Snow reflections on the slopes of Vail, Co (flickr: snow sara)

Unless you are desperately waiting for the next winter storm to hit the East Coast and dump a bunch of pristinely white powder on the streets that will turn into a black slush on the side walks within a matter of hours, you are probably begging for spring to come sooner.  Maybe it’s because the winter here (and by here… I mean the general NY metropolitan area) is not quite as satisfying as how mother nature intends it to be.  Sure, the city closed down for two days after Christmas.  New Yorkers huddled under their comforters and pretended like we were stranded in our homes.  Alright alright, some of us were really stuck in our homes.

But that’s nothing compared to the gorgeous powder on the Colorado slopes.

While browsing travelzoo’s airfare deals, I found roundtrip tickets from NYC to DEN for just under $200 on fly.com! You can swap the dreary Manhattan winter for some excitement out in the Rocky Mountains for a weekend (plus a day or two).

Once you are in Denver, you can pick from a handful of resorts that are within driving distance from Denver.

Since I have never picked up any sort of winter sport and would probably die if I tried, lucky for you NYTimes has a Ski Guide in their Travel Section! Here are some articles on various locations throughout Colorado:

• Ski Guide — Vail Ski Resort recommends Riva Ridge as the Best Morning Run — “get it while it’s at its best. One of Vail’s signature runs, this is a a 4-mile-long, twisting descent that is frequently groomed top to bottom. It is not suited to beginners but will be an enjoyable test for intermediates to advanced intermediates. Another good choice, especially if you’re based in Lionshead, is the Simba trail, which has great views across the Vail Valley and is rarely crowded.”
• 36 Hours in Telluride says “a free gondola links the historic town of Telluride with the faux-European base area known as Mountain Village. Just before sunset, hop off at the gondola’s midstation, situated atop a ridge. For a civilized drink without cover bands, you’ll find Allred’s, a rustic-chic lodge with craft beers on tap. Grab a window seat for sunset views of the San Juan Mountains, or relax by the stone fireplace to the soothing sounds of Bob Israel on his piano. Shaun White wannabes, however, will want to continue down to a new terrain park with an 18-foot-high halfpipe. Illuminated by klieg lights until 8 p.m., it is one of Colorado’s few halfpipes where you can flip a McTwist under the stars”
• Resorts for Skiers of Every Type categorizes Crest Butte Mountain and Silverton Mountains for the Extreme Skiers. Steamboat Ski Resort for the family. And Aspen/Snowmass for the nonskiers.
• Ski Guide — Steamboat recommend that visitors head down for the gondola on Heavenly Daze, where you will have plenty of room to arc big giant slalom turns on fast corduroy instead of making a beeline for the mountain’s upper reaches as the Best Morning Run. 

Be on the look out for a post on what Denver itself has to offer (besides being the perfect gateway to ski country) and a 4-day weekend trip itinerary. In the mean time, happy travels!

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