Best of Winter Park Photos 2011

 
 

Year End Photo Album Winter Park Ski Resort

We have our end of the year photo slideshow.  These are our favorite  photos for the year put together with a tune to celebrate what Winter Park, Colorado is all about.  We have some sunsets, foxes, deer and the ever present beauty of the Winter Park area.

You can check out the Winter Park Lodging Company YouTube Channel to keep up with all of the WPLCo videos, photos and movies.

To keep up with our Winter Park Co photo of the day follow our Winter Park Facebook page and our Winter Park photo of the day photo album.

Snowmobiling in Winter Park, Colorado

 
 

Grand Adventure snowmobile tours

Grand Adventure Snowmobile Tours – Ride the Divide

Looking for some great fun of the Winter Park Resort slopes? Well, get your thrill on at Grand Adventure Snowmobile Tours.

At Grand Adventures, you have the unique opportunity to choose from a wide variety of snowmobile activities (guided or unguided). They will do everything possible to assure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Grand Adventure Snowmobile staff of professional guides know how to customize each tour based upon the conditions and the group to “maximize” your snowmobiling and Colorado experience. Each of their guides is in constant radio communication with the base facility. Assigned are no more than 8 machines to one guide. All our guides are fully trained in first aid, CPR and back country Snowmobiling expertise. GAST guides have excellent understanding of the area. You’ll be in superior hands and will have a memorable experience.

For the advanced snowmobile rider, the machine rentals are the latest and creates with a staff to service therse beauties.  Mountain performance and luxurious touring sleds are ready for you and your touring group. Grand Adventures will cover machine operation, map orientation and safety tips with each group before departure.

Grand Adventure Snowmobile Tours is on The Winter Park Lodging Company VIP Discount card so make sure to bring your card with you to get that extra 15% off on your day of snowmobiling.  You do need to be a WPLCo guest to get that 15% of so make sure to get your Winter Park vacation lodging from Winter Park Lodging Company.

If you are looking for of some really fun adventure check out the snowmobiles at Grand Adventures. A day of riding the Continental Divide is a day not to be forgotten and you may even get that “sled addiction”, as they call it up here in WP, and will keep you coming back for more and more.

Grand Adventures Snowmobile Tours

www.grandadventures.com

970.726.9247

 

Best Burgers in Winter Park, CO

 
 

Winter Park, Colorado’ s Best BurgerBest burger in Winter Park co

It has taken awhile but we have completed the best burger competition in Winter Park, CO.  I have eaten enough burgers to be fairly sure that I will not be ordering a burger in a restaurant for the next couple months.  The positive is I have learned we have some killer burgers here in Winter Park.

The original competition was going to be a contest of the top three recommended by our Winter Park Lodging Company Facebook Fans but there were more than three recommendations.  I tried all five different burgers in addition to the ever present McDonald’s franchise here in Winter Park, CO.

I have seen some burger reviews break down a burger almost scientifically in how they rate the burger.  I was not very scientific at all.  If the meat was flavorful and the bun had a good texture and consistency I pretty much thought the burger good, from there it was deciding what burger had the best flavor combination overall. Burger at Heck's Devil Thumb Ranch

The restaurants that we visited were Deno’s, The Library Grill, Heck’s at Devils Thumb Ranch, Randi’s and Sharky’s.  There was not a bad burger at any one of them.  I am a blue cheese lover and most if the time I ordered some kind blue cheese burger sometimes with bacon.  At Hecks they had a burger with a nice slice of pork belly that can be seen in the pic on the far right. YUM!!!!!

 

Library Sports bar and grill burgerSo the top burger in Winter Park, Colorado goes to……… drumbeat please……..

Deno’s.  As I said the competition was close but if I had to rate the five burgers I would go in this order:

  1. Deno’s – great meat but it is the bun that really makes this burger.
  2. Heck’s at Devil’s Thumb Ranch – you can not go wrong with putting a slab of pork belly on a burger. They might even be 1a
  3. Randi’s – may have had the best meat but the bun was “stiff”. Still a really good burger and had some awesome onion rings to go with.
  4. The Library –  ordered the Paul Bunyon which is a two patty behemoth that will satisfy any large appetite.  The sweet potato fries sound great but are pretty much mediocre.
  5. Sharky’s –  don’t know why they are last as the burger was really good but a tad small.  They have a homemade bun that is fantastic.  Burger at Sharky's Winter Park, CO

So, there are the best burgers in Winter Park, Colorado from my humble opinion.  You can and will not go wrong with any one of these.  If you are in a rush, or hungover, you can still hit McDonald’s for that Big Mac or Q/Pounder with cheese but you would be much better off hitting one of these local stops here in Winter Park and Fraser.

Here is the original post for the best burger competition in Winter Park , Colorado.

Winter Park Beer Festival with The BoDeans

 
 

Beer Festival winter park coSecond Annual Beer Festival in Winter Park, Colorado

The Winter Park Beer Festival makes its return to WP in Hideaway Park in on August 13, 2011 from noon to 5pm.   Last year was a great day with lots of beer great music and perfect weather.  This year the WP Beer Festival will be bringing great brews from 25 craft brewers, live music featuring headliner: The BoDeans, tasty food and AMAZING VIEWS!

The music lineup this year brings back a Colorado favorite, The BoDeans.  The BoDean’s played The American Music Festival at Winter Park Resort many times in the 1990′s.  The BoDean sound will be a nice accompaniment to the majestic Rocky Mountains and brews.

The full Winter Park Beer Festival Music Lineup:

Middle: Motopony
Headliner: The BoDeans
Pre-purchase pricing – must be purchased by Thursday, August 11th at 5 pm:
VIP Mug – $65
Unlimited Tasting Cup – $25

Day of Pricing:
VIP – $75
Unlimited Tasting Cup

Tickets can be purchased at the Winter Park Beer Festival Website.
In the town of Winter Park there will also be a craft and art fair for the whole family.  Shop early and then head to Hideaway Park for an afternoon of brew!
If you like beer, mountains and music, who doesn’t, then this is a day that should not be missed.  There will be some of the biggest and best beer producers from Colorado and the whole US of A.  Get your tasting cup purchased and ready and be prepared to enjoy some great barley pop in the beauty of Winter PArk, Colorado.
Check out last years WP Beer Festival blog.

Winter Park, CO Music Festivals

 
 

live music winter park coloradowintter park summer musicSummer Music Festivals in Winter Park, Colorado

The summer music festival scene is about here in Winter Park. Winter Park Resort will open for the summer season on June 11th and the music festivals will follow soon after.

This year there are five music festivals and all have some great music.  The music festival season is kicked off with the Blues from the Top Music Festival on June 25th and 26th with some of the best blues artists in the country.  Next up is the  resurrected American Music Festival on July 16th and 17th.  The biggest show of the year, the Winter Park Jazz Festival is July 23rd and 24th. One of the biggest names in Winter Park this year will be Bret Michaels, of Poison fame, showing up for the Winter Park Music Festival with Warrant and Skid Row.  The last music festival of the summer will be a beer and music celebration at the Winter Park Beer Festival on August 13th.

Lots of music for almost any taste with some great names.  All shows will be in Hideaway Park in downtown Winter Park, Colorado.  Tickets for all the shows can be bought through the Winter Park/Fraser Chamber of Commerce or with lodging through the Winter Park Lodging Company.

Check out all the lineups and show times:

Blues from the Top Music Festival

American Music Festival -Winter Park

Winter Park Jazz Festival

Winter Park Music Festival – with Skid Row & Bret Michaels

Winter Park Beer Festival

Lots of music festivals going on up here in Winter Park.  Make sure to get your lodging now for the best and most convenient digs.  Most lodging packes from Winter Park Lodging Company come with complementary tickets to the above music festivals.

Winter Park Restaurant Review – Back Country Grill

 
 

Winter Park CO steakhouseBack Country Grill – Winter Park, Colorado

We had a chance to hit the town, sans the two rabble rousing twins, this weekend and our dinner plans brought us to The Back Country Grill for a night out with WP locals and some visitors from Nashville, TN.  We hadn’t been to BCG for over a year and it was good to see how things have been going for them since the change in ownership before this ski season.  Brad and Emily took over from original owner Bob this past October.

We hit BCG about 7PM and it was busy busy as all of Winter Park was jumpin’ with a Saturday night full of Spring breakers.  We had a table waiting so we were able to sit down right away and enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. We had some grilled scallops and a quirky nacho dish for appetizers.  Scallops were great but the nachos as I said were a little odd.

For dinner the table ordered a steak salad, mahi fish special, elk medallions, 2 Cowboy Cut Rib-eyes.  The steaks were big, juicy and delicious and the other foods looked great and there were only compliments for the food.  We enjoyed a couple of bottles of wine with dinner and the wine list was value priced and quality was good.  Service was a tad slow, but hey it was one of the busiest nights this ski season in Winter Park.

Back Country Grill did not disappoint and we had a fine evening out on the town.  Brad and Emily are opening a wine and tapas bar next door to BCG called Emelie’s, which will be a great addition to bar/restaurant scene here in Winter Park, Colorado.  Overall, we had a great night and we would recommend Back Country Grill for a nice night out on the town with a perfect steak and bottle of wine.

Winter Park, CO, 80482

Hours
Mon – Sun: 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm
About
2 for 1 bottled beer and wine by the glass and 25 % off apps 4:30-6 Daily on the deck or at the chef’s counter!
Price Range
$$ (10-30)
Parking
Street
Parking Lot
Public Transit
Winter Park Shuttle
Attire
Casual
Payment Options
Accepts all major credit cards
Services
Takes Reservations
Walk-Ins Welcome
Good For Kids
Waiter Service
Outdoor Seating
Specialties
Dinner
Drinks
Phone
970-726-5557


Spring Splash at Winter Park Resort

 
 

zb ski winter park coSpring Skiing Winter Park, Colorado

Spring break time is here and it seems the weather has heard and we are now in full spring skiing swing.  We here at WInter Park Lodging Company were able to get out to the slopes and we hit 40°.  There is nothing betetr than skiing with a light jacket and sunglasses.  Check out the Winter Park mascot, ZB, to the right sporting all his spring skiing duds in celebration of old man winter hitting the road.

Here is what is in store for the next forty days of ski season her in Winter Park, Colorado:

There is a lot of fun things to do besides spring sliing here in Winter Park, CO but lets face it we are here for the skiing!  The season ending Winter Park Resort Spring Splash this year will be on April 24th, Easter Sunday funday.

If Y’all haven’t made it up to Splash, as it is known locally, you are missing out.  THere is pond skimming and lots of family fun on the WInter Park side of the resort.  As for Mary Jane we have the party of the year for locals and all those that want to say goodbye to a close to perfect ski season.

Now that spring has sprung get up to Winter Park for the best skiing of the year.  The weather is here wish yo were beautiful, or something like that. Head on up to WP and don’t forget the sunglasses and sunscreen!

Devil’s Thumb Ranch Full Moon Cross Country Ski

 
 

winter park co cross country ski under moonMoonlit 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.

Winter Park, Colorado ZB

 
 

ZB WInter Park COWinter Park Lodging Company Sticker

Winter Park Lodging Company has won the ZB award.  What is the ZB award you ask?  Well, the Zb award the most creative use of the Winter Park/Fraser Valley mascot ZB.  And why is our mascot named ZB here in Winter Park, Colorado? ZB is the original Colo license plate numbers that were given for Winter Park and the Fraser Valley ( see picture to the right).

Whew that is complicatedZB Winter park resort!

Here is the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce announcement of our big win in the promote ZB contest:

Winner Announced: The Chamber is pleased to announce the winner of the “ZB’s Launch for Lunch Contest” held in January.  Drumroll please… the winner is Winter Park Lodging Company for their incredibly creative ZB sticker.  Also, an Honorable Mention to Grand County TV18 / Outside Television for including ZB in a commercial.  Check it out by clicking here.

We won we won we won!  Look for ZB all through the town of Winter Park, CO.

New Dog in Town- Fraser Valley Hot Dog and Grill

 
 

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious lunch in Winter Park, look no further. The WPLCO crew are devoted customers of the new Fraser Valley Dog and Grill, who’s home is now in downtown WP, across the street from Cooper Creek Square.  Local resident and owner, Matt Cordts, offers a lengthy menu of quality vienna beef dogs with a gourmet touch, as well as some tasty sandwich classics like Italian beef and Lamb gyros. If you’re looking for a hearty dog to satisfy that apres ski appetite, we recommend the Chicago style. It comes fully loaded (dill pickle and all) nestled in a yummy steamed bun. I haven’t tried it yet, but hear that the Fozzy Dog is delicious too. The Fozzy has ranch, applewood smoked bacon, carmelized onions and mustard on a poppy seed bun. For those of you non meat-eaters out there, Matt has you covered. The carrot dog with goat cheese, truffle oil, and ginger slaw is a must try. He’s got kids dogs for the little ones, and you can always add a drink and chips for only $1.50. For the soda lovers out there like myself, you’ll dig the selection of Hansens natural cane sugar soda, as well as the original Coca Cola Classic, in the bottle. So, stop on in for some lunch from Tuesday- Sunday and you won’t be disappointed. You can contact Fraser Dog and Grill at 970-531-0475.