Me and my good friends are taking a trip to Colorado to have some fun. This will be my first time ever attempting to ski/snowboard. Looking for do/don'ts and what you have had the most fun doing in Breckenridge. A lot of people tell me skiing just isn't near as fun as snowboarding and not to waste my time. Others have said they'd rather ride snowmobiles all day. I will probably only do this once or twice so what do you suggest for outterwear? Buy used on fleabay or what? I don't want to spend more than I need to. Thx in advance... I'm looking forward to this trip.
Ski/Snowboarding Trip to Colorado
- Thread starter SirChadwick
- Start date
Will do for real. I live at Starbucks here in Atlanta... Gingerbread and Pumpkin spice Frapps FTW!
If you've never skiied or boarded before, prepare to spend a lot of time falling down the mountain. Seriously.
You might find it useful to enroll in a beginners lesson for whichever downhill method you want to try and learn.
You might find it useful to enroll in a beginners lesson for whichever downhill method you want to try and learn.
Meh....Breck is overated and too crowded IMO, but that might be your thing especially being a newb to the slopes. For your first time, you'll probably have more fun on a snowboard than skis, first time out on skis can get you frustrated quickly. Rent your board/skis and boots there onsite.
A simple pair of ski bibs will serve you well, but I suggest a decent pair of water/snow proof pants that will keep you warm and wear some thermals underneath. Personally I dont feel as movement restricted that way. Get a coat that has a zip out lining with a water proof breathable shell. You think it will be cold all the time up there but once you get to playing and having fun, you may soon discover you need to break down some layers to stay comfortable. Dont forget a beanie of some sort that will cover your ears. You are likely to find some suitable gear at a Goodwill or Salvation Army stores. I have seen lots of used ski gear in those places from time to time. Goggles arent really necessary IMO if you can find a cheap pair of UV protection wrap around sunglasses. Make sure your gloves are comfy and waterproof also.
WEAR SUNSCREEN ON ANY EXPOSED SKIN AREAS ON YOUR FACE, and make it a high SPF rating. Sunburn at altitude is the worst
DRINK LOTS OF LIQUIDS. Altitude sickness is real, and it sucks
Bring granola bars, pop tarts, and beef jerky. That way you dont have to stop skiing to eat
Have fun!
A simple pair of ski bibs will serve you well, but I suggest a decent pair of water/snow proof pants that will keep you warm and wear some thermals underneath. Personally I dont feel as movement restricted that way. Get a coat that has a zip out lining with a water proof breathable shell. You think it will be cold all the time up there but once you get to playing and having fun, you may soon discover you need to break down some layers to stay comfortable. Dont forget a beanie of some sort that will cover your ears. You are likely to find some suitable gear at a Goodwill or Salvation Army stores. I have seen lots of used ski gear in those places from time to time. Goggles arent really necessary IMO if you can find a cheap pair of UV protection wrap around sunglasses. Make sure your gloves are comfy and waterproof also.
WEAR SUNSCREEN ON ANY EXPOSED SKIN AREAS ON YOUR FACE, and make it a high SPF rating. Sunburn at altitude is the worst
DRINK LOTS OF LIQUIDS. Altitude sickness is real, and it sucks
Bring granola bars, pop tarts, and beef jerky. That way you dont have to stop skiing to eat
Have fun!
I'll be going to Keystone in Feb.
Who should I tell is sayiong hio to Katie and Jodi ??
And are they hot ??
Skiing is easy.
I had never done skiing of any kind and the first time I went, my friends just took me up there and told me to fly.
And fly I did. I didn't know how to stop and almost went off the cliff.
By the 3rd run, I was good to go.
Now snowboarding is another story story.
I could never get a hang of it and almost quit.
Glad I kept up with it because snowboarding is just funner for me.
If you plan to go on a regular basis, learn to snowboard no matter how frustrated you get.
If not, ski. You will learn it quicker.
I had never done skiing of any kind and the first time I went, my friends just took me up there and told me to fly.
And fly I did. I didn't know how to stop and almost went off the cliff.
By the 3rd run, I was good to go.
Now snowboarding is another story story.
I could never get a hang of it and almost quit.
Glad I kept up with it because snowboarding is just funner for me.
If you plan to go on a regular basis, learn to snowboard no matter how frustrated you get.
If not, ski. You will learn it quicker.
CO is OK for skiing. Been to all of the majors and a couple minors. I still think Jackson Hole is better tha any CO resort, by far.
Jodi is ok, Katie is meh.....
Both would be ok for a "drunken night of pleasure".....
Both are really good snowboarders though, and live in the employee housing.
Katie is more my friend than Jodi, tell her Jon from Monroe says hi
ViviTheMage
Lifer
Originally posted by: MX2times
Meh....Breck is overated and too crowded IMO, but that might be your thing especially being a newb to the slopes. For your first time, you'll probably have more fun on a snowboard than skis, first time out on skis can get you frustrated quickly. Rent your board/skis and boots there onsite.
A simple pair of ski bibs will serve you well, but I suggest a decent pair of water/snow proof pants that will keep you warm and wear some thermals underneath. Personally I dont feel as movement restricted that way. Get a coat that has a zip out lining with a water proof breathable shell. You think it will be cold all the time up there but once you get to playing and having fun, you may soon discover you need to break down some layers to stay comfortable. Dont forget a beanie of some sort that will cover your ears. You are likely to find some suitable gear at a Goodwill or Salvation Army stores. I have seen lots of used ski gear in those places from time to time. Goggles arent really necessary IMO if you can find a cheap pair of UV protection wrap around sunglasses. Make sure your gloves are comfy and waterproof also.
WEAR SUNSCREEN ON ANY EXPOSED SKIN AREAS ON YOUR FACE, and make it a high SPF rating. Sunburn at altitude is the worst
DRINK LOTS OF LIQUIDS. Altitude sickness is real, and it sucks
Bring granola bars, pop tarts, and beef jerky. That way you dont have to stop skiing to eat
Have fun!
breck isn't too bad. Might not be so crowded now because it's not part of the KAB 4 pack anymore...just a guess. However, they have wide runs so it's good for a beginner snowboarder...plenty of room to practice your turns. It was kinda plain when I went there last year. Copper seems like a nicer resort with better facilities and a more "resort-ish" atmosphere. (If you've ever been to Whistler/Blackcomb, you'll know what I mean - they're both owned by Intrawest)
Should be fun, snow should be good. Prime snow season is March if you can wait until then. Not sure if you've skied or snowboarded in Colorado before, but it's dry snow up there and it's really fluffy and great to board on...unlike the snow in Vancouver which is wet and heavy.
Should be good times. I've been going up there (a mix of Copper, Breck and Keystone) every year for the last 4 years and it's always been great. Just dress properly for it.
Having snowboarded for about 8 years now, and taught a few lessons... Here are two helpful hints.
- Learn to carve from the start. Attempting to make it down a hill on a flat board in the beginning will do nothing other then put you on your butt all day.
- The faster you go, the easier snowboarding is, When I learned, I started off on bigger hills, learned how to carve then took to the little hills. Now, the Green runs in Colorado should be good enough.
- Learn to carve from the start. Attempting to make it down a hill on a flat board in the beginning will do nothing other then put you on your butt all day.
- The faster you go, the easier snowboarding is, When I learned, I started off on bigger hills, learned how to carve then took to the little hills. Now, the Green runs in Colorado should be good enough.
For us non-boarders, what do you mean by carve.
I'm normally a skiier but decided to try my luck at boarding this past weekend and well, my entire body hurts. I haven't decided whether i'm normal or goofy yet. Normal, I like how my stronger right leg can easily change directions of the board, while goofy, I feel putting more weight on my right leg.
Any tips? I got the easy one, using the back/heel edge of the board, but always fall when I make the transition over to leaning on the forward/toe edge.
About four years ago I completed my seond trip in two years to Colorado - I've been to four resorts... Brekenridge seemed to be the trendy spot for twenty somethings. Vail was huge and awesome and the farther you got away from the frontside the less crowded it got. Keystone had night skiing so you could make a really long day out of going to Keystone. A-basin was too tough for me (intermedite skier).
Mo0o
Lifer
- Jul 31, 2001
- 24,227
- 3
- 76
each time you carve, during the part of the turn withn your board is facing forwards you'll speed up pretty quickly for a moment. people tend to freak out. the key is to just keep looking in the direction you want to turn and follow through. i know it sounds cheesey but TRUST YOURSELF. the more you freak out, then more you'll want to sit on your ass during the moment it's quick and thats when you have the least control over your board.
Mo0o
Lifer
- Jul 31, 2001
- 24,227
- 3
- 76
As far as clothing go, you should look into overalls for the bottom. i know they look dorkier but once you put on a jacket you can't tell and it'll be a big help when you start wiping out. It's easy for snow to go down the back when you just have pants.
if you're really only doing this once or twice then theres no point in getting really good goggles, as long as they offer some UV protection. if its not a sunny day and its snowing then goggles become pretty clutch.
a thick waterproof snowboarding jacket can be used for just general winterwear so you can spend a little more on that
hats, just get soething that goes down to your ears
gloves, i know northface makes gloves with an removable inside layer. it's pricier but its pretty sweet since you can dry out the inside much quicker that way. if this is your first time pretty much everything is going to get wet. when yo'ure tumbling down a hill snow has a way of finding every gap in your armor
if you're really only doing this once or twice then theres no point in getting really good goggles, as long as they offer some UV protection. if its not a sunny day and its snowing then goggles become pretty clutch.
a thick waterproof snowboarding jacket can be used for just general winterwear so you can spend a little more on that
hats, just get soething that goes down to your ears
gloves, i know northface makes gloves with an removable inside layer. it's pricier but its pretty sweet since you can dry out the inside much quicker that way. if this is your first time pretty much everything is going to get wet. when yo'ure tumbling down a hill snow has a way of finding every gap in your armor
The most common mistake beginner tend to do is to put weight on their back foot.
They are afraid if they put weight on the front foot, they will go faster and lose control.
Its important to put weight on the front foot so you have control of your turns.
Turning left and right often gives you controls and let you go how fast you want to go.
Its a little hard at first to trust leaning with your front foot first but when you get it, you just know it.
They are afraid if they put weight on the front foot, they will go faster and lose control.
Its important to put weight on the front foot so you have control of your turns.
Turning left and right often gives you controls and let you go how fast you want to go.
Its a little hard at first to trust leaning with your front foot first but when you get it, you just know it.
surfing is leaning on your back foot - 'boarding is leaning on the front foot. i agree learning to carve straight out is going to help you much more then attempting to go straight down the hill
too bad the northeast suck a$$ for ski/'boarding right now. i'd kill to get into CO and hit some serious resorts!!
I think some people are skiers, some are boarders, and some are both. I was very comfortable with skiing in less than two days. At the end of my day of boarding, my wrists were very sore, and I was still on the bunny slope.
Some tips: Cheap Gore-tex bib pants and a jacket from eBay are what I wear, they keep me warm and dry. Layers are key. I layer up with a flannel jacket or three underneath, depending on how cold it is. My legs have been good down to 10F or so with just jeans and bibs on. Socks are important; Spend the $10 or so and grab a pair of SmartWool or some other sock with a good wicking action that's comfortable. Cotton socks are can make for a miserable day, especially if they happen to get wet. For headgear, I personally prefer a balaclava to a stocking hat; my face is sensitive to cold, though. Cheap goggles will suffice, but they tend to fog easily if you exhale onto them, or if you work up a steady sweat. The worst thing you can do is take them off and/or wipe them off, especially on the inside. They'll clear faster if you just leave them on. If you wipe off the anti-fog coating, some Kat Krap (available at ski shops) will really help.
If you decide to go with the skis, here's a few tips that might really help keep you on your feet in turns; I just wish somebody had told me from the get-go!
~Don't snowplow/wedge to stop. Keep your skis parallel and turn to the side hard enough to break traction, so you're sliding sideways down the hill. If you keep your skis parallel, you're still in control and can pull out of the slide when you want. If you're making a right-hand turn, shift your weight to your LEFT leg, lean into the turn, and turn your ankles in so you're on the right-side edges on your skis. It take a bit of practice, but the sooner you get to where you can shift alot of weight to your outside ski, the better. The idea is to have the inside (uphill) edge of your downhill (outside) ski control your turn, with your uphill ski just following along for the ride. The two keys here are to get used to transferring your weight to that downhill ski; I was nervous at first, but once I got used to putting all my weight on the downhill ski, my turn abilities improved immensely. The other key is to turn those ankles in far enough that the downhill edges on your skis don't catch on bumps or patches of snow.
Another important tip for when you are finally comfortable with skiing but want to improve your turns some more: Keep your chest and shoulders pointed downhill, and focus your eyes on where you want to go. Your lower body should be making the turns, so you there's much less negative transfer of momentum. I was a mediocre skier for days, not comfortable with taking steep runs since I couldn't carve turns back and forth very fast. Once someone took 30 minutes to coach me on keeping my upper body pointed downhill throughout the turns, and to throw all my weight on the outside ski, I suddenly was tearing up the worst Copper Mountain had to offer, and it felt easy.
If you want cheap rentals, go to Virgin Islands ski shop in Dillon. It's on the west side of the main drag in a strip mall, just south of I-70. Last season skis/boots/poles could be had for $12/day, and snowboards/boots for $20/day. That was much cheaper than any other place I've priced in Summit County.
Some tips: Cheap Gore-tex bib pants and a jacket from eBay are what I wear, they keep me warm and dry. Layers are key. I layer up with a flannel jacket or three underneath, depending on how cold it is. My legs have been good down to 10F or so with just jeans and bibs on. Socks are important; Spend the $10 or so and grab a pair of SmartWool or some other sock with a good wicking action that's comfortable. Cotton socks are can make for a miserable day, especially if they happen to get wet. For headgear, I personally prefer a balaclava to a stocking hat; my face is sensitive to cold, though. Cheap goggles will suffice, but they tend to fog easily if you exhale onto them, or if you work up a steady sweat. The worst thing you can do is take them off and/or wipe them off, especially on the inside. They'll clear faster if you just leave them on. If you wipe off the anti-fog coating, some Kat Krap (available at ski shops) will really help.
If you decide to go with the skis, here's a few tips that might really help keep you on your feet in turns; I just wish somebody had told me from the get-go!
~Don't snowplow/wedge to stop. Keep your skis parallel and turn to the side hard enough to break traction, so you're sliding sideways down the hill. If you keep your skis parallel, you're still in control and can pull out of the slide when you want. If you're making a right-hand turn, shift your weight to your LEFT leg, lean into the turn, and turn your ankles in so you're on the right-side edges on your skis. It take a bit of practice, but the sooner you get to where you can shift alot of weight to your outside ski, the better. The idea is to have the inside (uphill) edge of your downhill (outside) ski control your turn, with your uphill ski just following along for the ride. The two keys here are to get used to transferring your weight to that downhill ski; I was nervous at first, but once I got used to putting all my weight on the downhill ski, my turn abilities improved immensely. The other key is to turn those ankles in far enough that the downhill edges on your skis don't catch on bumps or patches of snow.
Another important tip for when you are finally comfortable with skiing but want to improve your turns some more: Keep your chest and shoulders pointed downhill, and focus your eyes on where you want to go. Your lower body should be making the turns, so you there's much less negative transfer of momentum. I was a mediocre skier for days, not comfortable with taking steep runs since I couldn't carve turns back and forth very fast. Once someone took 30 minutes to coach me on keeping my upper body pointed downhill throughout the turns, and to throw all my weight on the outside ski, I suddenly was tearing up the worst Copper Mountain had to offer, and it felt easy.
If you want cheap rentals, go to Virgin Islands ski shop in Dillon. It's on the west side of the main drag in a strip mall, just south of I-70. Last season skis/boots/poles could be had for $12/day, and snowboards/boots for $20/day. That was much cheaper than any other place I've priced in Summit County.
- Oct 30, 2000
- 42,589
- 5
- 0
In 00-01, I put in a ski lift at Keystone.
Make sure that you dress with warm layered clothing.
Also, If you are not used to the altitude; plan on taking it easy the first day. You become winded very very early.
Make sure that you dress with warm layered clothing.
Also, If you are not used to the altitude; plan on taking it easy the first day. You become winded very very early.
Scarpozzi
Lifer
- Jun 13, 2000
- 26,392
- 1,780
- 126
You're new, spend time on peak 7 if it's open. 8 and 9 are steeper.
You might want to consider checking out Copper Mountain while you're there. It's smaller, but usually less crowded too. It actually had more snow than Vail, Breck, and Keystone the last couple of times I went.
I wish I could go with you....I probably won't get out west this year due to money committments.
You might want to consider checking out Copper Mountain while you're there. It's smaller, but usually less crowded too. It actually had more snow than Vail, Breck, and Keystone the last couple of times I went.
I wish I could go with you....I probably won't get out west this year due to money committments.
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