Opinions: Steamboat vs. Summit County

[soulseller]

I've done two 3 day trips to CO with my third coming up in 2 weeks. We have considered Steamboat but never that seriously. It doesn't seem worth it with the short amount of time on the ground. In previous trips we have done Winter Park, Beaver Creek, and Loveland which are listed in order of preference.

This time we are renting a house in Breck, most likely all three days will be at Breck but I reserve the right to call an audible for one of those days.

 

[jimmywilson69]

You need to go to Abasin at least one of the days. It is great skiing. they are soon opening Montezuma bowl, which is great. Skiing off of the Palli chair is some of the most difficult skiing I have ever done. way more difficult/technical than anything at Breck.

 

[ScottySkis]

I did Vail ky first trip to the West it was grooming was done twice a day. No snow 4 days I was their, I did love the bowls. I did Steamboat my 2 trip very cool mountain vibes town head shops in town, and great music, I liked the Steamboat better if the 2. Then I went to SLC and well never been back to Col.

 

[darent]

If it was me, I would do A-basin, Loveland and MaryJane. all a much shorter drive from DIA. I really like steamboat but that is a long drive. as suggested stay in frisco or dillon and save MJ for last day for a short hop back to DIA

 

[gregnye]

I've never been to Steamboat, so my view is skiewed, but I say do the summit County Thing. There are lots of affordable lodgin options in Silverthorne, Dillon, and Frisco. I recommend staying there as it is more "centrally" located to all of the Mountains.

If you have 3 days this is how I'd do it.

A-Basin Day 1
Breckenridge Day 2
Insert Loveland, Copper, Or Keystone on Day 3.

you could do Vail on Day 2 or 3 as well as it is only ~40 minutes from Dillon/Silverthorne area. You really need more than 1 day in vail though.

I have a buddy who lives in Silverthorne, so that is why we have stayed in that area. but what I found is that it is really a great place to say, because everything is a reasonable drive from your lodging. There are TONS of affordable condos to rent in that area as well. You could probably rent something for $100-$150 per day that would accomodate 2 people on VRBO.com.

My restaraunt tip is make sure you hit Q4U in Frisco. DO NOT skip this place, well if you like good barbeque anyways!

I agree with this option the best!! I have done this trip with my family and have come back again and again---I actually prefer skiing these Colorado resorts over skiing just Alta and Snowbird (in Utah).

 

[KevinF]

I've skied Summit County a fair amount. Couple things:

• Loveland and A-Basin are significantly higher than all of the other Summit County areas. I get winded walking across the parking lot at those areas. If you're worried about altitude sickness, I wouldn't go to either of those places on the first day. Sea level to 10,000+ feet in 24 hours will tax your system.
• As others have said, don't worry about Breckenridge crowds mid-week during a non-holiday period.
• To me, the "most fun" skiing in Summit County is the above-tree-line stuff -- all of those areas have lots of it. The only problem is if it's socked in by the clouds it can be seriously disorienting.
• My favorite area in Summit County is Copper. Even if the bowls aren't in play for whatever reason, the "regular" stuff below tree-line seems to be more fun than at the other Summit County areas.
• I haven't been to Steamboat in probably 20 years now... Don't really remember it that well.
• The Aspen area blows away anything in Summit or Steamboat.

 

[skiNEwhere]

Copper is legit and probably the most underrated ski resort in clear creek county

People seem to think that they just cater towards freestyle skiers/boarders, which they DO, but it's not ALL they do.

Cooper TR from last week
http://forums.alpinezone.com/showth...rder of summit county but not actually in it.

 

[Edd]

Does Frisco or Dillon have walkable downtown areas? If we choose this area Id like to limit the driving and walk to restaurants and so forth.

Also, does anyone have experience with the free bus service in that area? Is that the easiest way to get to the local ski areas? Looks good checking it out online.

 

[deadheadskier]

Both have walkable down towns. The towns aren't Breck or Steamboat, but you'll find decent beer joints.

Free bus service is pretty good. I lived out there for the summer of 93 without a car and managed to get around via the bus just fine.

 

[SKI-3PO]

The walkable part of Dillon seems a bit small - I'd say Frisco would be a better choice if that's what you're looking for.

 

[goldsbar]

I've only been to Steamboat in CO. We flew into the local airport so travel wasn't a problem. The one thing I found compared to places like JH, Alta/Bird and Whistler is that it's more like skiing a really big EC resort with great snow than the other places mentioned which are more like skiing down a "real" mountain. Challenge can be found but is much more limited. Great intermediate stuff. The town is nice but the ski area has a Walmart, tons and tons of condo rentals and plenty of people on the mountain. In other words, it doesn't feel very remote even though it basically is. I think it's a great resort for many people. I can't see going back.

 

[gmcunni]

Tough call - the drive to Steamboat is long for only 3 days of skiing -

[h=3]From Denver[/h]157 miles/250 km northwest of Denver, an easy 3 hour drive. Take I 70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Silverthorne, Exit 205 (67 miles/107 km). Take CO 9 North to Kremmling (37miles/59 km), then West on US 40 to Steamboat Springs (53 miles/85 km).


i drive 3 hours for a day trip to VT :-D

 

[SKI-3PO]

I drive 8 hours each way for a weekend trip to VT. I've also done the DIA to Steamboat drive twice in the past 3 years - once in good weather, the second in moderate snow. If you do it after a flight from the east coast - especially after dark, it's not all that fun between the blowing snow and constant signs warning you of large animals crossing. I'll take the VT drive that I'm more familiar with. Although, I'll take the Steamboat snow - especially currently.

And it's maybe 3 hours in daylight, good weather and you're flying.

 

[snoseek]

I drive 8 hours each way for a weekend trip to VT. I've also done the DIA to Steamboat drive twice in the past 3 years - once in good weather, the second in moderate snow. If you do it after a flight from the east coast - especially after dark, it's not all that fun between the blowing snow and constant signs warning you of large animals crossing. I'll take the VT drive that I'm more familiar with. Although, I'll take the Steamboat snow - especially currently.

And it's maybe 3 hours in daylight, good weather and you're flying.

I've seen really large herds right in the middle of the road just south of Kremling, like 100 plus...and they didn't want to move. Super nice drive during the day, so pretty, so western. At night you're right, I wouldn't feel comfy going over 55 with all those animals.

 

[abc]

Wait a minute! You're landing at 10am and you're not skiing that day??? I would do a half day. Same with the last day. Make it a 4 ski day trip!!!

 

[Edd]

Wait a minute! You're landing at 10am and you're not skiing that day??? I would do a half day. Same with the last day. Make it a 4 ski day trip!!!

All depends. If we stay in the Summit county area then yeah, maybe.

 

[abc]

All depends. If we stay in the Summit county area then yeah, maybe.

If I have your flight schedule, I would ski 1/2+3+1/2 = 4 days. And I'll spend those 4 days on no more than 2 mountains. e.g.: WP(half)+SB(x3)+WP(half), or Breck+Aspen(x3)+Breck.

Or, if you're staying at Summit county: Copper(2+1/2)+WP(1+1/2), or Breck(1+1/2)+A-basin(2+1/2), or Breck(1+1/2)+Vail(2+1/2)...

Going back to which place for the 3 full days, I agree with others about Aspen. Though like Summit county, you have to deal with sleeping at altitude (I wouldn't stay at Glenwood Spring, it's a long drive to do everyday)

The only place with low base altitude is indeed Steamboat. And I also agree that's a significant factor for the enjoyment of the trip to sleep at lower altitude. On the other hand, though the mountain is certainly big enough and has enough variety to satisfy any kind of skier, it's not as obvious as the Summit county mountains. Also, it's low altitude and south facing slopes will be more vulnerable to any warming of temperature. I was there 2 weeks ago. We had great condition for several days. But then, the temperature risen to nearly the thawing point. Together with the strong sun, it got icy the next day.

Also, if you landed in Denver during an active storm, the extra distance getting to Steamboat is going to feel a great deal longer!

If you don't have to lock it down in advance, I would wait till a couple days prior and let the snow dictates.

Of the Summit county mountains, they all have their own color. I personally like Copper the most. But you won't go wrong with choosing any of them. My only suggestion is to ski the same one instead of a day at each. Every single mountain is big enough to have many nooks and crannies, skiing multiple days allows you to find those stashes. More skiing, less hunting.

 

[mikestaple]

If you love glades go to Steamboat. Especially with the snow they have. Your into Denver at 10am? Can you afford the puddle jumper into Hayden? Once in Hayden you have no need for a car. Free town buses every where. No altitude sickness in Steamboat

Sick steeps are limited, but you can literally spend all day in the North St Pats area and never leave the trees.

40 can be tough. Friends did the drive last year and while there was no cattle, the road was slick.

 

[planb420]

...

 

[4aprice]

I would keep driving on 70, get a place in glenwood springs (sleep lower) and ski Aspen. Don't forget to stop off in Denver for supplies

Ah Snoseek I like the way you think. Aspen is still my favorite resort. Done the DIA-Aspen drive many times (including in snow) and never had problems. That said for 3 days almost anywhere would do as I doubt you would be able ski any area entirely. (the big resorts)


Lake Hopatcong, NJ