And Echo isn't just cheap -- it's close. So close, in fact, that you might be tempted to head up for a few runs during a long lunch hour, or drive up after work, since Echo will be staying open until 9 p.m. every day but Tuesday and Sunday. You can even sign up for a 5:15 p.m. group lesson, offered every afternoon but Sunday and Tuesday. (Lessons start at $45 -- but $75 gets you the lesson, equipment rental and your life ticket.)
"Taking an evening lesson is a great way to break up the monotony of the work week," says Tom Serra, ride school manager. "You can drive up to Echo in less than an hour, take a lesson, and still have time to practice new skills or just make some turns and have fun."
The discounted, $29 early-season daily pass will be available through December 18. Unlimited 2009/'10 season passes are $185, and will be sold through December 6.
Echo Mountain has grown a lot since it opened in 2006 on the former site of Squaw Pass. But it hasn't gotten any further from Denver: It's still just 35 miles away. For more information, go to www.echomt.com or call 303-325-7347.
