New Restaurant and Consignment Sports Gear Shop in Winter Park, CO

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Chris

Winter Park Trading Post & Strips and Tails

There are always some store shuffling after and before ski season and this year has been no exception.

This summer we saw the opening of The Library and Emilies Wine Bar right on Highway 40 here and they both have been great additions to the restaurant choices in the WP and the Fraser Valley.

Now leading up to the 2011-12 Winter Park/Mary Jane ski season opening the Winter Park Trading Post sports gear consignment and Surf and Turf Restaurant, Strips and Tails will be opening before start of ski season.

The Winter Park Trading Post will be housed in the old Caldwell Banker building right in US Highway 40 across from Fraser Valley Hot Dog. Strips and Tails is opening in the old Hideaway Bar spot at the end of US 40 across from the Winter Park Lodging Company new offices Pine Tree Plaza. Steve Bromberg is proprietor of Strips and Tails. Steve presently operates The Bistro at Iron Horse in the winter and Mackinaw’s Bar and Grill on Lake Granby in the summer.

I don’t have much word on the Winter Park Trading Post but it sounds like it will be like most sports gear consignment stores in ski towns. One of our favorites is Boomerang Sports in Steamboat Springs, CO. As I said Winter Park is definitely in need of a consignment sporting goods operation.

So, ski season will be here soon and we are ready for some new shops, eateries and a whole bunch of fresh snow.

Fraser Valley Hot Dog: Best Hot Dog in Winter Park

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Chris

Fraser Valley Hot Dog, Brats and Mixed Grill

On my search for the best burger in the Winter Park, Colorado area I came across absolutely the best hot dogs and brats. Fraser Valley Chicago Style Dogs serves some great dogs, brats and other tasty grilled vittles.

As I was planning on hitting the last of the candidates for best burger in WP I saw on Fraser Valley Hot Dog’s FaceBook page they were offering a $6.00 Elk Brat. What a deal and I had it Fozzy Dog style, that is covered with blu cheese, bacon and caramelized onions with a side of chips and a drink. Yummmm! Great lunch and very easy on the wallet.

We are still working on that best burger contest and hope to have that done by this weekend. But of you are looking for a killer dog done by a WP local go see Matt at Fraser Dog and get the Fozzy. You will not be disappointed.

Check out the Yelp Page for FVHD.

FVHD is on off season hours right now so check their FB page or drive by the dogs are worth seeking out.

Recipe of the Month from Winter Park Lodging Company – October 2011

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Valarie

Yummy Kale and White Bean Soup

Ah, the cool, refreshing autumn air is finally providing some relief from an incredible summer. And the splendor of fall is bursting with color in Winter Park. It’s just the right time to try out a comforting soup to transition through the seasons.

This healthy recipe is fairly easy to make and it is so good for you. Kale is the newest “hot” super-vegetable, chock full of fiber, calcium, antioxidants for the immune system, and phytonutrients that are believed to prevent cancer.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
4 cups of chopped fresh kale (about 1/2 a bunch)
3-4 carrots, sliced thin
1 med onion, finely chopped
4-6 cloves of garlic, minced
2 chicken bouillon cubes
12 cups water
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp dried parsley
1 cup milk
salt to taste
2 cans of northern white or cannellini beans
Garnish: Sriracha sauce or other favorite hot sauce, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chives, croutons, or whatever your taste buds desire.

Preparation:

Start off by heating the olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Add water, bouillon cubes, kale and sliced carrots and cook for 20 to 30 minutes over medium-high heat, or until the kale is tender.

While the vegetables are cooking, drain and rinse the beans and put them in a medium bowl. Smash the beans using a pototo masher for about 3 minutes. Stir in the milk, turmeric and parsley to beans. Once the kale is about ready, add the beans mixture and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

Serve with hot sauce (my favorite is the Thai Sriracha), feta or Parmesan cheese, chives, and/or croutons or toasted bread.

Fall Colors in Winter Park, CO

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Chris

Winter Park Resort Fall Colors

The fall colors have arrived here in Winter Park in full force. Summer has limped away and fall arrived and is hopefully here to stay for at-least a couple of weeks. It is the time to get out and see the beauty of Colorado. There are plenty of bike rides, hikes and drives to check out all that this part of the Colorado Rockies have to offer. Check out the picture to the left from up around Solvista. We have been experiencing some fantastic weather and the golds and reds are out. From mid-September to October 1st is the prime fall color viewing time here in WP.

From the Front Range here is a great fall color viewing drive from the Boulder/Denver area:

Trail Ridge Road (US 34) through Rocky Mountain National Park – Take the Boulder Turnpike (US 36) west to Rocky Mountain National Park via Estes Park. Once in the park, drive Trail Ridge Road (the highest paved through highway in the US) and enjoy the breath-taking scenery. The weather can change quickly in the park so be sure and get the latest forecast from your 24/7 Weather Center. Trail Ridge Road peaks at 12,183 feet in elevation. Just west of the high point is Fall River Pass, elevation 11,796 feet, and the Alpine Visitor Center. Exit the west side of the park and continue on US 34 down into Grand Lake. From there, take US 40 east through Fraser and Winter Park, eventually meeting back up with I-70 at Empire.

This is a great drive with options to stop in Estes Park, Grand Lake and Winter Park. Make a two day trip out of it and stay with Winter Park Lodging Company for a fun time playing hard and resting easy. Check out some of the new restaurants in Winter Park, CO.

Fall is here and the colors are unbelievable, get out and take a look.

Warren Miller in Winter Park, CO: Like There’s No Tomorrow

Posted on September 16, 2011 by Chris

Like There’s No Tomorrow in Winter Park, CO

The annual Warren Miller ski film show dates are out. The Warren Miller movie is the unofficial start of ski season here in Colorado and this years movie will be showing November 3rd, 2011.

Winter Park, Colorado Showtime

Silver Screen Cinema
78415 Highway 40, Winter Park, Colorado

Showtimes

Thursday, November 3, 2011 – 6:00pm

Thursday, November 3, 2011 – 9:00pm

Warren Miller Entertainment brings you its 62nd winter sports film, Warren Miller’s . . . Like There’s No Tomorrow. Hosted by skiing icon Jonny Moseley and shot on location in India, New Zealand, Chile, British Columbia and beyond, . . . Like There’s No Tomorrow is your annual reminder that winter is on its way and, with it, four months of an adrenaline-fueled dance with gravity. Featuring world-class athletes, like Chris Davenport, Colby West and Julia Mancuso, Warren Miller films attract a cult-like following and mark the official start of winter for sports enthusiasts everywhere. Check www.warrenmiller.com for details.

Tickets are $17 at Ski Depot and the Silver Screen Cinema box office.

Winter Park is the third stop of the this years Warren Miller tour after Steamboat and Aspen.

Check out the …Like There’s No Tomorrow teaser and if this does not get you stoked t ski…. well, maybe you are not a skier.

Winter Park Resort opens for ski season November 16 and Powder Addiction will start running snowcat trips sometime in December.

Sooooo lets put the trail maps in the freezer, do the snow dance and lets get ready for ski season.

Exercise to Prepare for Ski Season if You Don’t Ski Winter Park Resort

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Chris

Ski Prep for those NOT coming to Winter Park Resort

We have a bit of a comical exercise program for all those that are planning to ski somewhere other than Winter Park Resort. While skiing can be a trying endeavor for all it is much more convenient and easier on the wallet here at Winter Park Resort.

SO if you plan on hitting the hills this year make sure you come to Winter Park, Colorado to avoid the exercise regimen below:

1. Visit your local butcher and pay $30 to sit in the walk-in freezer for a half an hour. Afterwards, burn two $50 dollar bills to warm up.

2. Soak your gloves and store them in the freezer after every use.

3. Fasten a small, wide rubber band around the top half of your head before you go to bed each night.

4. If you wear glasses, begin wearing them with glue smeared on the lenses.

5. Throw a hundred dollar bill away-now.

6. Find the nearest ice rink and walk across the ice 20 times in your ski boots carrying two pairs of skis, accessory bag and poles. Pretend you are looking for your car and sporadically drop things.

7. Place a small but angular pebble in your shoes, line them with crushed ice, and then tighten a C-clamp around your toes.

8. Buy a new pair of gloves and immediately throw one away.

9. Secure one of your ankles to a bed post and ask a friend to run into you at high speed.

10. Go to McDonald’s and insist on paying $13.50 for a hamburger. Be sure you are in the longest line.

11. Clip a lift ticket to the zipper of your jacket and ride a motorcycle fast enough to make the ticket lacerate your face.

12. Drive slowly for five hours – anywhere – as long as it’s in a snowstorm and you’re following an 18 wheeler.

13. Fill a blender with ice, hit the pulse button and let the spray blast your face. Leave the ice on your face until it melts. Let it drip into your clothes.

14. Dress up in as many clothes as you can and then proceed to take them off because you have to go to the bathroom.

15. Slam your thumb in a car door. Don’t go see a doctor.

16. Repeat all of the above every Saturday and Sunday until it’s time for the real thing.

The real thing would be November 16th, 2011 at Winter Park Resort this year. So book your lodging now with Winter Park Lodging Company and avoid the painful exercises above.

La Niña is Back, That little B****!

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Chris

La Niña Ski Season 2011/12 Winter Park Resort

She’s Baaaaack! The National Weather Prediction Center has made an updated outlook on the La Niña weather pattern for fall and winter 2011/2012. Looking like we are in for another strong La Niña weather pattern bring some great snowfall. Come on La Niña, you little b****.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center officially upgraded the La Nina Watch to a La Niña Advisory, which in essence means La Nina conditions are forecast to return for the fall and winter.

During September-November 2011, there is evidence that La Niña favors an increased chance of above-average temperatures across the mid-section of the country, and an increased chance of above-average precipitation for the Central and Northern Rockies.

Forecasters said La Niña contributed to extreme weather around the globe during the first half of this year and then faded, but has now re-emerged and is expected to gradually strengthen and continue into winter.

NOAA says there is a standing 50 percent chance of a secondary La Niña to follow a strong event as we had last winter. Usually the second dip is weaker than the first.

That said, last fall and winter didn’t really follow a typical La Nina script – La Niña didn’t really rev up until February and March. Perhaps this winter could be different since we have a head start now.

So, it’s good news for skiers, snowboarders, and rain lovers. It’s not good news for the south because La Niña has the opposite effect of maintaining very dry weather there. La Niña‘s also typically enhance the hurricane season, as we’ve already seen this year. If the La Niña of last year could be followed by another early one this year we will be looking at some great skiing.

Winter Park Resort had a great snow year last ski season with snow early and late combined a steady flow of storms. We did not have that one huge storm that we have become accustom to but the good flow of storms more than made up for that.

Recipe of the Month from Winter Park Lodging Company – September 2011

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Valarie

Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pudding Please?

Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies. But what about award-winning chocolate chip cookies? With pudding in the recipe? MMMMM… The daughter of this recipe’s creator took these chocolate chip cookies to a contest and won. Win your loved ones over with them, too! They are so soft and delicious, you gotta try ‘em.

Ingredients:

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour and baking soda, set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Blend in the flour mixture. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. Drop cookies by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Edges should be golden brown. Makes 3 dozen cookies.

We found this recipe online at AllRecipes.com. Click here to read more reviews & suggestions.

Tasty New Eateries to Treat Your Taste Buds in Winter Park, CO

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Valarie

We’ve got some new exciting watering holes in town just in time for ski season 2011/2012. Here’s a sneak peak of the new food and dining options awaiting you in Winter Park, Colorado.

The Library:
This new restaurant and bar’s motto is “Don’t Lie To Your Mom, Tell Her You’re at the Library”. Delicious food and microbrews make this a good après-ski spot. We recently tried the Cobb salad and the Paul Bunyan burger. Yum! Located on the main drag in downtown Winter Park near Randi’s and Wells Fargo. Also, it’s right across from the Post Office, how fitting.

Emilie’s:
Located just as you enter downtown Winter Park, where BlueSky shoes used to be, this tapas bar has the town talking. It’s a little pricey, we hear, but we also heard the food is yummy as is the wine. Want something more filling? Go next door to Backcountry Grill for good steaks and atmposphere.

Coming Soon! Elevated Pizza.
Hot off the Press. The folks at Home James Transportation are going to expand their delivery service beyond just people moving. They will be delivering pizza out of their new pizza shop Elevated Pizza in the Alco Shopping Center.

Airfare Deal Alert from Winter Park, CO – September 2011

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Valarie

It won’t be long until the landscape of Winter Park is blanketed in pure white snow. The first trace of snow on the ground has already fallen, giving us locals the all-too-familiar first shock of the impending ski season. It always catches us off guard, it seems. After the shock passes, we all just look like greedy Grinches rubbing our hands together in anticipation.

Join in our anticipation of another fun ski season and start planning your ski trip now. There are great flight deals to Denver, from as low as $38 even! The rest of these deals on airfare are all under $160 round trip, except for the super deal from Puerto Rico for only $388. Check out our list of the top twenty cheap flights below, or go to www.airfarewatchdog.com to see the deals from your city.

September’s Airfare Deals

$136 RT	Austin, TX
$138 RT	Boise, ID
$158 RT	Chicago, IL
$38 RT	Kansas City, MO
$156 RT	Killeen, TX
$158 RT	Lincoln, NE
$138 RT	Los Angeles, CA
$118 RT	Lubbock, TX
$150 RT	Minneapolis, MN
$138 RT	Oakland, CA
$118 RT	Omaha, NE
$158 RT	Ontario, CA
$98 RT	Phoenix, AZ
$160 RT	Raleigh, NC
$138 RT	Portland, OR
$388 RT	San Juan, PR
$158 RT	Spokane, WA
$118 RT	Tucson, AZ
$136 RT	Waco, TX
$138 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.