Grand Adventures Snowmobiling in Winter Park

If you’re ready for an adrenaline filled adventure through the Colorado back country, you’ve got to sign up at Grand Adventures! Perfect for beginner, intermediate riders and families, there are several tour options that can be tailored to your groups needs. Today we lucked out with classic bluebird conditions, 45 degree temps and sunny skies for our two hour jaunt through the Arapahoe Forest. Guided by local Steve Willis, aka Snowmobile Steve (see picture on left), our group had a safety overview and then left the Winter Park Mountain Lodge  around 10:30am to head up Corona Pass towards the Continental Divide. Although I was a first timer (and a wee bit intimidated on my own sled),  it didn’t take long to get the feel and want to go faster and faster. After cruising up to nearly 11,000 ft, we passed the old railway tressle and stopped along the ridge for some photos and a brief history lesson. Turns out we were only a few miles away from the old logging town of Arrow, where the infamous Mary Jane lived and worked in the late 1800′s. The panoramic views of the ski area and Fraser Valley from here were amazing. A few minutes later we reached a wide open space where we could let loose on the sleds and take a few laps. If you like going fast, this part was especially fun! After some play time, we headed up to tree line to loop back around for the home stretch. On the way down, Steve led us through some really fun and twisting trails among the trees. We paused for a few minutes for those who wanted to dive into the 4ft deep snowbanks along the side of the trail- quite refreshing:)  Heading back home, it couldn’t have been a better trip. Great weather, fun and informative guide, definitely want to go again.  I highly recommend going on one of these trips to anyone interested in trying out a snowmobile, not just because it’s exciting, but because it will give you a different experience of Winter Park and an insider’s look into the surrounding backcountry. If you want to take a day off of skiing and are wondering what to do….look no further! For more info, check out their website http://www.grandadventures.com/ or call 1-800-726-9247.  Also, don’t forget that you get a discount on your snowmobile adventure when you book your lodging with Winter Park Lodging Company.  Ask us about it at the time of booking!

Winter Park Colorado Mountain Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras in the Colorado Rocky Mountains

Looking for something to do in to celebrate Mardi Gras?  Well look no further, there is much to do up here in Winter Park, Colorado and this is the perfect time to head to the hills and get away from the February blues.  The snow is falling and we should have around ten inches of new snow by this coming Monday, Feb 8th, if the forecasts are to be believed.  So come check out the Winter Park Mountain Mardi Gras.

Saturday February13

12:00-5:00pm at the Winter Park Village

High Altitude Style! Come join the party in the Village to celebrate this New Orleans tradition Winter Park-style! This event features bands, street performers, festive decorations, food and plenty of beads to go around!

Music (in Starbucks Plaza)

12:00pm-1:00pm:  Louisiana Clan Dogs
1:20pm-2:20pm:  Aden Harrell & Friends Jazz Quartet
2:40pm-3:40pm:  Otones Brass Band
4:00pm-5:00pm:  Dikki Du & The Zydeco Krewe
Performers (throughout the Village)

12:00pm-5:00pm:  Salida Circus Performers (includes flame throwers, jugglers, trapeze artists, jesters & unicyclists)
12:00pm-5:00pm:  Face-Painting and Caricature Drawings
12:00pm-5:00pm:  Children’s Crafts – masks and crowns
1:00pm-3:00pm:  Giant Puppetry
2:00pm-4:00pm:  Ear2Ear Photobooth

Food (in Starbucks Plaza)

Jambalaya, crawfish, etouffee, gumbo, crepes, bread pudding and beignets provided by Village restaurants

FAT Tuesday February 16th

• 6:30-8:30pm – Mardi Gras Parade at Cooper Creek
Square: Come in costume and participate in Fat Tuesday
(Winter Park style) in the shortest, craziest, coldest
Mardi Gras Parade on Earth!
• 9pm – The Grand County Blues Society presents
Trampled Under Foot w/Samantha Fish at Smokin Moes

All of this to be had while trying to get in all the runs at Winter Park and Mary Jane Resorts.

“Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez”

Winter Park Full Moon Cross Country Skiing

Pole Creek Full Moon Cross Country Skiing

This Saturday January 30th there is a full moon cross country skiing event at Pole Creek Golf Club.  Time is from 5:30PM to 8PM.

Full moon snowshoe or cross country ski at Pole Creek Golf Course. Trails for all abilities and free hot chocolate and schnapps out on the course.

Dinner after at Bistro 28 with homemade pastas and other menu selections priced at $8.  Reservations recommended at 970.887.9797

Dinner every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at Bistro 28 Burger and a beer/wine – Prime rib and Pasta specials.

Come see Pole Creek in a different light. Moonlight that is!  The weather forecast looks good and there is nothing better than cross country skiing, hot chocolate and schnapps on a Saturday night.  After you get a workout in, belly up to Bistro 28′s bar and have another schnapps and a plate of homemade pasta.

Get outside and enjoy the Colorado winter.

Winter Park Rec Center| A Photo Journal

Winter Park Rec Center: Video and Photos

Need to take a break from skiing? It costs a family of four about $200 to ski at Winter Park (with coupons from Winter Park Lodging Company) but for only $40, the same family can take a day off of skiing and enjoy the fun of the new Fraser Valley Grand Park Rec Center.   It’s a state of the art facility with a lazy river, toddler water park, three story water slide, four lane lap pool, diving board, hot tub, steam room, sauna, basketball courts, gymnasium with a tramp-aerial jump pit, and an entire 2nd floor of workout equipment each with their own flat screen TVs.  Don’t forget to try out the climbing wall or one of the many classes offered (yoga, spinning, aerobics, etc).  

Book with Winter Park Lodging Company and use the facility for $8/day with our special passes. Stop by our office on the way to the Rec Center to pick up as many as you need.

Activities in Winter Park – More than Just Skiing

Looking for something to do besides skiing in Winter Park? To some that just seems unusual – “why wouldn’t you want to ski?” –  they might ask. Well, from my experience working at the Winter Park Visitor Center, it’s much more common than you may think.

Let’s say you just don’t want to ski every day you’re in Winter Park, or have an injury and you don’t want to sit at the condo all day. Fortunately, there are many other activities, both outdoor and indoor, to keep you busy. To start, here are a list of outdoor activities: 

1. Snowshoeing
   1. The Winter Park Visitor Center hosts free beginner snowshoe tours including free snowshoe rentals on Friday-Sunday from Dec – Mar. For info or to sign up, contact them at visitorcenter@playwinterpark.com or 970-726-4118.
   2. Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center has 100km of groomed trails and snowshoe rentals (970-887-2152).
   3. Devil’s Thumb Ranch also has  tons of groomed trails and rentals (970-726-1099). 
2. Sleigh Rides
   1. Sombrero Stables at Snow Mountain Ranch does several hot cocoa sleigh rides per day as well as dinner sleigh rides nightly. See our discounts on sleigh rides and call 970-887-1999 for reservations.   
3. Snowmobile Tours or Rentals
   1. Grand Adventure Snowmobiles has rentals so you can go out on your own snowmobile adventure, plus does several group tours daily. We also have guest discounts on snowmobiling!   
4. Cross-Country Skiing
   1. Nordic Centers (see Snow Mountain Ranch and Devil’s Thumb Ranch under Snowshoeing) have trails, rentals and lessons.
   2. Rentals from Ice Box Rentals if you are experienced and want to try out some national forest trails on your own (970-722-7780).
5. Sledding and Tubing
   1. FREE Sledding Hill in Hideaway Park next to the Winter Park Visitor Center in downtown Winter Park. Sleds are provided, too! Email visitorcenter@playwinterpark.com or call 970-726-4118 for info.
   2. Fraser Tubing Hill is a HUGE tubing hill with a rope tow. When heading to Fraser from Winter Park, take a left at the light where Safeway is and you’ll see it on the left.  Pricey, at about $17/hour, but worth it. They’re open from 12pm to 9pm weekdays and 10am – 9pm on Sat/Sun. The best time to go to avoid crowds is during the day while everyone is still out skiing (970-726-5954 after Dec 1st).
   3. Snow Mountain Ranch sledding and tubing hill. This is the best value if you’re looking for something bigger than the free hill in town, but don’t want to pay as much as the Fraser Tubing Hill. About $10 per person for the entire day. They have sled rentals, tube rentals, a rope tow and an ice skating rink next to the hill (970-887-2152). 
6. Ice Skating
   1. Village Ice Skating Rink next to Cheeky Monk at Winter Park base area. Outdoor rink with nice views of the slopes. Free to use, but you need to rent skates from Winter Park Resort Rentals if you don’t bring your own.
   2. Cooper Creek Square Ice Skating Rink – partly covered rink next to the free parking garage and the Cooper Creek Shopping Center in downtown. Rentals also needed, which are available next door at Christy Sports or the Viking Ski Lodge. Call the Visitor Center at 970-726-4118 for more info.
   3. Devils Thumb Ranch has an outdoor rink as well, with rentals. 
7. Hot Air Balloon Rides 
   1. Yep, Grand Adventure Balloon Tours operate during the winter, too. The air is warmer as you get higher and they also supply warm blankets and champagne! Our guests save $10/person with coupon provided in welcome gift bag.
8. Dog-Sled Rides
   1. Lots of fun and definitely something different. Get pulled by a team of Siberian Huskeys through the beautiful forest. Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park also offer our guests discounts.

 For indoor activities, you can choose from these: 

1. Wine Tasting
   1. Verso Cellars in Cooper Creek Square. An elegant tasting room and award-winning wines (970-726-9430).
   2. Winter Park Winery in Fraser, on left when heading from Winter Park, past the stoplight where Safeway is. Great folks who make the wine right here in Winter Park (970-726-4514). 
2. Apre Ski Bars (just some personal favorites)
   1. Derailer Bar – right at the base of Winter Park, with great views of the skiers coming down the slopes. Pricey appetizers that aren’t that great, but the view and the atmosphere make up for it.
   2. Cheeky Monk Belgian Beer Cafe– great selection of European brews as well as some very tasty appetizers and a cozy atmosphere. They have a huge patio great for sunny days. They offer our guests a free draft with appetizer (970-726-6871).
   3. Winter Park Pub – locals favorite for watching the game, with great burgers and wings (970-726-4929).  
   4. See more ideas!
3. Movie Theatre
   1. Nightly showings at 7pm, and the Winter Park Visitor Center (visitorcenter@playwinterpark.com / 970-726-4118) can tell you what’s showing if you don’t see it on the marquee in downtown Winter Park.  
4. Cafés – with WiFi
   1. Rocky Mountain Roastery is a locals favorite with freshly roasted coffee (they have their own roaster in Fraser). Two locations, one in downtown Winter Park next to Rudi’s Deli and one in Fraser in Alco Shopping Center (970-726-4400).
   2. The Mountain Grind Coffee & Bistro– right in the Cooper Creek Square shopping center, a nice place to grab some Italian Gelato or a sandwich, too (970 -726-0999).  
5. Hot Sulpher Springs
   1. Well, this is technically outdoors, but it’s a more relaxing activity. About 45 minutes to an hour from Winter Park, depending on the roads. They have about 20 outdoor pools of different temperatures of natural spring water. The Ute Indians used to use the very same springs. www.hotsulphursprings.com.  
6. Massage
   1. Bella Vita Wellness Spa and Salon – they have thermal massage tables as well as massage therapists and salon services. The thermal massage tables are great for a quick & affordable treat. They offer our guests $10 off 45 min massage or 10 mins additional for free (970-726-9505).
   2. Devil’s Thumb Ranch – for luxurious pampering this is the place to go, but be prepared to spend a pretty penny (970-726-1099).  
7. Fraser Valley Recreation Center
   1. They have yet to open, but they will be in January from what I hear. They will have an indoor swimming pool with water slide and lazy river, basketball courts and a lot more.  
8. Snow Mountain Ranch
   1. Besides the Nordic center for snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing and tubing, they also have an ice skating rink, an indoor climbing wall & an indoor swimming pool.

So, there you have it. A nice list to get you started on planning what to do in Winter Park.  You can also see a list of activities on www.wplbo.com/winteractivities.php, a list of events on www.wplbo.com/events.php and find specific contact info for all activities on www.playwinterpark.com.

Hot Sulphur Springs: Fun Activity Apres Ski or for the Non-skiers

Waterfall at Ute Pool

To help with the duldrums of October, we headed to Hot Sulphur Springs last Sunday night. We thought we’d be the only ones there but we were wrong!  I guess others were wanting to warm up in the natural hot springs of Grand County located in the county seat aptly named: Hot Sulphur Springs.

What fun! We ran out in the cold in our suits and jumped into the 104 degree pool with the waterfall. ah, warmth (and smelly sulphur!).  Amy pointed out a little part of the pool where the water comes from that doesn’t have a concrete bottom and dared us to get in there. It was a little freaky at night but I did it and so did the other Sarah B from Cape Cod (photo below).

There are tons of little pools to choose from, plus indoor pools too. A great spot to head to if you’re not skiing for the day or if you want to soak after a long day on the slopes. And, make sure you print of this coupon before you go for a discount.

To get there, go past Fraser, Tabernash, Granby and head straight to Hot Sulphur. Probably about a 30 minute drive from Winter Park but well worth it!

Ski Train is Barreling Back to Winter Park this Winter!

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!

Village at Winter Park – Sit in the Big Seats

The Big Seats At the Village

Visit the Village at Winter Park this Fall and get a holiday card worth framing. You can sit in the big chairs near the pond and snap a good photo of the kiddos.

Fraser Valley Recreation Center Fee Structure Announced

To Open In December

The new Fraser Valley Rec Center just announced the fee structure so we can all get in and enjoy the 20-foot loop slide, spray and play area, lazy river, zero-depth entry pool and four-lane 25-yard lap pool, as well as a whirlpool, sauna and steam room. The center’s other features include a climbing wall, gymnastics center, running-walking track, weights area, dance-aerobic studio, a pool party room and multi-purpose room.   They are set to open in December!

Here are some highlights for our guests:

0-2 years are free (it figures that our twins will turn 2 this October – darn!)

3 – 9 years – $7/day

10 – 17 years and seniors over 60 – $8/day or a 20-day punch card for $128

Adults (18 – 65 years old) – $10/day or 20-day punch card for $160

For full details, go to the Ski Hi Daily News article.