Spring is here!

The snow is elusive these days but that doesn't matter because the grass is getting greener by the day and the sun is always shining here in Winter Park.

Photo: colorado.com

Soon it will be summer with a bunch of great activities and events happening in Winter Park: Jazz festivals, Blues festivals, hot air ballooning, fishing and tonnes of mountain biking to do!

Photo: colorado.com

But why wait? The weather is perfect already for one of Grand County's best summer activities - hiking.

So come stay at Winter Park Chateau. We'll start you off with a filling breakfast from where you can start your hike out right and when you return why night soak in the hot tub to relieve the day's strain.

Winter Park Jazz Festival, July 21 and 22 plus free $$$

Book two nights lodging and received lots of credit. Either towards golf or cash to spend arount town while you enjoy the music.
Music line up for the  30th Anniversary Winter Park Jazz Festival:

Saturday, July 21, 2012

• Charlie Wilson
• Summer of Soul featuring Jonathon Butler, Maysa and Warren Hill
• Joe Louis Walker Big Band
• DOTSERO with special guest appearance by Mary Louise Lee

Sunday, July 22, 2012

• David Sanborn/Brian Culbertson
• Mint Condition
• Eric Darius
• Hazel Miller

Summer is Is Just Around The Corner

What better way to celebrate the Summer than with a romantic getaway to Winter Park Chateau.

You and your loved one can ski during the day and then come back to one our fabulous rooms to unwind. Order champagne and chocolates and relax in the hot-tub or your own private spa bath. Or sit by the fire while you sip your champagne (available in Black Hawk and Durango rooms only). Go the whole hog and be greeted by flowers on arrival. And don't forget we offer in-room massages, so why don't you spoil each other with a couples massage, especially great after a workout on the slopes.

All these in-room additions can be found on our website here.

*Also, we have a special for any room booked you can receive a free gift certificate to one of our fantastic local restaurants, within walking distance of the Chateau, worth $25. All you need to do is mention it during your booking.

SPECIAL PACKAGE: 3-day Adventure Get-A-Way:

Come for the weekend and upon your arrival, wine (or spirits of your choice) and appetizers will be awaiting you in your room. Enjoy the cosy setting while you prepare for the following day of fun and adventure. After a gourmet breakfast, spend the morning snowmobiling on a guided tour up to the continental divide. Enjoy the outdoors as you will be scheduled for two on-site one hour massages later that day. After your massage, appetizers and spirits will be served in front of the romantic fireplace.

After your next morning's breakfast, be prepared to hop on the bus which will take you directly to the ski resort. Enjoy a full day of skiing with included lift tickets, (lessons/equipment rental optional for an additional $35pp). Return to the Chateau and relax with après' appetizers and then choose among a number of restaurants that you can walk to for Dinner. (Dinner not included). Stay that night to miss the morning traffic. Breakfast will be served early the next morning, just in time, so that you can get to work in a timely fashion.

$1,200 for two

As always, a full hot breakfast is inclued in your stay no matter what additions you include or don't include in your stay.

And don't forget, when you book two nights at any lodging in winter park you'll receive a $50 voucher to spend at any participating Winter Park merchant. To take advantage of this offer you need to sign up for a Winter Park Key Card. You can sign up while making your booking or else you can sign up and/or find out more information at the WP Chamber of Commerce

It's Snowing!!

Yes, it's finally snowing in Winter Park just in time for a great weekend on the slopes.

The resort has had 4" in the last 24 hours bringing the summit depth to 54" and 47" at mid mountain base.

It was a great day out on the slopes today, so what are you waiting for?

Fun Activities This Weekend

Besides the Grand Lake Winter Carnival, there's a lot of other great activites going on in Grand County:

Saturday Feb 4th:

• Full Moon Ski, Iceskate & Snowshoe @ Devil's Thumb Ranch - 6-9pm.

Don your favorite method of transport and enjoy an evening of trails. Warm up at the bonfire, roast some marshaellows and enjoy complimentary hot chocoloate. $5 trail pass, $5 rental equipment.
For more info contact: 970.726.5632 or visit activities@devilsthumbranch.com or www.devilsthumbranch.com

• Kids Totally Insane Winter Blast @Solvista Basin, Granby Ranch - all day

Enjoy a day of family fun at Granby Ranch filled with activities, games, a rail jam and live music. Night skiing and tubing from 5-8pm.
Call 1.888.850.4615 or visit www.granbyranch.com

• Free Horse-drawn Carriage Rides @ Cooper Creek Square, Downtown Winter Park - 4-7pm

Enjoy the starry winter nights with a romantic or family fun horse-drawn carriage ride through Winter Park.
For more informtion go to coopercreeksquare.com

• Snowshoe in the Kawuneeche @ Rocky Mountain National Park, near Grand Lake - 9am & 1pm.

Join a beginner-level snowshoe tour with a ranger. Please bring your own snowshoes and ski poles with large baskets. 8 years of age and older. 2 hours. Call 970-627-3471 to make reservations and visit www.nps.gov for more information.

• Full Moon Ski @ Grand Lake Nordic Center - 5-9pm

Campfire and hot cocoa. $10 adults $5 kids. For more information call 970-627-8008 or visit http://grandlakerecreation.com/nordicevents.html

• Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club Steak Ride @ Grand Lake - 11am.

Ride in to a mountain meadow for a steak dinner in the snow. Club provides steaks; members bring potluck sides and desserts. For more information call Bill @ 970-627-8315.

• Night Skiing/Tubing @ Sol Vista Basin, Granby Ranch - 5-8pm.

Night skiing and tubing under the lights. Cost for night skiing is $12/person; tubing is $14/person; or combo ticket is $20/person. Please call 1.888.850.4615 or visit www.GranbyRanch.com

Sun Feb 5th:

• Skijoring Clinic @ Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Tabernash -10-noon.

Learn to ski with your dog! 10am-noon for new student and 1-2pm for returning. Cost: $30 with own leash, harness; $45 package that includes clinic, harness and trail pass; $20 for return student refresher clinic with own leash & harness; $10 ski rental equipment. For more information contact 970.726.8231 or go to activities@devilsthumbranch.com or www.devilsthumbranch.com

• Snowshoe in the Kawuneeche (as above)

Grand Lake Winter Carnival This Weekend

Grand Lake's Winter Carnival is a midwinter tradition. By late January of each Rocky Mountain winter, the village of Grand Lake, Colorado, is ready for a little diversion. Thus was born the annual Winter Carnival, a day of midwinter family-style wacky fun and games guaranteed to have everyone smiling.

This year they've got human bowling, bed sled races and tea pot curling and more! Here's a run-down of events:

9:30am - TEA POT CURLING: on town rink, 8 teams, bonfire, hot chocolate - $5.00 entry per teamTop three finishers split prize money.Contact Scott 627-9697

10am-2pm - THE “OZ” SNOWMAN CONTEST: for kids, Judge at 2All kid entrants get an ice cream cone for effort, ribbons - Free Entry

10:30am - FLAG FOOTBALL IN THE PARK: teams compete for traveling trophy.Contact Bill Sauter 627-3309

11:00am - KID’S STEEPLECHASE: in the park, free, prizes

12:30pm - “WIZARD of OZ” PARADE: Bed Sled Racers, Tea Pot Curlers, King/Queen candidates riding in sleigh, etc., all are welcome

All Day - EMERALD CITY SNOW SCULPTURES

1:00pm - PARENT/CHILD SLED PULL: free entry, bring your own sled

1:15pm - BED SLED RACES: 3-4 people push with one rider, on Grand Ave. in front of park, age group is 18+/ - $25 entry fee. Contact Anne 627-3580

2:00pm - HUMAN BOWLING: Adult & Kid divisions - 2 lanes/1 rider in saucer, 2 “bowlers aim the sled at 10 empty water jugs, $10 entry (kid’s free), cash prizes to adults. Just show up.

3pm - Judging of the SNOW SCULPTURES: Winners announced at the dance, the theme of the sculptures is “THE EMERALD CITY”

3-6pm - MOVIE “The Wizard of Oz”: at the Community House, free popcorn

8PM - THE “OZ” FIREWORKS on the Lake: This will signify the end of Winter Carnival and the start of Adult Time(time for the kids to go to bed)

8:00pm-midnight - “OZ” the DANCE: at Pancho and Lefty’s, Band - “ACME”King and Queen Finals, $100 prize for best costumeannouncement of winners of all events of dayappetizers served at 10pm, drink specials - $10 in advance - $15 at the door.

Friday evening there will be a pre-party at Grumpy’s with appetizers, drink specials and last minute signup sheets for events. Winner of the MERCHANT light display will be announced!

February Events At Winter Park Resort

S'Mores By The Fire - Wednesdays thru April 11th, 4-5pm
Take some time to meet new friends around the fire and toast your marshmallows until they are golden brown. This is a FREE family activity, but s'mores are on a first come, first serve basis.

Kids Night Out - Thursdays thru April 5th, 5:30-8:30pm
This fun, activity-filled evening is for 4-12 year olds, and is loaded with activities – including dinner and a movie! Kids' Night Out is a worry-free night out for Mom & Dad and a convenient alternative to at-home babysitting. And its FREE (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)

For more Details and fine print click here.

Mini Rail Jam - Fridays thru March 15th, 4-5pm
Here's something fun for the kids (recommended ages 6-12)! Hit the mini rail park, Bouncer, in the Village for some fun after the mountain has closed for the day. Practice your rail slides and jumps in a training mini terrain park.

Located at the Bouncer Terrain Park located across from Doc's Roadhouse and adjacent to the Private Lesson Center in the Village.

USASA Sanctioned Slopestyle and Superpipe - February 4th
USASA Membership required (but easy to get). These events are open to skiers and riders. Events will take place in Dark Territory and the Rail Yard.

For more information, click here.

USASA Registration: For more information about the Rocky Mountain Series Events held at Winter Park Resort, click here.

Silver Bullet Base Bash presented by Coors Light® - Saturdays, 3-6pm
Every Saturday from 3-6pm throughout the winter season, at Derailer Bar: Live music, drink specials and a great aprés scene right at the base of Winter Park Resort.

Disco Skate Nights - Saturdays, Jan 14th, Feb 11th and March 10th, 5-7pm
Grab your skates and get down to some funky 70s disco grooves!


These events and more at Winter Park Resort's online events calendar.

$50 Stay and Play Promotion

Winter Park Fraser Valley is sponsoring a promotion and is offering a $50 credit to spend at one of our local merchants if you book 2 nights lodging with us. Please mention the "stay and play" promo and ask for a Key Card. The more nights you book, the more credit you will get.