COLORADO WELCOMES THE 09/10 SKI SEASON
More ski and snowboard areas have begun their season in Colorado. Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, Breckenridge, Keystone, Wolf Creek, Copper Mountain and Winter Park have started up their lifts and are providing vacation-defining memories for skiers and riders of every skill level. And on Friday, November 20, Eldora Mountain Resort will also open, bringing the total number of ski areas open in Colorado to eight. In addition, more than a dozen other areas will be firing up their lifts within the next few weeks. Find out more about each open area here:
Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort
Since 1946, Arapahoe Basin has been serving up a fantastic ride for skiers and riders. Brand new in January 2008, the Montezuma Bowl expansion introduced 400 new acres to the legendary Arapahoe Basin. The new Zuma chair lift gives easy access to more groomed runs, chutes, bowls and glades. A-Basin continues to grow; it recently added a $1.2 million parking expansion. With 300 new spaces served by new shuttle buses and pedestrian tunnel under US Hwy. 6, getting to the slopes has never been easier.
Copper Mountain Resort
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.
Loveland Ski Area
Loveland Ski Area sits high atop The Continental Divide, and is easily accessed by nearby Denver. For those in the know, that means more powder and fewer lines at Loveland. Loveland receives an average of 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.
Wolf Creek Ski Area
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 also a perfect destination if your group consists of skiers at various skill levels. Their almost equal split between beginner, intermediate and expert runs assures everyone will be satisfied. Wolf Creek is known for more than just its perfect Colorado snow and long runs. Nearby Pagosa Springs offers world-famous hot springs pools, ideal for relaxing sore muscles after a long day.
Winter Park Resort
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. Thanks to its ideal location amidst the Rocky Mountains, Winter Park consistently receives staggering amounts of snow. Located just 67 miles northwest of Denver, Winter Park Resort is one of the closest major destination resorts to Denver International Airport and offers its guests an abundance of activities and events.
Breckenridge
More of the real American West and more of everything else, this is Breckenridge. One of the largest registered historic districts in Colorado, Breckenridge displays the charm and character of an authentic Victorian-era village. In town, you’ll find quaint coffee shops, trendy boutiques, fine dining restaurants and bustling breweries. Four huge peaks, 2,358 acres, four terrain parks, three half pipes, a true historic mining town and awe-inspiring views help Breckenridge stand out from the rest. Breck is waiting for you to discover things you never thought possible. Take a stroll down Main Street for all your shopping and dining needs and see why Breckenridge truly is, The Perfect Mountain Town™.
Keystone
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.
Eldora Opens Friday, November 20
Eldora - 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 an average of 300 inches of snow a year. Eldora is just 21 miles from Boulder and 45 miles from Denver.
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