Beginners may want to stay away from Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin) as most of the decent skiing is up high or in the Montezuma Bowl (just opened in 2008). If you’ve never done anything too “crazy” in your snow career I suggest heading over to the wall or hiking the Montezuma bowl.

A-Basin is also a very friendly resort with “the beach” (tailgating in the parking lot) and plenty of interesting characters on the lifts.

Be careful as you’re driving up the pass, though—it can be dangerous!