THERE’S SNOW PLACE LIKE THE ROCKIES

THERE’S SNOW PLACE LIKE THE ROCKIES Snow sports in the Rocky Mountains

By Sean Davies

Winter weather may spell gloomy moods to some, but on the sprawling slopes of the Rocky Mountains, snowsports athletes couldn’t be happier. In Colorado’s Telluride or nestled in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, newly fallen snow means fresh powder and a day of adventure and excitement, barreling down a pristine mountain face towards cozy enclosures offering hot drinks and a place to rest by the fire.

TELLURIDE Folks flock to Telluride for its accessibility. The variety of terrain found in Telluride allows parties of all skill levels to have the experience of traversing a mountainside. Beginners won’t feel cheated as they have green runs like the Galloping Goose, winding all the way down Bald Mountain, crisscrossing other avenues to give exciting options for multiple runs.

Photos courtesy of Telluride Ski Resort Experts will delight in the hike-to terrain like that found at Black Iron Bowl, accessible via Lift 12 (Prospect Lift) and a short hike out of Prospect Ridge. Anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes hiking time along the ridge, skiers and boarders may drop in, with some drops up to 1,000 vertical feet, and down into Prospect bowl.

Terrain parks, like Ute Park located off the Ute Park Express, give skiers and snowboarders courses to practice freestyle tricks. At Ute Park over 50 jumps, rails and other features are designed specifically for beginner and intermediate snowsports athletes to help improve their skills. Hoot Brown intermediate and advanced parks have everything else a freestyle skier could need, including a couple 20 foot jumps promising ample hang time. While it’s possible to stay at the base of the mountain in Telluride, the Mountain Village provides wine, dining and reclining on the mountain, in top notch accommodations like The Peaks Resort & Spa in Mountain Village. The resort is warm and welcoming, featuring an unmatched collection of onsite amenities, including a special ski entrance. The renowned spa features treatments that utilize their expertly-curated collection of eco-conscious beauty products. A few steps from the Gondola at the base of the Village Express (4) in the Mountain Village core, the Tomboy Tavern offers Colorado craft beers, worldclass whiskies and a meticulously curated wine list. Elevated American fare populates an approachable yet upscale menu, which can be enjoyed inside or outdoors on their patio, in view of the mountain side.

Even towards the top of the mountain, luxurious eating options are nestled amongst spectacular ski-spots. From the top of Gold Hill Express Lift (14), a ski along the See Forever Trail will not only provide 360-degree views of the San Juan Mountains, but a path down Woozley’s Way Trail to Bon Vivant, a French restaurant serving classic cuisine and contemporary creations. The allFrench wine list, curated by wine director Andrew Shaffner, is not to be overlooked... unless more skiing is also on the menu.

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JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the perfect middle ground between Jackson, Wyoming and Grand Teton Park, and not just because it’s physically in the middle of the two. The splendor of the great outdoors is buttressed by the charming Teton Village, closing the gap between rugged wilderness and town lodging.

Shopping, dining and sequestering all have a home in the heart of Teton Village. Snow forts and sledding, ice skating through town square or in front of Teton Village Sports, there’s no shortage of winter fun to be had before visitors even summit the mountains.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has 2,500 acres of variable terrain that offer something for all ability levels. The mountain features 13 lifts, including Bridger Gondola and world-famous Aerial Tram, “Big Red,” whisking skiers to over 130 named trails. With about 50 percent of the slopes designed for experts, 40 percent for intermediate and 10 percent for beginners, everyone can carve the hills ‘til the sun goes down or take lessons with one of the many competent and friendly trainers.

Solitude Station provides newcomers of all ages with the premier mountain sports school hub for anyone 8 years old and up, including adult beginners and folks who just want to brush up on their snow skills. Rentals for children and adult beginners are available, as are lift tickets for all types of skiers and riders.

Of course, dining on the mountain is as much a catered experience as riding down its well-sculpted sides, what with restaurants like Piste Mountain Bistro. Where one might expect perilous plunges, at the top of the Bridger Gondola lies delicious dishes from a new menu, promising to please everyone from frivolous foodies to casual masticators. A friendly bar and a cozy fire provide comfort, while floor-to-ceiling windows ensure the best views of the mountain and valley are not sacrificed for a warm shelter from the snow.

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