Download pdf - Far West Ski Association

One of the newer ski resorts, Beaver Creek, Colorado has become one of the world’smost highly rated ski destinations by its past visitors. Plus, the lift passes can beinterchangeable with other Vail resorts for an extra bonus! Beaver Creek / Jack Affleckonly some of the examples. Although they arequite small by comparison to many wellknownski resorts, they offer convenience: skiin/skiout accommodations at the resort, finedining, excellent spas and many other activitiesjust steps away - right at the resort.For many resorts, la raison d’être doesnot have to solely be for traversing a slope onone or two boards. Non-skiers and generationsof family members can find numerousactivities to capture their attention while theirpartners are enjoying the steep and deep,bumping in a mogul field or cruising along agentle pristine run. One doesn’t have to ski toenjoy their new mountain surroundings.Many seniors are still avid skiers. Mostresorts offer senior discounted lift passes.There are even ski clubs designated for thisage demographic if you want to seek others inyour age bracket to enjoy some quality snowtime. Even if you’re not into alpine skiing,there is still plenty to do at a mountain resort.Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, rockor frozen waterfall climbing are available atmany resorts. Go dog sledding, take a horsedrawn sleigh ride, or spend the day shopping.Or, relax at an exclusive spa to sooth thoseaching muscles - or just be pampered! Take aswim or sit in the hot tub. Tubing, ziplining:there is something for everyone! Many resortshave day care for the very small child, andoffer lessons for pre-schoolers and older childrenallowing mom and dad to enjoy theslopes without worry. After a day on themountain, most resort towns have ample diningand night-life opportunities, but not all.Thus, with so many choices, how do youselect the site of your next ski destination?Determine what is most important. Doyou want the convenience of staying near themountain? Are you a hardcore skier/boarderlooking to stretch your endurance, grab a biteto eat, go to bed early so you can get firsttracks again the next morning? Are the nightlifeopportunities important? Is this trip designedfor a family, is it multi-generational, aromantic get-away or for a group of friends?Time constraints? What is the budget?Helpful hints when on a budget:■ Travel with a larger group such as aski club/council or FWSA. Their buyingpower can bring down the costs for lodging,airfare and multi-day lift tickets. Plus, theyhave researched resorts prior to the selectionprocess. And, they handle the booking details.■ Buy a season ticket for your favoriteresort. If purchased before a certain date, youcan ski very reasonably per visit assuming youare able to be at the resort often. Many seasonpasses offered are valid at multiple resorts.More information can be found on resort websites.Check them out!■ Resorts offer lodging at different pricepoints. Select a property that fits into yourbudget. Sometimes the price of a condo dividedby the number of people staying in theunit can offer a substantial savings per person.Condos have kitchens. Preparing meals insteadof dining out each day can be a savings.■ Instead of a week long ski trip, reduceit to three to five days.5 Far West Skier’s Guide / Digital Edition Insert 2O12 - 2O13Stay at Taos Ski Valley for ski-in/ski-out convenience to the slopes or inthe historic town and art center ofTaos about 20 miles northeast of themountain. Taos offers great skiingand a lot more on and off the slopes!photo courtesy of Taos Ski Valley■ Travel early or late in the season, orplan your trip for midweek to get discounts.■ Seek out package deals offered by resortsthat can include lodging, lift passes, lessonsor equipment rentals. Sometimes childrencan stay and ski at no additional cost when accompaniedby their paying parents.■ Go to resorts closer to home to whichyou can drive. Even with gas at almost recordlevels, it still may be cheaper than flying.