American Blues News reviewed one of her songs, 4 Non-Blondes, as being part Rolling Stones, part John Lee Hooker, and part Dukes of Hazzard car chase. In other words, Samantha knows how to play the blues, and we’re guaranteed another amazing show this Friday. Kate Moss will certainly only add to the party; she’s no stranger to the guitar herself. With these two on stage together, be ready to dance.

One added bonus: the Blues Society is kind enough to appreciate Verteran’s Day at the show, so any Verteran plus one guest will get into the show FREE! Guess what else? If you’re a guest of Winter Park Lodging Company, mention it at the door and your ticket will be on the house too! If you didn’t book with us this time, your ticket is $10, but it’s for a good cause: the Grand County Blues Society is a non-profit, so all the cash they collect at the door goes toward keeping Blues in the School and Blue Star Connection successful programs. Plus, our donations and ticket purchases help us to to keep bringing great live blues music back to Winter Park as often as we can. So, after you’re done waxing your skis for the early opening of Winter Park Resort this Saturday, come out to Smokin’ Moes for a great night with us. Want to make a weekend out of it? Give Winter Park Lodging Company a call to set up your lodging, lift tickets, ski rentals, and some free tickets to a great show!

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.

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 rest & 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.

The weather will just not quit up here in Winter Park.  Each day seems to be a little better than the last and we haven’t seen the early Winter Park snow yet.

This weather is perfect for some autumn mountain bike riding.  I took the above pictures up at Rendezvous and in the Old Idlewild Ski Area which has become some of the best mountain bike riding riding around the Winter Park and Fraser area.  There is some tree cutting and a gas line being installed up in Rendezvous on Cross Trails so do take care is biking up there.

Lack of snow?  Oh do not fret this early.  Last year first snow was September 21st and the year before it was September 10th and both years were not the greatest of snow years.  Here is hoping that the snow does not come out of the gates too fast and then peter out.  We need a long stubborn winter with frequent wet storms….. say like a Winter Park La Nina winter.

As this perfect weather keeps on coming don’t be lured into complacency that ski season is not on it way.  Winter Park Resort ski season opens November 17th.  This should be an epic year with great snow and great times at Winter Park.

But as we have this incredible weather get outside hop on a bike and enjoy the sunshine, blue skies and some of the best mountain biking in all of the world.  Winter Park, Colorado…. what a glorious place to live.

]]> http://www.winterparklodgingcompany.com/2010/09/30/glorious-winter-park-colorado-fall/feed/ 0 http://www.winterparklodgingcompany.com/2010/09/16/fall-wildlife-in-winter-park-co/ http://www.winterparklodgingcompany.com/2010/09/16/fall-wildlife-in-winter-park-co/#comments Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:03:48 +0000 Chris http://www.wplbo.com/news/?p=3576 Continue reading →]]>
Mountain Biking with Bears in Winter Park CO

The wildlife is out in Winter Park this time of year and we have been having a lot of moose sightings and now the bears are making their presence known.

The above bear was photographed just off of Zoom trail over by Winter Park Resort and was just off the mountain bike trail.  Looks like Mr, Bear is rummaging around looking for some berry snacks.  Last week it was a moose on the Winter Park area bike trail that I almost ran into.

The bears have been making a lot of appearances around Winter Park the last few weeks.  From what I have been reading the experts are saying it is because of a mediocre berry growing season in Colorado this year.

Anyway, there are lots of critters out there to be seeing up in Winter Park this year.  The aspens are turning to their famous gold and the air has gotten chilly.  So now is the time to come a view the moose, bears , fox and all the other critters as well as the trees.  This make the mountain biking all the better when you get to look out for the animals as well as the rocks and trees.

Get outside and get your rides in while the weather is perfect.

Every summer comes to this in Winter Park.  It always seems to come to early and without warning. driving under the Rocky Mountain peaks and you notice an aspen that is starting to turn from green to yellow.  Well, it is here in Winter Park this year.  The neighbors aspen are about half yellow and some of trees on the hills are getting a little yellow also.

The change in colors comes early up here in WP-CO.  Best time to see the trees is in mid-September.  There is plenty to do in Winter Park and Grand County, Colorado in September and it is unbelievably beautiful this time of year.  Check out some of the activities here in Winter Park the last half of September.

Also, don’t forget that Trestle Bike Park is open everyday through Labor Day and Fri, Sat and Sun the following three weekends.

Mountain biking Winter Park in general in September and early October are at their best.  The weather is a bit cooler, the scenery is amazing and a lot of the crowds have settled in for school down in the lowlands.

So now is the time to plan your fll getaway to the mountains and get a great discount from Winter Park Lodging Company.The WPLCo offer for fall and early booking is:

Labor Day Sale! Get 50% off your 2nd night for stays between Aug 1st and Nov 15th. OR get 20% off on stays between Nov 16th and Dec 16th. Book by August 31st.

First, wedding cakes! Evelyn Stowers has been in the business of making delicious and elegant wedding cakes for 44 years. In fact, the first wedding cake she ever created was for her own wedding (they’re still happily married, likely due to her sweet personality and the cakes she’s always whipping up in their kitchen). Evelyn showed me a binder filled with hundreds of cakes she’s created over the years, and I have to say that I melted completely into giddy girl mode! She has fun and gorgeous ideas for decoration, and after almost half a century of baking, you better believe she’s got more than a couple delicious cake recipes on hand. So ff you don’t feel like hunting down a big banner to post on your car that says “wedding cake on board” while you drive up our curvy mountain pass, then send Mrs. Stowers an email at evelynstowers@yahoo.com. She’ll be happy to hear from you!

Second, and a little more unique, is Ear 2 Ear photo booths. A couple of locals, Jeff Skinner and John Vella, have found great success with their small business of delivering, setting up, and operating photo booths at all kinds of events, including weddings. And yes, you’re thinking of the right photo booths: the same ones you laugh like crazy in at carnivals with your best friends. Photo booths are a creative and fun addition at any event; we think it’s worth your time to check it out! You can read about all the details and see some sample photos at www.ear2earphotobooths.com , then give Jeff and John a call at 970 509 9778.

And as always, if you have any questions about other great services in the area or are interested in lodging, give Winter Park Lodging Company a call at 877-329-1383. We’re always happy to hear from you!

Here’s the best part: Rudi’s Deli is going to be offering HALF OFF their ENTIRE MENU from ski season opening day, Nov. 18, through Thanksgiving day. Take advantage of that deal to try a couple new additions to the menu, including 3 new entree salads (Ahi, Greek, Chef’s, and Pasta salad with tomato, edamame, and feta), 3 new soups (stop in to find out!), and a new Ultimate veggie wrap. Don’t forget that Rudi’s also offers tasty burritos and bagels for breakfast, as well as coffee from the famed Rocky Mountain Roastery. New winter hours are 10 am to 8 pm every day. Check out the website for the complete menu!

www.winterparkdeli.com

More important than the pizza, more important than the tacos, and almost more important than the beer, the Pub is going to become your bar after you vist, no matter who you are. Locals, bikers, families, fishermen, tourists, snowboarders and skiiers, mountain bikers: no matter what you do, if you want a good beer, good food, and a good atmosphere at the end of the day, the Pub is it. Unlike lots of other bars and restaurants in Winter Park and Grand County, the Pub stays open year round for both its loyal regulars and those just visiting. See ya at the Pub.

October 9-10: 24th Annual Ski Swap. Come on down to West Portal Station to get huge discounts on new and used ski gear and outerwear for the whole family.  The swap is a primary fundraiser for the Winter Park Competition Center and scholarship funds, so help the cause! For more info, call 970-726-1590

October 15: Scary Movie Night @ the Fraser Library- “Children of the Corn”. Be prepared to get spooked- show starts at 6pm. For info call 970-726-5689

October 28: Showing of Warren Miller’s Dynasty. Head to Winter Parks Silver Screen Cinemas to check out the best in the ski movie biz. Showings at 6 and 9pm. Contact 970-726-5390 for more details.

October 31: Cooper Creek is hosting the 9th annual Trick or Treat Street and Haunted House. From 4-7pm, come out with the kids for some spooky family fun! Here are a few of the activities planned-

• trick or treating througout the mall                                                                                            
• haunted house and spooky graveyard                                  
• phantom photo booth
• free spooky supper at Moe’s
• Scarecrow scare-off contest announced at Moe’s at 7pm

here’s the WPLC scarecrow holding down the fort….