I am starting to plan our February ski trip. We did Winter Park a few years ago and loved it. We skied Monday-Friday before the crowds from Denver arrived.

Should we go back or is there somewhere else that is similar? No crowds and not expensive. We're not into nightlife

We love Winter Park--great snow, variety of terrain, no glitz. We stay at the Timber House Ski Lodge, where breakfast, afternoon snacks and dinner are included. The rooms are nothing special, but the common areas are nice, the food is good, and the owners and other guests are great.

We also like Steamboat Springs. It has more of a town than WP, but it's still pretty low key. Great skiing.

Betty,

I think you'd enjoy Keystone. It's not as crowded as Vail or Breckenridge--probably on par with W.P. Steamboat is great--but a longer drive if you're flying in to Denver.

We love both places, summer and winter.

ambram: Someone else here from last winter recommended Timber House Ski Lodge. I had a look at their website and have sent an e-mail about reservations.

That may be the way to go. I like that they drive you to the hill and you can ski home. I hate all the walking to and from the shuttle in my ski boots.

Timber House is definitely the lazy skiers' way. You store your skis and boots on the lower level, walk down there in the morning in your slippers, and change.

The trail to ski back in at the end of the day is quite narrow (you can't do a large wedge), but after you've done it once, you know what to expect.

"No crowds and not expensive."

If your going to do the same, ski mid week, then I would go with Tess and look at Keystone. Watch thier website in the fall for 4-packs ski lifts tickets for around 100.00. Walk to lift lodging can be found for rent by owners at www.summitnet.com or http://www.valuevacationrentals.com/CO/Keystone.cfm

We've had a place in Winter Park for several years now, and don't think it can be beat for an off-the-beaten path place with lots of open vistas and real Colorado charm. We prefer Nordic skiing and it's great there, especially at Snow Mountain Ranch. And for downhill, WP/Mary Jane is outstanding. Keystone, on the other hand, is a "new" place plunked down not far from the freeway. Not my idea of Colorado. Maybe more night life at Keystone, in the way of cheesy bars, but you mentioned you're not into that anyway. If you go to Winter Park, don't miss Hernando's for pizza.

Maureen you said "Keystone, on the other hand, is a "new" place plunked down not far from the freeway." I am wondering if perhaps you are thinking of Copper, which is right on the highway? Keystone is not on the highway nor is it new. I own in Keystone and my condo is 20 years old.

Betty ask 3 different people where they like to ski and you are likely to get 3 different answers. That is the great thing about Colorado, hard to go wrong.

You're right-- I shouldn't still think of Keystone as "new". I (wrongly) think of Keystone and Copper, Dillon condos, etc. as all in the same era. My own preference is for the old Colorado mining towns or cowtowns that have grown into resorts, as opposed to the places mentioned above. For example, Crested Butte, Telluride, Durango, Aspen, Winter Park, Steamboat over Vail anytime. My own personal bias, I know.

Thanks everyone for your help. I think we'll stick to WP and ski mid-week. I like the idea of the Timber House and hope they have an opening in February.

Betty
Hot & Hazy in Toronto but thinking of snow!