Winter Park, CO Blues From the Top Music Festival

Posted on March 30, 2010 by Chris

Blues Festival in Winter Park, CO

The Blues from the Top Winter Park, CO blues music festival is making a return to Hideaway Park in downtown Winter Park. This is a three day affair starting on June 25th, 2010 with a prefest jam at Smokin’ Moe’s in Cooper Creek Square right on US Highway 40 in town of WP.

This is a very fun music festival in the beauty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. If you are a blues lover or a music fan at all do not miss this great show. Tickets will go on sale April 1st, 2010 (April fool’s day, but no its not a joke).

Winter Park Blues From the Top Artist Lineup

Friday Night June 25th: Smokin’ Moe’s Prefest Jam
featuring…Mike Zito & Trampled Under Foot and special guests

Saturday June 26th: featuring…
Samantha Fish
Johnny O’Band
Smokin’ Joe Kubek featuring Bnois King
Ana Popovic
Dick50 (Delbert McClinton’s band)
Walter Trout and the Radicals

Sunday June 27th: featuring…
Delores Scott/Jack Hadley
JP Soars and The Red Hots
Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps
Nick Moss and The Flip Tops
Mike Zito
Trampled Under Foot

Tickets can be purchased from the Grand County Blues Society. This festival starts out a great summer season here in Winter Park. This should be a great summer here with some fantastic weather. The Winter Park Village is open for it’s second year and the mountain biking looks to be spectacular as usual. As the saying goes you “come to Winter Park for the winter but stay for the summers”.

Come on up and enjoy some world class blues music in Winter Park, Colorado.

Winter Park Season Pass|Rocky Mountain Super Pass

Posted on March 29, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park 2010/2011 Season Ski Pass

It is time to get your season ski pass for Winter Park! As of April 5th prices will go up so get your ticket for fun and freshies all next season. Ski Colorado and Winter Park are offering a deal that you pay $49.00 down now and the rest isn’t due until next September. Do not procrastinate the time is now to get your ski season in the pipeline.

Hurry, this price only guaranteed through April 5, 2010.

Winter Park || Coper Mountain || Steamboat

Get your 2010/11 Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus at the lowest guaranteed price of the season

^$409
Prices guaranteed through April 5, 2010

Unlimited skiing and riding
at Winter Park and Copper
and six days at Steamboat.

$319 college† $319 teen (13-17)
$219 child (6-12) $219 senior (70+)

Season – long benefits:
• Double your $59 Friends & Family discount tickets to 20 to be used anytime during the 2010/11 season**.
• Discounts on Rental/Retail, Food & Beverage and Ski & Ride School.
• Receive special passholder offers via the Pass Perks email.
• Discounts off full-window rate lift tickets at most Intrawest resorts including Whistler Blackcomb, BC (excluding Colorado resorts).

Visit skicolorado.com or call 800.977.SNOW to purchase*.

Also Available:
Rocky Mountain Super Passes, Winter Park season passes and Copper season passes. Click here for details.

Pay only $49 now, don't pay the rest until September. Prices guaranteed through April 5, 2010. Get yours NOW!

Cross Country|Nordic Skiing at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Posted on March 27, 2010 by Chris

When guests ask where they should go for a special meal, I always reply “Tabernash Tavern or Devil’s Thumb” and I’ve been to both several times. But one thing I have somehow missed for years is the main reason people go to Devil’s Thumb in the winter – cross country skiing (those who know what they are doing call it Nordic skiing).

Ma & Pa hoofin' it at Devil's Thumb

Devil’s Thumb is the largest Nordic center in the Rocky Mountains with 100km of trails. My mom had her knee replaced last summer so alpine skiing isn’t an option and we wanted to get out of the house last week when my parents were visiting. So, we got out my parents’ 20 year old cross country skis and took a short drive over to Devil’s Thumb on a gorgeous bluebird day.

I rented equipment from a guy who said he grew up alpine skiing in Vermont but explained that cross country skiing was actually the first “skiing” sport and beat alpine by about 500 years. Renting was cheap – maybe $15 and equipment seemed pretty nice to me. And the best part is it felt we had the place to ourselves. He said it’s only “busy” on weekends but busy to them is like April 30th at the resort (hint: resort closes April 18th).

Meadow Trail

We had lunch at a picnic table overlooking the trails (brought it with us) and then got started. We went slowly but soon got the hang of getting in the rutts (I’m sure there’s a more proper name but that’s what we called them) made by the custom snowplow that grooms the trails and cuts in 2 rutts so you can steady yourselves. We skied for about 2 hours and it was just beautiful. Stayed on the Meadow Trail to Wapiti then Broken Barn and back on Ranch Walk. All flat, but over bridges, down a few small little hills, gorgeous scenery and a nice workout. Ten minutes into it, we wished we were as smart as the guy who passed us wearing shorts and a t-shirt. It was HOT. And my dad and I forgot face sunscreen so we looked silly for a few days afterwards. But, other than that, it was really a wonderful day.

If you need an alternative to downhill skiing for the young or the old, or just want to take a break and enjoy the peaceful serenity of Colorado in the wintertime, head over to Devil’s Thumb Ranch and find out what “classic” vs “skate” skiing is. Plus, it’s cheap. Adults are $18 a day and kids 12 and under and the grandparents are only $8 a day. Got little ones? They even have chariots so you can pull them along with you for $20. Definitely wear shorts and a t-shirt if you’re going to pull that off.

Bring your lunch, some water, sunscreen!, and enjoy! Or try the moonlight nordic skiing and have a drink or a full dinner afterwards.

Recipe of the Month: April

Posted on March 26, 2010 by Valarie

Guac-Guac-Guac-a-mole!

Recently, our household had four avocadoes in the fridge thanks to our combined efforts in grocery shoppping and the amazing sale on avocados. So, I decided to try making some guacamole, and surpised myself with the delicious results (based on my history of recipe failures).

Yum. Guacamole, a delicious dip or topping made with avocado. Personally, I like it chock full of other fresh ingredients, like the recipe below. I just made it up, my goal to replicate the delicious guac at Mirasol Cantina. I really don’t know what’s in most guacamole recipes, so tips are welcome and thank you very much!

Ingredients:

3 avocados
1 small tomato
1-2 cloves garlic
1/2 onion
1/2 4 oz can of green chiles (or if you’re lucky enough to have fresh, 2 tbsp chopped)
salt to taste
optional: 1 tsp fresh squeezed lime

Preparation:

First, halve each avocado and remove the pits. I like stabbing the pit and pulling it out with a fork. Quarter the halves and then you can usually just peel the skin right off. Then, chop the avocado into cubes, about 1-2 inches.

Mash the avocado up alone first, using a potato masher worked for me, since I don’t mind it a bit chunky.

With the tomato, chop it into small pieces, first removing the juicy seeds so your guac isn’t too runny. I sliced mine first, removed the juicy center of each slice, then chopped it into 1/2 inch or smaller pieces. Fold the tomatoes into the mashed avocado.

Mince the garlic and chop the onions finely, adding them into the mixture along with the green chiles. If you’re adding lime, add that last. Add salt to taste.

That’s it. Try not to eat it all before any one else gets to try it. This recipe made about 2 1/2 to 3 cups. Enjoy!

Monthy Airfare Deal Alert

Posted on March 25, 2010 by Valarie

Last month’s newsletter article featuring flight deals to Denver was such a hit that we’ve decided to post a monthly blog with up-to-date airfare deals to Denver so those of you interested in coming to Winter Park or other Colorado areas can grab a great deal on a flight. Below are thirty-five featured flights as of Thursday, March 25th, but there are over 120 more on www.airfarewatchdog.com, which is updated daily with new flight deals to hundreds of cities in the US and all over the world.

$78 RT	Albuquerque, NM (ABQ)
$138 RT	Austin, TX (AUS)
$168 RT	Birmingham, AL (BHM)
$118 RT	Boise, ID (BOI)
$188 RT	Boston, MA (BOS)
$86 RT	Casper, WY (CPR)
$158 RT	Cheyenne, WY (CYS)
$158 RT	Chicago, IL (MDW)
$188 RT	Columbus, OH (CMH)
$178 RT	Dallas, TX (DAL)
$168 RT	Fayetteville, AR (XNA)
$188 RT	Ft. Lauderdale, FL (FLL)
$118 RT	Ft. Myers, FL (RSW)
$138 RT	Houston, TX (HOU)
$124 RT	Idaho Falls, ID (IDA)
$138 RT	Indianapolis, IN (IND)
$501 RT	Kahului, HI (OGG)
$98 RT	Kansas City, MO (MCI)
$128 RT	Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
$136 RT	Lincoln, NE (LNK)
$158 RT	Milwaukee, WI (MKE)
$138 RT	Nashville, TN (BNA)
$146 RT	New York City, NY (JFK)
$118 RT	Oklahoma City, OK (OKC)
$98 RT	Omaha, NE (OMA)
$178 RT	Orlando, FL (MCO)
$98 RT	Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
$138 RT	San Antonio, TX (SAT)
$138 RT	San Diego, CA (SAN)
$158 RT	Seattle, WA (SEA)
$148 RT	St. Louis, MO (STL)
$98 RT	Tucson, AZ (TUS)
$188 RT	West Palm Beach, FL (PBI)
$106 RT	Wichita, KS (ICT)
$158 RT	Yuma, AZ (YUM)

Remember to check with us for availability at a vacation rental in Winter Park for your dates first, then book your flights! Search Winter Park Lodging Company now to see what options await you.

Winter Park Resort Spring Snow Storms

Posted on March 23, 2010 by Chris

Spring Snow Spring Snow Spring Snow

If I say it enough times we should get one of these storms to hit us head on, no? After being missed by last weeks storm that some forecasters had us getting us much as 15″, we got .1″, I am strarting to believe that thrownin’ darts at a board is better than any of the snow forecasters ability to predict when we here in Winter Park will get snow.

That great 16″ snow storm that crushed Winter Park Resort, not one forecast predicted anywhere close to that. Now we have a couple of snow predictions for snow storms to hit this week. I’m seeing anywhere from 4″ to 15 inches for the Tues/Wed storm and 3″ to 12″ for the Fri/Sat storm. Bring it on. It looks like, if these predictions are a even a little bit correct, that this Thursday and Sunday should be good bluebird ski days.

It looks like winter made sure to leave good snow storms for spring. After a Monday – Wednesday (29th – 31st) break (partly cloudy/ mostly sunny, milder), we may see a strong late week storm, and another snow storm that weekend, for frequent snowfall during the first several days of April. Pacific storms (with snow) should move through with good frequency right into mid April, to finish off the season on an improved note we believe (improved weekly snow amounts compared to weekly mid winter totals).

Join Winter Park Resort Thursday, March 25th in West Portal Plaza as they kick-off the Nature Valley NASTAR National championships. The opening celebration begins at 6:00p.m. with a Warren Miller screening of the directors cut of Dynasty, followed by a live performance by The Greyboy Allstars at 7p.m.! Enjoy the movie, enjoy the music, and stick around for the huge fireworks display after the sun goes down!

Come and enjoy the last three weeks of this ski season. The big storms will be hitting us soon, Y’all keep your fingers crossed.

Winter Park Resort Season Passes

Posted on March 23, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park Resort Season pass Winter Park/Mary Jane Season Pass

Winter Park/Mary Jane Resort season ski passes are on sale. There are three configurations that are being offered by Intrawest and Powdr Corp.

Intrawest sold Copper Mountain this past December and Copper is still teaming up with Intrawestst to offer passes that are good at Winter Park, Steamboat Springs and Copper Mountain.

2010-2011 Intrawest Resort Season Pass Spring Prices

Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus:
Unlimited riding at Copper and Winter Park, plus six days at Steamboat — $409
Rocky Mountain Super Pass: Unlimited skiing at Winter Park and Copper — $409
Copper Mountain Season Pass: Unlimited, single mountain — $359
Winter Park/Mary Jane Season Pass: $369

These are Spring pricing deals are good for a few weeks until prices go up. Intrawest is also offering a deal for only $49.00 down now and the balance to be charged in August.

It is interesting that Powdr Corp has elected to stay with the Intrawest pass program but completely understandable as they are surrounded by Vail Resorts and would be crushed if they would try to go it alone. As of yet, Copper has not offered any pass products that include access to other resorts of Powdr Corp, which purchased Copper from Intrawest in December. Powdr Corp also owns Park City Mountain Resort, Killington Resort and Mount Bachelor, among other ski areas.

These season ski pass prices are such deals. In the early 1990′s a Winter park pass ran n the $700 range and a Summit pass that was good for all Summit County ski areas ran in the $850 range. Who says competition isn’t good?

If you are planning to do any skiing make sure to get your Winter Park/Mary Jane season ski pass this spring and save yourself some cash.

Winter Park, CO Jazz Festival

Posted on March 22, 2010 by Chris

Jazz Festival 2010 Winter Park, Colorado 2010 Winter Park, Colorado Jazz Fest

Spring is here and summer is soon to follow. The Winter Park Jazz Festival will be held on July 24th and July 25th, 2010. This is the number one event in Winter Park this summer and is a don’t miss for all music lovers.

This will be the 26th annual Winter Park Jazz Festival and will be held in downtown Winter Park at the Hideaway Park music complex. The lineup should be solid this as it has the last few years. The full lineup will be announced on April 1st, 2010 along with full ticket pricing info and all other details. And no this is not an April fools joke, fool.

Rumor has it that so far the lineup includes: Boney James returning after last years cancellation, and Norman Brown’s Summer Storm Ft: Phill Perry, Jessy J, Gail Johnson and Brenda Russell.

Last year there was a bit of rain and the Winter Park/Fraser Chamber of Commerce announced a ticket discount for this year. As soon as we here any details of that discount we post it right here.

Wanting to head for the one of the best events in the Colorado Rocky mountains? Book your WP Jazz Festival lodging now and don’t miss out on the premier diggs. We have a handful of Trailhead Lodge units still available that puts the Jazz Fest right in your back yard. A couple of the units have a stage view from the patio.

Come on up to Winter Park, Colorado and enjoy a wonderful day of music surrounded by the Rocky Mountains

Wells Fargo Easter Egg and Candy Hunt Winter Park, CO

Posted on March 21, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park, CO Easter Candy Hunt

Looking for something fun to do with the kids for this Easter? Winter Park Resort is hosting the Wells Fargo Easter Egg and Candy Hunt April 4th. This is a great way to get the kids outside and enjoy some fresf Colorado mountain air.

There is also the long running tradition of the Bunny Race. Winter Park Willie and the Easter Bunny deliver holiday fun with an on-mountain candy hunt in Discovery Park as well as a base area egg hunt for children under 5. The “Bunny Race” has been an Easter tradition for more than 30 years for children ages 10 and under. For more details, call the Guest Information Hotline at 970.726.1564.

Come out and see the Easter Bunny in his mountain garb. Will he be hard driving bump skier like the picture above or is he the docile type hanging about the base pretending to be a skiing bunny?

Easter Candy and Egg Hunt Schedule:

11:45am: Younger non-skiing “hunters’ (ages 5 & under only) meet the Easter Bunny in the Zephyr Plaza near the Slopeside Mountain Adventure Center, and wait for the candy hunt to begin.

11:45am: All “skiing candy hunters” head to Porcupine & Bobcat Trails in Discovery Park to assemble and wait for Winter Park Willie. Children must have a valid lift ticket to access hunt.

12pm: The “hunt” begins! Parents may assist younger children to look for candy.

There is also the Golden Bunny Fun Race:

8:30-11am: Race Registration at Guest Services in the Balcony House. Parents must pre-register each child to race before 11am.

12:15-1:30pm: The untimed, FUN RACE begins at the top of Lower Village Way trail. Children will race in no particular order. Racers may take as many runs as they wish until the course closes at 1:30pm. Children must have a valid lift ticket to access race course.

This is a great way to celebrate Easter and get out of the hose and enjoy the Colorado Rockies with the little ones.

Winter Park Resort April Skiing

Posted on March 20, 2010 by Chris

Winter park colorado april skiing April Skiing Winter Park Colorado

Looking for the best month of the year to ski in Colorado? Well that would be April in my opinion. The weather is a little warmer and there are some glorious days with a nice white blanket of snow overnight and a sunny blue sky day for what we here would call a bluebird day.

The deals on lodging and lift tickets always seem to pop up in late April and the big spring-break crowds of March fade away. Want to celebrate spring? There is no way better than to spend an the afternoon after a day of skiing on one of Winter Parks glorious decks with a beer in hand. Need some deck suggestions? Well, we have The Sushi Bar, Derailer, Doc’s Roadhouse, The Cheeky Monk, Fontenot’s and these are the places not on the ski hill. On the the Winter Park Resort ski hills I would suggest Snowoasis, Sunspot or Club Car at the bottom of Mary Jane.

The snow report is saying we are in for a bunch more snow before this ski season comes to an end. Here is what our favorite snow forecast site (Snowforecast.com) is saying about the rest of March and April snow at Winter Park Resort:

There is a break in weather/ snow possible after next Tuesday/ Wednesday’s storm, then another shot at snow possible for the last weekend in March (27th/ 28th). Pacific storms (with snow) should move through with good frequency right into April. The rest of April still looks potentially snowy (what we mean by “snowy” – at least 1 day with snow for every 2 sunny/ no snow days).

Don’t forget about the best day of the year in Winter Park, the Winter Park Spring Splash, April 18th this year. A day of fun, debauchery and a celebration of the ski season gone past. A day that should not be missed by anyone that has a love for skiing and Winter Park, Colorado.

The above photo is by Mr Scott Heffel on Jones Pass for a Skiing Magazine photo shoot.