Ski Colorado
It’s only partly because the Rocky Mountains and the less famous but still fabulous San Juan Mountains run right through the state of Colorado that makes this state such a wonderful place for skiing. Thousands of people flock here every year to enjoy the slopes, which are carefully maintained for only the most perfect skiing conditions and because there are so many mountains to choose from, these slopes don’t often get too crowded for people to enjoy skiing comfortably. Not only is the amount of runs and peaks numerous among the ski resorts, the ski resorts themselves are also densely populated throughout Colorado. Wherever you find yourself in this state, there is sure to be somewhere close by where you can strap on a ski or snowboard and head for the hills!
There are both public ski runs and ski resorts that all skiers, whether they are beginners or experts, will find not only perfectly suitable for skiing but that also have many other amenities and activities for when visitors tire of skiing and want to enjoy the other services. Once on the slopes, there are very defined trails which people will find offer the best rides and the best conditions. Visitors are warned to stay within these boundaries, not only for their own safety but also because veering outside of them can carry heavy fines. The resorts and other ski runs do offer some of the very best conditions in the world however along the trails with fresh powder constantly being added and little to no ice found in it. Tourists come from all over the world to experience these wonderful mountains with outstanding conditions and they are never disappointed!
Although the downhill ski conditions in Colorado are exhilarating, there are also many wonderful opportunities in the valleys and along the plateaus that offer wonderful cross-country skiing. It is here that visitors that ski in and around nature, enjoying trails and runs that offer a taste of Colorado that you just can’t get anywhere else! The wintry conditions in Colorado provide for its own natural powder to cover the ground in inches yet it is so light that skiers will feel as though they’re actually floating along instead of skiing!
Skiing is such a huge part of Colorado’s tourism industry that you can find the current conditions and open runs just about anywhere. It’s easy to find out which resort has the best conditions by doing a quick comparison by calling ski resorts, looking in a local paper, or asking at any of the hotels. The resorts and public ski areas do often have snack areas and places where one can grab a coffee, hot chocolate, or even a quick bite to eat. However, the prices vary greatly with some of the more touristy-type resorts charging very high prices for food especially. This may be another consideration that visitors may want to take into consideration when comparing different resorts.
Colorado Ski Country USA recognized the Annual Colorado Ski Industry Award winners on June 12, 2008. This event was held at their 45th Annual Meeting and Forum at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. These awards are an annual tradition for Colorado Ski Country USA and its members. It honors outstanding leaders in the ski industry for their hard work, commitment, and unique contributions to the Colorado Ski Industry. According to an Official Press Release in Denver, Colorado on June 17, 2008, the Colorado Ski Country organization announced that Melanie Mills assumed the role of president and CEO of the 45-year-old not-for-profit trade association. The change took effect on June 13, 2008 during the annual meeting and forum. Melanie has experience in the ski industry and a keen grasp of the big picture for Colorado tourism which made her the unanimous choice of the Ski Country board, said Tom Jankousky. Mr. Jankousky is the chairman of the Colorado Ski Country USA Board of Trustees. Melanie Mills is the 10th president of the 45 year-old-association and is the first women to hold the position.
There are nearly 31,000 jobs in Colorado’s skiing industry. About 14 percent of the jobs are tourism in the state. Go to the website at: http://www.coloradoski.com/Company/Jobs where jobs are posted for Colorado Ski Country USA. These job offerings are form Colorado’s 26 resorts and other sport tip-offs they receive. Some kinds of jobs available in the Colorado Ski industry are snowcat driver, writer, ski instructor, and public relations professional. Some jobs include competitive pay, free season ski passes, discounts in food and beverage operations, rental shops, ski patrol, children’s ski, and/or snowboard instructors.
The Summit Pass is a season pass for unlimited skiing and riding at Keystone, Breckenridge, and Arapahoe Basin. The Summit Pass used to be called the Buddy Pass. The prices are $399 for adults, $309 for teens, and $199 for children. For $40 more, you can get a Colorado Pass™ that’s for unlimited and unrestricted skiing and riding at Keystone, Breckenridge, and Arapahoe Basin. You also get 10 days at Vail and Beaver Creek. You cannot use the Summit Pass or Colorado Pass at Vail and Beaver Creek during November 28-29, 2009, December 27, 2008-January 2, 2009, and February 14-15, 2009. You can also buy an Epic Pass™. The 2008/09 Epic pass is a season pass that’s for unlimited skiing and riding at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly (Lake Tahoe), and Arapahoe Basin with no blackout dates. When you buy any of these passes and give your e-mail address, you will automatically become a member of the Colorado Pass Club. You’ll receive exclusive member-only benefits, freebies, and more. You’ll receive six ski-with-a-friend tickets, so your friends and family can go skiing for a discounted rate. The tickets will be loaded onto your pass. There are other benefits available when you buy any of these passes.
