Last Week of Skiing at Winter Park Resort

Posted on April 12, 2010 by Chris

spring skiing in colorado winter Winter Park Resort Closing Ski Day

We are down to the last day of ski season here in Winter Park, Colorado. And this if the time to come up to make some turns. The last day of the 2009/2010 ski season is April 18th this year and that is the day to be here up here in the Rockies.

This week there are lots of events in the Winter Park Village. There will be live music in the village and a beer dinner at The Cheeky Monk this Thursday. The weather this week is looking good with snow predicted for Tuesday the 13th.

The grand finale of this ski season will be the Winter Park Resort Spring Splash. Check out the link and make plans to attend the oldest tradition of its kind and on its 42nd year. On Sunday, April 18, athletes begin at 12pm as spectators watch skiers and riders struggle through obstacles on the Larry Sale trail race course and attempt to skim across an icy pond to reach the finish line and post a time. Live music sets the tone for a closing day party that is fun for everyone!

The official party is held at the Winter Park base and the unofficial wilder side is over in the C-Lot at Mary Jane. Come enjoy some music, BBQ, beer, and an all around good time at the Mary Jane Spring Splash celebration.

This is the last week of ski season here in Winter Park, CO so lets get out and wish ski season a grand goodbye ’till next November.

Easter Fun at Winter Park Resort Colorado

Posted on April 4, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park Easter Bunny Easter Bunny in Winter Park, Colorado

The Easter Bunny donned some skis this weekend and made an appearance in Winter Park, Colorado. There was a few inches of new snow for Mr. Bunny and the wind calmed a bit for him to rip it up over on the Mary Jane side.

At the base of the Winter Park Resort was the Wells Fargo Easter Egg and Candy Hunt that was a hit with all the youngsters. Nicholas & Willem, our twins, were able to get a couple of chocolate eggs themselves. It was a great time for the young ones and this is an event we will make an annual tradition.

Easter marks the official countdown to the end of the season party, Winter Park Spring Splash, here at the Resort. So, mark your calendars and be sure to attend the most fun and longest running end of season ski resort party in Colorado.

Lodging deals are abundant this time of year and Winter Park Lodging Company can you on the slopes for cheap, cheap, cheap.

Spring is here and the weather and snow can not be beat in April. Make your plans now and get your skiing in he next two weeks. Last day of the ski season is April 18th, 2010.

Come on up get the best turns of the year in!

Cross Country|Nordic Skiing at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Posted on March 27, 2010 by Chris

When guests ask where they should go for a special meal, I always reply “Tabernash Tavern or Devil’s Thumb” and I’ve been to both several times. But one thing I have somehow missed for years is the main reason people go to Devil’s Thumb in the winter – cross country skiing (those who know what they are doing call it Nordic skiing).

Ma & Pa hoofin' it at Devil's Thumb

Devil’s Thumb is the largest Nordic center in the Rocky Mountains with 100km of trails. My mom had her knee replaced last summer so alpine skiing isn’t an option and we wanted to get out of the house last week when my parents were visiting. So, we got out my parents’ 20 year old cross country skis and took a short drive over to Devil’s Thumb on a gorgeous bluebird day.

I rented equipment from a guy who said he grew up alpine skiing in Vermont but explained that cross country skiing was actually the first “skiing” sport and beat alpine by about 500 years. Renting was cheap – maybe $15 and equipment seemed pretty nice to me. And the best part is it felt we had the place to ourselves. He said it’s only “busy” on weekends but busy to them is like April 30th at the resort (hint: resort closes April 18th).

Meadow Trail

We had lunch at a picnic table overlooking the trails (brought it with us) and then got started. We went slowly but soon got the hang of getting in the rutts (I’m sure there’s a more proper name but that’s what we called them) made by the custom snowplow that grooms the trails and cuts in 2 rutts so you can steady yourselves. We skied for about 2 hours and it was just beautiful. Stayed on the Meadow Trail to Wapiti then Broken Barn and back on Ranch Walk. All flat, but over bridges, down a few small little hills, gorgeous scenery and a nice workout. Ten minutes into it, we wished we were as smart as the guy who passed us wearing shorts and a t-shirt. It was HOT. And my dad and I forgot face sunscreen so we looked silly for a few days afterwards. But, other than that, it was really a wonderful day.

If you need an alternative to downhill skiing for the young or the old, or just want to take a break and enjoy the peaceful serenity of Colorado in the wintertime, head over to Devil’s Thumb Ranch and find out what “classic” vs “skate” skiing is. Plus, it’s cheap. Adults are $18 a day and kids 12 and under and the grandparents are only $8 a day. Got little ones? They even have chariots so you can pull them along with you for $20. Definitely wear shorts and a t-shirt if you’re going to pull that off.

Bring your lunch, some water, sunscreen!, and enjoy! Or try the moonlight nordic skiing and have a drink or a full dinner afterwards.

Winter Park Resort Season Passes

Posted on March 23, 2010 by Chris

Winter Park Resort Season pass Winter Park/Mary Jane Season Pass

Winter Park/Mary Jane Resort season ski passes are on sale. There are three configurations that are being offered by Intrawest and Powdr Corp.

Intrawest sold Copper Mountain this past December and Copper is still teaming up with Intrawestst to offer passes that are good at Winter Park, Steamboat Springs and Copper Mountain.

2010-2011 Intrawest Resort Season Pass Spring Prices

Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus:
Unlimited riding at Copper and Winter Park, plus six days at Steamboat — $409
Rocky Mountain Super Pass: Unlimited skiing at Winter Park and Copper — $409
Copper Mountain Season Pass: Unlimited, single mountain — $359
Winter Park/Mary Jane Season Pass: $369

These are Spring pricing deals are good for a few weeks until prices go up. Intrawest is also offering a deal for only $49.00 down now and the balance to be charged in August.

It is interesting that Powdr Corp has elected to stay with the Intrawest pass program but completely understandable as they are surrounded by Vail Resorts and would be crushed if they would try to go it alone. As of yet, Copper has not offered any pass products that include access to other resorts of Powdr Corp, which purchased Copper from Intrawest in December. Powdr Corp also owns Park City Mountain Resort, Killington Resort and Mount Bachelor, among other ski areas.

These season ski pass prices are such deals. In the early 1990′s a Winter park pass ran n the $700 range and a Summit pass that was good for all Summit County ski areas ran in the $850 range. Who says competition isn’t good?

If you are planning to do any skiing make sure to get your Winter Park/Mary Jane season ski pass this spring and save yourself some cash.

Winter Park Powder Day

Posted on March 2, 2010 by Chris

Powder Skiing Winter Park Resort

It was a powder day yesterday at Winter Park Resort. One of the localized snow storms that Winter Park is famous for dumped a nice 16 inch blanket of the white fluffy stuff right on top of our hills for the enjoyment of the Winter Park guests and locals.

Berthoud Pass was closed on Sunday at 6:30 PM so only those here and those willing to drive around through Silverthorne and Kremmling were able to enjoy the best day of skiing here in Winter Park in over a year.

It was an eventful day from start to finish. I was supposed to do some back-country skiing with Powder Addiction yesterday but the pass closure scuttled that. But not to worry, fresh tracks on 16 inches of new is dream of a Monday. We were inline at 8:30AM for the 9AM first lift and the runs did not disappoint. I did break a ski pole and my ski partner Scott Emory, he of Moonshine Liquors, lost a ski. But overall it was a spectacular day and my legs are feeling it today.

March and April are the best months to ski in Colorado and especially Winter Park Resort. Chances are we will get some storms as big as Sundays in the next few weeks so get on up here and don’t miss on the next powder day.

Here is the trail report for March 2, 2010:

New Winter Park Resort Snow (In Inches)
24 hrs	48 hrs	72 hrs	Season
0.1″	16.1″	16.1″	205.9″

We are at about 206 inches so far for the 2009/2010 ski season, that means we should have another 150 inches by the middle April. Don’t forget Winter Park Resort closing day is April 18, 2010. Last year we received over a foot of snow on the closing weekend of Winter Park Resort just in time for Spring Splash.

So don’t make this another I should have skied more year, come on up and get your spring skiing turns in.

Winter Park, CO. Winter

Posted on January 25, 2010 by Chris

Snow in Winter Park, CO.

Winter Time in Winter Park, CO

Well, it is winter time here in Winter Park, Colorado. Lots of snow on the ground and pretty darn chilly each morning. Now is when the skiing gets good and the crowds are small until we hit the March spring break crowds (besides the pack of skiers here for Presidents weekend).

So far the snowfall in Winter Park has been somewhat short of the average but the forecast is calling for big storms thru the first part of February. Bring on the snow!

Now is the time to get out to Devil’s Thumb Ranch to do some cross country skiing or out the back door to take a nice snow shoe hike. Looking for something a little different, head out and take a dog sled ride at Winter Park Dog Sled Rides. Want to soak the cold from your bones, Hot Sulpher Springs Mineral Baths has hot pools to warm your cold bones. If you are looking for a little summer in Winter Park head to the new Grand Park Rec Center. The hot tub , steam room, sauna and water slide may fool you into thinking you are in Winter Park, FL not Winter Park, CO.

But why are most of us here in Winter Park? It is the skiing. Yes it may be a little cold but now is when you can get out and hit the slopes and you can find your own little sanctuary on the hill. Fresh tracks, runs with only you and your shadow is what this time of winter is about.

So, lets do our snow dance and hope the storms keep on hitting us and that we may get clobbered by that 20′ storm that is always just over the horizon.

Tommelfest at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Posted on December 9, 2009 by Chris

Winter Park Nordic Skiing

Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash is hosting Tommelfest 2009 on December 12th. There will classes, competition, food, music and booze. Sounds like a grand time and they are giving away a free T-Shirt to attendees.

What is a Tommelfest? beats me but it sounds fun. Here is what the WP Chamber of Commerce says about it: “Come celebrate all things Nordic – meatballs, music by Brethren Fast, fun dancing, demos, Grog Garden, BBQ $12, relay races, keg toss, waxing clinic, free lessons from the DU Nordic team, and very probably, meatballs at Tommelfest ’09!”

Devil’s Thumb Ranch Facebook page is where I found the offer for free T-Shirts: “Facebook fans get a FREE t-shirt at Tommelfest! Tell your friends, neighbors, parents, strangers… Let’s Tommelfest Colorado! (and yes, I just turned Tommelfest into a verb…)”

Schedule of events for the day:

10:00am- 11:30am: Classes
11:30am-1:00pm: BBQ and Grog Garden (Heck’s Patio)
12:00pm: Norwegian Keg Toss sponsored by O’Doul’s
12:30pm- 1:30pm: Team Sprints (bib pick up in Broad Axe Barn)
12:30pm- 1:30pm: Wax clinic presented by Swix
1:30pm- 3:00pm: Classes
2:00pm- 3:30pm: Team Sprints, Freestyle, 2x2x.5km
3:45pm: Award Ceremony
4:00pm- 6:00pm: Cocktail Hour for Season Pass Holders (Heck’s Tavern)

Music by BRETHREN FAST 12PM TO 4PM

Call Devil’s Thumb Ranch at 970-726-8231 for more information.

Get up here to Winter Park and get some early skiing in.

Facebook fans get a FREE t-shirt at Tommelfest! Tell your friends, neighbors, parents, strangers… Let’s Tommelfest Colorado! (and yes, I just turned Tommelfest into a verb…)

Ski Broker in Winter Park continues to keep us happy!

Posted on November 29, 2009 by sam

ski broker Well, I did it. I finally bought a new snowboard. I’ve been riding on the same one for five years now, and while it was a very sturdy, balanced, reliable board, it was time for an upgrade. (I promise this blog is not just a justification of my purchase to avoid buyer’s remorse).

So, after contemplating, researching, and saving pennies, I called Ski Broker in Fraser (one of their three locations) to ask if I could pretty please borrow a demo board to try out and possibly purchase (demo boards are brand new models that ski and snowboard companies send over to rental shops so customers can try out this year’s new gear). When Alissa, one of many knowledgable and helpful staff members, heard I was interested in buying, she went above and beyond to track down a board that would be perfect for me. With the help of Alissa, Paul (owner, check out his story: http://www.wpskibroker.com/AboutUs/tabid/54/Default.aspx), and Jamie (who assured me a snowboard was a necessity), I am now looking at a brand new Arbor Push snowboard. When it finally snows here, I’ll absolutely take a picture on the slopes to show it off

When I am about to spend half my rent money on a snowboard, I want to purchase one from someone who I know, trust, and is passionate about skiing and snowboarding themselves. Isn’t that what you want when you’re renting gear or having someone polish and tune up your own gear? Well, good news, that’s exaclty what you’ll find in our local, family owned Ski Broker. These guys do it all: they have a fantastic selection of rentals (of everything, including snowshoes and clothing) and gear for purchase, as well as extensive tunes and repairs. Check out their website for everything they have to offer: http://www.wpskibroker.com/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx. Since we trust them so much we wanted to share them with our guests, so don’t forget that when you book with us you receive 22% off your rentals at Ski Broker!

Snow Tubing and Sledding in Winter Park, Colorado

Posted on November 21, 2009 by Chris

Snow Sledding in Winter Park

Wanting to have some fun with the whole family? There is not a better way for some family fun than an evening on the slopes on a tube. Sol Vista is offering Holiday Tubing in 2010 from December 26th to December 30th. Price is $10 for night skiing and $11 for night tubing or $18 for a combo ticket for both. Hours of operation are from 5PM to 8PM. Sol Vista has night skiing lights so the tubing should be very fun and exciting. Please visit www.granbyranch.com for more info.

The Fraser Snow Tubing Hill offers sledding all winter long. With thrills for children, teens and parents alike, there is no more family-friendly activity than sledding or tubing down a smooth alpine slope. Join the Fraser Tubing Hill in Grand County, Colorado to experience some serious winter fun in Winter Park/Fraser, Colorado.

Fraser Snow Tubing Hill

PO Box 219

Fraser, CO 80442

970-726-5954

E-mail: rj@fraserweb.com

Bring the whole family for a snow tubing adventure! Located behind the Alco shopping center in Fraser. Groups welcome.

With thrills for children, teens and parents alike, there is no more family-friendly activity than sledding or tubing down a smooth alpine slope. Join us in Grand County, Colorado to experience some serious winter fun!

Winter Park/Fraser, Colorado

Fraser Snow Tubing Hill
PO Box 219
Fraser, CO 80442
970-726-5954
E-mail: rj@fraserweb.com

Bring the whole family for a snow tubing adventure! Located behind the Alco shopping center in Fraser. Groups welcome.With thrills for children, teens and parents alike, there is no more family-friendly activity than sledding or tubing down a smooth alpine slope. Join us in Grand County, Colorado to experience some serious winter fun!

Winter Park/Fraser, Colorado

Fraser Snow Tubing Hill

PO Box 219

Fraser, CO 80442

970-726-5954

E-mail: rj@fraserweb.com

Bring the whole family for a snow tubing adventure! Located behind the Alco shopping center in Fraser. Groups welcome.

Winter Park- Lots of Snow and Ready to Go!

Posted on November 9, 2009 by Chris

images One of our inside sources (who also happens to be a snowmaker at the ski area), has good news for all of us chomping at the bit for the lifts to open. Last weeks huge storm and more snow forecasted for this week has helped create a substantial base – at least twice as much now compared to this time last year- in the highcountry. This early season accumulation has aided the snowmaking crews in mixing the natural with the man made white stuff. Another bonus is that they’re now making snow on 50% more trails than this time last year. If this keeps up (and we hope it does!), we can look forward to a stellar opening day.

We heard a little something about the possibility of cloud seeding this year in WP. We recently learned that it is official. Denver Water and Winter Park Resort are teaming up to help clouds produce greater amounts of snowfall for the 09′-10′ ski season. So get your flight, book your lodging with Winter Park Lodging Company, and come join us for an Epic Season!