By Lisa Marie Mercer
Major Ski Resorts in Colorado
Colorado is famous for its spectacular ski
resorts. The state's high alpine location translates into great snow conditions and a long ski season. Colorado's popularity as a ski state began in the 1950s. During World War II, soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division trained at Camp Hale, which was near the Vail region of Colorado. When the soldiers returned, many of them opened ski areas throughout the state. Although there are many ski areas throughout the state, the major resorts have terrain suitable for all levels, kids programs and child care, and high-speed lift systems. Keep in mind that these popular resorts have high traffic during weekends and holidays. Midweek and non-holidays are the best times to visit.
The Summit County Resorts
Breckenridge Skiers 1860 Courtesy of the Breck 150
According to Frank Hall's History of Colorado, the first documented accounts of Colorado skiing occurred in the 1860s in the area we now call Summit County. At the time, skiing was used as a method of transportation. Today, the Summit County ski resorts are the most frequently visited ski areas in Colorado. In contrast to Colorado's other ski areas, these resorts are somewhat closer to Denver, although they are still about two hours from the airport. However, once you arrive in the area, or "in Summit" as locals call it, the free Summit Stage bus travels to all destinations throughout the county. Intrawest and Vail Resorts are the two corporations that own the Summit County resorts. Intrawest owns Copper Mountain, whereas Vail Resorts owns Breckenridge and Keystone, and has a managing interest in Arapahoe Basin. Each winter, the two corporations engage in a lively game of "price war," which is a great advantage for potential visitors. All of these resorts have state of the art lift systems, on mountain dining and full-service ski school programs. Breckenridge, which is in a former Victorian mining town, boasts an incredible ski town, with extensive nightlife, shopping, restaurants and museums.
www.snow.com (Vail Resorts)
www.coppercolorado.com
www.arapahoebasin.com/ABasin/
Vail and Beaver Creek
Vail and Beaver Creek are the upscale, signature resorts of the Vail resort corporation. Vail was one of the resorts that was started by former 10th Mountain Division member Peter Seibert. The resort opened in 1962. Vail is a huge resort characterized by its bowl skiing and wide open slopes. Beaver Creek is also owned by Vail Resorts. It was originally planned as a site for the 1976 Winter Olympics, but unfortunately, locals voted against it. The resort opened in 1980. Many of its trails are divided, so that one side is groomed, and the other side is a mogul run.
Aspen
Aspen is Colorado's most luxurious ski area. It is composed of four mountains--Aspen Mountain, otherwise known as Ajax, Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands. Snowmass is the most family friendly of the four mountains, and Ajax is the most challenging. Aspen Highlands is known for its mogul runs, and Buttermilk has the best learning terrain.
Aspen/Snowmass
P.O. Box 1248
Aspen, CO 81612
800-308-6935
www.aspensnowmass.com
Resources
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.
Photo Credits:
Adam Ginsburg
