Escaping to the Mountains
Although this is the sixth ski season our family has spent at Eldora Mountain Resort,
I feel like this is just the beginning of the adventure. Last week, we reached a milestone. All skiers in our family ventured up to Big Mountain to ski as a group for a short time. Now, I have visions of developing favorite routes, and memories together. Perhaps we will each lead a set of runs to explore more of the mountain. The challenge will be to slow down our youngest skier long enough to wait for our oldest skier.
A Typical Ski Day
For the last six weeks, we have followed a ski day routine that worked well for us. Following is a typical schedule:
7:00 AM wake up, eat breakfast, gather supplies
7:45 AM leave for Eldora
8:45 AM arrive at Eldora
9:15 AM meet instructors for lessons
2:15 PM lessons over, ski together as a family
3:30 PM skiing is more relaxing with fewer crowds
4:00 PM runs close – time to head for home
5:00 PM return home
5:30 PM pizza and a movie at home
Challenging and Fun: Women’s Day Lessons
This year I participated in the Women’s Days program. Having just started skiing last year, this was a great program for me. Last year, I remember being uncomfortable learning to make turns outside the lodge on the two foot high hills. This year, the Women’s Days ski group started on the Green Beginner Terrain. On the last class, we skied most of a Black Expert hill. Our progress is a credit to the dedicated instructors and a solid Women’s program that has been in existence for 30 years. I look forward to keeping in touch with an amazing group of ladies I met during this session.
A Challenge: Kid’s Trek Lessons
Once again, this year our family participated in Kid’s Trek programs. At the beginning levels of Kid’s Trek, we have always been thrilled with the progress our children have made. It is so amazing to see these young children ski so naturally and with so little fear. However, this is the first year we felt disappointed in a class. In an intermediate level Kid’s Trek class, we felt the class was too large with too diverse a level of skiers to be effective. As parents, we were encouraged to be more aggressive in talking to supervisors if we have a problem in the future.
Lessons Learned: Ski lesson advice for Next Year
* Second Session Kid’s Trek is less crowded and the quality may be better.
* Kid’s Eldora Ski Team may have an option to practice once a weekend.
* Private lessons can be bought in 5 packs to reduce costs.
* You may request your favorite instructors for private lessons.
Season Passes: Should you buy them in March?
For the best prices on season passes, look into purchasing the next year’s season pass during March. Buying in the spring allows you to ski the rest of the season and next year on one season pass. This works particularly well for the five year old, who will turn six years before next season. You will be paying the five year old rate for a six year old’s season pass.
On Sale: Winter Ski Clothing
For winter clothing and ski equipment, we like to start at the SNIAGRAB Sale in Boulder, Colorado which begins Labor Day weekend (SNIAGRAB is bargains spelled backwards). This tent sale is in North Boulder at Sports Authority, which was formerly Gart Sports.
Season Ski Equipment Rentals: What is the plan?
Season Ski Rental do sell out, so procrastination doesn’t work. This year we rented skis, boots, and poles for the season from Christy Sports. Since their website is mostly concerned with short term rentals, I would suggest calling a local store in September to find out when they expect to offer season rentals. They will likely run out before the snow flies. The nice thing about Christy Sports is they have both a Boulder and Broomfield location and will do tune ups throughout the season at either location. They recommend a tune up including edging and waxing after skiing on their rental skis 5-10 times. Also, in the past, we have been happy purchasing children season rentals from Cutting Edge Sports.
Ski Deals: Start looking for Deals on Labor Day
We have never bought inexpensive ski coupon 4 packs, but they sound like great deals if you get them early. Next year, we plan to check out the Colorado 5th grade passport. This provides Colorado 5th graders with 3 free lift tickets at 25 member resorts for a total of 75 free lift tickets. The program is also extended to Colorado 6th graders for a small fee. Around Labor Day, Eldora Mountain Resort will start advertising their pre-season Kid’s Trek and Women’s Days lesson rates. Also in the Fall, we buy the Entertainment Book at our school fundraiser. They usually have good coupons for rentals, lift tickets, and lessons at Eldora.
Ski Equipment: How do Beginners get a Clue?
The equipment scene is a bit overwhelming to beginning skiers. This year we all purchased season rentals at Christy Sports. This is nice for the young skier because they will most likely grow out of gear by next year. For the older skier who wants to know more before owning, they can become more familiar with equipment before buying. The season rental is easier than a daily rental because you don’t have to worry about returning equipment by 5:00 PM after a long ski day.
Misfitted Boots: My feet aren’t that big!
At one Women’s Days lesson, they offered the use of free demo skis for the day. When, I went to try on a new pair of skis, I was told I had been fitted with the equivalent of a men’s size 13 ski boot. Basically, they told me until my boot fit is fixed, the skis won’t matter. Asking around, I heard about Larry’s Boot Fitting in Boulder. So, I decided to check it out.
A Trip To Larry’s Boot Fitting
When I called Larry’s Boot Fitting, I had a very good impression of their service. They told me they do not charge for advice, so I made an appointment. Over a two hour period, while working with many other customers, they helped me find the right boot. This involved measuring my foot and calling Christy’s Sports to reserve the correct style/size boot. Then, I drove across town to exchange my season rental boot with the boot recommended by Larry’s. Finally, I brought them back and they performed some magic to shape the lining to my foot. So, far I have been very happy with the fit of these boots. If you need ski boot equipment or advice, I would make an appointment at:
Larry’s Boot Fitting
2709 Spruce St
Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 402-6733
Ski Equipment: Unforgettable Technology and Practical Ideas
* battery operated heating elements in ski boots
* pulley harnesses that relieve shock on knees
* disposable hand and feet warmers