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Ski Boulder
Boulder, the foothills suburb some 35 miles northwest of Denver, Colorado, is gateway to some of the very best Eastern Slope skiing in Colorado . As famous for its snow as for John Denver and"Rocky Mountain High", the state of Colorado has more ski resort choices than anywhere else in the world. This progressive college town makes a fine base camp to exploring those alpine destinations.
Though Boulder has own Flatirons Mountains, they are not suitable for downhill skiing. Cross-Country skiing and mountain biking are more appropriate in Boulder. Boulder is on the way to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, which is a unique environment within the U.S., the only place within the lower 49 states where one finds tundra terrain. While neither Estes Park nor Rocky Mountain National Park have ski lifts (in efforts to protect the Park and keep it pristine, since it's a rare treasure that boasts such diverse terrain and lofty tundra areas,) one can still cross-country ski there, or even downhill ski, if you don't mind the walk up.
Downhill skiers and snowboarders will be thrilled to sample the many incredible nearby ski resorts. You can pick up your gear (purchased or rented) from a local shop there in the Boulder or Denver area the night before you head to the resorts, and be ready to hit the slopes when you arrive in the morning. The money saved by renting gear and buying lift tickets there may very well pay for your lodgings! Rather than picking any one resort, staying in Boulder allows you to have great accommodations and a very contemporary cultural environment, while enjoying a sampling of the great skiing that the Colorado Rockies have to offer. For example, you could take an early morning drive through some breathtaking scenery on your way to the world-class skiing at Winter Park or SolVista, near Granby, Colorado (which is just southeast of the Rocky Mountain National Park .) The skiing at Mary Jane (and the rest of Winter Park) is legendary, yet the vibe is laid back, comfortable.
The weather in Boulder is sometimes milder than you'll find on the slopes. Be aware that both altitude and wind chill play a major part in the clothing and equipment you'll need. Pack light layers and be certain to bring or buy a breathable, waterproof outer shell. You'll want a hat that covers your ears, a neck gator, (and ankle gators, if you're going to play in the famous deep powder) and a ski mask. If you're prone to sunburn, a bit of sunscreen may also be in order, as the UV light is much stronger at altitudes found in the Rockies.
Using Boulder as your base camp for a ski vacation can provide you with the chance to visit several ski resorts during your vacation, an incomparable opportunity to decide for yourself which of them suits you best. Regardless of where you choose, skiing in Colorado is a guaranteed good time!
