 There
are nine Gems that add to the sparkle of Colorado’s crowning resorts,
and in many ways, outshine their bejeweled neighbors. These Gems epitomize
Colorado’s ski culture with their western authenticity, endearing
charm, and seemingly unending depths of snow. Like diamonds in the rough,
these resorts are strikingly beautiful, individually unique, and not
to be overlooked.
The nine resorts
affectionately referred to as the Gems are Arapahoe
Basin, Echo
Mountain, Eldora
Mountain Resort, Loveland
Ski Area, Monarch
Mountain, Powderhorn
Resort, Ski
Cooper, SolVista
Basin, and Sunlight
Mountain Resort. This winter, head out on a treasure hunt to discover
the Colorado Gems. Take the road less traveled to the mountains less
explored and experience some of Colorado’s most treasured ski
areas.
Experience the
Difference: ATMOSPHERE
Gems resorts help
guests remember what skiing and the mountains are really about. Independently
owned, a day of skiing and riding at a Gems resort is not about style
and panache. Rather, the culture of a Gem is akin to slipping back into
childhood, to a period where the thrill of each day on snow is founded
on savoring life and marveling at the majesty of the mountains.
The Gems have soul,
just like the Coloradans that choose to ski them. Sharing lifts with
mostly Colorado locals, visitors will find that folks are laid-back
and friendly and the only hype is about the snow and skiing. Standing
atop Monarch,
Loveland
or A-Basin,
it’s impossible to underestimate the power and beauty of the mountains
as you’re high on the Continental Divide with 360 views of the
spectacular Colorado Mountains.
Experience the
Difference: CONVENIENCE
Frustration and
impatience simply don’t exist at Gems resorts. Besides being some
of the most accessible resorts in Colorado, Gems typically offer free
close-in parking at the base of the mountain, which means a short and
easy trek to the slopes.
The only long lines
to be found at Gems resorts tend to be the long powder tracks carved
by skiers and riders. With acres of outstanding terrain covering thousands
of feet of vertical rise, the Gems ski big, guests spread out, and lift
lines are short.
They say location
is everything, and with nine Gems resorts throughout the state, it’s
nearly impossible not to come across one. A gem of a time can be had
from just about anywhere in Colorado; Echo
Mountain is the closest resort to Denver, Eldora
Mountain Resort is less than 30 minutes from Boulder, and Powderhorn
is less than an hour from Grand Junction.
Experience the
Difference: VALUE
Each season, Gems
resorts have a knack for raising the bar while still keeping skiing
within reach. With a mantra centered on top notch guest service and
family friendliness, Gems resorts are proud to offer a wealth of benefits
such as free parking, affordable lift ticket and lodging options, simple
dining and down home family fun.
 One
of the keys to unlocking the treasure trove of Gems is the Colorado
Ski Country USA Gems Card. Available for a small price each season,
the Colorado Gems Card offers a menu of unique specials, discounts,
and promotions available at Gems resorts.
The Gems Card is
now presented by the official ski partner of Colorado Ski Country USA,
Icelantic Boards. Icelantic is a Colorado company, offering handcrafted
skis that are known for blending captivating topside artwork with a
high-quality ski, perfect for the diverse powder terrain at Colorado’s
Gem resorts.
Examples of Gems
Cards deals include buy one lift ticket and get one free, $10 off of
lift ticket pricing, and even a free ski day. Visit www.ColoradoGems.com
to sign-up for a Gems card and head to any of Colorado’s nine
Gems resorts this winter to take advantage of the same great snow that
falls throughout the rest of the state. |
