I agree 100% with Swiss Tony... I wouldn't do it either... I ski hard, BUT I am also a comfort skier too: I like to fall out of my condo door in the morning and straight into my skis... Having a ski-in/ski-out condo, we may occassionally go back for lunch (you always have that option) and both our ski and relaxation time are maximised. I am a fit person (go to the gym/run/fence/weights 5+ times a week) and am always fit/prepared for skiing... BUT - like any specific type of physical activity - it can take it out of you for a few days (since it uses muscles in ways that you don't normally). So, after a day of hard skiing, I just want to hit the hot tub or sofa...
Forgot to say that there is a ski-in/ski-out Sheraton at Steamboat - that is an option if you prefer a hotel. Personally we much prefer a condo, though: much more space and freedom (husband takes on the role of "breakfast chef" on holiday and having a kitchen is handy for snacks and rustling up the occasional easy lunch/dinner...)
We haven't suffered from altitude either (Steamboat is fairly high). But the best tips for avoiding altitude sickness are:
- stay hydrated: drink a little very regularly (don't wait until you are thristy - thirst is a sign that you are already dehydrated).
- take it EASY for the first few days of a trip (so you don't get over tired/weak). Take regular breaks
- make sure you eat regularly (even if you don't feel like it).
- avoid much alcohol and caffiene (especially for the first few days).
- have a bit of fitness before you go (always amazes me how many people go from couch-potatoes to a week or two's skiing with no preparation...)
We generally use a humidifier (most condos have them) in Colorado too: the air can be very dry and dry your skin and your nose/throat.
When going to Colorado, we generally don't both completely adjusting our body clocks - we get up about 6am (to hit the slopes at 8am) and go to bed about 9.30pm/10pm. We are not big party animals...
Boo
Originally Posted by
Swiss Tony
To the OP - I would seriously caution against staying in Dillon/Frisco/Silverthorne. As I recall, each is about a 20 minute drive from the skiing. You then have to park up and may need to take a bus to the slopes (I know the gondola has gone in at Breck since my last visit, so this may make things a little better, but it's still going to be a pain). Taking a break mid-afternoon back at the room will be a non-starter and with the dollar still so weak you should - IMO - just make the most of it!
As for comments re: Altitude, I've been across with different groups of people on several occasions and the majority have been OK, but it seems to hit people in strange ways. I'm not going to start a debate on the matter, just stating that one of my mates could barely put his socks on without breaing into a sweat and whilst he's no athlete, he's not Homer Simpson either...