Skiing

I'm pumped for ski season to get here. Mind you, I know nothing about skiing at the moment, but that will all change soon enough. I've got my skis. I've got my boots. I'll soon receive my goggles and helmet. There's only two things missing: snow and my ski pass. So the prices for ski passes are set to rise on Tuesday 9/4. This means that by Monday I have to decide between the Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus and the Five Mountain Pass. Here's the breakdown:

Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus:
Unlimited skiing at Copper Mountain, Winter Park, Mary Jane
6 unrestricted days at Steamboat Springs
Free skiing at Steamboat Springs after 12PM on Fridays

Five Mountain Pass:
Unlimited skiing at Keystone, A-Basin, Breckenridge
10 restricted days split between Vail and Beaver Creek

I've been told so many different things about both passes, that I no longer know what to believe. Here's what I'll use to base my decision:

Where do the locals go?
Winner: Copper Mountain
- I would like to know where the most locals go because then, I can wear my "Don't hassle me, I'm local" T-Shirt. All kidding aside, I would like to trust that the people who live here would know the best place for your practical skiing.

What's the fastest place to get to?
Winner: Copper Mountain
Runers Up: A-Basin and Keystone
- Getting there is half the battle. Although Keystone and A-Basin are closer in mileage, Loveland Pass can close and change that. Also, Copper Mountain is right off the interstate, so you get there just as quickly, if not faster.

Which place has the best snow?
Winner: Steamboat Springs
Runner up: Vail
- Everybody says Steamboat has the best snow. It's farther away, but it's great snow.

Where do all the a-holes ski?
Loser: Vail and Breckenridge
- I've heard that some of the skiers at Vail and Breckenridge can be a little on the stuck up side.

What else is there to take into consideration? Parking costs maybe? Well, since it costs $20 to park at Vail, that's a lot of money over 10 days of skiing. Even if Brett and I carpooled and split parking, thats $100 bucks. That could buy me 10 hot chocolates at the resorts. What about the skiing restrictions at Vail? I guess even though I would get 4 less days at Steamboat, at least there's no parking fees and I can go whenever I want. So I guess you could say I'm leaning towards the Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus. It costs a bit more, but I think I'll enjoy my first season a bit more. Writing this actually helped me realize how much better the RM Pass sounds. Anyhow, I'm off to bed. Tomorrow marks my first concert at Red Rocks: Yonder Mountain String Band. I could use some bluegrass:)