Epic Single Track Race Series at Winter Park Resort

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Chris

Mountain Bike Races at Winter Park Resort

It is getting that time for bicycle racing at Winter Park Resort. This year should bring another great season of cross country bike racing with the Epic Singletrack series.

2012 marks the 20th year of epic cross country racing hosted by the Winter Park Competition Center! The Epic Singletrack Series is proud to be the largest cross-country race series in Colorado, bringing you exciting race courses over the 600+ miles of single track in the Winter Park/Fraser Valley, also known as Mountain Bike Capital USA. The Epic Singletrack series is a set of seven races held at and around the Winter Park Resort area. The races are grouped by ability: beginner, sport, expert and pro.

Some of the biggest names in biking have ridden these races with Lance Armstong being the best known name to race at Winter Park Resort. Lance rode the King of the Rockies in 1999 after winning his first Tour de France. While it is exciting for Winter Park Resort to have hosted such high profile riders as Armstrong, it should also be noted that they are proud to be a welcoming and fun race series for those wishing to try mountain bike racing for the first time. No memberships are required!

Epic Singletrack Race Schedule:

Race 1: June 16 – Hill Climb Kick-Off
Race 2: June 30 - Epic XC
Race 3: July 14 – Epic XC
Race 4: July 15 – Epic STXC
Race 5: July 28 – Epic XC
Race 6: August 4 – Epic XC
Race 7: August 25 – King of the Rockies

To find out more about the Epic Singletrack Mountain Bike Race Series checkout their website.

Want to have the best pre-race schedule? Let Winter Park Lodging Company set you up in the most convenient Epic Single Track Lodging, usually a walking distance from the start line. No need to wake up early to up to Winter Park come up the night before and let your lungs adjust to the 9000 ft. altitude up here at Winter Park Resort.

Check out all the Winter Park Epic Resort Single Track properties and get your first choice of digs today.

Get ready mountain bike season is upon us and the Epic Singletrack Series is starting June 16th!

Little Feat in Winter Park, CO

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Chris

Little Feat Live at the Solshine Music Fest

The Solshine Music Festival this year at Hideaway Park will be featuring Little Feat as the headliner.

Little Feat is an American rock band formed by singer-songwriter, lead vocalist and guitarist Lowell George and keyboardist Bill Payne in 1969 in Los Angeles.

Although the band has undergone several changes in its lineup, the music remains an eclectic blend of rock and roll, blues, R&B, boogie, country, folk, gospel, soul, funk and jazz fusion influences. Lowell died in 1979 but the group has been around since then performing some of their classics such as Willin’, Dixie Chicken and Fat Man in the Bathtub.

Also, appearing at the Solshine Music Festival will be The Samples as the opening act and unnamed second act that should make for a great show. The Solshine Fest will be on July 14th, 2012 from 12pm to 6pm.

Tickets to the Solshine Music Festival featuring Little Feat will be free for general admission. VIP passed and other seating options will be available and will be able to be purchased through the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

If you are looking to get the best lodging for the Solshine Music Festival make sure to book early. Winter Park Lodging Company has some great lodging options within both walking and listening distance to the stage at Hideaway Park in Winter Park, CO. Little Feat will be a big draw though so make sure to book your book early to get your choice of lodging.

Lodging for Little Feat in Winter Park, CO

Winter Park Resort Winter Carnival

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Chris

Mary Jane’s Birthday Bash

This weekend brings us the Winter Park Carnival celebrating Mary Jane’s birthday. The event celebrates one of Winter Park’s most famous gals – Mary Jane, the lady of the night. Winter Park Resort will host Mary Jane’s Birthday Bash with daily events including free bump tips, a snow sculpture contest, live music, and delicious Après Ski birthday cake (outside of the Club Car, on the Mary Jane base, at 2:15pm Saturday). Destination Downtown will carry the celebration into Saturday evening with a main street parade, fireworks and family fun activities. Ice Sculpture competition will return this year at Winter Park Resort and downtown Winter Park.

Here are the scheduled events on Saturday, January 21 to celebrate Mary Jane turning another year older:

7:30-9am Pancake Breakfast at Mary Jane

8am-11am Interactive Ice Display at Winter Park Resort

8am-4pm Snow Sculpture contest at Winter Park Resort and Mary Jane 9am-4pm Retail and Rental specials at the Mary Jane Shop

10am-1pm 5k Less Idle More Wild Snowshoe Series in Hideaway Park 10am-2pm Free Bump Tips at the Top of the Super Gauge Express 11am-1pm Kids fun activities with 1k race in Hideaway Park. 11:30am-5pm Jager Ice Bar & Giveaways Club Car Deck

12pm-5pm Live Music on the Club Car Deck

2pm-6pm Sprint Photo Booth- Old Time Photos

3pm-6pm Mary Jane dress-alike specials & après ski at the Club Car 1pm-4pm vitaminwater Street Team Sampling

3pm-6pm Coors Liberty Ski Giveaway at the Derailer Bar 3pm-6pm The Silver Bullet Base Bash Live Music Series presented by Coors with Kort McCumber at the Derailer Bar

4pm-6pm Free Campfire – S’mores Hot Chocolate and Sledding Party at Hideaway Park

4-8pm Free Music at Hideaway Park 5:15pm Wish Lanterns to be lit and set off in Hideaway Park

6pm Free Parade down Main Street Winter Park

Fireworks and Cupcakes to follow 9pm The Grand County Blues Society Presents Trampled Under Foot at Smokin’ Moe’s

11:30am-5pm Coors Light Ice Bar & Giveaways on the Derailer Deck

Sunday, January 22 Events:

7:30-9am Bloody Marys at Club Car at Mary Jane

10am-2pm Free Bump Tips at the Top of the Super Gauge Express 9am-4pm Retail and Rental specials at the Mary Jane Shop

11:30am-5pm Jager Ice Bar & Giveaways Club Car Deck 11:30-5pm Coors Light Ice Bar & Giveaways on the Derailer Deck 3-6pm Apres Ski Club Car at Mary Jane

9:45pm Live Music featuring Whitewater Ramble at Ullrs Tavern

Head on out and help Mary Jane celebrate her birthday.

Winter Park, Colorado Thanksgiving Dinner Options

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Chris

Thanksgiving Dinner in Winter Park, CO

The weather has taken a turn here in Winter Park and we are on our way to the opening of ski season and then we are at the favorite of all holidays, the day of giving Thanks. Thanksgiving this year is November 24th and that is eight days after the of Winter Park Resort. Hopefully, we will be giving thanks to all the snow that is on the ground this year (Thank You La Nina).

There are a whole lot of options this year for those wanting to get out of the house and let someone else stuff that turkey and make those candied yams.

The Lodge at Sunspot on top of the Winter Park Resort slopes will again offering a spectacular spread. The meal starts with a lovely gondola ride to the top on the Zephyr Express chairlift.

Buffet Menu:

Salad Station – chef tossed to order Caesar and/or field green salad w/ champagne vinaigrette and ranch dressing. Served w/ fresh bread & butter.
Chef carved turkey and prime rib w/ a jus and horseradish sauce.
Mashed potatoes w/ 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, and dessert. Sales tax and gratuity will be added. Alcohol and specialty beverages are additional.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch will also be offering traditional Thanksgiving Dinner in one of the most beautiful settings in Colorado. If you are looking to be pampered let DTR make Thanksgiving a snap. Give a special Thanks at Devil’s Thumb. Hang up the apron and let Chef Evan do the cooking this year. Besides a gourmet meal, you’ll get to relax and enjoy the day. Now that’s something to be thankful for! Advance Reservations Required.

Dinner at Heck’s 11:30am – 8:30pm $49
Dinner at the Ranch House Restaurant 4pm – 9pm $59

- A la carte options also available
Looking to stay intown for your Winter Park Thanksgiving?

Randi’s is offering a traditional Thanksgiving dinner . They will be open 11-8 serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner & several select menu items for those who are not into the Thanksgiving grub. Randi’s is also a great place to catch those Thanksgiving NFL games or to escape from the family overload. If you haven’t seen the new bar at Randi’s you are missing out. It’s a great place to catch a game and have a cold brew.

Deno’s is also offering a Thanksgiving Dinner and selections from it’s menu for those that are opposed to turkey. Check out their menu below:

Lets give thanks to what a wonderful place that we have here in Winter Park, Colorado? Looking to have a Winter Park kind of Thanksgiving? Check out Winter Park Lodging Company’s Winter Park, Co Thanksgiving Lodging.

Labor Day at Winter Park Resort, Colorado

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Chris

Winter Park, CO Labor Day

Labor Day brings about a lot of transition here in Winter Park. It is also a great weekend to celebrate the end of summer or as has been the usual case the middle of fall.

Labor Day is September 5th this year and there has already been some clumps of aspen turning yellow as of the second week of August so expect the colors to be blazing around Labor Day in Winter Park. As the saying goes, “All good things must come to an end,” and the phenomenal summer season we’ve been having up at Winter Park Resort is no exception. Labor Day marks the end of summer weekday operations at the resort. Trestle Bike Park and the other base attraction will be open on weekends through September 25th.

The weather here in Winter Park has not turned yet but there is definitely a fall feel in the air each morning. It is perfect weather in my opinion with the days in the 70′s a night time is cool enough for a fleece or light jacket. This is the best time of the year for mountain biking in Winter Par and the trail are in terrific shape.

There are also a lots to do other than the Winter Park Resort activities. Check out Devils Thumb Ranch Labor Day celebration:

$29 All-You-Can-Eat Chef Prepared BBQ
Kids (12 & under) Half-Price
$3 Drafts
$3 Trinity Oaks Wines
$3 House-made Infusion Martinis

Enjoy yard games, an animal petting zoo, live music by Rob Drabkin.

Choose from two-for-one activities such as guided hikes, a mountain bike ride, fly casting lessons, archery, or Cowpoke Camp for the kids.

Get your Winter Park Resort lodging with Winter Park Lodging Company and get the best deal and the best customer service in WP, CO.

Winter Park TreadFest 2011

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Chris

Winter Park, CO Bicycle Festival

The Winter Park Fat Tire Classic is being replaced by the TreadFest! The first annual TreadFest will take place in Winter Park, Colorado on July 9th, 2011.

Come experience beautiful Winter Park and the Fraser Valley on Saturday, July 9th at TreadFest 2011, a mountain bike fundraising event benefiting the National Sports Center for the Disabled and the American Red Cross. This event at Winter Park Resort will be in conjunction with the Epic Singletrack Race Series #3 Valley Point-to-Point and will feature supported trails that will be available to participants of all skill levels, from the family of recreational riders to those adventure-seekers looking for a challenge. All participants will have entry to the A Grateful Tread Festival with live music, beer from Avery Brewing, food and an Expo area. Grab your friends and form a team to compete for team fundraising, costume and member awards. Terrific prizes are being awarded to those individuals who reach distinguished fundraising levels, so join the fun and register today!

Visit the National Sports Center for the Disabled TreadFest Website for more information. Avery Brewery is now a main sponsor and I’m thinking that is the reason for the switch from the Fat Tire Classic as New Belgium and Fat Tire are no longer sponsoring the mountain bike festival.

TreadFest 2011 will be held July 9, 2011. The mid-July date will help us select the best trails that Winter Park has to offer without being restricted by late snowfall. TreadFest 2011 routes will be held on Winter Park’s Westside, including Corona Pass, Buck Creek, Pond Trail, Broken Thumb, Fraser River Trail and Idlewild!

This extensive network of supported trails will provide breathtaking views and a fun day for riders of all abilities.

Schedule of TreadFest events:

July 8, 2011 – Friday
6pm – 8pm - TreadFest Registration, Location TBD

July 9, 2011 – Saturday
6am – 9am - Participant Registration and Check-in, Registration Tent
6am – 12pm - Volunteer Check-in, Registration Tent
7am - Starting Line Opens
9:45am - Starting Line Closes
10am - Epic Singletrack Race Series #3, Valley Point-to-Point
10am - Greatful Tread Festival – Presented by Avery Brewing, Resort Base
12pm Sports Authority and Adaptive Hand Cycling Clinics, Resort Base
11:30am – 3:30pm - BBQ Lunch, Hospitality Tent
1:30pm - Sports Authority and Adaptive Hand Cycling Clinics, Resort Base
2pm - TreadFest Awards Presentation, Resort Base
2:30pm - Epic Singletrack Race Series #3 Point-to-Point Awards Presentation, Resort Base
4pm – 5pm - VIP Reception, Location TBD

The TreadFeat is a great way to enjoy WInter Park and help out two great charities. Come on up and get on your bike and see Winter Park, Colorado.

Visit Winter Park Lodging Company for your TreadFest lodging needs.

Winter Park Resort Opens for Summer June 11

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Chris

Winter Park Resort Summer Activities

The skiing has just ended but it is time to look ahead for the opening of Winter Park Resort for all the summer base activities. Alpine Slide, put-put golf, rock wall climbing, trampoline, zip line and most importantly Trestle Bike Park will all be back and running in no time at all.

This year looks to be a great one at Winter Park with lots of summer activities and a whole bunch of events going on in at the Resort and in the town of Winter Park.

Trestle Bike Park will be getting more trails with the famous Rainmaker now running from top to bottom. In town there will be Winter Park Jazz Fest, Winter Park Music Fest and a resurrection of the American Music Festival.

Bring the kids up for the longest alpine slide in Colorado with a carnival like party in the Winter Park Village. The Cheeky Monk, Lime, Pizza Peddl’r and Backbowl Soup Company are serving up great food and drink and the base of Winter Park will be a great place to spend some times with the kids and family.

Look for deals from Winter Park Lodging Company to make your stay as economical as possible with the best guest service in Winter Park, Colorado. Spring is here and summer is around the corner so mark the calendar, Winter Park Resort opens June 11th.

Bret Michaels Coming to Winter Park, CO – Summer 2011

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Chris

Winter Park, CO Music Festival with Bret Michaels of Poison Fame

Who is ready to sing “every rose has it’s thorn” ? Bret Michaels, of Poison fame, is headlining the Winter Park Music Festival on August 6th and 7th, 2011. The Winter Park Music Festival is presented by Denver radio station 103.5 The Fox.

Saturday, August 6th Warrant, Skid Row and The Groove Hawgs will be on stage at Hideaway Park right off of US Highway 40 in the town of Winter Park, CO. Saturday’s show kicks off at noon and will go to 6pm. On Sunday, August 7th Bret Michaels and the Groove Hawgs will be rockin’ it out from noon until 3pm.

Hideaway Park is a great place to see live music. Surround by the peaks of the Colorado Rocky Mountains with great seating and sound and right in walking distance of all Winter Park has to offer. Prices for the show have not been announced but we will keep you informed when that information becomes available.

Check out Bret Michaels Facebook page and get psyched up for some great music this summer. Here is a YouTube video of Poison’s top ten songs. Bret should be playing all of these Poison classics high up here in Winter Park.

Warrant (Cherry Pie) and Skid Row (18 and Life) both had success in 80′s and 90′s and should make for a great afternoon of headbangin’ music.

Looking to see some fun music in a great setting? Look no further than the Winter Park Music Festival. Come up for the whole weekend and enjoy the fun here in the Colorado mountains.

Winter Park Lodging Company has the best lodging for the WP Music Festival. We have a couple of units that will be able to see Bret Michaels from the patio. So book your lodging today for the best and closest digs.

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