Tips for Spring Skiing in Colorado

Spring skiing and riding has arrived in Colorado, bringing with it gorgeous sunny days, warmer temperatures and soft snow for skiers and snowboarders. Spring is a favorite time of year at Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member resorts and it will bring family friendly events, bluebird days and snowfall across the state.
First-time spring snow enthusiasts might need a little advice, while long-time spring snowsport veterans may also need a refresher on how to have a successful spring season:

1. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Sunscreen is a good idea all season, but it’s especially important in the spring. The days are starting to get longer, the sun is higher overhead and skiers and riders who neglect to apply sunscreen are easily identified by the goggle sunburn - blazing red cheeks and a pale white forehead.

2. Prepare for variable weather conditions. Spring skiing or riding is known for being unpredictable – blue-bird days can be interrupted by significant snow totals. The forecast might call for powder or carving skis, for low-light goggle lenses or just a pair of sunglasses. Experienced spring skiers and riders know to bring more gear than they’ll need so they can be prepared for anything.

3. Dress in layers. In the spring months, temperatures can vary from below freezing in the morning to balmy in the afternoon, and also vary from the base of the mountain to the top of the lift. Rather than a single heavy coat, layering with long-sleeves and water-resistant layers allows skiers and riders to be cooler when the sun is hot – and warmer again when the wind picks up or the sun disappears.

4. Follow the spring skiing schedule. As spring progresses, the freeze-thaw cycle means the softest turns are often in the middle of the day. Depending on the weather, the sun will warm the snow enough for soft turns between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., leaving plenty of time for after skiing activities.

5. Take advantage of spring skiing deals and events. Spring is the time to enjoy a thriving après ski scene, skiers and riders in hilarious costumes on the slopes, family-friendly spring events and lift ticket and lodging deals. These can’t-miss spring skiing deals and events at Colorado ski resorts will warm any spring skier’s heart.

Getting it in Gear for the Snowboarding/Ski season

January is an ideal time to shop for gear before everything's picked over, and you'll find post-holiday sales galore like the New Year's one going on at Christy Sports. We headed over to their shop in Boulder to suss up what's new in gear this season and fill some holes in our gear inventory. In our quest to visit all 22 ski areas on my son's Fifth Grade Passport, I needed to ensure our goods were worthy of lasting 66 days on the slopes.

HARD GOODS: to rent or buy?

While I've been a skier and snowboarder, I haven't snowboarded since I became a mom in 2006. Like a lot of parents, I thought teaching my son to ski first was a natural first step. After living here for six years, he's now better than me on skis. As part of my 2018 new year's resolutions, I'm determined to get back out on a snowboard and show my fifth grader his mom's still got it.

SKIING:

To date, it's made sense to rent hard goods for my son (who's in the 99th percentile for height).  For rentals, Christy's selection ranges from sport, premium or demo. You can rent by the day or by the season. We opted for a seasonal demo package(the nicest) for ski equipment as we're advanced skiers. If your child grows over the season, you can swap out sizes. And Christy's also allows you to swap from skis to board in the same season.
For adults new to the sport or perhaps haven't dusted off their old gear since parenthood, I recommend buying your own boots and enlist the help of a good boot fitter for the right fit. An upgraded insole like DFPs makes all the difference in comfort. Most boots (ski and snowboarding) can be heat-form molded to your foot.  With middle age has come foot issues for me. I developed Morton's Neuroma (a nerve condition that causes throbbing pain when my toes are confined) on my left foot and was sure I'd be looking at having to buy new wider boots since last season I couldn't buckle my toe buckles. I was pleased to hear my two-year old boots have at least a few more seasons left in them. The boot fitter heated up my left boot, expanded the toe box and saved me from having to buy (and break in) a new pair.

SNOWBOARDING:

We also want to snowboard this year. I haven't ridden since my pre-parenting days. My son, Ames has only boarded once. Remembering what a game changer buying my own gear made back when I was learning (circa 1995), we opted to get our very own snowboarding gear this season. Unlike skiing, there are more variables on a snowboard in foot stance-which foot you ride forward, regular (left) or goofy (right) foot forward. And, then there's the degree in which each foot is positioned on the board which can vary by the kind of riding you like to do and your level of experience. By keeping those variables constant, it can accelerate the learning curve.
Gear, like technology, evolves quickly from year to year. In snowboarding terms, I haven't strapped a snowboard on since a flip-phone equivalent. Christy Sports, Snowboard Supervisor, Eddie Roy, filled me in on the big changes since the late 90s. Boards are lighter, people tend to ride a shorter length, there's talk of camber and flex. Bindings are easier to get in and out of even with gloves on. And boots feel similar to how I remember them a decade + ago (way more comfy than ski boots which I knew would make my left foot happy) with added things to pull, crank and tuck inside for a more precise amount of snugness.
After trying on all the snowboarding boots on Christy's wall, the Salomon boot fit my foot best. To not overcomplicate things, we netted out with Salomon packages for boots, board and bindings for the both of us.

More Types of Skiers and Riders You'll Meet at a Colorado Ski Area

Earlier this winter, we had some fun at the expense of others with our story on the ten types of people you meet on a chairlift at a Colorado ski resort.
Of course, skiers and snowboarders come in all different shapes, sizes, ability levels and attitudes, and we could've done ten more.
So we did.
Here are ten types of snow-riders you'll meet on the slopes of a Colorado ski resort. Maybe you are one of them?

The telemark skier

Ever been skiing bumps and thought, "I wish there was a way this could be even rougher on the knees?" Well, there you have telemark skiing, a type of downhill that dates back to the 1860s. While alpine skiers' heels are firmly clipped into place, telemark turns are made by lifting the heel and bending the knee. To an alpine skier it might look awkward and painful, but the telemark skier knows their way is better and usually advertises such in bumper stickers, social media posts and, well, any time you ask them how their day is going.
Catchphrase: "Free the heel!"

The freestyle skier/ snowboarder

Riding on snow is all fun and good, but this snowboarder would rather be hurtling above the snow. Whether it's in the terrain park, off the cat track or among the cliffs above timberline, the freestyle snowboarder is there to catch air. It's all about "sending it," the bigger the air the better, and hopefully some soft snow awaits below for the landing. The freestyler boarder is rarely alone, because who would be there to get a cell phone picture of the jump? After all, pictures or it didn't happen.
Catchphrase: "Yo did you get a good shot of me sending it?"

The in-over-their-head skier/snowboarder

We all had to learn to ski the black diamonds at some point, but why do some people always seem to do it right below the chairlift, where everyone can see? This skier will often be crumpled in a heap, unable to keep going or even clip into the skis they lost because the DIN setting is at "beginner." The snowboarder may be ground to a halt because they didn't keep their speed up in the deep snow. Those on the lift will cheer the wipeout with laughter, which turns to pity when they're still foundering in the snow on the next lift ride. The best thing you can do is holler unsolicited advice from the lift that will only make them angry. It's the only way they'll learn.
Catchphrase: "Can someone help me find my left ski?"

The selfie stick snowboarder

What could make snowboarding a little more dangerous? If the rider is focusing on a camera on the end of a pole instead of where they're going. Some people like to enjoy a day riding, reminiscing with friends or tracking their runs, but for the selfie stick rider it's all about watching themselves snowboarding. Never mind that there are millions of these videos out there on the Internet, or that it never looks as epic as it felt. Their friends that can't be there are jealous and that's all that matters.
Catchphrase: "This is going to look sick on YouTube."

The off-duty ski patroller

Nobody knows the mountain like the off-duty ski patroller, because that's their job. You won't see them unless the snow is deep and fresh, because why spend a day off at the office unless there's powder? And when there is powder, the off-duty ski patroller isn't content to ski the close stuff. They'll hike and traverse and spend 20 minutes sniffing out snow that nobody else has even seen yet, much less skied on. They might only get five runs in, but that's okay, because it's about quality and not quantity.
Catchphrase: "Come on. There's better snow this way. We just have to hike a bit.'"

The counter

Some people just like to go up and ski until they're hungry or cold and take a break, then ski until they're tired and call it a day. Not so with the counter, who comes up on a mission. Armed with a ski tracking phone app, the counter can tell you exactly how many miles and miles-per-hour they've achieved. They can then compare it with their friends at the bar and with other skiers on the mountain on their app. Because is it really a successful season if you've only skied 850 miles this winter?
Catchphrase: "Stop for lunch? But we've only done 17 runs!"

The pack

This isn't just one person, but a virtual mob on the mountain. Everyone they know is up there and they're determined to stay together, no matter how long they all have to wait for the one weak link to strap into their snowboard or how long everyone else in the lift maze has to wait behind them until their friends all catch up. At least one will probably have a backpack stereo so everyone gets to listen to the music they like. And yet, inexplicably, they all drove separately to the ski area.
Catchphrase: "(Something something) epic .... (something something) sick!"

The uphill skier

Because not everyone wants to wait for the lifts to open at 9 a.m. Since most ski areas are on public land, you're usually allowed to get up the hill under your own power before the lifts open, and the early-riser might have two or three runs under their belt before most people have had their coffee. Be it on alpine touring skis, telemark skis or a splitboard, they've spent a fortune on uphill gear and they're going to use it. They're disdainful of lift riding or too cheap to buy a lift ticket and are usually gone by 10 because the mountain gets too crowded.
Catchphrase: "Earn your turns!"

The old skier on too-skinny skis

Ski technology has made amazing leaps and bounds in recent years, from fat skis for powder to super-responsive bindings. But this skier found a good pair of skinny twigs at the ski swap back in 1994 and there's no need to replace them. Never mind that it just snowed a foot and the skis are designed for racing on groomers. They work for going downhill and that's just fine with the old skier on too-skinny skis. After all, you should've seen the awkward bindings and skis they had when they were a kid!
Catchphrase: "Are those powder skis you have? How much did those cost?"

The drunk 

You've barely had time to ease back into the chairlift when the person next to you is pulling a Pabst Blue Ribbon can from their backpack. The drunk skier/snowboarder fills up on "liquid courage" no matter the hour, no matter how fast the chairlift, and always seems to have another in the backpack. It may be so cold the foam around the top of the can turns to ice, but the drunk still manages to suck it down, run after run, getting faster and more reckless with each lift ride.
Catchphrase: "We're almost at the top of the lift! Anyone want to help me with this beer?"

5 Steps to get your Kids Hooked on Skiing or Riding-the 1st time.

It's only natural for skiing parents to want their progeny to love the sport as much as they do. But there's plenty we adults can do to derail fantasies of schusshing down the slopes in harmony with our mini-mes. To avoid that fate, follow some basic steps to ensure your littlest shredders will enjoy skiing into adulthood-or at least through the early learning stages.

1. Keep them warm.

Few things are more miserable for parents on the slopes than dealing with a child who's cold after the first couple of runs. Translation? Don't wing it with your kids' clothing. Make sure they have a comfortable, warm base layer, preferably one they've tried on and approve. Same goes for the socks, which should fit well so they don't bunch up in ski/board boots. (Anything to avoid potential whining!)
If you're not willing to invest in an official ski jacket, their daily winter coat will work just fine in the meantime. But do not, I repeat, do NOT skimp on a solid pair of ski gloves or mittens, which are critical to your kids' enjoyment on the slopes. Bonus if you include glove liners and hand warmers, which can make all the difference between a good and miserable day of skiing.
Pro tip: Lots of second-hand sports and consignment stores offer scores of used ski gear, which you can purchase at decent prices.

2. Make sure gear fits.

Ill-fitting, non-functioning gear is the perfect way for any child to talk himself out of trying to ski. In other words, don't borrow boots, poles or skis from friends; take the time to allow a professional to fit your kid for proper sizes and styles. Whether it's a weeklong or season rental, it's worth the time it takes to ensure your child's skis, boots and poles are the right size for his or her body.

3. Don't dismiss ski school.

I often see parents skiing pizza-style as they maneuver behind their child with the aid of learning harnesses and think to myself, "I'm so glad that's not me!" To be clear, there is absolutely nothing wrong with parents teaching a child to ski, with or without the aid of a harness. But if your kids are anything like my boys, they don't want to hear Mom's or Dad's tips on learning or improving technique; they prefer the age-old technique of defiance.
It's often worth it to leave it to professional ski or ride instructors, who are accustomed to handling even the most recalcitrant rookie skiers.

4. Pack enough snacks and water.

Every parent knows that kids are often hungry at the most inopportune times, and it practically guarantees it will stop them literally in their tracks midway through a ski run. To minimize hunger cravings, stockpile snacks in your own pack or your kids' pockets, whether it's a soft protein bar, an almond-butter packet or string cheese. Energy chews and fruits or nuts are also a good, quick energy option for ravenous skiers.

5. Keep the right attitude.

Take heart, parents. We all feel like we're failing our kids at some point, and the learning curve on the slopes can be steep for parents and kids alike. Give yourself and your kids a break now and then, accepting without question your offspring will test you as they learn to ski. (See bullet-point 3.) And remember: There's always next ski season.

The Best Place for a Scenic Photo at Every Colorado Ski Area

If you love to ski powder, then you know that the worst days (weather-wise) are the best days. You might not be able to see 20 feet in front of you but the snow is soft and deep and that's all that matters.
But when the storm ends, the skies clear and the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains reveals itself, you just may have your breath taken away.
Every ski resort is beautiful - up here in the mountains, how could it not be? So to help you choose where to take that classic photo, we've put together a list of the best spot at every Colorado Ski Country USA resort.
Whether it's a scenic mountain shot, a family vacation portrait or just a selfie to remind you of that day you played hooky from work to ski, if the skies are clear you're guaranteed to get a memorable photo, and just maybe discover some new runs at the ski area.

Arapahoe Basin

The top of Montezuma Bowl, looking west over the Tenmile Range and the heart of the Rockies, is an unforgettable view. You can see several other ski areas in the distance, but since you're at A-Basin, you're already at one of the most beloved resorts in Summit County.
How to get there: Take Black Mountain Express chair from the base and scoot over to the Lenawee Mountain Lift. From the top take a short tow rope ride to the top of Montezuma Bowl.
Get down the easy way: Follow long and meandering Columbine trail to the base of the Zuma Lift.
Get down the hard way: Hike up to the right and bomb down Black Bear for some thrilling, above-timberline action.

Aspen Highlands

It's hard to pick just one spot at this scenic playground high in the jagged, craggy Elk Mountains, but nothing beats the top of Highlands Bowl. Most people only see the famous Maroon Bells in summer, from the bottom. Up here in winter they're practically at eye level.
How to get there: From Highlands Village ride the Exhibition chair, then Loge Peak chair, and get ready for a 45-minute hike up.
Get down the easy way: Sorry, there are no easy ways down in this double-diamond terrain.
Get down the hard way: From the top of the trail look skier's right for the G Zones, legendary north-facing terrain with lovely trees and powder stashes that linger long after a storm.

Aspen Mountain

The best spot for a photo at this iconic Colorado resort is, like many resorts, at the top. Unlike many resorts, there's a full-service, five-star restaurant, so enjoy a good meal with your view of the Maroon Bells and Aspen Highlands.
How to get there: Take the Silver Queen Gondola from the base village.
Get down the easy way: Head skier's left and follow Buckhorn. Beware, there are no green runs down from here.
Get down the hard way: Follow the blue trail 1 & 2 Leaf a short way until it becomes North Star.

Buttermilk 

This is the smallest of the four Aspen-Snowmass resorts, but the views are no less big up here. The view from the balcony of the Cliffhouse restaurant will drop your jaw just in time to put some delicious food in it.
How to get there: Take the Summit Express chair, or, from the day parking area, the Tiehack Express.
Get down the easy way: Ski Lover's Lane to Homestead Road trails.
Get down the hard way: Go skier's right and follow Tiehack Parkway to the Tiehack trail.

Cooper

This ski area near Leadville isn't the largest in Colorado, but the top affords great views of Colorado's two highest mountains, Mount Elbert and Mount Massive.
How to get there: Take the Piney Mountain Triple Chair to the top of the mountain.
Get down the easy way: Ski Molly Mayfield to the base area.
Get down the hard way: Stay skier's right and ski the glades and trees of Motherlode and Corkscrew trails.

Copper Mountain

This massive Summit County resort has so many amazing views, of the Gore Range from the front side and the Tenmile Range on the back side, it's tough to pick just one. For skiers of all levels, nothing beats the views in both directions from the top of the Rendezvous chair.
How to get there: You can reach the base of this chair by taking the American Flyer chair and heading skier's right for a short distance. Scoot a little towards the back bowls for amazing views.
Get down the easy way: Turn around from the back bowls (sorry - no runs for greenhorns here!) and take the Wheeler Creek trail.
Get down the hard way: Drop into Rattler for a short but sweet plunge to the base of the Blackjack chair.

Crested Butte

Crested Butte is one of Colorado's most gorgeous ski areas, with views of the Elk Mountains that just might distract you from the skiing. This mountain is known for its steep terrain, but most skiers will be able to make it to the top of the Monument trail, which offers the best scenic vista on the mountain.
How to get there: Take the Silver Queen Express lift  from the base and ski a short distance down Ellin's Way and North Star trails to the photo spot.
Get down the easy way: Take Silver Queen Road as it meanders down the mountain.
Get down the hard way: You've come this high - why stop now? Head down Silver Queen Road a bit and hop on the North Face Lift T-bar to experience the wonders of the famous Crested Butte back bowls.

Echo Mountain

Just because this ski area is the closest one to Denver doesn't mean the views suffer. The top of the one chairlift (yeah, we said it's a small area) offers great views of the valley eastward to Idaho Springs and westward to the Continental Divide on the horizon.
How to get there: Take the Triple Chair from the base.
Get down the easy way: Take the Handle Tow to Elsa's Way.
Get down the hard way: Head skier's left past Bob's trail to EJ's Glades for some close-to-home tree skiing.

Eldora

This Boulder-area resort has mountain views that you wouldn't even imagine from town, and the best is from the deck of aptly named The Lookout restaurant. Enjoy long views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the Continental divide with lunch.
How to get there: Work your way skier's left from the top of the Alpenglow Lift to the base of the Corona Lift. The Lookout is at the top.
Get down the easy way: Stay skier's right down the Wayback trail which, like the name suggests, is the way back to the front side.
Get down the hard way: Eldora's toughest terrain is found below the restaurant, so pick a line down Corona Bowl back to the base of the Corona Lift.

Granby Ranch

This family-friendly resort has two mountains, both with amazing views. For skiers of all levels check out the East Mountain summit, at 9,202 feet.
How to get there: Take Quick Draw Express and have a look around.
Get down the easy way: Head skier's left down Buckhorn trail for a gentle ride down the mountain.
Get down the hard way: Ski to the right from the top and follow High Roller down.

Hesperus

This low-elevation, smaller area is a favorite among Durango locals for its proximity to town and night skiing. Visit during the day and ride to the top of the only chairlift and you'll enjoy views unique to a Colorado ski area, with the cliffs of Mesa Verde National Park to the southwest and the La Plata Mountains to the north.
How to get there: Take the chair lift to the top and have a look around.
Get down the easy way: Head skier's right down the Cross Mountain Trail.
Get down the hard way: Ski Upper Face to Lower Face for some of the steepest terrain on the mountain.

Loveland

Most of this ski area is above timberline, which means there is no shortage of amazing views. The best can be found high on the Continental Divide at the top of Lift 9, where you'll feel miles above the interstate below. Take your picture quickly, as it's usually cold and very windy up here.
How to get there: Take Lift 2 from the base, then the Ptarmigan lift, and head skier's left down the South Chutes to the base of Lift 9.
Get down the easy way: Take the Rookie Road (don't worry - nobody will make fun of you) to the left as it winds down Creek Trail back to the bottom of the lift.
Get down the hard way: If the snow is fresh, nothing beats Patrol Bowl, just skier's left from the chair.

Monarch Mountain

Perched on the Divide, with one of the highest base elevations in Colorado, Monarch Mountain has plenty of spots for great photos, but none can top the views from the top of Panorama lift along the Skywalker trail. Located near the geographic heart of the Rockies, you can see west to the mighty San Juan Mountains and, on a clear day, east all the way to Pikes Peak.
How to get there: Take the mid-mountain Panorama chair to the top and turn left onto Skywalker.
Get down the easy way: Follow the gentle Skywalker as it runs along the Divide and back down to the lower mountain.
Get down the hard way: Take Mirage, the first skier's left trail after getting off the lift, for a steep and rewarding plunge.

Powderhorn

This is the western-most ski area in Colorado and offers sweeping views of the Western Slope and Grand Mesa you won't experience anywhere else. The top of the Flat Top Flyer is the best place for that great photo.
How to get there: Take the Flat Top Flyer chair and get off and have a look around.
Get down the easy way: Go skier's left and follow the gentle Maverick trail.
Get down the hard way: Go skier's right to the Wonder Bump trail and then onto Cannonball for a thrilling run.

Purgatory

The view from this ski area is dominated by the Needles, a subrange of the San Juan Mountains with peaks so sharp, jagged and forbidding this area is often called "the American Alps." Practically anywhere up there offers  stunning views of these peaks, so for ease take you picture at the top of the Purgatory Village Express Lift.
How to get there: Take the Purgatory Village Express Lift and get your camera out at the top.
Get down the easy way: The Mercy trail will take you on a circuitous but easy course back to the base village.
Get down the hard way: Head skier's right to Styx and and Lower Hades, which despite the names will have expert skiers feeling like they're in Heaven.

Silverton

This remote, experts-only ski area has no shortage of jaw-dropping views. The top of the only lift offers a 360-degree view of the epicenter of the San Juan Mountains. These mountains are so challenging and the snow so deep, every skier must carry avalanche safety gear.
How to get there: Take the only chairlift up and look around in wonder.
Get down the easy way: Sorry, no easy ways down at Silverton.
Get down the hard way: Every run is the hard way, so enjoy.

Snowmass

This is the largest of the four Aspen-area resorts, sprawling over 3,300 acres. You'll find the best photo opportunity at Elk Camp, which faces the famous Maroon Bells, twin mountains that can make anyone feel like a good photographer.
How to get there: From the base, take the Elk Camp Gondola and then the Elk Camp lift.
Get down the easy way: All the runs are blue from here, so go skier's right and follow the Sandy Park trail for a gentle run or Grey Wolf along the lift line for a bigger challenge.

Steamboat

This massive resort offers extensive views of the Yampa Valley, and for the best photograph they recommend the Broadway benches along the green Broadway trail.
How to get there: Work your way skier's left across the mountain. The Broadway trail starts gently off the top of the South Peak lift. Stop where the trail takes a hard right.
Get down the easy way: This trail is green and gentle, so the only way down is easy. The run ends at the bottom of the Elkhead Express lift.

Sunlight

This ski area near Glenwood Springs has amazing views of the central Rockies and Mount Sopris, and as at many resorts you'll find the best photograph opportunities at the top, in this case meaning the top of Lift 1 (Primo Chairlift.)
How to get there: Take Lift 2 (Tercero Chairlift) and ski left to the base of the Primo chair. Take you photos at the top.
Get down the easy way: The Ute Trail (skier's left from the top) takes a gentle course around the mountain's  periphery to the bottom.
Get down the hard way: Head skier's right along Grizzly for a short way and drop into Zephyr Glades.

Telluride

Telluride is one of Colorado's prettiest towns, tucked in a box canyon in the mighty San Juan Mountains. So it goes without saying the ski area offers amazing scenery. They recommend the top of Chair 14, the Gold Hill Express, for your memorable photos.
How to get there: This will take a few minutes. From the Mountain Village take Village Express Chair then ski Boomerang to the Polar Queen Express Chair. Ski Lower Woozley's Way to the base of the Gold Hill Express.
Get down the easy way: Head skier's right down the aptly named See Forever trail.
Get down the hard way: You've come this far. Why not go higher? Hop on the Revelation Lift to ski Revelation Bowl, some of Telluride's most famous terrain.

Winter Park

This resort offers stunning views of Colorado's Front Range mountains, and the upper-most lift is a great spot for photos, with the majestic Indian Peaks Wilderness forming a massive alpine wall to the west.
How to get there: The Panoramic Express lift is on the far left side of the mountain, so work you way skier's right towards Lunch Rock on the Mary Jane side. Ride Edelweiss to the base of the chair. Take your photos at the top of the chair.
Get down the easy way: Take Parry's Peak (skier's right) to return to the lift and Mary Jane or Village Way to return to Winter Park.
Get down the hard way: For steep, wide-open fun in the upper bowl ski down Larkspur.

Wolf Creek

Located in the gorgeous South San Juan Mountains, finding views worthy of your camera isn't tough here. For a sure thing visit the top of the Bonanza lift, where the San Juans stretch on endlessly to the north and west.
How to get there: Ride Bonanza and ski straight off the lift to get that perfect family photo.
Get down the easy way: Stay skier's left down the broad, flat Divide trail.
Get down the hard way: Follow the Divide trail a short distance and drop down Blueberry Hill, a short but steep drop that will have you smiling long after the picture has been taken.

7 things you need to know for your first ski trip to Japan

Whether Japan is brand new to your ski-trip radar or it’s been on your bucket list for a while, traveling to a completely new part of the world can feel a little daunting, no matter how adventurous you consider yourself. A ski trip to Japan is a markedly different experience than just about anywhere else in the world, and that’s a huge part of the draw—in addition to the epic amount of snowfall the region receives.

Couple a can-do, open-minded attitude with our guide below and you’re pretty much guaranteed an awesome, stress-free trip that you’ll be talking about for years to come.

1. Important pre-trip details

   • Conveniently, U.S. travelers do not have to worry about acquiring a visa nor paying an entry or departure tax.
   • To ensure the utmost in comfort, we recommend packing your own ski boots. However, if you’d prefer to leave your gear behind you can expect new and adequate snowboard rental equipment at most ski resorts in Japan.
   • Japanese electrical outlets are the same as in the U.S. (110 voltage), but an adapter is always a good thing to pack in case of older plugs.
   • Be sure to bring a lot of cash with you, as many businesses and restaurants do not accept credit cards. To save yourself some money, order Yen from your local bank at least 24 hours in advance. Often, there’s no charge or the exchange fee is less than what you would pay in the airport. If you’re in need of cash once you’re there, all Japanese 7-11’s have ATMs.
   • Wi-Fi access and connectivity varies from hotel to hotel, so we recommend renting a local hot spot device from Japan Wireless. You can have it delivered to your hotel, so it’s waiting upon arrival. When it’s time to leave, simply drop the hot spot in the mail box at the airport.
   • You’re going to need a AAA international driver’s license if you intend on driving in Japan. The Japanese drive on the left side and are generally slow drivers.

2. When to visit

   The most popular time to visit Japan—especially for powderhounds—is January thanks to its proclivity to be extremely snowy. In fact, the month has been playfully coined “Japanuary” by the many hardcore skiers and snowboarders who have enjoyed its snowy bounty.
   In addition, mid-December through the New Year see a lot of holiday visitors from Australia, making lodging availability hard pressed and more expensive. The time around the Chinese New Year (February 16, 2018) also sees lots of crowds.
   For quieter slopes and less expensive accommodations, we recommend visiting Japan in either early December, mid to late February or March. The ski season in Japan is generally shorter than the Western U.S., so you don’t want to go much later than late March.

3. What to expect when traveling

   Getting to Japan may seem daunting since you’re traveling half way around the world, but it’s much easier than you might think. In fact, 11 major U.S. cities offer flights to Tokyo, and then it’s easy to hop on a bullet train to the Japanese Alps. If you’re skiing on the northern island of Hokkaido (which generally receives more snow), you’ll take another flight (just 1.5 hours) to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport. From there, the ski resorts are anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours away by bus, shuttle or rental car. It’s also possible to fly into Asahikawa Airport for easier access to Furano.

4. What to expect on the slopes

   Most resort base areas are located between 800 and 1,800 feet above sea level and rise to a top elevation of about 4,000 feet, so you won’t have to worry about elevation sickness in Japan. In fact, you can see the Sea of Japan from Rusutsu. Japan has some of the snowiest winters on the planet due to icy blasts of cold air converging over the Sea of Japan. To learn more, read our post “Why is there so much snow in Japan.” If you’re not powder hungry, don’t fret. You can also enjoy plenty of green and blue slopes that are regularly groomed.
   Most of the resort terrain and even much of the sidecountry and backcountry terrain is actually quite gentle. You won’t find steeps or couloirs like that of Jackson Hole, but you will find breathtaking birch glades bedecked in a blanket of powder that is often chest deep. Be sure to bring or rent fat skis.
   If tree skiing in Japan is high on your list, make sure you check beforehand that the resort allows it. A couple resorts, like Furano, don’t allow tree skiing.
   Mogul skiing or “zipperlines” as they’re referred to in Japan is immensely popular among Japanese skiers so there’s no shortage of runs to rip bumps. It’s actually an excellent place to try out moguls for the first time or perfect your technique, as most zipperlines are narrow and flanked by groomed terrain. Unlike many mogul runs in North America, you almost always have the option to bail out if you get tired.
   In Japan, chairlifts with hoods are plentiful and a much appreciated feature on a snowy day—of which there are many. However, there aren’t too many high-speed quads.
   Backcountry and sidecountry skiing in Japan is very prominent and accessible. Most resorts have designated gates where adventurous skiers and snowboarders can leave the resort boundary to enjoy untracked powder stashes. If your Japan powder pursuits lay out-of-bounds, we highly recommend asking your Ski.com Mountain Vacation Specialist about hiring a professional guide to ensure safety, prevent getting lost and quickly and easily locate the best terrain and snow. Some top excursions include exploring the stunning Mount Yōtei, the inactive stratovolcano that looms above Niseko and Rusutsu.
   Another atypical ski experience possible in Japan is night skiing. Most Japanese ski resorts keep the bull wheel running after the sun sets and it’s something not to be missed. Big fluorescent lights illuminate the slopes and allow you to see where you’re going. The bright lights combined with a snow storm provide an even more stunning affect. Often, you’ll see festive Japanese locals donning glow-in-the-dark duds.

5. What to expect in the villages

   Japan offers a range of ski-resort experiences from traditional to Westernized and everything in between. At Niseko you can expect a world-class resort experience akin to some of North America’s best, while at Rusutsu and Kiroro you’re treated to no frills base areas and an authentic Japanese atmosphere. For a quiet escape that puts you near 100-plus restaurants in an authentic Japanese town, Furano is a great choice. Across the board, nightlife is generally non-existent or subdued, however, Niseko’s Gran Hirafu village is renowned for its excellent dining scene, which features traditional and international cuisine.
   When it comes to international and fusion-style dining, particularly in Niseko, you can expect similarities to what you might experience in the U.S. and Europe. If you’re looking to eat like a local, you’re going to be slurping a lot of ramen. And when we say “slurp” we mean it. Slurping is, in fact, the proper way to eat ramen. The noodles will become mushy if left in the hot broth for more than five minutes, so you’re supposed to eat the bowl as soon as it’s delivered and not stop until you’re finished.
   Miso ramen is native to Hokkaido–each region of Japan has its own style of ramen—and includes wheat noodles in a meat- or fish-based soup broth with toppings such as pork, dried seaweed, green onions, bean sprouts and cabbage. Many other types of ramen are available, but this is the most prevalent option in Hokkaido. Most travelers find that the hearty, delicious soup-like meal is perfect after a day on the slopes. Pair it with a cold, locally made Sapporo Classic beer and you’re in Japanese dining heaven. Sushi, is of course, also available at most restaurants and out-of-this world thanks to the proximity to the ocean.

6. What to expect in terms of price

   Everyone from ski bums on a shoestring to those seeking high-end digs and fine dining have options on a Japan ski trip. Due to popularity and an influx of new, luxury accommodations, Niseko is considered to be the most high-end destination in Japan. On the whole, the other ski-trip components are quite reasonably priced. Lift tickets are around ¥5,000 or $48 USD and equipment rental packages are also in that ball park. On-mountain dining in Japan will feel like a steal when compared to Europe and North American. You can enjoy a delicious lunch for ¥600 to ¥1,500 or $5 to $14 USD. Dining out in the villages is also quite affordable. A bowl of ramen is around $9.50 USD.

7. What to expect at an onsen

   Post-skiing hot tub sessions are a classic and beloved way for skiers and snowboarders to unwind at the end of the day. In Japan, onsens (hot-spring fed pools) serve that purpose, but like almost everything in the Land of the Rising Sun, they are steeped in tradition and ceremony.
   The mineral-rich water is not only soothing on ski-weary muscles, but it also provides incredible health benefits. In fact, Hokkaido has long been a wellness destination for the Japanese. Some onsens in Hokkaido have been in operation since the 1860s. Now, even the modern hotels have their own onsens and provide their own onsen kits, which include a towel, comb, soap and toiletries (in some cases).
   

   Onsen etiquette

   If you’re planning on visiting an onsen, which we highly recommend, here are some rules that must be followed:
   
   • Leave your bathing suit at home. Onsens are divided into male and female pools, which are separated by a wall. Note: some onsens are outdoors and those are called rotenboro.
   • Wash thoroughly in the washing area before entering the bath or pool. Be sure to use lots of soap and scrub with the wash towel.
   • When walking to the bath or pool you can use a towel for modesty, but before entering the pool, it must be set aside or on your head.
   • Be sure to ease into the water. Never splash or dive and never wring or wash the towel in the pool. Do not try to swim. The onsens are for quiet soaking and contemplation.
   • If you have tattoos, even small ones, you may be refused entry entirely. Tattoos are uncommon in Japan and indicate gangster ties. If possible, cover up your tattoos with waterproof bandages.

Welcome to Breck: Now What?

You’ve finally grown tired of the hustle and bustle of crowded resort properties, and you’re ready to step up your vacation game with a cool vacation rental in Breckenridge. Everyone has a first time, so let’s make yours the best experience possible with a few insider tips and tricks to set your vacation up for awesomeness.
Talk Like a Local
First and foremost: Folks around here call it “Breck.” If you want to fit in with the locals, don’t ever say “Breckenridge.” People will literally look at you like you’re an alien. Other key local phrases you may want remember:

• “Copper” (not “Copper Mountain”)
• “The Basin” or “A-Basin” (not “Arapahoe Basin”)
• “The Blue” (not “Blue River”)
• “Summit” (not “Summit County”)
• “Dude” (often used to address locals regardless of sex or age)

What to Expect … and What to Bring
When you go to visit family, you’re used to finding stocked pantries, full refrigerators and all the essentials. While vacation rentals will offer many of the conveniences of home, there are a few things you’ll need to “BYO.”
Upon arrival, you’ll find items in your rental you’d usually expect at a resort: linens, towels, bedding and a “starter kit” of facial tissue, toilet paper, bath soap, shampoo and conditioner. Humidifiers are also a welcome addition in each bedroom.
Then, after getting the lay of the land, plan to hit the grocery store to pick up your daily necessities: spices, baking supplies, drinks and your favorite personal toiletries. Here’s some more info on what to expect in your rental property.
Please Drink the Water
At times on vacation, you may not want to drink local tap water. Summit tap water is totally safe (and delicious) to drink. Save yourself a few bucks and throw a bone to mother nature: Leave the bottled stuff behind at the grocery store. Do grab a Breck-themed water bottle though — it’ll keep you motivated to drink during your stay and will be a fun reminder of the trip when you go home.
No, But Really, Drink It
Not only is our water safe to drink, but at 9,600 feet in Downtown Breck, you NEED it. Altitude sickness is a real thing, and it can be avoided (or at least mitigated) by drinking water. A simple formula to use is to drink half your weight in ounces of water per day — MINIMUM! For example: a 150-pound adult should drink 75 ounces of water per day; a 200-pound adult should drink at least 100 ounces of water per day. Kids should be drinking the equivalent of their body weight in ounces of water per day — those little whippersnappers are pretty active, so they need substantially more water to keep their bodies running in tip-top shape. So, if you have a 35-pound kiddo, make sure to keep the water flowing all day long so that the wee one gets 35 ounces or more of water.
No substitutions, please. Beer, coffee and sodas do not qualify towards your daily water intake! Feel free to add them to your daily water needs, but don’t substitute or you’ll find yourself feeling a little less than fabulous.
Time for Fun
Now that you’ve checked in, drank some water and hit the grocery store, it’s time to get serious about having fun! From summer hikes and bike rides to downhill thrills in the winter, we’ve got something for everyone. Then, pop on over to our Trip Planning page to learn more about a few of our favorite activities.

Car-Free Ways to Get to the Slopes

As tens of thousands of Coloradans prepare to trek from the Front Range to the ski slopes for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, the I-70 Coalition and CoPIRG Foundation released an updated website – GoI70.com – that highlights 12 services people can use to get to the slopes without driving their personal car. The website also provides information about travel patterns to help people organize the best times to travel, connects travelers with mountain deals that can reduce congestion at peak times, and links to real-time traffic information.
Among the options for the I-70 corridor, the two groups highlighted the Front Range Ski Bus, Bustang, the Winter Park Express ski train, rideshare and carpooling services like SkiCarpool.org, Lyft, Gondola Rideshare App, Uber and numerous shared shuttles from Denver International Airport. In addition, the groups highlighted that the Regional Transportation District (RTD) runs buses daily from Boulder up to Eldora via the N bus.
The GoI70.com website is a tool to pursue positive ways to manage traffic congestion. One part of the website highlights 12 services and applications people can use to find ways up to the mountains without their personal car including:

• Bustang – bus service operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation that runs two routes daily with stops at Glenwood Springs, Vail, Frisco, Idaho Springs and Denver. In addition, they added an express route during the winter season connecting Glenwood Springs, Frisco and Denver. Ridership on Bustang grew by 52% last year and weekend service was added on all routes.
• Amtrak Winter Park Express ski train – a train operated by Amtrak, which leaves Denver’s Union Station on Saturdays and Sundays and runs to Winter Park and back. In 2016, 18,876 bought tickets and of the 12 Saturdays in which service ran, all but two were completely sold out. Due to increased demand, service has been expanded to include the first Friday of each month.  In 2018, the train will run every weekend from January 5 through March 25 with additional trips on February 2 and March 2.   
• The Front Range Ski Bus – a privately-operated bus that runs Wednesday through Sunday from Denver Union Station and the Woolly Mammoth Park N Ride off I-70’s exit 259 to Loveland and back.  In 2016, they ran 108 buses, transporting over 1800 skiers through the I-70 mountain corridor.
• Ride sharing options including the new Gondola app that organizes shared rides between the Denver metro area and several I-70 corridor resorts.
• Six shared and non-shared shuttle vans that connect Denver International Airport to the mountains.

In addition to the services that connect the Front Range to the mountains, the Goi70.com website also provides information about transit and car sharing services once travelers arrive at their destinations. For example, Lyft recently expanded to the Rocky Mountains and launched its Ski Rack Mode feature to help passengers get to and around the mountains safely and easily.  Uber provides both economical and black car ride share options for 1-6 passengers and also offers UberSKI, which can transport ski gear around Colorado ski towns.
Some of the options highlighted by GoI70.com were on display at the Woolly Mammoth Park n Ride off I-70’s exit 259 near Golden. The website also highlights local ride share and transit options once you get to mountain communities including three transit services that are free to ride – the Summit Stage, the Breck Free Ride and the Lift connecting Winter Park and Fraser.
The groups also highlighted RTD’s “N” bus which runs from downtown Boulder to the Eldora ski resort, which does not sit on the I-70 corridor. RTD provides seven routes a day, seven days a week. The bus fare is $4.50 each way. Check out the website at www.GoI70.com/transit.