Ski Resorts to Avoid & Expert Guide to Choosing the Best One
October 2020
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Vail's Lionshead Village
If you are still deciding whether or not to venture out into the "covid unknown" for your winter ski vacation, there are some things to consider when choosing the right location. Where to go? Is it safe? How can I make the planning simple? Can I make it affordable? All of these questions we try to answer. For instance, if you're concerned about Covid-19 on the slopes and keeping your family safe, you should think about alternate destinations that have plans in place for safety. By following some simple wisdom from the experts, you'll not only come away with a safe memory-filled adventure, but might have some money left in your wallet on the return.
We've put together a list of five popular winter destinations to avoid and where you should go instead, along with reasons for each. If you're looking for peace of mind during this Covid-19 era, while choosing destinations with the kids in tow, this is the list for you.
(TIP: 6 Breathtaking Destinations to Spend Christmas with the Family)
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If you're interested in a budget ski vacation, you might want to scratch Jackson Hole off of your list. Known as the ski resort that "eats your wallet", you have to have money to keep up. Lift tickets, restaurants and hotels are all pretty expensive, as are flights. And, while the bulk of the resort is family-friendly and provide adequate slopes, there will be unavoidable lines.
Affordable Alternative: Keystone, CO
Keystone Resort is an easy 90-minute drive from Denver International Airport. Current rates on United and Southwest airlines are showing $189 roundtrip from Chicago and Los Angeles versus $608 to Jackson Hole. It's a more affordable, family-friendly winter destination where you and your kids can ski on more than 135 runs and some 3,148 skiable acres (19% beginner, 32% intermediate, 49% expert). You may experience lift lines on busy days, but on average crowds are lighter than Jackson Hole. You can also rent a nice sized cabin or condo with a hot tub, heated pool, BBQ grill and send your kids to ski or snowboard lessons with a 20% discount if you book lodging. Wintertime also brings opportunities to go ice-skating at Lakeside Village or walk around River Run Village. Stay at The Timbers or Lone Eagle, the only ski-in/ski-out resorts, offering easy access to skiing, where kids 12 and under ski and rent free.
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(MORE: Affordable Vacation Rentals at Keystone Resort)
Winter Park, Colorado
Winter Park is one of the most popular American travel destinations particularly during the winter season. There is no denying its appeal -- from its easy access from Denver to a slate of kid-friendly activities and beyond. However, the city is not a cheap vacation, with hotels and restaurants catering to tourists. You also may experience crowded slopes and long waits in restaurants both at Winter Park and Mary Jane (the neighboring and connected resort).
Easy Access and More Glitz & Glimmer: Aspen/Snowmass
For most people, going to Aspen/Snowmass is like leaving the country - it's much more exciting than a trip to Winter Park, and certainly much more exotic, making winter vacation a good time to go when the kids are out of school. It's also a safer choice because of the limted amount of people with strict Covid-19 regulations aimed to keep everybody safe. There are reasonably priced hotel options available for most, but you need an expert to find them - contact Gondola Resorts. If you've never been to Aspen/Snowmass, than you've "never been". With the likes of Cameron Diaz, Will Smith, Jeff Bezos, Paris Hilton and Mick Jagger roaming the streets on any given day, it will be memorable. You will also find shorter waits than Winter Park. The amenity-filled resorts include complimentary shuttle service to the airport, private concierge services, rental equipment delivered to your doorstep, heated pools and private chefs. And, flying into Aspen's Pitkin County airport is an easy 3-mile ride to the center of town. This will be a vacation you'll never forget.
(MORE: Under the Radar Resorts in Aspen/Snowmass)
Telluride, CO
There's no question Telluride is beautiful in the wintertime with its beautiful mountains, expansive homes and the world's second largest snowball. But why go during peak season when prices and crowds are at a sky high and you can get better deals on everything from food to lodging to flights at other times of the year? Telluride is difficult to travel as most flights don't go there -- Fly to Durango, CO. If you have a private plane, it's easy on nice days. However, because it's located in a box-canyon, flights are typically delayed and cancelled.
Best Skiing/Boarding Alternative: Vail, CO
Vail continues to rank as the number one destination for skiing in North America. This is one of the most beloved resorts, hands down. This is what we call the "heavy weight" of the ski industry. Don't be fooled, others try to compare to Vail, but few come close. From the expansive amount of ski terrain, to the 5-star accommodations, Vail lives up to all of them. On any given winter day, you can expect up to 2 feet of champagne powder to fall. Parents will love the adventure as much as the kids, and more unspoiled, less crowded slopes. The Arrabelle, The Lodge at Vail Village, The Lion and Ritz-Carlton Residence Club are all 5-star accommodations steps to the slopes. That being said, ask an expert travel planner how to navigate the costs. You don't go to Vail on a budget, but you can find something that fits your taste and pocket book with the right expert advise. Everybody must wear face coverings when entering and inside any place of business or public indoor environment, such as a retail store, grocery store and on the ski lifts. Face coverings are not required when in public outdoor spaces unless six feet of physical distance from non-household members cannot be maintained over a period of 15 minutes or longer.
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(MORE: 5-Star Vacation Rentals in Vail)
Steamboat Springs, CO
"Steamboat" is freezing in the wintertime and also very touristy and crowded. People flock from around the world to see the city light up for the holidays, shop, drink whiskey and eat. While there is no denying its allure, you will be paying more for airline tickets, hotel stays and lift tickets than most. You will also have to pack up a lot of warm clothing for the family and have worries you would rather not have while on vacation - like the kids getting sick or a chance of snow shutting the city down.
Family Alternative: Breckenridge, CO
There are a lot of reasons to love "Breck" in the wintertime. First and foremost, it's easy access from Denver International Airport --- 2 hours on a good day. With four gigantic mountains, numerous half-pipes and the highest chairlift in the county, it's no wonder Breck is listed in the top 5 ski resorts in the world by Skier Magazine. Ski runs are 13% beginner, 23% intermediate, 36% advanced and 28% expert. Located only 90 miles west of Denver, it's easy to fly-in for a weekend adventure in The Rocky Mountains. Choose from numerous one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom or four bedroom ski-in and ski-out vacation rental lodging options with access to almost 200 ski trails and easy access to historic downtown. Masks/Coverings are required in Breckenridge. Restaurants are currently operating at reduced occupancy in all dining establishments. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. All restaurants are required to close at 11:00pm by public health order.
Lodging safety regulations have been amplified. Events and festivals are continuously being postponed and re-imagined as we are navigating this pandemic. Activity and tours availability are continuously changing, we suggest reaching out to your activity provider for their most up to date availability and safety regulations.
(MORE: Best Vacation Rentals in Breckenridge)
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, CA
While Mammoth Mountain is certainly on the warmer side in the wintertime, peak season starts in January when the area starts to get over-populated. Tourist prices also increase and become more cost-prohibitive. If your kids are on the younger side, wait until they're a little bit older for this visit so they can navigate the wind. It is often really windy and a peaceful conversation on the chair lift can be out of the question, that’s of course if the lift is running.
Unspoiled Luxury Alternative: Beaver Creek, CO
Beaver Creek is known for its year-round sunshine, stunning landscape, downtown village, starry nights, and surprisingly, it's also a real family getaway. It's an easy drive from Denver at only 2 hours and 15 minutes from Vail. This unspoiled resort has a lot to offer every skill level and taste. It's not surprising that Beaver Creek was voted the most "luxurious ski resort in North America" by Gondola Resorts. Beaver Creek's motto is, "Not exactly roughing it". And, you won't be if staying at The Bachelor Gulch Ritz-Carlton, The Charter, The Borders, Park Hyatt Residence Club or one of the multi-million dollar ski homes towering next to the slopes. At 4pm the village comes alive with free chocolate chip cookies for everyone.
(MORE: Luxury Vacation Rentals in Beaver Creek)
More Deals & Discounts:
Kids Ski Free at Keystone Resort
Kids Rent Free
Free Nights Skiing
Package Deals to Colorado Ski Resorts