Ericka

Hi all,

My husband has a business trip in Vail next month and he has asked if I'd like to tag along for some skiing. The catch is that he is an expert skiier and I am...not. The few times I have been to Colorado I have taken lessons but the fact remains that I only enjoy TRULY BEGINNER runs, i.e. those without much pitch.

Which mountain in the vail area will have the most/best beginner runs? I have heard of Buttermilk, but is that very far away? How about Beaver Creek?

My other alternative is to take some cross country skiing lessons this time. I'm really just in it for the scenery and a little exercise.

padams421

There are plenty of beginner runs at Vail. However, those runs are on the front side of the mountain, and they can be crowded.

You should head over to Beaver Creek where there is great beginner terrain at the top of the mountain (don't worry, there are greens to get you all the way down the mountain too). Also, even as a beginner, you can probably handle skiing from the main Beaver Creek villag area down to the other BC base areas of Arrowhead and Bachelor Gulch.

Buttermilk is near Aspen, and a good 1/2 day from Vail. BC is about 20-30 minutes from Vail. You can take a shuttle from Vail to BC.

yale

I agree, as the other poster stated, you should be able to find plenty of beginner runs at Vail and/or Beaver Creek.

virginia

i agree with previous posters re buttermilk too far. beavercreek would be good. or stay right at vail and take a lesson in their outstanding ski school. surprise your dh with your newly acquired ability to make it down an intermediate run with him....
or you could head over towards leadville to ski cooper (not copper mtn). its a small town ski area. tons of fun and lots of easy terrain.

amwosu

I think Vail is the second largest ski resort in North America (only to Blackcomb/Whistler)so there really is plenty of skiing for both of you. Buttermilk is a great beginner mountain but definitely too far away for this trip.

Cher

There's plenty of beginner runs at Vail and with the grooming you should be fine. I would recommend taking an all-day group ski lesson. My husband and I did this a few years ago (even though we're high-end intermediate skiers). You'll be put with an appropriate level group and will essentially get a whole day skiing tour of the mountain, plus it is a great way to improve your skiing. My husband and I enjoyed it very much and it was a great help for our skiing as well!

localgal

From a Beaver Creek "local"... Yes, I agree with previous postings. TAKE A LESSON!! You'll enjoy the commeradere and really learn without fear. Our ski school is the BEST! Little known fact about Beaver Creek> Many of our beginner runs are up top off chair 5...you get to see all the beauty up top and experience why skiing is so addicting. Talk about scenery!!And here is the best part: you can DOWNLOAD on the main chair from mid-mountain to the bottom to REALLY have an easy time of it! Our snow this year is awesome! You'll be glad you skied! P.S. we also have the best top-of the-mountain Cross country park in the country in case you do want to try that! Check out the trail map at www.snow.com

localgal

Oh! Forgot to add that B.C. is 10 minutes from Vail by the shuttle that runs every 20 minutes or so. EZ!!!

MaureenB

Definitely take a lesson, as everyone else suggests, too. Skiing in one sport you don't want to try to figure out on your own, or rely on your Significant Other to teach you.
I don't think it matters between Vail and Beaver Creek, because you probably won't be covering much terrain while you learn anyway. I'd go to the mountain where your husband wants to ski, since they are both very nice. Or call and see which ski school is the least crowded for best instructor-to-student ratio, and if the prices differ by much.

Gretchen

I have loved Vail for beginner skiing mainly because there are many greens at the top of the mountain. Sign up for some more lessons and advance your technique.

Lexma90

I agree with all of the posts above, especially the "take a lesson" advice. If you're possibly interested in cross-country skiing, however, give it a try! There is a nordic center at the golf course, and you'll have beautiful scenary and views. It's also a better workout than downhill skiing...

Ericka

Thanks for the replies everyone. All good thoughts!

amwosu

Hey Ericka, I'd love to know how it goes. Pleas post a trip report.

sunbum1944

And after you have taken a lesson DO NOT let your expert skier husband talk you into doing a difficult run - been there- done that, didnt come down in a basket but just lucky that day. Scared me away from skiing forever.