Hit the slopes! Where you should, and shouldn’t ski; plus, save the date for these gay ski weeks

Colorado offers some of the best skiing around, and every winter, we are reminded just how lucky we are to live here. So, now that snow is on the horizon, it’s time to gear up and get up to the mountains for plenty of powder days to come. Of course, OFC wants to be sure you look the part, so we’ve included some hot new products from Christy Sports. We’ve also rounded up the opening and closing dates (as well as pass prices) for Colorado’s ski resorts, plus the best gay ski weeks for don’t-miss fun in the snow and sun. Our lists of the most and least popular ski resorts – ranked based on a combination of experience and opinion – are to help you really make the most out of the 2011/2012 ski season. See you on the mountain!

5 resorts you don’t want to miss

Vail Ski Resort – Vail tops the list because it’s great for skiiers of  all abilities wanting to go together. Choose your path over untouched powder, groomed runs or fun bumps. Vail also boasts amazing bowls and après ski fun. Being seen here isn’t all that bad either.

Copper Mountain – This is a wonderful day trip/first-date trip with the best skiing in Summit County. All abilities are welcome.
If you get adventurous, the back bowls are simply amazing.

Aspen/Snowmass – Check out Aspen/Snowmass for a perfect date weekend. Enjoy incredible powder and the hopping nightlife. Bromance is in the air here – just make sure your partner knows how to ski.

Beaver Creek – If you’ve got the money, you’ve got the time. Beaver Creek features beautifully groomed runs for all abilities with plenty of ski-in/ski-out opportunities. The amenities are also incredible.

Winter Park/Mary Jane – Your day begins when you hit Empire. Majestic scenes over Berthoud Pass lead to a skiing wonderland that’s great for all skill levels. Winter Park, with its greens and terrain parks, is the best resort for mixed abilities. Mary Jane, meanwhile, features long, beautiful runs and bumps. And if you park your car in the right lot, it’s basically ski-in/ski-out (and great for a quickie lunch).

Bonus cross-country option: Devil’s Thumb Ranch offers amazing opportunities for those who prefer cross-country skiing to downhill skiing. Nicely prepared tracks mean you don’t have to break trail, and because it’s a hidden gem, it’s not busy. The dining and spa options also are fantastic.

5 resorts you might wanna skip

SolVista Basin – This Grand County resort caters to families with young children. There are awesome snowshoeing opportunities, but the downhill crowds are just plain annoying.

Ski Cooper – This resort, located near Leadville, caters to beginners and families. So, once again, the crowds can be a little much to take. There also are only a few Colorado microbrews on tap. If you’re over 12 years old, you’ll be over this resort.

Loveland – If you want to freeze your nipples off, this is the place to be. During the season, it gets very cold at the top of the Continental Divide and the skiing is variable. Be prepared for whiteouts, powder and icy conditions all on the same day (or even on the same run). However, Loveland offers great early and late skiing.

Breckenridge Ski Resort – Breck is an awesome town for hanging out and impressing your date (or even finding a date). The skiing is fun for beginners but not quite exciting enough for intermediates. The double fall line creates difficulties for the average skier.

Keystone – This resort is a numbers factory with tons of people, and you better know how to ski if you go to Keystone. If you hit the outback you’ll be in heaven, but be prepared to be there all day.

2012 Gay Ski Weeks

Aspen Gay Ski Week, Jan. 15-22, http://gayskiweek.com

Telluride Gay Ski Week, Feb. 25-March 3, http://telluridegayskiweek.com

Matthew Shepard Foundation Gay Ski Week/Crested Butte Gay Ski Week, Dates TBD, http://matthewshepardgayskiweek.com

Outboard Gay and Lesbian Snowboard and Ski Week in Steamboat Springs, March 27-April 1, http://outboard.org/gay-snowboard-events

Vail Gay Ski Week, Dates TBD, http://vailgayskiweek.com