By Lisa Marie Mercer
For many people, the words "skiing" and Colorado are synonymous. Back in the 1800s, during Colorado's gold and silver mining era, skis were used as a form of transportation. Then, during World War II, members of the 10th Mountain Division trained at Camp Hale, which is located near Vail. When the soldiers returned, many of them opened ski areas throughout the country, and others taught at Colorado ski schools. These brave men helped create the legacy of Colorado skiing.
Aspen
Aspen is Colorado's most upscale resort. While it is famous as a people watching place for the rich, famous and beautiful, it is also a fantastic ski area. Aspen is actually composed of four mountains, which include Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain and Buttermilk. Snowmass is noted for its wide, well-groomed cruisers. It is one of the best family ski destinations in North America.
Aspen Mountain, which is also called Ajax, is famous for its challenging steeps and long mogul runs. Aspen Highlands its bowl skiing. While Buttermilk serves as the host for the ESPN X Games, its terrain is actually beginner friendly.
Aspen Snowmass
P.O. Box 1248
Aspen, CO 81612
(800)-525-6200
Copper Mountain
Unlike other Colorado resorts, when the lifts stop running, Copper Mountain Village goes to sleep. However, it has the best layout of any resort in Colorado. Union Creek, Copper's beginner area is isolated from the rest of the mountain. As such, beginner skiers and snowboarders need not worry about anyone rushing past them at high speeds. Intermediates will enjoy the wide blue cruisers, which run off of the Timberline lift and the American Flyer. When you reach the upper intermediate level, head to the American Eagle Lift. The East Village Super Bee serves advanced terrain. Expert skiers enjoy Copper Bowl, and snowboarders can show off their tricks in the terrain parks and pipes.
Copper Mountain
PO Box 3001
Copper, Colorado 80443
(888) 219-2441
Breckenridge
A fascinating, historic ski town, varied terrain for every level and a gondola for those cold windy days make Breckenridge a popular Colorado ski resort. Although it was once thought of as a beginner/intermediate resort, the new Imperial Express lift, which is the highest lift in North America offers lift-serviced access to back country terrain.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
PO Box 1058
Breckenridge, CO 80424
(800) 789-7669
Vail
Vail is another one of Colorado's upscale resorts. The place is enormous, and thus offers something for everyone. Vail is known for its meticulous slope grooming, its wide-open trails and its challenging back bowls.
Vail Ski Resort
P.O. Box 7
Vail, CO 81658
(970) 476-5601
About the Author:
Lisa Marie Mercer is the author of "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness," "101 Fitness Tips for Women," "Breckenridge: A Guide to the Sights and Slopes of Summit County" and a novel, "Reflections in the Snow." She's been a fitness professional since the '70s, and has lived in New York City, Boston and Italy.
