Posted by Beth/MD on 1/9/06 10:39am
Msg #87046

CO residents and or skiers questions

Hubby wants to take a ski vacation instead of a beach vacation. The problem? I don't ski. Can the CO residents/skiers suggest places to go, best time to go, how to learn to ski, what to pack and do the local hospitals make reservations? We're thinking of just doing a spur of the moment kind of thing. One more thing. Can I get coordinating neck brace and crutches?

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 1/9/06 10:46am
Msg #87047

I grew up in Hanover, NH and was a ski instructor at Whaleback. Now that I live in TX and travel about to ski, I am spoiled by the Utah snow. My recommendation would be the Canyons. I also enjoyed Park Cities and Brighton there. Best snow I've ever skied on. Since you are a beginner, you might want to look at the websites and see which mountains have more green circles. The green circle runs are the ones you will want to stick with. They are more beginner trails. Also, you might want to spend the beginning of the first day taking lessons. If you exercise well...a lot of leg strengthening and stretching before you go, you will have a better chance on not needing to get coordinating crutches and neck brace.

Also, I can't remember which mountain it is there...maybe Snowbird??? But they don't allow snowboarders. Some times snowboarders make the runs a little more aggressive/dangerous. You might want to think about going to a resort that doesn't allow snow boarders.....DISCLAIMER - I don't have anything against snowboarders. I have friends that are snowboarders....they just scare the newbie's some times.

-Melissa

Reply by Beth/MD on 1/9/06 10:50am
Msg #87049

Thanks Melissa. I am starting to look into this but I'm not sure what I am really looking for. The closest thing I've ever done to skiing is skateboarding or rollerskating. I cannot believe I've let him talk me into this. I was raised in the south!

Reply by Beth/MD on 1/9/06 11:18am
Msg #87056

Re: Melissa

A coworker of David's was talking about Park City, Utah. This is how the idea was planted. Will this area have green circles? Will a pro shop/rental shop be able to advise on equipment rental?

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 1/9/06 12:32pm
Msg #87065

Re: Melissa

Yes, they have everything you need. I take my own equipment, but they rented skis to my friends who went with me. There are a good number of green trails so you would have plenty to work on. It's right near downtown and a bus runs frequently that can drop you off at restaurants and such. I saved money by taking a bus from the Salt Lake City bus and split the price with 2 co-workers at a condo at the foot of the hill. You will be fine!!! If you are real worried, you could ask what types of lessons they give and sign up. I recommend getting an experienced instructor get you started right off so you can enjoy yourself up on the slopes. It's no fun falling and falling. You get tired, cols and stressed. An instructor will point you in the right direction. Most importantly...HAVE FUN!!!!

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 1/9/06 12:43pm
Msg #87067

Re: Melissa

One more thing. http://www.skyauction.com/auctions-closing-soon

Reply by Charles_Ca on 1/9/06 11:35am
Msg #87059

Good recommendations eXpedN_TX

Snow Bird is one of my favorites: Iron Blossom Lodge is an excellent place to stay, right on the mountain. I used to be a member of the National Ski Patrol for years before my knees started to complain and spent my youth in New England. West Coast skiing is without the best. Most East Coast ski resorts ues a harrow to break up the ice on the slopes. I rmemeber on my first trip to Colorado I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Knee deep powder that didn't pack down, clear blue skies, crisp cold nights and days that felt warm because of the altitude. some of my faovrites besides those eXpedN mentioed area Purgatory just out of Durango Co. Purgatory seems to have fewer tourists than some. Telluride in Co, great little western town with all amenities. Snowbird wtiout a doubt, Park City, Tahoe with its varied terrain, gambling and night clubs, I personally like So. Lake Tahoe. and of course Mammoth. Goig to Tahoe this week for a day of skiing.

Reply by TCMN on 1/9/06 12:58pm
Msg #87070

I'm with Charles on

Purgatory outside Durango, CO. I LOVED it! Most beautiful & less people I thought.
It's in the San Juan Mts. so when we went in Feb it was perfect. They say it's spring skiing all season. I arrived in a tank top and a cardigan in shorts on the way from the airport to the hotel (sunny and warm - compared to MN) but half way there (it only takes about 25-35 minutes) we hit the snow storm they were getting that gave 9 inches that day alone. But almost everyday it snowed and I ended up just wearing a thin turtleneck under a windbreaker for 90% of the time we were there. It had a hood and I recommend that since it gets windy up there on the mountains. But it has a ski-in/ski-out hotel that is great since you don't have to drive anywhere. But they do have offsite buildings that you can stay at (within their resort ownership) that are less for the money and very close.

I've done S. Lake Tahoe to, when I lived in Sacramento, we'd go every other weekend. Very fun and gambling is more friendly than Vegas. Younger (30-40) people and just beautiful.

Hope that helps. In fact, I was looking at the brochure I had for Purgatory last night, if you want more info, let me know.

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 1/9/06 10:50am
Msg #87048

If you want a less expensive place, try Monarch, lot cheaper than somewhere like Aspen or Breckenridge. Weekdays are far better than weekends for obvious reasons, and you don't have to spend hours in line for the lift. Most all of the resorts have ski lessons, unless your husband is willing to spend quite a bit of time on the "bunny hill" to teach you. Pack clothes that you can layer with the outer layer having some kind of moisture barrier. However when you are skiing it can get pretty warm, you don't want to sweat a whole lot! I'll check around and see who's got some special deals going on and let you know. Lots of places have stay and ski pkgs that can save a little money.
Unfortunately the hospitals don't take reservations. Get REAL friendly with ski patrol! LOL. With all the new things out, you just might be able to get color coordinated neck brace and crutches!! Places like Aspen may even have designer braces and things! LOL.
Email me if you want the pkgs sent to you!

Reply by Beth/MD on 1/9/06 11:06am
Msg #87052

Re: Bonnie...

I don't have an email for you --- so my email address is [e-mail address]
Thanks, you're so nice to help.
Beth

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 1/9/06 11:31am
Msg #87058

Beth...

I just sent you an email with a little info. Sorry about above, forgot to check the profile box so you could see my email!
Hey, it's monday...typical for me! LOL!

Reply by Art_MD on 1/9/06 10:58am
Msg #87050

Do you want a pure ski vacation or a vacation with skiing, shopping, sightseeing etc?
Does hubby ski well?

Reason I'm asking, the East has good ski areas. The snow is not as consistant. The west is more consistant, but getting there is $$. Also, the altitude is such that you will need a day just to get use to the lower oxygen content in the air.


My Favorites - East - Stowe.
West - Beaver Creek - great for beginners in that the green slopes are on the top of the mountain - no show-off kids zooming thru the beginners and causing accidents, havoc etc. (a lot of resorts have beginners at the bottom of the mountain and many skiers go thru the beginners areas to get to the lifts.

Suggest you try WV or Deep Creek ski areas on a weekend for a day to get use to it.

Art
Art

Reply by Beth/MD on 1/9/06 11:04am
Msg #87051

Shopping???? Where's that? Now that's a sport I can do.

David is from MD and has skiied a few times. I think he's good at it. He's an athletic kind of guy who adapts well to most sports.

He wanted me to look into the Colorado area because of the snow inconsistancies.

Reply by BetsyMI on 1/9/06 11:16am
Msg #87054

I absolutely love Colorado and Utah. I've been skiing at probably 20 areas out west. I think you'd like something like Breckenridge (Colorado) since there's a real cute town to stay in with all kinds of restaurants and shops. That would give you something to do if you don't want to ski part of the time. Breckenridge is also close to Copper Mtn, Keystone, Arapahoe and Vail if you want to try different ski areas, but I'd say Breckenridge would have lots more beginner areas that are fun. You can stay right in the town and you'll be near the lifts. It's an easy drive from the Denver airport, about 80 or so miles from what I remember?

You might want to try Northwest World Vacations online at www.nwa.com. I think their packages are reasonable but haven't checked any out for Denver lately. Find a good travel agent and he/she will steer you in the right direction. Ask if the person skiis. I used to be a travel agent for awhile and I'd get excited just booking someone's ski vacation. You want that kind of agent. (I'm excited just talking about it to you!)

Good luck!

Reply by Art_MD on 1/9/06 11:18am
Msg #87055

Keep getting info from the CO members.
There are so many great areas - Copper MT, Vail, Steamboat, etc. You can find lots of info on the web. I bet you can get some great package deals. Shopping + Skiing = Vail or Aspen.
Note that Vail and Beaver Creek are owned by same group (or were). Beaver Creek has 1/2 the lines that Vail does. Lift tickets are interchangeable. (this was as of 3 yrs ago- the last time I was there).


Art

Reply by BetsyMI on 1/9/06 11:22am
Msg #87057

Forgot to say that the best time to go, at least for me, is the beginning of March. It's starting to get warmer then, and you can have some really pleasant ski days. In fact, you need to wear sunscreen on your face at that time. It can be great in February or January too but there are many more frigid days in those months. January should be cheaper though than February or March. Early April is also cheaper but you take the chance that the snow will be melting and you'll find bare spots on the moutains. If no bare spots yet it can be spectacular skiing for next to nothing.

Reply by Beth/MD on 1/9/06 1:46pm
Msg #87084

Re: Art made a good suggestion...

I like the idea of putting the newbies at the top and out of the way. We can't indirectly kill or mame anyone that way. I will check out Beaver Creek as well. I told my hubby about everyone's suggestions. He's excited. We're looking at the end of Feb/first of March. You know after EOM.

Reply by NM_CO on 1/9/06 3:26pm
Msg #87105

I have a great solution to your problem. Drinks at my house. lol.

Best time? Now.
How to Ski? I would take a half day lesson, just so you can know the basics, if you're well coordinated, you'll be great!
Pack? Lots of warm clothing and a butt pad! No joke, they sell those and will make your runs MUCH nicer for being a new skier.
I know an EMT up in Breckenridge who will treat you just fine at his Inn.
Neck brace and crutches? Lol.

Reply by NM_CO on 1/9/06 3:31pm
Msg #87107

Oops, I forgot to add an item to the list.

We have the entertainment book and a Gold C book, we don't ski so you can use all of the 50% lift ticket coupons if you'd like. I can mail them out to you. I think there's about 30 coupons with 5 or so different resorts to choose from.

Reply by Beth/MD on 1/9/06 3:39pm
Msg #87113

Drinks before ski lessons??? Now maybe that would be a good idea. Falling down wouldn't hurt so bad. LOL.

Actually, I think I will definitely need one of those butt pads. I guess my biggest fear is skiing takes coordination of the limbs right...I remember my dad trying to teach me to drive a stick. He started when I was 15 and for my 16th birthday I got a car...with an automatic transmission!

Reply by CarolynCO on 1/9/06 3:44pm
Msg #87117

If you begin falling, don't fight it -- just sit down. The ski lessons will teach you how to use your poles to get back up.

Reply by NM_CO on 1/9/06 4:04pm
Msg #87134

lol. No one will be able to tell you have one on. They sell them at sporting goods stores and trust me, you will be kissing the ground having it. The impact of constantly falling your first day can hurt your back etc etc but with that butt pad you just get right up and it's no big deal to your body. Plus, it keeps you cozy, lol. You're going to have a great time, the snow up there has been great and you should have some nice weather. It's gorgeous up there.

AHAHAHAHHAHAhAHA, that's funny about the car!!

Reply by Beth/MD on 1/9/06 5:08pm
Msg #87164

Re: NM_CO

AHAHAHAHHAHAhAHA, that's funny about the car!!

I wish my dad would have found it humorous! I'm now 27 and he still has to bring it up!

Reply by CarolynCO on 1/9/06 3:37pm
Msg #87112

Beth,
First, it's absolutely NECESSARY that you take ski lessons. NO ONE should consider the hills without lessons. Even though the slopes make a lot of money off *us* residents - anywhere from $80 and up per day for the list ticket plus lunch, I honestly believe that out-of-staters can fair a much better deal because they know you are not coming here to ski for only one day. As with anything else, I'm sure there are quite attractive package deals.

It just depends on what area you are interested. Bonnie mentioned Monarch. I've never skied there, so I can't comment. Headed toward the western slope and I-70 corridor, if you you cut off I-70, you can go to Winter Park, which is pretty nice for weather. If you stay on I-70, first you will come to Loveland. Loveland is very reasonably priced, however, if you are not going to ski yourself, all you could do is stay in the ski lodge and eat and drink because there is no shopping, etc. within walking distance. Loveland gets a lot of wind and can be quite cold. Whether you go through the Eisenhower Tunnel or drive over Loveland Pass, A-Basin is next. It's a pretty nice area, without much wind, but more expensive than Loveland. Copper Basin is next -- again, a pretty nice area weatherwise. Breckenridge comes next. Much pricier, but a lot of shopping within walking distance. Then there is both Vail and Beaver Creek - with a lot of shopping. Next comes Glenwood Springs, which is Ski Sunlight or something like that. Arrowhead comes in there somewhere, too, but I don't remember exactly where it is. Then, of course, you have Aspen and Snowmass, which I don't believe anyone, except someone with a lot of money can reasonably afford to ski at.

I just spoke with my husband who was at Steamboat Springs last week working. Steamboat Springs is getting the best snow that they've had for over 20 years. There is a lot of shopping and he said that he is not sure if it is Delta or American Airlines, but from the East Coast, there are daily ski flights directly to Steamboat Springs, so you wouldn't have to worry about flying into Denver DIA and then trying to commute.

As for clothing - long underwear and good socks. There is nothing more miserable than cold feet and you can actually get frost bite if the boots don't fit properly or your socks are too flimsy or bulky. When we were younger, we always wore blue jeans, but ski pants are so much more waterproof and comfortable. A good down jacket. The secret of staying warm is wearing layers -- several light layers as opposed to a couple heavy and bulky ones. The layers keep the moisture away from your skin.

Sun screen is an absolute necessity - the higher the number the better. Besides being so close to the sun, it is also very easy to get a serious sunburn from the sun reflecting on the snow. You may think that the temp is quite low, but being so close to the sun and our dry climate, you will still get quite warm while skiing. Have good goggles so you don't burn your eyes -- which I did when I was younger -- very painful. Good ski gloves are a necessity, too. You don't want your grocery store variety. I prefer mittons myself. A knit cap to protect your ears and 90% of your body heat goes out your head. There are also just headbands that don't cover your entire head but only your ears and forehead.

When I think of more stuff, I'll write some more.