The Grand Park Rec Center – Winter Park, CO

Posted on January 1, 2011 by Chris

Winter Park Recreation Center

Ohhh, the cold has hit us here in Winter Park. It has been almost too cold to ski, almost. For the kids though when it dips to the negatives or hoovers around the zero degree mark it may be better to take a day of and let that arctic cold front just move on through.

And what to do with that day not spent on the ski slopes? The Grand County Recreation Center is the answer to that day not on the skis or board. There is not a better way to get away from the cold than our state of the art rec center right on Winter Park’s main street. Here is some of the specifics of the facilities at Grand Park Recreation Center:

Natatorium with 20ft loop slide, spray & play feature, lazy river, zero-depth entry pool and 4-lane, 25-yard lap pool
Whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms
Locker rooms and family changing rooms
Climbing and bouldering wall
Multi-sport gymnasium
Gymnastic center including a foam and tramp pit (scheduled programs only)
Running / walking track
Cardio, circuit training and free weight area
Aerobic / dance studio room
Drop-in childcare
Pool party room for rent
Multi-purpose classrooms for rent
Beautiful lobby area with fireplace, TV and game tables

Enough activities here to keep the most active of kids and parents busy for the day.

Grand Park Recreation Center hours:

Monday – Friday    6:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday             7:30am – 9:00pm
Sunday               10:00am – 6:00pm

If you are a guest of the Winter Park Lodging Company you can get discounted day passes for only $8 instead of $10. If you’d like to take advantage of our discounted day passes, just swing by our office in downtown Winter Park to purchase them. Call the WPLCo office, 877-329-1383 or 970-722-0707, to get your discounted Grand Park Rec Center passes.

We are here in Winter Park and if the winter part becomes a bit much take a day and enjoy our little piece heavenly summer, The Grand Park Recreation Center.

What to Wear on Your Winter Park, CO Ski Trip

Posted on December 8, 2010 by Valarie

Nothing can ruin a great day on the slopes like being as cold as a freeze-pop. Believe me; I’ve learned the importance of dressing properly, as I’m usually hard to keep warm even when I’m not snowboarding. Jeans and cotton clothing are no longer part of the equation; plus, if you caught wearing jeans on the slopes these days, you may fall victim to snickering from the locals. Take a look at some some tips on what to wear on your ski trip to Winter Park.

Brrrrrrr. Stay warm to ski all day long.

HEAD, HANDS & FEET

Keep in mind that the biggest areas of the body that drain heat are the head, the hands and the feet. Keeping these areas warm is your biggest priority. For your head, wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet not only protects you from injury, but it keeps your body’s furnace nice and toasty.

WICKING AWAY FOR WARMTH

Probably the most important tip for staying warm is staying dry. Wicking materials such as wool and synthetic blends (like Under Armour) will keep moisture away from your skin, whereas cotton soaks up moisture that may eventually turn to ice on your body. Wicking materials keep you dryer, and therefore, much warmer. I personally love a great pair of thick wool socks or two thin pair of wool socks.

LOVE THE LAYERS

Rather than wearing your thickest knit sweater under your thickest winter coat, it’s recommended that you wear a couple of thin layers. A waterproof “shell” that goes over a fleece is great instead of a heavy coat. Under the fleece, wear a thin polyester shirt. You can then remove the fleece if you start to burn up and sweat too much. Long underwear made of a synthetic blend material are great under a waterproof pair of ski pants.

DRESS JUST A LITTLE COLD TO STAY WARM

Say hmmm? Think of it this way: if you’re already burning up in your ski attire before you even hit the lift, you’re going to sweat yourself into a shivering frenzy after you make a few runs. You want to be just a teeny bit cool outside before you start turning, so you’ll be perfectly warm after your body heat kicks up from exertion. If the weather is exceptionally cold or windy, you should be at just a comfortable temperature in your ski gear before hitting the slopes.

GLOVES OR MITTENS? THAT IS THE QUESTION…

No matter what, you need to cover your hands. A pair of waterproof gloves is good, but even better are mittens. Mittens keep your fingers together so they collectively keep each other warmer by sharing body heat. One of my biggest challenges in all my years of snowboarding was having cold hands, until I found a great pair of North Face mittens filled with down. I’ve never had cold hands on the slopes since.

FOR WINDY & SNOWY DAYS

Balaclavas. Face Masks. Scarves. Anything to protect your face from the wind and snow is a HUGE help, especially when you’re on the lift. A Balaclava is great because it has a built in face cover connected to a cap that you can tuck back in if you don’t need it anymore.

AHMs (ARTIFICIAL HEAT MAKERS)

You can pick up heat packets at most ski shops around town and the Safeway in Fraser. These little things heat up when you squeeze them and are great to stuff into your mittens or boots. You can even go all out and buy fancy equipment like jackets or pants with built in battery packs that heat up if you want, but be prepared to spend a pretty penny.

MORE TIPS

Consider getting a locker and storing some dry clothes if you get too sweaty and cold. Also be sure to PROTECT yourself from the elements. You need to wear goggles or sunglasses and sunscreen even if it’s not sunny. And water, water, water. We cannot stress the importance of staying hydrated at our high altitude. For tips on how to avoid high altitude sickness, click here.

NEED TO GET NEW STUFF? WHERE?

As you were reading this, you may have come up with a long list of things you need. It can really add up, can’t it? Fortunately, you can rent a ski jacket and ski pants from our partner Epic Mountain Sports. They have tons of stuff, from size 2 toddler to adult 6X. The price is $15 per day to rent a jacket or ski pants alone or $25 per day to rent both a ski jacket and pants. They rent helmets for $5 per day, too.

Epic Mountain Sports also has great deals on ski and snowboard rentals for our guests. Save 20% for ski rentals as low as $18 per day when you book online from our exclusive booking link. Also, as our VIP Partner, our guests get 15% off all regular-priced retail purchases when you present our VIP Guest Discount Card to them at the time of purchase.

Where to Demo Skis in Winter Park, CO

Posted on December 4, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park, CO Ski Demos

Are you looking to buy new skis or snowboard? I have been in the process the last few weeks and the whole experience has been so fun. Demoing skis is the way to go. When you demo skis you take out different brands and models and check out how the ski feels to you up on the ski hill. I have been working with Epic Mountain Sports here in Winter Park and it has been a blast.

Here is how Epic Mountain Sports Demo then Buy program goes:

Each demo day is $30.00
The $30.00 is deducted from price of skis/bindings when you buy your skis

This is a pretty sweet deal if you ask me. I have demoed 4 pairs of skis so far and all ski very different and all have been a blast to ski. There are so many different nuances going on with skis nowadays. There is the traditional stiffness and flexibility, the width of ski underfoot related to width at tip and tail, rocker vs camber, twin tip or no twin tip and on and on. Many different skis that behave differently and perform in complete unlike ways in varying conditions. In the three ski adds above where all three (Olin, K2, Rossignol) skis look and act the same is a thing of the past. This would sound rather complex and it can be but it has been such a blast getting to know each ski up at Winter Park Resort. If I could just demo skis all year long I would be happy.

The guys in Epic have been great. The two Ryans, Ben, Chad and owner Katherine all rock. Take your pick of models from Volkl, Rossignol, Dynastar, K2, Nordica and Icelantic. The techs at Epic know the equipment and know the mountain and will help you pick something fun for you to try. Ask them about the new “rocker/early rise” technology in the new skis.

Needing new skis? Get to demoing with Epic and make an informed buy and have some fun doing it.

New Dog in Town- Fraser Valley Hot Dog and Grill

Posted on November 23, 2010 by rachelb

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious lunch in Winter Park, look no further. The WPLCO crew are devoted customers of the new Fraser Valley Dog and Grill, who’s home is now in downtown WP, across the street from Cooper Creek Square. Local resident and owner, Matt Cordts, offers a lengthy menu of quality vienna beef dogs with a gourmet touch, as well as some tasty sandwich classics like Italian beef and Lamb gyros. If you’re looking for a hearty dog to satisfy that apres ski appetite, we recommend the Chicago style. It comes fully loaded (dill pickle and all) nestled in a yummy steamed bun. I haven’t tried it yet, but hear that the Fozzy Dog is delicious too. The Fozzy has ranch, applewood smoked bacon, carmelized onions and mustard on a poppy seed bun. For those of you non meat-eaters out there, Matt has you covered. The carrot dog with goat cheese, truffle oil, and ginger slaw is a must try. He’s got kids dogs for the little ones, and you can always add a drink and chips for only $1.50. For the soda lovers out there like myself, you’ll dig the selection of Hansens natural cane sugar soda, as well as the original Coca Cola Classic, in the bottle. So, stop on in for some lunch from Tuesday- Sunday and you won’t be disappointed. You can contact Fraser Dog and Grill at 970-531-0475.

Winter Park Resort Improvements for 2010/2011

Posted on September 3, 2010 by Chris

On Mountain Upgrades Winter Park Resort

As of three years ago there was huge talk of all the upgrades that were to be done at Winter Park/Mary Jane. From a gondola to a new base hotel to opening up adjacent mountains for new ski terrain. There were going to be lots of new additions to our beloved ski hill.

Well, the sub prime mortgage mess and the great recession have put a kabash on most of that talk but there are ski hill improvements for ski season 2010/2011 that we can talk about. Nothing as earth moving as new ski terrain or a gondola linking WP Mary Jane to town of Winter Park, CO but we have improvements.

Upgrades for 2010/2011 at Winter Park/Mary Jane Ski Resort

While still developing the recently completed Village at Winter Park, the 2010-11 season will reveal investments in infrastructure and raising the level of guest service throughout Winter Park Resort. Enhancements include the purchase of two new snowcats, additions to the ski, snowboard, and bike rental fleet, trail maintenance, new mountain web cameras, and upgrades in IT and on-mountain infrastructure. A significant project for 2010-11 includes paving 822 marked spaces at The Vintage Hotel parking lot to improve guest experience as they walk from free parking to the Village Cabriolet. Attention will also be given to updating the resort’s radio system with technologically advanced radios, in turn improving internal communication and with emergency management personnel.

The Lodge at Sunspot, atop Winter Park Mountain and the premier dining property, will be receiving a facelift both inside and out. Stonework, entry doors, environmentally friendly deck and exterior stain, and new carpet and furniture will be completed in preparation for The Lodge at Sunspot’s 20th anniversary in 2012.

Pine Beetle mitigation is another major on-mountain investment. Along with capital, Winter Park and local water provider stakeholders were awarded a grant from the Colorado Community Forest Restoration Pilot Grant Program to improve forest health. The objective is to decrease fire hazard, encourage new tree growth for a healthy, stable watershed, and reduce safety hazards to skiers and mountain bikers. Environmentally, Winter Park is increasing efforts in recycling programs for guests and employees, composting, and reduction of water waste.

Winter Park has greatly improved from the above postcard from the 1960′s and each year brings more updates to keep the resort up with the times.

Lets hope for a wicked La Nina winter this year with lots of snow. Let Winter Park Lodging Company help you with any lodging or ski related needs on your visit to Winter and Mary Jane Ski Resorts.

Great Guest Service in Winter Park, CO

Posted on September 2, 2010 by Valarie

Sometimes you just have to toot your own horn. We at Winter Park Lodging Company have always taken pride in showing our guests, either potential, current or past, that we really care about providing wonderful vacation rental experiences in Winter Park. We feel good when you’ve had a good experience in Winter Park!

Here’s a little example of how we have impressed with super service to our guests:

Thanks so much for all your help. The friend my daughter wanted to bring can’t go after all so we’re regrouping. If we end up going skiing I will definetely book something with you. You and Samantha are by far the most friendly and informative people I’ve requested info from.

All the best,

Jeni

From the initial contact & search for the right condo, giving local area information to making sure you’ve checked in okay, providing money saving discounts and solving problems fast and courteously, you can count on us to be friendly, communicative and professional.

We thank you Jeni and really hope you can make it out for a ski vacation in Winter Park.

Best Coffee in Winter Park, Colorado

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Chris

Best Cup of Joe in Winter Park, CO

Coffee, it seems to be every man’s early morning addiction. It makes the morning a little better, a little warmer and cleans the cobwebs out of the noggin’. Well, we have a few caffeine dealers here in Winter Park, CO and we thought we would share Winter Park Lodging Company’s favorites place to get a steaming hot cup of coffee.

Sooo, here is the top three list of best places to get a cup of coffee in Winter Park, CO. These are in no particular order:

Rocky Mountain Roastery is one of the local shops here in WP and is a favorite of the WPLCo girls. The Roastery has two stores one in Winter Park and the other down the road in Fraser (this store is the locals choice). Here is what the Roastery has to say about themselves:

Rocky Mountain Roastery and Coffee Company was founded in 1993 in Fraser, Colorado, near the famous Winter Park ski resort. Since then we have become known for our unique high mountain roasting process, which allows more flavor to develop in each bean we roast. Each batch is slow roasted by hand at 8,550 ft. to ensure that your coffee is the very best it can be. We are family owned and operated business and always strive to outperform your expectations. We guarantee that you will love this coffee, or simply return it for an exchange or full refund!

RMR offers a $1 cup of coffee if you bring your own cup. Great deal but they do charge for wireless internet.

Mountain Grind is another local choice and they are headquartered in Winter Park at The Cooper Creek Square. Serving great coffee, fudge and creamy Italian gelato. Lots of food items and serving beer, liquor and wine. Here is what Mountain Grind has to say about themselves:

Come see Mountain Grind for free unlimited wifi, breakfast, lunch, dessert, coffee, or catering and treat yourself to something special! Visit us fountainside at Cooper Creek Square. You’ll love Winter Park’s friendliest (and lots more) coffee shop!

Lastly we have Starbucks. Two locations in the Winter Park/Fraser area. One at the Winter Park Resort Village and the other at Safeway in Fraser. I won’t go on as anyone who drinks coffee and most who don’t have been into a local Starbucks.

Wakeup! Have a cup of coffee.

Moose Class in Winter Park, CO

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Chris

Moose at Winter Park Resort

My sister Anne-Marie and her husband Larry celebrated their 27^th wedding anniversary with a ‘Moose Class’ through Ecoadventures, using room 2419 at the Zephyr as their home base. Anne took the class for credit for her career as a teacher, Larry opted for non-credit (wouldn’t do him much good as a flight simulator tech).

Using Zephyr Mountain Lodge 2419 as a base of operation was far superior to tent camping in the rain, which is what many of the class participants were doing. While others were slogging around their tents, Anne and Larry were high and dry, enjoying a glass of wine from their balcony.

The moose class taught reams of minutiae about moose and the class was successful in spotting 5 moose. Also, thanks to the tip from the maintenance man with whom Anne and Larry shared an elevator, Anne and Larry kept their eyes open at the base of Berthoud Pass and spotted 2 more moose on the way home!

All in all, a very memorable 27^th wedding anniversary.

Anne and Larry say thanks to Chris and Sarah at Winter Park Lodging Company.

The only regret was not being able to stick around for the CrankWorx bike extravaganza at Winter Park Base that weekend.

Come on up to Winter Park Resort and check out the moose. Late summer and fall are the best times to see the moose. In Rendezvous sub-division moose sighting are very very common and one big bull moose over there has been affectionately named Freddy the moose.

Night Ranger Rocks Winter Park!

Posted on August 8, 2010 by rachelb

This weekend in Winter Park is filled with good times and good tunes. Today, the free 103.5 Fox Winter Park Music Fetival kicked off at 10am in Hideaway Park. Local vendors set up shop for food, drinks, and fun for the whole family. The playground and skate park were packed all day and we got geat weather overall, with just a few sprinkes late in the afternoon. There was a great line up including Pat Travers, The Groove Hawgs, and the headliners- famous for their 80′s power ballads and melodic hard rock- Night Ranger. They brought everybody to their feet with classics like ‘Don’t Tell Me You Love Me’ , ‘Sentimental Street’ and of course, ‘Sister Christian’. Here they are, singing the emblamatic 80′s tune in downtown Winter Park…

Needless to say, we all had a good ol’ time rockin’ to the 80′s, and the music continues through the weekend all around town. Our visitors who booked their lodging with Winter Park Lodging Company even enjoyed free VIP tickets to the festival. Come up to Winter Park for some fresh mountain air, Summer mountain music, and free fun for the whole family. It can ‘t be beat!

Winter Park Village Events: The Back Bowl Soup Company Specials & Music

Posted on July 23, 2010 by rachelb

Back Bowl Patio

We wanted to spread the word on the latest Summer special at The Back Bowl Soup Company, located in the heart of the new base village. Starting Thursday, 7/29, Jeremy Farmer will be playing live music on the patio every Tue./Thurs. from 5:30-7:30 pm for the Mountain Employee Happy Hour. Enjoy a frosty beverage or a tasty appetizer, while the little ones play on the new Adventure Train playground. They even have free parking close by, right across the walkway from the Back Bowl. Come out with your friends and family to enjoy good times in the Colorado sunshine, and remember to book your lodging with Winter Park Lodging Company for the best deals and sweetest digs in town. Here’s a quick list of the specials~

Drinks- 2 for 1 draft beers and house wine

Food- 20% off food orders and complimentary animal crackers and pretzels