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Need some help for a Colorado ski trip

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*Freeskier
Posts: 2 - Karma: 12
Need some recommendations from people who've done this kind of thing before.

I've got January and February off from work (live in Massachusetts), so I'm hoping to do a ski trip to Colorado for a month or two. I'm on the Epic Local pass so it's got Crested Butte, Breck, Keystone, a few days at Vail/Beaver Creek, etc. Maybe head to Utah, Wyoming, or Idaho if the opportunity presents itself. I'm wondering what the best/most affordable way to go about this is if anyone has done this before. Do I rent an RV for a couple months? Do I drive to Colorado and get an Airbnb there in a good location? Any help would be great! Thanks
Dec 21 2021 6:14PM
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PrunedLankly
Posts: 137 - Karma: 1,317
Not sure what kind of skiing you’re into but the best terrain would be CB. Bunch of exposure and steep runs which are easily accessible. If you want park, Breck would be the best but personally I can’t stand the mountain layout nor town. Keystone also has a fun park and it’s less crowded.

Funds wise, everything is expensive but an AirBnB would be worth checking out.
Dec 21 2021 8:48PM
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PAW
Posts: 2 - Karma: 16
I wouldn't recommend the RV. You need one made to used in the winter - WELL insulated cabin, insulated tanks (fresh, grey, black). I don't know if you can rent those. You need specialized equipment - heated black/grey water hoses, heated fresh water hoses.

If you've need used an RV, the winter is not the time to learn. Things will break. Things will freeze.

https://powderchasers.com/ has a concierge service. Not cheap but maybe worth it. They may also be able to provide tips how to chase powder - where to stay, how to find last minute lodging. They have free forecasts

opensnow.com is for pay mountain/snow forecasts website. Well worth the $30.

https://blog.highpointwx.com/ is another great forecast website.

Looking at the short term forecasts now to New Years. S and SW are looking at the best snow.

Snow in Summit currently SUCKS but snow is coming.

Be realistic with you ability. If you're an uber expert with balls of steel, CB can be great. Else, average joe terrain is limited.

Summit county (Breck, Keystone + close to Vail/BC) offers more terrain variety and a wider area for potential pow.

Be sure your vehicle has SNOW tires. Not all season tires. And is in good shape.

If you're willing to work, says nights, you might, might swing some free lodging. EVERYONE is looking for employees. You'll need negotiation skills and finding the right person. Ski resort communities can be cliquish and not open to outsiders. If you're a guy, the female ratios are bad at the resorts. If you're a gal, well your "lodging" opportunities are endless.

Lodging will be tough. Think about more permanent lodging on the W side of Denver or the E side of Salt Lake and drive each day. Breck/Keystone are ~140 round trip from W side of Denver. Utah resorts are even closer. There's buses in Utah. Check out RTD's Busstang/Snowstang (https://ridebustang.com/)

Skiing/riding 60 days is a row is going to be tough on the body. You'll need some off days. The weekends and holidays (MLK, President's Day) can be a zoo. OH! You should have ALREADY been hitting the gym to get in shape.

Keep an open mind, plan, plan and plan some more. Be flexible.

Have a great time.
Dec 21 2021 11:34PM
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