First Snow of the Year Winter Park, CO 2012

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Chris

Guess the Day of the First Measurable Snow in Winter Park, Colorado

The leaves have just started to turn here in WP and that means it is time for the first measurable snow contest. This the fourth Winter Park Lodging Company first measurable snow contest and we hope it brings some storms like we see in the picture to the left.

Rules of the first snow contest are:

Respond to this post with your guess on what date we will have the first measurable snow in Winter Park and you can win a FREE Winter Park season pass! If you’re the only one to guess that date, you win it outright. Otherwise, we’ll pick a winner out of a hat of all of those who guessed that date. Only catch: Must have 250 guesses by the time the snow falls in order to reward the prize. Hint: it has snowed as early as August in the past…

One guess per person please and the guess must be 48 hours before the actual snowstorm. Measurable snow is more than a half inch.

So get out those crystal balls and give us your best guess and while you are at it let us all know if we are going to have a good snow year. As of today Aug 22 there are 26 guesses on the Winter Park Lodging Company Facebook Page so we need 224 more guesses and you can win a free Winter Park/Mary Jane Resort season pass.

Last year, 2011, the first snow was October 6th with a small snow storm. In 2010 first snow was rather late with an October 12th blizzard. 2009 brought us first snow on September 21st and 2008 was early with a September 10th date. Last year I predicted September 15th and was off by almost a month.

So everyone put your Winter Park Resort Trail-maps in the freezer for good luck (and to make the snow gods happy) and get your snow dance on. I will start things off with the fist snow prediction for ski season 2012/2013.

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow.

Winter Park Resort Snow History

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Chris

Snowfall At Winter Park/Mary Jane

We have had an odd year of snowfall here in Winter Park, Colorado this 2011/2012 ski season but things are looking on the very bright side now, as this February been one snowy month. So far this year we have had 126″ of snow and that is low for this time of year. However, what a blessing this could turn to to be.

Winter Park and Mary Jane has averaged around 340″ of snow the past 11 years (during ski season). So what does this mean? Well, I’m reading the tea leaves with the idea that WP is in for some monster late winter and spring snowfalls. My prediction is that by the scheduled closing of WInter Park Resort on April 22 there will have been one 300″ of new snow at the Mary Jane snow station. That will be over 175″ of new snow in the next 10 weeks.

So look out! I’m saying we are going to have one of the best late winter anmd spring skiing seasons ever. We did all the snow dances, put the trail maps in the freezer and we are going to get the fluffy white snow falling all season long.

Here is snow history for last year and the ten years previous:

2010/11 SEASON
MONTH	SNOWFALL (INCHES)	PERCENT OF 10 YR. AVERAGE
October	18.0	246.4%
November	57.7	97.6%
December	51.1	82.8%
January	62.0	95.9%
February	58.6	101.8%
March	81.6	126.3%
April	59.0	156.9%
TOTAL	388.0	110.0%

And here are the previous 10 years of snowfall history at WInter PArk and Mary Jane:

PREVIOUS 10 SKI SEASONS

SNOWFALL (INCHES) / PERCENT OF 10 YR. AVERAGE
SEASON	OCT.	NOV.	DEC.	JAN.	FEB.	MARCH	APRIL	TOTAL
2000/1	3.0 / 58.9	76.2 / 120.1	82.1 / 135.8	45.4 / 66.9	65.5 / 114.6	57.3 / 84.8	32.5 / 85.3	362.0 / 100.5
2001/2	4.0 / 78.5	45.6 / 71.9	59.8 / 98.9	67.7 / 99.8	35.7 / 62.5	27.2 / 40.3	6.2 / 16.3	246.2 / 68.4
2002/3	28.2 / 553.3	71.6 / 112.9	52.0 / 86.0	37.6 / 55.4	68.1 / 119.2	114.2 / 169.0	39.0 / 102.4	410.7 / 114.1
2003/4	0 / 0	72.1 / 128.9	59.6 / 102.1	30.9 / 41.6	55.3 / 90.9	40.2 / 67.6	10.6 / 27.9	268.7 / 74.6
2004/5	18.0 / 365.8	48.2 / 75.6	38.3 / 63.4	47.5 / 71.3	43.1 / 75.5	68.1 / 102.2	29.5 / 79.4	292.7 / 82.0
2005/6	11.0 / 205.4	79.5 / 125.8	87.0 / 145.8	68.0 / 103.1	50.6 / 89.4	51.6 / 77.4	17.3 / 46.9	365.0 / 103.0
2006/7	42.0 / 758.3	28.2 / 44.2	54.1 / 89.3	28.2 / 42.7	69.6 / 123.4	46.7 / 70.6	33.7 / 93.0	302.5 / 85.3
2007/8	14.0 / 209.6	15.1 / 24.1	86.8 / 143.8	75.1 / 115.8	73.1 / 128.6	70.0 / 108.3	55.1 / 152.3	389.2 / 110.2
2008/9	7.0 / 101.4	34.6 / 56.5	93.2 / 152.4	73.5 / 112.8	59.3 / 103.4	41.2 / 62.7	70.0 / 190.5	378.8 / 107.0
2009/10	21.0 / 304.2	16.0 / 26.5	49.3 / 79.4	39.4 / 60.2	64.1 / 111.7	52.2 / 80.3	33.5 / 88.8	275.5 / 77.6
AVERAGES	14.8 / 121.5	48.7 / 118.5	66.2 / 77.2	51.3 / 120.8	58.4 / 100.3	56.9 / 143.5	32.7 / 180.2	329.1 / 117.9

So there is a silver lining to the slow snowfall start here in Winter Park: we will be getting a bunch of snow in the next two and a half months. Maybe some of the best ever spring skiing here in Winter Park, Colorado.

So make sure to get your Winter Park Spring Ski Lodging early and have some grate spring skiing fun.

Winter Park Resort First Snow Contest Winner

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Chris

First Snow Winter Park, Colorado

We have a winner to our first snow contest here in Winter Park, CO. It has taken a little while to get around to announcing this but yes we have had a couple of snows since the first last week.

There were thirty five entries on our blog and about twenty five more on the Facebook post about the first snow contest and yes there was a lucky soul, ok maybe talented, who hit the first snow date. It was not a huge snow this year as last but it was over an inch and there is no disputing the picture to the left that it was a measurable snow last week.

So our first snow date for 2011 is, drumbeat please ………….. October 6th. Yes that was last Thursday and we have a winner. Stormy the snow predictor this year is Thomas Schneider. And Thomas pretty much hit the snow fall total also. Nice work Thomas! Here is the winning snowfall total post “The ‘dust’ is already at the top, so it won’t be long. That first 1/2 inch will come on Oct 6.”

The fourth Winter Park Resort first snow contest is now concluded and we hope that this relatively early snow and subsequent snow storms means that we are in for some La Nina powder this year. ALl the mountains surrounding Winter PArk and the Fraser Valley are now painted a nice white and it is looking as ski season is almost here. Today up at Berthoud Pass there were three a couple of impatient folk with there planks out looking to find some fresh lines down the hill. That is the spirit.

Well, here is to snow early and often all year long. Put the trail maps in the freezer and do the snow dance…..

LET IT SNOW, LET SNOW, LET IT SNOW

Winter Park Resort First Snow Contest 2011

Posted on August 21, 2011 by Chris

When will Winter Park, CO Receive the First Measurable Snow for Winter 2011?

It is that time of year again when we are on the snow lookout. We are on our fourth year of the Winter Park,CO First Measurable Snow Contest. This year looks to be a good year of snow as the La Nina weather pattern is supposed to be hanging on until early in 2012. And that little La Nina was oh so kind to us last year we are looking for some great snow early this year, knock on wood.

Anyone fortunate enough to live or travel out here to CO during the 2010-11 winter knows that it was the mother of all winters with most Colorado resorts boasting record snow totals. Could this winter be a repeat of the La Nina conditions that brought about last year’s nearly endless winter (we had good a good snowfall in mid-June)?

The NOAA’s current climate models give us a coin flip’s chance at either a repeat La Nina event or the normal ENSO neutral. They aren’t the best odds in the world, but I’ll take them. Anywho, lets hope that the snow is flying early and often to make this another good winter of skiing.

The first measurable snow in Winter Park, Colorado contest goes like this:

Guess the day of the first measurable snow at Winter Park Resort in the comments section below this blog or on the Winter Park Lodging Company Facebook Page
Only one guess per person
Measurable snow is more than half an inch
Prize is dinner for two at Deno’s Mountain Bistro, $100.00 limit
Guess must be in two days before actual snow

Last year, 2010, first snow was rather late with an October 12th blizzard. 2009 brought us first snow on September 21st and 2008 was early with a September 10th date. Last year I predicted September 15th and was off by almost a month.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Best Snow in Colorado? Winter Park Resort – Of Course

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Chris

Powder Skiing Winter Park, Colorado

The snow gods have been very kind to Winter Park so far this year, maybe kinder to Winter Park than any other Colorado ski resort than Steamboat. That is nothing new to Winter Park and Mary Jane though as WP and MJ have the highest average snowfall of any destination resort in Colorado. Yes, Silverton Mountain may get more fluffy white as does Wolf Creek but, hey, those aren’t destination resorts.

The world is starting to take notice of our abundant snowfall this year also, as we are mentioned in The Denver Post article by Scott Willoughby.

Here is what Scott had to say about our little mecca of skiing here in Winter Park:

Winter Park: Another northern beneficiary, Grand County never seems to have a problem keeping winter cool. That’s 360 inches of cold smoke a year, preserved for your pleasure.

We were a bit shy of that 360 inch average last year but this year is looking like a 400 to 450 inches of snow year. I should knock on wood with that challenge to the snow gods. The snow should keep on coming WP’s way if the La Niña weather pattern holds as is forecast to through the 2012 ski season. Little La Niña favors the Northern Colorado ski resorts and Winter Park/Mary Jane and Steamboat have some of the best snow in the state to prove it.

So, if you are looking to get some great powder days in this year head on up to Winter Park and Mary Jane to find the best snow in all of Colorado.

Early Season Colorado Skiing

Posted on November 9, 2010 by Chris

Opening Day Copper Mountain Resort

We had a chance to visit one of our favorite ski resorts besides Winter Park last Friday and hit Copper Mountain’s opening day. Snow conditions were ok with some great snow coverage but a bit on the bullet proof side. There was one run open and one lift that was accessible to the public and one lift open for ski race training. The snow was not perfect but the temperatures were May like and in the 40′s.

The conditions this year have been great for early season skiing. Loveland last week had a 20 inch mid mountian depth and three lifts running with five runs and two of those were bump runs. All this snow in the first week of November is hopefully an omen of great snow year.

Today Winter Park is getting hit with a good sized weather front and the snow is dumping. The Winter Park forecast calls for snow off and on all week long. Opening day is a week away, next Wednesday November 17th. The La Niña weather pattern seems to be holding and is strong this year so we should be in for a great snow year (knock on wood).

Early season is a great time to ski in Colorado and specifically WInter Park as there are great deals on almost everthing. From lift tickets to lodging and ski rentals to food and drinks deals can be had in November and early December. Check out the Winter Park Lodging Company deals page.

Get a jump on this ski season and get out early to enjoy some great snow conditions this year.

First Big Snowstorm at Winter Park Resort 2010/2011

Posted on October 26, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park Resort Snow

The snow just seems to keep on coming in this late October blizzard that is hitting Winter Park, CO. About six inches are on the ground already and about 10 to 15 more inches of the fluffy white stuff should be in the ground by Wednesday.

Here is the forecast for today October 25th, 2010:

Very windy with base rain or rain/ snow mix in the morning (all snow above 11,000 feet), then all snow as the snow level drops to near 6,000 feet. Winds look strong, with low visibility in blowing and drifting snow. Snow continues overnight.

Precipitation:

Rain or a rain/ snow mix, then all snow definite by mid morning.

Snow Potential
4 to 6 inches of snowfall at the base, and 8 to 11 inches of snowfall above 11,000 ft.

It is a whiteout here today and there are several big trees down on out property in Tabernash. Hopefully this is a harbinger of this to come this ski season. La Niña wether pattern is usually good for Winter Park/MaryJane and the Northern Colorado Rocky Mountain ski resorts.

The white out has continued into today Tuesday the 26th with three to five inches of additional snow.

Snow, snow, snow, let it snow here in Winter Park.

The National Weather Service says between 14 and 24 inches of snow could fall by Tuesday afternoon in the Gore Range and Rabbit Ears Pass. Between 8 and 15 inches are possible in the central mountains, including Vail and Aspen.

Our first real blizzard of the year is here in Colorado. Lets keep the storms coming mother nature.

Winter Park Resort Spring Snow Storms

Posted on March 23, 2010 by Chris

Spring Snow Spring Snow Spring Snow

If I say it enough times we should get one of these storms to hit us head on, no? After being missed by last weeks storm that some forecasters had us getting us much as 15″, we got .1″, I am strarting to believe that thrownin’ darts at a board is better than any of the snow forecasters ability to predict when we here in Winter Park will get snow.

That great 16″ snow storm that crushed Winter Park Resort, not one forecast predicted anywhere close to that. Now we have a couple of snow predictions for snow storms to hit this week. I’m seeing anywhere from 4″ to 15 inches for the Tues/Wed storm and 3″ to 12″ for the Fri/Sat storm. Bring it on. It looks like, if these predictions are a even a little bit correct, that this Thursday and Sunday should be good bluebird ski days.

It looks like winter made sure to leave good snow storms for spring. After a Monday – Wednesday (29th – 31st) break (partly cloudy/ mostly sunny, milder), we may see a strong late week storm, and another snow storm that weekend, for frequent snowfall during the first several days of April. Pacific storms (with snow) should move through with good frequency right into mid April, to finish off the season on an improved note we believe (improved weekly snow amounts compared to weekly mid winter totals).

Join Winter Park Resort Thursday, March 25th in West Portal Plaza as they kick-off the Nature Valley NASTAR National championships. The opening celebration begins at 6:00p.m. with a Warren Miller screening of the directors cut of Dynasty, followed by a live performance by The Greyboy Allstars at 7p.m.! Enjoy the movie, enjoy the music, and stick around for the huge fireworks display after the sun goes down!

Come and enjoy the last three weeks of this ski season. The big storms will be hitting us soon, Y’all keep your fingers crossed.

Winter Park Resort Skiing

Posted on March 2, 2010 by Chris

Skiing the Bumps and Powder at Winter Park Resort

After getting to ski some of the best powder we have had here in Winter Park in the last year I was doing some searches to see if any of the national media had picked up on how good our snow has gotten here in Colorado and especially Winter Park in the last month.

I didn’t find much besides an article in our local Sky Hi Daily News and a mention in the Westword blog about skipping work to go skiing. Too bad you Denverites would have had to drive the long way through Silverthorn to get to our pristine 16″ of new new powder yesterday. We love all the Front Ranger’s here in Winter Park, Colorado but sometimes it is very nice to have some of the skiing all to ourselves. Anyway there wasn’t much the national media was saying about the snow we have been getting here in Winter Park but with a couple of more good storms like this past weekend and I’m sure we will be all over the airwaves.

However, I did find a nice article that came out last week in the Winnepeg Free Press about Winter Park Resort skiing and Nordic skiing at Devils’ Thumb Ranch. The article could not have come out at a better time with all the powder we have gotten in the last month or so here Grand County.

Keep your eyes out for the next storm up here in WP because the forecast is calling for lots of snow from now until the end of the ski season. Here is the long range forecast from Snowforecast.com:

Next Monday (8th) we remain unsettled with some clouds/ sun, + light snow showers and little/ no accumulation as low pressure leaves and an unsettled northwest flow aloft remains. Mid next week (10th) we could see weak high pressure and mostly sunny skies. Late next week into Saturday, another low pressure system moves through with snow across the area. The rest of March and most of April still look potentially snowy.

Yes potentially snowy! We are at about 206″ of snow for the year and our average is 350″ so I expect that from now till the end of ski season, April 18 we should be getting lots of snow. Come on up and get your Winter Park/Mary Jane Resort bump skiing and powder skiing in before the season takes a bow for the year.

Skiing Colorado vs Skiing in the East

Posted on January 11, 2010 by Chris

VS

Skiing back on the East Coast vs skiing in Colorado out West?? Is there even a comparison? I found an article on CBS website about skiing back East vs skiing in the West and I thought it would be a good piece for the Winter Park Lodging Company blog. I have never skied back East but Sarah, my lovely wife, grew up right by Seven Springs back in Pennsylvania and she tells me it is not a place that you would want to ski after skiing in Colorado. The problem as Sarah tells it is that back East you are basically skiing ice with some crust on top and it is not uncommon for it to rain when skiing. That does not sound to thrilling to me.

We here at Winter Park have some bone chilling weather at times but it is always a dry cold. -5F, no problem, put on an extra layer and the skiing is great with all the snow we get here. Our coldest days seem to be when the skies are blue so by afternoon the sun has warmed everything up.

Winter Park is mentioned in the CBS article and here is what they have to say:

“The moguls are much bigger and, perhaps more importantly, softer, in the West. The Mary Jane section of Winter Park, Colo., is known for moguls sometimes referred to as ‘VW Beetles’.”

I know quite a few people who have learned to ski back East at resorts such as Killington, Mt. Snow, Sunday River and Waterville. All those, that I know, are very good skiers. Is it that the treacherous ice and extreme adverse conditions teach skiers a different way?

The differences between skiing in the East and West are significant and many: altitude, acreage, snow and weather are all different, starkly so at times.

The bottom line is, get out here to Colorado to come ski some snow. Not ice, not rocks and not dirt but Gods’ own powdery white fluffy snow that we get a ton of here in Winter Park, Colorado.