The Rocky Mountains dominate about half of the Colorado landscape with big rolling hills towering over the high planes at over 14,000 feet. There are a number of distinct regions within Colorado which make for excellent riding and the majority of the snow resorts are well developed with the best lift technology and terrain parks and pipes.

The Summit County and Vail regions of the state are a hot pick of the destinations for a touring snowboarder. Whether your journey be for a week or a season, the opportunities for riding in these areas are huge. The Interstae 70 will bring you directly, or within a short drive to an array of world famous resorts such as Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Beaver Creek and Vail.

However, away from the I-70 resorts riders can enjoy a shit load of sick resorts such as Steamboat, Winter Park and the Apen bunch.

Snowboarding in Colorado

Being located so far from the coast and in the middle of the dessert, Colorado resorts receive incredibly dry snow with reliable seasons and good weather. Unlike the Pacific North West and East Coast where rain, fog and ice can plague resorts for days/weeks on end, the weather in Colorado is generally consistent with storms bringing the powder in between sunny breaks. Most resorts brag between 250 and 350 inches a year in snow and usually the most snow falls in March.

The weather and snow conditions in Summit and Vail Countys' are unique and also vary within the area itself. Generally and usually, the most snow falls in March however, on the continental divide such as at A-Basin, the bigger dumps can occur in April. Snow conditions will vary per resort according to the elevation and which way the slopes face. A-Basin gets the most snow in the area and holds it longer due to its elevation and 62% of North facing slopes. Breckenridge's easterly facing slopes mean that spring snowboarding comes a little earlier each year than Keystone and Copper. Copper's slopes are mostly north facing so like A-Basin, the snow can stay longer and firmer during the season. Although Keystone receives the least amount of snow in the region, it has extensive snowmaking capabilities.

Accommodation

You have various accommodation options when staying in Colorado. Firstly, you can stay in the resort villages. This is more affordable if you secure a package deal which may offer passes and lodging all together. However, don't expect a killer deal this way because you will pay for the "Ski in Ski out" convenience.

Secondly, you can stay in a nearby town in a motel if it is short term, or a condo if you have a few more bucks or a big group to split the cost with. If you want to spend your time in Summit County, then the towns of Frisco or Dillon (both located on the I-70) are the most likely places where you will get some accommodation.

Frisco Colorado

Frisco is the major town that services the resorts of Summit County. It is circled by Loveland Pass, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breakenridge, Copper Mountain and Vail. If you are planning to ride at any of these resorts then Frisco is the affordable choice for accommodation. The best place to stay in Frisco is the Alpine Inn .

Frisco is a fairly sizeable town and has its fair share of quality restaurants and bars. A good restaurant to check out is the Backcountry Brewery. They serve some well-priced and tasty meals. There are also all the typical fast food outlets.

Snowboard Shops in Frisco:

Snowboards of the Rockies is the main snowboard shop in Frisco. It has a full range of Burtons, Salomon and K2s. It also has fully equipped tuning room. If you have any problems with your board these guys will be able to fix it.

Accommodation in Frisco

Alpine Inn

The best place to stay in Frisco is the Alpine Inn. This comfy and affordable hotel is conveniently located just off the I-70 and right next door to Safeway. It is centrally located to all the major Summit County and Eagle Ski resorts. Vail, Beaver Creek, Breakenridge, Copper Mountain, Loveland and Arapahoe are just a hop skip and a jump down the road.

The rooms at the Alpine Inn are clean and spacious. Each room also comes with its own personal fridge . There is an indoor heated swimming poo l and hot tub . There is a microwaves in the hall so you can heat up your TV dinners. What's more, free orange juice and Danish pastries are provided every morning

The proprietors of the Alpine Inn, Eva and Lester, are extremely friendly and have a wealth of information on Summit County and the surrounding resorts. So give them a call on 1-970-668-3122 or if you are in the USA they can be reached on 1-800-314-3122 . Alternatively the Alpine Inn can be emailed on alpinein@colorado.net . For more information on the Alpine Inn visit their website at www.colorado.net/alpineinn for more info and a complete PRICING SCHEDULE .

Postal Details:

Alpine Inn, 105 Lusher Court, PO Box 4473, FRISCO, CO 80443

Transport

Buses run from the major towns to each resort every day so if you don't have a car it is still pretty easy to get around.

Obviously having a car is the easiest, most convenient way to get around because the resorts in Colorado are so spread out and the off mountain accommodation aint too close.

Check out our Transport page for more details on getting around USA.

Hints & Tips

Colorado resorts are very spread out and therefore having a car is a great benefit if you want to access many resorts on your trip.

Staying at the resorts will generally be more expensive than staying in nearby towns. However, staying in these towns means a drive up to the resorts of between 20 mins to 1 hour each day.

Altitude sickness is a definite reality in Colorado with the average base elevation in Summit County being around 9,000 feet and summits soaring up to 12,000 feet (Copper's summit reaches 12,441 feet).

Drink plenty of water and bring the headache tablets.

If you are feeling a little altitude sickness, stay away from high protein foods and eat plenty of Carbohydrates.

Last updated on 01 November 2004.