Winter Park Ski & Ride School Deals

Ski School Deals Winter Park, CO

Christy Sports’ Powder Daze is kicking off this weekend at the Park Meadows Mall! Last year’s inventory will be 40-70% off AND Winter Park Ski & Ride School will be selling their new 4-packs with a bonus lesson! That’s 5 lessons for the price of 4 for kids or adults. This is a special offer so don’t miss it!

There are lots of deals and specials going on down in Denver starting this weekend.  Sniagrab, Powder Daze and Ski Rex all are offering some gret deals on ski equipment, ski passes and lift tickets, and ski tunes and services.

Colorado Ski & Golf is offering $50 Gift Card with any single item purchase of $150 or more. Includes items already slashed 40%-75% if you sign up to be a Preferred Customer before you shop at Ski Rex.

If you are looking for ski school deals, ski equipment or clothing this weekend will offer some of the best deals of the year.

The weather is starting to turn and snow will soon fly here in Winter Park, CO so get you ski equipment ready, buy your season ski pass and make sure your kids are signed up for ski lessons…… ski season is just around the corner.

This year should be an excellent ski season with a La Niña weather pattern set to bring lots of powder to Winter Park and the other Northern Colorado resorts.  Last La Niña season, 2007, was a record year for snowfall for Winter Park/Mary Jane so lets cross our finger and hope the snow gods look on us kindly this year.

Colorado Resort Season Ski Passes 2010/2011

Colorado Ski Resort Season Ski Pass Prices

The mornings are getting colder and the evenings are getting a little shorter up here in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and this all points to the upcoming 2010/2011 ski season getting closer.  Summer is not out the door yet but she has spied her jacket is tugging on her dates arm to get ready to hit the road.  Have you purchased your ski pass for the season yet?

Most Colorado ski resorts are boosting their season pass prices by modest amounts for the 2010-11 winter after holding firm or even dropping prices to spur business last season, according to a survey by The Aspen Times.

There are lots options for ski passes to Colorado ski resorts now.  Besides each individual resort offering there own ski pass there are also multiple resort passes. The Epic Pass from Vail Resorts offers unlimited skiing at all there resorts and A-Basin. The Rocky Mountain Super Pass and RMSP Plus offer unlimited ski at Winter Park and Copper Mountain, which Intrawest no longer owns, and the Plus offers 6 anytime days at Steamboat Springs Resort.

Steamboat offered its adult season pass for $899 if purchased by June 1. It’s being sold for $999 through Aug. 15, when the prices ratchet up again. Last season the pass sold for $879 before June 1, and $999 through Aug. 14.

Steamboat also sells a pass that combines unrestricted, unlimited skiing at the resort plus Winter Park for $1,049.

Crested Butte is selling its adult gold pass for $949. The price was $849 for skier and riders who made the purchase by April 4. The price for the full-pass was $849 last season.

Jackson Hole is touting its “new low pricing” for 2010-11. The ski area, run by former Aspen Skiing Co. President and CEO Jerry Blann, dropped its season pass price 25 percent, from $1,675 last season to $1,255 this year.

Back in Colorado, resorts competing for Front Range skiers remained locked in a pass war. Vail Resorts made a marginal price increase to its Epic Pass, from $579 last season to $599 this season.  The pass is good for unlimited skiing and riding at Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapaho Basin as well as Heavenly in California.

For those wanting the ultimate in a season ski pass, Colorado Ski Country offers the gold medallion. The Colorado Ski Country USA Gold Pass is the state’s most exclusive season pass. This coveted pass provides unlimited access to Colorado’s world-class snow conditions and ski areas all season long. The Gold Pass is fully transferable so purchasers can share their pass with colleagues, clients, friends, family and more. With no blackout dates, the Gold Pass can be used at 21 ski areas any day of the season.  That is all the ski areas in the state beside those owned by Vail.

Only 100 gold passes are available for the 2010-11 season.

Whatever ski pass you end up purchasing don not forget if you are skiing at Winter Park Resort or Steamboat Resort use the Winter Park Lodging Company or the Steamboat Lodging Company for your accommodations.

Best College for Skiing?

University of Colorado Best College for Skiing

I was checking out what Skiing Magazine had to say about the upcoming ski season and I came across their article Ski School.

The article gives Skiing Magazines top 12 colleges to attend  to be able to ski and that have a good ski culture.  And obviously the 12 schools have great access to some very good skiing.  There are some East Coast schools in here that I didn’t think would be good ski schools and some Northwest schools I have never heard of .  But best of all Skiing Magazine has the one and only University of Colorado.  This is what Skiing had to say about the home of the skiing Buffs:

The University of Colorado

CU Boulder counts 33 Olympic skiers that have participated in the Olympics over 50 times among its alumni. A prime spot for training, Boulder is nearly a mile high, and gets an average of 255 sunny days every year. Competitive skiers here have a social life too; the program sponsors “a ski ball” each year, which also serves as a highly successful fundraiser for their program. Colorado is home to 26 ski resorts, and the university is about two hours from eight of them.

Yes, Winter Park Resort is one of the eight resorts that is within 2 hours of Boulder and it is the second closest behind Eldora Mountain.

I am surprised that the University of Denver was not on this list as the DU Pioneers have pretty much dominated college level skiing the last ten years.

The University of Denver’s 19 team championships in skiing are the most in NCAA history, ahead of Colorado’s 16 and Utah’s 10. The 2008 title also marked the Pioneers’ fifth championship since 2000. DU also won in 2000, ’01, ’02 and ’05.

So what is the No.1 ski school? Well it has to be the University of Colorado. OK OK I’m biased I’m an alum.

Now what college will Nicholas & Willem (the Twins) be attending? I’m pushing for CU or DU and both schools ski teams train right here in Winter Park, CO. Their mother keeps on talking up her alma matter, Wake Forest, but the only way they can ski down there is if God turns tobacco white. Anywho, they are only 3 so lots of time to figure out college still.

Go Buffs!

Snowcat Skiing Winter Park, CO with Powder Addiction

Colorado Snowcat Skiing

Powder Addiction is back for year number two with a new snowcat and a frequent rider program. The Winter Park Village based snow cat operation provides guided snowcat skiing on Jones Pass right off of US Highway 40.

We at Winter Park Lodging Company were able to take a couple of trips up with Powder Addiction and the operation and skiing were phenomenal.  If you have any interest in back-country powder skiing this is a must.

Anywho, here is the details on Powder Addictions new snowcat and frequent rider program:

New snowcat for the 2010-2011 Season.

We have purchased a newer machine and have just finished ordering a custom passenger cabin for it. The new machine is a 2007 Bombardier BR 350. This machine has 350 horsepower compared to the 150 horsepower of the LMC machine we used last winter. More than twice as powerful! This machine is sweet and it will go up all of our terrain without slowing down or struggling on the steep hills. We should be able to average 12-13 miles per hour (MPH). The old LMC averaged about 4-5 MPH. We expect to be able to get an additional 2-3 runs per day!

Prices will remain the same this winter even with the investment of a sweet new snowcat. We are adding a new frequent skier incentive. For every 5 seats you buy the 6th one will be free! This will be good during one season only. We are now taking reservations for the 2010-2011 Season. Get your reservations now and make sure you do not miss out on what promises to be a fantastic season.

Please contact us via email to book your spots for this winter. I will call you back within a couple of days. No one is in the office during the summer but we will get back to you as soon as possible.

It has been a very wet the last few weeks here in Grand County. We can only hope that we get this much precipitation this winter especially in November and December.

Think Snow!

Yes it is August but now is the time to plan your trip to Winter Park for some SNOWCAT SKIING.  Let Winter Park Lodging Company plan your excursion and ski vacation.

Check out the above picture, that is yours truly in the red jacket looking at the ground.  Also in the pic are noted locals Ed Reagner, Mike Ayers (skippy), Craig Van Way, Chase and Steve Hogan and some other local Winter Park hooligans.

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 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.

Last Week of Skiing at Winter Park Resort

Winter Park Resort Closing Ski Day

We are down to the last day of ski season here in Winter Park, Colorado.  And this if the time to come up to make some turns.  The last day of the 2009/2010 ski season is April 18th this year and that is the day to be here up here in the Rockies.

This week there are lots of events in the Winter Park Village.  There will be live music in the village and a beer dinner at The Cheeky Monk this Thursday.  The weather this week is looking good with snow predicted for Tuesday the 13th.

The grand finale of this ski season will be the Winter Park Resort Spring Splash.  Check out the link and make plans to attend the oldest tradition of its kind and on its 42nd year. On Sunday, April 18, athletes begin at 12pm as spectators watch skiers and riders struggle through obstacles on the Larry Sale trail race course and attempt to skim across an icy pond to reach the finish line and post a time. Live music sets the tone for a closing day party that is fun for everyone!

The official party is held at the Winter Park base and the unofficial wilder side is over in the C-Lot at Mary Jane.  Come enjoy some music, BBQ, beer, and an all around good time at the Mary Jane Spring Splash celebration.

This is the last week of ski season here in Winter Park, CO so lets get out and wish ski season a grand goodbye ’till next November.

Easter Fun at Winter Park Resort Colorado

Easter Bunny in Winter Park, Colorado

The Easter Bunny donned some skis this weekend and made an appearance in Winter Park, Colorado.  There was a few inches of new snow for Mr. Bunny and the wind calmed a bit for him to rip it up over on the Mary Jane side.

At the base of the Winter Park Resort was the Wells Fargo Easter Egg and Candy Hunt that was a hit with all the youngsters.  Nicholas & Willem, our twins, were able to get a couple of chocolate eggs themselves.  It was a great time for the young ones and this is an event we will make an annual tradition.

Easter marks the official countdown to the end of the season party, Winter Park Spring Splash, here at the Resort.  So, mark your calendars and be sure to attend the most fun and longest running end of season ski resort party in Colorado.

Lodging deals are abundant this time of year and Winter Park Lodging Company can you on the slopes for cheap, cheap, cheap.

Spring is here and the weather and snow can not be beat in April.  Make your plans now and get your skiing in he next two weeks.  Last day of the ski season is April 18th, 2010.

Come on up get the best turns of the year in!

Cross Country|Nordic Skiing at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Ma & Pa hoofin' it at Devil's Thumb

Devil’s Thumb is the largest Nordic center in the Rocky Mountains with 100km of trails. My mom had her knee replaced last summer so alpine skiing isn’t an option and we wanted to get out of the house last week when my parents were visiting. So, we got out my parents’ 20 year old cross country skis and took a short drive over to Devil’s Thumb on a gorgeous bluebird day.

I rented equipment from a guy who said he grew up alpine skiing in Vermont but explained that cross country skiing was actually the first “skiing” sport and beat alpine by about 500 years.  Renting was cheap – maybe $15 and equipment seemed pretty nice to me. And the best part is it felt we had the place to ourselves. He said it’s only “busy” on weekends but busy to them is like April 30th at the resort (hint: resort closes April 18th).

Meadow Trail

We had lunch at a picnic table overlooking the trails (brought it with us) and then got started. We went slowly but soon got the hang of getting in the rutts (I’m sure there’s a more proper name but that’s what we called them) made by the custom snowplow that grooms the trails and cuts in 2 rutts so you can steady yourselves.  We skied for about 2 hours and it was just beautiful. Stayed on the Meadow Trail to Wapiti then Broken Barn and back on Ranch Walk. All flat, but over bridges, down a few small little hills, gorgeous scenery and a nice workout. Ten minutes into it, we wished we were as smart as the guy who passed us wearing shorts and a t-shirt. It was HOT. And my dad and I forgot face sunscreen so we looked silly for a few days afterwards. But, other than that, it was really a wonderful day.

If you need an alternative to downhill skiing for the young or the old, or just want to take a break and enjoy the peaceful serenity of Colorado in the wintertime, head over to Devil’s Thumb Ranch and find out what “classic” vs “skate” skiing is.  Plus, it’s cheap. Adults are $18 a day and kids 12 and under and the grandparents are only $8 a day.  Got little ones? They even have chariots so you can pull them along with you for $20.  Definitely wear shorts and a t-shirt if you’re going to pull that off.  

Winter Park Resort Season Passes

Winter Park/Mary Jane Season Pass

Winter Park/Mary Jane Resort season ski passes are on sale.  There are three configurations that are being offered by Intrawest and Powdr Corp.

Intrawest sold Copper Mountain this past December and Copper is still teaming up with Intrawestst to offer passes that are good at Winter Park, Steamboat Springs and Copper Mountain.

Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus:
Unlimited riding at Copper and Winter Park, plus six days at Steamboat — $409
Rocky Mountain Super Pass: Unlimited skiing at Winter Park and Copper — $409
Copper Mountain Season Pass: Unlimited, single mountain — $359
Winter Park/Mary Jane Season Pass: $369

These are Spring pricing deals are good for a few weeks until prices go up.  Intrawest is also offering a deal for only $49.00 down now and the balance to be charged in August.

It is interesting that Powdr Corp has elected to stay with the Intrawest pass program but completely understandable as they are surrounded by Vail Resorts and would be crushed if they would try to go it alone. As of yet, Copper has not offered any pass products that include access to other resorts of Powdr Corp, which purchased Copper from Intrawest in December. Powdr Corp also owns Park City Mountain Resort, Killington Resort and Mount Bachelor, among other ski areas.

These season ski pass prices are such deals.  In the early 1990′s a Winter park pass ran n the $700 range and a Summit pass that was good for all Summit County ski areas ran in the $850 range.  Who says competition isn’t good?

If you are planning to do any skiing make sure to get your Winter Park/Mary Jane season ski pass this spring and save yourself some cash.

Winter Park Resort April Skiing

April Skiing Winter Park Colorado

Looking for the best month of the year to ski in Colorado? Well that would be April in my opinion.  The weather is a little warmer and there are some glorious days with a nice white blanket of snow overnight and a sunny blue sky day for what we here would call a bluebird day.

The deals on lodging and lift tickets always seem to pop up in late April and the big spring-break crowds of March fade away.  Want to celebrate spring?  There is no way better than to spend an the afternoon after a day of skiing on one of Winter Parks glorious decks with a beer in hand.  Need some deck suggestions?  Well, we have The Sushi Bar, Derailer, Doc’s Roadhouse, The Cheeky Monk, Fontenot’s and these are the places not on the ski hill.  On the the Winter  Park Resort ski hills I would suggest Snowoasis, Sunspot or Club Car at the bottom of Mary Jane.

The snow report is saying we are in for a bunch more snow before this ski season comes to an end.  Here is what our favorite snow forecast site (Snowforecast.com) is saying about the rest of March and April snow at Winter Park Resort:

There is a break in weather/ snow possible after next Tuesday/ Wednesday’s storm, then another shot at snow possible for the last weekend in March (27th/ 28th). Pacific storms (with snow) should move through with good frequency right into April. The rest of April still looks potentially snowy (what we mean by “snowy” – at least 1 day with snow for every 2 sunny/ no snow days).

Don’t forget about the best day of the year in Winter Park, the Winter Park Spring Splash, April 18th this year.  A day of fun, debauchery and a celebration of the ski season gone past.  A day that should not be missed by anyone that has a love for skiing and Winter Park, Colorado.

The above photo is by Mr Scott Heffel on Jones Pass for a Skiing Magazine photo shoot.