By Seth Boster From The Gazette
Some local pros offer these insider tips:
C.J. Mueller: Breckenridge’s “original ski bum,” Hall of Fame downhill career
Where he goes: I like the groomers on peaks 9 and 10. Peak 10 is a little steeper, and it’s a little bit faster turnaround on the chairlift. I used to be ashamed to admit this, but I really enjoy skiing Bonanza, which is an intermediate run. ... “Slow” signs all over the place and very flat. But sometimes when my knees are a little sore and I want to make some turns, I really like going there.
For later: There’s good pizza at Fatty’s Pizzeria. At Empire Burger, they make the burger the way I like it and they have really good french fries. I like Hearthstone Restaurant. The one thing I tell people you got to have there is the jalapeño-stuffed shrimp. At Briar Rose Chophouse & Saloon, their creamed spinach is awesome and their creme brûlée is the way it should be.
The party: It’s at Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub. A lot of locals dress up in retro ski gear and crazy outfits, and the place gets packed.
Kim Casey: Longtime staffer at Copper Mountain
Starting out: Get on Woodward Express, go up and take a couple of warmup runs off Timberline Express. From there, you’re high enough where you can get over to the big side of the mountain and go ski long, steeper runs off Super Bee or go explore the backside and get out on Tucker Mountain.
Favorite area: Off Sierra Lift. It’s such a fun little pocket. You have bump runs like Revenge and Endeavor. There’s Little Trees, which is kind of steep and always holds good snow.
Hidden gem: There’s a really special spot in the springtime at the top of Rendezvous lift. It’s an old patio right in the saddle where you can look out over the Tenmile Range. It’s one of the prettiest views you can get. And it’s great because it has a lot of green terrain off it so all levels can enjoy that spot.
Good eats: Come down to JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern for lunch. They have a really yummy grilled cheese and tomato soup special. For apres, go to Downhill Duke’s. That’s an outdoor bar and restaurant. Great snacks and fun drinks.
Doug Evans: 20 years at Loveland Ski Area’s Sport Shop
Pick your ride: Chair 4 probably offers the deepest, most consistent snow on the mountain. Chair 8 is kind of out of the way so once you get over there, you can stay over there with fewer crowds and ski some good, low-angle powder. And then I’ll watch for Chair 9 to get going. You can watch as they open the gates and hop on the Ridge Cat, which runs all the way out to Golden Bear Peak. You can get the full vertical of the ski area, all the way from the top of Golden Bear back to the base.
What he digs: The runs off Chet’s Dream lift. I like poking around in the trees and finding the deep spots. It’s a little rocky so you do have to know where you’re going. But you can definitely find some good pockets of snow later in the day if you’re really looking.
For later: The Rathskeller at the ski area is a great bar with a lot of character. In Georgetown, Cooper’s on the Creek is a staple, really good cuisine. And then I always recommend Silver Plume. There’s a cool bar there that’s only open on the weekends called Bread. That’s another good after-ski option if you’re headed down Interstate 70 and hit traffic.
Natalie Newberry: Winter Park native
On a powder day: I try to get to the Mary Jane side right away — try to get in line super early — because these days, everyone is all about the Mary Jane. It gets hammered fast and hard. I might have to bootpack, might have to side step, but I’m gonna get my classic line out of the way.
On the Winter Park side: I’ll go for a few laps off Eskimo Express. If Eagle Wind is open, I love to head over there as well. And if the Cirque is open, that’s what I’m gonna look for.
For later: Snoasis on the Winter Park side has a (great) bloody mary. And then after that I like to head into town to get beers and wings at Randi’s Grill & Pub. Grab a beer at Hideaway Park Brewery and then get a hot dog from Fraser Valley Hot Dog and Mixed Grill.
Something else: I love cross-country skiing. Go out to Devil’s Thumb Ranch. It’s fun to get in other woods out in Fraser, like the St. Louis Creek area.
