Sending 4 your way in a minute.

DAX, I e-mailed some Copper vouchers to you, too, in case you change your mind.

Peaceout: thank you so much for everything! I will print the Copper vouchers. I have been buried at work as I'm leaving town. We will be arriving in Denver on Friday March 22 for 5 nights. I'll let you know which coupons I use. Thanks to you, we are looking forward to this winter adventure.

Back to the original question: Is it better/faster/shorter time to drive to Copper or Winter Park? WP is supposed to be 68miles/90 minute drive, but I expect it to be 2 hrs in less favorable weather? Is it easier to drive to Copper in variable weather?

Problem is, it's very hard to say. My general comments are above.

If weather is iffy, it's anyone's guess, because storms hit the areas differently. Sometimes I-70 is getting blasted, sometimes Berthoud is. Sometimes both, if you are lucky! Ha

I suggest you decide between the two, based on all factors: ski conditions, lodging, ski trails for all, etc.

That makes sense, thanks.

I can't help laughing at myself,I was SO clueless about weather unpredictability in Colorado. Originally we planned to spend spring break in London and we naively moved it to Denver for easier access as our kids only gave us 5 nights. That said, we will make the best out of the winter wonderland weather:)

Don't jinx yourself expecting bad weather! Haha

If I am in WP this weekend, I will post a firsthand ski and weather report for you.

Relax. Have fun. Colorado competes only with California for the #1 state in the union, right?

We used to go to CO often this time of year for our kids' spring break--and we often left for the airport in a storm!! I was always sort of amazed that we got there in pretty much the same amount of time--but because it was before DIA (old Stapleton)--we were "in time" but the flight didn't "go" because of the snow. True story!!
We'll be there next week--and thanks again peaceout!!

'Back to the original question: Is it better/faster/shorter time to drive to Copper or Winter Park?"

To answer the question without hedging. All things being equal, both are about equal travel time wise. From downtown Denver, WP is about 69 miles, 2/3s on I-70. Copper Mt is 77 miles but all on I-70. Copper Mt sits at the base of the Vail pass just off I-70 so it is a divided highway the whole distance.

Looks like the snow will be heavier in the mountains - usually is except for up slope conditions which is not in the forecast. Current forecast for Denver is about 4 inch. That is not a problem for Denver or the I-70. But it will slow you down some.

Should be great skiing! It's a good time to give it a try, if you want to ski Colorado.

DAX, you could watch the snow reports and see if the snow is hovering over Summit County or Grand County, then decide which place to go based on their snowfall. Usually one or the other ski area is getting more snow out of the same storm. Lots of fresh snow will mean lots of skiers, as well.

If you have driven to Tahoe from SF to ski several times, you have probably seen winter conditions as bad as any.

Good info and ideas!

We've been stuck in 5-6 hr traffic to Tahoe a few times, but we want to avoid that during our brief stay to Colorado We are looking for a good enjoyable family time, perhaps there will be less skiers on Monday except it is spring break.

Our concerns now is weather we can stand the below freezing temps sitting on the open chair lift. Either resort has closed chairlifts ? We've skied something resorts that have clam like chair lifts that open up at the stations, others have a plain hood and windshield attached to the bar.

No lifts around Denver have any type of shields. A couple of decades ago ago, one lift at Copper had a cam shell that pulled down but was more of a pain than an great benefit. I have often skied in the single digits but you just to prepare for it.

Breckenridge has a 6 person gondola from the public parking lot to the base of Peak 8.

Keystone has a couple of gondolas. One from the base area and one cross mountain. Vail has a gondola off the base in Lion's Head.

Current forecast is for less snow in Denver. Still a little early to tell.

The weather forecast keeps changing, as usual they predict snow when it is actually falling! haha Right now they expect a storm, then a warm up beginning Tuesday.

It looks like the snow will start after DAX arrives tonight. DH is in Winter Park, very excited to have 18 degree weather, because it makes for such great ski conditions. Nice dry and fluffy powder. The 'champagne' powder you find in CO.

So long as it isn't windy, 18 degrees isn't awful.

Hey we made it to Denver last night after a 2 hour delay! Thank god because today they are cancellng flights at DIA. The weather was so bad last night that we just ate at the hotel restaurant. I tried to pick up our rental car this morning but they're not very encouraging about me driving to Boulder. They said it's very dangerous to drive especially I'm from California, not sure if they are worried about me or their car. So I delayed my car reservation till later, I think we'll brave it when the snow lighten up at midday. People at the hotel kept saying that they would not drive now, so we'll just wait & see how the weather play out.

Well, you will have greaet skiing--if you can get there!! DDIL was watching your weather and saying lucky we aren't there THIS week--going Thursday.

Welcome to spring time in the Rockies. Pretty typical. I forgot, if you mentioned, where your hotel is. But the advice your getting is good, stay put. The snow will be deeper the further west you go because of increased elevation. This storm has up slope elements. Most forecast have the storm moving out this PM with clearing tomorrow and 50s by Wednesday. Skiing Monday and Tuesday will be great.

I'm sorry to hear you are somewhat stuck. Who knew we'd have a total 'snow day' when you arrive. Even the SAT test is cancelled today.

If you are looking for alternative travel plans, you could take an Amtrak train into the mountains. It goes to Glenwood Springs, and also stops in Fraser, which is the Winter Park area. It leaves from the station in downtown Denver, so you'd need a shuttle to catch the train.

We moved our car & hotel reservation to the Doubletree last night as it is closest to freeway 36 ramp to Boulder and has the airport shuttle. That was a great last minute decision, though we were hoping to take a taxi out to dinner last night which didn't happen.

Today I-70 is closed in both direction today so is I-25 south (closed), but I-25 & I-36 north are open. TV says near blizzard condition in the plains, don't know where the plains are. We're going to pick up the car and drive to Boulder while it's open. Snow will intensify as the day goes now

The plains are in eastern Colorado.

Just drive slowly. There isn't much traffic on the roads. Once in Boulder, you can probably get around easier because it's smaller. Where are you staying in Boulder? I hope it's centrally located and you can get to a fabulous restaurant to feed your sorrows.

Did you consider taking a bus to Boulder? There are nice coaches that go there, operated by RTD SkyRide. Then rent a car there?

Peaceout: my wife added 2 luggage pieces for all our ski gears, so we can't travel by train, too many bags to haul, we'll stick to loading everything in the Camry to travel. We'll see about driving to the ski resort on Monday. We are enjoying the white winter surrounding, a fresh change of scenery.

Fmpden: yeah there is no way that we're going west today. Not possible.

Gretchen: you ARE lucky indeed! We're still having a nice family time together as we haven't seen our kids for almost 3 months.