PRE-TRAVEL

Homework Help
Maybe you already have a favorite Colorado resort-the one you visited as a child with your family or the one you fell in love with at first face shot. However, if you're planning your inaugural ski visit to Colorado or are just looking for a destination change, here are a few quiz questions to help you define your ultimate Colorado winter vacation.

1. Who are you traveling with?
A partner, family or group?

2. What's your traveling style?
Moving around to multiple resorts or settling into one area?

3. What activities are important to you?
Nightlife, events, terrain parks?

4. Where do you want to set up camp?
Slopeside or in town-or a mix of both?

5. Do you plan to do things besides skiing?
Visit museums, eat out, cross-country ski, ride a snowcat?

Once you've answered these questions, you're ready to choose the resort that best matches your travel approach and needs. For example, you might discover that one of Colorado's eight Gemsresorts work best for your decidedly low-key style or family trip. (See page 100 for these resorts that are lauded for their down-to-earth approach, affordability, friendliness and quaint, off-the-beaten path towns.)

Or you might discover that you want to fly directly into a destination resort such as Steamboat, Telluride or Aspen to take advantage of all the charm and tradition of an Old West town, the dramatic backdrop and steeps in a secluded box canyon or the elegance and sophistication of a vintage, upscale ski village. Whatever you decide, do your home-work first-and make your vacation as seamless as possible.

Timing is Everything
You've chosen your resort. You're already mentally packing. You're dreaming of powder stashes and bluebird skies. Priority No. 2 is deciding when the heck to visit. Of course, long holiday weekends and spring break are always top of mind, but don't forget about all the other snow-filled days of the year.

Resorts like Loveland, Arapahoe Basin and Silverton are renowned for opening as early as October thanks to high-altitude flurries and powerful snow-making machines. In the rest of the state, nighttime mountain temperatures typically start falling below freezing in November, when Colorado's deep snow bases begin to develop. Locals know that early season-that's November and most of December-can be an ideal time to find first tracks and quiet slopes. January is value season, baby! Save some dough during this mid-season month, as lodging prices typically drop after the New Year's celebration. February and March are known for their massive, reoccurring snowstorms, so powder-hounds are smart to book trips during these months. However, be aware of heavily booked holiday weekends such as President's Day. (For events worth planning a trip around, check out the events feature ON PAGE 10.)

Mid-March, a.k.a. spring break, the slopes come alive with warm, sunny ski days and plenty of slopside parties. Think on-snow grilling, ski races in full costume, soft snow, oh, and cheap lift tickets. And don't forget about April, when resorts are peddling end-of-season lodging deals and no lift lines, and beginners can practices turns in plenty of soft snow. Of course, those resorts that wage friendly bets on which area will open first continue the battle late-season, occasionally into June and July.

Steals and Deals
You deserve a few more notes on saving money, because everyone loves a deal. Besides scheduling a trip during off-peak times, clever travelers know where to look for bargains. If you don't, we'll tell you. You don't have to go far to find a world of savings. The Web is the modern traveler's ultimate companion. We suggest book marking www.coloradoski.com, Colorado's ski portal to the resorts' best buys. Under the Resort section, just click on Deals to find all the latest offerings from all around Ski Country, or, click on an individual resort home page and follow the links to additional targeted lodging deals. Don't forget that the Gems are always a reliable choice for family savings and inexpensive lift tickets.

Here's one more tip: Buy packages. Combining lift tickets and lodging is always an intelligent way to keep your money where you prefer it-in your wallet. Nearly every resort offers some version of the ski package, whether it's Sunlight's classic combo-a stay and a dip in Glenwood's Hot Springs Pool-or Vail's make-your-own deals. For more flexibility, at least plan to purchase a discounted multi-day lift ticket, which you can do online at many resort sites or over the counter at local sports shops.

Penny Pinchers
• Dine in one night with a bottle of Western Slope wine and handmade bread.
• Think outside the lodging box: Free breakfast at a family-owned B&B.
• Got kids? Head to a Gems resort for an inexpensive lesson with a friendly, knowledgeable instructor.
• Research less expensive on-slope dining. Hint: Try a filling but no-fluff burrito at Loveland's base.

Pack 'n' Play
The trip, like you, looks great on paper. Problem is the suitcase is still in the closet. It's time to pack for your ski vacation. Layering is one of the most important clothing considerations. Wearing multiple layers makes it easy to adjust for Colorado's temperature changes, which can range from cold at the top of the mountain to downright hot when the sun's out (which, by the way, happens about 300 days a year). When packing layers, remember to bring three: an under layer that wicks water away from the skin; a middle insulator; and an outer shell to guard against the elements.

Other must-pack accessories include sunscreen, sunglasses and lip protection. At Colorado's high altitude, the sun's rays are stronger than you might think. On cloudless days you can burn in minutes. Remember to pack sunscreen with 25 or higher SPF; lip balm with the same UV-busting screen and real sunglasses. Raccoon eyes are funny. Sunburns are not.

More Suitcase Savvy
• Socks: Make 'em ski or snowboard specific and, remember, only wear one pair at a time.
• Goggles: Words from the wise: Goggles are for the mountain; sunglasses are for the deck.
• Evening Wear: You can leave the dress-up clothes at home. Colorado is casual.
• Camera: Capture everything including your best friend's wipe out.
• Boot Heaters: These cheap little hot packs keep toes super toasty.
• Energy Bars: Stick one in your jacket and ski 'till the last lift closes.
• Two-Way Radios: Bring your own to keep track of friends or rent them on the mountains.


LOGISTICS

Air Apparent
In addition to being one of the nation's largest airports, hosting more than 42 million passengers a year, Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the most technologically advanced, user-friendly and state-of-the-art air facilities in the world. DIA, or DEN in airport code, is easy to spot from the air-its vaulted, white Teflon-coated roof mimics Colorado's jagged, snow-covered peaks.

The airport features three-terminal layout easily navigated by a speedy underground train. Moving walkways also make getting around a snap, and 1,200 flight and baggage monitors make finding planes, bags and skis extra efficient. Other notable aspects include international cuisine options, boutique shops, 100 Internet access points, upright ski carousel, U.S. post office, medical center, pet exercise area and a multimillion-dollar art collection complete with a self-guided tour. Just pick up an art tour brochure from an airport ambassador-the ones in the white hats-and enjoy some pre-flight culture.

By the Numbers
• Current wait times at security and screening information: 303-DIA-TIPS
• Guest Services: 800-AIR-2-DEN or 2000 from a white paging telephon
• Travelers Assistance Program: 303-342-040
• Parking space availability: 303-DIA-PARK

RE: United
DEN's largest air carrier is United Airlines, which also includes United Express flights to Colorado mountain airports and the airline's new discount subsidiary, Ted. In addition to bringing the most skiers to Colorado, United Airlines has its own vacations department armed with skier-friendly air and accommodation packages.

Book an early trip to Colorado for as low as $579. Your trip includes roundtrip airfare on United Airlines*, 3 nights' hotel accomodation and 2 days of lift tickets. Travel dates are exclusive to: November 4 - 16 and December 6 - 12, 2005. For full details call 888 328 - 6877 or go to unitedvacations.com .

*Air segments may be serviced by United, Ted, United Express carriers Air Wisconsin, Chautauqua Airlines, Mesa, Republic Airlines, Shuttle America, SkyWest and Trans States and/or US Airways.

*Every flying passenger is responsible for the following charges, which are not included in the prices shown and which vary by itinerary: passenger facility charges of up to $18, air segment fees of $3.20 per domestic segment and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10. Prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy. Package is based on a Dallas origin to Winter Park Resort at the Iron Horse Resort in a sport studio room. Other Colorado resorts and other origin cities are available, prices may vary. All offers are based on availability and are subject to change without notice. Extra values, including free values, may require a qualifying purchase. Additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply. For full details, see United Vacations' Terms & Conditions

Flying High
Thirty airlines operate out of Denver International Airport, many continuing on to the ski resorts with quick regional flights to seven mountain airports. In fact, flying over Colorado's dramatic landscape may be one of the most memorable parts of a ski vacation. Getting to Telluride, for example, will take you to North America's highest commercial airport-at 9,078 feet. While some destination resorts require a short commuter flight from DEN, many ski areas have expanded the number of direct flights from major U.S. cities, making it possible to sleep in and still get in a run or two before the lifts close. With more airlines, more regional airports and more direct flights than ever, Colorado ski areas are among the most accessible in the nation.

Getting Around Ground
When you want the flexibility that a rental car offers or just need a shuttle to the slopes, head to the DIA's central atrium, where a range of car rental, bus, limo and charter shuttle kiosks will meet all your ground transportation needs. All major rental car chains, including Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty, offer skier- and mountain-friendly vehicles that sport roof racks, snow tires and four-wheel-drive options. Prefer to leave the mountain driving to the experts? Airport-based charter services roll directly to Aspen/Snowmass, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone, Steamboat Springs, Vail/Beaver Creek and Winter Park.

RE: Hertz
Hertz Car Rental will not only give you a great car, completely set up for winter and snow with ski racks and snow tires but they will also be there if you need service. Hertz can provide Emergency Roadside Assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and we're only a phone call away. Just dial 1-800-654-5060 from anywhere in the United States or Canada, and a representative of the Hertz Emergency Roadside Assistance Center will make arrangements for you to be on your way with as little down time as possible. 24 Hour Roadside Assistance is another service Hertz provides to help make certain that your trip runs smoothly from the minute you pick up your keys until you drop off your car and head for home.

Road Smarts
Driving in Colorado is unlike driving anywhere else in the county. The views are breathtaking and so is the altitude. But like everywhere else there are those things that just come with the territory: speed limits, other cars and cops. Take note.

• Making Time - Plan for about a mile a minute on major highways and a half-mile a minute on secondary highways with tight curves and lower speed limits. Double that time if it's snowing.

• Peak Hours - Traffic in the high country is rarely a problem, but peak traffic builds on I-70 westbound on Friday afternoons, and Saturday and Sunday mornings, and eastbound I-70 on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Plan accordingly or catch early slopeside breakfast or après-ski dinner.

• Speed Demons - Watch your speeds in heavily patrolled Empire (on the way to Winter Park and SolVista Basin) and Nederland (near Eldora).

Slow down on these stretches too: Colorado 82, between Basalt and Aspen; Colorado 9, between Frisco and Breckenridge; and westbound I-70 at Vail Pass.


TIPS

It's Mountain Time
Welcome to Mountain Standard Time-that's MST for short-a place where altitude, snow fall and big mountains rule the day... Here are some things that every vacationer should know:

Altitude Attitude: Mountain time is more than a time zone, it's an attitude. Remember, you don't have to be the first one on the lift. You don't have to cram a million activities into one day. Visitors and locals alike tend toward a slower pace, which allows for basking in the snow, sun, people, towns and each precious minute of your vacation.

Dressing Down: Colorado style is casual and comfy. At most mountain restaurants, the dress code is jeans, fleeces and ski hats. Après-ski resort venues, of course, welcome you in full ski garb. Still want to get dolled up? Check out the nightlife scene in Aspen, Vail or Beaver Creek.

Local Lore: When in the mountains, mix with the locals. There's much more than snow-covered slopes in Colorado. Independent towns and hearty locals make the mountain enclaves among the best places to vacation in the world. Go to the local coffee shop, read the local newspaper or tap a townie for the scoop on the morning's powder stash.

Snow Motion
When will the powder fall? How fast will it dump? How fluffy or fine? Where are the freshest freshies? Find answers to all your snow-related questions in the Snow Report section of the Colorado Ski Country web site, www.coloradoski.com. Locals rely on this official snow tabulator, updated twice a day, to give them the most accurate picture of what's happening at their favorite resort. Counting down to that ski vacation? Sign up for e-snow and have the snow report emailed to you daily or weekly. For the rare 'snowmatician,' there's even a new snow report section dedicated mountain weather, including radar images of snow storms bound for Colorado resorts. Plus more than half of Colorado Ski Country's resorts have live Web cams, so you can feel like you're right there before you're right there.

Lift Chair Trivia
It's bound to happen. You're riding up the ski lift, rubbing Gore-Tex with a local-the last thing you want is to sound like a tourist. Instant mountain know-ledge is at your fingertips. Here are a few Colorado ski facts to fill those precious minutes with something substantial:

• When was skiing first introduced into the U.S.?
   The 1830's during the gold rush.

• What group was one of the greatest influences on Colorado ski history?
   The 10th Mountain Division U.S. Army unit, which trained for high-altitude missions at Camp Hale near Leadville and Vail.

• What was one of the first uses for skis in Colorado?
   To carry the mail when trains stalled, telegraphs were down or snow prohibited travel on primitive roads.

• What are Colorado's oldest and youngest ski areas?
   Howelsen Hill (in Steamboat Springs) and Silverton (in Silverton near Durango), respectively.

• Where is the Ski Hall of Fame?
   Vail.

Information Overload
Need more information? Visit www.coloradoski.com or your favorite resort's web site. See the table of contents on page 4 for the lowdown on everything and anything related to Colorado's mountain resorts.

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