my husband and 17 yr old son want to have a trip to colorado with 4 days of skiing-mid march- they are excellent skiiers, and while a few nice restaurants would be nice, they don't need a huge night life. they'd like accommodation about $400/night- any suggestions? which hill, and where to stay? prefer not too far from denver so to maximize ski time.

thanks!

Look into Winter Park.

Within two hours of Denver would be Winter Park, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Vail.

We've been unlucky at Keystone, and always hit icy conditions. Winter Park doesn't have much of a town, and Copper doesn't have a town at all--just a village of condos; the last time we were there, there weren't very many restaurants.

In WP, we stay at an unusual inn that serves breakfast and dinner and provides a ride to/from the hill. But, it's not fancy, and so far under your budget that they probably wouldn't like it.

In Breckenridge, we like the Hunt Placer Inn (a B&B) and the Village Resort (for it's location).

In Vail, we liked the Anters in the Lionshead area--but I'd check to make sure that part of Vail isn't under significant construction.

Vail. Contact the Vail Resort rental. It is just 2 hours and easy to get to.

I think the question to ask here is, Where will they be coming from? That may open up a range of skiing opportuntities because there are many towns to fly into other than Denver to be close to ski resorts.

American has flights to many mountain towns directly from Dallas, and Delta flies to many ski resorts from Salt Lake City. flying directly into a ski resort town may be much faster than flying into Denver and then driving.

Are they set on the front range of Colorado? open to other possibilities?

For $400 per night, if they want to stay near the slopes, I'd try Winter Park or Copper Mountain. those places usually have the best deals (lowest cost accomodations). There are enough restaurants in these areas to provide dining for just 4 nights (options would be limited if it were a week or longer trip). You are going to have difficulty finding slopeside accomodations for $400 at Breck, Vail or Beaver Creek. With our current economy, there may be some deals however, so it's worth doing some research. If they don't mind not staying near the slopes, and assuming they will have a rental car, I suggest staying in Frisco or Dillon. They would then be close enough to drive to Copper, Breck, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, and Vail. As excellent skiers, they might enjoy checking out the different areas. A Basin is known as the most difficult of all of the mountains I mention. Your husband and son would likely enjoy skiing there. The back bowls at Vaila re another not to be missed ski experience. Mid-March is spring break season so book quickly.

I agree with williamscb - for ex, there are nonstops to Steamboat (Hayden) from IAH, EWR, ORD, ATL, SLC, DFW. Steamboat is really nice in March. Plenty of other examples to other resorts as well. And avoiding DEN can be a plus.

If you are zoned in on CO then I'd recommend Breck for a good combination of terrain, conditions, and apres ski activities. There is a lot to do/see in town. They can also take the free bus over to A-Basin. If they are expert skiiers then they might get bored with Breck, depending on how many days they will be skiing. With that said, I would choose SLC over DEN, I just came back last night. You are much closer to the slopes, especially considering traffic, and I think the skiing is much better, both in terrain and conditions. The thing with SLC is the best activities are in Park City whereas the best skiing is probably at Alta/Snowbird which has no nightlife, but has a few nice restaurants so it might fit the bill.

thanks for the replies so far-

1st, we are flying from toronto and are trying to use points with direct flights available, hence denver is on the list. 2nd, they skied utah last year (loved it) 3rd, they have also skied banff, whistler, tremblant, and are looking for new challenges. 4th, we are very happy to spend <$400 per night, but quick reviews of accommodation that time of year says realistically thats the range they need (am open to suggestions though!)
am I right that mid march is usually safe re conditions in colorado as well? so no, we are not married to denver, but they have wanted to go there for a while. vermont is not as easy to fly into from toronto. keep those suggestions coming!
thanks

LOTS of snow in March.No problem there!! As someone mentioned, spring break time too so lots of people too.

Have you looked into flying to Albuquerque and driving up to Taos?

In that case, I'd also suggest Breckenridge, with easy access to Keystone as well.

If by "safe" you mean good skiing conditions, we've always found March to be quite good.

They can ski a number of areas on the same pass from Dillon. Vail is only 30 minutes away, Keystone, Breck, about 15minutes.
I do love ski in ski out accomodatons when we have done it.
Snowmass might be a possibility for more of that--it's 4 hours from DIA, but still an easy drive.

Gasthof Gramshammer in the middle of Vail, two blocks from the Village lift, is under $300 a night for a deluxe double. A double with kitchenette is under $400. An excellent breakfast is included, but parking is extra.

We'll be there in three weeks for our fourth stay.

http://www.pepis.com/