Winter Park CO Season Ski Passes

Winter Park Resort Season Ski Passes

The time has come to get your season ski pass for Winter Park Resort. As of next week September 2, 2010 the prices of Winter Park and Steamboat lift prices will go up.  If you buy before Sept 6 the season pass prices are as follows:

Winter Park/Mary Jane Resort Passes

Rocky Mountain Super Pass

This includes unlimited skiing at Winter Park/Mary Jane and Copper Mountain Resort.

Rocky Mountain Super Pass Plus

This includes unlimited skiing at Winter Park/Mary Jane, Copper Mountain Resort and six free days at Steamboat Resort.

Unlimited Skiing at Winter Park/Mary Jane and Steamboat Springs Ski Resort

Here are some of the pass benefits that come with the above passes:

• Rocky Mountain Super Passes – Double your $59 Friends & Family discount tickets to 20 to be used anytime during the 2010/11 season*.
• Winter Park Season Pass – 10 Friends and Family $59 lift ticket coupons, valid at Winter Park/Mary Jane only.
• Winter Park Four Pass – 4 Friends and Family $59 lift ticket coupons, valid at Winter Park/Mary Jane only.
• Discounts on Rental/Retail, Food & Beverage and Ski & Ride School.
• Receive special passholder offers via the Pass Perks email.
• Discounts off full-window rate lift tickets at most Intrawest resorts including Whistler Blackcomb, BC (excluding Colorado resorts).

SIA Snow Show Returns to Winter Park Resort

SIA Winter Park Resort

The SIA Snow Show returns to Denver and Winter Park Resort for the second year after a long run in the desert community in Las Vegas.

After 37 years in Las Vegas, the SIA Snow Show reported a six-year attendance high for the inaugural Snow Show held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver from January 28-31, 2010. The sold-out Snow Show attracted 18,045 attendees and featured over 3,100 exhibitors representing 845 snow sports brands, including 125 new exhibitors.

For four days in 2011, the snow sports industry returns to Denver, Colorado to do business, socialize and network.  With over 18,000 all under one roof, the snow sports community comes together once a year to see the latest trends, styles and innovations from ski, snowboard, cross country, AT/tele, backcountry, snowshoe and fashion.

The SIA Snow Show is two parts.  One spent in Denver at the Convention Center and the other spent at Winter Park Resort with an on snow component.  The Snow Show schedule is as follows:

SIA SNOW SHOW
Thursday, January 27 — Sunday, January 30, 2011
Colorado Convention Center
Denver, Colorado USA

The SIA Snow Show, January 27-30, 2011 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO, delivers the largest, most concentrated and authentic trade event in the snow sports industry. It is the first time globally that the styles, technologies, innovations, culture and energy of snow sports is presented. Close to 20,000 industry professionals will meet to engage in business, networking opportunities, parties, brand events and seminars to feel the true essence of snow sports.

On January 31 and February 1, 2011 the industry will head up to the mountains for the On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest at Winter Park Resort and Devil’s Thumb Ranch. In conjunction with Western Winter Sports Reps Association’s (WWSRA) Rocky Mountain Demo and in partnership with Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA), buyers can try out the latest gear for ski, snowboard, AT/tele, backcountry, cross country and snowshoe while all other attendees can get some time on the hill with the brands, reps and media. Attendees of the SIA Snow Show and On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest get free lift tickets and entry to Winter Park and Devil’s Thumb.

The SIA snow show is the place to check out the new trends in everything SKI. Up at Winter Park Resort all the latest will be tested on the hills.

Looking for lodging for the on snow demo session in Winter Park, CO? Look no further than Winter Park Lodging Company for SIA Snow Show lodging.

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.

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.

Winter Park Spring Splash Pond Skimming

Winter Park End of Season Pond Skimming

Here is a video of contestant #15 at Spring Splash.  From the time that we watched the pond skimming competition this guy by far had the best run.  The Spring Spash this year was was very good and very spring like.  Last year there was a ton of new snow on closing weekend but this year was just a bunch of spring-like slush.

The locals party over at Mary Jane C-Lot was  very fun with local musicians and people BBQ-ing,  having some drinks and  an all around good time.  The weather cooperated with no rain or snow and delightful sunny skies.  We will post some of the pictures from splash in the next day or two.

Now that Winter Park Resort is closed we are getting some spring storms that are just making me wish the resort was still open.  Maybe a trip up to Berthoud Pass for some back country skiing will end this ski season on a proper note.  Oh well it was a good ski season with some big storms followed by some dry periods but we got some very good days in and overall the season was not bad.  El Nino held for the entire year and we were a little short of our average snow fall.

Goodbye ski season and hello mountain bike season.  Well, after all this snow melts that has dropped in the last few days.

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 Powder Day

Powder Skiing Winter Park Resort

It was a powder day yesterday at Winter Park Resort.  One of the localized snow storms that Winter Park is famous for dumped a nice 16 inch blanket of the white fluffy stuff right on top of our hills for the enjoyment of the Winter Park guests and locals.

Berthoud Pass was closed on Sunday at 6:30 PM so only those here and those willing to drive around through Silverthorne and Kremmling were able to enjoy the best day of skiing here in Winter Park in over a year.

It was an eventful day from start to finish.  I was supposed to do some back-country skiing with Powder Addiction yesterday but the pass closure scuttled that.  But not to worry, fresh tracks on 16 inches of new is dream of a Monday.  We were inline at 8:30AM for the 9AM first lift and the runs did not disappoint.  I did break a ski pole and my ski partner Scott Emory, he of Moonshine Liquors, lost a ski.   But overall it was a spectacular day and my legs are feeling it today.

March and April are the best months to ski in Colorado and especially Winter Park Resort.  Chances are we will get some storms as big as Sundays in the next few weeks so get on up here and don’t miss on the next powder day.

Here is the trail report for March 2, 2010:

We are at about 206 inches so far for the 2009/2010 ski season, that means we should have another 150 inches by the middle April.  Don’t forget Winter Park Resort closing day is April 18, 2010.  Last year we received over a foot of snow on the closing weekend of Winter Park Resort just in time for Spring Splash.

So don’t make this another I should have skied more year, come on up and get your spring skiing turns in.