If there’s one thing a college student likes, it’s convenience. We’re jumbled creatures who sometimes need quite a bit of help to get things done, even on the slopes. All the logistics surrounding a mountain trip can lead to a pretty inconvenient day if not carried out properly, but sticking to these tips will make everything just fine.
Do homework before.
The anticipation of going to the mountains can often eliminate all motivation to do homework. Don’t let this classic mistake ruin the weekend, because coming back on Sunday with a big to-do list is no fun. Get it done early, and make that Sunday a fun day.
Plan realistically.
When going on a day trip, leaving at 10 a.m. and going to one of the further mountains like Vail or Beaver Creek isn’t always worth it. It’s a bummer to change plans, but just pulling off to Loveland or A-Basin can be a good call to get the most out of a day. Less time driving and sitting in traffic means more time having fun on the slopes.
Pack the car ahead of time.
Getting the car packed up the night before a mountain trip is one of the best ways to save time. It can take quite a while to get everything together in the morning, especially after a long night, so just get it done ahead of time. However, make sure to keep the boots indoors because putting those puppies on cold and stiff is the worst.
Get gas in Denver.
There are a lot of ways to save money during a weekend on the slopes, and this has got to be the easiest one. Gas prices in the mountains are up to a dollar more than here in Denver, so fill up in the city and save big.
Bring a backpack.
Stuffing pockets is no solution to the problem of getting necessities up on the mountain. Simply pack some food, water and whatever else tickles the group’s fancy to make everything easily accessible. Take turns carrying the pack or just leave it at the terrain park so no one has to carry it at all. This is a surprisingly safe place to leave a bag because there are always people standing there, and others leave bags there too.
Make a new playlist.
Know that wonderful feeling of getting some new music? That feeling is extremely glorified when those tunes make it up on the slopes. A fresh playlist will turn a normal weekend into a groovy one. Some personal suggestions: James Brown, Fleetwood Mac, Calez, Grizzly Bear, Phantogram and The Alabama Shakes.
Buy day tickets right.
For those without season passes, there are much better ways to get day tickets than waiting in line to pay full price. Epic Pass holders can get their friends six “Ski With A Friend Tickets” (discount depends on the mountain) per season, and there are great options online too. The mountains’ websites are the obvious possibility, but always check Liftopia.com first for huge discounts at nearly every resort in Colorado.
Split up.
Some people are good at skiing and snowboarding, and some people aren’t. This means everyone is moving at different paces, which can lead to pointless arguments. Just split the group up if it feels necessary, but make sure no one is left alone.
Ask employees.
People who work on the mountain know a whole lot more about the current conditions than anyone from DU. Simply asking a ski patroller or lift attendant where the snow is good and lift lines are short will improve the day significantly. They live, work and play in the mountains, and always know where to go.
Take “The Other I-70”.
To avoid the cluster of traffic between Idaho Springs and Georgetown, take “The Other I-70”. This route needs a little explaining to understand, so check out the directions on “Frosted Tips,” The Clarion’s ski and snowboard blog.
