I consider myself an Island girl… Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, I think that is a very accurate statement.
It was not until I was living in Spain that I saw snow for the very first time and living in North America when I went for the very first time. Actually, that was my only time, and I spent most of the time lying flat on my lower part.
Definitely not a natural
Skiing is certainly not one of those things that come easy to me, and I had a hard time even standing on my feet, but I have been dying to try it ever since.
A Valentine ’s Day trip?
I have been thinking of taking a couple of days away with the husband for Valentine’s day, and while the Keys was the first thing that came to mind, skiing is making its way to the top of my list.
The problem?
Ski resorts are known to be very expensive, and honestly, I am not looking forward to sacrificing my next few month budgets to have a weekend getaway… I am silly that way.
Doing my homework
So how do you know there are several ski destinations that offers great amenities and beautiful views. Since yours truly will more likely just watch the husband and other humans that can actually ski, the views are also important.
Crested Butte, CO
Crested Butte is a mountain town, a good old-fashioned Victorian-style downtown, with friendly locals, and one of America’s biggest, and most affordable ski areas.
Pay $78 for a ticket, and you get full reign over the resort’s remarkable terrain (lift-access chutes, backcountry-style bowls, and plenty of gentle, family-friendly trails), for those like yours truly that is not gifted with the skin gene.
Surrounded by the striking Elk Mountains and often buried in snow, it’s considered a convenient winter destination even off the slopes.
With different options for accommodation with different price ranges, definitely a good spot to add to your list.
Crystal Mountain, Washington
Well known among Seattle Daytrippers—who make the under two-hour trip to Crystal Mountain a ski area that surprises you with each turn.
You find deep bowls, tight tree runs, and moguls, with plenty of moderate trails, too, for those with families and partners like yours truly with little to no experience in the ski world.
Many families camp on their RVs and grill dinner on the parking lot, which might be a nice option if traveling with kids!
A network of nine lifts—including the only high-speed gondola in the state—makes all this extensive terrain easily accessible.
Wildcat Mountain, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s Wildcat offers amazing winter scenery on the East Coast. Better yet (at least for the husband), skiing is just as impressive.
With over 2,000 feet of vertical and 500 acres of varied terrain—the mountain is popular among locals. The throwback resort’s day lodge and lifts are a bit dated (there’s only one high-speed chair), but prices are very accessible if you are willing to compromise!
The next step would be looking at plane tickets which I am doing right now and looking for the best hotels that are also accessible in the area, and I love small, cozy places… Especially for Valentine’s day trip which by the way I might travel after Valentine’s day to get a better ticket and hotel price.
Packing up
One other thing I need to look into is the gear… Being in Florida, we do not really have much that can be worn in cold weather. The husband does have ski gear, which is a plus, I would rent something, and I have already ordered a nice men’s boots for him ( Anorak waterproof boots) from one of my favorite brands, and for me, I ordered a super cute pair of Tundra 6” boots also from Lugz!
Do you have any recommendations for affordable ski destinations that you can share?
To celebrate Valentine’s day here is a special Valentine’s day giveaway!
A lucky Born 2 Impress reader, will have the chance to win a free pair of the Lugz Tundra 6 ‘ women boots and the men’s Anorak waterproof boots in color of choice!
I think these boots are so cute. I would love to have a furry, (fake fur please…no harming animals!) Pretty pair of boots to travel in. I live in florida so I wouldnt use them much here but I love to travel and I could use them in my adventures.
Yes ma’am the fake fur lined are nice indeed & I would be proud to own either one! They look very high quality & comfortable too!
I love the womens sneakers. They look like they would hold up and last a long time. I love the boots also and would keep them for myself.
We love Lugz footwear, very comfortable and stylish. I’d love to get women’s Tambora boots for myself. Comfortable, nice looking, very warm and durable. Would be awesome during our trip to Iceland or just anywhere
I would love a pair of the Tundra boots for my daughter. She is difficult to purchase for because she wears a size 10. She is planning a trip to the snow an the quality of the Tundra is impressive.
I really like the hi fur boot. The design is practical and chic for everyday wear, and they look very comfortable. I wore lugz boots as a teen when I had school uniforms, and remember the comfort the boot offered while still being a shoe that was trendy. I would love to win this Valentine’s Day giveaway for my husband and myself.
Nice. And, your post is spot on for us.
I am a beach/island girl to the heart. Florida girl here.
DH is from Cleveland, loves cold, snow and those activities that I freeze when 60s. LOL.
Anyway, love theTambora, mallard and your pick best for ME.
DH likes the work boots for his job.
What a nice Valentines Day gift for us as we do get to the mountains of WNC once a year. Cleveland every other.
Beach most weekends.
I would get the Mens Typhoon Oxford Sneaker in white. I always need a larger width. I have tried once before to get them to make a larger width, bot Lugz would not listen.
I love the Women’s Luge boots
I’d love to try the Woman’s 6 inch Tambora boots, especially in Black. Black is my favorite color. It is so slimming, right? I’d get them for me! I KNOW a BIG snow is coming. We’ve been lucky so far here in NYC,….but I feel the snow just waiting to cover everything. OK, when are you going to invite to Florida or DR? (hint, hint). I want summer!
I wanna try the Tundras in the picture for sure! They look super comfy and warm! I’d get them for my husband and myself!
I have a pair of Lugz boots that I’ve owned for about 10 years. They don’t make the style anymore but I’d love to have another pair. The Women’s Empire Hi Fur 6 inch boot has caught my eye.
I love the looks of the Men’s Gout Oxford Sneaker in Gray Navy and Black these I would love for myself don’t have anything like these and they would be enjoyed and used a lot look great for hiking walking snow rain terrific and would be a big hit with my and I think my wife would love them also.
I would choose the Women’s Tundra 6-Inch Boot. These boots would be for myself as my boots are ruined.
The Women’s Tundra in green is my favorite and these would be mine, all mine!
I like the WOMEN’S TAMBORA 6-INCH BOOT. My daughter would love these!
The Empire High Fur 6″ boots are perfect for our winter weather. I’d either give them to my niece or keep them for myself.
Now we just need to get some snow!! Sorry I forgot the 3 sentence rule after I looked for the boots I like then came back to comment. Geez