Ski.com Inside Track for February 7, 2012
Like a lot of people, my weekend had a Super Bowl theme. However, while a huge number of the world's population was focused on the Giants vs. the Patriots, I had a different kind of Super Bowl in mind. On Saturday a dozen of my friends and I invaded Aspen Highlands to ski the famous Highland Bowl. At about 11:00 a.m. we arrived at 11,675 feet via the Loge Chairlift and then hiked another 717 feet to the summit of Highland Bowl. After a brief celebration not unlike what you would see after a touchdown, it was time to descend. What we experienced next is what can only be found by skiing/riding down an aggressive fall line through shin deep, silky-smooth powder. I know I'll never know what it's like to win a Super Bowl ring, but I sure hope a few of the Giants are able to experience what it's like to ski fresh snow in the Rocky Mountains.
If you're looking for a Super Bowl experience of your own, here are some of our other bowl picks:
- Big Sky - Skiers and riders who visit the South Face of Big Sky's Lone Peak are able to access a huge bowl with descents via chutes or steep, open terrain.
- Jackson Hole - Accessed by Jackson's famous aerial tram, which takes 100 skiers and riders 4,139 feet to the 10,450-foot summit in nine minutes, Rendezvous Bowl is the place to be on a powder morning. Bonus: this is where the brave can take a shot at the world-famous Corbet's Couloir.
- Keystone - When thinking about Keystone, many people don't remember the resort's four glorious "Outback Bowls." While a lot of people enjoy accessing these by hiking for their turns, for $5 skiers and riders can grab Outback Shuttle, a snowcat, from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The Outback Express chairlift is also an option if you want to drop into the first part of South Bowl.
- Whistler Blackcomb - If you enjoy bowl skiing, Whistler should be on your short list. The most famous of their whopping 16 bowls includes Bagel Bowl and the Gemstone Bowls - Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Opal and Sapphire.
- Vail - Stretching across six miles and offering nearly 3,000 acres of terrain, Vail's back bowls can keep skiers and riders happily busy for weeks on end. The most notable of the five bowls is Blue Sky Basin, featuring glades and other open, mostly un-groomed terrain.
Speaking of Vail's famous back bowls, we are spreading the love this February by giving you the chance to win a vacation for two in Vail/Beaver Creek! One lucky winner will receive four nights of lodging in a one-bedroom condominium at St. James Place and two, three-day lift tickets valid at Vail and Beaver Creek. Make sure to get your entry in by February 29 and tell your friends because you will get an extra entry for yourself for each person who lists you as a referral.
If you don't want to rely on luck to get you to the mountains this winter and spring, we have plenty of great deals at all your favorite resorts. Visit our special deals page to learn how you can save big on lodging, lift tickets and more or give one of our experienced Mountain Vacation Specialists a call at 800-299-0656.
D. S.
Special Deals for February 7, 2012