Cabo? Crowded. Daytona? Deluged. Miami? $20 cocktails… and mobbed. If you’re looking to break the cycle of humdrum Spring Break destinations, look no further.
Here are the Top 10 Reasons to Travel to a CSCUSA Ski Area:
❆ Too. Tired. To. Move. Durango, in the southwest corner of the state, has two top-notch ski areas within minutes of each other: world-famous Purgatory (Close to Heaven; Fun as Hell) and local favorite Hesperus (26 trails on 60 skiable acres, plus snow tubing on Marmot Hill). Make every day of your spring break multiple choice. Right answers only! Can’t get to Durango? Eldora is but a hop, skip, and ski jump away from Boulder, and it’s the only ski resort served by RTD, Colorado’s largest public transportation system. Hitch a ride on the free round-trip shuttle and get in your first run of the day while everyone else is still looking for parking.
❆ You absolutely, positively wanna live that beach life. Try Arapahoe Basin’s Beach, a never-quite-ending, not-quite-winter, not-quite-summer, ski-in, ski-out tailgate at the base of the mountain. And if you want to wear your swimsuit? The Beach sits at 11,000′, so you’re that much closer to the sun. Pack your sunscreen, people.
❆ You’re tired of making decisions. Steamboat Springs boasts Steamboat Resort, with its 171 trails, 4 terrain parks, and over 400 inches-and-counting of snow this season, and Howelsen Hill, Colorado’s oldest, continuously operated ski area. They’ve been schussing down Howelsen since 1915, and it has the look and feel of a classic Rocky Mountain ski area. Tl/dr: one town, two flavors. Together, they’re the chocolate and vanilla swirl cone of Colorado.
❆ You’ve been eating dry cereal and ramen for months. Whether you’re a foodie or the pickiest of picky, there’s a mouthwatering meal waiting for you in the lodge. Try the bison burgers at Sunlight Mountain Resort or the Thunderbird Tacos at Powderhorn Mountain Resort.
❆ You’re looking for a little culcha. Get yourself to Aspen, which boasts four ski resorts and a celebrated arts scene. Fill your cup at the Wheeler Opera House or the Anderson Ranch Art Center. Or take in a show at Theatre Aspen and a visit to the Aspen Art Museum.
❆ Your dorm. There’s more to your vacay than just ski, sleep, rinse, repeat. (Although, no judgment here—we’ve all been there.) Ski or ride Telluride all day, then mingle with the locals at the base. Catch the DJ at Bon Vivant on Fridays and Saturdays or live music every day at Gorrono Ranch. Pro tip: March 15th is Telluride’s 50th anniversary bash. Visit Winter Park and your day doesn’t have to end after last run. Take an astronomy tour and, if you’re lucky, catch a falling star. Or visit the Waffle Cabin, where everyone is lucky because the Waffle Cabin is exactly what it sounds like.
❆ You actually miss your family. Granby Ranch is the perfect ski destination for snow lovers of all ages. Think laid back, Western vibes in an anything-but-flat Rocky Mountain setting. From toddlers to grandparents, there’s something for snow lovers of all ages at Granby Ranch, including live music during the day and night skiing under the starlight.
❆ You’ve had it with FOMO. No problem. Echo Mountain is Denver’s backyard ski area. It’s got everything you want, and it’s just down the road. Ski all day and be back in Denver for… well, whatever you want. Because Denver. Or give everyone else FOMO and visit Loveland, which boasts 1,800 acres of remarkable terrain along with free snowcat skiing along the Continental Divide. Free! Snowcat skiing! Along the Continental Divide!
❆ You’ve had it with Insta destinations. Go where everyone is not. For an authentic only-in-Colorado ski area experience, look no further than Monarch Mountain. Located just up the road from Salida, CO, what Monarch boasts in annual snowfall (a lot), it lacks in crowds (not a lot). That’s code for pure, untracked powder stashes, and that’s code for fun. If you’re an experienced skier or rider, Silverton Mountain is your domestic Everest: it’s nothin’ but advanced and expert runs, top to bottom.
❆ You want to try something new. Never stood on a snowboard or skis before? We’ve all been there. The fastest way to get up and get going is with a lesson. Colorado Ski Country USA resorts offer lessons for groups, individuals, just the gals, or those who want to take their skills to the next level. It’s a first time you can brag about to your friends. And spring is a great time. Think sun, think snow, think special events. Think groomers and grins and goggle tans. Think Colorado Ski Country USA.
That’s ten, folks. But wait… there’s more!
❆ Cooper and Copper Mountain may be alphabetical neighbors, but they’re as different as A and Z. Cooper is an approachable family favorite, with soft, all-natural snow and newly opened advanced terrain for more adventurous skiers and riders. Go over the mountain and through the woods to Copper for three peaks and four bowls of downhill bliss, challenging terrain parks, and a wide array of runs, from bunny on up to those double black diamonds.
So, if the only mountains you’ve seen lately are mountains of empty pizza boxes, it’s probably time to think outside the… er, box. This year, make sure your last vacay of the school year is mountains of adventure and fun.
Check our Snow Report and start planning your spring break. Because here in Colorado Ski Country USA, there’s #AMountainForEveryone.
“We love this time of year. The days are long, sunny and mild. Snow’s been falling for two-thirds of the season and regular top ups continue into March and April. All the trails are open, and the resorts really throw their weight into finding unique ways to welcome and entertain all the visitors to our slopes.” — Melanie Mills, CSCUSA president & CEO
