H and I are planning a ski trip to Colorado to celebrate our 35th anniversary. We met and married in Colorado and used to ski quite a bit. We have not been skiing in a very long time so I’m looking for advice.
Looking at the other ski thread I’m considering the Glade goggles as these seem like a good value and I like that you don’t have to switch out the lenses. Both my H and I wear glasses. Is our best option to get prescription lens inserts vs. trying to wear goggles over our glasses?
We will rent equipment as this is probably a one time trip. Do we need to somehow make reservations ahead of time or can we count on the ski areas having plenty of equipment or should we use a service that delivers to our lodging? We are staying at Copper Mtn. if that makes a difference.
Also interested in taking a lesson our first day since we’re rusty and haven’t ever used parabolic skis. Any tips for planning this? I assume we should book this ahead of time?
We’re planning on getting a 4 out of 6 day pass and we can get a military discount as we are former military and that seems like a pretty reasonable deal.
TIA!
Congratulations on your 35th! That’s awesome!
Just curious as to whether either of you have ever had altitude sickness? Several of my otherwise healthy family members have fallen victim to it without much warning, and it really puts a damper on things. I’m not positive how you can test for it but giving yourself enough time to get used to the elevation and abstaining from alcohol are two things that I remember being helpful. Maybe others can chime in if it is something that you may be also thinking of.
There’s medication you can take to help with altitude sickness.
I wear my goggles over my glasses (or wear my contacts).
Yes on making advanced reservations for both lessons and equipment! And sometimes ski shops near the mountain will have better equipment and better prices, that you can rent for the whole time. I would ask the lodge concierge for assistance!
HImom makes a good point about the altitude. You may want to take your first day as an off day to acclimate. Also plan on stopping when you are tired, especially on your first day of skiing.
Enjoy and happy anniversary!
Neither of us has ever had altitude sickness. We have done a few trips back to the mountains, the most recent was summer 2023 for a wedding in Park City, UT and we were both fine. Thanks for the advice, it’s a good thing to be mindful of!
Thank you! I appreciate the advice, good things to keep in mind!
We plan on being really low key about the skiing. We used to be very good intermediate skiers but plan to just do all the green slopes and take it easy, enjoy the views and ambience.
Sure sounds like a lovely and romantic time! Hot chocolate by the fireplace and watching snow fall , etc. Lots of cuddling, to keep warm too!
I skied regularly but mostly on the east coast and was absolutely exhausted skiing out west - I’m great on ice, less so on powder! FWIW, I should have taken a lesson!
I expect it will be very taxing! I have never slept better than I did after a day skiing in Colorado when we lived there! I have a workout plan to get my core and quads in better shape before we go. My H is in great shape!
We got engaged in Vail and used to ski Copper Mtn. often. I expect it will be a very nostalgic trip!
Thanks for the tip about the ski shop rental. I already looked up a place that’s in the village and it looks like a better deal than directly through the resort. It’s 35% discounted if I make an online reservation before Dec. 14 and you can build in a no ski day break during a multiday reservation!
My very strong recommendation is gatorade or other electrolytes. Just drinking water doesn’t cut it.
Years ago I had a NY friend that used to get terrible headaches when she went skiing in Colorado. She had some advise to start drinking more water starting a few days ahead of the trip. (This was in an era before folks paid attention to water intake.) For her, it did the trick…. though she admitted that it meant more restroom visits during travel. I can see how fluids with electrolytes could be even better.
I wear goggles over my glasses. If the weather is sunny/warm, I switch to sunglasses (but still keep wearing my helmet).
Thanks!
My current plan is to order goggles and then see if our glasses fit well under them.
Definitely make a reservation for the ski lesson and the ski rental. You might find a 6-7 day rental for the same price as a 4 day. They may let you pick them up the night before to avoid the hours long line in the morning. If you are driving yourself, there are rental places in Silverthorne, Frisco, Dillon that you could pick them up the night before and they have drop off places too. Or even in Denver but that’s more trouble.
If you take a lesson, realize that you will get more skiing in as you get to skip the lines. And you will be tired!
Copper is a higher altitude than some other mountains, like Steamboat, so do take it easy. My sister, who lives here at 5280’ and skis all the time at Copper still gets altitude sickness. Drink lots of water, some say take an aspirin, and rest if you feel dizzy.
Have fun!
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