Best of Winter Park Photos 2011

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Chris

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.

Winter Park Resort Ski and Board Demo Fest

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Chris

Ski and Snowboard Demos in Winter Park, CO

Wanting to check out the latest skis and snowboards on the market this year? Well, there is not a better way to check out the new offering than at Winter P{ark Resort on December 3.

This years’ Ski & Snowboard Demo Fest is a one-day event featuring some of the best manufacturers in the industry, giving you a chance to try their new equipment for the 2011-2012 season. A variety of manufacturers will be on-hand to introduce guests to new products. This is a free demo located at the base of the Zephyr Mountain Express lift.

To participate, participants must be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license, or under 18 with parental consent. Registration is from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and all participants must register in order to demo equipment. For more details contact Winter Park Resort Guest Services at 970-726-1564.

Demos can be taken out in 1-hour increments only, and 2:30 p.m. is the cut-off for the last demo.

Companies participating include Fortitude, Head, Icelantic, K2 Skis, Liberty Skis, Ramp Sports, Salomon, Vertical Skis, Flow, K2 Snowboards and Never Summer.

Also, if you are looking at new equipment here in Winter Park we recommend either Epic Mountain Sports or Winter Park Base Rentals for your demo packages. Winter Park Base Rentals has very good demo skis at the Mountain Adventure Center (MAC) which is on the ground level of the Zephyr Mountain Lodge.

Demo-ing skis is the way to go to purchase skis, and a great time checking them all out. You are able to see what ski, boots and snowboards work best for you.

Winter Park Lodging Company YouTube Channel

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Chris

Winter Park Lodging Company

WPLCO1′s Channel

Winter Park Lodging Company now has it’s own YouTube Channel. Want to see all of our latest ski and mountain biking videos to get you psyched up for your coming trip look no further than the WPLCo YouTube Channel. Also, on the channel you will find tours of our properties to really see the vacation rental that you will be staying at on your trip to Winter Park, Colorado.

We have about 62 videos on the channel so far with lots of skiing at Winter Park and Mary Jane and even a couple of days with Powder Addiction on Jones Pass. The ski videos are all from last year but we are expecting another bonanza La Nina year. So, look for some good powder skiing with some new ski shots from our new additions to the Winter Park Lodging Company staff, Bill & Conor, affectionately known as the B C boys.

Last year one of our ski videos was picked up by the Weather Channel and was played nationwide for two days. Star of that almighty ski video was none other than WP local Ed. Check out the now famous Pine Cliff skiing at Mary Jane below:

You can also find on the, hopefully in the near future, famous Winter Park Lodging Company YouTube Channel are Winter Park, Colorado mountain bike videos. Some fun stuff on the 600 or so miles of mountain bike trails we have surrounding WP. Here is a trip down Winter Park Lodging Company favorite Broken Thumb and Twisted Ankle:

Looking to see some Winter Park/Mary Jane ski and mountain bike footage subscribe to the Winter Park Lodging Company YouTube Channel.

If you would like to come and enjoy our ski runs and mountain bike hills check out the Winter Park Lodging Company vacation rentals.

Fraser to Winter Park Ski Transit Service

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Chris

Winter Park Resort Ski Shuttle

If you live in the Winter Park/ Fraser area you most likely have heard the uproar about Winter Park Resort discontinuing funding for the Fraser neighborhood service with “The Lift” ski shuttle program. Winter Park Resort has had a lot of flak thrown its way for withdrawing this funding but truly what other ski town has the ski resort operator as the main funder of town transportation?

I think Winter Park Resort was, and is, the only one in Colorado.

Anywho, not to worry for this season, as two of our lodging competitors have stepped up to the plate to come up with the required funding to keep the purple and red line, the line that was to be discontinued, up and running for this coming ski season. I think this is a short term solution and that a long term solution will need to be addressed by the Winter Park and Fraser town councils in conjunction with Grand County.

The Lift will be running this year with ski shuttle service to Winter Park Resort.

Details of Ski Shuttle Service:

Day ski shuttle will be a “New Purple” line, effectively a combined route of areas previously serviced by both Red & Purple lines in 2010-11.
Day shuttle, on entering USA Hwy 40 from CR 8, will then take a direct “non-stop” shot to the ski area (with the exception of “dropping off” people in Fraser or Winter Park). Night shuttle will replicate service to areas provided by the night Purple line in 2010-11.
Night shuttle will replicate service to areas provided by the night Purple line in 2010-11.

Ski Shuttle Days of Operation:

Buses will operate for the 159 days of the 2011-12 ski season, commencing Wednesday November 16, 2011 through Sunday April 22, 2012.

Additional bus service to cope with “Peak” demand time periods will on an as required basis to cover most Saturdays and Sundays, except November 19-20 and April 21-22 (42 days) as well as the following Holidays (12 days):
Christmas Week: December 26-30, 2011
MLK Day: January 16, 2012
President’s Day: February 201, 2012
Main Spring Break Week: March 12-16, 2012

An approximation of 250 hours of additional “Peak” service (estimated 4-5 hours per day for 54 days) were factored in to the equation.

Ski Shuttle Hours of Service:

Day Service:

2 buses per hour from (1 bus every half-hour) 7:30AM to 5PM with the exception of 11AM-2PM where there would be 1 bus per hour.
This would effectively mean half-hour service 7:30AM – 10:30AM, hourly service 11AM-2PM, then half-hour service again 2PM-5PM.

Night Service:

Bus #1 starting at 5:30PM to 10:00PM (last run), once every half-hour

Ski Shuttle Route:

Ski Shuttle Day Route:

Start Winter Park Resort
Hwy 40 to Fraser, Right on CR804-MeadowRidge Road.
R on CR834-Cranmer
L on CR837-Balsh
R on CR836-Hughes
R on CR8360-Spinner
R on CR834-Cranmer
R on CR838-East Meadow Mile
L on CR840-West Meadow Mile
R on Meadow Lane
L on CR832-Meadow Mile
R on CR8500-Jabberwocky
Loop through Silvercrest, L on CR8500-Jabberwocky
R on CR832-Meadow Mile
R on Cranmer Pl
R on Wapiti Drive
L on CR8
L on US Hwy 40
R on Winter Park Drive to Winter Park Resort

Ski Shuttle Day Stops:

Safeway (on CR804)
Needles Eye & Railbender
Cabins at Porcupine Ridge
Eagle Ridge on the Summit
Elk Court Cabins
Lookout Village
Indian Peaks
Winter Park Tennis Club & Acadia
Meadowridge Ct #22, #17/18A/Clubhouse, Ct #29, Ct #26, Ct #6
The Pines
Bavarian Village
Silvercrest
(flag) Upper & Lower Ptarmigan
Twin Rivers
Winter Park Resort

Ski Shuttle Night Route:

Start Safeway Shopping Center
R on CR804-MeadowRidge Road.
R on CR834-Cranmer
L on CR837-Balsh
R on CR836-Hughes
R on CR8360-Spinner
R on CR834-Cranmer
R on CR838-East Meadow Mile
L on CR840-West Meadow Mile
R on Meadow Lane
L on CR832-Meadow Mile
R on CR8500-Jabberwocky
Loop through Silvercrest, L on CR8500-Jabberwocky
R on CR832-Meadow Mile
R on Cranmer Pl
R on Wapiti Drive
L on CR8
L on US Hwy 40
L on CR804-MeadowRidge Road

Ski Shuttle Night Stops:

Safeway Shopping Center
Needles Eye & Railbender
Cabins at Porcupine Ridge
Eagle Ridge on the Summit
Elk Court Cabins
Lookout Village
Indian Peaks
Winter Park Tennis Club & Acadia
Meadowridge Ct #22, Ct #17/18A/Clubhouse, Ct #29, Ct #26, Ct #6
The Pines
Bavarian Village
Silvercrest
(flag) Upper & Lower Ptarmigan
Twin Rivers
Safeway

Winter Park Lodging Company manages 11 Fraser ski condo rentals on this route, so fear not service will be here for this ski season.

Winter Park Resort #14 in Ski Magazine

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Chris

Top 15 Ski North American Ski Resorts: Winter Park

The Ski Magazine ski resort rankings are out and Winter Park Resort was one of the big winners. Ski magazine does their yearly resort rankings each October and this years rankings has Deer Valley, Utah as #1 and Vail as #2.

Winter Park Resort came in at #14 this year. Winter Park/Mary Jane jumped 8 spots in SKI Mag’s rankings to #14! The most moves out of all the North American ski resorts.

Down-to-earth feel. Nicely quiet at night. Serious skiing in the day! Winter Park Lodging Company couldn’t have said it better. With pluses of, Local favorite with a neighborly feel. And minuses of, Village and town lacking in dining and après ski.

On the minus notes we are getting new and better restaurants here in Winter Park. No, it is not Vail but who really wants that? As Ski Magazine said, Serious skiing in the day! Friendly locals and skiing that is what Winter Park, Colorado is about. Ski goes on about this a little bit: You still won’t find the dining or shopping that other Colorado resorts are known for, but there’s a sense of community here that you won’t find at those resorts either. Employees eagerly point you in the right direction or grab a wagon to haul your gear around the base— not because they have to, but because they want to.

Well sign me up, all skiing no pretension and friendly locals…. that sounds like a ski vacation. And yes this is Winter Park/Mary Jane, the #1 Colorado destination resort for snowfall. You can have the fur coats, the snooty lifties and all the shenanigans that Vail and Breckenridge throw at you. Give me my bumps, powder and tree skiing at Mary Jane and I will leave with a smile on my face.

So thank you Ski Magazine, finally someone is seeing the light, Winter Park Resort: a gem of a ski vacation destination.

Check out the complete top 20 North American Ski Resorts from Ski Magazine.

Winter Park Resort First Snow Contest Winner

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Chris

First Snow Winter Park, Colorado

We have a winner to our first snow contest here in Winter Park, CO. It has taken a little while to get around to announcing this but yes we have had a couple of snows since the first last week.

There were thirty five entries on our blog and about twenty five more on the Facebook post about the first snow contest and yes there was a lucky soul, ok maybe talented, who hit the first snow date. It was not a huge snow this year as last but it was over an inch and there is no disputing the picture to the left that it was a measurable snow last week.

So our first snow date for 2011 is, drumbeat please ………….. October 6th. Yes that was last Thursday and we have a winner. Stormy the snow predictor this year is Thomas Schneider. And Thomas pretty much hit the snow fall total also. Nice work Thomas! Here is the winning snowfall total post “The ‘dust’ is already at the top, so it won’t be long. That first 1/2 inch will come on Oct 6.”

The fourth Winter Park Resort first snow contest is now concluded and we hope that this relatively early snow and subsequent snow storms means that we are in for some La Nina powder this year. ALl the mountains surrounding Winter PArk and the Fraser Valley are now painted a nice white and it is looking as ski season is almost here. Today up at Berthoud Pass there were three a couple of impatient folk with there planks out looking to find some fresh lines down the hill. That is the spirit.

Well, here is to snow early and often all year long. Put the trail maps in the freezer and do the snow dance…..

LET IT SNOW, LET SNOW, LET IT SNOW

Exercise to Prepare for Ski Season if You Don’t Ski Winter Park Resort

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Chris

Ski Prep for those NOT coming to Winter Park Resort

We have a bit of a comical exercise program for all those that are planning to ski somewhere other than Winter Park Resort. While skiing can be a trying endeavor for all it is much more convenient and easier on the wallet here at Winter Park Resort.

SO if you plan on hitting the hills this year make sure you come to Winter Park, Colorado to avoid the exercise regimen below:

1. Visit your local butcher and pay $30 to sit in the walk-in freezer for a half an hour. Afterwards, burn two $50 dollar bills to warm up.

2. Soak your gloves and store them in the freezer after every use.

3. Fasten a small, wide rubber band around the top half of your head before you go to bed each night.

4. If you wear glasses, begin wearing them with glue smeared on the lenses.

5. Throw a hundred dollar bill away-now.

6. Find the nearest ice rink and walk across the ice 20 times in your ski boots carrying two pairs of skis, accessory bag and poles. Pretend you are looking for your car and sporadically drop things.

7. Place a small but angular pebble in your shoes, line them with crushed ice, and then tighten a C-clamp around your toes.

8. Buy a new pair of gloves and immediately throw one away.

9. Secure one of your ankles to a bed post and ask a friend to run into you at high speed.

10. Go to McDonald’s and insist on paying $13.50 for a hamburger. Be sure you are in the longest line.

11. Clip a lift ticket to the zipper of your jacket and ride a motorcycle fast enough to make the ticket lacerate your face.

12. Drive slowly for five hours – anywhere – as long as it’s in a snowstorm and you’re following an 18 wheeler.

13. Fill a blender with ice, hit the pulse button and let the spray blast your face. Leave the ice on your face until it melts. Let it drip into your clothes.

14. Dress up in as many clothes as you can and then proceed to take them off because you have to go to the bathroom.

15. Slam your thumb in a car door. Don’t go see a doctor.

16. Repeat all of the above every Saturday and Sunday until it’s time for the real thing.

The real thing would be November 16th, 2011 at Winter Park Resort this year. So book your lodging now with Winter Park Lodging Company and avoid the painful exercises above.

La Niña is Back, That little B****!

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Chris

La Niña Ski Season 2011/12 Winter Park Resort

She’s Baaaaack! The National Weather Prediction Center has made an updated outlook on the La Niña weather pattern for fall and winter 2011/2012. Looking like we are in for another strong La Niña weather pattern bring some great snowfall. Come on La Niña, you little b****.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center officially upgraded the La Nina Watch to a La Niña Advisory, which in essence means La Nina conditions are forecast to return for the fall and winter.

During September-November 2011, there is evidence that La Niña favors an increased chance of above-average temperatures across the mid-section of the country, and an increased chance of above-average precipitation for the Central and Northern Rockies.

Forecasters said La Niña contributed to extreme weather around the globe during the first half of this year and then faded, but has now re-emerged and is expected to gradually strengthen and continue into winter.

NOAA says there is a standing 50 percent chance of a secondary La Niña to follow a strong event as we had last winter. Usually the second dip is weaker than the first.

That said, last fall and winter didn’t really follow a typical La Nina script – La Niña didn’t really rev up until February and March. Perhaps this winter could be different since we have a head start now.

So, it’s good news for skiers, snowboarders, and rain lovers. It’s not good news for the south because La Niña has the opposite effect of maintaining very dry weather there. La Niña‘s also typically enhance the hurricane season, as we’ve already seen this year. If the La Niña of last year could be followed by another early one this year we will be looking at some great skiing.

Winter Park Resort had a great snow year last ski season with snow early and late combined a steady flow of storms. We did not have that one huge storm that we have become accustom to but the good flow of storms more than made up for that.

Trestle Bike Park Lessons, Trestle 101

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Chris

Trestle Bike Park 101

Team Winter Park Lodging Company had a chance to visit Trestle Bike Park this weekend and we were able to take a downhill biking 101 class. What a treat to have personal teacher to teach us the ins and outs of the downhill sport.

Winter Park Resort was nice enough to set us up with the 101 lesson and bike rentals for the day. Our instructor David Deveny was great! Kowledgeable, fun and talented; David knows Trestle Bike Park and downhill biking very well. He was safe, enlightening and a lot of fun.

The day started out as the Trestle Bike shop was opening its doors at 9am. We were quickly helped in line after filling our info out ob the resort computer kiosks. We were then sent over to the equipment fitting station and were on our way with gear in 10 min. Over to the bike area we went and we were fitted with some sweet Kona Stinky Bikes that would be our vehicle of fun for the day.

After little talk from David we were on our way up the Zephyr lift. Right outside Sunspot David gave all the instruction that we would use on this day in about half an hour (see David above instructing new WPLCo employee Bill). From there Sunspot we were onto the green run Greenworld. We then hit Long Trail (lue Run) and parts of Rainmaker (black run).

They day ended at around Noon and that was enough riding and instruction for the day. What a blast of a day and I can not stress how useful a Trestle 101 class is to learn the downhill sport safely.

Trestle Bike Park is open daily through September 25th. Get youy biking in while the weather is here.

Winter Park Lodging Company has special discounts for our guests for the Trestle 101 class:

This 2 1/2 hour lesson is one heck of a good deal, offering instruction on how to ride a downhill bike, a lift pass, a downhill bike rental and protective gear. Discount price is only $63.20 plus tax for Winter Park Lodging Company guests (regularly $79).

We also have discounts for downhill bike rentals through the Trest Bike Store.

Downhill Mountain Bike Rentals:
Select Trestle Bike Park Shop on the booking page to rent downhill bikes. Below are just a few package possibilities, click the online booking link to see all packages. The packages listed below include a full day lift pass, a full face helmet and protective body gear.

World Cup Downhill Mountain Bike
Full day rental: $143.99 weekdays / $159.99 weekends (normally $179/$199)
Half day rental:$111.99 weekdays/ $119.99 weekends (normally $139/$149)
Demo Downhill Mountain Bike
Full day rental: $111.99 weekdays / $119.99 weekends (normally $139/$149)
Half day rental: $79.99 weekdays / $87.99 weekends (normally $99/$109)
Standard Downhill Mountain Bike
Full day rental: $95.99 weekdays / $103.99 weekends (normally $119/$129)
Half day rental: $63.99 weekdays / $71.99 weekends (normally $79/$89)
JR Downhill Mountain Bike
Full day rental: $79.99 weekdays / $95.99 (normally $99/$119)
Half day rental: $55.99 weekdays / $63.99 (normally $69/$79)

Winter Park Resort Improvements for 2011/2012 Ski Season

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Chris

Winter Park/Mary Jane Upgrades 2011/12 Ski Season

Winter Park and Mary Jane are making some improvements for this coming ski season. Even with the economy in the doldrums the last few years ski visits in the US and particularly Colorado have been on the upswing.

According to National Ski Areas Association, the United States had more skier visits in 2010-11 than any previous ski season in history, surpassing the 60 million mark. Colorado resorts accounted for more of these visits than any other state in the nation with more than one in five skiers choosing to ski at a Colorado resort.

Winter Park Resort had a good year last year as well and the Resort is plowing the money earned back into the resort to improve the on hill experience. Beginner skiers will see the biggest improvment this year with the Sorenson Trail Bypass. Beginners will now have an easier trail to the Village at Winter Park with the opening of the new Sorensen Trail Bypass.

Winter Park/Mary Jane is also adding a new snowcat for the groomed runs. Other capital at the resort has been re-invested into improving existing infrastructure and services.

This year looks to be a great year in WP. The weather pattern is looking to be neutral or another La Nina year with the same weather pattern as last years epic snow fall.

So lets get ready for November 16th when Winter Park Resort opens for ski season. The summer has been nice but we are ready for some snow.