The Nov-Dec holiday travels are typically for family gatherings-the rest of the winter months though-yay- it's all about fun-and/or relaxing getaways-aka ME times...with or without a chosen a few...
Close by domestic USA destinations abound...that don't break the budget..and are easy enough to get to and fro, no passport needed.
Part One:
Part One:
In Colorado:
The majestic Rocky Mountains beckon outdoors' types -and this year the snow is REALLY deep. In beautiful Colorado...lucky travelers or luckier locals- can partake of freebies courtesy of Colorado Ski Country's 22 members' resorts.**
Wolf Creek Ski Area
Free Horseshoe Bowl Snowcat to Reach Expert Terrain
To help guests take advantage of powder that can usually only be reached by hiking, Wolf Creek offers a Snowcat shuttle. The Horseshoe Bowl Snowcat Shuttle picks up skiers and riders at the Dog Chutes and takes them to the Horseshoe Bowl. The snowcat shuttle usually runs after storm cycles and on busy holiday weekends with operating hours announced on https://wolfcreekski.com/.
Winter Park Resort
Free Kids Activities in the Winter Park Village
After the lifts close, Winter Park’s Village comes alive with a number of family-friendly activities that are completely free including ice skating, broomball and Campfire Sing-a-longs complete with free hot apple cider on Wednesdays. For adults looking for a little bliss, Winter Park hosts free yoga at The Hill House every Sunday from 7:45 am to 8:45 am. For more information visit www.winterparkresort.com.
Telluride Ski Resort
Complimentary Mountain Tours
Telluride Ski Resort offers guests the chance to experience a complimentary mountain tour led by a resort host. The tour departs daily at 10 am from the top of the Coonskin Lift (Lift 7) and lasts for approximately 2.5 hours. Intermediate skiing ability required. Visit http://www.tellurideskiresort.
Sunlight Mountain Resort
Free Pair of Skis with the Purchase of the Sunny 700
Guests to Sunlight Mountain Resort can receive a free pair of limited edition Sunlight 50th Anniversary skis and a day pass to the Iron Mountain Hot Springs with the purchase of the of a Sunny 700, a day lift ticket celebrating Sunlight’s 50th anniversary. For more information, visit www.sunlightmtn.com.
Steamboat
Free Night Skiing
Steamboat offers free night skiing to guests on their day of arrival into Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN). Just show your boarding pass at the ticket window. Boarding passes for Tuesday or Wednesday arrivals are good for free night skiing on Thursday night. For more information visit https://www.steamboat.com/.
Silverton
Free Sunday Skiing
Until Sunday, January 23, guests who book a Thursday-Saturday package receive Sunday free. Availability is limited so book the Thursday-Saturday package online and then call to receive Sunday free. Visit http://silvertonmountain.com/ for more details.
Purgatory Resort
Kids Ski Free Options
At Purgatory Resort, aspiring little riders ages 3 to 6 can experience supervised snowboarding at Burton Riglet Park on select dates in January, February and March completely free, equipment included. Visit https://www.purgatoryresort.
Powderhorn
Free Parking and Uphill Access
Powderhorn offers free overnight camping in its parking lot to anyone willing to brave a night of chilly temperatures. The next morning anyone looking to earn their turns can enjoy free uphill access. For more information, visit www.powderhorn.com.
Loveland Ski Area
Free Ridge Cat Skiing
Loveland allows skiers free access to some of the most exhilarating terrain on Loveland’s 18 passenger Ridge Cat. The Ridge Cat provides access to Field of Dreams, Velvet Hammer, Tickler, Marmot and Golden Bear when conditions permit. In addition to a valid lift ticket or season pass, a free Ridge Cat Pass is required for all users and can be picked up at the Loveland Basin Ticket Office at no cost. Visit http://skiloveland.com/the-
Howelson Hill
Free Ski Days
The next free ski day at Howelson Hill will be Sunday, January 15. Howelson Hill hosts free ski days throughout the season, which are from 10 am to 4 pm and include a ski jumping clinic taught by coaches from the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. Visit www.steamboatsprings.net/ski for more information and a full list of free ski days.
Hesperus Ski Area
Free Lessons for Never Evers
Hesperus Ski Area offers first-time skiers and snowboarders up to three free lessons with the purchase of one full-day, full-price lift ticket for $39. This offer is available every day during the season. For more information visit https://www.ski-hesperus.com/.
Granby Ranch Ski Area
Free Fireside Music
Every Thursday and Saturday, Granby Ranch hosts live fireside acoustics performed by local musicians. Guests can stop by the 8350 Bar and Bistro on Thursdays and the Granby Ranch Grill on Saturdays from 2 pm to 5 pm. Visit http://www.granbyranch.com/ for more details.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Free Lift Tickets for Airline Passengers
Guests flying into Crested Butte from Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines can receive a free lift ticket anytime they stay before March 25, 2017. Guests can also ski for free the day of their departure by presenting an Alaska Airlines boarding pass and matching ID at the ticket counter. In addition, Crested Butte offers children ages 12 and under free skiing from April 1 to April 9, 2017. Visit http://www.skicb.com/for more information.
Cooper
2fer Tuesdays Through February
On Tuesdays in January and February, Cooper offers buy one get one free tickets. For just $52 two people can ski for the price of one on 2Fer Tuesdays through February 28. For more information visit http://skicooper.com/.
Copper Mountain
Free Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Guests who own an electric vehicle can charge for free at one of two EV charging stations in Copper’s Beeler parking lot in Center Village. Reservations can be made in advance at http://www.chargepoint.com/. Additionally, anyone can stop by Patrol Headquarters or Timberline Patrol Station for a free cup of hot cocoa during National Safety Month in January. Visit http://www.coppercolorado.com/ for more information.
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| Jordan Curet, Aspen Snowmass |
Aspen Snowmass
Free First Tracks Program
Any guest can sign up for First Tracks on Aspen Mountain or Snowmass to gain early access to the mountain completely free. Space is limited so guests must sign up the night before. For more information, visit http://www.aspensnowmass.com.
Arapahoe Basin
Free Demos Days
During the season, Arapahoe Basin partners with local ski and snowboard companies to provide free demos to members of the public. Guests can sign up the day of in the base area. For a schedule of free demo days visit www.arapahoebasin.com/events.
FYI
**Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing Colorado’s 22 ski & snowboard resorts. For information about CSCUSA and its members available online at www.ColoradoSki.com, on Twitter @ColoradoSkiUSA and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/