Travel Blog

Spring Skiing In Colorado's Rocky Mountains

Relaxing on the beach or driving to a National Park to sightsee are all good spring vacation options. Maybe the family has already done a few road trips and is looking to visit Colorado, because there’s nothing quite like spring in Colorado! Colorado’s ski resorts are great options for a spring break trip. The weather, sunshine, the mountains, al fresco meals, the charming resort towns, the fun, the ease of getting around, and the sunshine all combine to make an unforgettable vacation.

Take it from the locals who get to experience Colorado year-round. This is what we love about this time of year:

The Weather
Spring means warmer, sunny days, with a deep base of snow on the mountains. Most lifts run until 4:00 pm

In March and April, daytime temperatures tend to range in the mid- to high 40s. There are unbelievably blue skies and lots of daylight hours for skiing, boarding and relaxing. Take a break from the perfect spring skiing day by soaking up the sun, craft cocktail or microbrew in hand, or on a sunny deck of a slopeside restaurant. Just don’t forget your sunscreen. In a study conducted by Ronald O. Perelman with the Department of Dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine, for every 1,000 feet of elevation you climb, you’ll experience an 8-10 percent increase in ultraviolet intensity. That means that at an elevation of just over 8,000 feet in Vail or 9,000 feet in Breck, you’re exposed to as much as 70 -80 percent more sun than you would be if you were at the same latitude at sea level. Add the reflective properties of snow and that percentage increases. Apply and reapply sunscreen!

The Mountains
Prime Conditions with variety - groomed to perfection or forgiving spring moguls

Colorado resorts tend to be famous for wide-open slopes and great grooming. Just as important, all resorts have diverse terrain to suit all levels of skiing and riding. Beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders can ski from the top of the resort to the bottom, enjoying the same variety and views as the experts. Most of Beaver Creek’s easier trails are located at the top of them mountain, giving great views for all!

The Towns: Breckenridge and Keystone; Vail and Beaver Creek
Historic mining towns and conveniently planned resort communities

The communities closer to Denver are Summit County’s Keystone and Breckenridge. And although near to one another, the vibe is very different. Breckenridge is a National Historic Landmark District with a charming, well-preserved Main Street, unique independent boutiques and shops, brewpubs, great restaurants and lively nightlife. There’s even distilleries. Keystone is ideal for families and those looking to stay in a village atmosphere. This doesn’t mean boring, as there is night skiing, tubing, ice skating and plenty of other activities.

Vail is famous for its expansive mountain and breathtaking back bowl skiing, which turns to sugary, expertly groomed ‘corduroy’ in the springtime. This Bavarian-inspired resort is beyond comparison. Beaver Creek offers a luxurious feel in a European-style alpine setting. Both provides varied and excellent dining and shopping options, as well as nordic skiing, skating, and tubing. New this year, both of these resorts have eased liquor rules and allow for alcoholic beverages ‘to go’ – basically, open containers are legal within a designated zone.

And, The Fun

Spring Break is meant for fun, and we could all use more fun in our lives!

Sure, you’re here for the skiing, but in Colorado, there are adventures to be had off the mountain, too. Have an unforgettable day in the back country with one of the many outstanding outdoor outfitters, or exploring by snowmobile, snowshoes or Nordic skis. Don’t forget about indulging in a spa treatment or yoga class! Browse art galleries and shops, while soaking up the views, sunshine and fresh mountain air.

The Ease
Getting to Ski Resorts in Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Vail and Beaver Creek from Denver International Airport With Epic Mountain Express

Vail and Beaver Creek are easy to get to with direct flights into Vail/ Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) from 12 U.S. cities. Reserving your Epic Mountain Express shuttle is easy and the 30-40 minute trip to the resorts is easier. Be sure to book in advance to guarantee your seat when you arrive. Once you’re here, the ease continues. In Vail, the mountain comes right down into the resort village, which is car-free. Don’t worry if your legs are tired! Town of Vail has the largest free bus system in Colorado. If you are in Beaver Creek, there is an on-demand shuttle service once you are in the resort, and there’s an app for that! Beaver Creek guests certainly do not schlep to the slopes because they don’t have to, and you won’t either. Most accommodations are ski-in/ ski-out or an easy walk to the lifts.

From Denver International Airport, all of these resorts are serviced by Epic Mountain Express with both private shuttles and the economical shared airport shuttles. Keystone and Breck are about a 2 hour trip, while Vail and Beaver Creek are about another hour away. Have an Epic Pass? Epic Mountain Express provides 20% off all services for Epic Pass holders, including season passes, Epic Military passes and Epic Day passes. Just enter your pass number or let the reservation agent know you’d like your Epic Mountain Rewards discount! Let the pros bring you to your spring vacation in Colorado!

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