Skiing is not Just for Daylight

While most skiers take to the slopes during daylight hours, there is something special about heading down through the powder under a moonlit sky, or even under artificial light. Not to suggest that anyone should go to the top of the most challenging runs and plunge recklessly into darkness, but there is definitely a unique, almost mystical feeling to be experienced from gliding down a less-crowded slope in the moonlight.

After most skiers have disappeared into hotels and restaurants for après-ski activities, nightlife, or pure collapse from the day’s runs, there are still a few slopes open for those who want to make the most of their time outdoors. Others wait specifically for crowds to surrender the lifts and runs to those want to get in a few adventurous night runs, or perhaps save their skiing for the ambiance of the lit slopes.

Where to Night Ski

Keystone is the only resort in Summit County that offers night skiing and they keep a number of slopes open, as well as host other outdoor evening activities. If you need instructions or any equipment for your night runs, they’re available as well at Keystone ski shops. Keystone has offered night skiing since 1985, and offers up to 15 trails and 243 acres under light. This assures skiers plenty of less-crowded space for night snow sports.

Keystone also offers the A51 Terrain Park, where the entire family can indulge in snow tubing after dark.

Tips for Night Skiers

There are a few nuances of night skiing that vary from hitting the slopes in Colorado’s brilliant sunshine:

• Until you get used to night skiing, keep your body as loose as possible. Lighting contrasts can mean you may not notice dips and moguls quite so readily, so be ready for the unexpected.
• Wear clear or yellow goggles to account for the light variation from daylight skiing.
• Dress a little more warmly, depending on the prevailing temperatures. Without the warmth of the sun and reflection from the snow, it will feel much colder.
• Headlamps are a matter of personal preference, but you may want to include them in your equipment, in case the artificial lighting or moonlight doesn’t quite provide adequate light for you.
• From a safety standpoint, don’t ski alone. Be sure someone knows where you are, and others know when you are expected to be back from your night skiing.

Additional Night Activities

Nearby Breckenridge offers public ice-skating into the evening (check schedules) at the indoor Stephen C. West Ice Arena.

For a special evening for the whole family, make plans for an evening sleigh ride at 2 Below Zero. Enjoy a brisk horse-drawn sleigh ride through beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery, followed by a delightful dinner accompanied by live musical entertainment and a dinner experience noted by many travel sites and USA Today as the best sleigh ride in the US.

Retreat to the Frisco Inn on Galena

When you’ve completely run out of steam and seek comfort, relaxation, and superb service, make your way back to the Frisco Inn on Galena in Frisco, CO. Frisco is well-known as the “Main Street to the Rockies”, and the name is well-deserved. Close to all the premier resorts and ski areas of Summit County, Frisco welcomes visitors with its historic Main Street that offers unique shopping experiences, eateries to suit every taste and budget, and a variety of nightlife and entertainment.

Frisco Inn on Galena is located only a few steps from Main Street, with family-friendly amenities that include a game room fully equipped with foosball and pool tables, exercise bike and exercise mats, and more. Guests enjoy such modern room facilities as flat-panel televisions, cable HDTV, HBO, and DVD players. Keep in touch with your social networks with WiFi, available throughout the Inn.

Our boutique bed and breakfast and staff aim to please each and every guest, with extraordinary service being a hallmark of the Frisco Inn on Galena. We will help you with arrangements for transportation to nearby resorts, assist you with equipment rentals, and provide directions and reservations for local restaurants and points of interest.

Your stay at the Frisco Inn on Galena includes complimentary daily gourmet breakfasts, with specialties created by our on-staff chef. Afternoon happy hour also includes wines, cheeses, and homemade treats sure to please.

Make the Frisco Inn on Galena your “base camp” for relaxation after night skiing, and let our caring staff demonstrate how our beautiful Rocky Mountain location and unparalleled service can make your stay with us a memorable occasion.