Cat Skiing with Powder Addiction Winter Park, CO

Posted on October 9, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park Colorado Cat Skiing

Ski season is coming upon soon here in Winter Park, CO and I was reminded today of how much fun the ski season is here in Colorado. First ,we awoke to snow on the hills above Winter Park and Mary Jane. Then I’m reading the Google Winter Park news and there is an article from an Aussie that we skied with last year in one of our times up with Powder Addiction. In fact the photo to the left was taken the day that we skied with the Aussie.

Here is a little bit of what they are reading about Winter Park, CO down-under:

It is early and still cold in the mountains of Winter Park, near Denver, Colorado. The last of the overnight snow is lazily making its way to the ground as a timid sun inches above the peaks.

Today, I am going back-country snowcat skiing at Berthoud Pass with a bunch of hardcore skiers from the area.

Inside, Jamie Wolter’s sun-wizened face is creased into a toothy smile. Our lead guide doesn’t share my nervousness. He lives for days like this.

One by one, my new mountain allies wander in from the cold. They are old skiing buddies and have spent countless hours together on skis. Some have moved away to Denver and other towns but most still live close and ski these hills regularly. They chat happily, discussing gear, conditions, jobs and families.

Skis and packs sorted, we squeeze into the van and head up Berthoud Pass to the Front Range slopes in the Arapaho National Forest.

The Aussie is Ben Doherty who is the travel writer for the Sydney Herald. Ben has a pretty sweet gig as Colorado Ski Country and Winter Park Resort set him up to fly out to Colorado and…… ski. His article about cat skiing with Powder Addiction got me jonesing to make some turns in some nice fluffy powder. Oh well, it shall be here soon.

Check out Ben’s article about Winter Park Cat skiing with Powder Addiction and if you are not getting the ache to get on the skis then you are not powder addicted in the correct way. And if you did not make it up to Jones Pass to make some turns with Powder Addiction last year, make sure to check them out this year.

Winter Park, CO Mountain Bike Film

Posted on October 8, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park Mountain Biking

We have been planning on getting a helmut camera all summer long here at Winter Park Lodging Company and we finally did even though it is October. Also, have been planning on getting a new mountain bike all summer and low and behold it was October before that purchase was made.

The above video was shot with our new Contour HD Camera and I am starting to get the hang of the software and the iMovie editing. We will have more videos of our mountain bike exploits soon. The real deal with this camera though will be up on the hills of Winter Park Resort, Berthoud Pass and on Jones Pass cat-skiing with Powder Addiction.

The mountain bike purchased was a Scott Genius 20 from Winter Park Resort’s Epic Single Track Shop. I will give them a plug here. If you are in the market for a new mountain bike, definitely check out the demo models that Epic Single Track has for sale in the fall. Most of their cross country bikes don’t get used much and they have some sweet bikes at less than half of MSRP.

The above video was shot on the lower part of Broken Thumb trail accessed from the Idlewild Crosstrail from the Rendezvous development. The second part of the video is the upper part of the Burnout Loop that brings you back down into the Idlewild trails. The editing is a touch rough and the ending is kinda sudden as the SD memory card just filled up as I had the camera on for the boring uphill climb that no one really would want to see. Anywho, the next video should be a bit more polished.

The mountain biking season is coming to an end here in Winter Park, CO so get out while you can, snow is on the way and the bike will be finding its home in the garage for the next six months.

Warren Miller’s Wintervention in Winter Park, CO

Posted on October 8, 2010 by Chris

Ski Movies in Winter Park, CO

Ski season is on the way. The hills around Winter Park were covered with snow this morning and the annual celebration of skiing is almost here in WP. That celebration is the Warren Miller ski film and this years edition is Wintervention.

Date of Show
10/28/2010

Show Times
Show times: 6pm and 9pm

Location
Silver Screen Cinema in Winter Park, Colorado

970.726.5390

Narrated by skiing icon Jonny Moseley and presented in striking high-definition, Warren Miller films showcase incredible cinematography that will get you craving vertical lines, deep powder and epic adventure. This year’s film takes you on a breathtaking global tour of some of the world’s most impressive terrain, including Canada, Antarctica, California, New Zealand, Utah, Austria, Alaska and more. Warren Miller film premieres are an experience and a phenomenon not to be missed.

Check out the Wintervention trailer . If this doesn’t get you psyched for ski season then you may want to put the boards out on the curb and call it quits.

Wintervention features acute cases of classic snow-diction from across the globe. There are the skiers who sail from Argentina to Antarctica searching for some of the last untouched descents on Earth; there are confessions from a man whose six ski passes simply aren’t enough. There are the skiers and riders who venture deep into the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia, chasing rumors they overheard in a language they don’t speak. And there are the skiers who tour far into the northern reaches of the Arctic Circle… where they won’t just climb peaks — they’ll reach the top of the planet.

Make sure to get your tickets early as the Silver Screen Cinema is very intimate and the Warren Miller show almost always sells out.

Lets go ski season.

Winter Park, Colorado Fall Cocktails

Posted on October 7, 2010 by Chris

Drinks at Winter Park Resort Cocktails Winter Park, CO

It is that time of year when it is getting chilly outside and time to sit inside and have a cocktail and dream about all the powder we will be getting this year. So we have a couple of cocktails here that you can make at home or get at one of our local bars and restaurants here in Winter Park.

We here at Winter Park Lodging Company, the wife and I anyway, have been thinking a lot about cocktails of late as we have been in our sober/dry/no alcohol month since September 15th so that is pretty much all that has been on the mind. Not that we are soaks but a month of no wine, beer or a refreshing cocktail makes one long for a drink or three. Well, maybe I am a soak.

Anywho, we have two drinks that would be perfect for a fall or Halloween evening. First is a little potion to keep the tummy warm and the mind relaxed, the Jäger Barrel.

Jäger Barrel Ingredients:

1. Jägermeister – 1 Part
2. Root Beer Schnapps – 1 Part
3. Coca Cola – 1 Part

Cocktail Mixing Instructions:

Shake with ice and serve in a shot glass

Next we have Apples and Pears from the folks at Bacardi and this is one tasty cocktail.

APPLES & PEARS

1½ oz BACARDI® Big Apple™

½ oz Pear liqueur

½ oz Fresh lemon juice

½ oz Maple syrup

Shake with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Dust fresh grated cinnamon on top and garnish with a slice of apple.

Makes me want to go get one of these at Deno’s or make a trip to Rocky Mountain Moonshine to get the makings of one of these tasty concoctions.

Winter Park Lodging Company will Beat Other Listings on VRBO – Top Ten Reasons

Posted on October 4, 2010 by Valarie

Most listings on Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) are by private owners renting their vacation home from afar. However, we are confident that Winter Park Lodging Company tops booking with a private owner in more ways than one – how about ten! Here’s why:

We know local insider info and tips since we live in Winter Park full time. Most second homeowners don’t.

We provide professional, full service guest assistance, including 24-hour emergency assistance (helps that we live nearby).

We have dozens of local business partners, so our guests save all over town, from ski rentals to spa services.

We WILL BEAT private owner rates at a like property whenever possible. Just ask us. You’ll book for less with us, and reap the rewards of local service, discounts around town and 24/7 maintenance.

We have lots of happy return-guests and a solid history of providing exceptional guest services – check out our reviews.

We provide optional vacation rental insurance so you are protected against unexpected delays, cancallations, illness or injury, and even job loss.

We cover you in case of accidental property damage, so if you accidently break a glass or spill on the carpet, we’ll just take care of it.

We have over 100 vacation rentals to choose from and take the hassle out of finding the right place for you. No more keeping track of dozens of emails about VRBO properties.

We are organized and efficient. You get your confirmation immediately, payment reminders and check-in instructions all within a timely manner. We also send you a “know before you go” email with helpful hints and tips before you arrive.

We go the extra mile. If you need something, whether it is an extra roll of toilet paper or a barbeque grill, we’ll do our very best to get it to you as soon as possible.

We’d love to prove it to you. Give us a call at 877-329-1383 and give us a test drive. We’ll be sure you won’t regret it!

October Recipe of the Month from Winter Park, CO

Posted on October 4, 2010 by Valarie

Teriyaki Chicken with Fried Rice

Teriyaki is a japanese style of cooking, something I just learned as I was searching for this recipe. I always just assumed it was chinese, so I here’s a little pre-recipe lesson for you, in case you are also clueless when it comes to Asian cooking.

The Japanese word teriyaki is a combination of two words: teri, meaning luster, and; yaki, which means grill or broil. According to About.com’s section about Japanese cooking, “To make a teriyaki dish, ingredients are broiled, roasted, or grilled after being marinated in or basted by teriyaki sauce. It’s the teriyaki sauce that brings the shiny look (teri) to the ingredients.”

I also learned that it’s so very easy to do. Just pick up some cooking sake, mirin (sweet sake for cooking) and soy sauce, and along with sugar and meat, viola, you’ve got all the ingredients for a teriyaki sauce. To go along with your teriyaki, you can also make fried rice, another easy dish that’s fun to play with. Here’s how to do it:

Teriyaki Chicken

•3/4 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
•2 Tbsp sake (rice wine)
•4 Tbsp soy sauce
•4 Tbsp mirin (sweet rice wine)
•2 Tbsp sugar
•*grated ginger (optional)

First, mix the sake, soy sauce, mirin and sugar in a bowl. Add the chicken to it and allow it to marinate for at least 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat some vegetable oil in a skillet. Once the chicken has marinated, first brown one side of chicken on high heat, then turn it over and add the rest of the sauce. Cover and steam until the chicken is fully cooked, then remove the lid and allow the liquid to cook down and thicken. Once the sauce is thick, it’s done. Just cut up your chicken, pour the remaining sauce over it, and garnish with fresh grated ginger.

Vegetable Fried Rice

•5-6 cups of cooked rice
•2 Tbsp peanut oil
•1 small onion
•1 tsp minced garlic
•1 red bell pepper
• 1/4 tsp red chili powder
• 3 spring onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 can baby peas, drained
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup peanuts, roasted

Start by heating up the peanut oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic and red chili powder and cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes. Increase the heat to medium high, adding the cooked rice and soy sauce, and fry for a minute or two. Add the peas and cook for another minute. Then remove from the heat and add sesame oil. Mix well and garnish with peanuts. Serve with your teriyaki for a comletely tasty japanese dinner.

Winter Park, CO 2010 Summer in Review

Posted on October 3, 2010 by Valarie

Sarah & Family's Horseback Ride & Cowboy Dinner with Sombrero Stables

: Amy & Family’s Visit to Rocky Mountain National Park

We’ve had another great summer in Winter Park this year, and it’s pleasantly lingering on into a beautiful Indian summer. We hope you had a chance to share it with us, but if not, we’ve compiled a few photos of some of the fun we’ve had. Click on the photos to see the full stories and try to make it up next year.

Chris Killin' it at Trestle Bike Park

Sarah on Mountain Bike Ride with Amy on Blue Sky Trail just 1 mile from downtown Winter Park

The Winter Park Lodging Crew in full downhill gear for a day at Trestle Bike Park

Val at the Blues from the Top Festival with friends

Sarah and Chris took their boys Nicholas & Willem for $1 ice cream cones in Grand Lake

Rachel took a ride with Adventures in Whitewater and saw some cliff jumping in the Colorado River

: Labor Day Mountain Bike Pond Crossing at Winter Park Resort

Winter Park, CO, Airfare Deal Alert – October

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Chris

October is one of the busiest months for us at Winter Park Lodging Company. It seems everyone has figured out their winter travel plans and are starting to book. Is it because the flights are so low? ALL of these flights are $118 round trip or less!

There are nearly 100 more flight deals for Denver listed on www.airfarewatchdog.com, plenty of which are $130 to $200 round trip, from Seattle to Wilmington. Like Portland for $158 and El Paso for$140, for example.

We hope you can take advantage of some of these flights from your home city and visit us for a ski holiday in Winter Park this year. Already have plans to ski Winter Park this winter? Great! Search for your lodging today and get your fourth night free with Winter Park Lodging Company.

$98 RT	Austin, TX
$78 RT	Albuquerque, NM
$118 RT	Boise, ID
$118 RT	Chicago, IL
$118 RT	Des Moines, IA
$118 RT	Houston, TX
$118 RT	Kansas City, MO
$118 RT	Las Vegas, NV
$118 RT	Los Angelos, CA
$98 RT	Omaha, NE
$118 RT	Oklahoma City, OK
$98 RT	Phoenix, AZ
$118 RT	Sacramento, CA
$78 RT	Salt Lake City, UT
$118 RT	San Antonio, TX
$118 RT	San Diego, CA
$118 RT	Santa Ana, CA
$118 RT	St. Louis, MO
$78 RT	Tucson, AZ
$118 RT	Wichita, KS

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.

Best of Winter Park and Grand County

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park Colorado Best of Everything

Sky Hi Daily News is doing their best of Grand County again this month and the voting started today October 1st and goes through the end of the month. This is a great way to vote for your favotite thing in Grand County and Winter Park, CO.

Here is the Best of Grand County link from Sky Hi Daily News. If Y’all have any inclination to vote for Winter Park Lodging Company for the best lodging or best customer service it would be much appreciated.

There are lots of categories like best Winter Park restaurant and happy hour and dessert and on and on with lots of service types of businesses.

So vote vote vote for your favorites in Winter Park, Fraser, Tabernash, Granby, Grand Lake and Kremmling. This is a fun way to let your opinion be heard. There are also lots of skiing categories like best run, best bump run and such.

Come on Y’all lets get the word out about the best of Winter Park and Grand County.

Great Fall Fun in Winter Park, Colorado

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Amy

Some may think that fall in Winter Park, being a shoulder season in the mountains, is a time where we all sit around and long for the snow to start flying. Those people are soooo wrong!! Winter Park has had the most glorious fall ever and I, for one, could live with another month of warm sunny days and cool clear nights, as long as it snows a bunch in November. I hope the weather gods agree.

Here are a few of the fun things I have done this September and hope to do in October:

Elk Viewing – We made a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park one evening last week to see the elk and listen to them bugle. We go every year, but it is always exciting to see and hear them. It amazes me how they are not bothered by the people a bit. We had a few walk within 10 yards of us. The ranger said that the elk usually hang out in the meadows for 5 weeks, so there is still plenty of time to get out there to see them.

Fall Foliage – The Aspen trees are in their prime right now with all shades of yellow, gold, orange, and red. In the sunshine, they look like a painting in the doctor’s office. Nothing will relax you more than a drive through the mountains to see the fall colors.

Golf – This is the best time of year to get out there and play 18, or even just 9 holes. There are no crowds, the courses are in fabulous condition, you can get great deals, and the weather doesn’ t get any better. Be sure to stock up on snacks and drinks before you head out as the cart girls have abandoned their carts to squeeze in a few rounds themselves before the snow flies. Pole Creek (package rate available for our guests), Headwaters at Sol Vista, or Grand Elk are some fantastic courses for late season golf.

Dog Cart Rides — The dogs like to run all year long and it is cool enough again for them to take you on an adventure. You’ll ride in a cart instead of a sled, but it will still be exhilirating. When your ride has finished be sure to stop in to Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park and see the puppies that just arrived last week! Our guests save 30% on cart rides, scooter rides and kennell tours this fall until November 24th. Click here for details.

Hot Air Balloon Rides — What a great way to get up and see the folliage. Temperatures rise up to 40 degrees when you get high in the air, so you’ll be nice & toasty. Call Sue and Jack at Grand Adventure Balloon Tours to schedule the ride of your life, and get $10 off per person as a guest of Winter Park Lodging Company. You have never experienced anything so peaceful as being up in a balloon!

Hot Sulphur Springs Resort — One of the best ways to enjoy the fall scenery, while getting a bit of well-deserved re Soak in the Healing Waters of Hot Sulphur Springs st & relaxation at the same time, is to take the scenic drive through Byers Canyon to the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort, located about 45 minutes from Winter Park in the town of Hot Sulphur Springs. Choose your favorite pool filled with natural hot spring water from out of the twenty or so pools of varying temperatures and sizes. The Native Americans frequented these springs for years and believed they had healing effects.

Mountain Biking with Bears - well, not exactly. But we have been seeing quite a bit of wildlife, including bears, while on our mountain bike rides. Not only is it wonderful to be amidst the beautiful fall foliage on the trails, it’s exciting to know that you could see a moose, fox or bear around any bend in the trail. See more about a bear sighting or read about a recent moose sighting.

Maybe we’ll see you up here in our beautiful backyard this fall. We’ve got a list of lots of other fall activities in Winter Park & Grand County and would be happy to share some ideas with you. Give us a call at 970-722-0707 or 877-329-1383 or email us at info@winterparklodgingcompany.com anytime.