By Ashlee Simmons
Snow skiing is big business in Colorado. Thousands of people come to the state each year to carve and cruise the slopes. Colorado Ski Country
USA (CSCUSA) promotes and markets more than 20 ski
resorts, "spreading the good word about Colorado's exceptional skiing." After a thrill-filled day of catching some air, enjoy the après-ski scene at your favorite
resort.
Winter Park
According to CSCUSA, "Skiing Magazine ranks Mary Jane No. 1 in mogul skiing in North America." Used for Olympic training, the bumps are called "phenomenal." Don't despair if you're a beginner--Winter Park's five mountains offer something for everyone. Season is November through April; the resort is family friendly and located about 70 miles outside of Denver.
Winter Park Resort
P.O. Box 36
150 Alpenglow Way
Winter Park, Colorado 80482
(970) 726-5514
www.skiwinterpark.com
Echo Mountain
Touted as the "cheapest, closest and freshest ski and ride area" by CSCUSA, Echo Mountain is one of the newest ski facilities in Colorado. A quick drive from Denver (35 miles), the resort is best known for its night skiing and riding--the only one in the Denver area to include these activities. Season dates are December through May, and Echo Mountain welcomes families, beginners and seasoned ski veterans.
Echo Mountain
19285 Highway 103
Idaho Springs, Colorado 80439
(303) 325-7347
www.EchoMt.com
Durango Mountain Resort (Purgatory)
With a stair-step terrain and lots of rolls, Purgatory will give you the ride of your life. Visit what Jean-Claude Killy calls "the most beautiful (area) this side of the Italian Alps"--Durango Mountain Resort. Also rated by Ski magazine as "one of the top places in the world to ski with your family." Season is December through April. Located 330 miles from Denver; the nearest airports are Durango, Farmington and Albuquerque.
Durango Mountain Resort
1 Skier Place
Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 247-9000
www.durangomountainresort.com
Aspen Snowmass (Buttermilk)
Buttermilk hosted the ESPN Winter X Games in 2009 and will continue through 2010. The area is known for its beginner slopes and family-friendly terrain. Aspen Snowmass proudly offers a long list of classes for all skill sets. Fly into Sardy Field, Eagle County or Walker Field. If you don't mind the commute, Buttermilk is 220 miles from Denver International Airport. Season begins in December and runs through April.
Aspen Snowmass
P.O. Box 1248
38700 Highway 82
Aspen, Colorado 81612
(800) 308-6935
www.aspensnowmass.com
Steamboat
According to CSCUSA, "Kids learn to ski and ride as soon as they can walk, which may explain why Steamboat has produced 69 Winter Olympians, more than any other town in North America." Season dates run November through April, and you'll be cruising on "one of the largest ski mountains in North America." Steamboat boasts its own signature Champagne Powder snow--so gear up for lots of fun! The resort is 157 miles from Denver, and you can fly into the Hayden/Steamboat airport.
Steamboat
2305 Mt. Werner Circle
Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80487
(970) 879-6111
www.steamboat.com
Resources
About the Author:
Ashlee Simmons has written professionally for more than 10 years. Her writing focus is travel, equestrian and health and medical articles, but she enjoys writing human interest stories as well. Simmons graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a liberal arts degree.
