Ah, shopping!
Silver Creek at the Winter Park Resort Base
I was hanging out at the base area during the Wells Fargo Cup this weekend and popped into the Silver Creek shop, located in the Zephyr Mountain Lodge. Not sure why I never had gone in there before (maybe it has something to do with always having ski gear on not in the mood to try on clothes). Well, what a nice surprise it was. I thought I had to go to Denver to shop for cute stuff!
I quickly found a True Grit vest that is now my favorite piece in the closet. And my friend and I both bought Xob baseball-style hats made out of recycled sweaters. We think we’re adorable. Marc, the owner, said no one ever tries the hats on and doesn’t buy one.
Silver Creek is open every day, 9 – 7 Friday and Saturday, and 9 – 6 Sunday thru Thursday. The True Grit clothing line is really fun mountain-chic and the Home line of jewelry is all around for picking and choosing some great accessories for your cowboy style.
Phone number: 970.726.5424.
Winter Park Colorado Jazz Festival 2010
After being hosted in Las Vegas for the last 35 years, the SIA Snow Show (ski industy association) is finally coming to Denver and the new convention center. It is held from January 28 – 31 and then all the attendees are coming to Winter Park for 2 days of On Snow Demos and a Free Ride Fest. January 1 and 2, from 9-4pm, retailers will be able to test any equipment imaginable. Alpine and snowboard equipment will be available at Winter Park Resort and cross country and snowshoe equipment will be available at Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash. For more info on the demo fest, check out the 
Intrawest Resort has just announced that it will be instituting a new program to encourage all skiers and riders to wear their helmets. All children’s lesson programs will require the kids to wear helmets for class. This mandatory helmet requirement also extends to all children, regardless of age, participating in the freestyle terrain programs. Fantastic if you or the kids already sport a helmet, but don’t fret if you don’t have that on you equipment list yet. The ski school is including a helmet rental in the cost of your kid’s lesson. Kudos to Winter Park for realizing the importance of protecting your head. All of the WPLCO staff are proud to wear our helmets so we can continue to serve our guests.
Just because the snow is falling and the resort hasn’t opened yet, doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do in the Valley. Come over the hill to Smokin’ Moe’s in Winter Park on October 3rd for a down home Louisiana blues show with legendary Larry Garner. Show starts at 9pm, with a $10 cover. Call Moe’s for more information at 970 726 4600. Now’s a great time to check out the foliage too, it’s just beautiful up here right now.
All of you who were full of sorrow to see the 69 years of the Ski Train come to an end will be elated to know that the Ski Train is coming back to Winter Park for the 2009-2010 season. Iowa Pacific Holdings LLC has stepped up with cars and engines to get the train going again. Amtrak will use their employees and manage the train schedules. The train will run starting Dec. 26 and finish on Mar. 28 when it pulls into Union Station for the last time of the season. We’ll keep you posted when we see what the schedule looks like. Book your trip and ride the train, just like the old days!
The J4 Junior Olympics will be held again this year in Winter Park, CO. During the weekend of March 16-20, over 200 11 -13 year olds will be competing for the medals. The racers come from 18 different states, from the Central and Southern Rockies al the way to the Mid-West. They compete in the Grand Slalom, the Super G., and the Slalom. They hold the races on Hughes run and it is great fun to watch them speed down the mountain. For more information contact the Winter Park Competition Center at 970.726.1590. Get your lodging booked with us at a Zephyr condo and you can watch the racers from your balcony!
The huskies of Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park can’t stop howlin’ with happiness that the cooler temperatures of fall are here and the snow isn’t that far behind. They are thrilled to get out onto the trail again. There will be one ride at 8am both Saturday and Sunday mornings until mid October when they will start taking multiple trips each day. If you would like to meet all the dogs and check out their digs, we suggest a kennel tour. By booking with Winter Park Lodging Company, you will recieve a $10 discount on each cart ride you book. Try to get here in October so you can wish Zeus a happy birthday on October 18th. If you are a dog lover yourself and can’t imaging travelling without your furry friend, give us a call and we can find a great dog-friendly property for your Winter Park stay.