Contact CU Independent News Staff Writer Julia Spadaro at julia.spadaro.edu
Blue skies and perfect temperatures are making this February one to remember at the nearby ski resorts. Just ahead of the spring party scene is some mighty good shredding. Here is what you can look forward to at the big hills just a couple hours away from Boulder:
COPPER
Saturday, Feb. 20, is Copper’s Uncorked Event, which gives wings and wine lovers a chance to indulge. Registration begins at 11 a.m., and the cost is $25. The event takes place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Burning Stones Plaza. It’s a competition in which the participants pick the best combination of wings and, yeah, wine. It’s a pretty great way to finish off the ski day with the unique combination of wings and wines and some live music from New Orleans Suspects. More details are available here.
BRECKENRIDGE
Breck’s Women’s Ski Week finishes on Saturday, Feb. 20, and Sunday, Feb. 21. For the women who wish to take part, details can be found here.
Also, for those students and folks in the mood to help those in need, “Hope on the Slopes Ski & Ride for a Cure” is happening in Breckenridge on Saturday, and proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. The event is a fun, competitive and family-friendly event. Individuals of all ages and skills are welcome to participate. Individuals and teams of up to 15 participants compete for top fundraising, most vertical feet or continued participation on the hour awards. Click here for registration and fundraising information.
WINTER PARK
There are some deals on discounted lift tickets if you act in advance and purchase seven days before you go. Winter Park is also pushing its unique dining experience at The Lodge At Sunspot, with a lunch and dinner menu for Fridays and Saturdays. The description from the resort’s website is promising: “The Lodge at Sunspot offers a truly unique, authentic Colorado dining experience. Located atop Winter Park Mountain, Sunspot is a stunning mountain lodge providing panoramic views of the Continental Divide and extraordinary dining at 2 miles high!”
Next weekend, from Feb. 26 to 28, Winter Park will host the 41st Annual Wells Fargo Ski Cup, the longest-running professional ski race in the country.
ARAPAHOE BASIN
A-Basin will be open until well into the summer, and if you want to give it a shot, the resort offers an Elevation 3 Pass which allows you to ski or ride for any three days of the season for $149.
The weekend of Feb. 27, A-Basin will host the Third Annual on-mountain New Belgium Colorado Scavenger Hunt. Wear your best costume, chase chickens and search for, um, Bigfoot, while you answer riddles and ski and board all day.
LOVELAND
Anybody have family coming in for the weekend and looking for some bragging rights? Loveland might be the place for you. Loveland hosts its free Family Race Day on Saturday. You’ll spot the race at Chair 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it will be free and open to everyone with a lift ticket. Sign up Saturday morning on the Basin Patio or at the top of the course.
The Cat is growling, and you might want to check it out. Loveland provides skiers with the opportunity to do some free snowcat skiing along the Continental Divide and take a free ride on the 18-passenger Ridge Cat. The Ridge Cat will explore Field of Dreams, Velvet Hammer, Tickler, 13,010 and Marmot, as long as there’s good weather.
Writer’s Pick: Copper Mountain seems to be the most fun this weekend! Wings, wine and contests are an unbeatable combination.
