Question: What is the closest ski and snowboard resort to Denver? Answer: Echo Mountain, of course. An hour from downtown in Idaho Springs, Echo has a 40-inch base and had another 12-inch drop last week — which means it will be one of the last resorts left standing at the end of this season. The small-but-sweet spot — three lifts, 15 trails — offers night skiing Mondays, as well as Wednesdays through Saturdays, and plans to stay open until May 2. The family-oriented spring deal is called the Four Pack, which costs $99 on weekdays and $119 on weekends, and continues through Mar. 29, hits blackout dates until Apr. 11, and then picks back up again Apr. 12-May 2. You have to use all four tickets on the same day, and they’re good until the resort closes, at 9 p.m. for night skiing, 5 p.m. on Sundays. And although the resort is usually closed Tuesdays,, it’s going to make an exception for spring break on Mar. 30 and Apr. 6. That mean more days to enjoy the Asylum, the terrific tree-studded terrain park, or the powder-packed Westside Glades, a black-diamond section that can be a more open and steep experience (Upper) or tight and tricky (Lower) — you choose. 19285 Colorado 103, 303-325-7347, — Kyle Wagner
STAY When traveling with a family or a group, having a kitchen can be key. That makes the Columbine Inn in Idaho Springs a good choice, with its cottage that sleeps four-six for $115 in winter and $135 in summer, with a stove big enough to cook a turkey in. The low-key, clean place also offers 16 suites with microwave and mini-fridge big enough for four (starting at $89) and motel rooms starting at $59. Hot tubs and free Wi-Fi.
2501 Colorado Blvd., 303-567-0948,
DINE Mangia! is a best-kept secret along Miner Street, a small, casual Italian joint that serves reasonably priced traditional dishes. At lunch, look for half-size but still-hearty portions for half the price with a soup or salad (the Parmesan-laden minestrone is a good belly warmer after a powder morning) and fresh, just-heated bread laced with salty garlic butter. The garlic-kissed fettucine Alfredo is a stunner, and the service is friendly and helpful.
1446 Miner St., 303-567-4371,
Idaho Springs is 33 miles west of Denver via Interstate 70.
