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Five Colorado Ski Resorts: Which One SuitsYour Style?

By Davina van Buren

Rove Magazine » » Five Colorado Ski Resorts: Which One Suits Your Style?

December 21, 2011

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Photo by YoTuT.

Hippie, Star Chaser, or College Freshman- Colorado has you covered.

Whether you get your kicks in the air, on land, or in the water, summers in Colorado are atraveler’s dream. Whitewater rafting? We’ve got the Colorado River, baby. Hot air ballooning? Markus down for the highest launch site in North America. Rock climbing? They don’t call it Boulder fornothing.

But secretly, any true Coloradan is always waiting for (and dreaming about) that first winter storm.The time when we dust off our snowboards and bindings, break out the ski goggles, and hightail it tothe backcountry.

Our resorts are as varied as the people who visit them, and each has its own “personality”. Since awinter getaway with the family is a lot different than a trip with your college buddies, or yoursignificant other, explore your options and find a resort that fits in with your lifestyle and skill level.


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Here’s a rundown of five of Colorado’s best ski resorts—there are many more–and some insider tipson what to do while you’re here.

Photo by evoo73.

1. Breckenridge:

Laid-back is how to describe this inclusive little mountain town. You’ll see old hippies, skibums, yuppies, and families with kids. Locally-owned businesses abound, and pretty much the wholetown is walk-able.

Breck is composed of four adjacent peaks in the Ten Mile mountain range. It’s also home tothe Imperial Express Superchair, the highest lift in North America (almost 13,000 feet!) Advancedskiers, take this lift to the newly-opened Snow White, 150 acres of above-timberline chutes.

Eat: Breckenridge has plenty of great restaurants, but skip all that and stop by the Crepes a la Cartfood truck on Main Street. The butter lemon is to die for.

Drink: Colorado is famous for its microbrews, and when you visit Breckenridge Brewery, you’ll seewhy. Try the new Lucky U IPA, or for something more substantial on a winter day, the Oatmeal Stout.


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Play: For something really different, it’s worth it to plan your trip around the International SnowSculpture Championships (January 24-February 5, 2012).

Photo by TRAILSOURCE.COM.

2. Crested Butte:

If Breck is laid-back and hippie-friendly, consider Crested Butte its more reserved, professionalcousin. As with many of Colorado’s ski towns, CB was once a thriving mining community, and thosemodest roots are still evident today. It’s not that the people here are snobby–they definitely aren’t– butthey frown upon too much flash. Save it for Aspen (more on that later.)

Here it’s about what really matters: the skiing. That being said, it’s not beginner-friendly. CrestedButte is known for its extreme terrain: It’s got nearly 450 acres of double-black diamond runs and hashosted the X Games twice.


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Eat: Locals love Soupcon Bistro. The menu is heavy on Colorado favorites like elk and lamb, and theservice is impeccable.

Drink: Dogwood Cocktail Cabin lives up to its name: this cozy spot is a refurbished mining cabin. Ifyou appreciate a creative, handcrafted drink in a comfortable, lounge-y, atmosphere, you’ll love thisplace.

Play: Even experts need a break from downhill runs occasionally. CB has three terrain parks and atubing hill for the kiddos.

Photo by diongillard.

3. Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin if you’re nasty):

A-Basin has one of the longest ski seasons in North America (October—June), and is only 65 milesfrom Denver, making it a locals’ favorite. Coloradans call it “the Legend” for good reason– its 100+chutes, glades, high-alpine groomed runs, cornice runs, and bowls are beginner, intermediate, andexpert-friendly. It’s on the smaller side compared to some of Colorado’s ski resorts, but it’s family-friendly and versatile. A-Basin reminds me of a college kid who’s taking the year off to backpackEurope.

Eat, Drink, Play: A-Basin has three lodges, where most of the off-slope action takes place. And don’tworry, Arapahoe has everything you need to keep you nourished and occupied on the hill, includingrestaurants, bars and nightly entertainment. There’s also terrain parks and snowshoeing trails galore.


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Photo by √oхέƒx™.

4. Keystone:

This is the largest of Summit County’s resorts. It’s made up of three mountains, five bowls, and boastsskiing options for every level. Think of Keystone as your over-achieving sister: No matter whathappens, she’s got it covered. You can get in some gnarly runs with your buddy, have a beer with dad,then take your girl out for a romantic dinner overlooking the snow-capped Rockies.

Eat: Take the gondola to the top of North Peak Mountain for a Swiss-inspired dinner at Der FondueChessel.

Drink: You have to have at least one drink at the Snake River Saloon. It’s a Keystone institution.

Play: Because of its size and versatility, Keystone is a popular destination year-round. Mountainbiking, rafting, hiking, and plenty of festivals (like the Bluegrass and Beer Festival in August) keepthe town humming all year.


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Photo by Éamonn.

5. Aspen:

Okay, I admit it. One side of me is an outdoorsy, marathoning, no-makeup-wearing, bona fideColoradan. But the other side is an east-coast girl who loves nothing more than to get dressed upand plant myself squarely in the VIP section of the newest trendy nightclub for some goodold-fashioned, overpriced bottle service. And that’s why I love Aspen.

This is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the United States. Celebrities love it. Breakout your glitzy, over-the-top aprés-ski wear and feel great about it! But oh yeah… the skiing. It reallyis world-class. Check out the half-pipe at Buttermilk Mountain, home of the X Games til 2012. Ifyou like bumps, head for The Dumps. Whichever slope you choose, just make sure you look good.

Eat: Seafood can be tricky in landlocked places. Luckily, Aspen has Matsuhisa. If you’ve ever dinedin his Los Angeles or New York restaurants, you know that Chef Nobu’s sushi creations are to die for.


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Drink: The aprés ski scene at 39 Degrees Lounge includes Playboy bunnies, celebrities, and generallybeautiful people. It’s great in the summertime too, with gorgeous views of Aspen Mountain.

Play: Aspen is synonymous with decadence, so go ahead and indulge. Treat yourself to a massage atthe St. Regis and maybe some (window) shopping in the town’s many unique stores and galleries. Butbring your credit card–this place ain’t cheap.

Hungry for more? Catch up with Davina here and here

Davina van Buren

Davina is a Colorado-based freelance writer who specializes in food, travel and environmentalreporting. She is also the owner of Magic Carpet Travel Club, a group that meets several times a yearto explore the world. Find out more at http://about.me/dvb

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