Poster: A snowHead
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In formative stages of thinking about a 2 week trip to the US next March. Thinking about a road trip out of Denver stopping at Gunnison for Crested Butte & Silverton/Durango for Silverton, Durango & Telluride. Maybe a stop at Vail or Copper for a day on the way back though I understand the recommended route back from Durango tracks across the south of the state .
What I'm really after is the likely state of the highways (subject to storms obviously). Having been to summit/eagle county before I'm aware I70 is kept pretty clear and 285 to Breckenridge certainly isn't bad - are driving times given by motring/mapping websites realistic assuming I don't hit a storm? A 3/4 hour drive after skiing doesn't deter me particularly.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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fatbob, I'll wait for the CO locals to reply, but one thing you might want to consider is basing yourself in Vail for a few days and going from there to Copper and Beaver Creek.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Wear The Fox Hat,
Thanks but been there done that - I found Beaver Creek on anything other than a powder day a bit dull.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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fatbob, Telluride is v expensive for a day-ticket. We stayed with freinds in Youray - about 45 minutes from Telluride, but didn't ski there.
We did (on the way back) ski at A-basin - which, if you are planning in skiing at Silverton, would seem to suit you down to the ground.
Please note this completely biased opinion based on ski-ing at Red Mountain Pass - backcountry, Aspen (OK) Breck (hated it) and A-Basin (fantastic).
If you plan to have a car, then (weather permitting) a trip to Moab to look at the sandstone is def worth a go.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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fatbob, You may find the info I posted on this thread last year of some help.
PS I think the town referred to in ski's message above is Ouray, not Youray.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Alastair Pink, yes it is ! Couldn't remember how to spell it.. Thanks
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in terms of roadways in march.
cdot (colorado department of transportation) does a good job on the roads. if it is snowing hard and or blowing i'd avoid night time drives over any of the major passes in a rental car primarily due to the fact that you are unfamiliar with the road and even with 4wd you won't get a vehicle with snow tires.
heavy blowing snow is the true problem. i drive a subaru with four snow tires and have no issues. in the winter i live at a fairly high elevation (9000 ft.). if you are going to do a lot of driving get 4wd. don't be lulled into the belief that is the end all/be all to winter driving. in all honesty i would much prefer 4 snow tires on front wheel drive, however, the rental cars have all season oem tires. try to rent a new vehicle and demand new tires if you don't like the looks of the wear and tear.
march is historically a month with appreciable snowfalls.
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Thanks folks - Will need to appraise whether its realistic to do so much driving & if I wouldn't rather go somewhere else like Utah mmm.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Well, if you do go, another vote for A-Basin here! I loved it. Great snow, great riding, great little place.
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A-Basin is great, if its open, don't skip the East Wall. Crested Butte (with the right conditions) is also great. I was there in December two years ago and had consistent powder and great conditions as a whole. Closer to Denver, you may want to consider Vail (expensive ticket though) but something for everyone. Denver to Crested Butte or Telluride are FAR. Depending on the length of your trip, you may find it more convenient to fly into Gunnison, Aspen, or even Grand Junction. Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, I would be happy to help.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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This sounds like good info for my Colorado trip, as well. Thanx all.
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