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Skiing Out of Denver
Denver, Colorado, is the eastern gateway to the Rockies, home to what many consider the very best skiing on the continent. Famous for its abundant powder-smooth snow, adopted son John Denver and the "Rocky Mountain High", Colorado has the most ski resort resorts and acres of trails in the world… and Denver is her capital city. Denver's international airport assures that you're able to fly in to the ski capital from literally anywhere. Make Denver your base camp, and set about exploring those exquisite alpine destinations. Denver itself is still in the flats at 5,280 feet (thus the nickname, Mile High City,) but in short order, less than 2 hours' drive, you'll be on the slopes and waist-deep in the finest champagne powder on the continent!
One advantage of making Denver your base location is that you'll enjoy some serious deals and discounts on both equipment rentals and lift tickets. Buy and rent in advance (for a fraction of the cost at the mountains themselves) and the money you save may very well pay for your lodgings or lift tickets! You can pick up your gear (purchased or rented) from a local shop there in the Denver area before heading to the slopes and save big bucks!
Another advantage is that you'll feel free to sample the several outstanding ski resorts in the area. If you stayed at any one of them, you'd likely feel obliged to hit the slopes right there, and perhaps never give yourself the opportunity to discover the others. Since each of these world-class resorts has its own style, charm and advantages, visiting several is both an exciting and rewarding way to spend your ski vacation.
Take a drive through some breathtaking scenery on your way to the world-class skiing at Winter Park or SolVista, near Granby, Colorado. The Frasier Valley is well known for the unpretentious vibe, yet the skiing at Winter Park is legendary. It's just a bit less well known than some of the Rich and Famous hotspots.
The next day (or three) may find you soaring down the slopes in Summit County. Home to Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Keystone, Summit County's resorts offer finest skiing on the eastern side of the state. Many skiers feel there's no need to go any further west than Summit County . Arapahoe Basin's peaks rise to over 12,000 feet, providing unparalleled vertical drops. Indeed, there is no higher alpine skiing except Wolf Creek! Keystone (just five miles down the road) is a planned family resort community with a more luxuriously equipped environment. Just down the road from there you find Dillon and Frisco, and just past them, Breckenridge's excellent terrains, jumps, bumps and back bowls. Beyond Breckenridge, you'll find Copper Mountain, another designer resort, which offers a multitude of exciting family events. All of these awesome experiences are yours within a couple hours or so of Denver!
Be aware that the weather you enjoy in Denver is nothing like that which you'll encounter on the slopes. Both altitude and wind chill play a major part in the clothing and equipment you'll need. Pack light layers and be certain to bring or buy a breathable, waterproof outer shell. You'll want a hat that covers your ears, a neck gator, (and ankle gators, if you're going to play in the famous deep powder,) goggles and a ski mask. If you're prone to sunburn, you may want to pick up some sunscreen as well.
Making Denver the base-camp for your ski vacation explorations can provide you with the a vastly diverse set of skiing opportunities, the chance to visit several ski resorts during your stay. You owe it to yourself to experience them all and decide for yourself which ones you most want to return to. Regardless of where you choose, skiing in the Colorado Rockies is always an awesome way to spend your ski vacation!
