I have a two part question for everyone.

I'm making my first trip to Colorado in a few weeks and will be staying in Dillon (I will have a car so travel is not a problem) and would like a little advice.

#1. I will be skiing for 4 days while out there and I am looking to get a package of passes to save a few bucks. I found one that allows you your choice of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin with 4 days of skiing for $328. Is this a good deal or does anyone have any links to better deals.

#2. If I do go with this package I will have to pick 4 of the 5 resorts. Which one would everyone cut out if they have to pick one?

Off the top of my head I don't know a deal better than that on short notice for that few days. After about 6 days of skiing it pays to buy a season pass for the Vail Resorts. If you were to zero in on only Arapahoe Basin there would be some deals. You don't say what type of skiing you like, but I'd say don't miss the largest and smallest on your list; i. e., Vail and Arapahoe Basin. Also, if I was paying top dollar I'd want to see Beaver Creek because of it's swanky reputation. But the're all great and you might want to return to one of the big ones for a second day rather than hit four different ones.
I stayed in Frisco near Dillon last April and found the free Summit Stage bus to be very handy, avoids parking fees at resorts and dropped me off pretty close to lifts. Your choice of ski areas may depend on their convenience for using the Stage. Since you have car you could be pretty flexible and where you go might also be dictated by slight differences in trail conditions at the different resorts.
This thread may provide some more info: http://www.epicski.com/forum/thread/87526/discount-lift-ticket-availability-in-colorado

Thanks for the thoughts! I was considering cutting out Keystone. What is everyones experience there? Also, I get there on a Saturday night and wanted to pick the least crowded of those for Sunday since I'm sure that will be the busiest of the days I'm there. Which one of those tend to be the least busy on the weekends?

If it helps in any suggestions, I really enjoy skiing some off the beaten trail stuff. I'm not a the groomed trail kinda guy.

I'll make sure to check out that link!

I'd personally eliminate Keystone. Lousy mountain layout (front to back.) Best terrain is at the back.

Beaver Creek would be the longest drive. I actually prefer BC over Vail; BC has some rocking terrain. Vail is worth visiting a least once, because it is Vail. Don't visit Vail on a Saturday or Sunday, and you have to avoid the busiest sections of the mountain at prime time.

IMHO, Copper is the overall best mountain in Summit Co.

Thanks! Ya I always wanted to ski Copper. Maybe I could get a 3 day pass to the other 5 and cut out Breckenridge and just visit there for the night life. What does everyone think of the skiing and Breck? Would it be worth cutting that out and skiing Copper instead? That would leave me with Vail, Beaver Creek, Copper, And A-Basin. How's that for an agenda?

One more question, has anyone ever done the Free Snowcat at Copper Moutain? Is that worth doing and if so is it hard to get? I saw it's first come first serve but wonder if I go early on a Sunday if I can get it.

There may be some deals out there for Copper. Search that other website I linked earlier.

Your above roster would be pretty neat, first two give you a sense of premier upscale resorts, third is a popular with locals and tourists for user friendly layout, last is atmospheric hardcore cult favorite.

did you see this:
http://www.dcski.com/articles/view_article.php?article_id=1212&mode=headlines

My personal ranking for advanced off-piste skiers:

1) Copper
2) A-Basin
3) Beaver Creek
4) Breck
5) Vail
6) Keystone

I could see possibly swapping BC and Breck.

It's not like you are going to find either a lack of challenge or variety anywhere. They all have plenty of spaces to get lost. Try everything. Even at Keystone, it only takes two lift rides to get to the Outback, which is pretty similar to finding good stuff most other places, you just have to come back at 3:30 which is kind of too early. I find it to be a long drive over to Vail/BC when you have a lot of good stuff near, and parking at Vail is a pita. Go with the snow.

Avoid Peak Resorts if you want to save money. Alternatively, you could spend a lot of quality time at Loveland and Abasin. You can also get ticks and coupons to those places on craigslist. There are usually deals from some local groceries and gas stations. And the skiing is great.

Anyway....

L O V E L A N D
Tia amo pizza and butterhorn bakery in frisco
Dillon dam brewery
Snake River Saloon in keystone
Mi Casa (mex) in keystone
Daylight donuts in breck (a ski bum delight)

oh did I say it loud enough ?

L O V E L A N D

have fun :-)

I'll second Loveland. I, um, love that place. It feels smaller than the others, especially due to the sort of horseshoe shape, but the vibe there is fantastic and the ticket price is good. Make sure to hit the Rathskellar for an apres-ski beer.

I've skied Keystone, BC, and Vail as well, and out of those, I'd skip Keystone without a moment's hesitation. Vail, I'd make a run to Blue Sky Basin first thing (we would generally get to China bowl and lap that until they open BSB), and ski there till it's crowded, then head to Game Creek bowl and work back towards home.

Keystone's close to Dillon, for sure (try the Dillon Dam brewery if you're a brewpub fan), but I'd make the trip to Vail/BC for at least 1 or 2 of the days.


aaron

right, definitely the rathskeller. and lunch on the green chili at abasin. if you think you are pretty good have fun at pali. i think loveland feels pretty big and I like the layout, just keep making your way around.

Man this is all great advice! I really think it's going to help a ton! I'm defintely gonna check out the Dillon Dam Brewery. Heard great things about that place.

The only thing I haven't back from is if anyone ever rode the Snowcat and Copper. If anyone knows anything about it I'd appreciate some advice on it.

Minturn Saloon.

Great margaritas, one of the classic dive ski bars in the world, bonus points if you ski the Minturn Mile from Game Creek Bowl @ Vail to the saloon - tame ride. (Need other members of your group to drive to the saloon for your ride back.)

One more thing to consider, if it is a low viz day (snow/clouds), you'll need an area with plenty of terrain below the tree line. (Right now, I know Utah a lot better than Colorado.) From memory, Beaver Creek is a good bet for those days, lesser so are Copper and Breck. A-Basin, I'd avoid. Frontside of Vail comes more into play on a low viz day.

A couple random points (jumping into this kind of late):

Of the big resorts, Beaver Creek is probably the least likely to be crowded on a weekend. It's farthest from Denver (so there won't be many day skiers), and in my experience Beaver Creek never seems to get that crowded.

The base of Breckenridge is at a high altitude -- 9,600 feet. I wouldn't jump directly from an airplane in Denver to the slopes of Breckenridge. Not sure what your schedule is, but if you have time it might be good to spend a night in Denver and let yourself slowly acclimate to the elevation. Everyone responds to the altitude differently, but if you haven't been skiing in Colorado before, be sure to read up on altitude sickness. Take it easy the first couple days, drink lots and lots of water (it's also very DRY there, so combined with the elevation, you get thirsty before you realize it), and avoid alcohol until you adjust if you can.

On your original list, I'd probably cut Keystone. Unless you want to ski at night. That's one of the few areas in Colorado open at night. Beautiful, but can be downright chilly, from what I've heard.

The Back Bowls of Vail are not to be missed. I never get bored skiing China Bowl, dropping into the trees. Blue Sky Basin at Vail is a treat too.

Colorado is awesome -- you'll have a great time. I spent the first 13 years of my life in Colorado, and loved every minute. Now I return as often as I can.

You got me thinking, so I took a look. Unfortunately, this is not good. I hope they get some more snow and soon.

East Wall: Closed
Montezuma Bowl: Closed

I'll second what Pagamony said about Keystone. The Outback is pretty fun and rarely crowded. As for Breck while a lot of people will rave about above tree-line terrain I love the runs off Peak 10.

Lastly, if this is your first time at 9,000 feet+ be sure to stay hydrated. Nothing sucks worse than cramping up repeatedly on a powder day (sadly I speak from experience).