Spring Break Ski Trips Destination Advice & Info

Inquire whether they are members of the Better Business Bureau.

1. You can check them out by going to their website, figuring out what state they are incorporated in (their mailing address) and then going to the Better Business Bureau's website and doing a search on them. You’re looking for a clean or satisfactory report. By the way: it doesn’t mean all that much… but it’s far better than traveling with a tour company or travel agent that has an unsatisfactory report, right?
2. Avoid or beware of any claims of "Zero Complaints" with the BBB. The BBB doesn't rate companies as having "Zero Complaints". Businesses get either a satisfactory or unsatisfactory rating.
3. Another key accreditation (there are about 20 you can look at) is the ASTA, or American Society of Travel Agents. They have a code of ethics that their members must follow.
4. Watch the accreditations. There are about 20 that a company can obtain. Really, you just pay a fee, and you’re in. That’s not really the best way to determine if they are good or not.
5. If you are booking with a travel agent, check ASTA, but also: ask them whom they are using for their tour company. Check BOTH out.

1. Sniff ’em out. Get a friend and call the company’s office at the same time. Find out what happens when you do. Are they using call waiting (might be a home office), or do they have a professional phone system, where they can put you on hold? This matters, because it indicates financial stability and is good sign that they can provide you a good trip.
2. Ask questions. Ask a lot. Ask about clubs, parties, is your hotel guaranteed, etc. If your questions are answered fluidly without problem, that’s a good thing… but if they are stumbling around, they might be rookies.

Extra day lift tickets, rentals and lessons:

If you pre-purchase these options with us, they are about 40% off the normal price, and we're not kidding about the discount either. Also, the instruction at the mountains is first class; in fact, you could get trained by a former world class athlete!

Spending Money:

Bring a minimum of $250USD or don't go.

If you have a condo:

Be aware of the fact that condos do not have daily maid service, so guard your towel for the week with your life. You'll also need to plan on leaving the place semi-clean to avoid any additional cleaning fees.

Hydration & Altitude:

You'll be at no less than 8000 feet at any given time, sometimes MUCH higher, and that will dehydrate you very badly. Also, many people are really surprised at how "dry" it is up in the mountains. If you have sinus problems, it's a great idea to bring a humidifier.

To fend off dehydration, drink water, and LOTS of it. Seriously, twice as much as you usually do.

With liquor, you'll only need to drink half as much to get tanked. Also, you're gonna have an INCREDIBLE hangover because of the lack of oxygen due to the high altitude. Fair warning.

Aspen, Colorado is most of the world's most renowned ski resort towns. Aspen's spectacular mountains include Ajax (Aspen Mountain), Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk ski areas.

Our College Ski Trips over winter break (various dates in December & January) as well as our college ski spring break trips to Aspen are simply the finest in the student travel industry.

Aspen Mountain, a vertical smorgasbord of double-black and tree runs for skier and snowboarders, rises 3,267 feet from the heart of downtown Aspen. Opened in 1947, Aspen Mountain's steeps, bumps and incredible view have been famous for decades.

Rising out of the heart of downtown Aspen and famous for its steeps, bumps and incredible views, Aspen Mountain (also known as Ajax) is exhilarating for skiers and snowboarders alike. Ajax is well know for being a double black diamond skiers paradise. Snowboarders..be aware that Buttermilk & Snowmass are much more suitable in our opinion.

Ajax is a perfect choice for those of you arriving late, or leaving fairly early that have a lift ticket left, and want to hit just a few more runs before you go home.

Season dates: November 24, 2005 - April 16, 2006
Terrain: 673 acres/273 hectares

Trails:
Easiest - 0%
More difficult - 48%
Most difficult - 26%
Expert - 26%
Best-kept secret: Groomed, intermediate cruising runs under Ruthie's and Ajax Express lifts, the "shrines" on Aspen Mountain

Base elevation: 7,945 ft./2,422 m
Summit elevation: 11,212 ft./3,418 m
Vertical rise: 3,267 ft./996 m
Terrain: 673 acres/272 hectares
Number of trails: 76
Miles/km of trails: 64 miles/103 km
Longest run: 3 miles/4.83 km
Steepest run: Elevator Shaft section of the Silver Queen run - slope angle of 42 degrees
Annual snowfall: 300 inches/762 cm
Snowmaking: 210 acres/85 hectares

Lifts: 8
6 primary - 1 gondola (14-minute ride), 1 high-speed quad, 1 high-speed double, 1 quad, 2 doubles
2 secondary - 1 quad (Little Nell), 1 double (Bell Mountain)
Lift capacity: 10,755 riders/hour
Uncrowded slopes: On average, 3 people per acre/9 people per hectare
What's new: The second stage of a three-stage process to replace the gondola cars at Aspen Mountain is under way. The debut of the new gondola will appear in the 2006-2007 winter season.

Lodging bed base: 14,766 pillows within a 10-mile radius. For more information, please call Stay Aspen Snowmass at 970-925-9000 or 888-649-5985.

Rental/Retail: Four-Mountain Sports/D&E Ski and Snowboard Shop across the street from the Silver Queen Gondola

Already one of North America's premier resorts, Snowmass is undergoing a renaissance. A host of on-mountain improvements, a new base village, several lodging renovations and much more are on their way.

Snowmass is simply HEAVEN for snowboarders of all terrain capabilities. Skiers alike will enjoy what in our opinion is perhaps the best mountain in all of the United States for skiing - too bad the secret is now out of the bag!

Skiers take note: Take the chairlifts all the way to the top of the mountain at over 12,000 feet, and then take the tow rope up beyond the tree line from some really extreme skiing. Make sure you are well hydrated, however.

Terrain: 3,128 acres/1,266 hectares
Trails: Easiest: 6%
More difficult: 50%
Most difficult: 12%
Expert: 32%
Best-kept secret: The daily "Noon Groom," a freshly groomed run that reopens at noon. Also, breakfast at Gwyn's High Alpine can"t be beat.

Pipes and Parks: terrain parks (Pipeline, Makaha and Scooper), 1 superpipe and 1 minipipe

Season dates: November 24, 2005 - April 16, 2006
Base elevation: 8,104 ft./2,473 m
Summit elevation: 12,510 ft./3,813 m
Vertical rise: 4,406 ft./1,343 m
Number of trails: 88
Miles/km of trails: 137 miles/220 km
Longest run: 5.3 miles/8.5 km
Steepest runs: Gowdy's and AMF - slope angle of 40 degrees
Annual snowfall: 300 inches/762 cm
Snowmaking: 185 acres/75 hectares

Lifts:
22 Total: 18 primary - 1 high-speed six passenger, 1 six-passenger pulse gondola (enclosed), 6 high-speed quads, 5 doubles, 3 magic carpets, 2 ski/snowboard school lifts; 4 secondary - 1 double (Sheer Bliss), 1 triple (Naked Lady), 2 platter pulls (Cirque and Scooper)
Lift capacity: 27,181 riders/hour
Uncrowded slopes: On average 2 people per acre/5 people per hectare
Best known for: Wide-open, groomed cruising and family-friendly activities. Snowmass has long been rated one of the best family ski areas in North America
What's new: Village Express six-pack lift taking passengers from Fanny Hill to Sam's Knob. Sky Cab - a fast and fun aerial link between existing Snowmass Village Mall and new Base Village joins commercial centers and integrates conference activities.
Location: Within the White River National Forest, adjacent to Snowmass Village and 9 miles from downtown Aspen
Rental/Retail: Four-Mountain Sports at Two Creeks and Four-Mountain Sports/D & E Ski and Snowboard Shop on the Snowmass Village Mall

Our Company President's favorite ski spot, Aspen Highlands is perfect for those students seeking less crowded conditions, or more extreme sport opportunities.

Locals call Aspen Highlands their favorite, whether looking for its extreme terrain, groomed cruisers or breathtaking perspectives of the Maroon Bells. Then there's Highland Bowl - an ultimate off-piste experience where a 30-minute hike up a knife-edge ridge buys untracked descents down pitches as steep as 45-degrees.

New: So, how does a 12,500-foot mountain top itself? If it's Aspen Highlands, it unveils Deep Temerity - acres of new advanced and expert terrain that will open for this season along with the Deep Temerity triple chair, which rises 1,700 vertical feet in 7.3 minutes. In subsequent years, Aspen Highlands will add 270 acres of new terrain.

Fact: 970 acres with a 3,635-foot vertical drop (plus an additional 800 vertical feet of hike-to-terrain in the Bowl), 131 trails with the longest run of 3.5 miles, all served by five lifts.

Terrain: 970 acres/393 hectares Trails:
Easiest: 18%
More difficult: 30%
Most difficult: 16%
Expert: 36%
Best-kept secret: Mid-mountain beginner and intermediate terrain and the lower mountain steeps

Season dates: December 10, 2005 - April 2, 2006
Base elevation: 8,040 ft./2,451 m.
Summit elevation: 11,675 ft./3,559 m. (top of Highland Bowl 12,392 ft.)
Vertical rise: 3,635 ft./1,108 m.
Number of trails: 131
Miles/km of trails: 75 miles/121 km
Longest run: 3.5 miles/5.6 km
Steepest run: Go-Go Gully, Highland Bowl (description on Highlands' Extreme Guide) - slope angle of 48 degrees
Annual snowfall: 300 inches/762 cm
Snowmaking: 110 acres/44 hectares
Lifts: 5: 3 high-speed quads, 2 triples
Lift capacity: 6,500 riders/hour
Uncrowded slopes: On average, 2 people per acre/5 people per hectare
Best known for: Steep, big-mountain skiing in Highland Bowl, Olympic Bowl and Steeplechase
Location: Within the White River National Forest, 3 miles from downtown Aspen
Rental/Retail: Four-Mountain Sports and BOOTech, Inc., both at the base of the mountain

Have someone in your group that has never skied before & wants a non-threatening environment? Buttermilk is one of the best "learn to ski" areas in the United States...

Funny thing is, you can send the beginning off to a lesson with a Pro, and then you can go enjoy the X-Games half pipe & terrain park!

Home of the ESPN Winter X Games through 2010 (for an unprecedented run of NINE consecutive years!), Buttermilk also welcomes beginners. Less experienced skier and riders cruise wide, rolling trails while experts jib in the terrain park

Skiers take note: Buttermilks furthest west runs are not only empty, they typically have deep powder when everything else is all tracked out.

Terrain: 435 acres/176 hectares
Trails: easiest: 35%
More difficult: 39%
Most difficult: 26%
Expert: 0%
Parks and Pipes: 2 terrain parks (Crazy T'rain and S3) and 1 superpipe
Best-kept secret: Long, wide groomers at West Buttermilk and steeper rolling runs at Tiehack.

Season dates: December 10, 2005 - April 2, 2006
Base elevation: 7,870 ft./2,399 m
Summit elevation: 9,900 ft./3,018 m
Vertical rise: 2,030 ft./619 m
Number of trails: 44
Miles/km of trails: 21 miles/34 km
Longest run: 3 miles/4.83 km
Annual snowfall: 200 inches/508 cm
Snowmaking: 108 acres/44 hectares
Lifts: 9: 2 high-speed quads, 3 doubles, 2 handle tows, 2 ski/snowboard school lifts
Lift capacity: 7,500 riders/hour
Uncrowded slopes: On average, 3.7 people per acre/8 people per hectare
Best known for: Winter X Games, which will be held at Buttermilk through 2007! The Crazy T'rain Park and X Games superpipe. Beginner terrain makes Buttermilk an excellent learning mountain for new skiers and snowboarders. Unsurpassed grooming.
What's new: Separate beginner terrain park (S3) on Larkspur. Host of the Aspen/Snowmass Open slopestyle and superpipe competition.
Location: Within the White River National Forest, 3 miles from downtown Aspen, 6 miles from Snowmass
Rental/Retail: Four-Mountain Sports at the base of the mountain

Breckenridge stretches along CO Highway 9, south of SF. Its impressive slopes lie to the west of the main road. The town is quaint, and you can smell the money. Look for hints of its mining-town past, hidden among the development, for a view of the Breck of the older times.

There's skiing, of course. Breckenridge Ski Resort is Colorado's fourth largest resort as well as one of its most popular, with more than a million visitors each winter.

Climate

• Winter Temperatures: 28 degrees daytime / 15 degrees nighttime
• Summer Temperatures: 70-80 degrees daytime / 50 degrees nighttime
• Average days of sunshine per year: 300

Population

• Breckenridge: 2,408
• Summit County: 23,548

Town Size

• 7 miles long 2 miles wide
• 3.93 square miles
• 2,200 developed acres
• 1,100 undeveloped acres (30 percent town-owned land has been set aside for open space) 95 percent build out
• 400 acres of town-owned parks

Tourism Statistics

• Restaurants: 100
• Bars/Clubs: 39
• Shops/Boutiques: 258
• Liquor Stores: 5
• Grocery/Convenience Stores: 5
• Historic District: 171 Structures
• Hotels/Inns/Bed & Breakfasts: 501
• Number of pillows: 20,002
• Condo units: 2,298
• Condo beds: 5,000
• Hotel units/bedrooms: 436
• Hotel beds: 800

Additional Amenities

• Dentists: 5
• Medical clinics: 5
• Pharmacies: 2
• Golf courses (public): 1
• Skating rinks (public): 1 year-round / 3 winter
• Tennis court facilities: (public) 2 indoor / 12 outdoor (summer)
• Museums, art galleries: 16
• Library: 1
• Fitness facilities (public): 2
• Ball fields: 3
• Soccer fields: 2
• Outdoor amphitheater: 1 - Riverwalk Center

Season: November 12, 2004 - April 17, 2005 (Weather permitting)
Hours of operation: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time
Base Elevation: 9,600 feet / 2,926 meters
Summit Elevation: 12,998 feet / 3,963 meters
Vertical Rise: 3,398 feet / 1,036 meters

Lifts: 27

• 27 total
• 2 high-speed 6 passenger lifts
• 6 high-speed quad lifts, 1 triple lift
• 6 double lifts
• 5 surface lifts
• 7 carpet lifts

Lift Capacity: 36,680 people per hour
Operating Since: December 16, 1961
Total Ski/Ride Terrain: 2208 acres / 894 hectares
Groomed Daily: 600 acres / 241 hectares (29 percent of total terrain)
Bowls: 722 acres / 312 hectares (35 percent of total terrain)
Terrain Parks: 25 acres / 10 hectares
Snowmaking: 516 acres / 209 hectares (25 percent of total terrain)
Number of Trails: 146
Longest Trail: Four O'Clock - 3.5 miles / 5.6 kilometers

Terrain Classification:

• Easiest (15%): Breckenridge boasts some of the best learning terrain anywhere. Skiers and riders will find most beginner trails located off Chair 7 on Peak 8, including a portion the 3.5 mile Four O' Clock run, the longest trail at Breckenridge, and the Quicksilver Super6 and A lifts on Peak 9.
• More Difficult (33%): An intermediate's paradise, Peak 7 is home to seven new gently rolling more difficult runs, accessed by a six-passenger SuperChair. Undoubtedly the local's favorite, Claimjumper is located on Peak 8 in addition to Northstar and Crescendo. Two high-speed SuperChairs on Peak 9 access more than ten intermediate trails for non-stop skiing and riding.
• Most Difficult (20%): Duke's Run on Peak 8 offers a winning combination of both bumps and groomed terrain. Take the T-Bar up to Pika, Ptarmigan, White Crown and Forget-Me-Not for wide-open bowls and stunning views. Peak 9's Peerless is a great place to learn how to master the bumps, while bump masters will appreciate 6-Chair, especially on a powder day. A quick ride up the Falcon SuperChair on Peak 10 wisks skiers and riders to three advanced intermediate groomers, steep and deep bump runs, and the legendary glades of The Burn.
• Expert (32%): Peak 7 offers vast steep terrain without the trees at a 45-degree pitch. On Peak 8, the experienced shredder can enjoy amazing alpine vistas from atop Horseshoe Bowl (lift access) or Imperial Bowl at 12,998 feet (foot access only). Hike to Lake Chutes for a 55 degree pitch, between 10 and 80 feet of cornice, rocks to jump and of course, fresh tracks. Peak 9 features tree skiing at it's best. The Windows is an easy hike (anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes depending on a skier or rider's speed) from the Patrol Hut atop Peak 9. The South Side of Peak 10 sports big fat bumps, hidden kickers and glades - all without seeing another soul (or at least many souls.

Freeway Super Park

The Freeway Terrain Park on Peak 8 is one of North America's most acclaimed terrain parks, receiving numerous awards from various magazines and readers polls. This Super Park plays host to world-class athletes, competitions and exhibitions throughout the season. The Breckenridge Freeway Terrain Park is often the first park and pipe in the country to open for the season thanks to great snowmaking and Breckenridge's high altitude. Freeway can also be seen in films and in popular computer games. The Park is always bustling with local rippers and often scattered with pros and team riders like Chad Otterstrom, Steve Fisher, Todd Richards, andChris Hawks.

Twister

New last year was the addition of the Twister Terrain Park. This park is ideal for the new comer to jumps, rails and fun boxes. Twister offers small features that are sure to build your confidence. Once you have mastered the Twister, try your luck on Gold King and step it up a notch.

El Dorado

New this season, Breckenridge introduces it's smallest park features - rails and fun boxes at snow level and the smallest jumps at the resort. The park will also include a small half pipe, similar to the one found on Trygves. El Dorado represents the resort's "learning" area for terrain parks and pipes. There will be two park areas located at El Dorado - one will be open to the public and the other is designated as a Breckenridge Ski & Ride School teaching area. The half pipe will also be open to the public.

Gold King

With the size of terrain parks dramatically increasing over the past few seasons, the Gold King Terrain Park offers medium to medium-large hits and features for less experienced riders to build their skills in a reasonably safe and comfortable environment. These jumps and rails make the Gold King Terrain Park a perfect place to improve and refine new tricks.

Country Boy Pipe

New last year was the Country Boy HalfPipe. This yet again shows how Breckenridge continues to excel in the progression of snowboarding. This medium sized pipe allows you to practice and enhance your skills in a relaxed environment. Country Boy stretches from the beginning of the trail to the bottom, thus taking up the whole run just so you can improve in the halfpipe.

The Freeway Terrain Park at Breckenridge is one of North America's premiere snowboard and freeski destinations according to numerous publications and visitors from around the world. Check out their recent rankings below.

2004

#3 Overall Resort in North America - Transworld Snowboarding
#3 Terrain Park in North America - Transworld Snowboarding
#3 Superpipe in North America - Transworld Snowboarding

2003

#1 Park Designers in North America - Snowboarder Magazine's Cutter's Cup: Superpark 7
#3 Overall Resort - Transworld Snowboarding
#4 Terrain Park - Transworld Snowboarding
#4 Halfpipe in North America - Transworld Snowboarding

2002

#1 Park Designers in North America - Snowboarder Magazine's Cutter's Cup: Superpark 6

2001

#1 Pipe in North America - Transworld Snowboarding
#4 Park in North America - Transworld Snowboarding
#3 Overall Resort - Transworld Snowboarding

Breck Rocks because:

• The price to get there, genius. It’s $300-$500 to drive there. You can also fly there or take a motor coach.
• Condos with kitchens & living rooms. The cheapest place to go. You can cook in your kitchen, you can bring your own beer in, food, etc.
• Safety. It's in the US. Your cell phone & health insurance work. Some parents are cool with spring break, but against leaving the country, and we get that.
• Breckenridge trips include lift tickets good at 5 different mountains: Breck, Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, and Araphoe Basin. Gives both skiers and boarders lots of variety.
• Safety. South Padre Island is in the US. Your cell phone & health insurance work.
• The Village hotel & condos. These are "R U Kidding!" Nice!

Breck blows because:

• Well.. only if you've skied there too much we guess.
• Powder. Lacks the deep powder of Steamboat.

While we offer the Best Western in Lake Dillon, it's really too far away to from the mountains. We highly recommend staying right in Breckenridge at a condo. For about $15.00 per night per person, you can stay slopeside. Do it.

Do the Village! It's simply the best place to stay!

Sure, most of the good condos cost more, but if you can walk everywhere, think of the time & aggravation that will save you. People forget how much they've paid once they get there, so try to talk your group into spending more than they really wanted. You'll be glad you talked them into it.

How to get to Breckenridge, CO:

Hey, most of you will just drive to Breckenridge. Most families have a SUV that you can borrow, load everyone up in and go.

If you fly in, you can fly into Denver, but the transfers are $70 per person round trip with us. Do NOT fly into Vail/Eagle County.

Keystone Stats:

Vertical: 3,128 ft/953m
Base elevation: 9,280 ft/2,829m
Summit elevation: 12,408 ft/3,782m
Number of Lifts: 20
Average Yearly Snowfall: 230 in/584cm
Number of Trails: 117
Longest Run: 3 Miles/Schoolmarm
Terrain: 2,870 acres
Degree of Difficulty:

• Easiest: 12%
• More Difficult: 29%
• Advanced: 5 percent
• Most Difficult: 54 percent

Lifts: appx. 35,175 people per hour total capacity

• 2 high-speed gondolas
• 5 high-speed quad chair lifts
• 1 high-speed six person lift
• 1 quad chair lift
• 1 triple chair lift
• 4 double chair lifts
• 2 surface lifts
• 4 carpets

Mountain Stats

Hours of Operation (MST)
9:00am-4:00pm

Climate:
Winter Temperatures:
Daytime - 45 degrees
Nighttime - below 30 degrees

Base Elevation: 8,100 ft. / 2,469 m
Summit Elevation: 11,440 ft. / 3,488 m
Vertical Rise: 3,340 ft. / 1,018 m
Number Trails: 109
Number Lifts: 11

Snowmaking: 605 acres
Avg Annual Snowfall: 310 inches
Total Vertical Rise: 4.040 ft.
Total Skiable Area: 1,625 acres
Total Number of Trails: 146
Longest Run (Centennial): 2 3/4 miles
Terrain Park: 3
Half Pipe: 1

Trail Classification

• Expert/Advanced: 27%
• Intermediate: 39%
• Beginner: 34%

Vail isn't most resorts.

Vail's legendary Back Bowls represent just one-third of Vail's total terrain. Combined with the adventure experience of Blue Sky Basin and the vastness of the Front Side, there's 5,289 acres of the best ski day you've ever had. In fact on an average day at Vail, there are only two skiers per acre. On a busy day, a whopping four per acre. Imagine having this much mountain to yourself.

Summit Elevation: 11,570 ft./3,527 m
Base Elevation: 8,120 ft./2,475 m
Vertical Rise: 3,450 ft./1,052 m
Snowmaking: 390 acres/158 hec
Total skiable acres: 5,289 acres/2,140 hec
Number of Trails: 193
Longest run: Riva, 4 miles/6.4 km

Trail Classification:

Vail Front-Side: 1,678 acres
Back Bowls: 2,966 acres
Blue Sky Basin: 645 acres

Expert:
40%
87%
53%

Intermediate
32%
13%
47%

Beginner
28%
0%
0%

Lift Stats

Total Number of Lifts: 34
Gondola: 1
High-speed Quad: 14
Fixed Grip Quad: 7
Triple: 3
Double: 5
Surface Lift: 10
Total Uphill capacity: 53,381

The Better snow earlier in the season gives this North Park Range resort an edge over more southerly mountains..POWDER BABY!

Steamboat Springs bills itself as "Ski Town USA," because Norwegian champion Carl Howelsen settled here in 1917 and talked the town into building what was then the world's largest ski jump.

Seven thousand feet up in the Colorado Rockies, nestled quietly below one of the largest ski mountains in North America, sits a small ranching community that serves as a constant reminder that the Old West is alive and well. Never far from its ranching roots, Steamboat remains firmly linked to a Western tradition that sets it apart from every other ski resort in the world.

Whether you're stepping foot into a local pub, one of our charming boutiques or stepping off the Gondola, the reception is the same - warm. But the down home friendliness is only half the reason people choose to vacation here. With 142 trails, 3,668 vertical feet, and nearly 3,000 skiable acres, its 5 peaks are filled with world-class groomed cruisers, bumps, steeps, open meadows, legendary trees and Mavericks - North America's longest superpipe.

Steamboat is simply known around the globe as Ski Town USA. It's skiing heritage dates back to the early 1900's. No other town in North America has produced more winter Olympians than Steamboat Springs, a record 54 and counting and Steamboat sent more athletes to the 2002 Games than many small countries including Travis Mayer, 2002 Olympic Silver Medalist.

And long before people strapped on skis for fun, Steamboat residents in the late 1800's were using ski and snowshoes in their daily lives. In fact, Steamboat Springs recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary. You'll be hard pressed to find another resort town that exudes this much history, heritage and character. Come see for yourself why so many people call Steamboat home.

Base Elevation: 6,900 feet/2103 meters
Midway Elevation: 9,080 feet/2768 meters
Summit Elevation: 10,568 feet/3224 meters
Vertical Rise: 3,668 feet/1118 meters - Second highest in Colorado

Trail System:
Permitted Acres: 2,939 acres/1,176 hectares
Trails: 142 named trails - over 65 miles or 105 kms of trails
Trail Classification: 13% Beginner 56% Intermediate 31% Advanced
Longest Run: Why Not - over 3 miles/4.8km
Uphill Capacity: 36,195 per hour
Snowmaking: 438 acres
Annual Snowfall: 337"/863cm - 10 year average
Bed Base: 18,917 pillows

Steamboat rocks because:

• The powder. They've even trademarked the name, "Champagne Powder." Deep, fresh snow.
• The price, genius. - to drive there. You can also fly there, or take a motorcoach.
• Condos with kitchens & living rooms. Money. The cheapest place to go. You can cook in your kitchen, you can bring your own beer in, food, etc.
• Steamboat is a self-contained resort. You'll sleep there, ski there, eat & party all right there.
• The Condos. These accommodations are unbelievable!
• The entertainment. There are huge name country bands up there during our ski winter break.

Steamboat blows because:

• Ummmm....hummm....
• O.k., you only get to ski at one resort unlike our Breckenridge trip.

The Maverick

In the surfing world, Mavericks, the big wave break in California, stands alone in the fact that by its sheer size it wipes out other big wave rivals. Now the other Mavericks, this one over 1000 miles inland from its namesake in Half Moon Bay, is catching the momentum and attention of the other popular board sports. And like the wave break, Steamboat's superpipe emerged in the freeride world as the biggest ride discovered by those that dared give it a go.

Steamboat decided to supersize its pipe in the summer of 2001 when it cut a skeleton in Bashor Bowl. Along with new snowmaking installed in the summer of 2002, Steamboat opens Mavericks sooner than most pipes in Colorado, attracting freeriders from afar to ride the longest pipe on the continent.

Skiers and riders agree Steamboat has the pipe and park to reckon with. Steamboat's Terrain Park was ranked #4 by Ski Magazine readers in the 2002 resort guide. The readers of TransWorld Snowboarding Magazine ranked Mavericks the #7 Pipe and Steamboat the # 7 Resort overall in their 2002 resort guide. TransWorld readers also acknowledged Steamboat's relaxed attitude with the ranking of #2 for Vibe.

Do Shadow Run or Storm Meadows is wicked-nice. Sure, most of the good condos cost more..but if you can walk everywhere, think of the time & aggravation that will save you. People forget how much they've paid once they get there, so try to talk your group into spending more than they really wanted...you'll be glad you talked them into it.

Hey, most of you will just drive to Steamboat. Beware, it's further North than some of the other resorts, however, that makes the snow just that much better. Most families have a SUV that you can borrow, load every one up in, and there go.

If you fly in, do NOT fly into Denver, fly straight in.

"Steamboat has produced more Olympic skiers and snowboarders than any other town in the world. If you dream of competing in the Olympics, if you just want to look like a champion on the slopes, or even if it's your first time on snow, Steamboat's Ski & Snowboard School will help you achieve your goals."

Billy Kidd - Director of Skiing
Olympic Medalist and World Champion

For this reason, you can see that taking a lesson at 40-50% off is a sweet deal. Steamboat instructors can teach you right from the start, or take you to that next level of performance.

ROCKS!

Getting around Steamboat is easy! For those without their own transportation, the city of Steamboat Springs offers a comprehensive system of free transportation between the ski area, downtown and most hotel, condominium, restaurant, grocery and entertainment locations. The ski area is located 3 miles southeast of downtown Steamboat Springs. The SST runs continuously from 7:00am til 1:45am daily, stopping at each location every 20 minutes. For more information on local transportation, contact the Steamboat Springs Transit at 970-879-3717.

With over 70 restaurants and bars, Steamboat's nighttime entertainment scene is loaded with options. Once you're here get even more up-to-the-minute nighttime entertainment details with the new "Nightlife Trail Map". On-mountain nighttime activities include "Comedy at the Bear", tubing under the lights and full moon snowshoe tours.