Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Joy of Skiing together as a Family at Eldora Mountain Resort.

This last Saturday I had the opportunity to ski with my eleven year old daughter for the first time. This may not seem like a big deal but in some ways it was. The two of us fish, work horses and so forth together but most of the time Jeannine and I are on the side lines cheering the kids at a basketball or softball or volleyball game, etc. You get the picture. To actually be able to participate in a "sport" together was a joy.

We skied at Eldora Mountain Resort and Saturdays weather could not have been better. Just a little overcast, a little colder than the previous weekend but nice.

On most runs we were able to ski right onto the lifts with little to no wait! The lift attendants always had a cheerful word and a smile.

I took both the kids up Sunday for their weekly ski lesson and what a difference a day makes. The temperature at the base was 12 degrees and there was wind blowing 30 to 40 mph. Snow was falling hard horizontally and visibility was at most 200 yards.

I was very impressed that Eldora's Ski School folks were gracious enough to allow us to reschedule another weekend with no penalty. Try that at another resort. Just another example of the great management, staff and attitude at this gem of a Colorado resort.


Now I'm counting the days until the weekend and looking forward to getting out as a family on the slopes. If you too enjoy skiing as a family and are looking for a friendly place, take a look at Eldora Mountain Resort. If you're looking for family friendly après skiing, consider an evening with cookies and hot coco playing games in front of a massive fireplace at the Alps Boulder Canyon Inn.

P.S. I'll bet you'll love your room and great breakfast too!

Monday, January 18, 2010

A great family ski vacation that won't break the bank.

We gave both of our children an Eldora Mountain Resorts "Mountain Explorer Lessons 6-Pack" for Christmas. We're only 20-25 minutes from Eldora's slopes and we thought it would be a great opportunity for them and an incentive for us to make an effort to get the kids away from the Inn and outside doing something healthy as a family during the winter.

I wasn't too sure about my 6 year old son but has he ever proven my fears wrong. Both of them love skiing and are doing great. Its also been great for Jeannine and I getting us both back into a sport we both use to enjoy but slowly drifted away from due to time, work and finances. Now don't think for a minute that those issues are not still issues, they are, however Eldora truly is fun and affordable skiing convenient to the front range and all its amenities.

I'm not saying that Eldora Mountain Resort is on par with Aspen, Vail or Beaver Creek, it's not. But if you're still waiting for your "bailout bonus check" and would like to find a great family ski vacation at a "locals" price, you should check out Eldora which is just a short commute from Boulder.

Eldora Mountain Resort has made skiing more affordable than ever offering their lodging partners a "Boulder Ski Escape" $ 39 discounted full day adult or $29 children's lift tickets. Lift tickets are $ 65 at the resort, that's a savings of $ 26 per adult!

If you're on the fence about a ski vacation this year due to the economy you should really consider Eldora Mountain Resort and the "Boulder Ski Escape" package. A Colorado ski vacation has never been more affordable.


I also suggest you check out the Alps Boulder Canyon Inn and Boulderskiing.com, we're Boulder's closest lodging to Eldora's slopes, a great ski get-a-way and are offering the best ski package rates we've offered in years.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Another Day in Ski Paradise at Eldora Mountain Resort

I'm a rusty advanced intermediate skier that has slowed down as I've grown long in the tooth. A couple of horse wrecks involving broken shoulders, ribs, hands, etc. and things just don't work quite like they use to.

I've got a pair of Atomic parabolic "Shaped" skis but today the great folks at Eldora Mountain Resort were nice enough to let me try a pair of their new "Premium" line of rental skis. WOW! Eldora's experienced fitters set me up with a pair of Volkl Unlimited 50 170's shorter and wider than my Atomic's and put me in a pair of Technica Diablo boots because of my wide calves.

I was skeptical about the Technica Diablo boots, having always skied Solomon and Rossi's but honestly it's the first time in a long time my feet and calves have actually been comfortable for a full day of skiing. Really comfortable! After all these years I just didn't think that was possible. It looks like you'll be seeing my old boots on Craig's list.

As for the skis, I'll say it again. WOW! The technological improvements in ski equipment continue to amaze me. These skis were so easy to ski, I loved them.

As for the day, completely amazing! 40+ degrees, little to no wind, good snow, no people and no lines we skied right on the lifts. It was like the perfect day that everyone forgot to go skiing.

My wife Jeannine decided to take a lesson. Eldora's Ski School set her up with Gail Reichert. Gail's been instructing at Eldora since the 70's. Jeannine loved Gail and the personal instruction she got really helped her to perfect her skills and improve her self confidence. Thanks Gail.

I also want to thank Kristin and Rob with Eldora's marketing group for making this day possible along with our innkeeper Rachel who held down the fort back at the Alps Boulder Canyon Inn while Jeannine and I got out.

Well neadless to say Jeannine and I are both looking forward to sneaking out again to enjoy the great people and skiing at Eldora Mountain Resort.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

A Perfect Colorado Ski Day at Eldora Mountain Resort!

We spent the day skiing at Eldora Mountain Resort. Glorious! Great snow, clear blue sunny skies, warm, a perfect Colorado day on the slopes.

Our two kids both took a lesson and I couldn't believe what a great deal Eldora has at their ski school. A full day lesson 9:30am-3:15pm, equipment rental, lunch and snacks for $99 and that includes the lift ticket! Class size seemed to only be around 8.

Kids get to use the "Magic Carpet" lift which is so much easier than trying to learn using a rope tow, t-bar or chair lift.
Both our ten year old daughter and six year old son learned lots, had GREAT times and can't wait to get back.

If you're a little rusty, have never skied before or have children, Eldora Mountain Resort's ski school has a tremendous reputation and I will personally vouch for it. You should give it a try.

Need lodging? Check out the Boulder Ski Escape packages offered by the Alps Boulder Canyon Inn. After a day of skiing, the Alps is just a short drive from Eldora Mountain Resort.

Relax with a glass of wine in front of your rooms real wood burning fireplace or rejuvenate weary muscles in a room with a double "Jacuzzi" tub for two.

Don't forget to enjoy the Inn's nightly selection of complementary homemade desserts. I highly recommend the Key lime pie.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Boulder Ski Escape Packages for 2010

Looking for primo skiing and boarding conditions? 2010 is already shaping up to be another record snow year at Eldora Mountain Resort.

The Alps Boulder Canyon Inn, has terrific Boulder Ski Escape package deals starting at just $39/person for an adult full day lift ticket combined with an additional 15% off the Inn's already discounted winter season rates which means you've got a great ski vacation in the making at a very affordable price!

The Alps is "all inclusive". Our chef prvides a daily selection of delicious breakfasts in time for a full days skiing. Fresh baked cookies, teas, coffee and hot coco are available throughout the day. We are known for our homemade desserts available every evening.
All of the Alps' luxurious guest rooms feature working fireplaces with beautiful antique mantles, King or queen size beds, "Mission Style" furninshings, air conditioning, DirecTV/DVD, in-room music, ceiling fans, stain-glass windows, L'Occitane spa and bath amenities. Many rooms feature two-person "Jacuzzi" whirlpool tubs.

Many additional spa, bath and business amenities including complementary wireless and ethernet high-speed internet, local and domestic long-distance calling.

The Alps Boulder Canyon Inn is truly your "1st choice" for premium lodging when skiing Eldora Mountain Resort or staying in the Boulder area.

Check us out at http://www.alpsinn.com/ or on or Boulder Ski Escape site at http://www.boulderskiing.com/ and look for terrific Boulder Ski Escape packages that will make this winter's ski vacation both a great day on the slopes and a wonderful and relaxing night away.