How to Plan a Woman’s Solo Colorado Ski Trip
For the purposes of this post, please note that “solo ski trip” means that you are going skiing without other people. This could be because you have free time, it works better for your schedule or you would like to enjoy a day on the slopes by yourself. Solo does not mean that you’re single, not paired up or don’t have a partner. Sometimes it’s nice to just do things on your own. But, there are some planning components to consider before you head to slopes. Whether you already live in Denver or are flying in for a vacation, here’s how to plan a woman’s solo Colorado ski trip. You’ll have a good time, likely meet people and have a great day on the slopes.
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Cowtown Denver
Ok, head over to one of my favorite coffee shops and enjoy a cold weather seasonal latte made with real puree here in Denver as you plan out your trip the logistics of your trip.
Book a Tour While You’re In Denver
Before you head up to the mountains, make sure to book a fun tour that will give you a quick taste of Denver. Most people who visit Colorado for skiing will blaze through Denver in order to head to the mountains. Hang out with us in Denver for a day LOL!
Where Should You Go?
If you’re planning a solo ski day or vacation, choosing the right place is one of the most important aspects of your trip.
Here’s a list of towns and accommodation that I currently recommend. The accommodation shared is a mix of bougie hostels and locally owned boutique hotel (hybrid hostel) concepts. These are great spaces to meet new people when you’re heading up to the mountains on your own for whatever reason. Also, the following towns are great for car-free ski trips: Breckenridge, Idaho Springs (if you take the Bustang to Frisco), Silverthorne, Vail and Winter Park (if you take the ski train).
Breckenridge
I spend a ridiculous amount of time in Breckenridge. It is one of my absolute favorite mountain towns in Colorado. I also feel that it’s the best mountain town for Black travelers looking to enjoy a Colorado mountain town experience at any time of the year. Breckenridge stands out for the following reasons: the historic Main Street, the ski mountain is beautiful, the free Gondola up to the slopes, places to eat and fun things to do.
- The Bivvi
- I stay here often
- Gravity Haus Breckenridge
- I used to have a Gravity Haus membership and have stayed here several times.
Idaho Springs
This cute little mountain town is 25 minutes from Loveland Ski Resort if the weather is good. You can enjoy a small mountain town experience, head over to Indian Hot Springs for a soak and avoid dealing with the bulk of same day ski traffic because you’re already in the mountains.
Ridgeway
This area is one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado. What makes Ridgeway a great place to hang out is its proximity to several mountain towns: Telluride, Silverton and Ski Purgatory. Double-check how you will drive to the resort you’re interested in from Ridgeway. This town is also a surprising food destination, if you like good food there are some great food concepts in town.
Silverthorne
If you’re wanting to be closer to the I-70 corridor, Silverthorne is a few minutes away from Frisco. You can take a free Summit Shuttle between Frisco, Silverthorne, Breckenridge and other ski resorts with transit service in that corridor.
- The Pad
- Truly lovely space and a nice focus on environmental impact. Immaculate space.
Telluride
One of the most beautiful mountain towns in Colorado, going to Telluride is a bit of a commitment because it’s a 6 (ish) hour drive from Denver. It’s worth going to though. There’s the dreamy historic downtown, the elk herd that often hangs out in the meadow as you head into Telluride. Then there’s the free gondola which is the best in the state. No contest.
- The Bivvi Telluride
- One of the first places that I stayed during the COVID pandemic. Beautiful space and it has two hot tubs LOL!
Vail
If you’re looking for a ski town that has slightly European vibes, Vail is the place for you. It’s along the I-70 corridor, has incredible back bowl skiing for those of you advanced skiiers/snowboarders looking for great snow and a challenging and fun ski experience. There’s shopping, fun and good food. One of my favorite places to visit is La Cantina Mexican Restaurant located in the Vail Transportation Center.
Winter Park
If possible, try to take the Ski Train to Winter Park. Driving over Berthoud Pass if you’re unfamiliar with winter mountain conditions is best to be avoided if possible. For those of you comfortable with winter mountain driving, having a car on hand is nice to do if you’re not staying directly in Winter Park Ski Resort. Winter Park is also about a 40 minute drive to Hot Sulphur Springs, a great place for an après ski soak.
- YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch
- When I was a kid I went to Camp Chief Ouray which is held at the YMCA. This fall I was there for a retreat. This facility continues to impress. I would also like to try out the yurts sometime next summer.
- Gravity Haus Winter Park
- I used to have a Gravity Haus membership and have stayed here because of that. Really cute hotel and great location.
Below the mirror is a fireplace
What to Pack
Several of the places to stay that I shared are hostels or have some shared spaces. With that in mind, here are some items to bring so that you’re comfortable and not annoyed by the experience.
- Bring ear plugs-If you’re not a heavy sleeper, you must bring ear plugs. I’m a heavy sleeper and I still bring them.
- Noise cancelling ear buds-These are wonderful to use as well.
- Your favorite mini sized toiletries-Don’t assume that there will be products that are ideal for your skin and cleanliness needs. Usually the soap, shampoo, etc. have no scent to them and are neutral to accommodate all types of people. I’ve found that these products always dry out my skin and no shampoo/conditioners are available for Black or curly hair.
- Colorado is very dry and sunny so make sure to need to bring: chapstick, lotion and sunblock.
- Flip flops–The bathrooms at the places I stay are cleaned daily. I’m not taking any risks though when showering.
- Eye mask-Sometimes a light gets turned on when you’ve gone to sleep-a eye mask keeps you from noticing.
- A lock–Some hostels have digital locks, others still have lockers that rely on physical locks. Always bring a lock for your belongings.
- A swimsuit-Most of the new places have a hot tub. Plan accordingly.
How to Approach a Woman’s Solo Colorado Ski Trip
Here are some easy to follow tips for your next, or first, woman’s solo ski trip.
- Set up a system of communication with people who would be concerned about your whereabouts.
- Share your accommodation details
- Have emergency contact details on you.
- Call or text at a predetermined cadence so that people know that you’re ok.
- Take the ski or snowboarding lesson-If you’ve never skied or snowboarded-take the freaking lesson. It will be fun and you’ll meet other people, yes, adults.
- Stay at a hostel or hotel with events or shared spaces-This will allow you to meet people without pressure.
- Check your insurance coverage and pick up some additional travel insurance-Skiing is not without some measure of risk. Check out what it does and does not cover.
How to Plan a Woman’s Solo Colorado Ski Trip
Planning a woman’s solo Colorado ski trip doesn’t mean that you’ll be completely on your own. In fact, a solo ski trip could open up the possibility of meeting new friends, having an adventure and challenging yourself in ways you’d never considered. I love going on solo Colorado ski trips and I’ve had an incredible time each time I head to the slopes with or without a group of friends and family hanging out with me.