Tips for CO skiing for those new to it

[Anonymous]

The drive is generally super easy. I've done the DEN to Breck/Vail/BC/CB drives at least 40 times RT and they aren't treacherous IMO, even during moderate snow. However, you do need to recognize that sometimes the passes close. For Vail/BC, I've had them close on me during snowstorms, but also at random times for periodic snow removal and avalanche mitigation. Every one of those times I've found an alternative route, but took me 3-4 extra hours. I have flown into Gunnison for CB and Eagle for Vail/BC but prefer the direct flights (IAD has a once weekly Vail flight this year). Anyway...

1. Many times I fly in late to DEN and find a cheap hotel in Loveland/Golden area to rest and acclimatize. Then I take an easy morning and drive the 60-90 mins to whatever resort

2. The teens will have no problem. They will be released from their problems. It is so much better out there (most of the time), which I assume you know as you've probably skied there before: the quality of snow and infrastructure, the scale and space to maneuver, ratio of good to bad skiers. I remember the first time I skied there; I never skied again in the east.

3. Three days isn't enough IMO, especially if you have a tough day or two for the altitude (I can ski all day, every day, but I have to stop a LOT more than at sea level).

4. I've done dog sledding which was fun, and they have ice skating in most of the towns. The food is expensive (similar to DC) but actually pretty good. But you really don't have enough time to do much of anything else.