’ S E K I PEA P K Written by William A. Donius It is almost a knee jerk response to head either east or west from St. Louis on vacation. The big cities: New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco are certainly exciting places to visit. But I decided to break the habit and took a road trip to Colorado. We also wanted to break out of the more typical vacation by going skiing and discovering the beauty of the Colorado Rockies by staying at a B&B owned by former St. Louisans. For me, vacations should be about getting some quality time to really catch up and connect with a partner or friends on a deeper level. Fourteen hours in the car certainly provides enough time! Before, you summarily dismiss the possibility of committing such a crazy act, a few things to consider. First, if you don’t have a big or reliable vehicle, rent one. A great vehicle makes the trip a lot easier and fun. Second, the objective is to enjoy the means to the end, and not just the destination. It is great to explore some of the quirky roadside destinations, surf the local radio stations or just play your favorite music for hours and hours.
When you ski for the day at an altitude of 13,000 feet, it must be the equivalent of about 15 hours in the gym! It’s an excellent way to burn mega calories. Higher altitudes burn calories much faster. Bonus! Be forewarned, start slow with alcohol, as the altitude can make you feel like you want to lay down and not get up. If you’ve never been skiing, it’s certainly something to add to your list! The latest ski technology, plentiful instructors and ski schools make learning to ski easier than ever. The payoff — a truly spectacular view from a 13,000-foot mountain summit. You’re forced to blink to make sure you are not just imaging the beautiful sight before you. We stayed in Breckenridge, a gold mining town established in the 1800’s. Being the first in Colorado to decriminalized marijuana, it goes without saying that the town is laid back without the big attitude and glamour you’ll find in, say, Vail or Aspen. Don’t fret, however, Breckenridge has all the amenities you’ll need. Plus, there are three great mountain peaks to choose from depending on your skill level and terrain preference.
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