Where to Ski in Colorado?!

JoKay_2

Hi

We're planning to ski in Colorado over Christmas, but have no idea where would be the best resort to stay in - I didn't realise there were so many!

I'd be grateful if any of you've who've skied the area would let me know your recommendations regarding resort or lodging!

Many thanks.

beccatt

I'd recommend either Breckenridge or Keystone. Very high altitude (13,000ft) so you need to take your time getting up there and adapting to the height or you may get altitude sickness. But both mountains are very beautiful and within about half an hour's bus ride of each other so you have access to a huge ski area off one lift pass. Keystone is more of a purpose built resort and better for a family as it's more compact whereas Breck is a proper mountain town and very big.
For accommodation, check www.tripadvisor.com - if you want ski in ski out accommodation you could look to stay at the resort villages or, in Breckenridge, look for a condo on the Four O Clock Run - this is the piste that goes right into town so you can ski in and walk out to the pub!
If you are into advanced skiing I'd go to Vail, but it's pricey there.
For more skiing/boarding info you could visit www.goneboarding.com - lots of people there have skied Colorado.
I've never spent Christmas out there but my MIL did and she felt there wasn't much going on. I think Americans celebrate Thanksgiving more than they do Christmas. So it might be worth you arranging your own festivities if you want a traditional Christmas dinner etc. It will look beautiful in the snow!
Have a great time!!

JoKay_2

Thanks very much for your comments beccatt, specially the link to the goneboarding website!! We've already thought Breck might be a possibility, and Vail is definitely too pricey!!
Re Christmas - we spent it in France last year, and found Christmas a bit of a let down, so at least we'll be forewarned!
Thanks again!

twinklie

I used to live in Breck (for 2 years) and loved every minute of it! Keystone is a good resort but it gets VERY cold and windy. If the wind is strong it can be quite icey too!

Breck is brilliant, I am biased though. And I'm going back for a visit with my hubby over xmas and New year. If you want any advice or info, feel free to get in touch with me.

You can still get to Vail for a day's skiing if you fancy it if you stay in Breck. Or if you want slightly cheaper accomodation, stay in Frisco, it's a 30 min or so free bus ride away from Breck, and prob slightly longer to get to Keystone. But your also pretty close to Copper Mountain too.

Theres so much to choose from. If you want to know anything then just give us a PM....my only warning would be is that Breck gets VERY VERY long lift lines over the xmas period (I used to work on the mountain), so try and get out early and stay away from the beginner areas lower down!

JoKay_2

Thanks twinklie, have PM'd you!