Strap in, with Black Ski weekends kicking off this week in Colorado, there’s no better time to give you our “TD Ski Colorado Guide”, two-part guide to get you ready to conquer Colorado’s slopes.
If you’re flying into Denver to get in on the action this week, or in the future, you’ve landed in the right place.
This will be your inside track to making the most of the Mile High City before you head into the mountains. From selecting the perfect neighborhood for a quick layover to scoring last-minute snow gear and savoring Denver’s food scene, this guide will have you gliding into ski season feeling prepared and ready for fun.
Let’s get you ready to hit the slopes—and look good doing it!
Prepping for the Altitude
Colorado’s elevation is no joke, especially if you’re coming from lower altitudes or sea level. Denver sits at 5,280 feet—hence the “Mile High City”—and ski resorts only climb higher from there. To avoid altitude sickness and fully enjoy your trip, consider spending a night or two in Denver first.
Altitude & Hydration Tips
- Stay Hydrated: Begin drinking extra water 3–7 days before you arrive and keep it up once you’re here.
- Go Easy on Alcohol: Cocktails hit harder at altitude, so pace yourself.
- Give Yourself Time: Let your body acclimate before jumping into physically demanding activities.
- Combat the Dryness: Our melanin beauties especially should bring rich body butters instead of lotions—thin air means your skin needs extra moisture.
Neighborhoods & Where to Stay
Denver’s neighborhoods each have their own personality. Whether you’re into artsy vibes, upscale shops, or a bustling nightlife scene, there’s a spot for you to rest your head and explore for a day or two before venturing into Colorado’s snowy peaks.
- RiNo (River North) Arts District
- Vibe: A trendy, creative hub known for vibrant street art, breweries, and an edgy culinary scene.
- Stay: Boutique hotels like The Ramble (which also houses Death & Co.), or modern vacation rentals close to galleries and nightlife.
- Why RiNo: Perfect for people who want to soak up some local art, sip on craft cocktails, and indulge in diverse cuisine. RiNo is officially within the Five Points neighborhood, which in the first half of the 20th century became known as the “Harlem of the West” due to its predominantly African-American populations.
- LoDo (Lower Downtown)
- Vibe: Historic charm meets urban energy, home to Union Station and Coors Field.
- Stay: Major hotel brands for convenience or sleek boutique spots near Union Station—easy for catching the ski shuttle.
- Why LoDo: Ideal if you love walking everywhere, exploring Denver sights, and hopping between restaurants and bars on foot.
- Cherry Creek
- Vibe: Polished, upscale neighborhood with a focus on high-end shopping and refined dining.
- Stay: Upscale hotels and chic rentals, often within walking distance of Cherry Creek Shopping Center.
- Why Cherry Creek: If you prefer a quieter stay with a luxury feel—and you don’t mind splurging a bit—this neighborhood is for you.
Must-Try Restaurants
No matter which neighborhood you choose, Denver’s dining scene has something for everyone—think fusion flavors and innovative chefs waiting to be discovered. Here are a few standouts:
- RiNo
- Uchi: Modern Japanese cuisine that marries classic technique with fresh local ingredients.
- Hop Alley: Hip Chinese spot with bold flavors—try the fried rice and Szechuan specialties.
- Mister Oso: A playful Latin-inspired menu (the tacos and grilled meats are crowd favorites).
- LoDo
- Señor Bear: Pan-Latin fare with inventive twists—order the ceviche or the arepas.
- Bartaco: Coastal-inspired tacos and rice bowls in a breezy, casual setting.
- El Five: Mediterranean tapas with a skyline view that’s hard to beat—ideal for date night or a group outing.
- Cherry Creek
- North Italia: Contemporary Italian with handmade pasta and a lively, modern vibe.
- Matsuhisa: Nobu Matsuhisa’s renowned Japanese-Peruvian fusion—splurge-worthy sushi and black cod miso.
Top Cocktail Bars & Nightlife
After a day of traveling, you’ll need a spot to unwind. These top cocktail bars offer everything from innovative mixology to speakeasy glamour:
- RiNo
- Death & Co.: A craft cocktail icon that originally hails from NYC—classic and adventurous drinks served in a stylish space.
- Honey Elixir Bar: Known for herbal cocktails and intriguing flavor combos. It’s laid-back yet refreshingly different.
- Hello Gorgeous: Playful, neon-lit cocktail lounge that perfectly captures RiNo’s artsy energy. Head up to the rooftop for one of Denver’s best skyline views and sip on creative cocktails that take your night to new heights.
- LoDo
- Williams & Graham (Speakeasy): Award-winning speakeasy with a hidden entrance, serving meticulously crafted libations (reservations often required).
- Señor Bear: Yes, it’s also a restaurant, but the bar program here is top-notch. Great for a pre- or post-dinner drink.
- Golden Hour Wine Bar and Social Club: Offers laid-back sophistication, curated cocktails, and an extensive wine list (reservations recommended).
- Cherry Creek
- Ay Papi: Tropically inspired drinks and a playful atmosphere.
- Forget Me Not: Colorful cocktails in a chic, floral-adorned setting.
- B&GC (Speakeasy): Elevated speakeasy experience—classic cocktails with a Denver twist (reservations often required).
The restaurants that were listed ALL have phenomenal bar programs as well.
Last-Minute Snow Gear & Shopping
Before you leave Denver’s city lights for powdery slopes, make sure you’re fully equipped. Denver has you covered whether you need to buy or rent:
- Outdoor Retailers
- REI (Downtown Flagship Store): A massive store with every piece of gear imaginable, plus rentals and expert staff.
- Local specialty shops in RiNo or LoDo for more curated selections—look for smaller boutiques that focus on ski/snowboard essentials and might have unique or local brands.
- What to Buy vs. Rent
-
Buy: Quality base layers, socks, gloves, and goggles—these are personal items that often fit best when purchased. Here are some of our favorites in respective neighborhoods:
- Burton Denver Flagship in RiNo
- Arc’teryx - RiNo
- Patagonia - RiNo
- REI - LoDo
- evo Denver - LoDo
- Christy Sports Ski & Patio - Cherry Creek
- Arc’teryx - Cherry Creek Mall
- The North Face - Cherry Creek Mall
-
Rent: Skis, snowboards, boots, and poles—renting can save you money if you’re not a frequent skier.
- REI - LoDo
- evo Denver - LoDo
- Christy Sports Ski & Patio - Cherry Creek
- Wilderness Exchange - LoDo
- Epic Mountain Gear - multiple locations
All resorts will have ski and snowboard rentals at the mountain and in-town. If packing space is an issue, we highly highly recommend renting at the mountain or in the town. However, if you have the space, the aforementioned will guide you in the right direction.
- Extra Essentials
- Sunscreen & Lip Balm: High altitude equals stronger UV rays, so protect your skin.
- Moisturizer & Hair Care: The dry air can wreak havoc on skin and hair, especially if you’re used to humidity.
Looking Ahead to the Slopes
With your Denver layover planned—complete with lodging, dining, and cocktail pit stops—it’s time to think about heading into the mountains. Part II of “TD Ski Colorado Guide” will reveal the best Colorado ski resorts for every type of traveler, from families with kids to first-timers to adrenaline junkies.
Keep an eye out for that next installment, where we’ll dive deeper into resort comparisons, skill levels, and insider tips on making the most of your time on the slopes.
Until then, enjoy Denver’s small town energy, stock up on essentials, and remember to toast to your upcoming adventure. Your high-altitude getaway is about to begin!
Let us know in the comments if you’re, “hitting the slopes”, or “nah, I’m straight”.
*image from TripAdvisor*