A mini keystone

When you only have a couple days of winter break because you are on call too much and 'the man' is threatening to not pay you if you don't operate: you go to the mountains for a few days. This year, Keystone Ski Resort. I am going to admit that I have been so burnt out I could not get excited about this, but the majesty of the mountains will get you, even in the worst of moods.

Day 1:

Flew into Denver early, upgraded to first which is never a bummer. The drive to Summit County is about 90 minutes, and we stopped in https://elranchobrewing.com. They had a pretty impressive selection of beer, but the star was the brisket. It was so big we made eggs and brisket for breakfast for 3 hungry adults. We stayed in a condo from VRBO in Dillon, CO which is 5 miles from keystone, and 10 miles from Breck. Dillon is known for the lake, which is lovely year round and sports some decent ice fishing.

Night one: we were tired, so did some shopping for required beer and wine and snacks and went to Pug Ryan's Brewery. Their Chili is kind of fabulous, but spicy so be prepared. The Brussel appetizer is amazing as are the Shishitos. I also had a bit of maple grilled salmon that was amazing with toast as leftovers. https://www.pugryans.com

Day 2:

The kids started ski school as did the older male kids. I chose to start the day a bit differently...talking to a lawyer about some bull drama that didn't need to happen AT ALL. Sigh. But then, I chose to hike. 5 miles, very cold, around the lake. Because it was frigid, I was nearly the only one dumb enough to be out walking though so brava! The Dillon lake trail system is pretty fabulous and well marked, miles of discovery.

Upon my return, shower beer! Because that is the breakfast of champions.

Finally, I did spa day @ radiant Mountain Massage.

radiantmountainmassage.com

This is a small spa but a class act of options. I did a 90 minute massage and 90 minute facial before happy hour. Highly recommend!

We then did happy hour at Dillon Dam. I had more stupid phone drama (I swear I ridded myself of source of the drama following the trip), however this place is fun. Really neat environment in a plaza with market, ski stores, dispensary, etc. They have a ladies night with $1 beers as well. The nachos are big enough for 8 people or 3 NFL players.

Later in the evening, we got takeout from

Cafe ProFusion

The pot roast panang curry really hit the spot here. The kids ate fruit...and crackers. Hey, you eat the food or you scrounge for snacks.

Day 3: Skiing with the hubs

Kids at ski class, our buddy sleepinig the day away, the hubs and I did some skiing. I still suck, and always will. At 43, I know I am good or great at many things and skiing is never going to be one of them. I am fine with this but did sign up for a ski lesson with level 4s and 5s for Day 4 so I could get down a blue without imminent sense of impending death.

Of note, there is a restaurant at one of the peaks called AlpenStubb...I would highly recommend...EVERYTHING. But beware the drinks as they are very well made and very high proof. The pork belly appetizer rivals any Cincinnati dish, and their meatloaf, while this seems very vanilla, is incredible.

Dinner was me watching my beloved football team being eliminated in the wild card. I think it was good. I can't tell you where I was.

Day 4:

Ski school. I did a full day class. My wonderful instructor Greg from Vermont did a great job teaching some great basics and techniques, but by 3:30p, I wasn't sure if I was an amputee or not. SOOOO, top of the gondola for an Irish coffee of course. Road down as night skiing and I won't do that again...ice at night is unpleasant and I refuse to discuss it.

Ok Ice Castles...if it is open, just go. Towering ice carvings like you are in Elsa's FUCKING castle. It's totally worth the $...especially with the 2 minute walk that we had.

Dinner last night was at the Tavern, a very divey sort of joint with kick ass gyros and beer.