Day 27 - Denver

Day 27 – Last day!  Or should I say morning L  Breakfast over, we pack the car and finally set off back to Denver.  It hasn’t snowed for the last couple of days, so the roads are a lot easier to drive on than they were when we drove up here. Half way back to Denver we make a stop at Silverthorne …..OMG!  Retail heaven!  We start at Ralph Lauren, cruise into Banana Republic then head out via Coach.  Long and the short of it …. by the time we arrive in Denver we have to call in at Walmart (now there’s an experience) to buy another suitcase.  Gordy has not really shopped since we’ve been away but he has now made up for it!

Tonight we are staying at the Hampton Inn and Suites, which is only about 15 minutes from the airport as we have an early ‘check-in’ tomorrow morning.

Hampton Inn and Suites

Well designed room 

Heading into DIA - this airport is enormous

Oh dear ......

Notes on Steamboat

Highly recommend the Steamboat Grand.  We had a King size room which was very spacious.  Large lounge (with fireplace) and dining area with a fully self-contained kitchen (not that we used it!), good sized bathroom with double sink and great water pressure in the shower, and bedroom with king sized bed and a small balcony with great views to the mountain.  Free internet which is great.

Breakfast was included in our package so there was always fresh fruit, cereals, eggs, bacon, French toast, scones etc plus omelettes made to order so plenty to start you off for the day.  There was also a café where you could buy various snacks such as muffins, pizzas etc and drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

The gym has been recently updated with new equipment and the hot tub (two of them) are an absolute treat after time on the slopes.  There is also a heated pool.

All ski equipment can be hired from the hotel then stored at the Grand Storage across the road so you don’t have to lug it back to the hotel.

A mini bus operates from the resort from 1.15pm (then every 30 minutes) into town.  It then operates every 15 minutes from about 5.00pm.  When you have finished in town all you need do is ring the resort and they will send the bus to pick you up….it’s an extremely efficient service….if they say they will be there in six minutes they are!  This is a free service.  There are plenty of stores (Walmart, Safeways etc), boutiques, bars, restaurants – try Fiesta Jalisco for Mexican – in town and Mambo Italiano – yum!

There are a number of other bars around the base of the mountain plus shops selling ski gear.

The slopes are perfect for beginners but there are still plenty of challenging runs for the experienced skier.  The mountain really is HUGE!

There are also Ambassadors who are there to help.  They also take out groups of skiiers free of charge (it’s the “over the hill” group) providing you can ski “blue” runs.

Remember to drink plenty of water…at this altitude it’s very easy to get dehydrated and you will not feel good!

Visit steamboat.com for all information on activities, lessons etc.

Day 27

Day 27 – What can I say?  Breakfast, skiing, drinking at the base of the mountain, hot tub, sunset, dinner……. It was a fabulous day.

PS - We tried to get into Mahogany (make sure you book) but ended up at Mambo Italiano.  Fabulous Italian food – great night.

Farewell Steamboat …loved every minute xxx

It is the most beautiful day!

Day 26

Day 26 – What a BIG day!  After breakfast we had a number of business issues to address so that took the rest of the morning – no rest for the wicked J  We have another private lesson arranged for 1pm (costing a fortune I might add!)  and Gordy has promised to really make a BIG effort this time  (he has not been enjoying the whole experience) and I have agreed to not make him ski anymore if he doesn’t “get it”!  Thankfully he comes off the slope with a smile on his face and full of enthusiasm….yes!  Then Marc takes me up to “Vogue”, which for an inexperienced skier as ‘moi’ is quite a steep “blue”.  Holy guacamole!  It starts off OK and then we hit the slope….to say I am filled with trepidation would be a total understatement….I am scared s***less!  I struggle the first half then manage to fall over … first time I’ve fallen on the slopes … I do a quick reconnaissance and realize it’s still a long way down, there is no safety lift close by and nobody is going to help me!   Surprisingly I am suddenly spurred on by sheer fear (I think) and remembering all the basic technique, somehow, manage to ski the rest upright.  By the time I make it to the bottom I am exhausted and actually feeling quite ill!   I think it’s back to the slightly easier slopes for me tomorrow… I’m not going to push myself again so close to the end of our time here.

After storing our skis we head back to the room and straight to the hot tub!  It’s amazing what a vodka and a soak can do for the mind and body J  We watch the sun set and it is absolutely beautiful.  With our senses revitalized we head out to Fiesta Jalisco for dinner, recommended as the best Mexican in town, it doesn’t disappoint.  $60 for a litre of wine and more food than we can eat.  It’s been a good day!

 

 

This is heading up the lift on my own

Looking back over Steamboat

Hot tub....yes!

At Fiesta Jalisco!  Note the bull's head on the wall.  They were every where.

Day 25 - Steamboat Springs

Day 25 – I think the staff is in shock when they see us down at breakfast early but we are heading off on a “snow shoe” walk this morning and have to be ready by 9.30am.  We are outfitted with our snow shoes and set off again up the Gondola …. Note to self – if you are nervous of heights, sit looking UP the mountain!  Anyway, when we finally hit terra firma we put on our snow shoes and set off for a walk, about a mile, around the top of the peak.  I must admit, because we are up quite high, walking up any slope, no matter how gentle, is tough going.  The upside is, it’s amazing scenery, and at the end of our walk (there is only one other couple and two tour guides) we head to Haizie’s for lunch and obligatory wine J Back down on the Gondola, we have a wander around the shops, then back to our room.  I just bought a swimsuit ….yes that’s right …. So while Gordy hits the gym, I hit the hot tub, while the snow falls softly on my head ....sublime ;)

Tired tonight, so after a snack at the bar we are back in our room… besides, “Blacklist” is on.

And off we go!

On the mountain

Casual morning walk

Snowing a bit but plenty of skiers/snow boarders out

Ahhh....now to relax :)