Colorado snowboarding suggestions?

[fragdude]

I enjoyed going to Aspen when I tried to pick snowboarding back up. They have a mountain dedicated to easier slopes. And when my knees finally took too much of a beating, I put my skis back on and went to a harder hill. Thats my 2 cents

[bmx672]

Keystone at night is the perfect place to learn to snowboard. You can take a gondola up and walk off of it with snowboard in hand. That way you don't have to worry about boarding right off a chair and falling etc... Also at night there are hardly any people out so you have room.

[Topless]

Dj,

bmx672 is on it. I have family in Breckenridge so I know it best, but Keystone and Steamboat also have a lot to offer. A little of everything at these resorts with some of the lightest waist deep powder on the planet. Condo's should be dirt cheap this year. Have a great trip!

Here is the trail map for Breck:
http://breckenridge.snow.com/media/swf/trailmap/trailmap0708.asp

[timothy]

Don't forget my favorite, A-Basin, for excellent high-mountain intermediate and advanced terrain! The eastern wall (extreme skiing only) is at 13,050 feet, higher than any other ski terrain in North America. The blue and black runs top out around 12,400 feet and have amazing views across the mountain range. A-Basin is in Summit County, ten minutes east of Keystone on Highway 6.

http://www.arapahoebasin.com

[Dave S.]

I escaped from Rockford, IL to Colorado in 1992 and I highly recommend an extended stay - like forever.
If I was coming out here for a long weekend, I'd stay in Breckenridge and hit, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Vail - maybe even Arapahoe Basin and Loveland depending on where the best snow is at the time . They are all relatively close to each other.
Breckenridge has one of the best terrain parks for boarders, but nothing beats Vail for huge terrain and the back bowls. Copper Mountain is also very good and is generally a little less expensive.
The reason I'd stay in Breckenridge is because the town has a lot more to do in the evening, with lots of bars and restaurants and you may be able to walk to a good spot instead of having to drive.

Have a great time out here, but don't come too early. It was 80 degrees in Denver today and there is almost no natural snow in the mountains yet this year, so the early season is going to suck. I guess no matter how bad the conditions are they would still beat Alpine Valley or Devils Head ;-).

Another great thrill out here is when you bring your Boxster out in the summer and enjoy roads that were made for that car.

Dave S.

[JAAY]

If you are interested we have a house in VT. Can't wait till the season starts. VT. doesn't compare to out west but we have a real good time there. Our home is right by Okemo ski resort and Killington. I have been up to Hilltop and alyeska in alaska. I have never seen powder like that before. Sorry to hijack the post, I just can't wait to hit the trails.

[rdancd816]

I moved to Colorado from Illinois in 1987. I think a new snowboarder would enjoy what I call the "real" Colorado ski towns. These are cities that existed before the big ski resorts were built. As has been mentioned: Breckenridge, Steamboat, Aspen, are all great. Aspen is a bit difficult for boarders - especially non experts. Copper Mountain is good for beginners because it has three mountains, one for green runs, one for intermediate, and one for "expert". You tend to be going downhill with folks at your same level. If you can base your stay at Breck, Keystone, or Copper, you can ski (board) them all as they are all within about 20 minutes drive from one another. Have fun! WE NEED SNOW!! Took the Box to work today with the top down - Nov. 18th!!? Global warming?