Ski! The 2,500 acres of pristine slopes of Copper Mountain steepen naturally from west to east, with the elevation topping out at 3,800 metres (with a 835-metre vertical drop). Despite the calibre of skiing that goes on there, you still find green runs at the top of the mountain, allowing for groups of varying skill to actually spend the day together; the experienced don’t have to say goodbye to the beginners at the bottom of the hill. Expect breath-taking views and perfectly groomed runs.

Play! With one million guests a year, this resort plays host to all crowds, international and local—family, college and otherwise. A quaint and very manageable centre village is full of après ski fun in the form of skating, zip-lining, big drinks and tiny doughnuts. And after the ski hill does you in, an hour (or two) on the four-lane tubing hill will bring out your inner child, and make beer time all the more rewarding.

MORE HILLS: STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Jump! The indoor Woodward at Copper Barn facility, an indoor year-round training ground with Olympic-grade trampolines, you can play away with foam pits, a skate bowl, ramps, jumps, the works. It’s worth a visit if only to watch the cool kids do their thing on mountain bikes and skateboards, or see aerialists practice their jumps. An intro session will see you on the trampoline for a couple of hours with a coach.

Hydrate! There’s only one hiccup to being up in the clouds so high: It’s all fun and games until somebody gets altitude sickness. Common after 8,000 feet above sea level, this ailment leaves you feeling like you have the flu or a hangover or both. Two litres of water before noon is almost mandatory, and throw in the odd Gatorade to feel sporty. Speaking of drinks, you will also notice that one vodka can actually feel more like two vodkas. Bonus! You’re a cheaper date than you thought!

Rest! Copper Mountain has a sort of communal reception for accommodation, where they then mete you out to the various lodges surrounding the centre village, each with underground parking. Chalet-type furnishings (log lamps, Murphy beds) are comfortable and cool. Each lodge is equipped with a large outdoor hot tub, but sadly no time machine.

Drink! You can’t throw a stone and not hit a drink of something in this place. The college kids favour Mulligans Irish Pub because it stays open the latest, while the older set goes east to JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern, which will most likely have live music.

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At 7,000 feet above sea level, this region of 12,000 is so named because the bubbling of natural hot springs resembled the sound of a steamboat coming down the river, back when French trappers first arrived in the early 1800s.

The gold rush of the 1860s opened up this part of the country, paving the way for ranchers and settlers. And ever since Norwegian Carl Howelsen came to town circa 1910 and awoke an interest in ski jumping and recreational skiing, Steamboat Springs has been a thriving community that eats, sleeps and breathes skiing. More than 70 people from the region have competed in the Olympics in the past century.

Enjoy quality slope time. With 65 runs, 23 lifts, tons of snow and plenty of fresh air, the Steamboat Ski Resort will take your breath away—particularly at the top of the mountain, which tops 10,000 feet above sea level. Find perfectly groomed hills for every level of skiing ability. The après ski crowd is always fun—and thirsty. For a real workout, hit the cross-country ski trails.

Take the waters. After a winding 15-minute shuttle into the woods, you arrive at Strawberry Park Hot Springs to melt your cares away in the rustic pools. Beware: One of them is really cold! Unfussy and unhurried, this romantic spot sees bathers changing in a teepee (don’t be shy). And because there is no electricity, clothing is optional after dark. Closer to home base, the Old Town Hot Springs is mid way between Steamboat the town and Steamboat the mountain, with a lap pool, hot spring-fed small pools, a gym and a water slide.

Hop on a horse. Ranching (and skiing) has been in the Heid family for generations. Triangle 3 Ranch, just 15 minutes or so outside of town, is where you can trail ride through snowy canyon trails on horseback—likely with a couple of dogs in tow.

Hit the shops. The wall of cowboy boots at F.M. Light & Sons on Lincoln Avenue will be more than your eyes can take in. Just try not to paw over all this fine-crafted footwear, hats and belts. The shop opened for business in 1905 and is still in the same family. Across the street, poke your head into Cowboys and Indians and get lost among the locally made jewellery, antiques and crafts.

Cuddle up in the corner. Head to the Ore House at the Pine Grove, built in a 110-year-old barn, for the best steaks in town. Daily prime rib and Angus steaks headline the hearty menu. • The deeply intimate Café Diva is the top restaurant of the region, nestled in the ski village at the base of the mountain. Duck confit pockets come bloated with gouda and maple-bourbon sauce, while a cabernet veal demi-glace dresses up a lean elk tenderloin. • Clever cocktails and shared plates are the orders of the day at Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails, where bartenders resurrect cocktail recipes from the ’40s and ’50s, much to the delight of the après-ski crowd. And if suds are more to your liking, the award-winning craft beers in Colorado are some of the best in the U.S.

Steamboat Springs

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