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All Good Things Must Come to an End

Closing Dates

 

All the closing dates below are subject to change, so we recommend checking directly with our member resorts for the most up-to-date information.

 

Arapahoe Basin — early June

Aspen Snowmass — April 21

Cooper — April 7

Copper Mountain — April 28

Echo Mountain — April 14

Eldora — April 14

Granby Ranch — March 31

Howelsen Hill — March 23

Loveland — early May

Monarch Mountain — April 14

Powderhorn — April 7

Purgatory — April 21

Silverton — to be announced

Steamboat — April 21

Sunlight — April 4

Telluride — April 7

Winter Park — mid to late May

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of Echo Mountain

Eating at Elevation Is Twice as Tasty

by Amanda Faison
skier, ski mom, lover of slopeside cuisine

 

SOMEWHERE IN COLORADO SKI COUNTRY USA – Maybe there’s something in the water? Maybe it’s the crisp mountain air? Maybe it’s both? Whatever it is, we’re convinced that food on the slopes just tastes better.

Think about it: how often do you order a sky-high pile of nachos and finish every chip on the platter? Or destroy a massive, smothered breakfast burrito? Instead of getting all science-y on you, we tapped Purgatory‘s Executive Chef John Feeley, CSCUSA’s 2023 Double Diamond Award winner for food and beverage, to give us his thoughts on the high-altitude phenomenon.

 

CSCUSA: Why does food taste better after a day on the slopes?
John Feeley: I’ve never thought of it like that, but a lot of it has to do with working up an appetite and not just that it’s lunch time. The fresh air, all that exercise, it makes you extra hungry. Does that draw you to particular foods? I think so, especially chilis and soups when it’s cold out. Chicken tenders are a best seller at every resort in the U.S. They’re a safe choice versus getting something like a pulled pork sandwich and wondering if it might be dry.

CSCUSA: What are some of Purgatory’s biggest sellers?
JF: Chicken fingers, burgers, the chilis. At The Powderhouse, which is more of our local spot, there’s comfort food like chicken pot pie, homemade lasagna, and something we call Purg Pockets, which are like Hot Pockets. We do a Cuban one, a pizza one, and other flavors.

CSCUSA: How about for those folks who are looking for higher-end items?
JF: We just did a snowcat dinner on the full moon. It was a five-course wine dinner. You ride to the top of the mountain and stop to get pictures of the alpenglow on the Needle Mountains—I haven’t been everywhere, but I think it’s one of the best views in Colorado. The experience is so quiet, and it’s such a different vibe at night. It’s special and unique, and we stuff guests full of gourmet food and really good wine.

We also have the Bistro at Dante’s, which this year has a traditional alpine menu. There are charcuterie boards, wiener schnitzel, a sausage sampler plate (we work with a meat provider to get fresh sausages), different smoked salmons, French onion soup, jäger schnitzel, and alpine sides like sautéed apples and cabbage. It’s not traditional American comfort food, but it’s still comfort food, and it’s caught on. We just did the mid-season financial analysis of what’s selling and what’s not. The building upstairs is fine dining (Dante’s), and the cafeteria is downstairs. We learned that fine dining is doing more volume, which is mind blowing.

CSCUSA: What do you attribute that to?
JF: When I started five years ago, everything was pre-cooked and pre-prepared—just heated up. I looked at the head chef, who had also just started, and said, We need to talk. Within a year, we had moved to a scratch kitchen with fresh ingredients. We truly cook. We were smoking brisket, making pulled pork in house instead of buying product, and we got immediate, positive feedback. Guest satisfaction has gone through the roof.

 

Skiing or riding this weekend?
Seek out these Colorado eats

Nachos at Sixth Alley Bar & Grill, Arapahoe Basin
This cheesy pile of layered goodness starts with a tangle of Colorado’s own Raquelitas tortilla chips. From there, you choose shredded chicken, beef, or plant-based chorizo, along with black bean and corn salsa, scallions, cheddar jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, olives, and sides of sour cream and salsa. These nachos feed a crowd, so don’t go at it alone. Bonus: if you’re part of the Mug Club (there are only 473 available each season), you get $1 off of draft beer, Bloody Marys, and Moscow mules all season long.

Lifty Chili at The Lookout, Eldora Mountain
In addition to serving up views of the Continental Divide and James Peak Wilderness, The Lookout dishes up its Lifty Chili, which is a favorite of—you guessed it—Eldora’s lift operators. The bison chili is hearty and filling, and it comes with a story: the recipe originates from Tocabe, a restaurant in Denver specializing in contemporary American Indian cuisine. The ingredients are carefully sourced and inspired by Osage family recipes.

Waffle Fries at Brother’s Grille, Echo Mountain
Why order regular fries when you can have waffle fries! Echo Mountain’s signature snack has more surface area, more crunch, more everything. The fries are so popular, they’ve even been called “life changing” on the customer feedback survey. If you really want to take it up a notch, pair the fries with a bowl of tomato soup. It might become your new favorite combo.

Whatever’s on draft at Todd’s Tavern, Sunlight Mountain Resort
It’s not just food that tastes better on the slopes, it’s a frosty microbrew too. And how better to enjoy it than at Sunlight’s creaky floored, dollar-bill decorated Todd’s Tavern? This season, Todd’s collaborated with Glenwood Canyon Brewpub to create an easy-drinking, crushable lager. If you’ve got a mug, save $1, but even without, you’ll be saying cheers!

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of Purgatory

Phunkshun Wear’s Fundraiser Is Totally Rad

Grab your raddest, retro-est gear and show off your gnarliest moves at the 9th Annual High Fives Foundation Retro Shred-A-Thon

 


Wait a minute, Doc. Are you telling me that I need to build a time machine… out of a DeLorean?

Nope. I’m telling you that CSCUSA partner Phunkshun Wear and the High Fives Foundation, which provides support and resources to athletes who have suffered life-altering injuries, have done all the hard work already. You just gotta show up wearing your Calvin’s* and looking like you went to high school with Marty McFly.

 

So if your calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, we’re gonna see some serious [BLEEP]?

First of all, we’re going to overlook your salty language because it is very exciting, and second of all, we do. not. endorse. driving 88 miles per hour.

That said, the event is hosted by Winter Park, which is known for a wide range of terrain that’s suitable for all skill levels, so there’s something for everyone at the Shred-A-Thon.

All you have to do is sign up and participate! Prizes will be awarded for most laps, most money raised, raddest costume, and more. While you’re rippin’ it up on the slopes, you’ll be helping to make a real difference in the lives of people who have faced significant challenges. All funds raised go directly to High Fives, and every turn counts! It’s gonna be, like, totally tubular.

 

I’m no couch potato. Count me in. When and where?

See you at the Retro Shred-A-Thon on Saturday, April 15, at Winter Park Resort.

 

 

 

*Be there or be square, but please put some winter gear on over your Calvin’s!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#SkiLikeAGirl #ShredLikeAGirl

An explosion of women-centered clinics, events, and gear are helping women level-up their skiing and snowboarding skills, protect their knees, and connect with each other on and off the slopes. Whether you’re thinking about taking your skills to the next level this season or planning an active girls’ trip next season, there are a bootbag’s worth of ways to ski or shred like a girl in Colorado Ski Country USA.

For Women Only
CSCUSA resorts across Colorado have added lots of options for women-only clinics. The camaraderie and vibe of these clinics led by women instructors creates a supportive environment for conquering fears and developing confidence in one’s skills.

“I’ve seen that in a women-only clinic, the women feel more comfortable talking about their fears,” says 2023-24 CSCUSA Ski Instructor of the Year and Telluride Ski Instructor Deb Willits. “When that happens, we can really dive into what it will take to increase confidence. Often, it’s because students may not know exactly what to do in a given situation.”

Women-only clinics are available each season at Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Snowmass, Copper Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Monarch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Telluride, and Winter Park.

Willits says every skier or snowboarder can benefit from taking a lesson. “There are always things to learn, and every individual has some kind of inefficient body movement or posture particular to them that, if addressed, will help to make them an even more accomplished and confident skier,” she says.

Along with clinics, many CSCUSA resorts are offering women’s programming especially for Women’s History Month and around International Women’s Day. Aspen Snowmass will be celebrating with its second annual Uphill Champagne Lunch, complete with a DJ, raffle, and gifts from local businesses, on Friday, March 8.

Many resorts also offer informal groups to encourage women to get out and adventure with other women. Monarch Mountain near Salida started a Women’s Social Club that meets every Wednesday around 10:00 am, and it’s free and open to anyone who wants to join.

A women-only veterans’ clinic is also helping set the stage for transformation and healing each season at Sunlight Mountain Resort near Glenwood Springs. Sunlight and The Kirstie Ennis Foundation partner to provide 10 female military veterans with everything they need to push through boundaries on the slopes: snowboarding gear, outdoor clothing, ski and snowboard lessons, and lift tickets.

Girl Gear
Gear designed especially for women can also help boost confidence and even decrease injuries. CSCUSA partner HEAD offers a women’s PROTECTOR SLR ski binding, featuring Full Heel Release (FHR) technology. HEAD reports that the binding, which has 180° heel release, reduces the load on the knee and leads to the reduction and mitigation of knee injuries.

Another piece of gear that can change your whole day on the slopes is an investment in your gloves. CSCUSA partner Christy Sports carries a line of heated women’s gloves called Sidas Ultra Heat Boost. They come with an ultra-light lithium-ion battery offering up to 10 hours of heat that spreads 360° around the fingers and the top of the hand. Imagine a whole winter of warm hands whether you’re skiing, shoveling the driveway, or walking the dog!

#SkiLikeAGirl #ShredLikeAGirl
Whether it’s leveling up your skillset and conquering a new run, finding gear that makes for a more enjoyable day on the slopes, or connecting with a group of like-minded outdoorswomen, Colorado Ski Country USA has a mountain for everyone.

Rent the Gear. Own the Powder.

Spring Into Action at Christy Sports

 

The slopes are covered this time of year—and so are all your outdoor gear needs at Christy Sports! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice eager to take on the mountain, our partner Christy Sports will provide you with everything you need for an unforgettable ski trip this season.

This March, during their Ski-Ya-Later Sale, Christy’s is offering up to 40%, 50%, even 60% off select gear. Shop early for the best selection of gear. Shop all month long for the best deals of the season—in-store and online.

Planning a ski trip for Spring Break? Book in advance online and get up to 20% off your daily rentals. With 30+ locations in Colorado (some at the base of your favorite mountain!), you can’t miss ’em! Skip the lines—and the wait—hit the slopes sooner, and spend more time carving this spring.

With Christy Sports, you can embrace the winter season with confidence, knowing that they have your back. Walk in or login anytime to see what else we have to offer.

 

Visit Christy Sports

It’s Delightful, It’s Delicious, It’s De-Lovelandy

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, CO – Every Valentine’s Day, Loveland Ski Area celebrates that crazy little thing called Love with a mass wedding ceremony, attended by brides and grooms dressed to chill—and to ski.

This year, 115 couples tied the knot at the 33rd Annual Mountaintop Matrimony ceremony in Forest Meadow, and the only thing more breathtaking than the sheer amount of love present at the time of their nuptials, was the elevation, which, at 11,215 feet, was enough to take the breath away from those in attendance—and those attending the couples in attendance. Fifteen of those 115 devoted twosomes exchanged vows for the first time, and 100—a perfectly apt number of Centennial State residents—renewed their vows.

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds skied and rode down the mountain and gathered for an après-ski party. The highlight was the best-dressed couple competition, with the winning couple earning a romantic honeymoon getaway at the Clear Creek Inn and dinner at Coopers on the Creek in Georgetown, Colorado.

What’s Cookin’ This Season

by Amanda Faison
skier, ski mom, lover of slopeside cuisine

 

SOMEWHERE IN COLORADO SKI COUNTRY USA – There’s so much more to skiing and riding than just swooshing down the slopes. It’s a lifestyle—the camaraderie in the parking lot and in the lift line, the hoots and hollers heard from the chair on a powder day, the well-earned beer at the end of the day. And, in the middle of all that fun, the need to refuel. For some, that might mean a pocket PB&J eaten between runs, but for many others, the hunt for good eats is just part of the adventure. We’re happy to report that, this winter, there are some big openings and a number of favorites to revisit while you’re out and about.

New & Notable
As of this season, Steamboat’s old gondola building has been replaced by The Range Food & Drink Hall. Constructed as part of the new base along with Skeeter’s Ice Rink, the airy space has gobs of indoor and outdoor seating and four food stalls—Pioneer Pie, Sunshine Bowl, Twister Tacos, and Why Not Sandwich Shop—effectively covering all the major food groups. (On a cold day, we highly recommend the crispy pork belly ramen from Sunshine Bowl.) There’s also a bar on each of the two levels, and the names of the eateries tie into some of Steamboat’s most beloved runs.

The season’s most exciting opening has to be The Aerie at Copper Mountain, which replaced Solitude Station at mid-mountain. Riding up American Eagle, you can’t miss the gorgeous, modern lodge crafted from polished wood and glass. The Aerie cleverly offers two distinct experiences: a food hall with five stalls (don’t miss the furikake fries from the ramen spot), a hot chocolate bar, and grab-and-go on the bottom level, and full-service restaurant up top. Chef Brian Duncan oversees Forage & Feast, which is wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows showing off stunning, 270-degree views of the Gore and Ten Mile ranges. The menu is composed of large plates, shared plates, and salads, and sides. The French dip—called an Italian dip here because of the fantastic addition of house-pickled giardiniera—is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of guests. (You can eat at the bar or in the restaurant itself, in either case, sip on a Mountain Mist, the Aerie’s gussied-up version of a gin and tonic.) The restaurant also offers special-occasion dinners (called Forage & Feast Candlelight Dinners), where guests ride up American Eagle, enjoy a multi-course meal paired with wine and live music, and then depart by gondola under the stars.

Also new this season, Winter Park has launched four Outposts, each with a different menu, around the mountain. The idea is ski-specific food that’s easy to grab and perfect for refueling. Look for quesadillas at The Olympia Outpost (bottom of the Olympia lift), grilled cheeses at the Wild Spur Outpost (top of the new Wild Spur Express), cheese steaks at Mary Jane Outpost (near the Super Gauge lift at the base of Mary Jane), and taquitos at the Lunch Rock Outpost (outside the Lunch Rock day lodge). Take your pick, grab some napkins, and be on your way. Also, after crushing bumps on Saturdays, swoop into Mary Jane Café for après from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Grab a beer and $4 tacos before either heading up for another couple of runs or calling it for the day. Savvy Skier tip: if you find après at the Sunspot a little too bustling, this kicked-back vibe might be just your style.

Trucks ’n Huts
There’s something inherently thrilling about sidling up to the window of a food truck or the counter of a food hut. The undercurrent is that good things await, and that’s certainly the case at these slopeside spots.

The Pow Pow Donuts truck at Winter Park’s base proves that the lure of a good donut extends well beyond the breakfast hour. Hop in line (better yet, order on your phone while riding up the chair) for a half bag or full bag of mini treats topped in a variety of ways. Plain, cinnamon sugar, and powdered sugar are classic, but you can up the ante by adding frosting, sprinkles, and even toppings like M&Ms, crushed Oreos, or Andes Mints. And what’s the other half of a perfect donut order? Coffee (or hot chocolate), of course!

As they say at Monarch Mountain, if your pocket is big enough, you can buy a burrito for later. If not, order at Flyby Burritos’ window, choose your vehicle (burrito or bowl), filling (steak to peppers and onions), salsa, and add-ons (guacamole, sour cream, etc.) and find a seat on the deck of the main lodge. If it’s been a particularly awesome day of shredding, celebrate with a shotski from Elmo’s Bar.

If it’s a bluebird day and you’re skiing Steamboat’s Sunshine Peak, be on the lookout for the Taco Beast idling outside of Rendezvous Lodge. This is no ordinary food truck; it’s a taco truck built onto the back of a snowcat. Choose from four kinds of tacos, but don’t miss the side of Mexican street corn, plus Mexican sodas and cerveza.

Across town at Howelsen Hill, those in the know clip in for Lunch Laps. Monday through Friday, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, the adorable and historic Outrun Snack Bar at the base offers the mid-day meal (any sandwich or hot dog, chips, fountain drink) for a mere $12.95. Snap a pic, post on social, and you might win extra swag.

The Sundance Chili Hut at the top of Winter Park’s Wild Spur lift is so beloved that we have a friend whose daughter once penned an ode to it for a school paper. The kiddo wrote that if she won the lottery she would buy it and extend the hours so it was open snow or shine. Just what instills such a deep-seated love? The hut itself is adorable, but the real draw is, of course, the cozy bowls of chili—white, beef, or veggie—topped with mountains of melted cheese.

We have to applaud GR Eats, the food truck at Granby Ranch (at the base of Quick Draw Express), for its small but mighty menu. There are tacos, yes, but there are also loaded brisket barbacoa fries with chipotle ranch; mac and cheese bites with smoked gouda and bacon; and crispy taquitos with Hatch chile. And leave room for dessert: just-baked chocolate-chip cookies, Bavarian cream-filled churros, and funnel cake.

Flyer’s, which sits at the top of Copper Mountain’s American Flyer lift has something of a cult following. Its selling point: elk cheddar-jalapeño brats and hot soups, all serviced by a small, stocked bar. There’s nothing fancy about it, but the ski-in, ski-out location and quick turnaround renders it a favorite.

Never enough nachos is a ski day mantra—and thanks to Thunderbird Taco Truck at Powderhorn, the craving is answered. Each standard order includes a mound of tortilla chips layered with queso, and you can add on from there. Choose from ground beef, chicken, pulled pork, or jackfruit, plus guac, sour cream, and salsa. For non-nacho eaters, there are also tacos (one order includes three), burritos, and quesadillas.

Bradley’s, which is housed in a refurbished shipping container at the base of Winter Park, is half truck and half hut. The spot dishes up all things chicken, including super crispy chicken tenders, chicken skewers, and a fried chicken sammy. There’s also a salad and a hummus and veggie wrap.

Rent the Gear. Own the Powder.

The snow is falling and the slopes are calling

It’s time to grab winter by the horns and ride. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice eager to take on the mountain, Christy Sports has everything you need for an unforgettable ski trip this season.

Christy Sports offers rentals at 30+ locations in Colorado, including at the base of some of your favorite mountain. Let the knowledgeable Christy’s staff get you geared up. You’ll spend less time waiting and more time carving.

Book in advance online and get 20% off all daily rentals.

Embrace the winter season with confidence, knowing that Christy’s has your back.

Visit Christy Sports to see all that they have on offer for snow lovers like you.

CSCUSA Visits Ski Noir 5280

DENVER, CO – Ever wonder what happens to all that rental gear when it’s time to be replaced? For one Colorado Ski Country USA ski area, all those rental skis, snowboards, boots, and other gear are paving the way for a diverse group of skiers and riders to enjoy the slopes. Last season, Eldora donated its entire ski and snowboard rental fleet to Ski Noir 5280, a club of diverse snowsports enthusiasts who love to share the winter sports experience through regular ski and snowboard trips. Ski Noir 5280 is a part of the National Brotherhood of Snowsports, a group dedicated to diversifying winter sports through competition and recreation.

Colorado Ski Country USA recently had the pleasure of taking a tour of the Ski Noir 5280 gear locker in Denver. The community center features a large room laid out for fitting lots of people with the right gear quickly, along with storage areas for skis, poles, snowboards, boots, and even ski pants and jackets in all different sizes and colors. President Quincy Shannon led the tour through several enviably organized rooms while sharing his vision of welcoming more people of color to skiing and snowboarding.