Devil’s Thumb Ranch Full Moon Cross Country Ski

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Chris

Moonlit Cross Country Skiing Winter Park, CO

Looking to get out of the house and see how beautiful the evenings can be here in Winter Park and Grand County? There is not a more fun event than the Full Moon Cross Country ski at Devil’s Thumb Ranch. There are two left this year, Feb 18 and March 19.

Head out to the Thumb and arrive a little before six and you are in for a fun, beautiful workout. Join them for skiing, bonfires, marshmallows and hot chocolate under the full moon! Get your cross country ski on and warm up with the bonfire and hot chocolate.

The event starts at 6PM and goes until 9PM. No need to rush though as you can start pretty much anytime you like but need to be finished around 9PM.

If you haven’t been out to Devil’s Thumb you are missing one of Grand Counties treats! With more than 100km of groomed trails nestled in the pristine and private Ranch Creek valley at the base of the Continental Divide, DTR is the premiere Nordic center for Colorado cross country skiing. Whether you enjoy skate, classic or snowshoeing; there’s something there for everyone.

Novices can start the day with a private or group lesson from one of their friendly instructors. More seasoned Nordic enthusiasts will find their advanced technique clinics helpful. And, of course, a wide variety of quality cross country ski equipment is available for purchase or rental - including infant sleds and skijoring rigs (cross country skiing with dog assistance). They are open seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Don’t let the snow season get by without a moonlit night of skiing, head out and enjoy Devil’s Thumb Ranch one of the next full moon evenings.

NASTAR National Championships at Winter Park Resort

Posted on February 1, 2011 by Chris

2011 Nastar Champioships Winter Park, Colorado

The Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships will return to Winter Park, March 24 – 27, 2011. Winter Park Resort is proud to host the 2011 NASTAR National Championships. The 71st Anniversary season at Winter Park Resort will be celebrated with over 1,200 Nature Valley NASTAR qualifiers from across the country coming here to the Colorado Rockies for three days of competition, exciting events and world-class skiing and riding.

The top three finishers in each division at each of the NASTAR resorts will come to Winter Park to compete in the NASTAR National Championships. With over 95,000 races in 28 states the NASTAR champions will be decided on the slopes of Winter Park.

This is the second year for the competition to take place here in WP and last years NASTAR event was a complete success. If you are looking to come to NASTAR Winter PArk championship now is the time to book your stay. Winter Park Base Lodging was sold out last year and this year is getting there also. The No. 1 provider of Winter Park Resort Lodging is Winter Park Lodging Company. So let WPLCo book your NASTAR Championship Lodging-Winter Park for you today.

NASTAR National Champioships Event Schedule:

Thursday, March 24

7:30am – 9:00pm Competitor Check-In* (Vintage Hotel)
9:00am – 3:00pm Optional Race Clinic
5:30pm – 8:30pm National Championships Opening Ceremony (West Portal Plaza) » Winter Park welcomes Nature Valley NASTAR competitors and their guests with an evening filled with exciting activities! » 5:30-7:00pm Complimentary food and beverages for credentialed competitors and guests with bracelet). »
6:00PM – 6:45 Warren Miller Screening of the Directors Cut of Wintervention »
7:00pm – 8:30pm Live music by band TBD! » Chance to meet your fellow competitors from across the country.
8:30pm Fireworks and torch light parade!

Friday, March 25 National Championships Competition Begins (DAY 1)

7:30am – 12:00pm Competitor Late Arrival Check-In* (Vintage Hotel)
9:30amRace Start Times Ages:
- 21-44 Platinum & Gold (Lower Hughes, skiers right)**
- Ages 45-54 Platinum & Gold (Lower Hughes, skiers left)
- Ages 55-74 Platinum & Gold (Hughes Meadows)
- Ages 21-49 Silver & Bronze (Upper Cranmer)**
- Ages 50-74 Silver & Bronze (Middle Cranmer)**
- Ages 75-95+ All Divisions (Lower Cranmer)**
- Snowboard Division – all ages (Lower Cranmer)**
11:15am
- Ages 1-4 Platinum, Gold, Silver & Bronze Divisions (Lower Cranmer)**

12:30pmRace Start Times Ages:
- 5-8 Platinum & Gold (Hughes Meadows)**
- Ages 9-12 Platinum & Gold (Lower Hughes, skiers left)
- Ages 13-20 Platinum & Gold (Lower Hughes, skiers right)
- Ages 5-10 Silver & Bronze (Middle Cranmer)**
- Ages 11-20 Silver & Bronze (Upper Cranmer)**
3:30pm Friday’s Competition End

3:30pm – 6:00pm Post-Race Ceremony (West Portal) »
3:30 – 5:00pm Live music »
5:00 – 6:00pm Introduction of U.S. Ski Team stars and competitor raffle to win great gear
5:30pm Family Challenge Awards Ceremony

» Guests are welcome to attend (no bracelet required).

Saturday, March 26 National Championships Competition Begins (DAY 2)

9:30am Race Start Times Ages:
- 5-8 Platinum & Gold (Hughes Meadows)**
- Ages 9-12 Platinum & Gold (Lower Hughes, skiers left)
- Ages 13-20 Platinum & Gold (Lower Hughes, skiers right)
- Ages 5-10 Silver & Bronze (Middle Cranmer)**
- Ages 11-20 Silver & Bronze (Upper Cranmer)**
- Ages 75-95+ All Divisions (Lower Cranmer)**
- Snowboard Division – All Ages (Lower Cranmer)**

11:15am Ages 1-4 Platinum, Gold, Silver & Bronze Divisions (Lower Cranmer)**

12:30pm Race Start Times :
- Ages 21-44 Platinum & Gold (Lower Hughes, skiers right)
- Ages 45-54 Platinum & Gold (Lower Hughes, skiers left)
- Ages 55-74 Platinum & Gold (Hughes Meadows)**
- Ages 21-49 Silver & Bronze (Upper Cranmer)**
- Ages 50-74 Silver & Bronze (Middle Cranmer)**

3:30pm – 4:45pm Live Music
5:00pm – 8:00pm Awards Ceremony (West Portal Station) » U.S. Ski Team & Olympic stars will present medals to the first, second and third place winners in each age & gender category in each division. » National Title winners (i.e. the first place finisher) in each age & gender category in each division will receive an invitation to race on Sunday. » Guests are welcome to attend (no bracelet required).
- Awards will be prensented to age categories in the following order:
  - 95+, 90-94, 85-89, 80-84, 75-79, 70-74, 65-69, 60-64
  - 1-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-20
  - 55-59, 50-54, 45-49, 40-44, 35-39, 30-34, 21-29
6:30pm – 10:00pm Awards Reception (West Portal) » Complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages for all National Championships competitors and their guests (cash bars available). » Swap stories with members of the Nature Valley NASTAR community, autograph session with U.S. Ski Team & Olympic stars and more!

» Guests are welcome to attend (guest bracelet required for admittance).

Sunday, March 27 Nature Valley NASTAR Race of Champions (National Title Winners Only)

10:00am (Lower Hughes)
- Non-Alpine Female – All Ages (snowboard, telemark & physically challenged)
- Alpine Female – All Ages
- “Race of Champions” Awards Ceremony (Lower Hughes finish area)
11:00am (Lower Hughes)
- Non-Alpine Male – All Ages (snowboard, telemark & physically challenged)
- Alpine Male – All Ages
- “Race of Champions” Awards Ceremony (Lower Hughes finish area)
12:00pm Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships Ends

Thanksgiving on the Ski Hill at Winter Park Resort

Posted on October 29, 2010 by Chris

Lodge at Sunspot Winter Park, CO Thanksgiving Dinner

Have you ever had dinner up at Sunspot at Winter Park? What a great evening, take a gondola ride up the zephyr lift, looking over the snow and moon drenched Rockies and then head to dinner in the rustic luxury of The Lodge at Sunspot.

Want to have a Thanksgiving experience that you will never forget. Plan Thanksgiving dinner this year up on top of the slopes of Winter Park and Mary Jane.

Dinner seatings start at 4PM and goes until 10PM. A traditional Thanksgiving dinner buffet is being served and it is a spectacular sounding menu.

Buffet Menu:
Salad Station – chef tossed to order Caesar and/or field green salad with champagne vinaigrette and ranch dressing. Served with fresh bread & butter.
Chef carved turkey and prime rib with a jus and horseradish sauce.
Mashed potatoes with giblet gravy and sweet potatoes.
Soup du jour.
Herbed stuffing.
Sautéed baby carrots and green beans.
Desert Bar – pumpkin pie, apple pie, chocolate trilogy and assorted mousses.

Thanksgiving Buffet- $49.95 Adults / $19.95 Children 10 and under (Buffet Only)

For reservations call 970.726.1446

Price includes gondola ride, buffet, non-alcoholic beverages, & dessert. Sales tax and gratuity will be added. Alcohol and specialty beverages are additional.

What a feast and there is no turkey shopping, cooking or cleanup. You could ski all day or sit in the bar at The Club Car at Mary Jane and watchsome NFL football all day. Then the whole family could head over for your spectacular Thanksgiving meal.

Make it a perfect Thanksgiving weekend and ski eat and hot tub and not even have to get into your car. Check out the Winter Park Lodging Company’s ski in and out lodging at the base of Winter Park Resort.

Come on up and enjoy a Thanksgiving at the one and only Winter Park/Mary Jane Resort.

Warren Miller’s Wintervention in Winter Park, CO

Posted on October 8, 2010 by Chris

Ski Movies in Winter Park, CO

Ski season is on the way. The hills around Winter Park were covered with snow this morning and the annual celebration of skiing is almost here in WP. That celebration is the Warren Miller ski film and this years edition is Wintervention.

Date of Show
10/28/2010

Show Times
Show times: 6pm and 9pm

Location
Silver Screen Cinema in Winter Park, Colorado

970.726.5390

Narrated by skiing icon Jonny Moseley and presented in striking high-definition, Warren Miller films showcase incredible cinematography that will get you craving vertical lines, deep powder and epic adventure. This year’s film takes you on a breathtaking global tour of some of the world’s most impressive terrain, including Canada, Antarctica, California, New Zealand, Utah, Austria, Alaska and more. Warren Miller film premieres are an experience and a phenomenon not to be missed.

Check out the Wintervention trailer . If this doesn’t get you psyched for ski season then you may want to put the boards out on the curb and call it quits.

Wintervention features acute cases of classic snow-diction from across the globe. There are the skiers who sail from Argentina to Antarctica searching for some of the last untouched descents on Earth; there are confessions from a man whose six ski passes simply aren’t enough. There are the skiers and riders who venture deep into the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia, chasing rumors they overheard in a language they don’t speak. And there are the skiers who tour far into the northern reaches of the Arctic Circle… where they won’t just climb peaks — they’ll reach the top of the planet.

Make sure to get your tickets early as the Silver Screen Cinema is very intimate and the Warren Miller show almost always sells out.

Lets go ski season.

US Alpine Ski Championships Return to Colorado at Winter Park Resort

Posted on August 3, 2010 by Chris

US Alpine Ski Championships 2011

Winter Park Resort will bring the US Alpine Ski Championships back to Colorado for the first time since 1994 this spring 2011.

The four-day series opens Thursday, March 31, with mens giant slalom, followed by womens GS on April 1, mens and womens super G on April 2 and finally slalom on April 3. The U.S. downhill championship will be held earlier in the winter in conjunction with the NorAm stop at Aspen, on Feb. 16, in order to ensure solid winter snow conditions.

Winter Park hosted a string of championships from 1992-94 and has been an integral host to early season technical races on the NorAm circuit for over a decade. The U.S. Alpine Championships opens the weekend following the Nature Valley NASTAR National Championships, a culmination of the largest recreational ski and snowboard race program in the world.

Expected to race at the championships is Lindsey Vonn, pictured above. And in addition to top local ski racers, celebrity athletes expected to compete besides Olympic medalists Lindsey Vonn of Vail are Julia Mancuso of Olympic Valley, Calif., Ted Ligety of Park City, Utah and Andrew Weibrecht of Lake Placid, N.Y.

2011 U.S. Alpine Championships at Winter Park Resort Colorado

Wednesday, Feb. 16: Men’s and Women’s downhill*
Thursday, March 31: Men’s giant slalom
Friday, April 1: Women’s giant slalom
Saturday, April 2: Men’s and Women’s super G
Sunday, April 3: Men’s and Women’s slalom
*The U.S. downhill championships will take place at Aspen

The last few years the snow has been great in late March and April. Now is the time to plan your ski trip and take in the US Alpine Ski Championships.

Crankworx Colorado at Winter Park Resort

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Chris

Crankworks Colorado

Crankworx is here at Winter Park Resort this week starting Thursday the 29th. This is the premier downhill bike festival in the United States and if you have not had a chance to check it out, you are missing out.

Crankworx Winter Park Colorado

Check out the above link to get an idea of what the downhill course is like at Trestle Bike Park that the athletes will be riding. We here at Winter Park Lodging Company had a chance last week to give Trestle Bike Park a ride and it is a rush and those that are professional in this sport are amazing athletes.

Here is the schedule of events for Crankworks Colorado 2010:

Thursday, July 29

Dual Slalom

Slopestyle Qualifiers

Friday, July 30

Super Downhill

Best Trick

Saturday, July 31

Cross Country

Slopestyle Finals

Sunday, August 1

UCI/PRO GRT Downhill

This is one of the coolest festivals of the year with a great feel, live music, great athletes and Trestle Bike Park is open so you can give the downhill bike a try and see what all the rage is about.

While the temperatures are hitting the high 90′s down in Denver and Boulder here in Winter Park we are in the 70′s and 80′s with nice cool night temps of 50 or so and surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Lots to do up here this time of year. If you have any appreciation of bicycles at all you do not want to miss Crankworx. This is the bike festival of the year!

Take a Carriage Ride around Winter Park

Posted on July 22, 2010 by Valarie

Cooper Creek Square has started a new, fun activity for the summer – carriage rides. And guess, what? They’re FREE.

Grab the fam and head down to the Cooper Creek Square outdoor mall in downtown Winter Park on Saturday afternoons from 1-3 pm or from 5:30-7:30pm. Then hop in a buggy for a horse-drawn carriage ride around town.

While you’re waiting for a ride, there will also be face painting, street performers and musicians for a full evening of entertainment.

Of course, there’s also lots of great shops for souveniers – jewelry, Winter Park memorabilia and even women’s fashion clothing. If you get hungry, you can eat at one of the Cooper Creek restaurants, including the Mountain Grind Cafe & Bistro, New Hong Kong Chinese and India Star (with an excellent lunch buffet).

Every Saturday of the summer you can enjoy the free carriage rides and entertainment and every Friday, check out Music on the Mall with great live music on the patio. Have a great summer in Winter Park!

Crankworx Colorado Bike Festival

Posted on June 21, 2010 by Chris

Crankworx Winter Park, CO

Crankworx Colorado is again back at Winter Park Resort this year and this is the premier bicycle festival of the year in Colorado.

Crankworx Colorado is one of the largest gravity-fueled mountain bike festivals in the United States. Come up and check out the action for FREE*!! During four intense days, spectators are awed by some of the world’s best mountain bike athletes battling it out for over $35,000 in prizes. Some of the biggest names in mountain biking like Semenuk, Basagoitia, McCaul, and Berrecloth will be on site. Don’t miss the mountain biking event of the summer; make your plans now. You won’t regret it.

Crankworx Colorado is Intrawest’s US version of the Whistler BC’s Kokanee Crankworx. This is the premier downhill biking event in the world.

Last year the all the lodging booked up at the Winter Park Resort base, closest lodging to the Crankworx area, and this year is looking like the same will happen. Book your lodging now to get the convenient digs for the bike fest.

Schedule of events is as follows:

2010 Crankworx Schedule

Thursday, July 29

Dual Slalom

Slopestyle Qualifiers

Friday, July 30

Super Downhill

Best Trick

Saturday, July 31

Cross Country

Slopestyle Finals

Sunday, August 1

UCI/PRO GRT Downhill

If you have never seen or heard of Crankworx you are missing out. There are some amazing athletes and these guys do some crazy stuff on a bicycle. If you have kids they will surely be able to tell you what this whole Crankworx thing is all about.

Again book your lodging now for a great time and a great festival in the mountains. Let Winter Park Lodging Company take care of all your Winter Park CO lodging needs so you can Play Hard, Rest Easy.

Winter Park, CO Music Festivals

Posted on May 15, 2010 by Chris

Summer Music in Winter Park Colorado

Music is in the air this year in Winter Park, Colorado. The big festivals are back and there is a smattering of some new events to make this a great year up here in Rockies. There will be jazz, blues, rock and country festivals through the season at the Hideaway Park venue in downtown Winter Park, CO.

The Winter Park Jazz Festival - A Colorado tradition for over 20 years and it just keeps on getting stronger. This year featuring Chaka Khan and Norman Browns Summer Storm. The Jazz Festival is the premier summer jazz fest in the Rocky Mountain region.

Blues From The Top Music Festival – From the Grand County Blues Society this is one rockin’ show that blues lovers do not want to miss. Tis’ is a full weekend of music with a Friday night show at Smokin’ Moe’s to get the party started right.

The Fox Classic Rock Music Festival – Featuring that ‘80′s hit producing machine Night Ranger, tell me you don’t remember the high school classic Sister Christian. Come out for a day of Music, Food, Beer Pavilion, Vendors and Fun. 103.5 The Fox brings a GREAT line up of music and fun. Gates and Vendors open at 10 am for this FREE EVENT! Yes it is free, not something you hear very often when it comes to live music! Show is 8/7/2010 from noon to 6PM. Contact winter Park Lodging Company for your tickets.

KYGO High Country Music Festival – Another free festival featuring Chris Cagle, The Josh Abbott Band and Kory Brunson. No editorializing here as I’m not a Country Music aficionado. I bet though it would be a great time and a lot cheaper than the $300.00 U2 is getting for their Denver show this summer.

There is also the season long High Note Thursday free shows in Hideaway Park. Artists have not been released yet. Also there is the season ling Fraser Picnic In The Park Series with Denver and local artists.

We have a lot of music going on up here in winter Park, CO along with great weather and more outdoor activities than you could name.

Come have a great summer time in Winter Park, Colorado.

See Winter Park Lodging Company for tickets to all events and the best music lodging available.

Winter Park Colorado Fourth of July

Posted on April 30, 2010 by Chris

4th of July in the Colorado Rockies

Looking for somewhere to spend the fourth of July weekend up in the Colorado mountains? Winter Park is the place to be for fourth of July. Come celebrate summer in Winter Park and the Fraser Valley this 4th of July Weekend.

There are a bunch activities happening, including the long-going Rendezvous Run for Independence, the Hi Country Stampede Rodeo and of course the spectacular fireworks display. There is also a great fireworks display over in Grand Lake, a short 25 minute drive from the friendly confines of Winter Park and Fraser.

Monday, July 4th
3:00pm – 10:00pm
Every year, locals and visitors alike bring their families, BBQs and blankets to the Fraser Ball-fields to play & relax out in the gorgeous mountain air for the 4th of July. Kids run & play on the huge grassy fields, live music sounds for listening and dancing, and everyone enjoys the day as we wait for the spectacular fireworks display at nightfall. At the Fraser Ball-fields, just north of the town of Fraser. For more information call the Winter Park & Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce 800-903-7275 or 970-726-4118.

Grand Lake Fireworks
Grand Lake boasts the largest fireworks display in Colorado on the 4th of July, with gorgeous colors exploding over and reflecting in the lakes.

Run for Independence
Saturday

8:00am – whenever the last racer crosses the finish line!
This is a five-mile race course from the base of Winter Park Resort to the Town of Fraser. With an elevation loss of over 600 feet, anyone can enjoy walking or running on the scenic and paved Fraser River Trail to help raise money for the Scott Hughes Endowment Fund. This foundation provides scholarships for children on kidney dialysis to attend Camp Chief Ouray at Snow Mountain Ranch-YMCA of the Rockies. Registration will be available online soon or you can register at the starting line from 8:00am – 9:00am at Winter Park Resort. For more information call the Winter Park & Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce 800-903-7275 or 970-726-4118.

These are only a few of the activities that can be had here in Winter Park for the 4th of July weekend. Check out Winter Park Lodging Companies full activity schedule for this years Fourth of July in Winter Park Colorado.