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Buttermilk
(See YOU NEXT SEASON!)
Buttermilk ski area has been receiving national attention as the home to the Winter X-Games through the 2010 ski season. While pros keep coming back to this mountain, locals know it as a place to test their beginner and intermediate skills. None of the runs at Buttermilk are marked expert, or double black diamond. Instead, the runs are either beginner, intermediate or advanced—making it the ideal area for moving up the ladder of skiing ability.
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For locals, one of the top spots is Copper Mountain. Located relatively close to most major Colorado cities, this resort's staff has a true respect for the winter-sport lifestyle. And the trails deliver on your quest for great runs—Copper's 22 lifts and 125 trails will more than satiate your urge to fly down the mountain on skis or a snowboard. If you want to have fun in the snow without skis or a board, consider the tubing hill near the base of the SuperBee lift. But be sure to call ahead to make reservations—the smile-inducing tubing hill is extremely popular.
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January 26, 2009
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Positive change abounds and excitement surrounds this season - new programs, fresh faces and Crested Butte Mountain Resort's commitment to friends that keep coming back for more. Here, you will be inspired by Colorado's true colors and revel in a sense of freedom and distinction that begins with your arrival in Crested Butte. Adventure is limitless and they implore you to be inspired by your passion. They maintain a profound respect for what has made Crested Butte "Colorado's Last Great Ski Town." It is exactly that spirited nature, commitment to preservation and dedicated community that makes Crested Butte the perfect destination for anyone wanting to break out of the typical.
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January 26, 2009
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Formerly known as Purgatory, this mountain proves to be nothing less than heavenly. The ski area is tucked tightly into the Southwest corner of Colorado. Durango Mountain Resort offers an exceptional experience for everyone from the first-time skier to the I-eat-black-diamonds-for-breakfast veteran. Found within the park's 1,200 terraced acres are 85 trails, two terrain parks, a racing course and even a play park for the kids. This ski area also has one of the largest snowcat operations in the United States, providing access to 35,000 acres of backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
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With long rails, high walls and deep pipes to challenge your imagination, Echo Mountain is 100 percent freestyle country. It's where locals go to showcase their trick list and hone their skills. Only 35 miles from Denver, it's the closest ski area to Colorado's capital. So if you're based out of the Mile-High City and need a quick snow fix, head to the park. And if the urge to ride strikes after dark, you can still head up—the whole area is lit for night skiing.
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Eldora - your backyard ski area - just 21 miles from Boulder and 45 miles from Denver - Eldora is close enough to make getting here easy. Having made a name for itself as a family-friendly area, Eldora offers a variety of classes and terrain for beginners to experts. In fact, 50 percent of Eldora's runs are designated blue and 20 percent are green, meaning that a total of 70 percent of the mountain is best suited for intermediate and beginner skiers. Along with its family appeal, this ski area boasts 300 inches of snow a year. But if there are a few dry spells, no worries—it's also considered to have the best snowmaking capabilities in the state.
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January 26, 2009
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Ski a piece of history. Established in 1914, Howelsen Hill is the longest continuously operating ski area in the state. Because of its long ski jumps and superb snow conditions, Howelsen Hill has fostered more Olympians than any other ski area in North America. Its designation by the International Skiing History Association as a Pioneer Ski Resort is a testament to this nearly 100-year-old gem's lasting impact on the sport.
Don't let its old age fool you though. Howelsen Hill is still in touch with today—this ski area is one of the few resorts in Colorado to offer night skiing. And from 6 to 8 pm every Tuesday, any average Joe can give the ski area's Olympic ski jump a try. Runs are included in your ski pass.
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From night skiing and scenic gondola rides to award-winning dining and luxurious spas, Keystone Resort has everything that makes a perfect Colorado vacation — all in one place. With Colorado’s longest ski day and three mountains, you can make the most of your time on the slopes. When you’re not on the mountain you can go sleigh riding, snowshoeing or you can relax at the RockResorts Spa. And since the resort owns most of the lodging properties, restaurants and activities, they can cater to your every whim and handle every detail of your vacation.
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Although Loveland Ski Area sits high atop The Continental Divide, it is often overlooked by skiers and riders headed to Summit County. For those in the know, that means more powder and fewer lines at Loveland! Loveland receives 400 inches of snow each season and offers 1,365 acres of terrain with something for every age and ability. Loveland Valley caters to beginners with a separate base area and gentle slopes while Loveland Basin offers groomers, bumps, trees and plenty of open terrain above timberline. Chair 9 takes skiers and riders to 12,700 feet where open bowls and powder-choked chutes await.
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February 14, 2009
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You'll be hard pressed to find better snow than Monarch's. Powder gets piled high at this resort, perched atop the Continental Divide in South Central Colorado. Monarch Snowcat Tours let skiers take full advantage of the powder by whisking enthusiasts up to snowy crests in the backcountry. While Monarch is rarely crowded, skiers and boarders searching for their own slice of mountain take the short hike to Mirkwood Basin, for a descent down 1,100 vertical feet.
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January 26, 2009
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A bit removed from other ski areas, Powderhorn sits on the edge of the Grand Mesa and offers virtually no lift lines. This family-friendly ski area has been providing memorable ski holidays since the 1940s, and has made numerous upgrades and additions to its facilities to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of its guests. Last year, they even added a bit of extra fun to their winter season by holding a photo contest called the "Shoot Out," where skiers won a variety of prizes for taking shots of people having fun on the mountain.
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Silverton Mountain isn't your cozy skiing experience with numerous high-speed quads and perfectly manicured slopes. This is the gritty, hardcore, let-nature-rule type of skiing. This expert-only mountain has just one ski lift to take you to the top. Skiers and boarders hike to their drop-in point and shred down the face of the mountain through waist-high powder. Guides are always available for skiers, and having one is like a ticket to a whole new experience. These guides are experts on the mountain and can show you the best lines to take down, as well as provide access to areas where unguided skiers aren't allowed.
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Ski Cooper (See YOU NEXT SEASON!)
Ski Cooper is famous as the training site for the 10th Mountain Division, the legendary World War II ski troops. Cooper's sweeping runs follow some of the same snow paths used by the soldiers who skied the lofty battlefields of Europe. Today, the ski area is popular with families looking for a cheerful and low-stress skiing holiday. While smaller than other resorts, there's still plenty of room for you to roam on the 11,700-foot-high mountain. In fact, if you're feeling more daring, Ski Cooper offers backcountry skiing and snowboarding tours throughout 2,400 acres of bowls, trees and open slopes.
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January 26, 2009
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Snowmass (See YOU NEXT SEASON!)
The mountain itself is enormous—the resort touts that 36 Disneylands could fit within the ski-area boundaries, and four Eiffel Towers would still not make it to the top of the resort's 4,406 vertical feet. And there's also a huge number of activities to do here. Skiing, boarding, horseback riding...you name it, Snowmass probably has it. If you're heading here with the kids, make sure to check out the new Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center—a base camp that caters to the kids and provides winter-long activities before and after a day on the mountain.
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December 23, 2008
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This four-season resort really shines when the snow falls. Its 5,400 acres become a winter playground where families revel in fun. SolVista has a variety of runs on its two mountains to draw skiers of various abilities. The majority of the West Mountain's runs are intermediate to advanced, while the East Mountain is popular with skiers in need of a little slow-paced practice. For added convenience, book a ski-in/ski-out facility, where the slope is right outside your front door.
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Ever wonder from where the term Champagne Powder® snow originated? Come to Steamboat, and consider the question answered. The resort averages 343 inches of the driest, lightest powder you've ever sunk your skis or snowboard into. Think 3,668-foot vertical drop, freestyle parks, six peaks and 165 trails including the legendary tree areas. With its varied terrain, Steamboat is perfect for adrenaline seekers and families alike. The cozy Western town of Steamboat Springs is a mere three miles from the base of the mountain and offers warm western hospitality whether for a day, a week or a lifetime. 877-237-2628 or www.steamboat.com
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January 29, 2009
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Cruise down one of the longest runs in Colorado at Sunlight Mountain Resort. The 2.5-mile Ute run is a beginner slope that seems to never end, making it perfect for practicing your skills before taking on more challenging terrain. If you're comfortable with your abilities, consider the Heathen—at 52 degrees it's one of the steepest trails in the state. Sunlight's base camp is Glenwood Springs, home to the world's largest hot springs swimming pool. And good thing, too—after a slope-side session, a soak in these mineral baths is just what the doctor ordered.
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Nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains is picturesque Telluride. Standing at the top and looking down from that 3,522-foot vertical drop, even the most adventurous soul may feel a slight tremble of anticipation. Seventy-nine percent of Telluride's runs are either intermediate or expert advanced level, and new lifts—including state-of-the-art high-speed quads and a triple—mean the most challenging steeps and bumps are even more easily accessed.
More into snowboarding? With more than 80 snowboarding trails and the southwest's largest snowboard park—offering 20 acres and 1,000 vertical feet of berms, gaps, hits and tabletops—you'll have plenty of opportunities to test your daring and skill.
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January 26, 2009
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Coveted as North America’s top ski resort, Vail is an extraordinary winter vacation destination. Spanning seven miles are seven legendary back bowls, blanketed last year with thirty-eight feet of powder snow. With blue skies three hundred days a year and more groomed terrain than anywhere on the planet, families reconnect and celebrate here from year to year and generation to generation. Award-winning dining, world-class entertainment and luxurious accommodations make Vail like nothing on earth.
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December 1, 2008
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Winter Park Resort is one of Colorado's longest continually operated ski resorts, featuring more than 3,000 acres of award-winning terrain including groomers, terrain parks, bumps, steeps, trees and most definitely deeps. Last season, Winter Park Resort received 389 inches of snow, much in part to its ideal location amidst the Rocky Mountains. Just 67 miles northwest of Denver, Winter Park Resort is the closest major destination resort to Denver International Airport and offers its guests an abundance of activities and events for the young and the young at heart.
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January 26, 2009
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Wolf Creek Ski Area is notorious for getting the most snow of any resort in Colorado. If you're a skier or boarder who likes floating through powder, this is your destination. For a long, uninterrupted run, hit up Wolf Creek Ski Area's Navajo Trail run—it's two miles of skiing and boarding bliss. Wolf Creek is known for more than just its perfect Colorado snow and long runs. Nearby Pagosa Springs offers world-famous hot spring pools, ideal for relaxing sore muscles after a long day.
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December 9, 2008
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