Want to plan a ski trip? Is it your first time skiing? Look no further. We have got you covered.
Winter may get all the attention because of the holidays, but it’s also the season of chairlift rides and carving through fresh snow. Skiing is one of my favorite ways to take in the cool weather while getting some exercise.
It is difficult to beat the thrill of climbing down a snow-covered mountain at speed while wearing your warmest winter gear. Skiing is a sport most people spend a lifetime trying to master. The learning curve doesn’t end once you’re off the mountain.
It is an expensive sport. It is difficult to find cheap options. Colorado has many options for ski trips. There are 27 mountain options and incredible fluffy snow. You don’t need to spend a lot to have fun in the snow in Colorado. Whether you are a beginner or an expert searching for a ski vacation trip, this guide will help you find the best place to ski in colorado so you can enjoy it.
When to go?
Many resorts aim to open by Thanksgiving. They often have limited terrain and offer discounted lift tickets through Christmas. Christmas offers festive lights, luxurious lodging, and the opportunity to see Santa slide down the slopes.
My favorite time to hit the hills is January through President’s Day. The snow is generally deeper and more crowded than the slopes.
Spring breakers arrive in March for warmer days and more sunshine. Sunny days are available from late March through mid-April. This makes it a great time to enjoy lingering lunches at a slopeside deck.
7 tips when planning for a ski trip to colorado
Trip Budget
Every trip should have a budget. They will ensure that you don’t overspend and end up feeling disappointed that you took a vacation. It can be time-consuming, but it will help you keep your expenses down.
Accommodation
You should start looking for accommodation as soon as you decide to go skiing. As with all trips, costs depend on the type of accommodation and the location. The one closer to the resort will usually cost more. These options are most sought-after because they offer easy access to the slopes and lifts. You don’t need to drive to the base (or have a car at all), but they are generally more expensive. Ski-in-ski–out options are the most popular because of their easy slope-side access.
Transportation
Will you be driving? Will you fly? Consider all options for travel to your ski area. Compare the costs and decide which one is best for you. Also, consider what you’ll do once you arrive in Colorado and how you’ll get around. Are you renting or buying a car? A car is the best option. It is flexible and can be used for transporting your gear. It is important to know that renting a car will require you to be prepared for traffic, payments for parking, and driving under icy conditions. If you are on a budget, consider using public transport and airport shuttles to make it easy to reach the resorts.
Flexibility with dates
The best way to secure a ski vacation deal is to be flexible about your dates and preferred destinations. The ski season is always busy at certain times like Christmas through New Year’s Day and President’s Day weekend. You will find a deal that suits you if your travel dates are less busy. Flexible departure airports are also a good idea. You can influence the cost of your ticket by choosing where you fly. This could also help you choose more convenient flights.
Packing for a ski trip
A ski trip involves a lot of items, and it’s easy to forget a few things. These tips will help to ensure that you don’t forget anything. Consider your packing list from top to bottom. Think about what you will wear and the gear you have.
Accessories
You’ll need a helmet. Goggles, balaclava, outer jacket, gloves, and mittens are all necessary. Thermal underwear or leggings, your outer trousers, and ski socks.
Gear
Skis, boots, & poles for skiers; boots and snowboards for snowboarders.
Apart from those essentials, you can also pack a small backpack with water, maps, or snacks on the mountain. Hand warmers are useful if it gets cold quickly.
Reservations
This will be the easiest step in the entire planning process. Select the spot you would like to stay, then make your booking online.
Ski types
Colorado is a paradise for skiers, so you can bet there’s plenty to choose from. There are many options, including large resorts as well as smaller, more exclusive places.
There are many accommodation options available, so make sure to do your research. Some resorts have well-kept trails, and others will be more challenging. Some are designed for adventurous, off-trail adventures. Make sure that everyone in the group is happy with the difficulty level you have chosen for where you will ski.
Reasonable deals
Don’t wait until the last minute to get your lift tickets. Chances are that you can find cheaper lift tickets online if there is enough time before you travel. We’re not at all surprised if ski tickets end up costing you more than they are worth.
If you are organized ahead of time, you may be eligible to purchase early season tickets. This can help you save a lot.
Ski Lessons
Are there any people in your group who have physical disabilities that could affect their ability to ski and snowboard? With the correct type of instruction provided in adaptive lessons, they can succeed at skiing and snowboarding. The lessons are affordable, and you may get lift tickets and equipment. Some resorts also offer a buddy ticket for an additional cost.
The above tips will help you make the tour trip fully prepared and organized. And if you are thinking of budgets, remember these tips that can save you money.
Book as far in advance as possible for lodging, lift tickets, and rental cars to get the best deal. If you require lessons, it is a good idea to book them well in advance, especially during peak hours.
Discounted lift tickets can be purchased online. However, buying them at the ticket window in the morning is the most expensive. You can purchase a season ticket if your ski season is frequent. Buy it online as soon as the tickets are available for next year’s best prices.
Take your lunch on the mountain to save money. Warm meals may sound appealing, but lodge meals can get expensive quickly. If you stay in a condo, purchase groceries so that you can cook your meals at home.
Weekends and holidays have the highest prices for lift tickets and lodging. If your schedule is flexible, you might consider skiing on weekdays. Bonus: There will be fewer people on the runs.
Things to avoid:
Don’t select a resort above your skill level
For those who are just starting in this area, look for a resort that offers a beginner’s zone and plenty of green trails.
Do not forget to book your ski lessons and lift tickets in advance
It may be worth your time to search wholesalers. Some companies sell advance lift tickets at certain resorts. It will help you save some serious money.
Do not take the time to read the Resort Rules or understand the Trail Signs.
Every North American ski resort follows some basic guidelines, such as assigning a difficulty rating to each ski run: green circles for beginner tracks, blue squares for medium runs, and black diamonds for professional terrain.
Each resort, though, has its own set of laws. Due to COVID-19, most resorts are requiring guests to wear face coverings, which is a simple request given that most skiers wear a buff normally, and many are only seating people together on a chairlift or gondola if they are in a similar ski group.
Not knowing which gear should be rented and what equipment to bring with you
Some companies rent out jackets, gloves, and pants, but in general, most ski tourists opt to rent their skis, boots, and poles from a rental shop and bring everything else from home.
Ski Boots that Don’t Fit You Well
Your ski boots will be used for at least four to six hours, so you need to make sure that they fit correctly. Ski boots are well-known for being uncomfortable.
Unsure about your attire
Layering is key to skiing. Ensure you’re familiar with the conditions and temperature you’ll be skiing in. You will not enjoy your experience if you don’t stay warm and comfortable.
Leave the lodge without food and water
You have to be prepared if you plan to spend the day out in the elements. While there is water and food available at the resort, it’s smart to bring some.
Don’t be over smart
To get you started, your instructor will take you to “the bunny slope”, which is often called the beginner zone. The first step for any beginner is to learn the basics of skiing. Skiing fundamentals are so important. You will be able to ski better later.
Letting Your Ego Take Over
You may feel like you’re a pro skier after you’ve learned some lessons. Be careful with your ego. Even experienced skiers take lessons from time to time to perfect their technique. It is important to feel comfortable with falling when learning to ski. To keep beginners interested in skiing and motivated to improve, it is essential to be able to fall.
Important Tips
The difficulty of each run depends on the specific terrain and conditions. You should pay more attention to the green, yellow, and black icons to determine your level of skill. (For beginners: green circles represent beginner runs, blue squares indicate intermediate ones, and red diamonds indicate advanced terrain.
If you are not used to exercising at high altitudes, don’t worry about it for the first few days. Drink plenty of water.
You can save yourself the frustration of running around in unfamiliar terrain by having a map. These are usually available at the lifts and the bases.
So Are you ready?
Colorado is an excellent place to learn to ski. There are numerous places you could choose, but Colorado is the best. Skiing is expensive. Not only are we talking about the sport but all the details that go into planning a trip to the ski slopes. These include renting or buying equipment, packing your bag, keeping within your budget, and many other things.
In this guide, we have shared all the tips that will help you plan a ski trip to Colorado successfully.