If you are an avid skier or snowboarder looking to explore some of the best backcountry terrain in the country, then Denver is the place for you. Denver is the largest city in the Great Lakes Basin and its winter sports scene is one of the biggest in the US. In fact, the biggest ski resort in the city is actually owned by Vail Resorts, the company that owns some of the most popular ski resorts in North America such as Vail, Beaver Creek, and Breckenridge.
Although the weather in Denver can be unpredictable, being in the Rocky Mountains means that the snow will follow suit and you will be able to enjoy the slopes in any weather condition. The resorts inside Denver are some of the most popular in North America and the Colorado hospitality is something else. Going to the bathroom is very expensive in a Colorado restaurant, so you might have to plan your toilet breaks wisely. Fortunately, the locals are very welcoming and will be happy to help you navigate the strange world of recreational skiing.
Here’s how you can get to the top US ski resorts from Denver:
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Drive To The Ski Resorts
The best way to get to the top US ski resorts from Denver is by car. Denver is a large city and there’s a lot of traffic during the day, especially on the highways. So, it’s best to get to the resort before noon so that you can avoid the rush hour. Once you are at the resort, find a parking spot and take the time to explore the surroundings. You can walk to the ski runs or catch a bus or drive to another part of the resort (Resort Logic recommends the former).
The next step after parking is to store your skis and ski equipment in the proper storage spaces. Make sure that you pack your snowboard in its own special space, as well as the rest of your ski equipment. This will make it easier to find what you need when the time comes to hit the slopes. If there isn’t any space in the storage sheds, then you can always ask the staff for help.
The Lift Ticket
Before you head to the slopes, you need to purchase a lift ticket. The price of a one-day ticket at the top US ski resorts ranges from $53 at Breckenridge to $95 at Keystone Resort, depending on the day of the week and the time of day. Make sure to purchase your ticket in advance especially at peak periods, as weekends are generally more expensive than weekdays. Children under 10 are free at most resorts. Other benefits of purchasing a ticket in advance include lessening the stress of waiting in line and avoiding the rush at the end of the day. You can compare all-inclusive passes to get-here-and-ski tickets at the top US ski resorts here.
Navigating The Ropes
Once you are up on the slopes, it’s time for some skiing or snowboarding. To start, you need to determine how experienced you are in skiing or snowboarding and the level of difficulty of the slopes you are about to hit. The best way to learn how to ski/snowboard is by taking a lesson or renting a ski/snowboard school’s equipment, but no one is an expert at everything. Start small and work your way up. Experts recommend sticking to green trails as they are the easiest to navigate and there are fewer risks of falling. Once you are confident that you can navigate the green trail confidently, you can move to the blues or reds. Of course, if you are an advanced skier/snowboarder, you can tackle any run in the resort.
Be Realistic
Every ski junkie’s dream is to get paid to go snowboarding. However, the reality is that your job as a ski bum is only going to be temporary. Even at the top resorts, the snowfall prevents you from skiing all day long. Most skiers and snowboarders work during the day and make the most of their free time in the evening, which is usually spent in the bars or at the dining tables at the top resorts.
The best advice for newbies is to be realistic about their goals. It would be amazing to hit the slopes every day and make lots of money, but that’s not going to happen. You have to balance your desire to explore the world of skiing and make some money with the harsh reality that being a full-time ski bum is a 9-to-5 job with limited potential. Make the most of the time you have up on the slopes and enjoy yourself.
Treat Yourself
After working hard all day, why not reward yourself with a nice dinner and a movie? The top US ski resorts are only a few hours away from Denver, so you can combine your day of work and play in one activity. Most people at the top US ski resorts are there for the same reason as you, which makes the whole experience more enjoyable. After a day of skiing, it’s nice to come back to the lodge, relax, and have a drink with colleagues or friends. Shopping during the day is also a great way to save money for the slopes, so make sure to bring your wallet. The key to a happier and healthier life on the slopes is spending money wisely and being realistic about your expectations. After all, you’re only in Colorado once a year, so make the most of it.