Cooper|Chicago Ridge - Scott Rappold 

By R. Scott Rappold

I'm at Cooper Ski Area and frankly I'm scared.

It's an odd sensation up here. This mountain isn't known for difficult terrain. In fact, for 77 of the 78 years it's been in existence, it has offered no runs rated double-black-diamond. 

Amazing views? Wide-open groomed avenues? Affordable prices? A family-friendly vibe? Yes to all of the above, but no true challenging, expert-level terrain.

All that changed a few days before my visit in early January

Wolf Creek Ski Area - Roseanne Pitcher

By R. Scott Rappold

Editor's note: Our mountain correspondent and resident ski bum R. Scott Rappold missed several deadlines, did not respond to emails and his voicemail was full. We tracked him down in Steamboat Springs, where he had been sleeping on various sofas since it started snowing in early January, and convinced him to stop skiing long enough to file this report. Numerous threatening references to his editors have been omitted. 

Santa Skis at Arapahoe Basin 

By R. Scott Rappold

'Twas the day before Christmas Eve and it was raining heavily in southern California with a wind out of the southwest.  

For Colorado skiers and snowboarders, that means one thing: snow is on the way. 

And, for my part of Colorado at least, Christmas will be a powder day. 

Santa Claus got my list!

Arapahoe Basin - Festival of the Brewpubs

The main reason most of us visit a ski resort is, of course, the snow. 

But winter is also a time for celebration for skiers and snowboarders. We wait all summer and fall for the first freeze or dusting of snow on the peaks, and when it comes, we're giddy with joy. 

And many of us want to party. 

So with that in mind, we present your guide to the biggest, best and most iconic events, festivals and parties in ski towns and at ski areas across Colorado this winter. Just

Eldora Ski Area 
 

By R. Scott Rappold

When I heard recently that a writer for the New York Times Travel section wanted to interview me, I was shocked. 

She was writing an article on money-saving tips for skiers for a global audience, folks who probably think of posh, mega-resorts like Aspen, Park City or Chamonix when it comes to skiing. Me, I live in tiny Del Norte, Colorado. I mostly ski smaller, mom-and-pop ski hills.  I've never used a ski valet, flown for a ski trip or stayed in a

Historic Monarch Photo from SkiMonarch.com 

By R. Scott Rappold

Eighty years ago this winter, something special was happening in Colorado. 

We were learning to love the sport of skiing. Colorado ski areas Monarch Mountain, Winter Park and Wolf Creek all trace their beginnings to the winter of 1939-40. 

The Great Depression was over and people had extra income again. The nation had yet to be drawn into the war in Europe. Optimism abounded and Americans were discovering the joy of the great outdoors. For many Colorado

If you live in ski country and live for winter, there is a goal that belongs on your bucket list.

Have a 100-day season on the slopes.

By R. Scott Rappold

It's that special time of year in Colorado.

The Broncos are playing again. The aspens in the high country are starting to turn. There's a chill in the air that whispers a promise of the coming of Colorado's best season.

Winter is coming.

But skiers and snowboarders shouldn't just sit around and wait for the snow to fall. You want to be ready - physically, mentally, financially - for

Photo Credit: Curtis DeVore, Copper Mountain

At most Colorado ski resorts, there's a place where you can find powder days after a storm - a place you can reach without hiking a half hour to the outer reaches of the mountain.

We're talking about the trees. 

The forests, of pine, spruce, aspen and fir, make up a large part of the terrain at many resorts. It's a special place to ski for many reasons: The shade keeps the snow softer. The challenge of skiing them keeps many other skiers out, leaving fresher

Photo Credit: Curtis Devore, Arapahoe Basin

March is upon us, and for millions of students, teachers and parents, that means one thing: SPRING BREAK!!!!! 

The days are getting longer, the air warmer and the end of another academic year is in sight. Sure, you could go to the beach, but you have all summer to do that. 

Did you know March just happens to be one of the best months of skiing in Colorado? The rocks and stumps are covered by four months worth of snow and the air