Rocky Mountain Ski Report:

Well, all those snow dances have worked! All Colorado resorts have received snow with the Aspen resorts leading the pack with 12”-14”! Time to hit the slopes! And more snow is on the way. It’s powder time! 

Photo by Flickr user AMagill

For us locals, the MLK holiday really kicks off the ski season. It is usually when the snow starts coming down and the conditions start to peak. My son spent last week at Steamboat Springs and reported excellent conditions and a great time watching the Bud Light Cowboy Downhill events. In the last 48 hours, Steamboat has received 11 inches of new snow with more on the way. They now have 99% of the beginner and intermediate slopes open and anticipate opening 100% of the expert slopes within the next week. If you are looking for a Colorado Ski Vacation with a small town western feel, Steamboat Springs, known as Ski Town, U.S.A.®, is the place for you. There are beautiful ski-in/ski-out condos and some beautiful houses near the slopes for rent with awesome mountain views. The best après ski activity: Strawberry Park Hot Springs, which is one of the most spectacular hot mineral springs in the world. Imagine soaking in one of the 104 degree mineral pools after a great day on the slopes. One word: heavenly!

Rocky Mountain Ski Report: Mountainside Restaurants

It’s snowing again today in the High Country! Winter Park is leading the pack with 8 inches!

If you are looking for a unique dining experience while in the Colorado ski country, how about dining at altitude? I recommend The Lodge at Sunspot Sunspot, only open on Fridays and Saturdays and select holidays through April 2012.  Ride a moonlit gondola to the top of the mountain for an incredible evening of Colorado's finest cuisine. Reservations are required If you aren’t in the mood for a gourmet dinner, toast to your winter vacation with a moonlit gondola ride, a fireside cocktail and delicious appetizer at The Lodge at Sunspot. Enjoy diverse drink selections and a newly added appetizer menu by a heartwarming fire. Gondola rides leave from the Zephyr Express Lift and tickets can be purchased for $10. Restaurant reservations are required.

VAIL / BEAVER CREEK If you’re thinking about the Vail Valley or Beaver Creek for your Colorado ski vacation, you don’t want to miss dinner at Beano’s Cabin located atop Beaver Creek Mountain. Accessible in the winter only by a 20 minute snowcat-powered open sleigh, Beano’s cabin is a great experience for the whole family. There's a kids menu with toned down selections for the smaller palates. The food, wine, and service team up as an impeccable trio, topped only by the live musical entertainment. Reservations are required and fill up quickly. 

Rocky Mountain Ski Report: Winter Park

Welcome to my first installment of the Rocky Mountain Ski Report! As a native of Colorado with a family of avid ski and snowboarders, I bring a local perspective to your upcoming ski vacation. I will feature the best of Colorado Ski Country along with recommendations to make sure your Rocky Mountain Ski Vacation exceeds your expectations regardless of your level of expertise. So enjoy as I share the grandeur and beauty of this beautiful state that I am so blessed to call home. 

We finally have received that much needed snow that our ski resorts have been waiting for. Most major areas are reporting 5-10 inches of fresh powder over the last 48 hours! 

Photo by Flickr user halseike

Some of my fondest memories on the slopes come from when my children were younger and just learning to ski and ride. One of our favorite “family friendly” resorts is Winter Park. Located about 1 ½ hours from Denver, Winter Park is an easy and beautiful drive from Denver. There also is shuttle service available from Denver International Airport and a free town shuttle for those of you that don’t want to worry about winter driving conditions over Berthoud Pass.