Located near the western slopes of Colorado in the Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll find the Roundtop Ski Resort. With over 300 inches of snowfall per year, it is one of the country’s best ski resorts. Although there are no official lifts, the resort offers plenty of wide open slopes for you to explore with a Ski Boot Pass. The resort has one main chairlift and two surface lifts that serve the beginner and intermediate trails. The nightlife at Roundtop is lively, with many bars and restaurants serving various cuisines. There is also a small town nearby, which you can explore on foot or by car. The whole area is gorgeous, and you are sure to have a good time.
The Culture
Although Roundtop is a small town tucked away in the Rockies, it enjoys a high concentration of ski bums and vacationers from all over the world. The whole vibe is very mellow, yet fun-loving. The locals know how to have a good time, and visitors are always welcome to join in the fun.
The resort has a relaxed atmosphere, which you will definitely notice. The snowboarders enjoy riding the chairlift together and hanging out at the top chatting, while the skiers cruise down the mountain in pairs or small groups. The town is full of boutiques, art galleries, and coffee shops, which add a little something extra to the experience.
Where To Stay
There are many luxurious resorts in Colorado, but you’ll find that Roundtop’s accommodation is pretty basic. The town’s lodging only has seven standard guest rooms, which are simple but comfortable with a microwave, fridge, and coffee machine. There is also no spa or wellness center, but the location is perfectly quiet, and you can sleep really well due to the comfortable beds and high-quality bedding. If you want to splash out a bit, consider staying at one of the nearby five-star resorts. You can make an early morning or late evening escape so that you can catch the last train or the last lift.
How Is It Feasible To Visit Roundtop?
It is not easy to get to Roundtop from the northern cities, as there is no direct flight. To travel to the resort, you have to make two changes, one at the Denver International Airport and the other at the Houston Airport. From there, you’ll be driven to the Boulder Airport and then taken to the Roundtop Village. The journey takes about three hours. Passengers may also choose to take a bus instead of a car so that they can arrive earlier at their accommodation and thus have more time to enjoy the slopes.
What Are The Main Attractions?
You are most likely to enjoy skiing at Roundtop, as the whole area is covered in snow for most of the year and the slopes are extremely high. Besides, the whole experience is magnificent. It is a shame that almost no one living nearby gets to enjoy the stunning views and pristine snow. The nearby road cuts through the mountains and it is a perfect spot for some panoramic photos.
The resort features over 300 inches of snowfall per year, which the residents and visitors love to play in. During the summer months, when the snow melts, the area turns into a meadow, which is a beautiful sight to behold.
The whole area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, as it is crisscrossed with hiking trails and outdoor hotspots. You can enjoy fishing, hunting, and exploring the magnificent landscape. The town itself is built around two parallel streets that cross above a lake. At the northern end of the lake, there is an old mining town with an antique store, a restaurant, and a bar. During the summer months, the whole region turns into a hub for visitors.
What Amenities Does the Resort Offer?
Besides the stunning views and affordable lodging, guests at Roundtop can enjoy a fully equipped gym, a water park, an outdoor pool, and a spa. The spa has nine treatment rooms and offers a wide range of massages, including Swedish, Thai, and foot reflexology. There is also a fully equipped gym with cardiovascular equipment, weight tables, and free weights. The water park features three lanes, a children’s pool, and a wading pool, as well as a splash park with slides and a tube slide. The outdoor pool is surrounded by sun decks and Adirondack chairs. You can use the gym or the pool to work out, and then have a swim as feedback.
It also has a marina with a boat rental service, offering lake tours and sunset boating. The whole area is dog-friendly, so guests can bring their furry friends along for the trip. The resort even has a dog walker who comes to collect the pets each day and bring them back at the end. Since dogs are such a part of the community, it is highly recommended that owners take advantage of this and bring their pets along to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
How Long Does It Take To Get Used To The Climate?
Skiing in the Rockies is something that you have to experience to believe. Although the winters are frigid, taking the whole month off work to enjoy some backcountry exploration is well worth it. The snow makes it very easy for beginners to get around, but experts still have to work hard to master the technique. After a while, you’ll get used to the climate and you’ll want to stay forever. Just like in any other part of the country, the seasons change and you have to adapt to the snow and cold months. Be careful not to put yourself at risk of frostbite or other dangerous conditions, especially if you decide to explore the wilderness of the Rockies on your own. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
If you decide to stay at Roundtop, then you’ll need to get used to the climate and the snow. Although it may feel strange at first, you’ll get into the habit quickly and you’ll enjoy every moment. After all, what is life without snow and skiing?