Echo Mountain Park

By Amanda May
Staff Writer
Rockies.com

Echo Mountain Park is the newest and cheapest ski area in Colorado. Located just 35 miles outside of Denver, this mini ski area is the perfect place for an afternoon on the mountain or for a whole week’s vacation, staying in the affordable area lodging.

One of the terrain park features at Echo Mountain Park.

Known as a playground for freestyle skiing, Echo Mountain has new, innovative terrain parks and hosts events like the Mighty Midwest Snowboard Camp and competitions for amateurs and professionals. If you’re not quite ready for competition, Echo has beginner lessons at their ski and ride school with a newly redesigned learning area.

Even though Echo Mountain Park is relatively small, with just 15 trails on 85 acres, there are still some cool glades to brave and runs to bomb down. And they’re expanding and revamping every year!

The ski area also has 12 hours of skiing and riding from Wednesday to Saturday during their season, which usually runs from early December to early May. You could even come after working all morning in Denver- and then pay less than $30 for an afternoon lift ticket!

While you’re at Echo, check out the killer view of the Front Range from their outdidoor plaza, which sits at about 10,000 feet above sea level.

The resort has 660 feet of vertical drop and is serviced by three chair lifts. Their annual snowfall is an average of 220 inches.

For those of you that are eco-friendly, be rest assured that this contemporary ski area has taken nature into account. They are working with the Forest Service guidelines to do everything possible to preserve the beauty and environment in the area. The most cutting-edge water saving devices are used throughout the resort, and tree cutting has been kept to a minimum.

With the prices so cheap, its hard not to realize that this is not your average ski area. Westword Magazine named Echo Mountain Park “The Best Ski Deal” in 2009, the year that season passes cost just $249 with no restrictions or blackout dates.

Off-slope activities include shopping and dining in nearby Idaho Springs, or visiting other area attractions like the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum and the Coors Brewery.

Well, what are you waiting for? You could be on the slopes in less than an hour from almost anywhere along Denver’s Front Range!

To get to Echo Mountain Park from Denver take exit 252 on Interstate 70 to Evergreen Parkway (CO-74). Follow the parkway approximately three miles to Squaw Pass Road (Highway 103) and turn right. Follow Squaw Pass 12 miles to Echo Mountain Park. From west of Idaho Springs and Summit County, take Interstate 70 east to Highway 103. Take the 240 exit onto the highway and follow about 18 miles until you reach the ski area.