Fly Fishing in Winter Park

Posted on April 17, 2009 by Amy

When everyone thinks of Colorado and the Rocky Mountains, they think of the high action sports like rafting and mountain biking. Not to be overlooked is the more precise and patient sport of fly fishing. The thrill of landing “the big one” can get you hooked for life. In this valley, there is only one place to go to plan a quality fishing adventure, MoHenry’s Trout Shop in Fraser. The 2 brother/owners, Mo & Henry, offer wade or float trips for full or half days on the Colorado River, the Fraser River, North Platte River, and many more.

They can take you on either public or private water, and give you a lesson while you’re out there too. It doesn’t seem possible, but they have over 35 years of fishing experience between the 2 of them. For rates and reservations, call them at the shop at 970. 726.9754. Like every fisherman knows, it’s not the fish you catch, but the stories you can tell.

Easy Jumps in Winter Park Resort

Posted on April 16, 2009 by Chris

In the Alice in Wonderland area of the resort (accessed by Looking Glass and Prospector Lifts), there is a run called “Jack Kendrick” which actually was a guy that pioneered the first powered rope tow in 1937 on Berthoud Pass.

On the left side of the run are beginner jumps even though they look massive when you ski up to them. Here is a video of me trying them out with my nephews. Sorry for the screams. They look scary as you approach!

7th Annual Blues From the Top Festival in Grand County

Posted on April 16, 2009 by Amy

Tickets are on sale now for the 7th Annual Blues From the Top Festival in Winter Park. The Grand County Blues Society and over 20 other sponsors, will present the festival again this year in Hideaway Park in downtown WP . The 3 day event, June 26-28, will provide an endless list of great blues performers including Tab Benoit, Tommy Castro, Jimmy Hall, and more.

The music will begin at Smokin’ Moe’s in Cooper Creek Square on Friday, June 26 at 9pm. Tickets will be $20 for the Friday night show. Get there early and stake out a seat in the upper bar. It then continues all day Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am- 7pm on the lawn at Hideaway Park. Remember to bring your folding chairs. Ticket prices go up the closer we get to show time so get them early at Grandblues.org , Tickets West, Winter Park Visitor Center, Radio Shack in Fraser, or the Paper Clip in Granby.

For more information call the Winter Park Chamber at 970.726.4118 or go to Grandblues.org.

17th Annual Taste of Spring in Winter Park

Posted on April 15, 2009 by Amy

This Saturday, April 18th, is a great night for visitors and locals alike to come out and support the 17th Annual Taste of Spring benefit for the Advocates Victims Assistance Team. This year it will take place at the Winter Park Mountain Lodge from 5:30- 9:00pm. It’s always a fun time with plenty of food, and great wine and beer to taste. The local musicians will entertain you while you place your silent bids on fantastic donations. Tickets are for sale at the Winter Park Visitor Center and they are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Call 970 725 3442 for more information.

Winter Park Secret Buckaroo Trees

Posted on April 15, 2009 by Amy

I was sworn to secrecy about the Buckaroo Trees, but if you look at a Winter Park trail map, you’ll figure it out. They are easy trees to do – even for a-bit-better-than-intermediate skiers like me.

There are a bunch of slash piles in there (which is why they are “easy trees” – several have been removed) and they made for great jumps into the powder. Check out this one of Chris and our nephews in March.

Winter Park’s Hidden Confluence Park

Posted on April 14, 2009 by Valarie

Confluence Park is a cute little park and trail hidden behind Hideaway Park. My boyfriend and I frequent this area to take his dog for a walk. The trail is short and sweet, just 1/4 mile loop, and very pretty. The Vasquez Creek meets the Fraser River where the trail becomes a boardwalk over the water. It’s perfect for strollers and small kids, or just an easy and peaceful nature walk. Moose love the meadow adjacent to the entrance of the park, so keep your eyes peeled.

The easiest starting point is from Hideaway Park, which is on the corner of the Hwy 40 and Rendezvous Way. It’s caddy corner from McDonalds and next to the Visitor Center. Start on the sidewalk set right next to the skate park and keep going for about 1/4 mile in the direction away from the park. The paved trail passes behind some new townhomes called Riverwalk. Just past the townhomes, you’ll see a bridge that crosses over Vasquez Creek. Take a left over the bridge and you’re there. Check out this map for it’s exact location.

Upgrade on Travel Guard Vacation Protection

Posted on April 13, 2009 by Valarie

Whenever I go on vacation, I buy vacation insurance just in case. Working with a lodging company, I’m surprised at how many people don’t and end up losing their money because they can’t make it on their long-awaited vacation. There are other reasons besides cancellation why I buy travel insurance, like the medical coverage, emergency transportation and lost baggage coverage to name just a few.

So, I was pleased to hear that Travel Guard, the company that provides vacation investment protection for our guests, has now improved their cancellation policy due to job loss. With more and more people getting laid off, the cancellation rate has gone up a bit this season. Fortunately, now our Travel Guard Vacation Protection Plan covers involuntary job loss as a reason for cancellation as long as you’ve been employed by that employer for just one year. It used to be that you’d have to have been employed for five years by the same employer to get coverage for trip cancellation due to job loss, so this is a huge improvement.

Just like with your health or your home, it’s good to know you’re protected, just in case. A vacation is something you invest a lot of energy and money to make happen, and it can’t happen just anytime you want it to, which is why I think it’s great to have vacation protection. Travel Guard does a great job, in case you find yourself without one.

Snowshoeing in Winter Park

Posted on April 13, 2009 by Chris

Look for these signs

: Elyse having fun up Berthoud Trail

We went on a snowshoe outing this week to show my neices the outdoors of Winter Park without spending a dime. Ok, I did already have 2 pairs of snowshoes and borrowed the other pair from my friend (and realtor), Shanna, so I guess it wouldn’t be free for the tourist. To rent showshoes, go to The Ski Broker - not too much $ at all.

Shanna recommended this trail and we took her up on it. To get there, we went up Berthoud Pass (from Winter Park) past 2 switchbacks. On the 2nd turn to the left, there is a big orange backcountry avalanche warning sign and parking area. We pulled over, strapped on our snowshoes, grabbed our poles (don’t forget poles!!) and headed up the trail.

Shanna said there would be a flat meadow right away but we never found that – it was still really fun and not too tough. It was an easy uphill climb for awhile and we quickly forgot about life and started singing and laughing.

The path is very easy to follow and we saw two other groups while we climbed. It got a bit steep for awhile so we stopped often and took more photos.

We ran into some backcountry skiers. They were doing “Avy training” they told us. My neice from NC said “huh?!” so we got an education on Avalanche training and how people actually live on the extreme side of the outdoors. We said goodbye and continued to sing and hike in our wimpy little snowshoes. We felt cool, at least.

Top of the World (without much effort)!

The photos look a lot more extreme than it was – I think anyone in good enough shape to ski could easily do this. And, it was a fun experience to get out and relax!!

The Sushi Bar in Winter Park – a review

Posted on April 12, 2009 by Chris

Chef's Choice Nigiri Platter

My neices were in town this week and I got a babysitter so I could take them out in Winter Park. We opted for sushi and hit the Sushi Bar, right next to Hernando’s in Winter Park.

We had to wait a bit to be seated but not because there was a crowd. No one was hostessing but it said to wait to be seated. That was the only negative thing of the night. We had great sushi and lots of fun.

My niece, Lauren, talked us into getting the Spicy Monkey Roll – it had banana wrapped around it! Surprisingly, it was really, really good. We also had the Chef’s Platter of nigiri which is a lot cheaper and had all the good stuff in it.

I did miss having a sheet to fill in our sushi order (helps me count to be sure we’re not over-ordering), but our waitress did a great job remembering what we wanted and we actually under-ordered. A first for me at sushi.

Lauren chopsticking

How to find it if you don’t know where Hernando’s is? From the Winter Park Resort, go to the down town area of Winter Park. Almost all the way thru town, take your last right turn and there it is – on the main drag. Big brown building and large sign that says “Sushi Bar”.

The Winter Park Lodging By Owner Team

Posted on April 11, 2009 by Chris

: From Left: Jill, Sarah, Chris, Rachel, Val, & Amy

The folks at WPLBO get to know our guests often quite well by email and phone, but sometimes you don’t get to meet face to face. We took this shot at the Rockies Opening Game yesterday (a winner over the Phillies by the way!) and thought it would be a good one to post for all to meet the WPLBO team member(s) that helped them find a vacation property in Winter Park.

That’s Jill on the far left. She lives in Denver part time and Winter Park part time. Sarah & Chris are next – they’re the owners and got the honor of footing the bill (and all the bills) yesterday. Next is Rachel who has been with WPLBO since Feb 08. Valarie (or “Val” as we call her) was our first employee and will soon celebrate her 2 year anniversary with WPLBO. Last but not least – the ultimate blogger – Amy, who forgot she was in Denver and not Winter Park, and wore long underwear to the game.

Stay with us two or three times and you’ll most likely talk, email, or meet all of these folks!