Community Forums

Milhouse · 04-25-2018, 09:42 AM

Hey fellow boondockers!

Last season I got into boondocking at ski areas in Utah, Oregon, Washington, and BC. Next year I'm planning on hitting up Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. Anybody got any good spots that are close to ski areas? Seems like colorado resorts are particularly hostile towards RVs in their parking lots so I'm hoping someone has some leads on spots that are close.

Cheers,

Milhouse

dblr · 04-25-2018, 12:30 PM

A lot of ski areas are starting to have activities at the resorts year round so that could cause some issues, If you get down into New Mexico I know Taos Ski area you can camp there for up to 14 days but you are just in there parking lot dedicated to rv's, no hook ups but a beautiful area.

swiftmkiii · 04-26-2018, 01:53 PM

In Colorado, many ski areas are in National Forests. For example, Vail, Breckenridge, and Keystone are in White River National forest. You can boondock for free, in these national forests. You just need to find the access nearest to the resorts. I-70, exit 190 is one close-ish to Vail. There is a forest service access road at that exit. Just takes some looking around on Google earth or EarthExplorer - https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/

twogypsies · 04-26-2018, 04:05 PM

Many 'snow play areas' (sledding, cross country skiing) open them up in summer for parking on the parking lots - especially in the West. You'll just have to do some research on them or pop in when you're in an area.

Milhouse · 04-28-2018, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swiftmkiii

In Colorado, many ski areas are in National Forests. For example, Vail, Breckenridge, and Keystone are in White River National forest. You can boondock for free, in these national forests. You just need to find the access nearest to the resorts. I-70, exit 190 is one close-ish to Vail. There is a forest service access road at that exit. Just takes some looking around on Google earth or EarthExplorer - https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/

Thanks for the tip? Would these areas still be open in the winter?

Milhouse · 04-28-2018, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Many 'snow play areas' (sledding, cross country skiing) open them up in summer for parking on the parking lots - especially in the West. You'll just have to do some research on them or pop in when you're in an area.

That's a great idea. I'm planning on winter camping tho. I'll look for sledding/x-country trail heads. That might work for a night or two.

Milhouse · 04-28-2018, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dblr

A lot of ski areas are starting to have activities at the resorts year round so that could cause some issues, If you get down into New Mexico I know Taos Ski area you can camp there for up to 14 days but you are just in there parking lot dedicated to rv's, no hook ups but a beautiful area.

It's really too bad more ski areas aren't taking this approach. I spent a chunk of time this winter in the pacific north west were camping is more prevalent. Great vibes at the resorts. Met lots of great friends. Colorado seems to discourage camping so I'll need to be more stealthy. I'd love to get down to Taos too. I've heard good things.

Parks · 04-29-2018, 09:07 PM

What are you going to do in places like Whitefish or Big Sky MT when it can regularly get down to single digits or lower in the winter ski season? Or are you going to visit them late winter when the days are a bit warmer?

ALLOY · 04-29-2018, 09:18 PM

Have you been to Manning Park, BC.

https://manningpark.com/

teamnash-rv · 04-29-2018, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milhouse

It's really too bad more ski areas aren't taking this approach. I spent a chunk of time this winter in the pacific north west were camping is more prevalent. Great vibes at the resorts. Met lots of great friends. Colorado seems to discourage camping so I'll need to be more stealthy. I'd love to get down to Taos too. I've heard good things.

Unfortunately, Colorado resorts in Summit County (Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mtn, Vail, Beaver Creek) discourage and in fact do not want you to park at their locations in the winter and summer. Doesn't make sense to me. They must be concerned that folks will start "camping" in the parking lots.

swiftmkiii · 05-01-2018, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milhouse

Thanks for the tip? Would these areas still be open in the winter?

As far as I know, they would be open, but they would likely have a couple feet of snow there in winter.

Milhouse · 05-01-2018, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parks

What are you going to do in places like Whitefish or Big Sky MT when it can regularly get down to single digits or lower in the winter ski season? Or are you going to visit them late winter when the days are a bit warmer?

Nah! I spent 2 months in that rig last winter. It was regularly in -20 range. I got good heaters and I've added lots of extra insulation, skirting and window covers. I also built a insulated divider for the cockpit/coach. It was actually quite cozy in there.

Milhouse · 05-01-2018, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teamnash-rv

Unfortunately, Colorado resorts in Summit County (Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mtn, Vail, Beaver Creek) discourage and in fact do not want you to park at their locations in the winter and summer. Doesn't make sense to me. They must be concerned that folks will start "camping" in the parking lots.

I'm getting a "money rules" vibe about colorado. It is unfortunate as I find the communities that pop up in the RV lots add a lot of character to a resort. Oh well, I'll find my spots and experience the colorado mountains any way I can!

Milhouse · 05-01-2018, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALLOY

Have you been to Manning Park, BC.

https://manningpark.com/

Haven't (yet!). I've been taking advantage of the multi-resort passes as they save me considerable money on day passes. Downside is I have to pass by some great ski areas that aren't on my pass to save money. I'll keep this on my radar. How's the snow usually?