Ski In/Ski Out to Great Snow in Colorado

Camel’s Garden Hotel at the Base of the Gondola in Telluride

Great Ski In/Ski Out Access at Mountain Lodge in Telluride

Woo-hoo! It’s been snowing in Colorado—big time. Anyone that’s been following this winter’s weather patterns knows that Colorado has been shortchanged in snowfall this season. Yes, it has been a little tough going but that’s all changed after one humongous storm. And then another biggie.

Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Beaver Creek

Just in the nick of time, over forty inches were dumped on parts of the San Juans, the mighty range of the Rockies that dominates most of southwestern Colorado. Avalanche control work is still being carried out in much of the region but since Saturday, folks have been able to enjoy epic skiing and riding.

It’s no surprise that Wolf Creek racked up the highest number of inches with Silverton and Durango Mountain Resort following closely behind. Here in Telluride, we were extremely happy with almost three feet—yes, people have been hooting and hollering on and off the slopes for the past five days. (I was thrilled to enjoy two stellar days of skiing early in the week and then gladly welcomed a day at my desk after feeling totally whopped and sore after so much fun. Plus, I’m still tired from having succumbed to the flu—yuk.)

Vail, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge report almost two feet of fresh this past week while Aspen has measured a bit less. The latest weather system just blew out of the state and now everyone in Colorado seems to be grinning ear-to-ear. With blue skies all around us, it doesn’t get much better for enjoying all this lovely Colorado champagne powder.

And now it’s February! It’s a known fact that February, March and April are our snowiest months and January is the driest. So hesitate no more and plan your winter getaway right now. You can also still take advantage of some sweet deals at many places of lodging outside of the busy vacation weeks.

Enjoying the Deck at The Peaks Resort & Spa in Telluride

Love this Spa: BlueSky Breckenridge

Beautiful Accommodations at BlueSky Breck

The Place to Be: Westin Riverfront Deck

If you want to maximize your ski and snowboard experience to its fullest, I suggest you book accommodations that offer primo ski in/ski out access. That’s tops! Below I’ve highlighted some of my favorites, all of which come with the necessary ski in/ski out amenities such as ski valet, equipment rental services, retail shopping and some with restaurants and bars.

Happy travel planning!

Camel’s Garden; this is the best ski in/ski out place of lodging within the town of Telluride. It might not be ideal for families that have to hustle their kids off to ski school in the morning, but for all others it’s fantastic.

The Peaks Resort & Spa; this large hotel offers great ski in/ski out access for skiers of all levels. I highly recommend their deck—which offers perhaps the best panoramic vista in Colorado—for lunch, drinks and après ski.

Mountain Lodge; people love the condo-type accommodations and service at this elegant mountain retreat. Ski in/ski out access rates high for all but first-time beginners. Their View restaurant offers exceptional views (hence the name) and is best enjoyed at breakfast, après ski and dinner.

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek; hop on the gondola here to be whisked away to excellent skiing in Beaver Creek. You’ll want to come back by happy hour though, since their deck (and adjoining Cima restaurant) is also spectacular, the most renowned in the Vail Valley.

BlueSky; just a short shuffle over to the chairlift, this high-end condo hotel offers one of the best lodging experiences in Breckenridge. With superior quality appointments and a dreamy outdoor spa, you might find it hard to break away from your digs, but fortunately it’s easy to do and hey, you can always ski back for lunch.

Keep in mind that for private ski and snowboard lessons, most instructors are able to meet you at your ski in/ski out place of lodging. Here at Telluride where I’m an instructor, I often help out with boot fit and other special needs—a real bonus for suiting up children.

Rich, One of My Supervisors at Telluride Ski & Snowboard School, Sorting Out Adult Group Lessons at Lineup this Week

Even Better News

Telluride Ski and Snowboard Schoolis currently running a special on adult group lessons. You can join an adult group lesson daily from 11 a.m.-3:45 p.m. through February 10 for only $50. First-time beginners enjoy the special rate of $100. for a group lesson, lift ticket and equipment rental also through February 10. It doesn’t get much better than that, so don’t miss out.  And be sure to remember to tip your instructor!

For more on terrific decks and après-ski locales, read Great Rocky Mountain Decks:  Spectacular Views Year-Round.

Mountain Lodge in Oh-So Snowy T-ride