A mountain that divides itself by ability from one side to the other. Beginners at one end, intermediates in the middle, experts at the far side, with almost no chance of ending up somewhere you did not intend. For a mixed group that is worth more than it sounds. It is high, cold and varied, with serious steep bowls above the treeline and good tree skiing between, though the upper terrain holds in wind and that happens often. The base villages are collections of accommodation rather than a destination, with limited dining and quiet evenings, and an ice rink for something to do. Denver is ninety minutes down the interstate, so weekends fill up. Come midweek, and buy lift tickets in advance, because they are cheaper than Vail and they go quickly.