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Colorado Christmas 2016

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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,988
I finally get to ski outside of Ohio. My aunt has a house in Denver. I know Breck and Vail are nightmares for crowds. I want to ski some nice fast groomers so I don't care about the powder since I don't know how to ski it. My 4 days to ski are 12/20 to 12/23. I want to hit up breck atleast one day since its on my bucket list. My other possible resorts that ive researched are Keystone, Copper, Loveland, Winter Park or A Basin. I wanted to ask the experts for tips since I don't want to end up in hour long lift lines. I made sure to go before Christmas instead of after.
Aug 6 2016 6:40PM
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casual
Posts: 6712 - Karma: 6,748
if crowds are the primary concern, Loveland is your best option hands down. If park is the main factor, anywhere else would be better. Never met anyone who has gotten to spend some time at Loveland that hasn't loved the place. I am biased though.
Aug 6 2016 8:27PM
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Emma_Watson
Posts: 4491 - Karma: 6,797
those are some crowded days to be out in CO...

A-Basin doesn't have much for a park, but some fun jibs to lap through. It has some gnarly inbounds terrain and hike to stuff. You'll meet a lot of Colorado locals in the lines and lodges, really great home mountain atmosphere. (pali lift is legendary)

Personally, i think Keystone is better than Breck both in terms of park and pow days. The Outback and the Santiago lift are great, and relatively short lines, for pow days. The park seems to flow a bit better than Breck, and the lift on it is much shorter than lapping Breck.

Also, Keystone has night skiing w really nice lights. Great time ripping groomers under the lights and lapping the gondola.

PM me if you have any q's

good luck
Aug 6 2016 8:34PM
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nbfreeski
Posts: 108 - Karma: 211
Yeah I ski at Winter Park and during those times I can say there will always be at least medium sized lift lines. But Winter Park is a very big resort, and Berthod Pass keeps some of the skiers away but there will still be a big amount of skiers and snowboarders here. I've been to all of those mountains around Christmas break and personally I think Winter Park would be your best bet. They have: A solid park, very fun trees with little spots of pow unskied in the mornings, and they have seven territories which spread the Bad skiers away from the experts and the medium group. But no matter what mountain you go to the trails will be amazing.
Aug 7 2016 10:52AM
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dreadnessmonster
Posts: 28 - Karma: 36
For nice fast groomer I would say Keystone. Only skied there once but the whole front side is basically that (plus night skiing)
Aug 8 2016 12:13AM
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iRide1080s
Posts: 660 - Karma: 411
Emma_Watsonthose are some crowded days to be out in CO...

A-Basin doesn't have much for a park, but some fun jibs to lap through. It has some gnarly inbounds terrain and hike to stuff. You'll meet a lot of Colorado locals in the lines and lodges, really great home mountain atmosphere. (pali lift is legendary)

Personally, i think Keystone is better than Breck both in terms of park and pow days. The Outback and the Santiago lift are great, and relatively short lines, for pow days. The park seems to flow a bit better than Breck, and the lift on it is much shorter than lapping Breck.

Also, Keystone has night skiing w really nice lights. Great time ripping groomers under the lights and lapping the gondola.

PM me if you have any q's

good luck


To add to this:

If you're specifically looking for groomers I'd pass on A Basin. If you're only looking for groomers a Basin does not have a lot of variety.
Aug 8 2016 6:05AM
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drumbumocdp
Posts: 3229 - Karma: 1,098
its been said, Colorado is going to be pretty busy any where those days. If crowds are your concern, your best bet is Winter Park, Loveland, Eldora... probably wouldnt want to go further than that from denver.
However, the epic pass is a pretty sweet deal. There is a Keystone/Abasin pass, then there is the epic local that is good for Abasin, Key, Breck, and 10 days combined to vail or beaver creek. Beaver is the farthest drive, but there are far less people there than the other resorts and they have awesome skiing. They have a fun park, although its not huge. Basin is great if there is good snow early season. Keystone has great groomers and the park is bad ass, but there is loads of chads. Fuck Breck all together, dont even try. And vail is worth checking out if there is new snow because its pretty awesome...

And dont psych your self out about skiing pow. You'll (hopefully) just do it and love it
Aug 11 2016 12:01AM
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,988
drumbumocdpits been said, Colorado is going to be pretty busy any where those days. If crowds are your concern, your best bet is Winter Park, Loveland, Eldora... probably wouldnt want to go further than that from denver.
However, the epic pass is a pretty sweet deal. There is a Keystone/Abasin pass, then there is the epic local that is good for Abasin, Key, Breck, and 10 days combined to vail or beaver creek. Beaver is the farthest drive, but there are far less people there than the other resorts and they have awesome skiing. They have a fun park, although its not huge. Basin is great if there is good snow early season. Keystone has great groomers and the park is bad ass, but there is loads of chads. Fuck Breck all together, dont even try. And vail is worth checking out if there is new snow because its pretty awesome...

And dont psych your self out about skiing pow. You'll (hopefully) just do it and love it


Every time I try to ski the powder we have in Ohio I end up falling on my face lol. A 84mm width ski isn't gonna do too well with real powder
Aug 11 2016 6:50PM
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a_pla5tic_bag
Posts: 9215 - Karma: 5,398
casualif crowds are the primary concern, Loveland is your best option hands down. If park is the main factor, anywhere else would be better. Never met anyone who has gotten to spend some time at Loveland that hasn't loved the place. I am biased though.


+1 for Loveland. Compared to NJ it's cheap and infinitely better, it's hardly ever crowded and the place is so big (compared to what I'm used to) that even if there is people, it's not so bad. A basin is also a good shot, they just expanded.
Aug 11 2016 8:03PM
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,988
Why does loveland never get crowded if its so close and so big?
Aug 12 2016 12:22PM
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Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,343
The.FishEvery time I try to ski the powder we have in Ohio I end up falling on my face lol. A 84mm width ski isn't gonna do too well with real powder


My first two trips out west I skied on 83mm center mounted park skis with dull edges. Dont forget that it's not the skis, it's the skier. Back in the day everyone was skiing on 70mm skis and they did just fine.

In my experience going to CO on holidays I would agree with what's been said and avoid Breck all together. Definitely worth checking A basin out for the natural terrain. In general I enjoy Keystone the most for an all around experience.
Aug 12 2016 1:50PM
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,988
Randy_QuenchMy first two trips out west I skied on 83mm center mounted park skis with dull edges. Dont forget that it's not the skis, it's the skier. Back in the day everyone was skiing on 70mm skis and they did just fine.

In my experience going to CO on holidays I would agree with what's been said and avoid Breck all together. Definitely worth checking A basin out for the natural terrain. In general I enjoy Keystone the most for an all around experience.


I really want to hit up breck so I may go in the morning for a couple hours and take the bus to keystone. I can get to the mountain before opening since I will be used to east coast time. I know that any mountain I go to will be above my expectations so I am not really too worried about making sure I am at the right mountain for the perfect experience.
Aug 12 2016 2:29PM
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,988
Would you guys recommend taking a ski bus to a resort? It seems easier than driving and they give discounted lift tickets.
Aug 13 2016 11:56PM
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,988
Which is better, Copper or Winter park? Those are my main two resorts that I have to choose from and I can't pick both. I don't care about the park scene at all so don't factor that. I just was some good intermediate to advanced terrain. I am trying to stay away from anything owned by Vail.
Nov 16 2016 9:52PM
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sodaksteeze
Posts: 102 - Karma: 334
The.FishWhich is better, Copper or Winter park? Those are my main two resorts that I have to choose from and I can't pick both. I don't care about the park scene at all so don't factor that. I just was some good intermediate to advanced terrain. I am trying to stay away from anything owned by Vail.

Haven't personally been to copper, and I'm sure it's fine. I have been to winter park though, vibes are really good, medium lift lines and some pretty damn good tree skiing if you ask me. Might run into more moguls than one might desire but its the character of the place
Nov 17 2016 12:13AM
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.Duncan.
Posts: 1375 - Karma: 459
The.FishWhich is better, Copper or Winter park? Those are my main two resorts that I have to choose from and I can't pick both. I don't care about the park scene at all so don't factor that. I just was some good intermediate to advanced terrain. I am trying to stay away from anything owned by Vail.


Winter Park
Nov 17 2016 12:16AM
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Ranch
Posts: 742 - Karma: 1,030
The.FishWhich is better, Copper or Winter park? Those are my main two resorts that I have to choose from and I can't pick both. I don't care about the park scene at all so don't factor that. I just was some good intermediate to advanced terrain. I am trying to stay away from anything owned by Vail.


Personally copper is better around in my opinion. Usually average lines but as you go up higher like up exelerator there are few people there. The whole upper part of copper is game for what your looking for. If you go to copper though, I would go through to center village or west village. East village is the most crowded by far.
Nov 17 2016 9:03AM
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,988
DekerzPersonally copper is better around in my opinion. Usually average lines but as you go up higher like up exelerator there are few people there. The whole upper part of copper is game for what your looking for. If you go to copper though, I would go through to center village or west village. East village is the most crowded by far.


The east village is the beginners side right?
Nov 17 2016 9:34AM
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Ranch
Posts: 742 - Karma: 1,030
The.FishThe east village is the beginners side right?


East village has the superbee lift. It takes you all the way up to the summit but it has the biggest lines. West village is the more beginner area and center village has the American eagle and American flyer lifts.
Nov 17 2016 10:23AM
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,988
DekerzEast village has the superbee lift. It takes you all the way up to the summit but it has the biggest lines. West village is the more beginner area and center village has the American eagle and American flyer lifts.


Oh ive heard that the American Lifts are by far the most crowded. I am cool with some lines. I just don't want to wait like 15 min to get on a 8 min chair.
Nov 17 2016 10:35AM
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kung_powpow
Posts: 1990 - Karma: 3,671
The.FishWhy does loveland never get crowded if its so close and so big?


Loveland isn't that big and lacks gnar terrain IMO. It's only 1800 acres while Breck is like 3300 and Vail is 5000+ I think
Nov 17 2016 11:03AM
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,988
I will probably pick based on who even has the most terrain open since it has been really rough so far.
Nov 18 2016 11:25AM
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TrickyDick470
Posts: 443 - Karma: 2,350
kung_powpowLoveland isn't that big and lacks gnar terrain IMO. It's only 1800 acres while Breck is like 3300 and Vail is 5000+ I think


I think part of it also is that it isn't part of Vail Resorts so you can't get it as part of a bundle with Keystone or Breck or anything like that. Also the fact that it isn't on the Rocky Mountain Super Pass either.


As far as the original post I also vote for Winter Park / Mary Jane. While there still may be medium sized lift lines in areas there are plenty of groomers and a pretty decent park.

I don't know how much terrain will be open at the time of your visit but Eldora is also an option. There are no crowds. I have been on plenty of Saturdays during peak season and I regularly get chairs to myself. Their park should be good this year too, but I don't know if they would have anything set up by then.
Nov 18 2016 1:38PM
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.otto.
Posts: 3493 - Karma: 12,895
dreadnessmonsterFor nice fast groomer I would say Keystone. Only skied there once but the whole front side is basically that (plus night skiing)


i heard the liftlines at keystone are HELL
Nov 18 2016 1:45PM
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.otto.
Posts: 3493 - Karma: 12,895
dreadnessmonsterFor nice fast groomer I would say Keystone. Only skied there once but the whole front side is basically that (plus night skiing)


The.FishWhich is better, Copper or Winter park? Those are my main two resorts that I have to choose from and I can't pick both. I don't care about the park scene at all so don't factor that. I just was some good intermediate to advanced terrain. I am trying to stay away from anything owned by Vail.


hey man! im from michigan and will be out at winterpark during the same time you will be in CO. My first time going to winterpark i was dissapointed, but i skied it by myself and stuck to only lame runs. Last year i went with some locals and HOLY SHIT winterpark is DOPE. All resorts are sweet it just you got to know where to go.
Nov 18 2016 1:47PM
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*Frankie*
Posts: 532 - Karma: 703
A Bay, Brek, Winter Park and Copper.

Each mountain is a bit farther than one another. Switch break with key if you want but there won't be clouds at a bay.
Nov 21 2016 7:11PM
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Iliveinutah
Posts: 1250 - Karma: 5,147
most hit up breck and vail they will blow your mind, vail is massive so you can get away from people even on the crowded days. don't exclude vail you would regret it.
Nov 21 2016 10:29PM
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foolmetwice
Posts: 605 - Karma: 1,069
TrickyDick470I think part of it also is that it isn't part of Vail Resorts so you can't get it as part of a bundle with Keystone or Breck or anything like that. Also the fact that it isn't on the Rocky Mountain Super Pass either.


As far as the original post I also vote for Winter Park / Mary Jane. While there still may be medium sized lift lines in areas there are plenty of groomers and a pretty decent park.

I don't know how much terrain will be open at the time of your visit but Eldora is also an option. There are no crowds. I have been on plenty of Saturdays during peak season and I regularly get chairs to myself. Their park should be good this year too, but I don't know if they would have anything set up by then.


What's this about a good park at eldora this yr? Seems like there's always talk of an improved park but the two times I've been there it's been awful. Might have to get a pass tho if this is the yr
Nov 21 2016 10:48PM
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jordanj801
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Serchbar
Nov 22 2016 9:05AM
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TrickyDick470
Posts: 443 - Karma: 2,350
foolmetwiceWhat's this about a good park at eldora this yr? Seems like there's always talk of an improved park but the two times I've been there it's been awful. Might have to get a pass tho if this is the yr


Woodward is managing it this year. Looks like even from their opening day photos they are light years ahead of previous years. All I ever wanted there was a fun, normal down rail that wasn't a ride on and they have one finally!
Nov 22 2016 9:09AM
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,988
So i went to eldora and winter park. I wasnt impressed by eldora since it was very expensive. It was fun to do some pretty good blues and blacks but the snow was man made and crusty/icy (not icy but it was it wasnt soft). The resort wasca ghost town. I was kinda let down going into winter park and lowered my expectations. We got to winter park today and OMG THE PLACE IS AMAZING. My least favorite territory is the winter park territory. Mary jane was my favorite for the long small mogul runs. I also liked the ridge territory in the bottom right (begins with a V and is spelled weird). It was very secluded with a nice mix of bumps and flat runs. It had a few flat spots which were a little annoying. I didn't like winter park territory as much because the lifts at the base were busy and the man made snow wasnt as soft as other places. The two chairs behind the front face were pretty good. Parsenn bowl opens tomorrow and I can't wait for my first bowl skiing. Hopefully it is really fun.
Dec 22 2016 8:35PM
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dadi
Posts: 449 - Karma: 972
The.FishSo i went to eldora and winter park. I wasnt impressed by eldora since it was very expensive. It was fun to do some pretty good blues and blacks but the snow was man made and crusty/icy (not icy but it was it wasnt soft). The resort wasca ghost town. I was kinda let down going into winter park and lowered my expectations. We got to winter park today and OMG THE PLACE IS AMAZING. My least favorite territory is the winter park territory. Mary jane was my favorite for the long small mogul runs. I also liked the ridge territory in the bottom right (begins with a V and is spelled weird). It was very secluded with a nice mix of bumps and flat runs. It had a few flat spots which were a little annoying. I didn't like winter park territory as much because the lifts at the base were busy and the man made snow wasnt as soft as other places. The two chairs behind the front face were pretty good. Parsenn bowl opens tomorrow and I can't wait for my first bowl skiing. Hopefully it is really fun.


I'm glad you had fun. You really couldn't have picked poorly. They re all good resorts (Not breck).
Dec 22 2016 10:01PM
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,988
We got 4 inches last night and they opened the panoramic. It was even better than yesterday. I usually hate powder days cause they runs get really rough and bumpy but powder and moguls are a good combo.
Dec 23 2016 9:37PM
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