Winter Park Ski Trip

Dean "10" 2013

Growing up, my parents were advocates we learned how to ski. My parents would reminisce about taking ski trips with their friends when they were newly married. In fact, in the 1960's my mom and dad would go to Vail and pay $5 for lift tickets. Now they're more than 20 times that!

The first time we went skiing was in 1984. Being the youngest, that meant I learned how to ski when I was seven years old and held onto my dad's ski pole as he meandered down the mountain. 

Over the years I've gone several times with family and friends, the last time in 2003. Winning the bid of a two-night, three-day stay at a cabin in Colorado proved to be the catalyst of the 2013 ski trip dream. While there's a lot of changes in the past decade, when it comes to skiing, much has stayed the same. 

King Soopers is still the best place to get discount lift tickets. The grocery store is located at exit 264 off highway 70 west heading for the mountains. I've looked online, called ski rentals and even asked the locals where the best deals are on lift tickets. But I've found it's still the best deal in town at $89/day for adults, $51 for kids.

While skis have gotten shorter, ski boots haven't changed one bit. They're still hard to walk in, super uncomfortable and not cute at all! 

Helmets are in. On the slopes, what you're wearing is as important as how you ski. That's especially true with what's on your head. In the past, crazy stocking hats have been a must, but now everyone wears a helmet it's not only fashion-forward, but protects your noggin too. 

We skied at Winter Park and stayed at Snow Mountain Lodge. The cabins are part of YMCA of the Rockies and the complex is 15 miles from the ski resort. The cabins are nice and spacious and there's plenty of family fun including roller skating, an indoor pool and more. You can also rent a gas grill for $15 a night. What a deal!

I love the rush of flying down the mountain and more importantly, hanging with my parents, siblings and my nieces and nephews. I'm glad my parents took the time, effort and money to teach us how to ski when we were kids.  It's a lifelong sport but more importantly, the slopes are where memories are made.