Locals would always rather be spring skiing in Colorado. For a long time, we've known that some of the best skiing and boarding is enjoyed from March through May. Heavy snowfall, bright blue skies and warm temperatures make it easy to slice through silky powder and race down blanketed verticals.
From Telluride to Steamboat, as well as on popular local slopes closer to the cities, skiing and snowboarding couldn't be better than in springtime. Considered by most to be "off-season," crowds tend to be lighter (except for spring break weeks), and the rates are cheaper. Expect to pay significantly less for lift tickets, lodging—even food. Shopping is also at its best, as prices are slashed to clear out inventories.
Telluride
In the southwest is fabulous Telluride, nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains. Standing at the top and looking down from that 3,522-foot vertical drop, even the most adventurous soul feels an ever-so-slight tremble of anticipation. With three new lifts, including two state-of-the-art high-speed quads and one triple, the most challenging steeps and bumps are even more easily accessible. Seventy-nine percent of Telluride's runs are either intermediate or expert advanced level.
With 84 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 find plenty of opportunities to test your daring and skill.
Six miles from the ski area is Telluride Mountain Village, a glamorous resort development that provides an interesting contrast to the peaceful town of Telluride. For information call 800-525-3455 or visit www.telluride.com.
Crested Butte
At the front end of a five-year enhancement of the Crested Butte mountain base area, it's hard to imagine how this well-kept secret of a ski resort could get any better. On the agenda is the reopening of Teocalli Bowl, 274 acres in the heart of Crested Butte's Extreme Limits terrain.
Crested Butte boasts a 3,062-foot vertical drop, including hike-to-terrain; over 88 trails; 1,078 acres; three high-speed quads; one fixed grip; three triples; three doubles; four surface lifts; two Magic Carpets; and a terrain park.
Located 28 miles from Gunnison along Highway 135, Crested Butte is a Victorian jewel of a mountain town with convenient lodging, excellent dining, cozy pubs and eclectic nightlife. For information call 800-544-8448 or visit
www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com.
Summit County
Summit County is known for its four popular ski resorts—each located within a 20-minute drive from the other—as well as its historic towns, diverse ski terrain and virtually unlimited recreational activities—both ski-related and not. The popular ski areas of Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Arapahoe Basin provide a variety of ski experiences for all types of thrill-seekers. For information call 800-530-3099 or visit
www.summitnet.com.
A-Basin
A-Basin is perhaps the best known for its long spring season. With a hikeable summit of 13,050 feet, the mountain has the honor of being the highest skiable terrain in North America. And the season is as long as it is fun—It's not unusual for skiers and snowboarders to don their snow gear as late as the Fourth of July. There are 2,250 feet of vertical drop, 490 skiable acres and an average snowfall of 367 inches. The new High Adventure Series offers workshops in adventure skiing, telemarking, free riding and more. And you can't forget the famous Pallavicini face, packed with steep-and-deep runs, sure to satisfy daring skiers, telemarkers and boarders alike.
When your energy is spent, there are plenty of ways to relax and rejuvenate at A-Basin. Hang out with friends and make new ones at The Beach. Located at the base of the mountain, this parking lot/faux beach party cooks all through late spring and early summer. Savor the smoking barbeque and groove to reggae as you sit back and enjoy a hot cider or icy brew. For information call 888-ARAPAHOE or visit
www.arapahoebasin.com.
Vail
This massive mountain is truly all things to everyone. The $14-million Blue Sky Basin is equipped with more than 500 acres of glades, slopes and headwalls designed primarily for intermediate and advanced skiers. Colorado's only 15-foot "superpipe" is a snowboarder's dream come true. Vail's 3,450-foot vertical drop, 193 trails and 5,289 acres attract spring skiers looking for adventure and abundant options. There are approximately 335 inches of snow each season, and additions to Vail's snowcat fleet ensure 33 percent more grooming, providing the most groomed terrain on the planet with more than 1,000 acres. At the top of Vail Mountain, Eagle's Nest provides both day and night family fun. At Adventure Ridge, all ages enjoy sledding, tubing, ice skating, snowmobiling, laser tag and great food. The country's largest ski school and unsurpassed on-mountain services and facilities are also found here. After an exhilarating day on the slopes, or if you're taking the day off from skiing, the expansive town of Vail allows you to experience everything from the ultra chic to the comfortably rustic. Enjoy shopping, dining or simply relaxing with friends and family in a soothing hot tub or at a favorite hot spot. For information call 888-830-SNOW or visit
www.vail.snow.com.
Steamboat
Ever wonder from where the term "champagne powder" derived? Well, wonder no longer. Steamboat Ski and Resort averages 334 inches of the driest, lightest powder you've ever sunk your skis into. With a 3,668-foot vertical drop, one child and three adult freestyle terrain parks, three peaks and 164 trails from which to swoosh down, this is the place to be, no matter what your skill level is. Steamboat is perfect for adrenaline seekers as well as fun-loving families. The cozy western town of Steamboat Springs is a mere three miles from the base of the behemoth mountain and offers warm hospitality to every visitor. For information call 970-879-6111 or visit
www.steamboat.com.