Ski, shop, play at 2 winter hot spots
By Margaret Roth and Andrea Sachs
Washington Post
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It's been an odd winter, with weeks of record warmth followed by toe-curling cold. If you're hankering for a snow fix, you can follow the weather headlines and go to where the white stuff is. Here are two destinations where you can be a wintertime urban adventurer and a downhill racer in the same trip.
DENVER
Most accommodations are in condominiums and inns, starting at $200 a night in season, but there are some motel rooms at $75 a night double. Until Feb. 15, the Skiing and Events Package offers lodging for four people for four nights in a two-bedroom condominium, plus a four-day lift ticket, for $399 per person total.
Breckenridge was founded 147 years ago as a base camp for gold prospectors and has struck it rich as a skiers' party mecca. Through today, the town hosts the 17th annual Budweiser Select International Snow Sculpture Championships, in which 14 teams will carve 20-ton blocks of snow into culturally inspired creations that will remain on display till Feb. 4, weather permitting.
On Feb. 20, Breckenridge stages its own Mardi Gras, serving up New Orleans-style food and drink, music, masks and the obligatory beads.
At mealtime, shoot over to the Highland neighborhood for eclectic fare (the Highland's Garden Cafe is a regular on best-of lists), and between Feb. 24 and March 2, take advantage of Restaurant Week, when multicourse meals cost $26.40 per person. Top off the night with a cocktail at the Funky Buddha Lounge or dancing at the Church, the holiest of nightclubs. See the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information.
SALT LAKE CITY
Numerous specials combine hotel or condominium accommodations with lift tickets, though with about a 50-inch base of snow, the resorts don't have to sell too hard. From today to Feb. 14, for instance, lodging is 15 percent off at Deer Valley, with a minimum of three nights and the purchase of four discounted adult lift tickets.
Park City's Utah Olympic Park was a venue for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, and the town's still celebrating, with almost as many places to see as to ski — on foot, snowmobile, snowshoe, tube, sleigh or, for those who want to look down on it all, in a hot-air balloon (All Seasons Adventures, (435) 649-9619, www.allseasonsadventures.com).
Winterfest (Friday through Feb. 11) will feature sled-dog races, fireworks, an ice sculpture contest and the annual celebration of the 2002 Opening Ceremonies.
For downtime, shopping — for jewelry, art, furnishings and skiwear — is a popular diversion for those seeking something tangible to take home. The Homestead Resort (700 N. Homestead Drive, Midway, (888) 327-7220, www.homesteadresort.com) operates a full-service day spa 20 minutes from town.
The Sundance Film Festival, in town until today, holds a portion of its screenings in Salt Lake. The city also has a hopping after-dark scene, including dueling pianists at the Tavernacle Social Club, jazz at Zanzibar and '80s hair metal bands at Liquid Joe's. See the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information.
