Winter Park Colorado Trail Maps

Posted on November 29, 2009 by Chris

Winter Park Resort Ski Trail Map

I was Googling around the web looking for a current Wnter Park Resort trail map and I found the above poster that I thought was very cool. I also realized in my search that we have a Winter Park Resort trail map on our web site so I was just wasting my time being a bonehead.

This years and last years trail maps are the same as there are no changes at the resort. There have been lots of changes in the last five years so there plenty of new challenging terrain up here at Winter Park. My favorites are the runs serviced by the Panoramic Express and the Eagle Wind lifts. Lots of great tree skiing and back country type terrain that doesn’t involve hiking up.

I saw an article in the Denver Post this morning called “Tale of the Trail” with descriptions of how some of the ski trails were named and I thought I would share the ones from Winter Park Resort:

“Drunken Frenchmen,” Mary Jane: Named for the French-Canadian loggers who cut timber by day and drank at night.

“Mary Jane,” Winter Park/Mary Jane: Named not for the sometimes medically sanctioned weed, but for a popular local prostitute who once owned the land where the trail was built, a resort spokesman says.

“Sterling Way,” Mary Jane: Named after a railroad engineer who slid to safety on a coal shovel, following a winter train wreck on Corona Pass.

I had heard the story of the first two but the Sterling way one was new to me. Anyway, the story is linked above and it is quite amusing.

Snow is supposed to hit us this week so lets do the snow dance and hopefully we will get a nice blanket of that Colorado fluffy white powder in the next few days.

Ski Broker in Winter Park continues to keep us happy!

Posted on November 29, 2009 by sam

ski broker Well, I did it. I finally bought a new snowboard. I’ve been riding on the same one for five years now, and while it was a very sturdy, balanced, reliable board, it was time for an upgrade. (I promise this blog is not just a justification of my purchase to avoid buyer’s remorse).

So, after contemplating, researching, and saving pennies, I called Ski Broker in Fraser (one of their three locations) to ask if I could pretty please borrow a demo board to try out and possibly purchase (demo boards are brand new models that ski and snowboard companies send over to rental shops so customers can try out this year’s new gear). When Alissa, one of many knowledgable and helpful staff members, heard I was interested in buying, she went above and beyond to track down a board that would be perfect for me. With the help of Alissa, Paul (owner, check out his story: http://www.wpskibroker.com/AboutUs/tabid/54/Default.aspx), and Jamie (who assured me a snowboard was a necessity), I am now looking at a brand new Arbor Push snowboard. When it finally snows here, I’ll absolutely take a picture on the slopes to show it off

When I am about to spend half my rent money on a snowboard, I want to purchase one from someone who I know, trust, and is passionate about skiing and snowboarding themselves. Isn’t that what you want when you’re renting gear or having someone polish and tune up your own gear? Well, good news, that’s exaclty what you’ll find in our local, family owned Ski Broker. These guys do it all: they have a fantastic selection of rentals (of everything, including snowshoes and clothing) and gear for purchase, as well as extensive tunes and repairs. Check out their website for everything they have to offer: http://www.wpskibroker.com/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx. Since we trust them so much we wanted to share them with our guests, so don’t forget that when you book with us you receive 22% off your rentals at Ski Broker!

490 Steakhouse and Tavern in Winter Park, Colorado

Posted on November 27, 2009 by Chris

grilled_steak 490 steakhouse winter park co

490 Steakhouse & Tavern

There is another new restaurant in Winter Park. The 490 Steakhouse & Tavern up in the Silverado II Resort and Events Center is open for business daily six days a week. They are closed on Tuesdays. Starting November 28th they are also open for weekend brunch buffet from 9AM to Noon.

Here is their business info:

Family friendly restaurant nestled in the pines at the Silverado II Community. Daily specials, happy hour, dine-in/take-out available.

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 3316
Winter Park, CO 80482

Physical Address
490 Kings Crossing Road
Winter Park, CO 80482

Phone
720.810.7547

Email
490steakhouseandtavern@comcast.net

Their menu is a mix of classic tavern fare and steakhouse cuts of meat. They also have a kids menu, pizzas and an all you can eat soup/salad bar. We talked to one of the owners and he said they are pushing their $10.95 steak dinner. This special is offered all nights that they are open.

We have not tried put the 490 Steakhouse & Tavern but we shall sometime this winter and we will let you know what we think of the food.

Winter Park Lodging Company’s New Sign

Posted on November 26, 2009 by rachelb

P1010383 We here a Winter Park Lodging Company are excited to see our new sign up and running in downtown Winter Park. If you’re trying to find our office, or just wondering where our mission control is located- look left at the end of town towards Fraser. We share a sign (and parking lot) with the Winter Park Pub. Like the sign says, we play hard and rest easy- so look no further for fun and friendly lodging options for your ski vacation!

Cheeky Monk Winter Park Village | A Review

Posted on November 25, 2009 by Chris

I have been spending a lot of time up at the resort, getting ready for the onslaught of Winter Park Lodging Company guests this week, so I have not been able to do much blogging but have had a chance to eat at most of the restaurants up in the Winter Park Village.

My first stop was lunch at Cheeky Monk. This is season two for Cheeky Monk and from what I can see they seem to be doing very well. One of our employees works there so I was welcomed with warm arms as I sat at the bar. The bartender got me my water, hey I have to work sometime, and menu quickly. I was really wanting a beer but hard work and self denial won out on this day.

I ordered the soft pretzels for an appetizer and the Monte Cristo for lunch. The pretzels were great and the Monte Cristo was OK. The price of both I thought was a bit high but we are at the base of a ski resort so that can be expected. Service overall was good and conversation with fellow patrons was flowing. The place was doing better business than I expected for the first Monday of ski season with only a few ski runs open.

Overall it was a good lunch and I will return and quaff a few of their fine Belgium brews.

Ranch House Restaurant at Devils Thumb Ranch | A Review

Posted on November 25, 2009 by Chris

Ranch House Restaurant @ Devils Thumb Ranch

With the start of the ski, holiday and lodging season coming upon us, Sarah and I decided to get our beloved babysitter and have a date night without the twins. There was a little debate as where to go but our old haunt the Ranch House Restaurant won out. Actually, we were headed to Heck’s Tavern up at Devils Thumb but they were closed and the staff pointed us to The Ranch House were we really wanted to go anyway.

On the way in Sarah tripped over what looked like a frozen cow pie and took a doozy of a tumble. Probably shouldn’t have laughed but when someone falls and is not seriously hurt it is a sight that makes me chuckle. We were welcomed by one of our employees as we walked in and felt among friends in the subdued atmosphere of the Ranch. The restaurant was fairly busy, and by the time we ate, the bar had a brisk business going.

We ordered a nice bottle of Pinot Noir and split a pear salad to start. Salad was awesome and perfect for two people. Sarah had the ravioli and I had a burger with blue cheese and bacon. Burger was fantastic but a touch on the expensive side. The ravioli was also very good. We finished with two deserts, getting ready for ski season I guess, that were both fantastic. I had the white chocolate bread pudding and Sarah had some chocolatety chocolate thing that was just awesome!

I have always have loved the Ranch House room and the food was great on this particular evening. Service was very good but a bit stressed out toward the end of our dinner. Understandable as everyone is on pins a bit as the season begins.

If you have not been out to Devils Thumb Ranch for dinner you are missing one of the best in Grand County. The room itself is worth the drive out to Tabernash.

Reservations strongly recommended for the Ranch House Restaurant, 970-726-5633. I prefer to eat at the bar and people watch some but the tables are very nice also.

Grand Adventures in Winter Park has new snowmobiles!

Posted on November 22, 2009 by sam

Grand Adventures, our local go-to for snowmobiling in Winter Park, has purchased brand new fleets of snowmobiles for the winter season! The new snowmobiles are 2 seater Yamaha Venture Lites (for guided tours) and 1 seater Yamaha Phazers (for unguided tours). Here are the specs, with translation for those of you who aren’t professionals: Phazers

Fourstroke: Quieter, more efficient, and larger than two stroke engines. Also, the professionals over at Grand Adventures tell me you won’t get any of the fumes that come with two stroke engines.

Ergonomic: They are designed to fit your body, resulting in a super comfortable ride that requires less work from you.

Smoother acceleration: So you don’t have to deal with whiplash while you’re cruising on the continental divide at almost 12,000 feet

Heavier: In the words of the Grand Adventures professionals again, this means that the snowmobiles “won’t dance around, but will plow through the snow.”

AND, these new snowmobiles burn 1/2 as much fuel, making them more environmentally friendly. Plus, they’re quieter, making it easier for you to get a good look at all the wildlife you might run into.

Check out Grand Adventures’ website: http://www.grandadventures.com/ for more information on rentals, tours, rates, and more. Snowmobiling really is one of the most fun ways to check out some incredible views of the mountains and Winter Park, not to mention being quite a bit easier than hiking up a mountain in the middle of winter. Have fun!

First Week of Skiing At Winter Park Resort

Posted on November 21, 2009 by Amy

Early Season Skiing in Colorado

We had a chance to hit the slopes early this year at Winter Park Resort. Not a ton of runs open but it was nice to get the rust off after the five month sabbatical from skiing. There were three lifts running and four or five runs and the weather was just about perfect.

Check Sarah out in her brand new Winter Park Lodging Company jacket getting about an 1/8th of an inch of air on her little jump.

We should be getting more snow this week and the resort is busy pumping out the man made stuff so come on up and enjoy some early season Colorado skiing.

Winter Park Resort First Week of Skiing

Posted on November 21, 2009 by Chris

We got to get out to the slopes yesterday, Friday the 20th of November, and made some turns at what is open so far at Winter Park Resort. We also got to sport our new, oh so fancy Winter Park Lodging Company jackets. We had a fun time as it gets you pretty excited to strap the skis back on make some first week of skiing Winter Park Colorado

first week of skiing 009 Winter Park Lodging company jackets

turns on the slopes after five months off. There were three lifts open and a few runs to get warmed up for the season. It is official now the Resort is open and the ski season is on. How many days will you get in this year? Don’t make this another year of – “I should have gotten more skiing in”. Can you get 40 days of skiing in? or will it be 50 or even 60? Maybe you are marathoner and will hit 100?

The jackets are just spectacular, No? Red for the males and blue for the females, Winter Park Lodging Company employees will be the envy of all skiing on Winter Park Mountain. So look for Chris, Sarah, Rachel, Amy, Sam and Christina out on the slopes and say hello. Oh Ya lets not forget Val who will be making a return from Spain to join us for the ski season.

So here is to Winter Park Resort in it’s platinum, 70th, year and Winter Park Lodging Company with new jackets and the start our fifth year.

Snow Tubing and Sledding in Winter Park, Colorado

Posted on November 21, 2009 by Chris

Snow Sledding in Winter Park

Wanting to have some fun with the whole family? There is not a better way for some family fun than an evening on the slopes on a tube. Sol Vista is offering Holiday Tubing in 2010 from December 26th to December 30th. Price is $10 for night skiing and $11 for night tubing or $18 for a combo ticket for both. Hours of operation are from 5PM to 8PM. Sol Vista has night skiing lights so the tubing should be very fun and exciting. Please visit www.granbyranch.com for more info.

The Fraser Snow Tubing Hill offers sledding all winter long. With thrills for children, teens and parents alike, there is no more family-friendly activity than sledding or tubing down a smooth alpine slope. Join the Fraser Tubing Hill in Grand County, Colorado to experience some serious winter fun in Winter Park/Fraser, Colorado.

Fraser Snow Tubing Hill

PO Box 219

Fraser, CO 80442

970-726-5954

E-mail: rj@fraserweb.com

Bring the whole family for a snow tubing adventure! Located behind the Alco shopping center in Fraser. Groups welcome.

With thrills for children, teens and parents alike, there is no more family-friendly activity than sledding or tubing down a smooth alpine slope. Join us in Grand County, Colorado to experience some serious winter fun!

Winter Park/Fraser, Colorado

Fraser Snow Tubing Hill
PO Box 219
Fraser, CO 80442
970-726-5954
E-mail: rj@fraserweb.com

Bring the whole family for a snow tubing adventure! Located behind the Alco shopping center in Fraser. Groups welcome.With thrills for children, teens and parents alike, there is no more family-friendly activity than sledding or tubing down a smooth alpine slope. Join us in Grand County, Colorado to experience some serious winter fun!

Winter Park/Fraser, Colorado