Ski trips for Texans: Perfect Colorado slopes for any budget

We’ve pulled our vests and scarves out of drawers here in North Texas, which means ski season is just around the corner.

Well, maybe not here. The last mention of a ski resort near us came courtesy of those who wanted to build a massive indoor facility in Alliance roughly 10 years ago.

So if you’re dreaming of powder days, you’ve got to hit the road. Texans know Colorado offers some of the best and closest skiing and riding.

As a former Coloradan, here are a few tips for making the most of a winter Colorado adventure. Whether you’re looking to escape the crowds, make the most of a quick trip or have a few pennies left in that post-vacation piggy bank, there are plenty of options.

You’ve got kids and/or a budget

The biggest deal of the season has got to be at Snowmass, which is selling a single-day lift ticket for $6.50. No typos. And we didn’t forget a zero.

The resort is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and $6.50 reportedly was the going price in 1967. That’s a far cry from today, when you’re going to spend at least $100 on a full-day ticket.

The catch? It’s only available Dec. 15. So plan accordingly.

If you’re unable to make that date work, consider an early- or late-season trip to Colorado’s resorts.

Early can be risky because you don’t have the benefit of previous snowfall, but most resorts have sophisticated snowmaking operations and will have major runs covered. You’ll find potential for the opposite in spring — slushy snow that can make for an uneven experience.

A handful of Colorado’s resorts are already open — Arapahoe Basin and Loveland Ski Resort often compete to be the first to spin the chairlifts — and many will offer early and late deals.

For example, Arapahoe Basin is offering 40 percent off tickets from Nov. 23 to Dec. 15 if buyers purchase at least two days’ worth.

Meanwhile, Silverton is pitching skiers and riders on a late-season deal. The resort, which is in the San Juan Mountains, gives folks unlimited access to during the slower part of the season, as well as a special private day, access to six additional resorts and heli-skiing time. The pass costs $299.

Pro tip: Have a kid in college? Almost every resort in Colorado offers a season pass or discount for college students.

Weekend getaway

As you may know, flying into Denver International Airport and making your way up I-70 in Colorado can present a black diamond-level degree of difficulty.

If your time is worth more than the hassle, consider flying into either the Aspen or Steamboat Springs airports.

American Airlines offers direct flights from DFW to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, which is just three miles from Aspen Ski resort and only six miles from Snowmass.

United serves Hayden Airport, which is just outside Steamboat Springs. It’s not a direct flight, and our searches yielded more expensive flights than what we found into Aspen, but Steamboat’s charming downtown — with restaurants and shops — is hard to beat.

Spending less time in the car will cost you, but the additional time you gain by avoiding Colorado’s crowded mountain roads will leave you more time for runs on the slopes and local après ski drinks at local watering holes, such as the Aspen Brewing Company or Mountain Tap Brewery in Steamboat.

Escape the crowds

The secret has long been out on Colorado skiing. Anywhere you go along the front range is going to bring the potential for lift lines, crowded cafeterias (at least at lunch) and some tracked out terrain.

If your priority is a pristine run, consider Telluride, a former mining town, or Purgatory. Both are in the San Juan Mountains in the southern part of the state. Purgatory is offering new terrain, including tree skiing, this season. Telluride this year received accolades from Forbes and Ski Magazine for its lack of crowds, as well as its scenery, challenging terrain and character.

Crested Butte is stunning. And because it’s tucked on the southwest side of the Rockies it also can be less crowded. If you’re driving from Texas, it’s about the same amount of time it takes to get to I-70 resorts like Aspen and Vail.

There’s also Wolf Creek, which is to the south and just outside Pagosa Springs. Single-day tickets at Wolf Creek are a steal for kids 5 and under at $6. Kids 6-12 are just $36 and adults are $70. There are also senior and military discounts.

This story was originally published November 7, 2017 at 11:27 AM with the headline "Ski trips for Texans: Perfect Colorado slopes for any budget."