Hey, Colorado trip
Okay, so I’ve been doing more research on the what-to-dos of Colorado, which basically means I posted this ad on craigslist.
Update 11/8: I forgot to type what I learned from talking to folk at the skiier expo last weekend: There’s more non-mountainsport-type stuff to do in the Breckenridge-type towns. Winter Park has a good dive bar outside of town.
Here are the responses I’ve gotten so far (if I get more replies / more information, I’ll just update this entry):
Erika writes:
Hi! The great thing about Colorado, as you may have seen, is that there are SO many choices! For fun time in the mountains I suggest Winter Park. I am kind of partial to them because that is where I learned, but I just can not stay away too long. They have every level of mountain spread out over quite a large area. They also have great instructors for a reasonable price for those who feel they may need it. There are a ton of lodges right near the base of the mountain, but you will pay premium price for those. If you search in the TOWN of Winter Park as opposed to the SKI RESORT you will have a lot more choice of cabins at lower prices. There is a shuttle that runs all day to and from the town (about a mile or two past the resort) if you want. If you are looking for an even more budget option, consider the Valley Hi Motel in the town of Winter Park. I have stayed there several times. The rooms are big and pretty nice, for a motel. The draw is that the manager, the one I remember, is a total drunk and is so funny! He forgets prices that he quotes, he encourages partying, one of his employees partied with us one night and then charged us only half price when we checked out!!! So, there you have it. Happy skiing/boarding!
Jim from Aurora writes:
I’d stay In Vail, west on I70 for 60 miles and you’re in Glenwood Springs – and outdoor hot spring and spa with a lot of recreation. Alternatively you could stay in Glenwood Springs and just drive about an hour to ski. You’ll pay a LOT less for lodging – check out the Glenwood Hotel – nice vintage hotel with very nice suites. The point is that the lodging prices in Vail or anywhere in the mountains will be horrendous – somewhat less so in Glenwood. The hot springs is the BOMB for late night soaking – up til 10pm. There is a local cave system that they give tours of, lots of bars and restaurants. Staying in the mountain resort towns will cost a lot more and have fewer real options for those not skiing. An hours drive is easy and the road is wide (newly rebuilt about five years ago). I’d stay in glenwood. You can even take a train from downtown Denver to Glenwood springs, WONDERFUL view and rent a car when you get there. You wont regret it if you do. Oh, its’ the AMtrak train out of downtown Union Station.
And Andrew writes:
Breckenridge
Much more of a “ski town” atmosphere. If you go during December the town will be alive and busy with people from all over the nation.
Breck has more then 100 restaurants and tons of bars. The night life is actually very fun during Christmas time.
If you are looking for a club type place go to Salt Creek on someday like Thur/Fri/Sat. If you looking for more of a chill place check out the Irish Pub, the JC lounge, or Breckenridge Brewery. Keep your eye out for concerts and other activities during your vacation.
For those who are skiing or riding at Breckenridge is a large mountain with lots of beginner to intermediate runs. Can’t really go wrong there. Plus any place your staying should be close to walking or free bus ride away. For lodging check Beaver Run Resort or Grand Timber Lodge.
Keep in mind its going to be pricey but both places are right at the base of the mountain.
Some one to call is Summit Concierge. They can set everything up for you and give you great advice as to where to go.Copper Mountain
Deemed the “locals favorite” its completely different then Breck.
When you stay at Copper you can walk from your front door right to the slops. Also in my opinion a much better mountain for riding / skiing. More different terrains. From beginner to advanced.
Copper’s night life is a little different. Only a couple options but good ones none the least. Endo’s, Pravda Vodka Bar, Salsa Cantina are basically the main places but remember during December they all will be packed with fun people.
For lodging you will have 4 options. Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. In that order from oldest to newest condos. Also that defines how close you are to the lifts. Only the Gold and Platinum’s have pools at the condo. You will have to price each one out. For example a gold condo will have pools and hot tubs, its only like 5 years old and it is closest to the lift.
Basically during that time frame it will be fun no matter where you go. It will be packed with people so make sure if your going to go you better make a reservation soon.
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