Bluebird Day Winter Park, CO

Posted on March 19, 2010 by Chris

Bluebird Day at Winter Park Resort

What is a bluebird day you may ask. Well, I was wondering that also when we saw the bluebird on the left perched on a building at Devil’s Thumb Ranch.

My definition of a bluebird day is a nice spring like day with blue, blue skies, no wind and a bunch of snow on the ground. It would be an especially bluebird day if all the above conditions were present and you were skiing.

I Googled for a definition of bluebird day and this is what I got:

Bluebird day: The most gorgeous day imaginable. A bluebird day is a bright, sunny day after a fresh snowfall the night before, a phrase common to the skiing and snowboarding community but common in many outdoor sport lingo. To duck hunters it is a still, calm day, giving difficult conditions in which to hunt ducks.

So we are having some pretty good bluebird days here in Winter Park. Now till the end of ski season, April 18th, 2010, is when we get those big spring snowstorms followed by a day of pleasant warm sunshine…. a bluebird day.

Last ski season we had the best bluebird day imagineable on the last day of the ski season. Almost two feet of the fluffy fresh powder followed by a dreamlike bluebird day at Winter Park Spring Splash.

So don’t miss your chance at a spectacular bluebird day and head over to Winter Park Resort and lets celebreate spring with a day on the deck with a beer and a bluebird.

Powder Addiction Snow Cat Skiing Winter Park, CO

Posted on March 18, 2010 by Chris

Cat skiing Colorado Winter Park Colo back country skiing Winter Park Colorado back country skiing

Powder Addiction Skiing on Jones Pass

We had day number two with Powder Addiction on Jones pass this week. It was supposed to be day number four but a good bout of pink eye and an avalanche on US Highway 40 has postponed the other two trips. The group that went up this time was full of Winter Park locals, a father-son WP second home team and a video and still camera professional.

What a senational day. Temps were in the high 30′s and there were a few inches of fluffy white powder. The above photos of Ed Reagner were shot later in the day as we were attempting a south facing wall that had baked all day and gotten a nice crusty layer on top that all us skiers had a little trouble with.

Mr. Scott Hefel was the professional photog along for the day and he took some spectacular pictures. Check out Scott Hefel Photography to see the photos. Click on Powder Addiction (bottom right) and use password: 3.15.10

We also had “T” from RSN Winter Park Channel 18 filming for an upcoming RSN sking special. Maybe all us will be back-country skiing stars someday? I am not holding my breath or quitting the day job though.

On the trip was a father and son team and for a 15 year old Chase could really rip it up. I do wish I was skiing this terrain when I was 15 years old. Anywho, it was a great day skiing. I would like to thank, Jamie, Waldo and Scott for the expert guiding and safety provided.

If you have any desire to do some cat skiing Powder Addiction can not be beat. It is reasonably priced, especially compared to other snow cat skiing operations, and the terrain and snow is fantastic. Jones Pass is a short ride from Powder Addiction headquarters in the Winter Park Village with snow that drops from all storms coming through Central Colorado. At the end of the day you get to enjoy a couple free Steamworks Brewery beers.

The snow is still coming and it’s not too late to get your cat skiing in this year. Now is the time to sign up and take a snow cat skiing trip with Powder Addiction.

Devils Thumb Ranch Birthday Party

Posted on March 18, 2010 by Chris

Devils Thumb Ranch Pony Ride Birthday Party

Having twin 2 1/2 year olds we are starting to get our fair share of birthday party invitations. Nicholas and Willem have now been to two birthday parties. The first at Grand Park Rec Center in the gymnastics room was fantastic. The second was a birthday party out at Devils Thumb Ranch and it was one cool party. They definitely didn’t do birthdays like this when I was three.

The party started out at the stables at Devils Thumb Ranch and driving up the stables are just so impressive. We walked up and there were two of the biggest horse that I have ever seen teamed up and ready to go in their bridles. We were offered hot chocolate and cowboy hats for the kids. Next thing you know we are heading out on sleds pulled by the massive horses. We took a little trip to the grazing pastures and were able to let the kids get up and close with the horses. After some petting and playing with the horses we made our way back for a lunch around a few campfires that ended with the kids roasting smores on skewers provided by Devils Thumb. It was then time for the little ones to take a pony ride (Willem is above on the pony enjoying himself). The party then ended with birthday cake in the stables.

What a great idea for a little ones birthday. The kids were able to get up and close to some impressive animals and be outside and enjoy the morning. It was also interesting for the parents and we were able to see another side of Devils Thumb Ranch.

Have a birthday coming up for a youngster? Check out Devils Thumb Ranch for your party.

Things to do in Winter Park, CO: Grand County Museums

Posted on March 17, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park museums Grand County Colorado Museums

Looking for something to do in Grand County and Winter Park? Well, a day at one of our three museums is a day well spent. Informative, interesting and fun and all on the cheap, take the kids and explore and see what brought us all here to the Fraser Valley.

The Grand County Historical Association has three museums in Grand County: The Pioneer Village Museum Complex in Hot Sulphur Springs, Cozens Ranch and Stage Stop Museum in Fraser, and Heritage Park in Kremmling.

Pioneer Village and Heritage Park Winter Hours are: Wednesday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm and Summer Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm

Cozens Ranch is closed in Winter and Summer Hours are: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm

ADMISSION
Grand County Historical Association Members free
Adults – $4.00 | Seniors (60 and older) – $3.00
Students – $2.00 | Children below Six – Free
Call 725-3939 for more information

To become a member of the Grand County Historical Society they can be contacted at:

Grand County Historical Association
110 E. Byers Avenue, PO Box 165
Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80452
970-725-3939 – FAX: 970-725-0129

Website: http://www.grandcountymuseum.com/

Grand Adventures Snowmobiling in Winter Park

Posted on March 15, 2010 by rachelb

If you’re ready for an adrenaline filled adventure through the Colorado back country, you’ve got to sign up at Grand Adventures! Perfect for beginner, intermediate riders and families, there are several tour options that can be tailored to your groups needs. Today we lucked out with classic bluebird conditions, 45 degree temps and sunny skies for our two hour jaunt through the Arapahoe Forest. Guided by local Steve Willis, aka Snowmobile Steve (see picture on left), our group had a safety overview and then left the Winter Park Mountain Lodge around 10:30am to head up Corona Pass towards the Continental Divide. Although I was a first timer (and a wee bit intimidated on my own sled), it didn’t take long to get the feel and want to go faster and faster. After cruising up to nearly 11,000 ft, we passed the old railway tressle and stopped along the ridge for some photos and a brief history lesson. Turns out we were only a few miles away from the old logging town of Arrow, where the infamous Mary Jane lived and worked in the late 1800′s. The panoramic views of the ski area and Fraser Valley from here were amazing. A few minutes later we reached a wide open space where we could let loose on the sleds and take a few laps. If you like going fast, this part was especially fun! After some play time, we headed up to tree line to loop back around for the home stretch. On the way down, Steve led us through some really fun and twisting trails among the trees. We paused for a few minutes for those who wanted to dive into the 4ft deep snowbanks along the side of the trail- quite refreshing:) Heading back home, it couldn’t have been a better trip. Great weather, fun and informative guide, definitely want to go again. I highly recommend going on one of these trips to anyone interested in trying out a snowmobile, not just because it’s exciting, but because it will give you a different experience of Winter Park and an insider’s look into the surrounding backcountry. If you want to take a day off of skiing and are wondering what to do….look no further! For more info, check out their website http://www.grandadventures.com/ or call 1-800-726-9247. Also, don’t forget that you get a discount on your snowmobile adventure when you book your lodging with Winter Park Lodging Company. Ask us about it at the time of booking!

Winter Park, Colorado Movies

Posted on March 14, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park Colorado Movie Theater

We had a chance to get out this past Saturday night and go see my first movie here in Winter Park, Co in a long while, maybe 10 years or so. The Silver Screen Cinema is in the same location and feels the same as long ago but the sound has improved and overall it is not a bad place to take in a flick.

We were able to get out of the house and see one of the wife’s favorite, Johnny Depp, in the new adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. It was a fantastic movie with great special effects and all kinds of weird animals and Alice shrinking and growing and shrinking. I’m sure this is one movie that would have been better in 3D but the Silver Screen Cinema is not a 3D screen. Still the movie was great and it was nice to get out of the house on a Saturday night.

The Silver Screen Cinema, from what I’ve heard from WP locals, kinda of has gotten a bad rap. I wholeheartedly disagree. The complaints I have heard are the sound isn’t good and the seats are uncomfortable. I can say the sound was more than satisfactory and the seats, while having some years on them, did not bother me one bit.

What I did like about the cinema was the small town local feel I got. From the people to the whole setup it screams small town, laid back , Colorado ski town movie house. No, there are not 24 different screens to see 24 crappy movies and there aren’t whole floors of video arcades to separate you from your money. It is just a small town movie screen with small town folks taking in a show on a Saturday night.

If you need stadium seating with latest techno this and techno that head to Denver for your movie. But if you want a nice low key evening, the Silver Screen Cinema can’t be beat to take in a showing of Alice in Wonderland.

How Much Snow for Winter Park Resort 2009/2010 Ski Season?

Posted on March 13, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park Colorado snow totals Winter Park Resort Snow Total Contest

How much snow will Winter Park Resort receive for the 2009/2010 ski season ending on April 19th, 2010? That is the question that we skiers ponder up here in Winter Park, Colorado. Kinda of like mulling over the lint in your belly button but much more fun. We here at Winter Park Lodging Company thought we could make this snow forecasting bit more fun if we had a contest. So here is the contest:

Guess how much snow Winter Park Resort will receive by April 18th, 2010, as reported on the Winter Park Resort website, for a chance to win dinner and drinks for two at one of our fine restaurants here in WP. Use the comment section below for your official entry and all guesses need to be in by April 5th. He/She that is closest to the snow total wins. We will post a winner by April 20, 2010 on this blog.

We had a slow snow start to this ski season but the ski gods have been pretty kind to us the last month or so with a couple of doozy storms that dropped as much as 16″ of fluffy white on our beloved Winter Park. A couple of these storms also sent avalanches crashing down on US Highway 40 to give us Winter park folk the better part of the day to enjoy Mary Jane/Winter Park by ourselves (and those fortunate enough to already be here).

The snow report and total for today March13th, 2010 look like this:

Last Updated:

3/13/2010 8:54 AM

New Winter Park Resort Snow (In Inches)
24 hrs	48 hrs	72 hrs	Season
0″	1.5″	8″	227.9″

Winter Park Resort averages 350″ inches of snow per year so we should be getting some big storms the rest of March and April this year. Here is some historical info on snow totals at Winter Park Resort for the last year and the ten previous years:

Winter Park/Mary Jane 2008 – 2009 Ski Season
Month	Snowfall (inches)	Percent of 30 yr. average
October	7	101%
November	34.6	56%
December	93.2	152%
January	73.5	113%
February	59.3	103%
March	41.2	63%
April	70	190%
Total	378.8	107%

Winter Park Resort Snowfall (inches) / Percent of 30 yr. average
Season	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.	Jan.	Feb.	March	April	Total
2007-2008	14.0 / 105	15.1 / 31	86.8 / 142	75.1 / 127	73.1 / 125	70.0 / 122	55.1 / 122	389.2 / 118.8
2006-2007	42.0 / 609	28.2 / 46	54.1 / 88	28.2 / 43	69.6 / 121	46.7 / 71	33.7 / 92	302.5 / 85.4
2005-2006	11.0 / 159	79.5 / 130	87.0 / 142	68.0 / 104	50.6 / 88	51.6 / 79	17.3 / 47	365.0 / 103.0
2004-2005	18.0 / 261	48.2 / 79	38.3 / 63	47.5 / 73	43.1 / 75	68.1 / 104	29.5 / 80	292.7 / 89.3
2003-2004	0 / 0	72.1 / 118	59.6 / 97	30.9 / 47	55.3 / 96	40.2 / 61	10.6 / 29	268.7 / 75.8
2002-2003	28.2 / 409	71.6 / 117	52.0 / 85	37.6 / 58	68.1 / 119	114.2 / 174	39.0 / 106	410.7 / 115.9
2001-2002	4.0 / 58	45.6 / 75	59.8 / 98	67.7 / 104	35.7 / 62	27.2 / 41	6.2 / 17	246.2 / 69.5
2000-2001	3.0 / 43	76.2 / 125	82.1 / 134	45.4 / 70	65.5 / 114	57.3 / 87	32.5 / 88	362 / 102.2
1999-2000	7.0 / 101	16.5 / 27	65.1 / 106	93.8 / 144	67.0 / 117	56.1 / 85	35.5 / 97	341.0 / 126.9
1998-1999	6.0 / 87	32.5 / 53	27.8 / 45	98.8 / 152	55.3 / 96	43.8 / 67	35.3 / 96	299.4 / 72.9
Averages	13.3 / 183	48.6 / 80	61.2 / 100	59.3 / 92	58.3 / 101	57.5 / 89	29.5 / 77	327.7 / 96.0

Plenty of info to base your guesses on but please research away. I will put my guess in first and may the best man win. We all actually win with the more snow we get though!

Learning to Ski at Winter Park Resort

Posted on March 12, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park Resort Ski Lessons

Day three os teaching the little ones to ski at Winter Park Ski Area went rather well despite the snow and wind. We headed up to the bunny slopes with the idea that this would be our first day on the lifts. When we arrived at the resort the snow was blowing and there was no sun to be seen. We decided that it would be better to work on our skiing technique at Sorenson Park rather than risk a break down by the 2 year-olds.

It was a success as Willem skied down the whole slope looking very confident (as you can see in the video above). Nicholas has a developed a nice right turn that is effective at slowing his speed. We took about six runs down the hill with plenty of M&M’s bribery before the cold became a factor.

All in all it was a good day and we will head up to Discovery Park next week with our first ski lift for the twins. So far Nicholas and Willem are excited to go skiing and all seems to be working well. Turning is not really being done with a conscious deliberation and shuffling needs to be coaxed but they want to go to the ski hill so that, I think, is a success.

We will keep you posted as to how the ski lift goes next week so wish us luck that there are no two year old melt downs. Day three for the future Olympic skiers was a success.

Winter Park Resort Skiing For Kids

Posted on March 11, 2010 by Chris

Teaching Kids to Ski at Winter Park Resort

We had our third day out with the twins on the slopes at Winter Park. The day wasn’t as nice as last week but we captured Nicholas and Willem in action on video. The plan was to head up the Gemini lift and spend a few hours at Discovery Park with the boys but when we got to the resort the snow was falling and the wind was a howlin’. No problems!

We headed over to Sorenson Park and made about six quick runs down. Willem skied all the way down a few times and Nicholas perfected his hard right turn to slow down. I don’t think he means to make a hard right turn but lets give him the benefit of the doubt, he is only two. All in all it was a very successful day and the boys are now excited to go skiing.

Next week we will take the first lift ride up to Discovery Park and make a few turns up there before we head down Turnpike. Oh Boy, Turnpike is making my back hurt just thinking about all of the bending over.

Anywho, we are trying to get the boys comfortable on skis this year before we put them in ski school next year. I think we are well on our way and I hope the Nicholas and Willem do truelly enjoy the skiing and it’s not just the M&M’s that we are bribing them with.

Here is Winter Park Resorts description of their ski school for three year olds:

JUST BECAUSE I’M THREE

The main focus for the day is skiing, but a full day of skiing can be a lot for three year olds. Your 3 year old will learn about skiing and may also enjoy activities such as outside snowplay, arts & crafts, Adventure Sled rides. Children must be potty trained and willing to participate.

Guests without reservations may enroll their 3-year-olds on the 2nd floor of the Winter Park Kids Ski & Ride School.

Kids Ski & Ride School – Daily Lessons
Just Because I’m Three	Price	With Rentals
One Full Day	$120	$135*
3-Day Consecutive Full Days	$299	$335*
Additional Days After 3 Full Days	$100	$115*
Half Day PM Lesson	$100	$115*
Includes: lesson program, helmet and real-time GPS powered by Flaik.
Basic Info: • Registration available until 9am. • Classes meet in the Kids’ Ski & Ride School3rd floor between 8:45am and 9:15am • Full Day lessons run from 9.30am to 3pm and include lunch. • Half Day lessons run from 12:30pm to 3pm and are sold day-of if space is available.

Winter Park Kids’ Lesson Season Pass for $1299!

Winter Park Colorado Spring Skiing

Posted on March 9, 2010 by Chris

Colorado Spring Skiing in the Rockies

Not to beat a dead horse, but my favorite time to ski in Colorado and specifically Winter Park and Mary Jane Resort is the awesome months of April and March. March is Colorado’s snowiest month and April is true spring skiing with a light jacket and sunglasses. So far this March Winter Park Resort has been getting hit with some very big storms and some great weather.

Here is the snow totals as of March 9, 2010:

New Winter Park Resort Snow (In Inches)
24 hrs	48 hrs	72 hrs	Season
5.0″	6.5″	6.5″	218.9″

Winter Park averages over 350″ a year so we should be getting some great storms the next six weeks. Here is an article from the San Francisco Chronicle about spring sking in Colorado. So the secret is getting out about the quality of skiing here in the spring.

Did you get a chance to watch the Olympic skiing events? Want to see how well you stack up next to the pros before the snow melts? Bump (mogul) runs can be tough to navigate midseason – the lack of fresh powder (and hard snow) can wreak havoc on your knees – but spring skiing is a great time to take a few turns and work on being able to ski the whole mountain. Winter Park Resort, located here 95 miles from Denver International Airport, is widely considered one of the best places to ski bumps in North America.

To play on Winter Park’s signature terrain, start early and head up the Zephyr Express. Warm up by heading down Outhouse and Mary Jane before heading up a variety of lifts providing access to tight glade runs, hellacious black diamonds and steep bumps. The mountain, however, isn’t all wild ups and downs. Kids ski school and a variety of intermediate terrain provide skiers of all levels with enough options to fill any vacation.

We also have some great music festivals to go along with the great skiing in March and April. At the Winter Park Music Festival for the past 20 years, Winter Park has been inviting young musicians to compete in its organized music competition held over two weekends in April. Judged by professional adjudicators, individuals and groups descend upon the town to perform while capturing some end of season ski and snowboard.

What else is there? Great snow, warm weather and music – Spring skiing in the Rockies is what ski dreams are made of.