A Perfect Colorado Mountain Escape: Winter Dew Tour & Beaver Creek Adventures

Hello mountain enthusiasts and winter lovers!

As the holiday season rapidly approaches, bringing with it the familiar whirlwind of Christmas shopping, festive gatherings, and cozy movie nights (who else thinks Cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation is the ultimate holiday icon, perfectly embodying the delightful chaos of the season?), my past weekend took a delightful detour far from the usual yuletide preparations. Instead of battling mall crowds, we embraced the crisp mountain air and exhilarating slopes of Colorado.

Reunion and the Irresistible Call of the Mountains

The week began with immense joy and a sense of relief as Mr. B safely returned home from Hobbs, New Mexico, on Friday afternoon. Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder, and after nearly two weeks apart, my usual calm demeanor had admittedly started to fray slightly. His return marked the perfect prelude to what would become an unforgettable mountain escape. The simple pleasure of having him back, sharing stories and laughter, set a wonderful tone for the days ahead.

Following a much-anticipated home-cooked meal and plenty of catching up, we knew exactly what we needed before diving headfirst into our Christmas tour schedule: a rejuvenating visit to the majestic Colorado mountains. The allure of the snow-capped peaks, the promise of fresh air, and the thrill of skiing were irresistible. This early-season getaway was strategically planned to offer a dose of pure mountain bliss before the holiday rush consumed our calendars.

Breckenridge Unveiled: The Winter Dew Tour Spectacle

Our mountain journey began on Saturday, leading us to the vibrant slopes of Breckenridge, one of Colorado’s most iconic ski destinations. The main draw that weekend? The renowned Winter Dew Tour was in full swing, transforming the resort into a hub of high-octane winter sports action. Even with snow conditions less than ideally powdery—a situation jokingly dubbed the “NASCAR run of death” by locals, alluding to the faster, icier conditions due to thinner snowpack—we were eager to immerse ourselves in the electric atmosphere. The opportunity to witness world-class athletes compete, especially the legendary Shaun White, was an experience too good to pass up. The Dew Tour is not just a competition; it’s a vibrant celebration of winter sports culture, bringing together the best in snowboarding and freeskiing with an energy that’s palpable even from the sidelines, complete with music, fan zones, and breathtaking feats of athleticism.

Despite our eagerness for the events, essential errands like catching up on much-needed sleep and tackling a mountain of laundry meant we didn’t arrive in Breckenridge until late afternoon. This delay, however, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It allowed us just enough time to squeeze in a couple of exhilarating runs on the slopes before the much-anticipated men’s halfpipe final began. This was also my maiden voyage with my new K2 Misbehaved skis, and let me tell you, they exceeded every expectation. Their performance was, in a word, epic—carving through the snow with a precision and responsiveness that made every turn a sheer joy. Breaking in new gear on such an iconic mountain added another layer of excitement to an already perfect day.

Half-Pipe Thrills: Witnessing Snowboarding Greatness Up Close

After those exhilarating laps, we made our way to the halfpipe area. This colossal structure truly defies perception through a television screen. In person, it is nothing short of a beast—a massive, meticulously sculpted channel of snow, dwarfing the athletes who perform gravity-defying feats within its icy walls. The sheer scale and engineering required to maintain such a structure are astounding, and the courage of the riders who launch themselves skyward from its lips is equally impressive. The air crackled with anticipation, the crowd buzzing with excitement for the upcoming final.

Every single snowboarder who dropped into the pipe was mesmerizing, displaying incredible skill, daring, and artistry. Yet, Shaun White, the iconic “Flying Tomato,” stood out as truly spectacular. His runs were a masterclass in precision, amplitude, and flawless execution. It’s one thing to see highlights on television, but quite another to witness his legendary talent firsthand, feeling the reverberations of his landings and marveling at his effortless spins and grabs. He effortlessly blended audacious tricks with smooth landings, a testament to years of dedication and innate ability. While he ultimately claimed the well-deserved victory, Louie Vito certainly pushed him to his limits, delivering a performance that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats and showcased the incredible depth of talent in professional snowboarding.

Post-Competition Wind-Down in Breckenridge

Following the exhilarating finals, we navigated the bustling crowds to meet up with our friends—the Lehman’s, York’s, and AC—for a well-deserved drink at the base of Peak 8. The gondola line back to the parking lot was, predictably, immense, a common occurrence during major events like the Winter Dew Tour. There’s nothing quite like unwinding with a cold Becks in hand, sharing laughs and recounting the day’s highlights with close friends, especially after a day filled with high-energy winter sports. The camaraderie and shared experiences are as much a cherished part of the mountain getaway as the skiing itself, creating lasting memories.

An Evening in Avon: Culinary Delights and Lively Debates

After bidding a fond farewell to the York’s, we finally made it back to the parking lot and then continued our journey to Avon for a delightful evening of dinner and drinks. Our friend Rachel, visiting all the way from San Francisco, graced us with her culinary skills, preparing a delicious spread of chicken fajitas that hit just the spot after an eventful day on the slopes. The warmth of good company and great food is always a welcome end to a mountain adventure, making the perfect transition from the day’s excitement to evening relaxation.

While the atmosphere was inviting, we couldn’t linger for too long, as our little one, Chance, needed his well-deserved shut-eye. We’ve found a clever way to make winter in the mountains more accessible and affordable: renting a small room in Avon with the Lehman’s for the entire season. This arrangement is a fantastic cost-saver compared to exorbitant hotel rates and, more importantly, spares us the grueling, often traffic-laden drive back to Denver after an epic powder day. It’s a testament to the community spirit you find in mountain towns and a smart way to maximize time on the slopes while minimizing logistical hassles.

Later that evening, as the fire crackled warmly, we settled in with glasses of Sailor Jerry’s. The conversation naturally gravitated to the important topics of life—specifically, college football. We passionately debated whether Alabama truly deserved a spot in the championship game and extensively discussed the perennial question of Tim Tebow’s legitimacy as an NFL quarterback. These lively discussions, filled with friendly banter and passionate arguments about sports, strategy, and player performance, are often the heart of memorable evenings with friends, especially when fueled by a good drink and the cozy ambiance of a mountain home.

Sunday at Beaver Creek: Family Fun and Fantastic Skiing

Sunday dawned with the promise of more mountain adventures, this time at the elegant Beaver Creek resort, known for its impeccable grooming and luxurious amenities. While the boys hit the slopes for some early morning runs, eager to make fresh tracks, Listy, Chance, and I opted for a more leisurely start. We headed to Bob’s Place, a beloved local favorite, for a hearty breakfast. There’s truly nothing like a satisfying Mexican omelet, bursting with flavor and warmth, to energize you for a day of skiing or simply enjoying the serene mountain atmosphere. It’s a tradition for us, a perfect way to kick off a day in Beaver Creek.

Skiing with a Baby: The Art of Mountain Compromise

Around 1 PM, Listy and I rendezvoused with the guys, executing a perfectly orchestrated swap that allowed us to hit the slopes while they took over baby-watching duties. This thoughtful approach is a prime example of how Listy and Max navigate parenthood while still pursuing their passion for skiing. It’s a beautiful illustration that having a baby doesn’t mean the end of your outdoor pursuits; it just requires a bit of thoughtful compromise, teamwork, and planning. Beaver Creek, with its excellent children’s programs and family-friendly amenities, is particularly well-suited for families, offering a range of terrain and services that make such arrangements feasible and enjoyable for everyone.

Listy and I then ascended the Centennial lift, heading towards the upper reaches of the mountain to meet up with another set of friends, Ben and Megan, who were also in town enjoying the exceptional skiing Beaver Creek offers. The panoramic views from the lift were breathtaking, providing a serene contrast to the bustling energy of Breckenridge the day before. The clear mountain air and expansive vistas offered a moment of peaceful contemplation before our next adventure.

Once Megan and Ben joined us, our quartet embarked on an exciting descent down Rose Bowl, eager to test out the resort’s brand-new express lift. I am an absolutely HUGE fan! This modern, high-speed lift significantly cut down on ride times, allowing for more laps and maximizing our precious time on the snow. We managed several exhilarating runs, enjoying the perfect blend of speed and smooth turns on the beautifully groomed terrain. Kudos to Beaver Creek for this fantastic improvement, which truly enhances the skier experience and makes a big difference in how much terrain you can cover in a day!

We concluded our fantastic day of skiing with a couple more runs on Redtail. This particular run holds a special place in my heart, especially when fresh snow is falling, transforming the mountain into a true winter wonderland. It’s a wide, exhilarating trail that perfectly satisfies my need for speed, as Ricky Bobby famously said, “I like to go fast.” There’s an unmatched thrill in carving long, sweeping turns down a pristine slope, feeling the wind against your face and the skis responding effortlessly beneath you. It’s the kind of run that makes you feel utterly alive and connected to the mountain.

Post-Skiing Showdown: Broncos vs. Patriots and the Journey Home

After a full day of exhilarating skiing, our mountain adventure was far from over. We headed straight to Nicks, a lively local sports bar, to catch the much-anticipated football showdown between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots. This game was more than just a regular match; it was a captivating quarterback duel featuring the seasoned veteran Tom Brady against our very own Tim Tebow, whose unconventional style and incredible comebacks had captivated the nation. The atmosphere was electric, with every play scrutinized and every pass cheered or groaned over by the passionate local crowd.

Ultimately, the Broncos suffered a tough loss, leading to renewed discussions and debates among fans about Tebow’s long-term viability as a legitimate NFL quarterback. While his passion, leadership, and unique skillset were undeniable, the question of consistent professional success remained an intriguing talking point for sports analysts and fans alike. These are the kinds of passionate debates that fuel sports culture, adding another layer of entertainment and camaraderie to a packed weekend.

The drive back down to Denver, surprisingly, experienced thin traffic. This is yet another reason why I cherish early-season ski days. Unlike the peak of winter, when the commute can notoriously stretch into grueling six-hour ordeals, these quieter weekends offer a more relaxed journey, allowing us to reflect on the mountain memories without the stress of gridlock. Anyone who has ever made the Denver-mountain commute during peak season likely has a tale or two about those epic, frustrating drives, making a smooth return all the more appreciated and contributing to the overall enjoyment of the trip.

Back to Reality (Almost): The Holiday Rush Awaits

Now, the real ‘craziness’ of the holiday season truly begins. I have precisely three days to prepare for an upcoming week-and-a-half-long trip out of town. How will I manage to get everything done, you ask? Honestly, at this moment, I haven’t the slightest clue. The thought of packing, organizing, and ensuring all Christmas preparations are complete feels like a daunting task, a stark contrast to the carefree days spent on the slopes. It’s a classic holiday season dilemma, juggling excitement with overwhelming to-do lists.

But for now, before diving headfirst into the holiday whirlwind, I’m off to unwind and enjoy what I consider the best season of Dexter yet. It’s the perfect way to cap off an incredible weekend and mentally prepare for the festive challenges ahead, knowing that a little bit of thrilling television can be the ultimate escape.

See you all soon!