Rate Your Ski Area – Winter Park/Mary Jane Resorts

Posted on February 16, 2010 by Chris

Rate your Favorite Colorado Ski Resorts

I was clicking through the internet looking for info on my favorite Colorado ski resorts and I came across this rate ski areas website. Pretty cool website that gives you the low down on what people are thinking about the various ski resorts that they have visited.

You can check out the Mary Jane and Winter Park ratings. Fairly decent ratings for for our beloved ski hills here in Grand County Colorado. Comparing Winter Park to some other Colorado resorts I think Winter Park does very well.

So take a few minutes and rate your favorite ski areas. Give Winter Park and Mary Jane some love with some of those high rankings. Also check out the ratings for Jones Pass back-country skiing that is now serviced by our friends at Powder Addiction.

All this reading about skiing is giving me a desire to get out on the slopes so hasta la vista I’m heading over to Winter Park to make some turns.

Learn to Ski the Bumps – Mary Jane Style

Posted on February 16, 2010 by Chris

The Mary Jane Bump Jamboree and Bob’s Mogul Camp

Wanting to learn to ski the bumps or improve your mogul techniques? Well the Mary Jane Bump Jamboree and Bobs Mogul Camps are here to help with your bump skiing abilities. There is no better place to learn the bumps than the Mary Jane side of Winter Park Resort. Where would the coolest place to learn to golf… Pebble Beach, right? How about best place learn to drive a NASCAR car….. Daytona , correct? Well, Mary Jane is to bump skiing what Pebble Beach and Daytona are to golf and NASCAR racing.

So get yourself signed up for the Mary Jane Bump Jamboree or Bob’s Mogul Camp. Dates and Info:

Mary Jane Bump Jamboree Feb 20th, 2010 $95.00 – Saturday February 20th, 2010. Check in at Mary Jane Center. Clinic from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Skiers Only. Skiers must be comfortable on blue trails. Get more of the Jane with less pain in this program that has become a tradition for many generations of skiers. You will enjoy the legendary apres party after 6 full hours of coaching. From blue bumps to zipper line skiers we have a group for you! If you have questions about your registration or specific program details, please call 303.316.1564.

Bob’s Mogul Camp Feb 24th $499.00 Three day camp at Mary Jane Resort on February 24th, 25th and 26th. 9:00am to 3:00pm each day of the camp. Apres party included. Skiers Only. Skiers must be comfortable on blue trails. Explore North America’s best bump runs as you develop new skills with the Ski & Ride School Director Bob Barnes and his top coaches. Groups are formed by ability level and motivations.Camp fees include a daily apres party and equipment demos. If you have questions about your registration or specific program details, please call 303.316.1564.

Bob’s Mogul Camp Mar 12th $499.00 Three day camp at Mary Jane on March 12th, 13th and 14th. 9:00am to 3:00pm each day of the camp. Apres party included. Skiers Only. Skiers must be comfortable on blue trails. Explore North America’s best bump runs as you develop new skills with the Ski & Ride School Director Bob Barnes and his top coaches. Groups are formed by ability level and motivations. Camp fees include a daily apres party and equipment demos.

Visit Winter Park/Mary Jane bump site to register.

The best time of year to ski Winter Park and Marty Jane is upon us. Register today for the Bump Jamboree and/or Bob’s Mogul Camp.

Let the Winter Park Lodging Company help you out on your lodging for these events and WPLCO will give you 15% off your lodging for either of these Mary Jane bump skiing events.

MJ Bump Jamboree Feb 20th

$95.00

Description

Saturday, February 20th, 2010. Check in at Mary Jane Center. Clinic from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Skiers Only. Skiers must be comfortable on blue trails.

Mardi Gras Blues Show in Winter Park!

Posted on February 15, 2010 by sam

We may be 9,000 feet above sea level and 1,400 miles from New Orleans, but that’s not going o stop us from celebrating Mardi Gras. The Grand County Blues Society, always good to us here in Winter Park, is presenting us with a trio of wildly talented blues musicians this Tuesdsay at Smokin’ Moes Saloon.

First up, Trampled Underfoot! This remarkable band is comprised of Nick, Kris, and Danielle Schnebelen, each of whom are very accomplished on their respective instruments: Nick jamming on the guitar, Kris hammering on the drums, and Danielle rockin’ the bass. All three siblings sing the blues like they were born to do it, probably a lot of the reason they took home the gold at the 2008 International Blues Challenge.

Next up, Samantha Fish. Her self proclaimed influences include BB King and Bonnie Raitt, which, once you get a little taste of her belting vocals, will not surprise you. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, Samantha is booked solid in her home state and beyond for the next year. One of my personal favorites, Rollin’ and Tumblin’, is just a preview for the upbeat show this girl puts on.

And for the third and final act, the grand finale…you’ll have to come out to Smokin’ Moes this Tuesday night to find out! Show starts at nine with a $20 cover- paying your way to dance all night long to a rare blues show in our home away from New Orleans! One other note- be nice to the door man, Art, and he might reward you with a dance. We’d love to have you there to continue this fabulous blues party tradition with us in Winter Park.

Beer and Food Tasting Winter Park, CO

Posted on February 14, 2010 by Chris

Cheeky Monk Winter Park, Colorado

The Cheeky Monk in the Winter Park Village is having a beer and food pairing Thursday February 25th. The tating will start at 6PM and go until close.

The Cheeky Monk is featuring Trappiste Ales & “Southern Influenced” food . As always, seating is limited & tickets go fast! Please call 970-726-6871 to secure your reservation today! What a great way to end a day of skiing – great Belgium beer and some Southern style food.

Email Michael Patrick, the manager at michaelp@thecheekymonk.com for more info and pricing.

Come on out and support our local Winter Park Restaurants and enjoy some great beer and food.

Snow in Winter Park, Colorado

Posted on February 13, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park fresh powder Snowing in Winter Park, CO

The white stuff is falling here in Winter Park. Supposed to get 5 to 6 inches of snow from this storm and a couple more each day the rest of this week. So far this year has been a feast or famine year with snow but most forecasters are calling for late February, March and April to be way above avareage. Here is the snow report as of Feb 12, 2010:

New Winter Park Resort Snow (In Inches)
24 hrs	48 hrs	72 hrs	Season
2.5″	6.5″	8.5″	147.7″

And as I sit here the snow has been dumping at a furious pace all day. I would not be surprised if there was 10 inches of fresh powder by tomorrow morning. Now is the time to head up to Winter Park Resort to get your fresh helping of freshies. If you want some real deep stuff take a trip with Powder Addiction, our snow cat professionals up here in Winter Park.

Compare Winter Park’s snowfall with that of other resorts in the area. What will you find? We get more snow than anyone in the Colorado area. That’s great news for your ski and snowboard vacation!

Here is the long range forecast for Winter Park from our friends at SnowForecast.com:

–Strong Pacific storms start pushing into the west coast, and moisture feeds into Colorado, around the 21st/ 22nd of Feb. Storms should be a bit more favorable for northern regions at this time. We will watch and see how this unfolds. March and April still look like potentially snowy months.

As I finish this blog post the snow is now really really coming down and I say LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW! Winter Park Style.

Winter Park Colorado Snow Cat Skiing

Posted on February 9, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park back country skiing

Powder Addiction Cat Skiing in Winter Park, Colorado

We finally got a chance to check out Powder Addiction, the new snow cat skiing tour operator that is headquartered in the Winter Park Village and running ski trips to Jones Pass. Well, awesome is what I would have to say of Powder Addiction. The snow was fantastic the guides were knowledgeable and the travel time to ski was very minimal. This was the first of four trips that we have planned with the next coming in two weeks.

Our group consisted of myself, Ed Reagnor, Scott Emory, Teddy and Nick Kutrombos, Craig, Mike Ayre, Phil the snowboarder, Ben the Aussie, Jean Wolter and Todd the Cornhusker. It was a great day of skiing. Supposedly the snow up here in Winter Park is a little below average this year but the snow on Jones Pass was about the best I have ever skied - light fluffy and lots and lots of it.

Our skiing guides were Mr. Ski Boss Jamie Wolter and Steve Waldorf. The guides were very thorough, safe, fun and tried to get us the best snow and skiing possible. We were able to get seven runs in and my legs were about shot with those seven. The skis provide by Powder Addiction were Salomon Czar powder skis. My first time on a rocker ski and man they can just float on the powder. They are a little squirly on the packed snow but nice and fat with a lot of float on the fluffy powder.

Here is Powder Addictions description of skiing up at Jones Pass:

Our operation lies less than 1 hour drive from Denver. The closest powder skiing operation to the Front Range. If joining us from the Grand County you will meet at our World Headquarters in the Village at Winter Park. Our Jones Pass location gets the benefits of storms that flow in from all directions. We typically get hit by all the Colorado storms. This means you get the best chance for sweet skiing conditions when you ski with us.

You will spend the day skiing virgin snow at an average elevation of 11,000 feet. The high altitude combined with good Northern exposure keeps our snow cold and light.

If you enjoy skiing powder or are back country skiing fan I would definitely recommend Powder Addiction. This was probably the best day of skiing I have ever had. Whoooohoooo I can not wait ’till our next outing.

You can follow all of the Powder Addiction happenings at the Powder Addiction Facebook page.

Come and satisfy your powder addiction in Winter Park, CO

Valentine’s Roses for your Sweetie in Winter Park

Posted on February 4, 2010 by Valarie

Nothing is more classy than giving a dozen roses to your Valentine. Whether you’re a local or a visitor in Winter Park for the romantic holiday, you can surprise your sweet heart with a dozen red roses for Valentine’s Day.

Kara and Rami with Pick Me Floral Design and Event Planning are just the people you need, offering a Valentine’s rose deal for either pick up or delivery. For delivery the cost is $75 and for pick up it’s $65 (pre-orders only). A deal either way, for beautiful roses to brighten up your Valentine’s Day. Email kara@lovethisday.com or call 970-531-9237 today.

Mary Jane Top Two Ski Resort for Bumps

Posted on February 4, 2010 by Chris

Mary Jane Best Bumps in Colorado

I was reading up on the best ski resorts for bumps and I came across a top ten list of mogul ski resorts. This is from MountainYahoos.com and I think their list is pretty much right on besides Winter Park being right behind Taos. I have skied all the resorts on this list besides the two in the East.

In fact, four of the resorts on this list are on my top five Colorado ski resorts. Taos is a very nice ski destination indeed, with some great steeps and good bumps but it is really not in the class of bump skiing here at the Jane. I have to say that none really compare to Mary Jane with it’s deeps, steeps, powder, The Chutes and the famous Elevator Chutes.

Here is what the Mountain Yahoos have to say about our beloved madam of the night Ms. Mary Jane:

“The Mary Jane (part of the Winter Park resort), dedicates itself to moguls. You can find moguls on the entire mountain. This is the break down of the trails:

Expert Only: 1% (Double black diamond)
Most Difficult: 57% (Black diamond)
Advanced: 22% (Blue-Black)
Intermediate: 19% (Blue)
Beginner: 1% (Green)”

I also found another ranking of best bump/mogul resorts for Colorado and I very much agree with this list from D Bahr of Regis University. His explanation of how he feels about Vail could not be said better: “Vail. Ok, go ahead and shoot me. I know you love it, but I don’t. It’s boring and expensive. There, I said it.” And about Breckenridge: “Breckenridge. Used to have the advantage of being a real town, but like much of the I-70 corridor, it has been overrun and condo-ized. Oh, and the skiing sucks. Flat and boring. Sorry.”

Well there you have it. If you are wanting to ski the best bumps, trees or have some of the best snow in Colorado, Winter Park and specifically Mary Jane is the place to be.

Winter Park Colorado Mountain Mardi Gras

Posted on February 3, 2010 by Chris

Mardi Gras in the Colorado Rocky Mountains

Looking for something to do in to celebrate Mardi Gras? Well look no further, there is much to do up here in Winter Park, Colorado and this is the perfect time to head to the hills and get away from the February blues. The snow is falling and we should have around ten inches of new snow by this coming Monday, Feb 8th, if the forecasts are to be believed. So come check out the Winter Park Mountain Mardi Gras.

Saturday February13

12:00-5:00pm at the Winter Park Village

High Altitude Style! Come join the party in the Village to celebrate this New Orleans tradition Winter Park-style! This event features bands, street performers, festive decorations, food and plenty of beads to go around!

Music (in Starbucks Plaza)

12:00pm-1:00pm: Louisiana Clan Dogs
1:20pm-2:20pm: Aden Harrell & Friends Jazz Quartet
2:40pm-3:40pm: Otones Brass Band
4:00pm-5:00pm: Dikki Du & The Zydeco Krewe
Performers (throughout the Village)

12:00pm-5:00pm: Salida Circus Performers (includes flame throwers, jugglers, trapeze artists, jesters & unicyclists)
12:00pm-5:00pm: Face-Painting and Caricature Drawings
12:00pm-5:00pm: Children’s Crafts – masks and crowns
1:00pm-3:00pm: Giant Puppetry
2:00pm-4:00pm: Ear2Ear Photobooth

Food (in Starbucks Plaza)

Jambalaya, crawfish, etouffee, gumbo, crepes, bread pudding and beignets provided by Village restaurants

FAT Tuesday February 16th

• 6:30-8:30pm – Mardi Gras Parade at Cooper Creek
Square: Come in costume and participate in Fat Tuesday
(Winter Park style) in the shortest, craziest, coldest
Mardi Gras Parade on Earth!
• 9pm – The Grand County Blues Society presents
Trampled Under Foot w/Samantha Fish at Smokin Moes

All of this to be had while trying to get in all the runs at Winter Park and Mary Jane Resorts.

“Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez”

Winter Park, CO Snow Sports Industries Convention

Posted on February 3, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park, CO SnowSports Industries Convention

There were around 3,400 people for the on-snow demo at Winter Park Ski Resort Monday, part of the SnowSports Industries America’s (SIA) annual snow show. The show was held for the first time in Denver after a 37 years of wild times in Las Vegas.

A small village was set up at the base of Winter Park. Manufactures, retailers and media in the snowsports industry cruised displays of skis and snowboards, boots, bindings, goggles, helmets, poles, gadgets and just about every other piece of ski gear that somebody needs to enjoy the sport of skiing. There were people out demoing the latest and greatest that the ski industry is bringing out for next year.

What were the hits of the show? What are the can’t live withouts for the ski addicted masses?

Well according to the ski press here are some of the favorites that were at the ski show in both Denver and on the slopes of Winter Park Resort.

Liberty Skis

Co-founder Jim Satloff launched the firm in 2003 with $30,000 won during an incredibly lucky three-hour run at a Vegas craps table. Today, Avon-based Liberty has a national reputation as a high-performance ski maker. Liberty is the first manufacturer to use bamboo cores in all its lines, offering lighter weight and improved responsiveness.
Prototypes are developed at the Avon headquarters, but most manufacturing takes place in China. Low import duties allow Liberty to sell at competitive prices to retailers, where the skis carry list prices of $529 to $769.

Point6 Socks

If you would like to find socks that will keep your feet comfortable, dry, blister-free in every activity you participate in – - – look no further. POINT6 is your solution.

* ski and snowboard socks

* hiking and trekking socks

* cycling socks

* casual lifestyle socks

* golf, running and fitness socks

With precise, anatomical fit point6 socks are truly the best socks you will ever wear.

Arc’teryx Alpha SV Gore-Tex Glove

Is any glove worth $275? Arc’teryx believes the Alpha SV, the first glove made with Gore Pro Shell, fits the bill. The typical Gore-Tex glove has a somewhat bulky, cartoonish-looking baggie sandwiched between the liner and outer shell. Pro Shell is a three-layer, super-breathable product in which the shell, Gore-Tex membrane and liner are laminated into a single piece of fabric. It brings down weight and bulk and improves breathability and durability. It’s Gore’s premium product for jackets, but it’s hard to make into a glove because of all the seam sealing required.

Anyway, the Alpha SV overcomes those issues with clever engineering and design. There’s a waterproof leather layer on the fingers and palm and a removable fleece liner. In all, the glove is lightweight, extremely dextrous and easily the coolest pair of ski and mountaineering gloves I’ve ever seen. As for the price, a lot of pros—helicopter skiing guides and such—will probably wear it. If you use the gloves 100 days a year for 10 years, you’ll end up investing around 28 cents a day on hand warmth. Probably a good deal. For the rest of us, it’s a friggin’ expensive glove.

Loki Gear

This innovative Grand Junction outerwear-maker is now making kick-ass headwear and kick-ass jackets with all sorts of shape shifting features, like built-in mittens and facemasks and the ability to transform into a backpack.

Ski Logic

Some of the coolest looking skis out there. Based in Breckenridge and making skis for over ten years these skis will definitely get some questions from fellow lift riders. And yes these are also manufactured in China, but man they are really cool looking.

WhoooHoooo! Lets hope the SIA makes it back to Winter Park next year for an encore performance. The two days here were great exposure for Winter Park Resort and it was nice to see the base bustleing with ski industry people.