It’s that time of year when those New Orleanians weary of Carnival crowds and traffic long for an escape. Colorado ski slopes remain a favorite of city residents so we asked travel writer, author and ski instructor Lisa Blake of Breckinridge to offer advice for those heading west this month.
What to Pack
Blake’s home of Breckenridge and many of the surrounding ski towns pride themselves on being laid back, so visitors will feel comfortable dressing casually for any occasion—jeans or cotton pants, sweater or fleece jacket are the norm. You might want to include something more upscale — but warm — for a special night on the town in Aspen and Vail.
Just layer up! “Layers always stay stylish in the mountains and will easily transition from keeping you warm on your afternoon hike to keeping you cozy at happy hour,” Blake said.
Do bring 25- or 30-strength sunscreen for days on the slopes for the sun can be intense at higher elevations.
Getting There
Most people heading to Colorado to ski fly into Denver and drive the one to two hours to Summit County, where Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and Copper Mountain ski resorts are located. It’s a bit further to Vail or south to Aspen. “Because traffic on Interstate 70 from Denver to the mountains is always so heavy during ski season and the crazy snowstorms make me a nervous driver, I like to book a shared shuttle service ride with Summit Express or Peak 1 Express,” Blake said. “I read, write or sleep while the driver gets me up the hill safely.”
Adjust
Those of us from the Bayou State don’t just travel to the Rockies to rise from ground zero, we ascend altitudes from below sea level. So, it’s imperative to always have a reusable water bottle at the ready for hydrating. “At 10,000 feet,” Blake explained, “the oxygen is thinner and drinking a ton of water makes a world of difference in how you feel, sleep, headaches, energy — everything. If you start to feel the effects of altitude sickness, slow down, stay out of the hot tub, drink water and electrolytes, eat carbs, and call the pros at High Country Oxygen.” You can read more altitude adjustment advice from Blake on her blog, gobreck.com/plan-your-visit/breckenridge-altitude.
Stay
Blake suggests checking out the Airbnb or Vrbo markets if traveling as a family or with a large group of friends or multiple families. “The Airbnb market is rich with beautiful mountain homes stocked with all the comforts and perks like game rooms, theater rooms, hot tubs and saunas, easy access to the ski hills, etc.,” she said.
For those who prefer hotel amenities, there are plenty of options. However, the closer you are to the chairlifts, the more likely you’ll pay higher prices. “Hotels are also known for providing free shuttle services around town and to the ski slopes,” Blake added.
Dine
There are numerous spots throughout the ski towns and prices range from high-end restaurants to those on a more family friendly budget. Blake’s personal favorites at Breckinridge includes “Rootstalk or Briar Rose happy hour, Sancho tacos, cocktails at Ember, pizza from North Side, Italian at Giampietro’s, breakfast burritos and lattes at Cool River, donuts from Daylight.”
Seek Adventure
“Bring your sense of adventure and try something new,” Blake said. She suggests signing up for dog sledding, tubing, ice skating or cross-country skiing. Learn more from Blake, including her take on Colorado hot springs, at lisablakecreative.com.
