It’s that time of year again! The holiday frenzy is starting up - kids are out of school, friends and family are coming to town and time feels like it is standing still while also going 1000 mph. We get it! The holidays are our busiest time of year as well. We wanted to take some of the stress out of holiday planning and put together your go to guide if you plan on visiting us this holiday season.

Book Your Lift Tickets, Rentals and Tubing in Advance!

Like we mentioned, we are BUSY during the holidays. We will likely be sold out of lift tickets, rentals and tubing each day starting from 12/21 through the New Year. If you’re planning a visit, please make sure you book everything online ahead of time. This will insure you get the best price and if you show up without reservations we most likely won’t be able to accommodate you. Don’t ruin your holiday trip by not planning ahead!

Transportation

Once again, we are asking that you do not UBER or Lyft to Echo Mountain. This is one of our most frequently asked questions and one of the most common problems our guests run into. We know it’s tempting to take an rideshare up here and avoid the hassle of driving, but UBERS and Lyfts will leave you STRANDED (here's what being stranded at Echo Mountain looks like.) These apps will bring you to the mountain, but once you’re ready to head home, they will not make the trip to come get you. Avoid this all together and plan your transportation ahead of time. Below are a few shuttle options that frequently provide rides to our guests:

Ride Experiences: 303-564-5858

GoGo Charters: 833-949-3181

Found My Keys Shuttle: 303-302-1502

If you are renting a vehicle and plan to drive yourself, make sure you know what type of vehicle you’re renting. Camaros and Chargers look cool, but these rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles are not able to handle snowy and icy conditions on mountain roads. Always choose, and even demand a 4WD or AWD rental option if there is snow in the forecast. Trust us, it's the law and no one's budgeting for a ticket or an accident.

Lift Tickets

Buy online through our Ski + Snowboard Lift Tickets page to save up to $18 per ticket and shave a couple minutes off your chat with our team at the Front Desk, but make sure you read through the website to know what all you're buying before you finalize that purchase.

Rentals

As mentioned above, our rentals will book up very quickly. Renting your gear online ahead of time is the easiest way to guarantee your equipment and expedite the check-in process! On busy days, it is possible that we may run out of gear or clothing, so if you plan for walk up rentals on busy days it is likely you’ll be turned away.

The process is also very personalized and can take time, especially if you've never worn ski or snowboard equipment before. If we are sold out on rentals or you want to skip the wait and just get your ticket to hit the mountain, check out our friends at Boone Mountain Sports or rent somewhere in town before heading up.

Terrain + Conditions

The holidays come shortly after we first open for the season. With that comes limited terrain, meaning we will not have all our trails open. We’re working hard to get as many open as possible, but the recent unseasonably warm temperatures and lack of snow has been a challenge. Before you visit check out our Trail Map and Conditions page to get an idea of what we have open when you visit!

Echo's terrain is mostly intermediate. There are some beginner and some expert trails, but most of our terrain is somewhere in the middle. Skiing and snowboarding are very difficult. Most of our terrain is considered more advanced... meaning, it takes practice! No chairlift ride is worth an ambulance ride. Don't ruin the holidays with a trip to the hospital.

Come in with the right expectations and bring the right attitude, and you'll have a great time!

We groom every morning, but be sure to check nearby weather stations for forecasts to know what to expect for the day of your visit.

Learning to Ski or Snowboard?

We don't offer traditional lessons, but we all need a little help from time to time. Come meet our Echo Mountain Ambassadors. Find them out in the beginner area ready to give pointers, tips, and suggestions on how to get you moving towards the next level. It’s not a replacement for a lesson, but they are here and ready to help.

Good Eats @ Brothers’ Grille

This is not ski area cafeteria food. We're pretty proud of our food and drinks, but keep in mind everything's made to order. During the holidays lines can be a bit longer than usual, but have no fear, our team will be hustling to get you your order as quickly and deliciously as possible!

You are always welcome to bring some snacks, but keep the microwaves and crock pots at home. Absolutely no outside alcohol is allowed.

We are CLOSED for the season. Thanks for visiting!

Holiday Season @ Echo Mountain