Tips and tricks from someone who’s been there—a lot.
Ski resort are seat of nail charm and curiosity . In the winter , their mountain are filled with hundreds — if not thousand — of people zipping down ( and up ) the slope , having a grand older time . You might not know it , but sometimes I ’m at these repair , too . Though to be clear , I ’m not one of those people hurtle down exorbitant mountainsides with two flat , skinny boards attached to my feet . I ’m not even among those who have opted for a individual wider board upon which to fling myself downhill . No , I ’m not a skier , nor am I a snowboarder , my wintertime sports career long since cut short by a nasty capitulation and subsequent offend ego . What I am is the momma of two snowboard stripling , and therefore a sometimes - visitor of almost every ski refuge across the Rockies .
I know I ’m not the only non - skier who may end up shoot the breeze resorts with acquaintance or family during any given ski time of year . But out of sheer necessity , my years of trying to think of myself while on mom duty at ski resort hotel have given me a good deal of soundness . I know what to do when I ’m there , and I also know how to go in among those who do n’t partake in my dislike for throwing myself down side at terrific speeds . If you ’re a non - skier dreading your next vacation at Mount Such - and - Such , there ’s no grounds why your trip has to be filled with fear or ennui . Here ’s a lowdown on how to have an astonishing clock time at aski holiday resort , even if you do n’t actually ski .
Things to Do in Aspen (Beyond Skiing)
The prices don’t have to be as high as the peaks.
Take advantage of other activities on the mountain
Sitting around the fire in the Sir Oliver Lodge can get boring after a while , so you ’ll definitely want to take advantage of other activities offer by the recourse . Some of my go - tos aresnowshoeingandfat biking . They are tiring workouts , just like skiing and snowboarding , so you will have something to vaunt about in the eventide with the balance of the crew . Big Sky Resortoffers a two - hourguided snowshoe tour , during which you could explore the peaceful Moose Tracks Gully . Crested Butte Mountain Resortofferson - flock fatness bikingduring non - lift hours . As one of the top mountain biking terminus in the country , it is no surprisal the resort was one of the first to leave fat biking on ski trails . Another democratic activity you’re able to find in most ski resorts issnow tube , which find like a safer way to get your snow jollies , in my opinion .
One of my personal favorite activities , however , isriding the gondolaup and down the mountain . This satisfy my indigence to get a bird ’s optic view from the top of the deal without sacrificing comfort . I love thePalisades Tahoe Aerial Tramthat adopt you all the way up to a mellow coterie with views ofLake Tahoe . A close second is the freeBreckConnect gondolaatBreckenridge , which takes you from the town center to the Peak 8 base .
If you desire a slightly more parentage - pumping , off - the - beaten - course adventure , try bounder going . Resorts likeBig SkyandPocono Mountains in Pennsylvaniaoffer dog going packages where you’re able to see epic landscapes while sitting in the sled pulled by endearing canines — while someone else does the driving , of path .
Visit Jackson Hole
Big Sky Is Montana’s Ultimate Year-Round Mountain Escape
Step aside, snowbirds.
Get to know the lingo
Most snowboarders and skier expend words that might be unfamiliar to a non - skier or newbie . It ’s not purely necessary to memorize the slang , but doing so could save you some discombobulation . I will never leave the first time I heard the Holy Writ “ gnarly ” and “ grown dump ” used in the same time , as an instructor was learn my kids during their first lesson almost ten years ago . uncalled-for to say , I was absolutely baffled . I vividly remember reassuring him that my five - yr - old was , in fact , potty trail . Later , amidst much laughter , I realized that he have in mind that the recent heavy snowfall ( the so - called “ big garbage dump ” ) think of it was sure to be a fun daytime on the slopes — totally gnarly . In that same nervure , “ Gallic fries ” and “ pizza ” refer to the position of the skies when going downhill , particularly if youngster are involve . And if you hang up out with snowboarders , you might overhear them speak about whether they ride “ unconstipated ” or “ goofy . ” They ’re not peach about whether they do comedic moves on the side , though ; these term are used to discover the dominant metrical unit while snowboard .
Explore the town
Many resorts have a robust base build around them , result in charmingski townsthat offer a whole legion of thing to see and do . Notable among these is search the sphere ’s culinary tantrum , which you might regain to be eclectic , edgy , and creative , in hold with the vibration of the ski and snowboard community . For good example , Jackson Hole , Wyoming ’s immense tourist universe warrants Graeco-Roman and modern eats of all sort . Pinky G ’s pizzeriahas even been have on Food connection’sDiners , thrust - Ins & Dives .
Ski town and resorts may also have their own coffee polish . From indie cafes and roasters likeInk Coffeein Aspen toBonfire Coffeein Snowmass , you are bound to notice something unique and flavoursome .
If you get well-worn of exhaust and drinking , retard out the expanse ’s shop , spas , and more — you may always need your hotel to urge some selection .
Relax and enjoy the downtime
While I am all for having an participating vacation , sometimes doing nothing has its charm . Almost all resort hotel , like Teton Village in Jackson Hole , or Breckenridge in Colorado , have an outdoor fervor pit where you’re able to relax . snaffle a book and a hot chocolate from the on - web site cafe and savor the scenery . Some resort hotel , like Big Sky , orTaos Ski Valleyin New Mexico , have community library . Imagine suffer time to start and finish a Scripture uninterrupted — a rare goody for most of us these days , but especially for parents .
you could even just choose to hang out by the pool . Hotel Terra , in the heart of Teton Village , has an outdoor heated pool that offers stunning view of the coke - cap Tetons , andthe recreation centre in Breckenridgehas indoor and outdoor pools that are loose to the public . For a small fee , you may enjoy a therapeutic soak or even the steam elbow room and sauna , which is a truly blissful experience when the remote temperature magnetic dip to the individual digits .
20 Amazing Airbnbs in America’s Best Ski Towns
Here’s where to stay when you want to hit the slopes.
At the closing of the solar day , vacationing at a ski resort hotel is n’t so different from vacationing at any other stamping ground . You ’ll find plenty of amenities for everyone — skiers and non - skiers likewise . So , if you require to sip a spiked hot coffee and view other people zip down the mountain without you , that ’s more than okay . Do n’t countenance anyone tell you otherwise .
Fat biking, like skiing and snowboarding, is a real workout.|The Wort Hotel
Ride a gondola to get a bird’s eye view from the top of the mountain.|Palisades Tahoe
One might call this large amount of snow a “big dump,” whether you’re skiing or dogsledding.|Visit Jackson Hole
There’s plenty to do in charming ski towns, especially if you like to eat.|Vail on Sale
If you want to sip a spiked hot chocolate and watch other people zip down the mountain, that’s more than okay.|Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail
