Best day trip options from Denver?
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plateau-reached
January 24, 2013
Member since 12/20/2011 🔗
88 posts
Completely psyched to be taking a trip to Denver later this winter. Want to hear advice from those in the know about what my best options are for skiing right around there. I only have two days to ski and I'd like two different resorts.

I'll probably be taking this ski bus which gives me the options of Loveland, Copper Mountain, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin. But also would consider renting a car for a day if there's another stellar option within a two-hour drive.

I welcome all opinions.


JimK - DCSki Columnist
January 24, 2013
Member since 01/14/2004 🔗
3,012 posts
Are you committed to sleep in the city each night? That bus deal looks pretty good if it's convenient to where you'll be staying, but have you priced an econo-car to see if they are same or cheaper for a two day rental? It should probably do on I70 as long as no big blizzard. Car would allow you flexibility to call your own hours or maybe stay overnight in the mtns, perhaps at Frisco.
What kind of skiing do you like, groomers, steeps, trees, bumps? Are you looking to keep costs low? Does the bus sell discount lift tickets? Some of these places maybe be on Liftopia. Each place you are considering has a little (or a lot) of everything. Copper is very good all around. A-basin more steeps oriented and very fun and not too overwhelming for a one day visit, old school type place. Loveland has a lower priced lift ticket and quite good for all around, but especially for ambitious intermediates. Keystone excellent for groomers.
Other places within about two hours of Denver with car: Winter Park for bumps, Breckenridge good all around. Or even Vail/Beaver Creek although parking there can be pricey although avoidable at Beaver.
I guess if I was sticking to your list I'd do Copper for modern all around and A-Basin for steep, scenic old school. This is based on assumption that conditions continue to improve by the time you get there.
plateau-reached
January 24, 2013
Member since 12/20/2011 🔗
88 posts
Thanks for the advice. I think Copper sounds good, from what you and others have told me.

I'm staying with a friend who lives in Denver, so yes, restricted to day trips within an easy drive. I was planning to rent a car before I heard about this bus, which may just be easier for my needs.

I'm a solidly average skier with experience mostly in the Mid-Atlantic, so I know any of these are going to blow me away. I'm not looking for "advanced terrain"... I'll spend my day on blue slopes, probably, with maybe a stab or two at a black diamond. No moguls, no skiing through trees. Pretty basic.

A-Basin sounds nice but if it's oriented toward steepness, should I just go with something else?
JimK - DCSki Columnist
January 24, 2013
Member since 01/14/2004 🔗
3,012 posts
Copper and Keystone would give you tons of beautiful intermediate runs. Both have sizable base villages, but that might not mean much to a day tripper. It sounds like you would also enjoy Loveland, it is closer to Denver than the other two (~75 minutes vs ~90/100 minutes) and has a more low key vibe with no slopeside development, but very fun intermediate terrain, including a great amount above treeline. There are some spectacular views there on a sunny day even from green and blue trails. I would skip A-Basin in your case. Maybe try Copper one day, and then for second day do Loveland if sunny day or Keystone if cloudy day. Keystone has a lot of tree-lined runs for better visibility on cloudy or snowy days and two gondolas for staying warm on lift rides.
snowglobe
January 24, 2013
Member since 03/12/2007 🔗
150 posts
One thing to consider since you only have 2 days. Keystone has night skiing and it's probably the largest night skiing you can find in CO.
Steve
January 24, 2013
Member since 02/15/2006 🔗
160 posts
One thing to consider is elevation. Just back from Copper in early Jan. Top of Copper is at 12,000 ft. That's a lot coming from the east coast. Expect first day to be tiring. I was sucking wind, but I'm old. By third day I was much better. How long are you in Denver before you ski?

Steve
Denis
January 24, 2013
Member since 07/12/2004 🔗
2,352 posts
Altitude is going to be a factor anywhere close to Denver. Drink lots of water and no or little alcohol. An aspirin or 2 in the morning also helps. Be sensitive to what your body is telling you and don't push the pace.
NonstopSki
January 25, 2013
Member since 12/24/2007 🔗
132 posts
Copper is nice. I like it a lot. Vail and Keystone and Breck would be good too, but less people at Copper.

Day trips from Denver sound kinda brutal though. I'd just fly into SLC and be on the mountain in 30 minutes instead laugh. Better snow too.
pagamony - DCSki Supporter 
January 25, 2013
Member since 02/23/2005 🔗
933 posts
L O V E L A N D

more blue cruisers above treeline than you can shake a stick at. and more fun. its a ski area with no high speed lifts. day trips so you don't need no stinkin resort. closer to den.

if you must have high speed lifts and a 'resort' then i like the blue cruisers on outback mtn at keystone better than the others, but they don't get as much snow for sure. copper gives you faster access to something more interesting if you are feeling adventurous.

night skiing sucks in colorado, go hang out in the bar.
Denis
January 25, 2013
Member since 07/12/2004 🔗
2,352 posts
I am a big Loveland fan too. Quintessential Colorado without crowds. I think, although I haven't skied there, that Winter Park should be on your list for consideration as well.
plateau-reached
January 25, 2013
Member since 12/20/2011 🔗
88 posts
I think I'll do Loveland and Copper while I'm there. Copper first day, Loveland second. I'm only in Denver one night before skiing... so duly noted about the altitude stuff.

I'll be skiing on a Thursday and Friday before hanging out with my friend (a non-skier ... in Denver... don't ask me why) over the weekend. It's a short trip and a lot of travel but I'm excited. Never been.
DCski11
January 30, 2013
Member since 01/28/2013 🔗
19 posts
Speaking of Copper Mountain:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9_-52cgOBc
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