It’s cold, it’s dark, and it’s time to go skiing.

Night skiing may not be at the top of your to-do ski list, but if you're looking to mix up your ski routine, not have to worry about parking, or just squeeze more ski time out of the season—night skiing is the alternative you’ve overlooked for too long.

For the locals, it’s an option to get some ski runs in after a day of work. For those coming from the front range, it’s the opportunity to maximize cherished weekend ski time after beating the I-70 traffic (or the only ski option left when your plan to beat the traffic completely failed).

Sure it’s colder, darker, and runs are limited, but that’s what also makes it so great.

The Cold

As Coloradans, we know how to dress for cold weather so grab the hand warmers and the ski mask and be prepared for slightly chillier temps. Protect your eyes from the elements with clear goggle lens or clear safety glasses from the hardware store. Choose a night with double-digit temps and low wind, and it’s darn enjoyable under the moonlight. Also, your nighttime après-ski provides a more satisfying fire pit, hot tub, or beer to relish.

The Dark

Flying down the slopes under the moon and scattered light makes for a thrill and an entirely new way to experience the mountain. The runs aren’t illuminated like the Las Vegas strip so you are moving in and out of well- to less-lit areas similar to walking the sidewalk with street lamps.

The ride back up the mountain is far from boring. The lift in the dark has a magical feel that should be experienced. The trees and the snow take on a dreamy quality as you’re whisked through the night air. For all you know, the lift could be dropping you off into another world. Even your ski buddy looks more mysterious in this light.

The gondola ride in darkness, on the other hand, is admittedly less magical. Without the views as a worthy distraction, you are all but trapped in a moving box subject to other people’s conversation without escape. However, with no lines, a serious bonus of night skiing, you can more easily maneuver a solo gondola ride or one with just a few of your crew.

The Terrain

The open runs are limited and perhaps ones you have long conquered. Yet the night demands a shift to your mental orientation and calls up different sensory muscles. It’s just not the same trail in the daylight but a whole new challenge.

Perhaps one of the best things about night skiing is the welcomed chill vibe from the daylight downhill hustle. In addition to significantly fewer people, everyone skiing at 6 p.m. is likely exhausted from already skiing all day, a tedious workday, or a long drive up the mountains. No one is jockeying for powder lines or amped to gain more vertical. It’s like a ski happy hour. And everyone's invited.

Insider's Tips

Keystone Resort and Steamboat Springs offer great night skiing options in terms of terrain and schedule. Check with your preferred smaller ski mountains, too, which may offer intermittent night skiing through the season.