hot Buttered Rum!
The Bachelor’s Gulch ski lifts also provide the quickest access to the Larkspur Bowl (a favorite for intermediate skiing) if you are not starting from the Beaver Creek base. Larkspur Bowl is a fantastic open bowl area for the slightly more advanced, intermediate skier and offers some incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
Finally, the last base is Arrowhead Village, which is made up of a huge condo complex with a few shops and a restaurant. It is only a short walk to a quad chair from these condos, making access to the rest of the resort quite easy. There are several terrific blue runs on Arrowhead and this area is much less crowded than the other bases. There are limited green runs descending to this base, so the skiing will be a little more challenging for the beginner. At 7400 feet, the Arrowhead base is the lowest in Beaver Creek Resort. The lower elevation, combined with its more laid-back feel, make Arrowhead our favorite place to stay.
TIP: If you prefer skiing on groomed runs (we do) then you will really like Beaver Creek, where they groom all day. So, keep an eye out for the groomers and follow them down for a silky-smooth run!
• Places to Stay
Since there are three bases at Beaver Creek, the first decision is which one to choose. Beaver Creek has more activities, places to eat and a larger selection of accommodations, while Arrowhead is quieter and has fewer options for eating out. However, regardless of where you stay, even if you do not have your own vehicle, it is easy to get around the resort. Check here for information on the transportation options around Beaver Creek.
• Arrowhead Village Condominiums – Arrowhead Village Condos is our go-to place for staying at Beaver Creek. The village is all pedestrian and very pretty. Most parking is underground and there are plenty of amenities, including a pool and hot tubs. While a little higher priced, these condos are nicely appointed and are close to the lift. We also like the fact that this area is a little quieter and more relaxed than Beaver Creek.
• Beaver Creek Base – If you want to be more in the heart of the action, then Beaver Creek Base may be for you . It is near a lot of restaurants, bars, shops and other activities. There are so many properties at Beaver Creek base that it is hard to highlight just one. Notice on the trail map that there are several lifts servicing different parts of this base area. So, you will never be too far from lift access regardless of which accommodation you chose.
• Places to Eat
• Beaver Creek Chophouse -Located right at the base of Beaver Creek, the Beaver Creek Chophouse is a great location with excellent food. It can be a little on the pricey side, but the menu has something for everybody and all of it is delicious.
• Dusty Boot Saloon – For a little more laid-back, casual atmosphere, the Dusty Boot Saloon is a lot of fun. With a large menu you will find something you like. Pick this place if you are looking for little more of a rustic atmosphere.
• Blue Moose Pizza – For the best pizza in Beaver Creek, be sure to stop in the Blue Moose. Everything on the menu is good – especially the pizza. It can get really crowded though. So, if you prefer, you can call ahead and get your order to go.
• Vista at Arrowhead – If you are staying at the Arrowhead Base and are looking for something within walking distance, the Vista is surprisingly good. It is located at the golf course, which is only a very short walk from the condos. We wanted something close by and thought we would give it a try. Wow, were we impressed! Vista has very good food that is served in a lovely setting.
• E-Town – Just a short drive down the road from the Arrowhead condos is the town of Edwards. That’s where you will find E-Town, a great little place. We stopped here and liked it so much we have returned many times. The setting is relaxed and welcoming, and the menu is full of delicious options.
• Zach’s Cabin – Zach’s is undoubtedly our favorite place in Beaver Creek and you really must give it a try. To get to the restaurant you first need to travel to the Ritz Carlton at the Bachelor’s Gulch base. From there you will get on a sleigh pulled by a Snowcat. This is a great time to try one of those Hot Buttered Rums from the bar in the Ritz Carlton. Grab one of these incredible drinks to-go, and enjoy it on the ride up to the mountain. Be sure to bundle up for you sleigh ride and check out the incredible views from the top before you go inside the restaurant. Once inside, get ready for a fantastic meal served by friendly and attentive staff in a setting to be remembered. We really love this place!
• Other Activities
There are a lot of things to do in the Beaver Creek area. Here are two of our favorites.
• Camp Hale – The Camp Hale lodge is located about 40 minutes from Beaver Creek. It is the perfect place for snowmobiling, dog sledding, and snow coach tours. Bring your camera for some beautiful pictures of the surrounding landscapes. The drive from Beaver Creek to Camp Hale is incredible as well. You can drive to Camp Hale yourself or arrange for a tour that will provide the transportation. If the weather is dicey, we recommend scheduling a tour and leaving the winter driving to someone else.
• McCoy Park – If you enjoy cross-country or snow shoeing then you don’t have far to go for some excellent terrain. Located at the top of the mountain from Bachelor’s Gulch, McCoy Park offers excellent trails with incredible views.
TIP: Coming for the 2020-2021 Ski Season, a portion of McCoy Park will be devoted to downhill skiing, with two ski lifts and terrain for beginners and families. Take a look at the proposed area here.
o Steamboat Springs
If you do not get a flight into Hayden, then you are probably going to be driving to Steamboat Springs from Denver. The 3-hour drive traverses the Continental Divide twice, including through the beautiful Rabbit Ears Pass. The winter scenery throughout this part of Colorado is spectacular and really makes the drive enjoyable.
The town of Steamboat Springs is just a short drive from the ski slope, and it is known for its authentic western vibe. There is even a yearly winter carnival that manages to blend the cowboy and skier lifestyles! Western wear is the order of the day for some of the locals, who can often be seen skiing in their cowboy hats.
• Skiing – Steamboat Springs is world renowned for its champagne powder, and if you are a powder skier then it is heaven on earth. In our view though, Steamboat is a little tough for the beginning skier. Because of the desire to maintain more of a powder experience, the resort does not groom as often as some other resorts. In addition, all of the beginner ski runs are located on the bottom of the mountain. So, as a beginner skier, you really will not get a chance to get to the top of the mountain.
However, for an intermediate or above, Steamboat is fantastic. Our favorite area of the mountain is off the Sunshine Express Lift on the upper right of the mountain. It takes a few lift rides to get there, but you are rewarded with a good selection of intermediate runs and great views of the Yampa Valley.
• Places to Stay
As with many major resorts, the selection of condos is considerable, so we will highlight one ski-in/out option and another more economical option.
• Storm Meadows East Slopeside – This is one of the buildings in the Storm Meadows complex, so there are more to choose from in the area. While these condos are a little older, they have been nicely maintained. The best thing about these condos is that they are right on a green run taking you straight to the lifts. So, it is super easy to get in and out from these condos.
• Holiday Inn Steamboat Springs – The Holiday Inn is a perfect choice if you don’t mind not being on the slope. The hotel offers a free shuttle service to and from the ski resort, and it only takes a few minutes to get to the base area. It really is very convenient and fast. The hotel is older, but is in nice condition. There is also a restaurant connected to the hotel. Rex’s American Grill and Bar is not only a great place for dinner or drinks, but has a fantastic breakfast to get you started in the morning. We have stayed here several times and can highly recommend it – especially if you are without your own vehicle. The free, local shuttle stops right in front of the hotel property, so it is easy to get into town for dinner or shopping.
• Places to Eat
• Mazzola’s Italian Diner – Mazzola’s is located right on the main street in Steamboat, Lincoln Ave. It is a great little, casual restaurant with a good selection of Italian dishes, making it a good pick for both adults and kids.
• Café Diva – For a little more upscale atmosphere, Café Diva is located Slopeside at the base of the Steamboat Ski area. They have a wonderful selection of both starters and entrees and while a little more expensive, the food is really quite good.
• Three Peaks Grill – Not far from the ski base, Three Peaks Grill offers great steaks and seafood. They even have a raw bar that is very popular with locals and tourists alike.
• Other Activities
• Snowshoeing on Rabbit Ears Pass – It is only 13 miles from Steamboat Springs to Rabbit Ears Pass. The snowshoeing there is incredible, and you get rewarded with amazing views of the Yampa Valley and Flat Top Mountain.
• Old Town Hot Springs – Located in the heart of downtown, the Hot Springs has been there for over 100 years. Relax from downhill skiing with a soak in the springs or treat yourself to a massage. Check prices and hours as they vary by season.
• Snowmobiling – If you have never been snowmobiling – or even if you have – give it a try in Steamboat. That champagne powder isn’t just for skiing and snowboarding! There are several snowmobile tour companies in the area, for both guided and self-guided tours.
o Keystone
We have skied and stayed at Keystone several times. We have always stayed at River Run Village, located at the main base of the resort. The village is very pretty and is laid out well with shops on the first floor and condos on the top floor. About the same distance from Denver as Breckenridge (about 2 hours), it is a fairly easy drive depending on conditions.
• Skiing – While Keystone is a beautiful ski resort, there are some downsides that you may want to consider before skiing here. Looking at the trail map you will notice a major difference from the other resorts in terms of the layout of the ski runs. The first issue is the terrain itself. Only 12% is rated Easy (Green) and half of the terrain is rated Advanced (Black). You will notice from the ski map that only the first mountain, Dercum Mountain, has Easy runs and even then, they are limited.
The second issue is that the mountains are stacked behind one another. You can only see Dercum Mountain, from the main base. To get to the North Peak and Outback mountains behind Dercum, you have to ride a lift up and then ski down each mountain, both as you go out and when you return. That means that all the traffic is funneled into Dercum Mountain and it can get very crowded, as it is the only way to head out and return.
There are some fantastic runs on North Peak and the Outback. If you are a more advanced skier, you may appreciate the fact that you can spend the day away from the main base area. However, for the beginner, you will likely not get to see too much of the other mountains, because of the more advanced skiing required to get there.
• Places to Stay
• River Run Village – River Run Village is the most convenient area to stay in Keystone. There are many condos in this complex. Some are very close to the lifts, while others are just a short walk. The condos tend to be a little small in terms of square feet, but are nicely appointed. With all of the shops, restaurants and après ski options located adjacent or close by, this is a very desirable place to stay.
• Mountain House – The Mountain House Base is the original base at Keystone. This area is a little quieter and more economical than the newer River Run Village base. With easy access to the green runs on Dercum mountain, this is a good choice if you want a little less crowded experience.
• Places to Eat
There are many restaurants in the River Run Village area, from casual to more upscale. If you are looking for something you can just walk to and grab dinner, there is no shortage of choices. So let’s explore a few other restaurants that are a little more unique and you will not want to miss.
• Bighorn Bistro & Bar – Just a short drive from either Keystone base, the Bighorn Bistro & Bar offers fine dining in a more casual atmosphere. They serve everything from burgers and steaks to seafood and vegan fair. It’s a good pick if you want to get away from the base area for dinner, but still not drive very far.
• Der Fondue Cheese – Der Fondue Cheese is a lot of fun, even getting there is an adventure. The restaurant is located at the Outpost Lodge on the North Peak, which is the second mountain from the base. That means riding two lifts to get to the restaurant. Don’t worry, you will be riding in enclosed gondolas, and the staff provides plenty of warm blankets for the ride up. It will likely be dark on the ride up, so you will get to see the lights of Keystone and even the folks night-skiing on the slopes beneath you.
Once there, you will enjoy a four-course fondue meal with live music. Get ready for delicious food and drink. You may even get a chance to sing and dance with the band!
• Keystone Ranch – Keystone Ranch offers a really unique dining experience and we highly recommend giving it a try. The setting is picturesque and service is exceptional. They have some of the best selection of steaks anywhere – and they are fabulous. But don’t get too full, dessert is served in a separate living room in front of a roaring fire. All of the desserts are fantastic, but our favorite is the Keystone Ranch Grand Marnier Soufflé. Yes, this place is a little spendy, but you are on vacation, so give it a go!
• Other Activities
• Mountaintop Snow Tubing – Located at Adventure Point on the top of Dercum Mountain, the snow tubing here is fun and exciting. Best of all, they have their own lift to get back to the top.
• Scenic Sleigh Rides – Located at the Adventure Center in Lakeside Village, enjoy a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Soda Creek Valley. You can add dinner to the excursion to make it an all-inclusive evening.
• Ice Skating -You can ice skate on Keystone Lake, for a great outdoor skating experience. Bundle up though, it can be quite cold at night!
o Others Resorts
Within a two-hour drive of Denver, there are many other ski resorts to be aware of including Winter Park, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin and Loveland Ski Area. All have their advantages depending on your preferences, so you are sure to find one that fits your needs. We just wanted to share our personal favorites in this post.
Closing
We have loved all of our ski trips to Colorado, as well as the memories we have made there with friends and family. But there is so much more to do than just snow skiing. Take the time to try other winter activities like cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. Most of all relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and fantastic food. Remember, always be aware of your surroundings on the slopes, and be sure to wear that helmet.
If you would like some great tips on what to pack for your ski trip, our new article ‘Snow Skiing – What You Need to Pack‘ is a great place to start.
Safe Travels!
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