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.

Powder Addiction Snow Cat Skiing Winter Park, CO

Powder Addiction Skiing on Jones Pass

We had day number two with Powder Addiction on Jones pass this week.  It was supposed to be day number four but a good bout of pink eye and an avalanche on US Highway 40 has postponed the other two trips.  The group that went up this time was full of Winter Park locals, a father-son WP second home team and a video and still camera professional.

What a senational day.  Temps were in the high 30’s and there were a few inches of fluffy white powder.  The above photos of Ed Reagner were shot later in the day as we were attempting a south facing wall that had baked all day and gotten a nice crusty layer on top that all us skiers had a little trouble with.

Mr. Scott Hefel was the professional photog along for the day and he took some spectacular pictures.  Check out Scott Hefel Photography to see the photos.  Click on Powder Addiction (bottom right) and use password: 3.15.10

We also had “T” from RSN Winter Park Channel 18 filming for an upcoming RSN sking special.  Maybe all us will be back-country skiing stars someday?  I am not holding my breath or quitting the day job though.

On the trip was a father and son team and for a 15 year old Chase could really rip it up.  I do wish I was skiing this terrain when I was 15 years old.  Anywho, it was a great day skiing.  I would like to thank, Jamie, Waldo and Scott for the expert guiding and safety provided.

If you have any desire to do some cat skiing Powder Addiction can not be beat.  It is reasonably priced, especially compared to other snow cat skiing operations, and the terrain and snow is fantastic.  Jones Pass is a short ride from Powder Addiction headquarters in the Winter Park Village with snow that drops from all storms coming through Central Colorado.  At the end of the day you get to enjoy a couple free Steamworks Brewery beers.

The snow is still coming and it’s not too late to get your cat skiing in this year.  Now is the time to sign up and take a snow cat skiing trip with Powder Addiction.

Winter Park Resort Skiing For Kids

Teaching Kids to Ski at Winter Park Resort

We had our third day out with the twins on the slopes at Winter Park.  The day wasn’t as nice as last week but we captured Nicholas and Willem in action on video.  The plan was to head up the Gemini lift and spend a few hours at Discovery Park with the boys but when we got to the resort the snow was falling and the wind was a howlin’.  No problems!

We headed over to Sorenson Park and made about six quick runs down.  Willem skied all the way down a few times and Nicholas perfected his hard right turn to slow down.  I don’t think he means to make a hard right turn but lets give him the benefit of the doubt, he is only two.  All in all it was a very successful day and the boys are now excited to go skiing.

Next week we will take the first lift ride up to Discovery Park and make a few turns up there before we head down Turnpike.  Oh Boy, Turnpike is making my back hurt just thinking about all of the bending over.

Anywho, we are trying to get the boys comfortable on skis this year before we put them in ski school next year.  I think we are well on our way and I hope the  Nicholas and Willem do truelly enjoy the skiing and it’s not just the M&M’s that we are bribing them with.

Here is Winter Park Resorts description of their ski school for three year olds:

JUST BECAUSE I’M THREE

The main focus for the day is skiing, but a full day of skiing can be a lot for three year olds. Your 3 year old will learn about skiing and may also enjoy activities such as outside snowplay, arts & crafts, Adventure Sled rides. Children must be potty trained and willing to participate.

Guests without reservations may enroll their 3-year-olds on the 2nd floor of the Winter Park Kids Ski & Ride School.

Winter Park Kids’ Lesson Season Pass for $1299!

Powder Addiction Winter Park, CO

Winter Park Colorado Back-Country Skiing

The word is getting out about our new back-country ski operation headquartered here in the Winter Park Village.  Powder Addiction open this year and runs a snow-cat ski operation on Jones Pass.  I have had the pleasure of taking one trip with them and another is set for this coming Monday (yes that is my poor form in the picture above).  I would have three trip under my belt by this time if not for pink eye and 16″ of fresh powder that closed Berthoud Pass a week ago.  Not to worry I will be getting at least four trips in this year.

Anywho, the word is getting out as The Denver Post did an article about Powder Addiction and skiing at Jones Pass in today’s sport section.  A very good article about a great operation at Powder Addiction.  If you get a chance to take a trip with them do not pass it up.  The snow on Jones Pass, as the article says, is awesome and the terrain is fantastic.

Powder Addiction cat-skiing is not for everyone and here is what they say of those that should consider going:

As a reference, skiers should be comfortable on expert runs at developed resorts and should prefer powder snow to groomed terrain. Since Forest Service regulations keep the ‘cat at least 100 feet from the ridge line, skiers also should expect a couple of short hikes at elevations around 12,000 feet. The high altitude combined with good northern exposure keeps the snow cold and light.

Powder Addiction will provide some wide Solomon Czar powder skis and packs with avalanche beacons and a tasty lunch.   It is a day well spent and addictive…….Powder Addiction.

Come on up and try some back-country cat-skiing.

Learning to Ski at Winter Park Resort

Teaching Your Kids to Ski at Winter Park, CO

We finally got our precious twin 2 year-olds out to the slopes at Winter Park Resort.  What took us so long you ask.  Well we waited until we had some nice spring like days with plenty of snow and warm, blue sky weather.  If we would have known how cool it would be seeing your children ski down the hill we may have had them out there a year ago.

We spent our first two days of ski learning and teaching experience at the base of Winter Park.  The first day we were on Mt. Maury with the Winter Park ski school classes.  I think from some of the comments that that hill is reserved for Winter Park ski school.  I think this is a better hill to teach kids on as everyone on this little hill looked to be under five years of age.  The second day we went over to Sorenson Park with all the big kids.  By day two Nicholas and Willem skied all the way down the hill by themselves.  Awesome is all I have to say.  No, they weren’t turning and they need help getting onto the magic carpet but these barely two year-olds skied down a hill all by themselves!  I could not have been prouder as some observers at Sorenson Park were cheering for the little tykes.  What a great day!

As you can see above Winter Park has wagons that are a great help in transporting the kids around the base.  It says on the wagon not to be used to go over the snow to Sorenson Park but we have been told by the Winter Park Hosts that it is OK to take the wagons over there.  There were three or four wagons at Sorenson when we arrived with ours.  Mt. Maury and Sorenson are just a short walk to Winter Park Base Rental ski shop and the Winter Park Market/Cafeteria.  The whole setup is very very convenient with the Winter Park Ski School right here as well.  Now you are asking why the heck didn’t we just put our little future skiing Olympians in ski school?  Well, the ski school will not take kids that are not potty trained.  And at the pace of our little ones they may be skiing black diamonds before they know how to use a toilet.

Next week we will attempt a chair lift ride up to Discovery Park.  We will keep you posted as to how that goes and if it goes at all like to today it will be one of the better days indeed.

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.

Over Two Feet of New Snow in Winter Park

New Snow at  Winter Park/Mary Jane Resorts Colorado

Snow snow and more snow in Winter Park.  That’s right we have been getting crushed with snow here in Winter Park.  27 inches is the total in  the last week with more on the way.   Here are our snow totals for the last few days and for the year as of Feb 23, 2010:

Winter Park/Mary Jane averages around 350 inches for the year so we can expect to just get blasted the next eight weeks that the resort is open.  Here is what our friends over at SnowForecast.com are calling for for the next month or so here in Winter Park:

–We may see lingering snow flurries next Monday, mixed with sun and clouds, then next Tuesday high pressure ridging is possible. Mid next week (3rd of March) begins a series of storms, some moving more southerly, some northerly, but frequent, for frequent light to moderate or even heavy snow. This unsettled pattern over the west should keep the slopes fresh through mid March at least. The rest of March and most of April still look potentially snowy.

Snow in December, January and the first part of February was below average with most of the Colorado storms hitting the resorts located in the southern part of the state.  It looks as though that these storms should start taking a more northern route and it is looking really good for Mary Jane and Winter Park.

March and April are by far the best months to ski in Colorado.  The weather is a little warmer, the snow a little deeper and the beers taste a little better.

Spring Skiing in the Colorado Rockies – heaven on earth!

Spring Skiing at Winter Park Resort

Winter Park Spring Skiing

It is getting to be that time of year when the heavy parka goes away and the nice light fleece accompanies you to the ski hill.  Spring! in all its glorious incarnations is just a couple of weeks away and you know what that means? Lotsa lotsa snow, blue skies and drinking beer on the base decks.  There is not a better time to ski in Colorado than spring and that goes for Winter Park as well.

As I said, the snow is usually best in March and April and the temperatures get a little bit warmer and the days a little bit longer.

Winter Park Resort is putting on the Spring Blast presented by Snickers® – Party at the Park on April 3rd and 4th, 2010.  Here is what they have to say about their Spring Blast:

Celebrate the coming of spring! Relax on the decks of Derailer Bar with drink specials and live music, shop ’till you drop at our end of season blowout sales in base area shops, get free bump tips from the Winter Park Ski and Snowboard school, watch the area’s best freeride competitors in rail jam competitions and demo’s, and don’t forget about the season finale Winter Park Spring Splash.

Winter Park Resort is in the top 10 Spring Break Ski Trips  for 2010. Coming in at number3.  Here is what About.com has to say about Winter Park Resort as a spring skiing destination:

Winter Park is just 1 1/2 hours from Denver, Colorado, making it easy and cheap to get to by car, bus or Amtrak train (in fact, you can take the Amtrak ski train straight into Winter Park from either coast and get a 15% Amtrak student discount). A mountain bike-friendly place in summer, Winter Park is loaded with apres-anything spots.

So the weather is looking like Winter Park will be getting hit by lots of wet spring snow storms and the weather will be heating up: it is Spring Skiing in the Colorado Rockies.

Moonlight Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski at Pole Creek

Winter Park, CO  Snow Shoe & Country Cross Ski

The second moonlight cross country ski and snow shoe is to be held next Saturday night February 27th at Pole Creek Golf Club.  We were able to attend the first edition and it was a fantastic time.  The moon is so bright that the trails are well lit and halfway through there is a bonfire with hot chocolate and schnapps being served.  Stay for dinner after the hike or ski at Bistro 28 they are serving up some great grub at reasonable prices.

Here is the full description from the Winter Park/Fraser Chamber of Commerce:

FULL MOON SNOWSHOE CROSS COUNTRY SKI AT POLE CREEK GOLF CLUB

TRAIL WILL BE WELL LIT WITH TIKI TORCHES
HOT CHOCOLATE AND SCHNAPPS AT THE BONFIRE!

DINNER AFTER AT “BISTRO 28”
FEATURING HOMEMADE PASTAS PLUS FANTASTIC MENU SELECTIONS
STARTING AT $8.
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR DINNER
PLEASE CALL 970-887-9797
Dinner every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at Bistro 28
Burger and a beer/wine – Prime rib and Pasta specials

Don’t miss a fun way to get some exercise and enjoy the Grand County outdoors under the moonlight.

Learn to Ski the Bumps – Mary Jane Style

The Mary Jane Bump Jamboree and Bob’s Mogul Camp

Wanting to learn to ski the bumps or improve your mogul techniques?  Well the Mary Jane Bump Jamboree and Bobs Mogul Camps are here to help with your bump skiing abilities.  There is no better place to learn the bumps than the Mary Jane side of Winter Park Resort.  Where would the coolest place to learn to golf… Pebble Beach, right?  How about best place learn to drive a NASCAR car….. Daytona , correct?  Well, Mary Jane is to bump skiing what Pebble Beach and Daytona are to golf and NASCAR racing.

So get yourself  signed up for the Mary Jane Bump Jamboree or Bob’s Mogul Camp.  Dates and Info:

• Mary Jane Bump Jamboree Feb 20th, 2010 $95.00 – Saturday February 20th, 2010. Check in at Mary Jane Center. Clinic from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Skiers Only. Skiers must be comfortable on blue trails.  Get more of the Jane with less pain in this program that has become a tradition for many generations of skiers. You will enjoy the legendary apres party after 6 full hours of coaching.  From blue bumps to zipper line skiers we have a group for you!  If you have questions about your registration or specific program details, please call 303.316.1564.

• Bob’s Mogul Camp Feb 24th $499.00 Three day camp at Mary Jane Resort on February 24th, 25th and 26th. 9:00am to 3:00pm each day of the camp. Apres party included. Skiers Only. Skiers must be comfortable on blue trails.  Explore North America’s best bump runs as you develop new skills with the Ski & Ride School Director Bob Barnes and his top coaches. Groups are formed by ability level and motivations.Camp fees include a daily apres party and equipment demos.  If you have questions about your registration or specific program details, please call 303.316.1564.

• Bob’s Mogul Camp Mar 12th $499.00   Three day camp at Mary Jane on March 12th, 13th and 14th. 9:00am to 3:00pm each day of the camp. Apres party included.  Skiers Only.  Skiers must be comfortable on blue trails.  Explore North America’s best bump runs as you develop new skills with the Ski & Ride School Director Bob Barnes and his top coaches. Groups are formed by ability level and motivations.  Camp fees include a daily apres party and equipment demos.

Visit Winter Park/Mary Jane bump site to register.

The best time of year to ski Winter Park and Marty Jane is upon us.  Register today for the Bump Jamboree and/or Bob’s Mogul Camp.

Let the Winter Park Lodging Company help you out on your lodging for these events and WPLCO will give you 15% off your lodging for either of these Mary Jane bump skiing events.