Where do locals ski? (and by "locals" I mean families with kids in the Golden, CO area) (Loveland: ski resorts)

[go_wyo70]

This question is for the locals who live in the Golden area. I am considering purchasing a quarter share of a mountain property, but I don't know where. The issue is complicated by the fact that there are two different sets of ski resorts to consider: Winter Park, Copper, and Steamboat on the one hand, and then Breckenridge, Keystone, A-Basin, and Vail on the other. If we buy a place at WP/C/SB, we are unlikely to ski at B/K/A/V (and vice versa). Currently, most of our kids' friends ski at WP/C/SB. I haven't yet figured out why that is...why don't more families/kids that we know ski at B/K/A/V? Maybe it's just a matter of coincidence, but maybe there is a systematic reason. Also, do families tend to change their skiing resort allegiances over time? I realize that one compromise would be to get a place in Silverthorne or Dillon to give have flexibility to ski at one set of resorts one year, and then ski at the other set a different year. But assuming that I would rather get a place that is close to the resort (but probably not ski in/ski out, because of the cost premium...I'd be happy to be within shuttle bus distance), which resort should I pick?

[BarryK123]

If you haven't skied the areas, do that first. Then, pick the one(s) that you like better. Also realize that WP/C/SB are nowhere near each other. I know those 3 resorts are on the same season's pass, but in reality, if you buy a place at WP, are you going to drive 1.25 hours to C or 2.5 hours to SB from your ski condo? It doesn't take much longer to drive there from Golden.

[haileykrantz]

Well, there are many ski destinations you can find in Colorado and most of them are just few hour drive. Visit the link to view map of different ski destinations.

[wondertrev]

growing up, we always skied Eldora, Loveland, WP, with occ. trips to Keystone, Breck, Vail. In general, locals avoid the tourist hells, especially during the holidays, never pay full price for tickets, and take Hwy.6 to avoid the madness on I 70.

[hammertime33]

I either ski at Winter Park (the less time on I-25 the better) or Loveland (it's cheap, and again, the less time on I-25 the better).

[SkiScree]

Having been a kids ski instructor at both Loveland Ski Area and Eldora and turning down offers at Winter Park (too far for my POS car) I'd have to say hands down you want your kids to ski at WP. They have world class instructors as well as child care programs for the younger ones.

[RedSoxFanGoingWest]

I'd say Breck/Keystone/A-Basin/Vail only because you get more bang for your buck with the pass. They are all shorter commutes than trying to get from say WP to Copper to SB. Breck has a great downtown and good activities for adults and kids. I can't speak first hand for the lessons/instruction for kids but my nieces take lessons at Breck and they seem to enjoy it. My in-laws live in Breck so we spend a good amount of time in/around Summit Co.

[superorb]

Originally Posted by hammertime33

I either ski at Winter Park (the less time on I-25 the better) or Loveland (it's cheap, and again, the less time on I-25 the better).

You mean I-70 right? I-25 is a north/south interstate that is east of the mountains.

[Timmyy]

I am a Copper guy. I think it is more snowboard friendly. Dang cat walks!

[Karl-Kelman]

If you live in Golden, Loveland Ski Area is about 40 minutes from your house if there's no traffic. Could be an alternative to condo rental...