vickiebypass

I'm helping to plan a family trip for the week of 12/21-28 for 4 adults (mid-50's) and 4 kids (20's). Four of the group (not me!) are avid skiers and have skied many of the CO resorts before; one of the kids is at college in Boulder and another is in Phoenix, the rest of us are all in NYC area. I'm trying to identify a ski area that has activities for the non-skiers and would appreciate your insights. We're open to which area we're near (they're very experienced skiers and I think they like the bigger mountains like Crested Butte, Telluride, Steamboat Springs, Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge). The key is being in an area that has other stuff to do; things that would be of interest to the non-skiers are: casual snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, maybe a horse back ride or sleigh ride, spa stuff, galleries and shops to browse; maybe a movie theater or mall.

We'll probably rent a condo/house via vrbo or skiing contacts once we've identified the area, so I'm not worried about that. As long as it has big windows, mountain views, a hot tub and is within 30 minutes of civilization, we'll be OK. We know Christmas week is popular (read, expensive) but the most important thing now is location.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Gretchen

I'd choose the areas easiest and cheapest to get to--Denver? probably.
I'd guess the Boulder kid has a car--but maybe not a big one.
Car rental will also be key.
I'd start right now on that part for the best prices.
All of the mountains are "big" somewhere on their terrain--at least the "name".
Your choices for that week may be waning with each hour!!
Aspen may have the most choices of mountains--Ajax, Snowmass, et al.
Breckenridge and Vail have a shared ski pass and are not far apart.

fmpden

For what you describe, Breckenridge would be my first choice. Wide range of skiing opportunities from Keystone to Vail. Breckenridge has open a new mountain this year so it is bigger than every. The town itself provides a decent range of restaurants and housing. But as Gretchen mentioned, you need to move soon on the housing.

There is an extensive bus system in Breckenridge and between the other ski areas. The discount shopping mall in Frisco is served by a bus from Breck for the shopping type, non-skiers. Also, cross country skiing, back country hay rides, etc., so there is plenty to do in the area.

A second recommendation would be Snowmass (Aspen complex) but it would be more difficult to reach for everyone. But in someways it would be more limited in activities.

vickiebypass

Gretchen & fmpden: thanks for the speedy responses! Sounds like Breckenridge might be a good fit (the skiers would like it's size and proximity to Vail) and the non-skiers would have things to do. Never thought of a hay ride! The Boulder student doesn't have a car, so we'll probably rent one for the non-skiers.

I'll email my brother (the super-skier) and see what he thinks about Breck, so we can get moving on the lodging, car, plane aspects.

Gretchen

Breck also has Keystone (Nordic center is nice there) and Copper before you even get to Vail. There will be PLENTY of terrain for ALL the skiers within X miles.

fmpden

Keep in mind, that those two weeks will be the most expensive and crowded of the whole year except for Presidents Day weekend. And, if money is not a serious concern, you might consider Beaver Creek. The crowds will be a little light there since BC discourages day skiers.

tomfuller

If you select Aspen and the prices are too high, some or all could stay in Glenwood Springs. There is great bus service up to Aspen. http://www.rfta.com/
The largest hot spring fed swimming pool in the world is just north of I-70 and the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs.

Gretchen

I can't resist--the world's largest "hot tub" with a view of the mountains, per the OP's desire!! LOL

Tabernash2

Consider Winter Park, also. There's plenty to do in that area, and the ski mountains have all skill levels.

casual snow-shoeing-- Yes
cross-country skiing-- Yes, at Snow Mountain Ranch and Devil's Thumb Ranch
maybe a horse back ride or sleigh ride- Yes, at both ranches listed above
spa stuff-- Yes, very nice spa at Devil's Thumb Ranch
galleries and shops to browse-- Yes, but not high-end shopping
maybe a movie theater or mall-- Yes, new movie theater and rec center and bowling alley; No mall

Gretchen

I'd have to say I think Winter Park is a little too small and off by itself for a group of people who really don't ski and want to do other things for that length of time. Just another opinion--DD was a ski instructor there for a winter.

Tabernash2

I don't agree, G. The new Village area at the bottom of the mountain has added a lot to WP, plus new development in WP town.

We have had a place there since the mid-70s, and there is plenty to do. It's just not glitzy, high-end stuff.

Winter Park/Vasquez/Mary Jane are great mountains to ski.

There are at least 5 skiers: "Four of the group (not me!) are avid skiers and have skied many of the CO resorts before; one of the kids is at college in Boulder" (assuming the CU student skis).

You can drive from WP to Grand Lake, only about 45 minutes away, for a nice day-trip.

If you can afford it, Devil's Thumb Ranch is an awesome place to stay, with lots of activities. Or you can visit there, and take advantage of their restaurants, spa, horses, etc.

The Ranch House restaurant at DTR is one of the best anywhere. Heck's Tavern is very good, too.

vickiebypass

Hmmm, more good ideas to consider. I have to say that I checked out Devil's Thumb Ranch and it looks like a great place to stay; we're not glitzy people, so WP might provide enough options for the 4 non-skiers. I think my brother will be more focused on the skiing opportunities, so will include WP in my "suggestions". Thanks all!

Tabernash2

If he's an expert skier, I would be interested if he wants to ski Breckenridge.

DTR had been a favorite of ours through a few ownerships. The guy who bought it a few years ago, has made it into an awesome Eco-friendly place. And he bought the whole parcel, to avoid it being cut up and sold in small 'ranchettes'. Gotta love that.

Our friend's DD was married there. DTR service is above & beyond. Like the Ritz attitude in a wonderful and elegant log cabin resort. Can't say enough about it. Tres cher $$$$$, though.

For a rental agency in Grand County, try Destinations West for higher-end homes and condos

RachelZero

Hi Vickie -- Breckenridge has a ton of stuff, I just wrote a blog post on this last week! From Arts District workshops, cooking classes, and many of the activities you mentioned to outdoor activities like snowmobiling, dogsledding, snowshoeing, etc., town offers a lot for the non-skier. Downtown has some unique stores, everything from art galleries and boutique clothing stores to a grocery store (The Local Market) that I love for picking up locally-made gifts. Check out some of the options below.

There's free transportation throughout town, so if you get a house or similar through VRBO, you can stay w/in easy walk or bus distance from both ski lifts and downtown.

http://blog.gobreck.com/index.php/ou...-or-snowboard/

Tabernash2

Good point about shuttles. You really don't want to drive to the ski area and park WP has extensive free shuttle service, too.

vickiebypass

Tabernash2 - my brother is an expert skier and his kids were on ski-racing teams at Mt. Hood, Killington, etc for many years. Just for my own knowledge, is Breckenridge not as popular with very experienced skiers? (They've been to Whistler, Alps, VT, Big Sky and most of the CO areas, plus NZ.) I know there are a number of criteria that make a place a "great" experiences and it's very subjective, but would be helpful for me so that I know why he may say No to Breckenridge. (I think it's a tough battle for him to realize that what makes an area great for skiers doesn't necessarily equate to a great experience for non-skiers!) And, as Rachel's blog shows, there's lots to do in Breck...

Tabernash2

Vickie, it is a matter of style and preference. I am sure your brother has his own idea for the next CO ski area he wants to try out.

You might want to ask him now, and plan the trip around the mountain he wants to ski. He probably has a place in mind already. And every area has plenty to do for non-skiers, for sure.

Gretchen

I know all the areas we are discussing are "big", but being a really big ski resort may be an answer for this crowded time of year for the lift lines. Just another thought.
Our kids are all "expert" skiers, as I imagine a number of the people here on the board are. There is a lot of ski terrain out there!!

Tabernash2

That's why I suggest the OP let the skiers choose the mountain. I'm sure they have a preference.

Bitter

You need input from the skiers. Perhaps then you can work out a compromise as to where to stay.

Breck is a great place to stay, but Copper and Keystone are better places to ski IMHO. They are accessible from Breck, though, by car or public transportation (summit stage)