While the rest of the world tries to figure out how they're getting to Colorado for the best powder, the largest variety of winter recreation options, the tastiest dining, the latest in spa treatments and the most cutting-edge gear, we're thinking, "What time is it now?"
It's time to hop on the highway.
Having it all in our own backyard is the ultimate in staycations, and this season, the resorts are pulling out all the stops to offer us more reasons to visit.
For the 2009-10 skiing year, the Denver Post Ski Guide visits Telluride, one of Colorado's most remote resorts. It's worth taking the time and effort to get there, though, because this fun and funky town puts out the welcome mat — and has some of the
toughest, highest and most varied terrain, to boot.Inside, you'll also find our picks for the best meals, drinks, lodging and shopping at Colorado's ski areas — all with an eye toward value — as well as some of our favorite runs. We share a few of the bargains the resorts are offering, too.
The snow has already begun to pile up. Don't miss out.
Ski Resorts
Where resorts have revealed their single-day lift ticket pricing, it is included. When not yet released, last year's prices are offered for comparison purposes.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
Season:
Information: 888-ARAPAHOE (272-7246); arapahoebasin.com
Terrain: 900 acres. 23 percent expert; 37 percent advanced; 30 percent intermediate; 10 percent beginner. 105 trails, 2 terrain parks. Summit: 13,050 feet. Base: 10,780 feet. Vertical: 2,270 feet. Longest run: 1.5 miles.
Lifts: 1 quad, 2 triples; 3 doubles; 1 conveyor.
Lift tickets: All prices until Dec. 18; after Dec. 19, TBD:
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. (Exhibition and Pallavicini lifts open 8:30 a.m. weekends and holidays).
Located: 68 miles from Denver, either via Interstate 70 west to Silverthorne (Exit 205), then 12 miles east on U.S. 6, or I-70 west to Loveland Pass (Exit 216), then 8 miles west on U.S. 6.
Aspen Highlands
Season: Dec. 12-April 4
Information: 800-525-6200; 
Terrain: 1,028 acres. 36 percent expert; 16 percent advanced; 30 percent intermediate; 18 beginner. 118 trails, no terrain park. Summit: 11,675 feet. Base: 8,040 feet. Vertical: 3,635 feet. Longest run: 3.5 miles.
Lifts: 3 high-speed quads, 2 triples.
Lift tickets: (last year's pricing) Adult full day, $96; youth 13-17, $87; child 7-12, $62; senior 65-69, $87.
Hours: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily.
Located: 200 miles from Denver via I-70 and Colorado 82.
Aspen Mountain
Season: Nov. 26-April
Information: 800-525-6200; aspensnowmass.com
Terrain: 673 acres. 26 percent expert; 26 percent advanced; 48 percent intermediate; no beginner. 76 trails, no terrain park. Summit: 11,212 feet. Base: 7,945 feet. Vertical: 3,267 feet. Longest run: 3 miles.
Lifts: 1 gondola; 1 high-speed quad; 1 high-speed double; 2 quads; 3 doubles.
Lift tickets: (last year's pricing) Adult full day, $96; youth 13-17, $87; child 7-12, $62; senior 65-69, $87.
Hours: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily.
Located: 200 miles from Denver via I-70 and Colorado 82.
Beaver 
The Sundeck atop Aspen Mountain is a good spot to eat and put your boot-sore feet up for a few minutes.
(Aspen Skiing Co. )Creek
Season: Nov. 25-April 11
Information: 800-404-3535; beavercreek.com
Terrain: 1,815 acres. 38 percent expert; 43 percent intermediate; 19 percent beginner. 149 trails, 4 terrain parks. Summit: 11,440 feet. Base: 8,100 feet. Vertical: 4,040 feet. Longest run: 2.75 miles.
Lifts: 2 gondolas, 10 high-speed quads; 2 triples; 3 doubles.
Lift tickets: Single-day window price N/A. Online multiday tickets prices vary and are available on the website.
Hours: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily.
Located: 120 miles west of Denver via I-70, to Avon (Exit 167). Enter roundabout, continue left going back under I-70. Go through four more roundabouts until the entrance to Beaver Creek.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Season: Nov. 12-April 18
Information: 970-453-5000, 800-789-SNOW (7669), breckenridge.com
Terrain: 2,358 acres. 36 percent expert; 19 percent advanced; 31 percent intermediate; 14 percent beginner. 155 trails, 5 terrain parks (25 acres). Summit: 12,998 feet. Base: 9,600 feet. Vertical: 3,398 feet. Longest run: 3.5 miles.
Lifts: 1 eight-person gondola; 2 high-speed six-persons; 7 high-speed quads; 1 triple; 6 doubles; 4 surfaces; 9 carpets.
Lift tickets: Single-day window price N/A. Online multiday tickets prices vary and are available on the website.
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Located: 90 miles from Denver via I-70 west to Exit 203. Continue south on Colorado 9 to Breckenridge.
Buttermilk Mountain
Season: Dec. 12-April 4
Information: 970-925-1220; aspensnowmass.com
Terrain: 470 acres. 26 percent advanced; 39 percent intermediate; 35 percent beginner. 44 trails, 2 terrain parks. Summit: 9,900 feet. Base: 7,870 feet. Vertical: 2,030 feet. Longest run: 5 miles.
Lifts: 2 high-speed quads, 3 doubles, 2 handle tows, 2 ski/snowboard school lifts.
Lift tickets: (last year's pricing) Adult full day $96; youth 13-17, $87; child 7-12 $62; senior 65-69, $87.
Hours: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily.
Located: 200 miles from Denver via I-70 and Colorado 82.
Copper Mountain
Season: Nov. 6-April 18
Information: 866-841-2481; coppercolorado.com
Terrain: 2,465 acres. 18 percent expert; 36 percent advanced; 25 percent intermediate; 21 percent beginner. 126 trails, 3 terrain parks. Summit: 12,313 feet. Base: 9,712 feet. Vertical: 2,601 feet. Longest run: 2.8 miles.
Lifts: 1 high-speed six-person; 4 high-speed quads; 5 triples; 5 doubles; 7 surface.
Lift tickets: (last year's pricing) Adult full day $65-$92; child 6-12, $35-$48; senior 65-69, $50-$75; 70+ full day $35; age 5 and under free.
Hours: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (base lifts until 4 p.m.); 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, holidays (base lifts until 4 p.m.)
Located: 75 miles from Denver via I-70 west at Exit 195.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Season: Nov. 25-April 4
Information: 800-600-2803; skicb.com
Terrain: 1,167 acres. 20 percent advanced; 57 percent intermediate; 23 percent beginner. 121 trails, 3 terrain parks. Summit: 12,162 feet. Base: 9,375 feet. Vertical: overall 3,062 feet (includes hike to The Peak); lift served 2,775 feet. Longest run: 2.6 miles.
Lifts: 4 high-speed quads; 2 fixed-grip quads; 2 triples; 3 doubles; 3 surfaces; 2 carpets.
Lift tickets: Nov. 25-Dec. 16: Adult $59; youth 13-17, $53; child 7-12, $30; 65+, $44. Dec. 17-April 4: Adult $87; youth 13-17, $78; child 7-12, $44; 65+, $65.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily (High Lift and East River Lift close at 3:30 p.m.; North Face Lift closes at 3:00 p.m.)
Located: 230 miles from Denver via U.S. 285, U.S. 50 and Colorado 135.
Durango Mountain Resort
Season: Nov. 27-March 28, Friday-Sunday through April 25 (weather permitting)
Information: 970-247-9000; durangomountainresort.com
Terrain: 1,325 acres. 33 percent expert/advanced; 46 percent intermediate; 21 percent beginner. 85 trails, 2 terrain parks. Summit: 10,822 feet. Base: 8,793 feet. Vertical: 2,029 feet. Longest run: 2 miles.
Lifts: 1 high-speed six-person; 1 high-speed quad; 4 triples; 3 doubles; 1 carpet.
Lift tickets (regular season): Adult full day $62; student 13-18 and seniors 62-69, $49; child 6-12, $34; seniors 70+, $22.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Located: 330 miles from Denver via I-25 south to U.S. 550 north.
Echo Mountain Ski & Ride Area
Season: Dec. 2-May 2
Information: 303-325-7347; echomt.com
Terrain: 85 acres. 5 percent expert; 10 percent advanced; 75 percent intermediate; 10 percent beginner. Variety of terrain parks and signature freestyle features changing throughout the season. Summit: 10,650 feet. Base: 10,050 feet. Vertical: 600 feet.
Lifts: 1 fixed-grip triple; 1 handle-tow; 1 magic carpet.
Lift tickets: Adult (13 and older) $29 (opening day through Dec. 18), $50 (Dec. 19-Jan. 3/Jan. 16-18/Feb. 13-15); $45 (Jan. 4-May 2, excluding holidays); youth 6-12 and seniors 65 and older, $29 (entire season); $29 night skiing (3 p.m. to close). Children 5 and under and seniors 75+, free. Season pass: $169 (limited time only).
Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday-Saturday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; closed Tuesdays.
Located: 35 miles from Denver via I-70. Get off at Evergreen Parkway (Colorado 74) exit 252, turn right onto Squaw Pass Road (Colorado 103) and go 12 miles.
Eldora Mountain Resort
Season: Nov. 20-mid-April
Information: 303-440-8700; eldora.com
Terrain: 680 acres. 30 percent advanced; 50 percent intermediate; 20 percent beginner. 53 trails, 4 terrain parks. Summit: 10,800 feet. Base: 9,200 feet. Vertical: 1,600 feet. Longest run: 3 miles.
Lifts: 2 quads; 2 triples; 4 doubles; 1 poma; 2 rope tows; 1 conveyor.
Lift tickets: (last year's pricing) Adult full day $62; child 6-15 and senior 65-74; adult half-day (starts at 12:30 p.m.) $49.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and holidays.
Located: 45 miles from Denver via I-25 north to U.S. 36 west. Head into Boulder, then take Canyon Boulevard (Colorado 119) west. Follow 119 to Nederland. Turn left at the roundabout. Continue south on 119 for 1 mile. Turn right on County Road 130 and follow signs to Eldora.
Howelsen Hill Ski Area
Season: Dec. 5-March 28 (conditions permitting)
Information: 970-879-8499; steamboatsprings .net
Terrain: 680 acres. 10 percent expert; 40 percent advanced; 30 percent intermediate; 20 percent beginner. 15 trails, 1 terrain park. Summit: 7,136 feet. Base: 6,969 feet. Vertical: 440 feet. Longest run: 1 mile.
Lifts: 1 double; 1 poma; 2 carpets.
Lift tickets: Adult full day $17; youth 7-18 and senior 60+, $12; child 6 and under, $6. First Tracks Ticket $6; night ticket (5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday) $8. Terrain park (no lift access) $8. One-way ticket $3. Nordic ticket $8. Season pass: Adult $160; youth 7-18 $65; child 6-under $25; 60+ $35.
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 1-8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Closed Monday.
Located: 157 miles from Denver via I-70 west to Silverthorne (Exit 205). Then take Colorado 9 north 37 miles to Kremmling, then go west on U.S. 40 to Steamboat Springs (53 miles).
Keystone Resort
Season: Nov. 6-April 11
Information: 970-496-4FUN (4386); keystone.snow.com
Terrain: 3,148 acres. 49 percent expert/advanced; 32 percent intermediate; 19 percent beginner. 135 trails, 2 terrain parks. Summit: 10,568 feet. Base: 6,900 feet. Vertical: 3,668 feet. Longest run: 3.5 miles.
Lifts: 2 gondolas; 5 high-speed quads; 1 high-speed six-person; 1 quad; 1 triple; 3 doubles; 1 surface; 6 carpets.
Lift tickets: Single-day window price N/A. Online multiday tickets prices vary and are available on the website.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. (9 a.m. early season) and close at 4 p.m. or 8 p.m. on night skiing evenings. Call or visit website for night skiing dates.
Located: 70 miles from Denver via I-70 west to Silverthorne (Exit 205). At the end of the exit ramp turn left (east) at the stoplight onto U.S. 6. Go 6.2 miles into Keystone Resort.
Loveland Ski Area
Season: Now-early May
Information: 303-571-5580, 800- 736-3SKI (3754), skiloveland.com
Terrain: 1,570 acres. 46 percent expert/advanced; 41 percent intermediate; 13 percent beginner. 93 trails, 1 terrain park. Summit: 13,010 feet. Base: 10,800 feet. Vertical: 2,210 feet. Longest run: 2 miles.
Lifts: 3 quads; 2 triples; 3 doubles; 1 poma surface lift; 1 magic carpet surface lift (for ski school only).
Lift tickets: Early-season pricing, now-Dec. 11: adults $46, child 6-14, $21. Regular-season pricing, Dec. 12-April 4: adults $59, child 6-14, $25; child 5 and under free; 70+ season pass $69.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday- Sunday and holidays.
Located: 53 miles from Denver via I-70 west at Exit 216.
Monarch Mountain
Season: Nov. 25-April 11
Information: 888-996-7669; skimonarch.com
Terrain: 800 acres. 31 percent expert; 27 percent advanced; 28 percent intermediate; 14 percent beginner. 63 trails, 3 terrain parks. Summit: 11,952 feet. Base: 10,790 feet. Vertical: 1,162 feet. Longest run: 1 mile.
Lifts: 1 quad; 4 doubles (conveyors for ski school).
Lift tickets: Adult $54; teen 13-15, $32; junior 7-12, $20; senior 62-68, $29; children 6 and under and seniors 69+, free; Season pass: 11 mountains, four states, 1 pass for $319. Includes skiing and riding at Loveland, Sunlight, Powderhorn, Durango, Silverton, Angel Fire, Pajarito, Sipapu, Grand Targhee and Alta.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Located: 157 miles from Denver via U.S. 285 and U.S. 50.
Powderhorn-Grand Mesa
Season: Dec. 17-March 28 (could be earlier depending on the weather)
Information: 970-268-5700; powderhorn.com
Terrain: 1,600 acres. 15 percent expert; 15 percent advanced; 50 percent intermediate; 20 percent beginner. 42 trails, 2 terrain parks. Summit: 9,850 feet. Base: 8,200 feet. Vertical: 1,650 feet. Longest run: 2.2 miles.
Lifts: 1 quad; 2 doubles; 1 surface.
Lift tickets: Adult full day $53; youth 7-18 and senior 60-69, $43; child 6 and under, $15; 70+ $20.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Located: 250 miles from Denver via I-70 west to Exit 49 south on Colorado 65. Go 20 miles on 65 and look for Powderhorn on your right.
Silverton Mountain
Season: Dec. 5-April 18
Information: 970-387-5706; silvertonmountain.com
Terrain: 1,819 acres. 100 percent expert/advanced. 69 trails, 1 terrain park. Summit: 12,300 feet. Base: 10,400 feet. Vertical: 1,900 feet. Longest run: 1 mile.
Lifts: 1 double.
Lift tickets(regular season): Adult full day $119-$129 guided; $49 unguided; $99 all day guide (per person) includes unguided lift ticket; $35 for single guided run and lift ticket. $159 Heli Drops.
Hours: Hours of operation vary; seasons go back and forth between guided and unguided. Call or visit website for schedule.
Located: 359 miles from Denver via I-70 to U.S. 50, to U.S. 550. Drive through the town of Silverton and turn left onto Colorado 110A for 7 miles.
Ski Cooper
Season: Nov. 26 (limited days), Dec. 18-April 4 (daily)
Information: 719-486-3684, 800-707-6114; skicooper.com
Terrain: 400 acres. 30 percent expert/advanced; 40 percent intermediate; 30 percent beginner. 26 trails, 1 terrain park. Summit: 11,700 feet. Base: 10,500 feet. Vertical: 1,200 feet. Longest run: 1.4 miles.
Lifts: 1 triple; 1 double; 3 surface.
Lift tickets: Adult full day $42; child 6-14 $23; senior 60-69 $31; 70+ $18.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Located: 110 miles from Denver via I-70 and U.S. 24.
Snowmass
Season: Nov. 26-April 11
Information: 970-925-1220; aspensnowmass.com
Terrain: 3,132 acres. 32 percent expert; 12 percent advanced; 50 percent intermediate; 6 percent beginner. 91 trails, 3 terrain parks. Summit: 12,510 feet. Base: 8,104 feet. Vertical: 4,406 feet. Longest run: 5.3 miles.
Lifts: 1 eight-person gondola; 1 high-speed six-person; 1 six-person gondola; 7 high-speed quads; 2 quads; 3 doubles; 4 ski/snowboard school lifts (including carpets); 2 platter pulls.
Lift tickets: (last year's pricing) Adult full day $96; youth 13-17 $87; child 7-12 $62; senior 65-69 $87.
Hours: The Sky Cab opens at 8 a.m.; the Cirque lift opens at 10 a.m.; the Village Express and Big Burn lifts open at 8:30 a.m.; all other lifts open at 9 a.m. All close at 3:30 p.m. daily.
Located: 200 miles from Denver via I-70 and Colorado 82.
SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch
Season: Dec. 16-March 28
Information: 888-850-4615; granbyranch.com
Terrain: 406 acres. 20 percent expert/advanced; 50 percent intermediate; 30 percent beginner. 33 trails, 2 terrain parks. Summit: 9,202 feet. Base: 8,202 feet. Vertical: 1,000 feet. Longest run: 1.5 miles.
Lifts: 1 high-speed quad; 1 quad; 1 triple; 1 double; 1 surface.
Lift tickets: Adult full day $54; child 6-12 $32; senior 61-69 $40; adult half-day $46; kids 5 and under and seniors 70+ free.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Located: 78 miles from Denver via I-70 to U.S. 40, Exit 232. Continue on U.S. 40 over Berthoud Pass, 15 miles north of Winter Park.
Steamboat Springs
Season: Nov. 25-April 11
Information: 970-879-6111; steamboat.com
Terrain: 2,965 acres. 44 percent expert/advanced; 42 percent intermediate; 14 percent beginner. 165 trails, 4 terrain parks. Summit: 10,568 feet. Base: 6,900 feet. Vertical: 3,668 feet. Longest run: 3.1 miles.
Lifts: 1 gondola; 1 six-person express; 5 high-speed quads; 1 quad; 6 triples; 2 doubles; 2 surface.
Lift tickets: Single-day window price N/A. Online multiday tickets prices vary and are available on the website.
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily.
Located: 157 miles from Denver via I-70 west to Silverthorne (Exit 205). Then take Colorado 9 north 37 miles to Kremmling, then go west 53 miles on U.S. 40 to Steamboat Springs.
Sunlight Mountain Resort
Season: Dec. 4-April 4
Information: 800-445-7931, 970-945-7491; sunlightmtn.com
Terrain: 470 acres. 5 percent expert; 20 percent advanced; 55 percent intermediate; 20 percent beginner. 67 trails, 2 terrain parks. Summit: 9,895 feet. Base: 7,885 feet. Vertical: 2,010 feet. Longest run: 2.5 miles.
Lifts: 1 triple; 2 doubles.
Lift tickets: Adult full day $50; child 6-12 and senior 60-69, $40; child 5 and under $10; senior 70+, $20.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Located: 160 miles from Denver via I-70 to Colorado 82 south and County Road 117 to Glenwood Springs.
Telluride Ski Resort
Season: Nov. 26-April 4
Information: 970-728-6900; tellurideskiresort.com
Terrain: 2,000+ acres. 41 percent expert/advanced; 36 percent intermediate; 23 percent beginner. 120 trails, 3 terrain parks. Summit: 13,320 feet. Base: 8,750 feet. Vertical: 3,845 feet. Longest run: 4.6 miles.
Lifts: 2 high-speed gondolas; 7 high-speed quads; 1 fixed quad; 2 triples; 2 doubles; 2 surface; 2 carpets.
Lift tickets: (early season Nov. 26-Dec. 18): Adult full day $69; child 6-12, $42; senior 65+, $60; (regular season): Adult full day $92; child 6-12, $56; senior 65+, $82.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Located: 330 miles from Denver via I-70 to Grand Junction and go south on U.S. 50 to Montrose. Continue south on U.S. 550 to Ridgway, then turn right onto Colorado 62. Follow this to Colorado 145 and turn left. Follow the signs into Telluride.
Vail
Season: Nov. 20-April 18
Information: 970-SKI-VAIL (754-8245); vail.com
Terrain: 5,289 acres. 53 percent expert/advanced; 29 percent intermediate; 18 percent beginner. 193 trails, 3 terrain parks. Summit: 11,570 feet. Base: 8,120 feet. Vertical: 3,450 feet. Longest run: 4 miles.
Lifts: 1 gondola; 16 high-speed quads; 1 fixed-grip quad; 3 triples; 1 double; 3 surface, 6 carpets.
Lift tickets: Single-day window price N/A. Online multiday tickets prices vary and are available on the website.
Hours: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily (early season), hours extend over the course of the season.
Located: 100 miles west of Denver via I-70.
Winter Park Resort
Season: Nov. 18-April 18
Information: 970-726-1564; winterparkresort.com
Terrain: 3,078 acres. 3 percent expert; 73 percent advanced; 17 percent intermediate; 7 percent beginner. 142 trails, 6 terrain parks. Mary Jane stats: Summit: 12,060 feet. Base: 9,450 feet. Vertical: 1,214 feet. Winter Park stats: Summit: 10,700 feet. Base: 9,000 feet. Vertical: 1,700 feet. Longest run: 4.6 miles (Village Way).
Lifts: 2 high-speed six-persons; 7 high-speed quads; 4 triples; 6 doubles; 3 surfaces; 1 platter, 1 rope tow and 1 Village Cabriolet.
Lift tickets Single-day window price N/A. Online multiday tickets prices vary and are available on the website.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends and holidays. Panoramic Express and Pioneer Express close at 3 p.m.
Located: 67 miles from Denver via I-70 to Exit 232, then U.S. 40.
Wolf Creek
Season: Early Nov.-early April
Information: 970-264-5639; wolfcreekski.com.
Terrain: 1,600 acres. 20 percent expert; 25 percent advanced; 35 percent intermediate; 20 percent beginner. 77 trails, no terrain park. Summit: 11,904 feet. Base: 10,300 feet. Vertical: 1,604 feet. Longest run: 2 miles.
Lifts: 1 high-speed poma; 2 quad; 2 triples; 1 double; 1 carpet.
Lift tickets: (regular season) Adult full day $52; child under 12 and senior over 65, $28; adult half-day $40; child and senior half-day $21; child 5 and under, $5; 80+ free.
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Located: 246 miles from Denver via U.S. 285 and U.S. 160.
Compiled by Vickie Heath
and Kyle Wagner
Post staffers' picks for the best places to shop, stay and eat at colorado's resorts this ski season
Looking for a skiwear bargain? Long to sleep somewhere that doesn't cost more per night than your mortgage payment? How about the most raucous après-ski scene on the mountain or the cheapest lunch? A few Denver Post staffers who shred and ski their way around the state each season share their picks for the best the state's resorts have to offer. (For favorites in Telluride, see Page 4T.) Kyle Wagner
DINE
At the base of Keystone's North Peak sits LaBonte's Cabin, one of the best places to take a break from riding in Colorado. Hosting a beach full of Adirondack chairs, groovin' tunes and a barbecue smokehouse, LaBonte's after a few hours on The Outback's trails (and North Peak, of course) equals quite the big day.
The Dillon Dam Brewery (100 Little Dam St., Dillon, 866-326-6196, dambrewery.com). Just up the road from Interstate 70's Silverthorne exit sits the Dillon Dam Brewery, a lofty brewpub with an array of award-winning beers that can be oh-so-soothing after a big day at Arapahoe Basin or Keystone, Breckenridge or Copper Mountain. Try the McLuhr's Irish Stout with a crusty bread bowl of buffalo chili and you'll be hungry for more. But beware peak times: The brewery Dam sure packs them in.
The on-mountain meal deal of the season might be the one from Vail Resorts, which will feature a $9.95 daily meal at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone. Look for the "Lunch for Less," which will include an entree, side dish and drink. Finally, a family of four could walk out for less than $75.
The Blue Moose (76 Avondale Lane, Beaver Creek, 970-845-8666; Lionshead Village, Vail, 970-476-8666, bluemoosepizza.com). One of the best values in either location, the Moose offers excellent, cheap pizzas, and it's family-friendly. Good, cheap beer, too.
Grouse Mountain Grill in the Pines Lodge (141 Scott Hill Road, 970-949-0600, Beaver Creek, grousemountaingrill.com). For when money's no object, this is a beautiful restaurant that serves unique ingredient combinations; the pretzel-crusted pork chops with house-made chorizo are a real taste treat. In ski season, live piano music Monday-Saturday.
The Historic Mint (347 Blue River Parkway, Silverthorne, 970-468-5247, mintsteakhouse.com) lets you pick out your steak and then grill it yourself over a 1,100-degree lava grill, exactly the way you like it. Meanwhile, help yourself to the all- you-can-eat salad bar, and a server synchronizes your tasty sides (cowboy baked beans, enormous baked potatoes, fresh asparagus) with the main event. It's not cheap — the top-notch, dry-aged steaks run about $23-$40 and up to $60 for Kobe, which includes only the salad bar and Texas toast; sides are extra — but the scene is a hoot and it's great for groups. Cheap PBR too.
Free java in the Gondola Plaza in Aspen sticks it to Starbucks (which is right there). The resort actually hands out steamy to-go cups of the brew to anyone catching a ride up the hill.
Free cookies near the escalator at Beaver Creek in the village every afternoon, still-warm, chocolate chip ones. Yum!
Brothers' Grille (100 Elbert Lane, Snowmass Village, 970-923-8286) sits right on Fanny Hill and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with plenty of filling foods for less than $15. Fresh-squeezed juice in the a.m., a killer burger and a $6 kids' menu that includes drink. Après-ski specials daily, and this is the cheap ski-in/ ski-out lunch (a bowl of white bean chili and a muffin, and you're good to go).
The Sundeck (top of Aspen Mountain) sits just off the Silver Queen Gondola and provides great people-watching, cheap, filling sandwiches (some vegetarian options, too) and a place to put your boot-sore feet up for a few minutes from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.
Topper's, An American Cafe (211A Puppy Smith St., Aspen, 970-920-0069, toppersaspen.com) serves three squares a day, and is as unpretentious as Aspen gets. The rotisserie chicken, homemade chicken noodle soup and garlic whipped potatoes and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies are all welcome on a powder day, as is the place's low-key, no-frills, friendly atmosphere.
Clint's Bakery and Coffee (131 S. Main St., Breckenridge, 970-453-2990) is the communal coffee shop where Breck comes together each morning — be it at 7 a.m. for a coffee and newspaper or 2 p.m. for a muffin and latte. Clint's is comfortable and intimate, and the staff is kind and helpful.
Bully Ranch at the Sonnenalp (20 Vail Road, Vail, 866-284-4411, sonnenalp.com) is the tony resort's casual, more down-to-earth offering, with a Western-style setting, American eats like chicken wings, burgers, fish-and-chips and a kids' menu of pasta and grilled cheese. The gracious staff and pampering feel of the rest of the place is the same, though.
MUSIC AND DRINK
Gold Pan Saloon (103 N. Main St., Breckenridge, 970-453-5499) What makes the Gold Pan so special? Ask anyone in town, and they'll tell you that this Western- style saloon has the longest continuously operating liquor license this side of the Mississippi. The bar hosts live music and DJs on busy weekends.
Bart & Yeti's (551 E. Lionshead Circle, Lionshead, Vail, 970-476-2754, bartandyetis.com) is where après is more than your average happy hour — it's a tradition that nearly everybody takes part in. It's a way of life that fills the bars from 3 p.m. to well past 6 or 7 p.m. And it's not unusual to see the inebriated masses stumbling out of this Lionshead mainstay — still in their ski boots — three hours after the lifts closed.
Vendetta's (291 Bridge St., Vail Village, Vail, 970-476-5070) has solid pizza, but it's not the reason to come here. This ski-patrol haunt is one of the wildest bars in the village. Après here is nearly intolerable if you arrive after 3:30 p.m. It's loved by many, and there's almost always something going on.
Red Lion Inn (304 Bridge St., Vail Village, Vail, 970-476-7676, the- redlion.com) has been doing it right since 1963. The Red Lion has it all: from a raging patio to a simple restaurant, from plenty of beers on tap to a co-owner (Phil Long) who sings Bon Jovi and Foo Fighters songs twice a day, at après (3:30 p.m.) and at night (8:30 p.m.). Don't miss the world-famous nachos and the insanely thorough website, where you can reserve a table for Long's show with a $500 minimum credit card deposit. ("Like nothing on Earth," indeed!)
As if the Ice Bar in Crested Butte (mid-mountain at the base of the Twister Lift, 970-349-2275) could get any better, now it's doubled in size, which means more people can get into the hottest ice- cold spot on the mountain. Crafted out of giant ice cubes, the bar sits deckside and serves up the latest drinks and tasty snacks.
STAY
Glenwood Springs Hostel (1021 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs; 970-945-8545, hostelcolorado.com). Funky and geared toward people less interested in ambiance than a bargain, this is bargain-basement lodging. Prices include kitchen privileges and start at $16 per person for one night, and go up $25 to $58 for a private room. Check out the stunning vinyl LP collection.
Roost Lodge (1783 N. Frontage Road, Vail, 970-476-5451, roost-vail-lodging.com). It's not fancy, but very cheap by Vail standards. Right on the free bus line, the hotel sports smallish rooms decorated like a 1970s' teenager's idea of a rustic bedroom, but much cleaner. Free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast and a hot tub. Rates start at $69-89 per night.
Rocky Mountain Inn (15 County Road 72, Winter Park, 866-467-8351, therockymountaininn.com) is part hostel, part hotel, and depending on your budget, either one is clean, nicely decorated and offers free high-speed internet and ski storage. The hostel side has lockers and towels and bedding provided, as well as TVs and free movies. Rates start at $22 a night for the hostel and $69 a night for a private room.
Snowmass Inn (67 Daly Lane, Snowmass Village, Snowmass, 970-923-4202, snowmassinn.com) not only has the super-fun locals favorite bar with the cool name, the Naked Lady Pub, but also sits 50 yards from the slopes, has a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, serves a free continental breakfast and a free hot soup lunch. It's also run by the nicest people ever. Rates are $129-$175 a night in ski season.
Nordic Inn (14 Treasury Road, Crested Butte, 970-349-5542, nordicinncb.com) is a little Scandinavian delight in town within walking distance of the ski area. Rooms are simple and comfy, and a continental breakfast of pastries, hot and cold cereals, coffee and fruit is included. Rates are $155-$200 in ski season.
Fireside Inn (114 N. French St., Breckenridge; 970-453-6456, firesideinn.com). Inviting and pleasant, this bed-and-breakfast/hostel offers dormitory beds ($28 to $38), private rooms and cabins ($72 to $163). The ex-pat British owners run a tight ship more suitable for middle-aged skiers than young partiers.
Hotel Frisco (308 Main St., Frisco, 800-262-1002, hotelfrisco.com) is an ideal jumping-off point for the area; its location puts it a hop- skip off the highway for convenient jaunts to Keystone, A-Basin, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain. Some rooms have Jacuzzis, and the Wi-Fi and coffee are free. Families can grab the mini-apartment with the sleeper sofa. Rates start at $139.
SHOP
Animas Trading Company (1015 Main Ave., Durango, 970-385-4526) is a funky shop that carries a variety of decor items from several Asian countries, as well as clothing, jewelry, costumes, cards and posters, gag gifts and a bunch of other odd things. It's just fun to browse.
Summit Thrift & Treasure (340 Fielder Ave., Dillon; 970-262-2461). This is the best secondhand store in Summit County — low end. Forgot your gloves? Need a warmer jacket? Go to this cheerfully crowded store whose clientele ranges from ski instructors to dishwashers. The prices are excellent for a reliably consistent stock of gloves, hats and outerwear in children's and adult sizes, plus books, music CDs, shoes, linens and small appliances.
Rags to Riches (202 Main St., Frisco; 970-668-3775). This is the best secondhand store in Summit County — high end. The prices might be higher, but so is the quality of the merchandise: elegant coats, snuggly cashmere sweaters, well-cut pants, high- quality shoes, and jewelry. Skiwear is represented, but the inventory is designed to appeal to female shoppers looking for off-slope and upscale wearables.
Starbucks and Breeze might not seem like a natural combination, but in Dumont, off Interstate 70 (999 County Road 308), it works. There just aren't enough places where you can view a herd of bighorn sheep, get a quality cup of coffee and rent ski and snowboarding gear all in one spot. Perhaps in all the world there is only Dumont, just off I-70 on the way to Winter Park, Loveland and the storied slopes of Summit County. Front Range riders know it well, and well they should. Besides the blessings of caffeine, the shops offer clean bathrooms (if you don't mind a line) and plenty of rad clothing, goggles, gloves and gear often at discounted prices. Tarry awhile in the parking lot, and you'll sometimes see the bighorns scrambling about in the rocky cliffs behind the buildings.
Performance Ski (408 S. Hunter St., Aspen, 970-925-8657). Since 1987, Performance has been outfitting skiers in luxe clothing and equipment, as well as rentals. Lee Keating and her husband, Tom Bowers, a former ski racer, sell such European clothing brands as Prada, Jet Set, Kjus and Postcard. Skis are by Volkl and Fisher; boots from Tecnica, Strolz and Dalbello. They also operate a clothing store in the base village at Snowmass; and have a Tommy Bowers store in Vail Village.
Ralph Lauren's RLX line (501 E. Cooper Ave., Aspen, 970-925-5147). The technical ski and snowboard clothing for men and women is showcased in the store's lower level, which features black carpeting, white walls, a fireplace and TV showing ski and snowboard videos.
Tea Time Quilting and Stitchery (122 S. Main St., Breckenridge, 866-947-8300, teatimequilting andstitchery.com) is one of those niche outlets you won't find anywhere else in the world, and this is one of Breck's most beloved. Besides offering yarn and quilting materials for sale, Tea Time also offers classes such as Learn to Knit and Make Your Own Chenille. As the name would suggest, the tea is always hot.
Billabong (244 Wall St., No.3, Vail Village, Vail, billabong.com) might make you think of board shorts, but the Australian outfitter also designs some of the sharpest winter wear on the market. Seriously: You're in the lift line and suddenly your eyes are locked on a nearby coat on a young skier. All too often, it's a Billabong. The store is conveniently located a couple steps from the Vista Bahn lift in case you forgot your gloves or want to update your 20-year-old snowbib.
PLAY
If you live for the bumps, Aspen's Bell Mountain is your baby — and you might be crying like one after taking on a few. From the Face to the Ridge and the Back, the thing is literally covered with moguls, and the trees are brutal too. Pack the ibuprofen.
Riva Ridge on Vail Mountain is an easy black run — it's long, with some moguls but not too many and a couple of steep faces. Most of it, however, is easy cruising. Looking for a quick tree run? Drop into Riva Glade at the top, then pick up the Ridge at the four-way when it turns into a cruiser for a bit. Get to them both from either the Northwoods or Mountaintop Express Lifts.
Born Free in Vail's Lionshead is a great long run for cruising; it starts out blue off the Eagle Bahn Gondola and then goes green down below the Born Free Express Lift.
Keystone is known for its trees, but the Outback offers some of its biggest glade goodies, with plenty of intermediate and advanced terrain. The area usually holds its powder long after the more easily accessed areas are trashed-out. Drop into the trees next to Elk Run, a blue right off the Outback Express, for laugh-out-loud fun zig-zagging around the trunks (don't forget your helmet).
Good choices for speed demons: The blues Nix Nox and Richard's Run off Lift 1 at Loveland, both right off the Spillway. Both steep and groomed, they are wide open and everyone usually has the same idea, so there's little fear of tripping over someone stopped to take a breather — just let 'er rip.
Winter Park's Mary Jane is a major mogul mistress, and folks come from miles around for the cruel treatment she dishes out on the bump runs. Some of the best can be found on Derailer, as well as the short and challenging Gambler and Aces & Eights.
On a powder day, head early to Storm King, the poma lift at Copper Mountain that hits the double-black Upper and Lower Enchanted Forest runs. These bowls hold the fluffy stuff and can be caught deserted, because it requires more effort to get here — you have to take the American Eagle and Excelerator lifts first. Great snowboard area too, with several steep-and-deeps for air.
Arapahoe Basin offers quite a few unique runs, and Norway Mountain Run is one of them — a short but challenging blue that parallels Dercum's Gulch and merges with it, and for a brief time actually runs along its edge, with a cool view down into the gulch from the West Wall. Catch it off the Norway Lift.
Staff writers Chuck Plunkett, Claire Martin, Donald Russell, Ricardo Baca and Suzanne S. Brown contributed to this report.
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