If you live in Colorado, it’s required that you give those mountain slopes a chance. In just the middle of this season, it’s time to catch up with some of our locals here in Fort Collins that have headed up and see what they have to say about the mountain goods.

Max Erickson, a former snowboarder who turned his interest to skiing recently, said three simple things to describe what he loves most about the sport and the slopes, “Pow, fat skis and beer.”

There are several passes available like the Epic Summit Pass and the Epic Local pass for those of you who go up several times a year and like feeling out the different slopes. Being limited to only two mountains like the A-Basin/Keystone pass has its disadvantages, like long lines and the same old runs.

Daniel Hansen, an avid snowboarder with the A-basin/Keystone pass, however, still enjoys anywhere he can go and likes Keystone for its terrain.

“Two weekends ago, I spent two days in Beaver Creek during the 10 to 14 inch snowstorm which made riding Keystone a blast that weekend. We hiked the Outback bowl and did several pow-tree runs,” Hansen said.

It is smart to check out the weather conditions before heading up, especially with about a three-hour drive ahead of you from Fort Collins.

“I went to Keystone last weekend and it hadn’t snowed since the previous week, so the runs were packed snow and the trees were tracked out,” Hansen said.

“Early season conditions have been much better than recent years, Erickson said. “We had a few powder days earlier than expected. I’m just hoping the snow keeps falling. Breck’s new Peak 6 lift is fun and definitely great on a powder day.”

It is also smart to have the best gear to fit your riding needs. According to Hansen, he recently purchased a K2 World Wide Weapon snowboard.

“It’s 158 cm wide and is super flexible, which is awesome for the park and style in general,” he said.

There’s something else to make the mountains even better: X-games. It’s the place to be to catch the pros do unbelievable tricks off half-pipes and catching bigger air than thought possible.

Lexi Wade, an attendee of the X-games this year, said that she found the experience to be a blast.

“I am excited that Aspen has announced that they will host the games for another five years. I definitely plan on going again,” Wade said.

Wade, a skier at heart, said her favorite events of the games included the GoPro Ski Big Air Final and the Men’s Ski SuperPipe Final.

“We stood on the side of the super pipe during these events and could see everything. It was definitely the best view of the X-games.”

If you haven’t yet, take some time to enjoy what this beautiful state of ours has to offer.

Collegian Entertainment Staff Writer Makaela Bamonti can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com.