Things to Do in Denver before the BP Summit

[McKellar Newsom]

My kids have spring break the week before the BP Summit in Denver. I am thinking about bringing the family out to Denver the week beforehand.

What are the closest ski slopes? What are some fun activities in the area?

Count me in on any pre-Summit get together. mck

[Jon Holdman]

Do you guys already know how to ski? Advanced?

Traffic shouldn't be too much of a problem during the week.

You can get discount tickets at King Soopers in Denver stores.

Loveland is a smaller area. They have a very small area that's separte from the main area for learning. Its a good place to learn because there is absolutely zero traffic from more advanced skiiers and riders. There is a lift or bus that goes between the two areas. And there is some very steep terrain in the main area. They have a lift that goes all the way to the very top, right up to the continental divide. That higher terrain can be unpleasant if its windy.

Copper is also a good area if you learning. Its nicely divided with the green terrain to the west, black areas to the east and blue in between.

Winter Park has some really big, wide intermediate groomers where you can REALLY fly. The Mary Jane part of Winter Park is famous for its bumps. Winter Park is also pretty easy to get to because you turn off before the tunnel and its the only significant ski area going up 40. Go early, park in the first outlying parking areas. Its a short walk up to the trail and you can ski down to buy tickets and catch the lifts. To get back to your car you take the long trail around Mary Jane. Don't do this is you're beginners. Winter Park does have some flat spots to watch out for if you have boarders in your group.

Keystone is three mountains in a row, front to back. Breckenridge is four mountains sidesways. I like Breck better. Breck also has a real town right at the bottom with restaurants, bars, and shops.

You would probably want to hit Arapahoe Basin if you're advanced skiers.

Vail is the grand daddy and is a big area. Further away, though. Fun tree skiing in Blue Sky basin, which is on a mountain behind the main ridge of mountains.

Copper and Winter Park are my favorites. During the week, shouldn't be any problem to get to Copper. If you're newer skiers, though, Loveland can be a better option. Its a "ski area", though, where all those others are "resorts".