Winter Park Resort has leveled up their web presence and has updated their snow stake for the 23/24 ski season!
Local’s Tip: Check out their new snow stake HERE…
Honestly, we love a good powder day as much as the next person, but snow also holds a deeper meaning. Located at the headwaters of the Colorado River, Winter Park’s snowpack is a vital source of water for ecosystems hundreds of miles away, and it has sustained life long before our resort was founded.
What does snow mean to you? During the winter, the snow stake at Winter Park is a daily point of conversation for skiers and riders who use the tool to get the most out of their day on the mountain. The Resort has incorporated it into their revamp project as a reminder for all of us that although we look forward to powder days, the gift of precipitation holds a deeper meaning. With this project, the snow stake serves as an invitation for us all to engage in meaningful conversations about snow and to consider our relationship to the mountain, recreation, and the environment.
To tell the rich story of the area, Winter Park Resort has partnered with Indigenous Colorado artists and NativesOutdoors on an art installation that explores our connections to water, recreation, and land from an Indigenous perspective. The new snow stake at the Resort features patterns and mountain outlines created by Jordan Craig and Vernan Kee, and it offers us all a chance to see the mountain beyond perfect turns.
The backdrop of the snow stake incorporates the same four outlines of Longs Peak, Mount Blue Sky, Byers Peak, and Parry Peak — grounding in the four directions that anchor Winter Park. A river reminds us of the snow’s journey: from powder day to runoff in the Colorado River which then sustains all living things downstream. The ruler and backdrop feature patterns created by artists Jordan Craig and Vernan Kee.
So, while you’re out cruising runs and enjoying the season, take a moment to reflect on what snow means to you, and appreciate how this magical resort is incorporating it’s deep, cultural, and important roots to the land it is on.
To check out the live snow stake CLICK HERE!
Thunderstorm & Mountain Weather
While beautiful, mountain storms can be deadly, and it’s a myth that lightning never strikes the same place twice. From 2005-2014, Colorado consistently had the third-most lightning strike fatalities of any state, with more than 70% of all fatal lightning strikes occurring in June and August. In addition to thunderstorms, the mountain tops can switch instantaneously from a beautiful 70 degree day, to a windy snowy high alpine environment. Always take a raincoat and extra warm layers with you when hiking or biking in the high country.
Thunderstorms tend to surface in the afternoons, so most high alpine adventures are best planned for the mornings and midday. Before you hike, check the forecast and locations of shelters. If you can’t complete a hike before the storm, reschedule for another day.
Local’s Tip: If you’re already on the mountain and you notice a storm rolling in, do not wait until it’s raining to find shelter. Lightning can be present without rain! Find shelter, avoid open areas, and do not place yourself under the tallest object. If you’re in a group, spread out and run back to shelter or your vehicle.
For more lightning safety tips, check out the National Weather Service Lightning Safety Page.
For more info about Winter Park, CO check out these other great resources:
