A great winter vacation in the Rockies includes a ski trip to one of the fabulous resorts in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Skiing began as a necessary means of transportation during the gold rush of the 1830s. Deep snow made roads and paths impassable, so immigrants from Scandinavian countries showed miners how to use skis and snowshoes to get around in the mountains. Even the postman delivered on skis!
Some of the more exclusive ski resorts include Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek and Telluride. Rich and famous from all over the world come here to ski and enjoy the holidays in breathtaking landscapes. Five-star hotels and gourmet dishes are easily available at any of these resorts.
Other resorts that offer some of the best skiing in Colorado are The Gems. These somewhat less well-known ski areas can offer you a great ski holiday at family prices. The stones include the ski areas in the Arapaho Basin, Eldor, Loveland, Monarch Mountain, Ski Cooper, Echo Mountain, Powderhorn Resort, SolVista Pool and Sunlight Mountain.
At Gems, you can get more Rocky Mountain vacations than you expect. Since these areas are usually less crowded, you have less waiting time for climbing and more skiing trails. Each of these ski areas has its own character, so first do a little research and choose the one that best suits your style.
Where to stay on a vacation in the Rockies, this can be a tough decision. You can choose from five star hotels, chain hotels, bed and breakfast hotels, villas and lodges in all price ranges. If you are staying at one of the ski resorts, you can choose one of them with easy access to the city. A variety of rooms and suites are available in many places. Some rooms have their own restaurants. All of them are close to a wide selection of restaurants, from romantic dinners for two to family dinners, which everyone will enjoy.
Some ski resorts offer special ski packages that include transportation, room, lift tickets and lessons. Some also offer free activities such as snowshoeing and ice skating with room rental. You can enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports on a vacation in the Rocky Mountains. Try it or try it all!
Another consideration when planning a Rocky Mountain vacation is transportation. If you fly to Denver International Airport, do you want to rent a car or ride in one of the resorts? If you want to spend more time on rest and less time on driving, or if you want to avoid driving on snowy mountain roads, you may want to fly to one of the seven regional airports serving these mountain communities.
With more than 11.5 million skiers hitting the slopes every year, you may also need to think about when to go to Rocky Mountain vacation. The ski season begins as early as October in places such as Loverance Loveland, the Arapaho Basin and Silverton. Higher altitude, early snowstorms and snow making equipment help skiers begin an early start in these areas.
The early season at other ski resorts runs from November to most of December. Skis are generally good, but crowds are more for Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays. If you want to find a ski deal, wait until January. Many resorts offer discount packages to attract skiers after a vacation. You can get a lot more vacation in Rocky Mountain for your money if you go shopping.
February and March are usually the most turbulent months in the mountains. Snow falls fast and deep. The slopes are packed with skiers looking for fresh powder. Mid-March and most of April bring spring breaks, but again, most resorts offer discounts on ski packages, so you can think about planning a vacation in Rocky Mountain this time of year.
The real beauty of a vacation break is that you can ski almost all year round. Many resorts are often open until late June or early July, depending on spring storms. You could spend two holidays at the same time, riding at higher altitudes and rafting down the valley.
Packing for a Rocky Mountain vacation at any time of the year should include layers of clothing. It may be 85 degrees and sunny in Denver, but it can be 30 and snow along the continental break. Sunscreen and lip balm with 25 SPF or higher are required. The sun is intense at high elevations, even when it is overcast. Sunglasses that provide UV protection are also required. Snow blinding can be blinding, and you really want to see where you are going.
Winter is a great time to enjoy a vacation break. There are many resorts to choose from that will fit your personal style and budget. Many offer special packages that can help you extend your vacation dollars. A little thought and planning will help you create the perfect ski experience for yourself and your family. Come and drive through Colorado
