The sun has set and the nearly full moon will soon be rising over the Colorado peaks. Skiers and snowshoers group outside the lodge at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, bindings latched and stomachs churning. It’s time to eat. They are the first wave of participants on the annual Grand Huts Association progressive dinner at Devil’s Thumb … Read more
When I look back at my first attempts at skiing, I wonder how I ever made it past the snowplow. I was on long, straight heavy metal skis, wore borrowed boy’s lace-up leather boots, Stephen Bradley hadn’t invented grooming yet, the teacher was my boyfriend and the rope tow at Loveland nearly shaved the skin … Read more
Colorado ski towns are often known for high prices, especially during their winter primetime. But vacationing in a mountain getaway doesn’t have to break the budget. The Winter Park-Fraser Valley area, 90 minutes northwest of Denver and surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest, offers a lot of cold-weather fun for $20 or less. Snowshoeing and … Read more
A family ski trip to explore the snow-capped mountains of Colorado is an exciting adventure. But finding a one-stop resort to entertain adults and kids alike can be a daunting endeavor. One answer comes from Keystone Resort, stretching across three mountains and offering one of the most kid-friendly locations above 9,000 feet. We’ve compiled a … Read more
Perched atop a sloping hillside above the town of Avon, Colorado, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch hotel melds luxury accommodations with the majestic spirit of the Rocky Mountains. Opened in 2002 with 180 rooms, The Ritz is nestled into Bachelor Gulch on Beaver Creek Mountain. Upon arriving, guests can cast off the winter chill in front … Read more
During the long nights of winter, nowhere does the full moon shine brighter than in Colorado’s high country. Tucked away from city lights, the silvery moon hangs like a lantern in the black sky, providing enough illumination for doing just about anything at night that you can do during the day. Mountain residents schedule nighttime … Read more
At first glance, you can tell Crested Butte, in south-central Colorado, is not your typical glossy ski resort town. The attention paid to retaining its mining-town character is evident – and exactly why Crested Butte was chosen as one of the Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2008 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Wildflower gardens … Read more
Keystone is one of Colorado’s many premier ski locations. Cradled amongst the vistas of the Continental Divide and steeped in thousands of acres of wilderness, Keystone makes for the perfect location for Colorado vacation skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts. With powdery slopes, lakes, and rivers nearby, this ski town provides activities to take part in … Read more
Atop Aspen Mountain, we clip into short fat skis. Just over 3 feet long, these twin-tipped “skiboards” would look trendy on a teen, but that’s not us. We’re a group of gray-heads for whom the term “hip” is usually followed by the word “replacement.” For two of the next four days, we old dogs will … Read more
Downtown Breckenridge is the pride of Colorado mountain towns, offering a wonderful main street, fine dining, and shopping galore. Home to festivals and celebrations year round, the mountain community is known for its vibrant culture as well as its gentle skiing terrain. At the base of Peak 8 is One Ski Hill Place, an ultimate … Read more