Winter Park Resort Opening Day Ski Season 2010/2011

Winter Park Resort Opening Day

Yes, I know it is July and sunny and beautiful here in Winter Park, CO but that is no reason to not be thinking of fluffy white snow and the reason we are all here in WP….. SKI SEASON!

So get ready for the 2010/2011 ski season her in Winter Park with opening on November 17th, 2010.  It should be another epic year here in the Rockies with some great snow forecast already for this year.  They said that last year also didn’t those pesky weatherman?  Last year was an El Nino year which bode well for the ski resorts in the southern part of Colorado.  This year is being forecast as a La Nina year and here is what snowforecast.com has to say about this years La Nina:

a La Nina SST pattern will likely take over for this coming fall/ winter, through possibly the season following (through 2012). This usually bodes well for northern Colorado resorts, but we will work up some comparisons of analog years this summer to see what we may expect.

So, I’m thinking we will be making up for the sub-par snow year of 2009/2010 and have ourselves a killer year in 2010/2011.  so the countdown has begun for ski season opening day for the 2010 ski season.  It is Wednesday November 17th, 2010 that we can all strap those boards on our feet and hit the slopes with some of that white gold.

Powder Addiction will also be running for it’s sophomore year of cat skiing up on Jones Pass.  If you were not able to go up last year and you like cat-skiing (who skies and wouldn’t like to cat ski I’m not sure) you should take a ride up with Powder Addiction.

Anywho, Winter Park Resort opens November17th 2010 for this coming ski season.  Need lodging?  Winter Park Lodging Company provides the finest ski homes, cabins, condos, town-homes in the Winter Park and Fraser area with the best discounts on Winter Park lift tickets and ski/board rentals.

Mountain Bike Capital USA Winter Park CO

Winter Park Mountain Bike Capital USA

The Winter Park/Fraser Chamber is getting a new website up and running strictly about mountain biking in and around Winter Park, Colorado.  So far there are trails and some other such stuff there and it looks to be a great addition to their main website.

The website is http://www.mountainbikecapitalusa.com/ . It is still under construction but there are a few Winter Park bike trails there.  If you would like to contribute photos or video there is a place to do that on the site.

With over 600 miles of trails, it’s no wonder that Winter Park & the Fraser Valley is the Mountain Bike Capital of the United States.

The Winter Park Lodging Co crew took a day this week to hit the Trestle Bike Park for some downhill gravity fed mountain biking and what a day it was.  We will post some video of my falls when we get them edited.  If you have not downhill mountain biked it is something that should be tried.  It is a workout like nine other and quite the rush.

Here are some of the Winter Park/Fraser mountain bike events and races:

Upcoming 2010 Events

* July 24 – Trestle Bike Park Race Series #1 (Downhill) at Winter Park Resort

* July 25 – Trestle Bike Park Race Series #2 (Super D) at Winter Park Resort

* July 25 – Women, Wheels & Wine – Women’s Mountain Bike Day at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

* July 29 – Aug 1 – Crankworx Colorado at Winter Park Resort – one of the largest gravity-fueled mountain bike festivals in the United States!

* July 31 – Epic Singletrack Series #5 (Crankworx CO Cross Country) at Winter Park Resort

* July 31 – Aug 1 Mountain Bike Capital USA™ Weekend at Hideaway Park

* Aug 14 – Epic Singletrack Series #6 (Mary Jane Circuit) at Winter Park Resort

* Aug 15 – Trestle Bike Park Race Series #3 (Downhill Finale) at Winter Park Resort

* Aug 28 – Epic Singletrack Series Finale (King of the Rockies) at Winter Park Resort

* Sept 4-6 – Winter Park Pursuit Mountain States Cup Race (Endurance | Gravity | Super D) at Winter Park Resort

Looking to have some fun on a bike well Winter Park CO is the place to be this summer.

Crankworx Bike Fest Winter Park, CO

Winter Park Bike Festival

The biggest Colorado bike festival of the year is almost here. Get ready for gravity defying mountain bike riding at the biggest and best bike park in the state.

Crankworx runs from July 29th to August 1st. Watch the world’s best freeride mountain bikers battle it out for over $35,000 in prizes in Winter Park’s Trestle Bike Park. Catch the high-flying action of Slopestyle, the intense speed and head-to-head competition of Dual Slalom, or watch the pros tackle most difficult trail in Trestle Bike Park in the UCI/Pro GRT Downhill competition. Plus, check out the latest in bike gear from a variety of manufacturers in the Vendor Village, free live music and parties in the evening and more! You won’t want to miss this event.

Crankworks 2010 events include:

July 29, 2010: Dual Slalom Slopestyle Qualifiers
July 30, 2010: Super Downhill Best Trick
July 31, 2010: Cross Country Slopestyle Finals
August 1, 2010: UCI/PRO GRT Downhill

Make sure to get your lodging at the Winter Park base close to where the competition will be going on. Last year the base are was full so make your reservation today to get the primo digs.

Winter Park Lodging Company is offering 3rd night free so come up and see the the festival and experience the whole Crankworx weekend.

When you’re not busy watching this incredible mountain biking event, you and your kids can also enjoy other activities in the Winter Park area:
•skateboarding at the skate park in Hideaway Park in downtown Winter Park
•horseback riding
•alpine slide
•miniature golf
•lift rides
•hiking
•mountain biking
•golf (at nearby Pole Creek Golf Course, Headwaters Golf Course, Grand Lake Golf Course, or Grand Elk Golf Course)
•fishing in rivers, streams, and lakes

Winter Park Lodging Company Facebook Page

Facebook for Winter Park Lodging Company

Winter Park Lodging Company’s Facebook Page has been up and running for about four months now and we are sitting at 275 fans or “Likes” as Facebook likes to call it.  Not so bad but boy we sure wish we could be sitting at 1000.

WPLCo Facebook Page

So here is our unabashed plea to help us get to that 1000.  I would say we are a proud bunch here but sometimes you need to grovel.  The song says “Ain’t to Proud to beg sweet Darlin’ and Winter Park Lodging Company isn’t either.  If you have any inclination to suggest the Winter Park Lodging Company Facebook Page to your friends we would really really appreciate it.  For those that don’t know how to suggest to friends, you click on the third link below the Winter Park Lodging Company photo on the WPLCo Facebook Page that says “suggest to friends” while you are logged into your account.  Then click on all your friends and send them an invite to follow or “like” WPLCo.

Yes, as I said it is begging and it ain’t proud but this is social media marketing and sometimes you can’t be proud.  What all your friends will get for following WPLCo on Facebook is our witty humor, Winter Park CO lodging deals and an insider scoop of what Winter Park is all about.  You may even see some of the WPLCo staff up on the hill skiing or out and about on one of our various outings.

For any of you that take the time to suggest us we really appreciate it and for just following us we are indebted, so Thank YOU!

July Recipe of the Month from Winter Park, Colorado

Winter Park, CO July Recipe of the Month

We are in full summer swing up here in Winter Park and it is the time of year for spending time outside with meat on the grill.  This month we have an old American standby: the Burger.  Only we are dressing it up a bit and using buffalo (bison) to celebrate the University of Colorado’s mascot.  Go Buff’s!! (Maybe CU can win a few more football games now that they are in the PAC10)

Our full recipe is Bison Burgers with Cabernet Onions and Wisconsin Cheddar.  Try these awesome burgers with sweet potato fries and a good Colorado micro beer such as Odell’s Levity Amber Ale you will have a perfect July sittin’ on the deck meal.  Bison meat is not only delicious, but exceptionally lean. It is best served rare or medium-rare.

Bison Burgers with Cabernet Onions and Wisconsin Cheddar

Serves 4

Photograph by Kana Okada

It is time to get up into the hills.  Most Winter Park Lodging Company rental units have a deck and are equipped with a grill or have a grill on the property.

Come up to Winter Park, Co and see why the saying goes “You visit the Rocky Mountains for the winter but stay for the summer”.

Art, Wine & Cheese in Winter Park, CO

Wine & Cheese in the Winter Park Village

Saturday July 10, 2010 the Grand Arts, Wine and Cheese Festival will kick off.  Starting at 10AM and running through the afternoon until 5PM Wine, art and cheese will be on display Rocky Mountain style.

Stroll through the Village at Winter Park  and visit with local Grand County artists as they show off their talents in this one-of-a-kind arts festival. Watch, do, listen and learn in our hands-on interactive “Learning Tents.” Enjoy live music while you explore one-of-a-kind photography, jewelry, paintings, and more. A variety of these artisans will be offering artist demonstrations and hands-on classes during the day.

The wine and cheese festival is in addition to all the other great activities that are available at the Winter Park base. Check out the alpine slide, putt put golf, Trestle Bike Park, climbing wall and may other activities.

The weather has been great up here the last few weeks and there is just so much to do this time of year.

Get on up to Winter Park and play hard and rest easy with Winter Park Lodging Company.  And finish it all of with some wine, cheese and art in the Winter Park Village.

Opie Gone Bad in Winter Park, CO

Winter Park, Colo Free Music Thursdays

The Winter Park Free Music Thursdays started last week and continues this week with Boa & Thde Constrictors.

Next week the guest is Opie Gone Bad. These guys are a big name to have up here in Winter Park for a free show.  With some of the bigger names in music getting ticket prices in the $300 range this is a breath of fresh air.

On Thursday July 8th you can get on up to Winter Park, CO bringing your favorite picnic meal, wine or other adult beverage and sit in the beautiful Hideaway Park Amphitheater and see Opie Gone Bad for only the price of gas, food and booze.  That sounds like a screaming deal and a darn good time.

Music outside in Winter Park can not be beat.  There is a long tradition od great music up here in WP.  The American Music Festival was an annual event here for  long time and played host to some of the biggest names in music including Dave Matthews, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Warren Zevon just to name a few.

If you are looking to see some music and want to get out of the heat and crowds down in the cities check out Winter Park’s free music Thursdays.

Winter Park Lodging Company is running a third night free special right now so come on up to the cool air of Winter Park for three nights and only pay for two.  Make you plans now for some great music up in the Rocky Mountains.

Trestle Bike Park Freeride Fridays

Winter Park Trestle Bike Park

Freeride Friday’s are starting early this year. In fact they are starting this weekend. What is freeride Friday? you may ask. Well it is not free downhill riding, as in no cash spent.  It is freeridin’ on Friday with extended hours discounted rates and lots of activities after the ridin’.  If you have never been or your kids, especially those teenagers, you need to get out to Trestle Bike Park to check it out.  A more fun thrilling day can not be had and it is a serious workout on the body.

Anyway, the trails up here in Winter Park are in such great shape that Freeride Friday is starting this weekend, June 25th.  So get your gear together or come rent with Trestle Bike Shop and enjoy extended hours at the park. Stick around after the ride for your complimentary beverage and Coca-Cola® Family Movie Night Family in the Village!  The movie is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Winter Park Chocolate Festival is on Saturday and the weather looks spectacular for the weekend.

Here is the complete deal for Freeride Friday:

Rental / Trestle Park Pass, $34.99 (walk-in only)
Extended Bike Park hours open until 7pm with discounted lift/rental packages

For just $34.99, get a downhill mountain bike, lift ticket, protective gear and all the runs you can fit into 3 hours. Just head to the mountains by early afternoon to take advantage of this $79.99 value for only $34.99. Package includes:

▪ Kona Stinky downhill bike
▪ Body armor package
▪ Full face helmet
▪ Lift ticket
▪ Bonus Coors Light or soda

Everything you need to get you on the mountain and start your weekend! Valid from 4-7pm, with rentals due back by 7:30pm. Call 303.316.1564 for more information.

Freeride Fridays Bike Park Lift Ticket only: $19
Trestle Bike Park School
As part of Freeride Fridays, Trestle Bike Park School is offering deals on two new clinic times:

Group Lesson Special

• 2 hours of coaching for $20 per rider
• 11am, 1pm, 3pm
• Additional hour of coaching for just $10 more

Fun fun fun is all I can say about Trestle. Anyone with even a small bit of thrill seeking in them needs to check out the bike park. Its is a great time, safe and as I said a great workout.

Looking for some lodging when up in Winter Park, Colorado?  Well, let Winter Park Lodging Company hook you up with the best prices, deals and local knowledge of the area.

Winter Park, CO Summer Fun

Summer in Winter Park, Colorado

Today is the first day of summer officially and that means it is hot, very hot down in the low lands and dreamy beautiful up here in the Rocky Mountains.   The time to head to Winter Park is now to enjoy the beauty of Colorado without the crowds.

Here is the weather for Denver June 21st to June 24th:

89°F Current: Cloudy Wind: W at 4 mph Humidity: 80% Mon 89°F | 60°F Tue 91°F | 61°F Wed 81°F | 60°F Thu 89°F | 64°F

63°F | °C Current: Cloudy Wind: W at 4 mph Humidity: 80% Mon 89°F | 60°F Tue 91°F | 61°F Wed 81°F | 60°F Thu 89°F | 64°F

And here is the weather for Winter Park, CO.

Mon

71°F | 42°F

Tue

73°F | 42°F

Wed

66°F | 43°F

Thu

73°F | 47°F

As I said time to get out of the heat!

Lots of events and activities in WP this time of year also. The Eighth Annual Winter Park Blues Fest starts this Thursday with the best lineup ever for this rockin’ show.

There is also the Winter Park Chocolate Festival this weekend on June 26th.  Taste some great chocolate with some wine and have a great time in the Rockies.

And for the kids there are all the events and activities in the  Winter Park Village and base area:

COCA-COLA® FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
Fridays, June 25 – September 3 The Village at Winter Park presents Outdoor Movie Night! We will be showing a great selection of family and kid-friendly movies every Friday evening from June 25 – Labor Day Weekend. Movies will be held outdoors on the lawn next to the Discovery Center and are free to the public. A limited number of chairs are provided. All movies will begin just after sunset. Times may vary week to week.

CIRQUE du SATURDAYS
Saturdays, July 3 - September 4

It’s a circus in the mountains every Saturday in the Village at Winter Park!  Kids will enjoy the fun and festive atmosphere as they walk with troubadours, unicyclists, stiltwalkers, jugglers, and more in the Village from 10am – 2pm. Don’t forget to pause long enough for free face-painting and caricatures. All events are free and fun! Come one, come all! Don’t miss out on the chance to join the circus!

KIDS’ NIGHT OUT
Saturdays, July 3 – August 21

This fun, activity-filled evening is for 4-12 year olds. This program is loaded with indoor and outdoor activities and it includes dinner and s’mores by the firepit! Kids’ Night Out is a worry-free night out for Mom & Dad and a convenient alternative to at-home babysitting.  Kids’ Night Out is held at the Discovery Center in the Village at Winter Park on Saturday evenings from 5:30pm – 9:00pm starting July 3rd and running through August 21.  Kids’ Night Out is a FREE childcare service offered to parents on the condition that $30 per child is spent in any commercial outlet at the resort during the hours that your children are in the program. We do require original receipts to verify the expenditure. If less than $30 per child is spent, parents will be charged the difference. Kids Night Out includes: Dinner from Doc’s Roadhouse and Outdoor Activities / Indoor Activities - games, crafts, movies.

Reservations: Please reserve your child’s space by 3pm on Saturday. Call Winter Park Guest Services at 800.729.7907 to reserve your child’s space. Enrollment is limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Now that is a deal free day/night care while the parents head out for a drinks and dinner.

Summer is here and the now is the time to make your plan to head up to the mountains.  Let Winter Park Lodging Company make your getaway fun, economical and relaxing.

The Winter Park Mountain Bike Trail of the Week #3

Tipperary to Spruce Creek

The third Winter Park mountain bike trail of the week is here.  This week we have a great ride with some double and single track going trough Spruce Creek a couple times.  Overall it is a great ride with some water, good downhill jumps and great mountain scenery.

Tipperary to Spruce Creek

Distance: 7miles
Trail Location: From the Winter Park Visitor Center head north on US Hwy 40 into the town of Fraser. At the stop light turn left onto CR 72 stay right and drive through the meadow. At the “T” take a left, at the top of the hill you will see the Rodeo grounds.
Trail Description: Begin at the rodeo grounds west of Fraser. Head west on Givelo Trail. At the first intersection, CR 50S, turn right. Stay left on CR 50. Continue on CR 50 uphill, past two lodges on the right and over the cattle guard. Look for Tipperary on your left. Take a left on to Tipperary. Tipperary is a two track climb through, pines, aspens and lush mountain meadows. A canopy of trees covers much of the trail. Cross the first creek; continue to climb. Climb through two meadows, past a couple of springs, past the intersection to Back Scratch and through the second (and last) creek. The trail levels and begins the descent not long after a wet spring-fed area. You are now on Spruce Creek. (You only know this by looking at the map as there is no intersection or sign) The descent is much more technical than the climb. It’s loose and rocky, so be careful. Your next turn is a left onto St. Louis Creek Road and follow this back to your vehicle at the Rodeo Grounds.

Come on out and enjoy the great Colorado outdoors.  Let Winter Park Lodging Company supply your Winter Park summer vacation lodging and enjoy an active healthy getaway.