My 29th Birthday Adventure: Ski Cooper, Nordic Trails & The Tennessee Cookhouse
Yesterday was truly special, and I’m overflowing with gratitude for all the wonderful birthday wishes – your phone calls, texts, and tweets made my day even brighter! What started with a touch of anxiety transformed into a deeply relaxing, incredibly fun, and utterly unforgettable celebration. This year, my birthday marked a significant milestone: the final year of my twenties. On Friday evening, a slight panic set in as the reality of this transition loomed. But, as often happens, the best cure for introspection is a dose of adventure and good company. Spending the day with Mr. B, laughing hysterically while attempting Nordic skiing, and enjoying a delightful dinner with cherished friends, effortlessly swept away any lingering worries. Anxiety, shmanxiety, indeed!
Discovering Ski Cooper: A Historic Colorado Ski Gem
Our birthday adventure began bright and early on Saturday morning. Mr. B and I set off for Ski Cooper, a charming ski area nestled about 30 minutes south of Vail. Our plan for the day was twofold: first, to enjoy a few runs at Ski Cooper, a resort we’d never explored before, and then to embark on a Nordic skiing journey to the renowned Tennessee Cookhouse. The drive itself was a breathtaking spectacle; the Colorado landscape unfolded in pristine beauty, with crystal-clear skies promising a perfect “bluebird day.” It felt like a gift from above, setting the stage for an extraordinary day of mountain exploration.
We arrived at Ski Cooper (and a crucial note: remember, it’s Cooper, not Copper!) around 9:30 AM, and within a mere 15 minutes, our skis were on, and we were gliding down the slopes. Ski Cooper holds a unique place in Colorado’s rich skiing history, dating back to World War II. It was here that the U.S. Army meticulously cleared runs and installed a single tow rope to train the legendary soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division. Given that many of Colorado’s iconic modern ski resorts trace their origins back to these very soldiers, you could argue that Ski Cooper is truly where the state’s illustrious ski culture began. Today, the resort retains much of its historic charm, boasting only two modern lifts on the entire mountain, with the main lift being a quaint two-person chair. Talk about a delightful blast from the past, embracing an authentic “old school” ski experience!
Despite its smaller stature and less steep terrain compared to the colossal resorts, Ski Cooper offers an incredible advantage for skiers and snowboarders: absolutely zero crowds. This meant no lift lines, open runs, and a pure, unadulterated skiing experience. Mr. B and I effortlessly found a couple of exhilarating runs, even discovering some fresh powder to carve through – a delightful surprise after three weeks away from the slopes. It was wonderful to get our legs moving again and rediscover that familiar rhythm. I couldn’t help but joke with Mr. B that if we ever have eight children, Ski Cooper would be our go-to resort. Why? Because a full-day ski lesson, complete with a lift ticket, costs a mere $80! That, my friends, is an unbelievably good deal, making it one of the most family-friendly and affordable ski destinations in Colorado.
Embarking on a Nordic Adventure to the Tennessee Cookhouse
We only spent about an hour downhill skiing, as we had a crucial 11 AM appointment at the Nordic center. Conveniently located at the base of the mountain, it was just a short, easy transition. You might be wondering, why on earth would we opt for Nordic skiing, also known as cross-country skiing? Well, one of the most enticing attractions in the Cooper area is the famous Tennessee Cookhouse. This unique restaurant is housed within a cozy yurt, nestled about a mile west of the Nordic center. The journey to the Cookhouse is an adventure in itself, accessible only by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile. Since neither of us had ever tried Nordic skiing, my friend Heather’s favorite mantra echoed in my mind: “Carpe Diem!” It was the perfect opportunity to embrace a new challenge and add an exciting layer to my birthday celebration.
After renting our gear, a crucial observation immediately presented itself: Nordic boots are infinitely more comfortable than their alpine counterparts – a revelation for anyone accustomed to the rigid confines of downhill ski boots! With a quick and helpful instruction session from the salesman on how to clip in and, more importantly, how to stop, we were ready to hit the trails. The initial ten minutes of Nordic skiing were, shall we say, a bit of an uncoordinated ballet. We looked as though we’d had a bit too much “giggle juice,” stumbling and swaying across the trail with an endearing lack of grace. Unlike alpine skiing, Nordic skiing requires a gliding motion, as the skis lack traction on the bottom. It took us about halfway up the mile-long trail to finally find our rhythm and embrace the subtle art of the glide. Once we did, the experience transformed into pure magic. The trail itself was utterly gorgeous, winding through a serene landscape of snow-covered pine trees, offering stunning, panoramic views at every turn. It was a picturesque journey, a perfect blend of physical activity and natural beauty.
Inside the Yurt: A Culinary Retreat in the Wilderness
It took us approximately 30 minutes to reach the charming yurt, home to the Tennessee Cookhouse. I had never been inside a yurt before, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Have you ever experienced one? Apparently, these circular, tent-like dwellings are quite the rage in Colorado, offering a unique blend of rustic charm and cozy comfort. After snapping a few pictures of the intriguing exterior, we stepped inside, eager for our well-deserved lunch.
If you were envisioning a rough-and-tumble, purely utilitarian space, you’d be pleasantly surprised. The interior of the Tennessee Cookhouse was anything but primitive. Instead, it evoked the charming imagery of a modernized Laura Ingalls Wilder kitchen, brimming with warmth and character. A rustic old stove, adorned with large iron pots, emitted a comforting heat and the enticing aroma of delicious food. Sturdy wooden tables, worn smooth by countless meals and conversations, invited us to sit and relax. It was a delightful blend of pioneer spirit and contemporary comfort, creating an incredibly inviting atmosphere perfect for a unique dining experience in Colorado.
To kick off our special birthday lunch, we started with a celebratory glass of champagne, raising a toast to another year of adventures and joy. The menu, surprisingly sophisticated for a remote yurt, offered tempting choices. I opted for the fresh spinach salad, beautifully complemented by a vibrant pomegranate dressing, alongside a hearty and flavorful potato bacon leek soup – a perfect comfort meal after our snowy exertion. Mr. B chose the teriyaki chicken, and both dishes were absolutely delicious, exceeding all expectations for a meal savored in such an unconventional yet charming setting.
And of course, no meal is truly complete without a sweet indulgence. We rounded off our delectable lunch with a homemade white chocolate oatmeal raisin cookie, generously topped with a cloud of whipped cream. It was the perfect delightful finish to our unique yurt dining experience, preparing us for the journey back.
The Journey Back and Evening Celebrations
After our satisfying meal, it was time to head back to the Nordic center. While skiing uphill had been a good workout, descending proved to be a different kind of challenge. Going down, especially with the lack of edge control inherent in Nordic skis, required a bit more finesse and, frankly, courage. Let’s just say there was one particular corner where Mr. B and I narrowly avoided an unplanned encounter with a tree – a true testament to the thrill (and occasional peril) of learning a new skill! To stop effectively on Nordic skis, one must master the “pie wedge” technique, similar to a snowplow in downhill skiing. I’m proud to report that I pie-wedged like a seasoned pro, an absolute “mother trucker,” as my former ski instructors would undoubtedly have applauded. We made it safely back to the Nordic Center, our spirits high and our legs pleasantly tired, bidding a fond farewell to the charming Cooper Mountain and our cross-country skiing adventure.
Our day of mountain adventures wasn’t quite over. The Denver contingent of our friends was skiing at Beaver Creek on Saturday and had gathered at the Blue Moose. We decided to join them for a celebratory drink. As soon as we walked in, all the guys immediately burst into a loud, enthusiastic rendition of “Happy Birthday!” It was a spontaneous, heartwarming moment that brought a huge smile to my face, making me feel truly cherished and loved.
We didn’t linger too long at the Blue Moose, as everyone was feeling the delightful exhaustion that comes from a day on the slopes and was eager for a pre-dinner nap. One of my absolute favorite things to do when we’re in the mountains is to simply unwind in bed and watch movies. It was the perfect, cozy interlude to relax and recharge after our Nordic skiing escapade, easing our muscles and minds before the evening’s festivities.
My birthday dinner culminated at E-Town, a popular local restaurant known for its inviting atmosphere and delicious fare. It was the ideal spot to continue the evening’s celebrations with good food and great company.
True to form, we began our dinner with a selection of tempting appetizers and, naturally, more bubbly to keep the festive spirits flowing. There’s something undeniably celebratory about clinking glasses with friends, especially on a birthday, creating memories that last a lifetime.
For my main course, I had a specific craving that simply had to be satisfied: E-Town’s legendary Blue Cheese burger paired with a generous helping of sweet potato fries. It was the quintessential birthday dinner indulgence – rich, flavorful, and utterly comforting. Every bite was a pure delight, perfectly capping off a day filled with incredible experiences and cherished moments. This meal, enjoyed in great company, was the perfect ending to my 29th birthday celebration.
Reflections on a Perfect Birthday Adventure
And that, my dear friends, is the tale of how I joyously spent my 29th birthday. The day was a magnificent tapestry woven with the perfect balance of exhilarating adventure, heartwarming laughter, and truly delicious food. From the historic slopes of Ski Cooper and the novelty of Nordic skiing to the unique charm of the Tennessee Cookhouse yurt and a cozy dinner at E-Town, every moment was infused with joy and new experiences. As I mentioned last Friday, life is truly one giant party, and this chapter, marking the final year of my twenties, feels like it’s only just beginning. Here’s to embracing every moment, seeking new adventures, and cherishing the wonderful people who make life so incredibly rich. My Colorado mountain birthday adventure was everything I could have wished for, and more.