Ski season is in full swing, and now that our Bahamas trip is past us, SVV and I are mentally leaving the tropics—at least, for the time being—setting our sights on our next big jaunt: a ski vacation in Colorado.
We’ve been lucky to take some great ski trips over the past few years: Vail, Keystone, Tahoe and, most recently, Breckenridge. Sure, skiing can be expensive, but I’d be lying if I said we paid for it all out of pocket—for every one of these trips, we cashed in hard-earned credit card points for flights and rental cars and sometimes even hotels.
The slope-side lodging. We stayed at Crystal Peak Lodge right at the base of Peak 8 and simply had to exit the lobby to hop on either the gondola or the Independence Superchair. Now that I’ve gone ski-in, ski-out, I can never go back!
The ease of reaching it from Denver. Just 105 miles from the airport, Breck is a straight shot across I-70. Within two hours of picking up our rental car, we were pulling into downtown Breckenridge.
Donuts. Allllll the donuts. Sprinkles not required, but recommended.
Fun off-piste activities. We only had lift tickets valid for weekdays, but still found plenty to do—like fat biking, my new winter-y obsession— on Saturday and Sunday.
That weather, though. With 300 days of sunshine a year, Colorado—Breckenridge included—has some of the best weather for a serious ski destination.
A local brewery (and distillery). Coconut porter, chili pepper pale ale.. flights of beer—I mean, need I say more?
We’ve been smart with charging purchases to credit cards over the year and often use those points to fun more expensive trips like a ski vacation in Colorado (not to mention accruing double points on any purchases we do make on trips—or anytime really).
Are you planning any ski vacations this winter? If so, can I join you?
I have a lot of ski slopes around me in Europe, so If I want, I can get to a resort in 4-5 hours. Maybe that’s why I don’t spend enough time on mountain trips, because they are always near me and I think I can go whenever I want.
But I don’t go as often as I used to. Maybe I should book more trips for the next year.
Breck looks lovely, but is so far away from me. And 300 days of sunshine a year ? That sounds to good to be true, especially for a winter resorts. But still, in US the weather conditions are quite different from the one that we have in Europe.
How nice it must be living near the mountain area. It really is far most especially if you have one already just near your place.
Yeah! I’ve hardly ever had a dreary day in Colorado. It’s so beautiful there in the winter.
I’ve actually never skied Europe—which is your favorite resort near to you? I’d love some recommendations for the future!
Well, you have a ton of resorts to choose from. The most popular resorts are in Austria, Switzerland and France, but those are expensive for a usual tourist. I’m talking about locations like Kaprun, Ischgl, Davos, Chammonix or Val d’Isere.
If you want cheaper locations, you can find ski slopes in Serbia like Kopaonic, in Bulgaria you have Bansko and Borovet or in Romania, where you have locations like Straja, Poiana Brasov or Predeal.
With a little bit of research, you can have a lot more things to see in your holiday, beside having a go on a ski slope.
You are insanely sporty! 🙂 Your latest two posts couldn’t be more on different sides of the spectrum, yet you manage to pull off both diving and skiing!
I’ve never in my life tried to ski or snowboard – well, that’s a lie because I tried once on one of those bristle tracks and I couldn’t stop crossing my skis and falling over so I never attempted it on actual mountains.
Your post still does not give me a desire to actually ski, but I do love the look of the snowy mountains and I just realized I’ve never seen snowy mountains in real life – Holland is too flat and when I travel I end up in the sun. I should put snowy mountains on my travel list for 2016 🙂
Ha! Well, thank you. I grew up an athlete and am happiest when I’m active, so I guess that shines through in the destinations I choose 😉
Holland may be flat, but you’re right next door to Germany! Have you ever considered a ski trip anywhere over that way?
My husband and his buddies go on a snowboarding trip to Colorado each February. They are going to Breck for one of their days this year – it looks amazing!
So jealous! I don’t think we’re actually going to make it to the slopes this year, so I’ll live vicariously through Instagram until ski season 2016/2017 =)
P.S. Have fun at Disney!
Breckenridge is my favorite ski town – well maybe a tie with Crested Butte, but it’s way easier to reach. Super dog friendly, too!
I rarely take ski trips because I usually am looking to escape the cold, not follow it, but I do plan on moving to Colorado in a few years!
I’ve only been to Breck, Vail and Keystone, but it’s definitely my favorite of the three! So much to do off the slopes, which I looooove.
My husband and I love Steamboat Springs, CO! We’ve snowboarded and skiied there, and their “champagne powder” is truly something special. I need to try Breckenrdige sometime, too!
And likewise, I need to try Steamboat! That and Winter Park and Beaver Creek are all on my still-need-to-visit list!
How I love the slopes. Gives you thrilling adventure. Much more it you add skii from it. It really is one great fun.
Any ski trips planned for you this year, Marie?