Even most people who live in ski resort towns like Aspen and Vail still have to drive to drive to the resort, park, and walk to the lift. Well…I think in Evergreen we have them beat. Not only is Echo Mountain only 30 minutes from Muddy Buck in Downtown Evergreen (because you need to grab your coffee first, of course…), but you get to avoid the heartache that is I-70 ski traffic. Here, there is no $30 parking fee, no lift lines, and no $200 a day lift ticket. This is the most affordable ski mountain in the area. Their magic carpet and bunny slope is ideal for a beginner who isn’t ready to give up a week’s wage to fall on their face all day. The crew that runs this place is friendly, hospitable, and so chill (pun intended). The mountain usually opens around December, and those short days allow for one of my favorite aspects of Echo Mountain…night skiing. This mountain isn’t there to swindle you out of your money; it is there for you to have fun. Even their quaint little grill is great. If waffle fries, burgers and pretzel bites with beer cheese aren’t your thing, then maybe their stocked bar with specialty cocktails is (and the view from their bar is insane…it’s no wonder people have weddings up there!). This last year the mountain held various special events, from their Glow Night complete with a costume competition, to their “Inflatable Day,” to their “All Business” themed closing day (since it was the day before Tax Day, they had a certified CPA on site to help answer last minute questions, I kid you not…). This mountain has personality and a sense of humor. If skiing isn’t your thing, their tubing hill is a blast. You are guaranteed to get some speed on that thing! This summer, they have plans for multiple events and concerts, so stay tuned. Echo Mountain just keeps getting better and better. I still can’t believe Evergreen gets to have a local ski mountain.
