December 05, 2016
Halle Thornton
In Colorado, there are plenty of opportunities available to have fun in the snow. Multiple mountains and resorts exist out there for those of us who want to shred the gnar after the stress of finals are over.
The Scribe reviewed three resorts and ski areas to get the best value this ski season.
The month-long break is upon us, and what better way to spend your time then soaking up the beautiful scenery, snow and skiing that is Colorado?
Arapahoe Basin Ski & Snowboard Area
Location: 28194 US-6, Keystone, CO
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Drive time: Two hours and eight minutes from campus
Price: $76 – full day, $64 – half-day
One of my favorite places to snowboard, A Basin has something for every level of rider. The ski area offers eight lifts and two terrains for riders with varying levels of experience. Although it is the smallest of the three, this resort offers low lift ticket prices and a friendly service staff.
A Basin also offers full and half-day lessons for beginners.
The backside of the mountain is where you can get in some great runs, and take in the landscape that is Colorado in the wintertime.
When you’re done riding for the day, A Basin has a few options for food like the Black Mountain Lodge and The Perch.
Keystone Resort
Location: 21996 US-6, Dillon, CO
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., with night skiing, resort is open until 8:30 p.m.
Drive Time: Two hours and thirty-six minutes from campus
Price: $91 – Full day
Keystone Resort has the largest amount of terrain in Summit County and offers the longest ski day in Colorado.
The resort has a variety of activities for those who want to ski and snowboard with 20 lifts. The resort also offers snow tubing, fly-fishing, sleigh rides and Epic Mix Racing.
The price includes more lifts and runs than Arapahoe Basin. The resort offers half and full day ski and snowboarding lessons for beginners.
This is my favorite mountain because of the variety of runs. While it is bigger than A Basin, it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
If you aren’t feeling the snow and the mountain, there is plenty to do in the village, including boutiques and shops to pick up souvenirs.
The food at Keystone is expensive, but if you want to get something quick, Pizza on the Run is great place to grab food.
Vail Mountain Resort
Location: Vail, CO 81657
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Drive Time: two hours and fifty-six minutes from campus
Price: $122 – Full day
You may have to ask for a trip to Vail as a gift, but the money is well worth it.
As the third largest mountain in the U.S., Vail has seven bowls and almost 200 runs, offering something for all levels of skiers or boarders. This mountain is kept in top shape throughout the season, and visiting the mountain is like a mini-vacation.
Lessons are available in Vail, and the prices range according to the length and duration of the lessons, as well as if they are private or in a group. Vail is where I learned to snowboard, and I have been riding ever since.
For non-skiers or snowboarders, there is plenty to do in Vail village. The resort offers snowshoeing, ski biking, tubing and has recently added a Mountain Coaster.
For those who do not want to be on the mountain at all, you can visit the spa, stores and over 20 restaurants in the village.