If you are planning a ski trip look no further than Winter Park Resort in Colorado. Sure there all lot famous resorts here in Colorado that are household names across the United States, but these well-known resorts are plagued with crowded ski slopes and lift lines. Which is why Winter Park Resort is known as “Colorado’s Favorite”. Coloradoans frequent this ski resort more than any other in the state, due to the fact that it is one of the biggest resorts, with the most snow and fewest tourists. It also helps that it is only 67 miles from Denver.

Winter Park Resort is also the home of the legendary Mary Jane. Mary Jane was named as one of the top 5 resorts in North America for bump skiing according to Snow Country Magazine. It is not for the faint of heart, as there are no green runs anywhere on the “Jane”.

Parsons Bowl takes you above the clouds… and the tree line. The bowl offers intermediate to advanced ski runs, and happens to be a favorite of the locals. Once you get to the top you will be looking for your camera, and a warming hut.

Ski Magazine ranks the terrain parks & pipes of Winter Park Resort in the top 10 of the nation. The Railyard is one of the longest terrain parks in Colorado, and covers 15 acres over a 3,650 foot stretch of rail-grinding madness. For beginners there is the Jack Kendrick, which has extra wide rails and non-threatening jumps to help advance to the next level.

There are plenty of great restaurants and bars on the mountain, and like the lift lines, the crowds never seem to be a problem. You can also head to the actual town of Winter Park after the lifts close. It is a quaint little strip of restaurants, bars and shops. There is actually a very good sushi bar in town that often surprises people with its great food and reasonable prices.

Round off the day with a trip to the lighted tubing hill in Fraser. They provide a lift, warming hut and the tubes. And if you would like a day away from the slopes, you can enjoy a snowmobile tour up to the top of the Continental Divide, or get down right old fashioned and jump on a dog sled.

Ski-in Lodging:
Slope View Bed & Breakfast – Just a five minute walk from Winter Park Resort
970-531-2386
http://www.slopeview.com/

Steamboat Springs, Colorado, or “Ski Town” as it is affectionately known, is one of the most charming and unique vacation destinations in the United States. The town prides itself as a place that offers world class service and amenities without the high prices. For the traveler tired of being taken advantage of, this attitude is very welcome. Steamboat Springs offers just as many exciting things to do in all four of the seasons. Visitors can choose between fast and exciting river rafting, water skiing, kayaking and canoeing as well as fishing and a myriad of other activities. There is also a downhill slide called “The Howler” that has people lined up in the warmer months for a fast paced ride down Howelson Hill.Steamboat Springs is also known for its western hospitality so bring your cowboy boots and belt buckles, kick up your heels, and be prepared to enjoy yourself. Go horseback riding, take part in a real cattle drive (remember the movie “City Slickers”?) or just set a spell and let all that tension from the city fade away into a sunset so beautiful it will bring tears to your eyes. Here you can enjoy some of the best barbeque east of the Rocky Mountains or choose from a variety of four star restaurants that any major metropolitan city would be proud to claim as its own.

In Steamboat Springs you’re in good company for whatever suits you. Want to put your athletic abilities to the test? Steamboat Springs has been the training ground for more Olympians than any town in North America, so if you’re using your vacation to get ready for the next triathlon, you’ve come to the right place. Mostly, the atmosphere is lighthearted and casual with a climate that brings out the best in everyone who visits. Kids especially, enjoy the many recreational activities that are designed exclusively for them – without their parents. Come one, come all for a good time, any time in Steamboat Springs.

Silverton Colorado is one of those little mountain towns that you have to spend some time in to really enjoy. You’ll love the scenery if you come by way of the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gage Railway. The canyons and mountains you’ll go through, and the sheer drops to the river below are breathtaking. But the train stops in Silverton for just a couple hours before returning to Durango, and if you are lucky you’ll miss it and hang out for a while.

If you come by car, don’t just drive down the old-west main street and continue on up to the ghost town of Animas Forks for a few photos. Stop and stay a while. Where else can you see a gunfight in the streets, camp three blocks from downtown, and look up to see snow-capped mountains in all directions in June?

We are sitting in our room at the historic Silverton Hostel as I write this. A hostel, if you are unfamiliar with the term, is a place where you rent a bed for the night - a great idea for a single person who likes to meet other adventurers and travelers. You share a bathroom and kitchen. This hostel is somewhat of a hybrid run-down hotel and rooming house, with beds, private rooms like the one we have, and space to pitch a tent in the backyard.

The sign at the front desk says to pick a room - the keys are in the doors. You can then call to find someone to pay, or pay when you see the manager later. In fact, in case you miss the manager, there is an envelope on the back of the door in each room. Just leave your money in that, the note says.

We ran into the manager, which was good, because she informed us that wireless internet was available. That saved us a trip to the Avalanche Cafe (although we’ll have to visit in the morning for their excellent green-chili omelettes). Checking in didn’t require any paper work other than signing the credit card slip. We heated up some food in the kitchen and met a young man who had recently traveled through my wife’s native Ecuador.

Later we watched the gun fight that is put on in the streets for tourists. Tonight we hope to be dancing at the Bent Elbow Saloon, followed by whatever other bar has live music. The last time we were here we danced to the music of “Too Little O2.” Their original music ranged from Greek dance tunes to reggae to rock and the blues. The locals and outsiders all had a great time. There is something about being isolated and at 9300 feet that seems to help people get along.

Other Things To Do And See Around Silverton

If you like big wilderness, this is the place. The nearby Weminuche Wilderness Area is the largest in Colorado, and has hundreds of miles of hiking trails. It includes several “fourteeners,” (mountains over 14,000 feet) that can be climbed without equipment. Much of the area is above timberline, and it is full of alpine lakes, waterfalls and wildlife.

Twenty-three miles away, at the northern end of the “Million Dollar Highway,” is the town of Ouray, where you can soak in some of the best hot spring pools in the state. The highway itself is an adventure, with drops of hundreds of feet sometimes just inches from the edge of the road. The scenery is incredible, but should be described to the driver.

Jeep tours starting in Silverton will take you to the high tundra, as well as to old mines and ghost towns. You can rent a four-wheel drive vehicle yourself and take the amazing “Alpine Loop.” At the moment (mid-June) you might still have some issues with snow on some of the many passes you’ll go over.

Back in town, you can sing karaoke at the Silverton Brewery and Bar, if it is Friday night. We were there last night, and the songs ranged from Rocky Horror Picture Show music to country, hard rock and Selena (in Spanish). The last was sung by my wife. I guess the $3 margarita was stronger than we thought.