Oh, hi there! Fancy meeting you here. We hope your weekend was filled with joy and relaxation. Ours certainly was, packed with thrilling anticipation and ultimately, the magic of fresh snowfall in the mountains!
This past weekend was dominated by the eager expectation of snow. The buzz on the ski slopes was palpable: forecasts predicted at least a foot of fresh powder would blanket the mountains on Saturday night. The question on everyone’s minds was, “Did the snowfall finally grace our beloved peaks?” As always, let’s start our mountain adventure from the very beginning, shall we?
Friday: The Journey to Mountain Serenity
Hectic Beginnings, Relaxing Drive
Our journey to the mountains began late on Friday afternoon. Mr. B, my partner in adventure, had a work meeting that extended longer than expected, while I was scrambling to complete a seemingly endless list of errands before we could finally escape the city. It often feels like there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to tick off every item on the to-do list, especially when a exciting weekend getaway beckons!
Despite the frenetic pace of our day, the two-hour car ride provided a much-needed respite. It was a cherished opportunity to catch up, unwind, and transition from the demands of the work week to the promise of mountain tranquility. This year, in particular, has been a whirlwind, with our calendar packed solid from now until late April. It makes you wonder, does life ever truly slow down? Perhaps it’s these moments of escape to the natural beauty of the mountains that offer the perfect counterbalance to our busy lives.
E-Town Delights (and Service Quirks)
Upon our arrival in town, our first priority was a delicious dinner. We immediately made our way to E-Town. Let me state for the record: I absolutely adore the food at E-Town. Their culinary creations are consistently outstanding, offering a delightful array of dishes that tantalize the taste buds. However, I must admit, the front-of-house service leaves a bit to be desired. From an often-unfriendly hostess to slow wait staff and a somewhat confusing restaurant layout, these aspects can, at times, be a source of minor frustration. Thankfully, they were quick to serve me a glass of Zin, which arrived just in time to preempt any significant “firing up” on my part!
Culinary Highlights: Bruschetta, Panini, and Blue Cheese Bliss
To begin our meal, we ordered the bruschetta, which proved to be a delightful surprise. Unlike the traditional French bread base, E-Town’s version uses pita, offering a unique and incredibly delicious twist on the classic appetizer. For our main courses, Mr. B opted for the savory Italian Panini, a hearty choice perfect for a mountain evening. I, on the other hand, indulged in the rich and flavorful Blue Cheese Burger, perfectly complemented by a side of sweet potato tater tots. Each bite was a testament to the kitchen’s skill, making the minor service hiccups fade into the background as we savored our meal.
Cozy Evening Retreat
After a satisfying dinner, we returned to our cozy mountain house. The perfect end to a long Friday evening involved snuggling up on the couch, watching an episode of #GoldRush, and letting the day’s fatigue melt away. The quiet hum of the mountains outside and the warmth of the indoors created an idyllic setting, setting the stage for the highly anticipated snowy adventure that lay ahead.
Saturday: Anticipation Builds on the Slopes
A Leisurely Morning Start
Saturday morning brought with it a delightful case of the “lazy tookus” for both Mr. B and me. Despite our initial plans, we didn’t make it to the mountain until almost 11 AM. Oops! But with the much-discussed “epic snow storm” not predicted to hit until around 2 PM, there was no sense of urgency to be the first on the chairlift. Instead, we embraced a more relaxed pace, savoring the peaceful start to our day, knowing that the real excitement was still hours away.
Breakfast Delights and Beaver Creek’s Charm
Before hitting the slopes for the day, we made a crucial stop at a charming small Italian café nestled within the village. This delightful spot boasted the most extensive selection of Gelato I had ever encountered. My inner child truly yearned for mint chocolate Gelato for breakfast, a whimsical thought that briefly tempted me. However, my stomach’s insistent growling signaled a clear need for something more substantial, specifically protein, and fast! So, Mr. B and I both opted for hearty egg sandwiches paired with steaming cups of coffee, the perfect fuel for a day on the mountain. Oh, and can we just take a moment to appreciate the adorable beanie babe spotted there? So cute!
Exploring Quiet Slopes and Friends Reunited
Fuelled and ready, we were off like a prom dress! Beaver Creek felt remarkably quiet as we ascended the main lift around noon. It seemed most people were holding out, patiently waiting for the impending snowfall to truly begin. Despite the less-than-ideal snow conditions at the time, we managed to enjoy a couple of hours of skiing, making the most of the existing terrain. The mountain air, the exercise, and the sheer joy of being in such a beautiful setting were enough to lift our spirits, even before the fresh powder arrived.
After our ski session, we happily met up with our friends, Ben and Megan, for some well-deserved drinks. Beaver Creek Village boasts two of our favorite casual eateries and pubs: The Blue Moose and The Dusty Boot. Both establishments offer delicious food at reasonable prices, making them perfect spots for a relaxed après-ski experience. On this particular day, The Blue Moose emerged as our choice, offering a lively atmosphere and comforting fare.
I wasn’t terribly hungry after our earlier meal, so I ended up just nibbling on some bruschetta – it seems to be a recurring theme this weekend! Regardless, we had an absolute blast catching up with Ben and Megan. They are truly a super cute couple, and their company always adds an extra layer of enjoyment to our mountain excursions.
Après-Ski and the Magical Snowfall
As we left our après-ski gathering, stepping outside, the magic began: snow started to fall, thick and fast! It truly looked like chicken feathers drifting down from the sky, a mesmerizing sight. A collective gasp of joy spread through the village as everyone realized what this meant. People were literally jumping up and down, their excitement palpable. This snow was not just welcome; it was long, *long* overdue, and its arrival promised the epic powder day we had all been dreaming of.
A Hearty Dinner and Evening Merriment
After bidding farewell to Ben and Megan, we headed to the grocery store to gather ingredients for chili. Max, Listy, Chance, and Nick were driving up from Denver that night, and we figured a homemade dinner would be far more relaxing and enjoyable than venturing out to a crowded restaurant. Besides, there’s truly nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of homemade chili on a snowy mountain night, especially when shared with good company.
The evening unfolded perfectly. We all gathered, played some Wii games, sipped on wine, and enjoyed lively conversation by the crackling fire. The atmosphere was one of pure comfort and camaraderie, the air thick with happy chatter and the scent of warm chili. The night, however, ended a bit earlier than usual, primarily because the electrifying anticipation for the season’s first powder day lingered prominently in all our minds. Sleep came easily, filled with dreams of floating through fresh snow.
Sunday: Waking Up to a Winter Wonderland (The Powder Day!)
The Glorious Snow Report: 9 Inches of Pure Joy
Rise and shine, it’s powder time! We awoke Sunday morning to the most glorious news: Beaver Creek reported a total nighttime accumulation of a staggering 9 inches! We could barely believe our ears. It felt as if everyone in the house woke up with metaphorical jazz hands, bursting with excitement. It was truly magical, like Santa Claus had decided to make an extra round on his sleigh, delivering thick, fluffy blankets of pristine snow to all the good boys and girls of Colorado. Thank you, Santa, you’re the absolute best!
A Quick Dash to the Lifts (and Brilliant Childcare Solutions)
Upon hearing the incredible snow report, we were out the door in a record-breaking 15 minutes. The urgency and excitement were immense! Listy, with brilliant foresight, decided to put Chance in daycare for the day. This ingenious plan meant that Max and she wouldn’t have to commit to skiing only a half-day, maximizing their powder experience. Listy’s declaration, “Beaver Creek daycare is now my new best friend,” perfectly captured the sentiment. It truly was a clever solution, allowing the adults to fully immerse themselves in the joy of the fresh powder.
After Max and Listy dropped off Chance, we exchanged quick goodbyes with our husbands and eagerly headed up the lift. Listy and I had a very important date with fresh powder, and we were armed with our brand new skis, eager to test their capabilities in the deep snow.
Conquering Rose Bowl on New Skis
Our very first run took us down one of our absolute favorite parts of the mountain, Rose Bowl. We carved through powder that came up to our knees, a truly exhilarating experience. And our new skis? They were LEGEND… wait for it… ARY! Both pairs of skis allowed us to effortlessly sail right through the deep powder, making each turn feel incredibly smooth and controlled. It was an absolutely gnarly experience, the kind of skiing dreams are made of, and a perfect testament to the magic of new gear on a powder day.
We giggled and laughed like a couple of five-year-olds all day long. If you’ve never had the opportunity to ski deep powder, let me tell you, it’s an experience unlike any other. It feels akin to playing in a vast field of puffy clouds, each turn soft and buoyant. In a way, it truly feels like you’re flying, effortlessly gliding through nature’s perfect cushion. The sheer joy is incomparable.
The Exhilarating (and Exhausting) Reality of Deep Powder
While skiing powder is undeniably exhilarating and incredibly fun, it can also be surprisingly exhausting, especially if you’re not accustomed to skiing it daily. After just about two runs, Listy and I were already astonished by how sore our legs felt. Due to the lack of significant snowfall earlier in the season, our legs had been conditioned for “ice skiing,” which requires a different type of muscle engagement, rather than the demanding, full-body workout of deep powder. This served as a clear reminder and a note to self: “Ask Jennifer to increase the weight at boot camp!” The need for stronger legs was abundantly clear.
Mid-Day Break and Bluebird Skies
After a few more exhilarating runs, we decided it was time for a well-deserved break and met up with Ben and Megan at the base of the mountain. My legs, though happy, were absolutely killing me! We found a cozy spot outside next to the warmth of the fire pit and relaxed for about thirty minutes, letting our muscles recover and soaking in the vibrant mountain atmosphere. As we rested, the sun began to peek through the clouds, transforming the rest of the day into a glorious “bluebird day” – sunny, warm, and utterly perfect for skiing.
Refreshed, we hit the slopes again, enjoying a run with Megan, who, by the way, is an absolutely bomb.com snowboarder! Mr. B eventually rejoined us, and together, we finished out what had truly become a memorable day on the snow.
Check out his awesome new skis…
Last Runs and Lingering Memories
By 1:00 PM, Listy and I were more than ready to call it quits. Shredding powder for four straight hours is incredibly brutal on the legs, demanding immense stamina and strength. We wisely decided it was better to stop while we were ahead, preventing any potential injuries and preserving the joyful memory of the day. Knowing our limits ensured we ended the day feeling accomplished rather than completely depleted.
Mr. B, Ben, and Megan, still full of energy, wanted to continue skiing. We instructed them to meet us at The Dusty Boot for some well-deserved après-ski action once they finished their runs. There’s truly nothing better than a perfectly crafted Bloody Mary after a long, exhilarating day on the slopes, a comforting ritual to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Post-Ski Relaxation and a Strategic Retreat
After leaving The Dusty Boot, we checked the traffic conditions to gauge the commute time from Vail back to Denver. The news was grim: a staggering four hours! W.T.F. The thought of being stuck in the infamous I-70 parking lot sounded absolutely ridiculous and completely unappealing. We collectively decided that leaving later in the evening would be significantly less stressful, allowing the peak traffic to dissipate.
With our new plan in place, we ordered pizza for dinner and settled in to watch the nail-biting end of the 49ers and Giants game. Can you believe that guy missed the field goal? Yikes! It was a dramatic finish, adding another layer of entertainment to our relaxed evening.
True to our plan, we eventually headed back to Denver around 8 PM, and as hoped, we never encountered any significant traffic. It was a smooth, peaceful drive home, the perfect culmination to a truly incredible weekend.
Reflections on an Epic Mountain Escape
This weekend was an absolute blast from start to finish. From the delicious food that fueled our adventures to the cherished moments spent laughing and connecting with dear friends, and of course, the magical, long-awaited snowfall, it was truly another weekend for the books! These mountain escapes, filled with the joy of skiing, the warmth of friendship, and the beauty of nature, are what make life’s busy moments so worth enduring. We returned home refreshed, invigorated, and already dreaming of our next mountain adventure, eagerly awaiting the next powder day and the unforgettable memories it promises to bring.