Trailhead Lodge in Downtown Winter Park Colorado

Destinations West just got a new unit in our rental pool: Trailhead Lodge. This is a fabulous 3 bedroom condo located in the new development behind Hideaway Park in Winter Park.

This vacation rental is within walking distance to restaurants and shopping - and on the shuttle route. Bring your sled for the hills at Hideaway Park.

Here is a sledder I captured from the unit today in the middle of a snow storm:

The living room has a gas fireplace, large flat screen television, and queen sleeper sofa. The master bedroom has a king bed and television. The second bedroom has a queen and the third bedroom has a twin bunk and twin bed.

This is a great vacation rental in a great location: Downtown Winter Park Colorado. Click here to view additional photos and rates on the Destinations West website.

Moose Run Private Home Rental

I drove out to Destinations West home rental, Moose Run, last night in the snow storm. This home is beautiful and spacious: 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and features the latest gas appliances in the kitchen. It has a foosball table and sitting area with a sofa - perfect for kids!

Here are some photos I took during the winter storm. You can view additional photos on our website.

This home is the perfect mountain getaway in the Rocky Mountains. Escape the crowds and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Winter Park Weekly Snow Report - Video

Click on this link to view what is going on at Winter Park Resort.

The mountain has snow and the skiing and riding is great.

Call Destinations West to book your ski and stay weekend package including lodging, lift tickets, and rentals.
800-545-9378
www.mtnlodging.com

10 Reasons to Book your Winter Ski Vacation in Winter Park (Re-post)

10 – free sledding in Hideaway Park
9 – World Class skiing and riding at Winter Park Resort
8 – Alpenglow Sunsets at 9,000 feet
7 – Ice Skating at Cooper Creek Square
6 – On your off ski day, you can take a dog sled ride
5 – There is a tubing hill in Fraser – just 2 minutes from Winter Park
4 – Snowmobiling near the Continental Divide
3 – Snowshoeing on Vasquez Creek just off Route 40
2 – Nordic Skiing at Devil’s Thumb

1 – You can get luxury lodging at a reasonable price through Destinations West. Private home rentals are more affordable than you think. Give us a call 800-545-9378 or view our website: www.mtnlodging.com

Effortless Vacations in Winter Park Colorado

Winter Park, CO -- Think a ski vacation is too much of a hassle with all the extra charges from the airlines; packing skis, baby gear, shopping for the condo, standing in line for lift tickets? Destinations West of Winter Park has the answer to your dilemma – the Effortless Vacation! DW will arrange for ski rentals, lift tickets, taking shipment of your luggage, providing baby gear, grocery shopping and even deliver heat and eat meals!

Ground transportation from the airport or an optional rental car are available so you don’t have to worry about driving over the pass to get to the slopes. When you return to your vacation home after a full day of powder, moguls and terrain parks with plans for a long soak in the hot tub and a glass of wine, dinner will be easy because you ordered it from the menus on the Destinations West website at www.mtnlodging.com.

Their goal is to make your ski vacation effortless and to allow you the pleasure of a snow sports vacation in Colorado that you and your family and friends will always remember. And, if you have non-skiers with you, let the local experts at Destinations West plan their alternative activities. Booking with DW is like having your own concierge!

For more information and reservations, please visit www.mtnlodging.com
or call 1-800.545.9378.
See you on the slopes!

Vacation Rental Waterside West 3 bedroom in Fraser Colorado

New to our vacation rental pool in Fraser, Colorado - just 5 minutes from Winter Park Resort.

This 3 bedoom condo is luxuriously furnished with leather sofa and flat screen television. There is a gas fireplace in the living room and large dining room for a family meal after a day on the slopes.

Or grill on the private deck and eat lunch in the sunshine on the dining table.

This is a great unit and each bedroom has its own flat screen television.

Call Destinations West today to book this vacation rental in Fraser Colorado.


Book your lodging and lift tickets by November 23rd and get 1 night free and 1 day skiing for free. 800-545-9378

Ski in / Ski Out Condo in Winter Park Colorado

Founders Pointe condo in Winter Park Colorado:

Destinations West just added to their inventory, a 2 bedroom ski in - ski out condo at Founders Pointe. This unit is close to everything at Winter Park Resort.

This 2 bedroom upscale, ski in/ski out condo has a gas fireplace, granite counter-tops, flat screen television, stainless steel appliances, and private deck with views of the slopes.

Our unit features one king bed in the master bedroom and one queen bed in the second bedroom, and queen sleeper sofa in living room. There is a master bath and a full bath. Additional amenities include complimentary wireless internet, ski locker on first floor lobby.

Outdoor amenities include heated walkways, an open styled piazza with hot tub, fireplace and barbeque.

-

This unit is available for the Winter Holiday and Spring Break.

Call Destinations West today to book this unit 800-545-9378

or

check availability on line by clicking here.

Winter Park Lodging Deal

Treat yourself to the Best while giving your Wallet a rest.

Get Luxury for Less;
Stay 2 nights get 20% off.
Stay 3 night get 30 % off.
Stay 4 nights get 40% off.

Stay for a week and pay for 5.

Just mention this website when you call to book your reservation at Destinations West:
800-545-9378

Bailout Plan for the Vacation Deprived-While our politicians work on a bailout for Wall

NEWS RELEASE

Michael McFadden Co-Founder, The Society


Bailout Plan for the Vacation Deprived-While our politicians work on a bailout for Wall Street,The Society concentrates on those needing vacation assistance

LAKEWOOD, CO. (September 30, 2008) – With Wall Street awaiting a government bailout; The Society of Leisure Enthusiasts (http://www.thesociety.com/) comes to the rescue of the vacation deprived with the “Vacation Bailout Plan”. Developed by two Oxford graduates in conjunction with travel consultants from around the globe, The Society’s “Vacation Bailout Plan” is for those on Main Street.

The Vacation Bailout Plan is to literally save the “American Vacation” during this period of economic uncertainty. With the December holidays fast approaching and Spring Break within 120 days, The Society needed to act immediately to assist those who may be delaying vacation planning due to concerns of cost and value.

According to Michael McFadden, Co-Founder of The Society. “For the vast majority of the American public, value is the utmost priority when booking a vacation this year. At TheSociety.com, visitors to the site will find exceptional values concerning the finest vacation home rentals in the world”. Vacation homes, once considered the privileged domain of the rich and famous are now available to vacationers seeking value for their vacation dollars. Fact: The average 5-star luxury vacation home is less expensive than a mid-range hotel on a cost per person/per night basis.

“With an inventory of over 5,000 qualified properties,” added McFadden, “we can facilitate clients with inventory from intimate flats to sprawling homes, from beachfront to slopeside. Finally, family and friends have a one-stop resource for finding and reserving the finest vacation residences available throughout the world.”

The Society’s Vacation Bail Out Plan is much shorter than the 700+ pages presented on Capitol Hill, actually its just 5 lines:

Set a budget per person
I
nvite family and friends to join you (larger home, more people = better value)

Decide on Sun or Snow, or as we say “Sandcastles or Snowballs”

Submit vacation parameters to: www.TheSociety.com/matchmaker

Book before October 31, 2008, and The Society will pay up to $250 USD towards airline baggage fees (in-house luggage shipping is available) or gas, depending whether you fly or drive (promotional code: Bailout)

With an inventory in excess of 5,000 vacation homes around the world and access to an additional 20,000 properties, The Society will find the perfect home for your vacation. Each home has been reviewed by The Society’s Luxe Alliance to insure quality and value for their clients. Each vacation home rental offered by The Society is professionally supervised by on-site management.

Many homes include premier on location concierge services available only to clients of The Society. In addition, in early 2009 The Society will provide access to a certified travel consultant to assist with flights, car rentals and other transportation logistics.

Winter Park Resort Comes of Age

This article on a travel blog discusses Winter Park Resort and all the changes in recent years. "With its terrain, superior snow conditions and yet still quiet slopes" Winter Park is a great mountain that keeps getting better.

Excerpts from the blog: New Ski Runs & Ski Lifts a Hit With Skiers & Boarders in Winter Park Resort, Colorado, Usa
Winter Park has gladed 100 acres of terrain on skiers right and added 2 brand new fairly long runs to get back down to the Panoramic or Sunnyside lifts via a different route. These 2 new trails are called Forever Eva and Parry’s Peak and are intermediate trails, winding gently through the newly gladed forest, for everyone to enjoy.

and

“The Panoramic Express, with its unmatched view, and the addition of two new intermediate trails, not only provides guests with quicker access to the top of Mary Jane’s Parsenn Bowl, but also provides more elbow room to play once they’re there,” said Gary DeFrange, president & chief operating officer for Winter Park Resort."

Granby Oktoberfest - October 3rd and 4th

Spend the weekend in Granby and Grand County and celebrate Oktoberfest; a celebration of community and family fun.

There will be a variety of activities for children and adults:

• 5K road race through a Sunflower Maze at Morales Farms
• live music
• a scarecrow competition
• children’s crafts
• face painting
• pumpkin decorating
• beer garden
• food from various local restaurants and caterers.

New to this year's event, is a watercolor painting created by local artist Howard Neville that will be sold during Oktoberfest as a keepsake from the event. He will also hold a signing on Saturday for those who purchase a print of this limited edition painting.

For more information visit: http://granbyoktoberfest.com/
To book lodging for this event visit: http://www.mtnlodging.com/grandelk.aspx

See you there!

Fall Mountain Biking Special

Escape to the Mountains and stay in a private home or townhome close to the trail system in the Winter Park/Fraser Valley. Stay 2 nights and get a 15% discount. Here is a sample property close to the Fraser Trail system:
Byers View Townhome

or a private home:

Indy West Private Home 4 bedroom, 3 bath house that sleeps 12. 3 levels of living space and 2 separate family rooms. All rooms and decks have mountain views. Foosball table, multiple TV’s, and a Bose home theatre system. All bathroom have been remodelled with infloor radiant heat. Private hot tub and a huge flagstone patio complete with a custom fire-pit.


Here are some pictures of the mountain biking trail conditions taken on Monday (9/8/08). Creekside Trail in Fraser.

Fall in Winter Park Colorado

The cold temperatures are here and the crowds has dispersed. Now is the best time to come up to Winter Park and the Fraser Valley. We are located just 70 miles from metro Denver.

Book your weekend lodging for fall in Winter Park and Grand Lake. We have homes and townhomes with views of the fall foliage and gas fireplaces to snuggle up with a good book; only you take a bike or hike on the nearby trails.

Call Destinations West today for lodging specials including 15% off a 2 night minimum until November 1, 2008.

10 Reasons to Book your Winter Ski Vacation in Winter Park

10 – free sledding in Hideaway Park
9 – World Class skiing and riding at Winter Park Resort
8 – Alpenglow Sunsets at 9,000 feet
7 – Ice Skating at Cooper Creek Square
6 – On your off ski day, you can take a dog sled ride
5 – There is a tubing hill in Fraser – just 2 minutes from Winter Park
4 – Snowmobiling near the Continental Divide
3 – Snowshoeing on Vasquez Creek just off Route 40
2 – Nordic Skiing at Devil’s Thumb
1 – You can get luxury lodging at a reasonable price through Destinations West.

Operation Vacation Family in Winter Park Colorado

Army medic and family enjoy some R&R, Winter Park style: here is the article in today's newspaper.

Sgt. Marshall Leary enjoyed an all-expense-paid trip to Grand County.

http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20080824/NEWS/272291/1079&ParentProfile=1067

Winter Park Chamber Mixer / Fraser River Days

Last Friday Destinations West and the Fraser Visitor Center hosted a mixer for members. Maria Chavez, from the Winter Park/Fraser Valley Chamber invited Native American singers and dancer to perform during the mixer. Here is a photo and short video. A very emotional and uplifting performance.

Rowing in Grand Lake - Mountain Tech

Mountain Tech rowing has a wonderful blog with frequent posts about rowing on Grand Lake and what the experience is really like. View their blog at http://mountainboaters.blogspot.com/

Photos by Tonya Bina

Lodging and Rowing Packages available by Destinations West in Grand Lake.

Rowing on Grand Lake Colorado

The rhythm of rowing drawing enthusiasts in Grand Lake.

Rowing on Grand Lake is becoming a popular outlet for all ages.

Read Tonya Bina's (from the Sky-Hi Daily News) account of her rowing lesson on Grand Lake with Mountain Row Tech owner, Simon O’Connor.

http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20080723/NEWS/977754423/1079&ParentProfile=1067

Ideal Romantic Getaway in Colorado

Rachel Ray Magazine released a survey from readers about their ideal romantic getaway. 68% said a secluded beach or mountain cabin for a romantic weekend.

View from Inspiration Point's deck:




Destinations West has several luxury mountain cabin rentals in Winter Park and Fraser.


View our website for cabins on Grand Lake such as Spirit Lake Cabin and Cabin on Grand Lake.

Destinations West 800-545-9378

Spirit Lake Cabin's view from the deck:

Rowing in the Mountains Retreats

The latest retreat idea - Rowing in the Mountains.



Destinations West is offering Rowing Retreats on Grand Lake. Personalized instruction on your boat and lodging with a private dock. A great combination to relax and exercises on a beautiful mountain lake.



Call for details or click on this link for rowing in the mountains information.

800-545-9378

Tourism grows in Colorado

View article in the Denver Post

In 2007 marketable leisure trips hit 13.5 million, the biggest rise in these types of trips since 1992. That year marketable leisure trips topped out at 12.5 million before dropping to an all-time low of 9.6 million in 2000.

This is great news for Winter Park and Grand County. Being so close to Denver is an advantage, too. We hope people will find out about how scenic it is up here and come visit. There is so much to do: hiking, biking, boating, wildlife viewing. We have it all.

Family Vacation Activites in Winter Park - with a twist

Destinations West announces that momentum is building for the Labor Day production, Murder at the AA Barn. A first-of-it’s-kind family murder mystery weekend in Winter Park Colorado.

Make your reservation for the event and your lodging soon before all the good roles are taken.

View this website: http://www.mtnlodging.com/murder_mystery.aspx or call 800-545-9378.

Despite travel cost, Colorado still a top destination

Love this headline from North Denver News.
We are glad to see that people are travelling. We all know, especially in the travel industry how important it is to take a vacation. Everyone needs a break from reality and getting to the cool mountains (cool temperatures and cool views) is a great break from traffic and work.

Destinations West is a vacation rental company located in Winter Park and Grand Lake Colorado specializing in creating the best vacation memories

Spring in the Mountains

The temperatures are finally in the 70s and Grand County is ready to put on its wildflower display.

Now that it is June, there are so many activities in Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, and Grand Lake.
From fishing, hiking, and horseback riding, to boat tours, wildlife viewing, and ATV'ing. There is so much to do.

Winter Park Resort Opens on June 15 with hiking, biking, and min-golf.

And on

June 27-29, the Fat Tire Classic is back in Winter Parl.
In partnership with the National Sports Center for the Disabled, the American Red Cross Mile High Chapter is bringing back all of your Fat Tire favorites and more: Great trails! Great food! Great family fun!

Be sure to book your lodging at Destinations West in Winter Park Colorado.

Eisenhower Statue Project

President Eisenhower was a favorite of Fraser Colorado locals in the 1950's. He was good friends with Aksel Nielsen and Carl Norgren who owned the Byers Peak Ranch.

Fraser, Colorado was considered Eisenhower's "2nd White House" where he loved to fish, relax and cook for those around him. There are pictures in many museums and visitor centers in the valley including the Fraser Visitor Center where the Destinations West Check In office is located: 120 Zerex Fraser CO.


Eisenhower Statue Project encourages tourism and gives strong recognition to the importance of the Fraser River Valley.

The Fraser River Valley Lions Club, Winter Park/Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce, Trout Unlimited and the Winter Park Rotary Club are partnering to secure the funds needed to place an 8 foot statue of President Eisenhower along the Fraser River and near the Lions Club Pavilion.

Fifty thousand dollars are needed to accomplish this goal. Checks can be sent to the FRVLC Foundation at Box 248 in Winter Park,CO 80482.
Additional information can be obtained from the Winter Park Rotary Club.
http://wpfv-rotary.org/dwight.htm

Winter Park Jazz Festival is Coming to Town July 26-27 2008

Jazz musicians from around the country will come together in Winter Park Colorado for a two-day festival in Winter Park, Colorado. The music starts at noon.

Scheduled Musicians:

Saturday
Guitars and Saxes (featuring Gerald Albright, Jeff Golub, Jeff
Lorber and Jessy J.)
Average White Band
Jonathan Butler
Dotsero

Sunday
David Sanborn
Norman Brown and Friends (featuring Chante Brown, Paul Taylor, and Alex Bugnon)
Hazel Miller
Soul School

For lodging call Destinations West 800-545-9378 for lodging close to this event.
www.mtnlodging.com

Operation Vacation Family in Winter Park

May 2008 - Winter Park Colorado.

Destinations West and Operation Vacation hosted a military family Memorial Day Weekend.

Please view Katie Looby's article on the Ski Hi Daily News website. Thank you to Katie for writing the article and Byron Hetzler for taking the photos of the Suchanek Family at the YMCA of the Rockies.

Grand Elk Opened Saturday May 3rd

Grand Elk Golf Course opened this week and the have a Live Web Cam.

Grand County has 4 Golf Courses. View details on this website: Grand Links in Grand County Colorado.

Family Murder Mystery Weekend – Murder At The Double A Barn On Labor Day Weekend.

Destinations West announces the first-of-it’s-kind family murder mystery weekend starting August 29, 2008. The story line is based on a follow up celebration from the biggest card tournament this side of the Mississippi. Geared towards families and children, this event will be THE Summer Activity in the mountains.

Join the staff of Destinations West on Friday, August 29 for a casual grill dinner at The Fraser Visitor’s Center where everyone will receive their role for the Murder and we’ll review the itinerary for the weekend. The production will run twice - Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. Located on the Colorado River below the dam on Shadow Mountain Reservoir in the Arapaho National Recreation Area, the Double AA Barn is ensconced in Grand County history. Some costume pieces will be provided, but anything goes and it’s highly recommended that you come in character!

“This will allow plenty of time to enjoy everything Grand County has to offer both with our assistance and on your own time”, says DiAnn Butler, owner of Destinations West. “Where else can you take a step back in time to enjoy where Western heritage lives, yet still have hiking, biking, camping, sailing, golfing and hours of resort activities within minutes of each other? It’s a spectacular opportunity.”

The cost is based on a 2-bedroom vacation home and double-occupancy at $499 per adult and $150 per child for a three-night stay. Children age 3 and under are FREE! View this event’s website for more information: http://www.mtnlodging.com/Specials_And_Packages.aspx

Mother's Day Special

Mother's Day is just a few weeks away. Instead of sending the usual flowers or chocolate, why give her a unique, one-of-a-kind gift of a vacation to Winter Park or Grand Lake.
We can create a lodging gift certificate for any amount.
Our Mother's Day Vacation Special is 30% off the nightly rate when you book at least 3 days in April or May 2008.
Call Destinations West today. 800-545-9378

Destinations West and ResortQuest Announce Partnership

Destinations West, Winter Park Colorado’s Premier Luxury Vacation Rental Company, announces a partnership with ResortQuest, the nation's leading vacation property management company. This exclusive partnership in Winter Park leverages both companies’ technology expertise to improve search engine rankings and assist with competitor analysis.

DiAnn Butler, owner and president of Destinations West chose this opportunity primarily to focus on the company’s web presence and expand their luxury vacation rentals brand. This partnership will allow Destinations West to grow its customer base nationwide.

“Destinations West is an established leader in Winter Park vacation rentals, with a terrific brand and an impressive Web presence," says Park Brady, CEO of ResortQuest International. "Destinations West is an ideal Partner because they are perfectly placed to benefit from ResortQuest’s Web equity, while also adding quality inventory for vacation shoppers looking for the best in mountain accommodations.

As an added benefit to this partnership, all homeowners at Destinations West get to take advantage of discounts at Resort Quest properties in the United States.

About Resort Quest
ResortQuest is the nation's leading vacation property management company, providing a one-stop resource in North America's premier resort destinations. ResortQuest is the largest marketer and management company of vacation condominiums and home rentals in the U.S. based on a portfolio of nearly 9,000 vacation rental properties. www.resortquest.com 1-800-GO RELAX

About Destinations West
In 1990 Denis and DiAnn Butler purchased Destinations West which included a collection of 35 new, privately owned condominiums, town homes and vacation homes. Today, the company has nearly 100 privately owned homes in its collection located in Winter Park, Grand Elk and Grand Lake. Combining backgrounds in marketing, hospitality, construction and maintenance, Denis and DiAnn’s philosophy has always been guided by visionary thinking on the cutting edge of the ever changing travel industry.

Media Contact:
Kristen Lodge
Kristen@mtnlodging.com
www.mtnlodging.com
800.545.9378
970.726.8881

Winter Is Over

Winter Park Resort closed on Sunday. Here are some photos from Spring Blast

Now it's time to think about Summer Vacations.

Check out Destinations West lodging in Winter Park or lodging in Grand Lake.

www.mtnlodging.com

Winter Park Mountain Biking Series

June 14 - August 30:
WINTER PARK MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE SERIES
is Colorado's largest mountain bike race with six races with varying courses including hill climbs, mountain circuits, point-to-points, and cross-country super loops.

Checkout this website for details www.epicsingletrack.com.

June 14, 28; July 1; August 2, 16 and 30.

View Destinations West's website for lodging options during the Bike Series Race.

California Zephyr

Did you know you can stop in Fraser, CO on the Amtrak train - The California Zephyr?
Here is a blog post about one person experience on the train.

You can stop for a few days in Grand County and stay at a home or condo at Destinations West. Then, jump back on the train to head west.

Give us a call at 800-545-9378. We can arrange transportation from the train depot to your lodging and back. Grand County is easily accessible with the free shuttle and Valley Taxi.

Call or visit or website from more information: http://www.mtnlodging.com/

21 Days Left in the Ski Season

Spring Break is over and that leaves just 21 days left to ski Winter Park Resort.

To celebrate Spring, Destinations West is offering the 3rd night free for the rest of the ski season.

We have townhomes in Old Town and across the street in Lakota.

Call us today to book your lodging while you Spring Ski in Winter Park. 800-545-9378

It's never too early to think Golf Grand County

With 4 great courses to play: Headwaters, Pole Creek, Grand Lake and Grand Elk, you can golf all weekend.

Each course has unique features from high country meadows sweeping around gentle rolling hills and pristine lakes, to sloping fairways surrounded by dense lodgepole pine wilderness and 13,000 ft. peaks.

4 Rounds of Golf for only $245. You get: 4 rounds of golf with cart and practice balls at each of Grand County's four golf courses. That's over $119 in savings

Call Destinations West to book your Golf Vacation in Colorado. 800-545-9378

Never miss an opportunity not to ski - Article

Grand County - Never miss an opportunity not to ski!
Written by: Donald Miserandino

Cute article about Grand County from Celebrity Cafe. Click here to see the mention about lodging in Grand Elk and Destinations West.

My first stop was at the Destinations West Grand Elk Horse Shoe Village: a big name for a very big condo. It has three individual sleeping areas, even a bunk room for kids, full kitchen facilities and a fireplace and an outdoor hot tub. While some could say that these amenities are pretty standard, this building design lent itself towards privacy for a small army and the location was close to Winter Park, the Town of Granby. And there were no crowds!

Operation Vacation - March Soldier

This month’s Operation Vacation family is Jason Marshall, and his wife Kara and their three children, Kaylani, 6, Xavier, 4, and Maya, who is 4 months old.
View article in the Sky Hi Daily News.

They had a great time and we enjoyed having them.
Thank you to all the sponsors:
Home James
Gail Eister
Pizza Hut
Hernandos
Ski Broker
Hungry Bear
Crooked Creek
Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA of the Rockies
Rudi’s Deli
B. Jammin, Moose Hollow, Trails End
Safeway
Winter Park Resort
Christie Sports

Operation Vacation is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to reunite deserving soldiers with their families on free vacations in the Grand County. Operation Vacation is funded entirely by private and corporate donations. Operation Vacation is committed to providing our troops an all expenses-paid weekend getaways, allowing them quality family time.

Wedding Proposal on a Mountain Top

Today on about.com Top 10 places to propose.
This is what I propose:

Come to Winter Park to Propose.



3. Marriage Proposal on a Mountaintop
Photo courtesy of Alps Europe
Love can take you higher. Like to hike? Whether you scale New York State's Catskills or C-1 together, the invigorating experience will get your heart pumping and your cheeks flushed... same as being in love. Tip: Non-hikers can attain the same peak experience by riding a ski-resort gondola to the summit in summer. However you get there, the view will be romantic and exhilarating, the perfect setting for a wedding proposal.

Snowmobiling in Grand Lake Part Tres

Here is Ami Frutchey riding in Grand Lake having a blast. There are two more months of good riding in Grand Lake. Book your lodging today: 800-545-9378

Top 10 Winter Activities in Grand County

10- Skiing at Winter Park Resort
9- Dog Sled Rides
8- Nordic Skiing at Devil’s Thumb
7- Snowmobiling in Grand Lake
6- Skiing at SolVista Basin
5- Snowshoeing Latigo Ranch in Kremmling
4- Ice Fishing on Lake Granby
3- Tubing in Fraser
2- Romantic Sleigh Ride in Grand Lake
1- Taking a tour of the Fraser Visitor Center for a respite from the snow.


Call Destinations West to book any of these fun winter activities in Winter Park, Granby, Kremmling, or Grand Lake. 800-545-9378

Romance and Adventure for Couples and Families in Winter Park, Colorado

Love is in the air in Winter Park, Colorado and Destinations West has a special romance package for couples and for families who want to spend time together in the mountains. With 12 inches of fresh powder in the last 24 hours, a winter wonderland awaits you. These packages are available now through April 30, 2008.

Three nights lodging in a Romantic, Secluded Log home with Private Hot tub will inspire you and your loved ones to spend quality time together in the mountains. Packages for couples include a dozen sumptuous truffle roses tenderly arranged with silken rose petals and chocolate kisses in your boudoir, a gourmet dinner that is ready to be heated and enjoyed at your convenience and a private, romantic sleigh ride for two.

Family-oriented romance weekends include a guided snowmobile tour of the Continental Divide, lift tickets for 2-days of skiing in Winter Park and a sumptuous meal for the entire crew that you can heat at your convenience – a great way to spend time with the people you love the most. Prices start at $455 per night for four nights for couples and $600 per night for four nights for a family of four

This package is offered by Destinations West, the premier vacation rental management company in Winter Park, Colorado, featuring luxury, private vacation home rentals just 90 minutes from Denver. Destinations West homes are located in Winter Park, Grand Elk, and Grand Lake. These vacation rental properties have expansive decks, private hot tubs, gourmet kitchens, and the best locations available in the Rocky Mountains.

Reservations & Information:
Reservations are required and can be made by calling Destinations West 800-545-9378 or booking online at www.mtnlodging.com

Denver Post - Article about Winter Park

Read this: Winter Park: CO's snow HQ

"Now that there's a new lift over at Parsenn Bowl, the much-anticipated, six-person Panoramic Express (highest six-pack in North America!) that opened this season, the untracked goodies are easier to get to. Still, not everyone knows about the new lift, and not everyone is willing to brave what can be a very cold, very windy trek at 12,060 exposed feet high.

"It's worth checking out Parsenn, especially if we've had snow recently," said Jimmy McCafferty. "The new stuff they have off there is good, and the blue-blacks up there, Willett's (Way) and the (Johnstone) Junction, they usually have (powder)in the trees."

and

"Few people ever get to have the mountain to themselves, so Paul Tourangeau says he knows he's lucky to be able to perform sweep for Winter Park's Volunteer Ski Patrol. "My favorite thing to do is check out the view of Perry Peak at the end of the day; the alpenglow is just amazing," he said. "But everyone should stop what they're doing now and then and take a look."

Tree's a crowd:
According to Darryl Stein, the trees are tight and packed with powder off Trestle, a black diamond run on Mary Jane. "You have to take a blue to get down to it, I think it's called Roundhouse, and then you can kind of drop in and out as much as you want. You can cross over into these great shorter hits off there, or you can just ride it down to a blue and then cruise on outta there. And then lather, rinse, repeat, as far as I'm concerned. Grab the Super Gauge (Express lift) back up."

Bump up against it:
Mary Jane is, of course, the mogul mistress — it consistently has been rated No. 1 for moguls in the country by Skiing Magazine — and Kristen Tourangeau, a former ski racer, likes to meet her old racing buddies on the Jane and bump down Derailer to pick up the black diamond Boiler, a shortie that gets rough at the end. "

Valentine's Day Lodging Specials in Winter Park and Grand Elk

Book 3 nights lodging in Winter Park or Grand Elk and get the 4th night FREE.

Book 2 nights lodging in Grand Lake and get the 3rd night FREE.

We can also arrange for roses and chocolate in your home when you arrive for an additional fee. Call Debbie Harris at Destinations West 800-545-9378.

We'll see you soon.

New Vacation Home Rental in Old Town Winter Park Colorado

Destinations West in Winter Park Colorado has recently added a new vacation rental in Old Town Winter Park. We call these units The Lofts at Old Town.

These new, contemporary units have views of the slopes and are just a few blocks from the base of Winter Park Resort. We have a 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom unit available or you can rent both units.

View:

Destinations West Concierge and Lifestyle Management Services

Destinations West Concierge and Lifestyle Management Services:

This new service is available to visitors and second homeowners in Grand County.

Call Destinations West and ask for Debbie Harris. 970-726-8881 or email Debbie activities@mtnloging.com

Click on this link to view the article in the Sky Hi Daily News.

Vacation in Grand County

Here's an article written by some visitors to the County last summer.

Destinations West is booking now for Summer in Grand Lake and Golf Packages at Grand Elk.

This is our Ranch Creek Log Home located in Fraser, Colorado.

Call today to get the best available luxury private home rentals in Winter Park, Grand Elk, and Grand Lake.

Granby Fishing Festival - Book your lodging in Granby Colorado

3 Lakes Fishing Contest – February 1-3 Granby. Thousands in cash and prizes including $1000 top cash prize in 4 different categories and entry into a raffle for your chance to win a truck, snowmobile or ATV. Pick up an entry form at any participating Granby business or any Sportsman's Warehouse in Colorado.

We have townhomes in Grand Elk and SolVista. Call today: 800-545-9378

About Winter Park and Mary Jane

About Winter Park from an online article on www.earthtimes.org. Here is an exerpt:

Winter Park was first settled in 1925 by lumberjacks, miners and railway workers who were building the Moffat Tunnel through James Peak. We are very proud of our town's origins and that is reflected in the atmosphere which scorns anything flashy or snobbish. It also means visitors get great value for their money when they come here.

You will not be bumping into any film stars as can happen in Aspen. Winter Park is more family oriented.

"Nobody is interested in whether I have got new skis or if my woolly hat matches the colour of my anorak," says Jonelle Sandel who comes here from Denver as often as she can with her husband and two young daughters.

Winter Park is considered Denver's local mountain, but it's often used by the US ski team to train.

Winter Park's more extreme ski runs are notoriously steep and regularly selected as the best on the continent by ski magazines and that's the way locals want them to remain.

"Mary Jane really did exist," says Jim Ellis. She was a lady of pleasure who allowed her services to the local men to be paid in land - the same land on which the Mary Jane trail is located today.

And thanks to its curves, the trail enjoys a reputation just as its namesake did in her day.

Go West FAM

Yvonne Bauer and Jose Alfredo Marti came up to Winter Park this weekend as part of the Go West FAM.

Thanks to Dede Fey and the Grand County Tourism Board for participating in this international FAM trip.

Yvonne is from Australia and Jose is from San Salvadore.


Destinations West hosted a lunch at their Skytop vacation rental home and Wildhorse Catering in Fraser supplied a delicious lasagna meal.

Mary Jane Contest - Mary Jane Weekend Winter Park Colorado

Here is Destinations West's version of Mary Jane:

Come up to Winter Park and Ski and participate in all the fun winter activities this weekend. Call us for details: 800-545-9378 or visit our vacation rental website: www.mtnlodging.com

SolVista Basin and Granby Colorado

Here is a photo taken today of the SolVista Basin Ski Resort in Granby:

This resort is a great place to learn to ski and ride. If you've only skied a few time, consider SolVista, just 20 minutes from Winter Park, Colorado.

For the non-skier there is sledding and snowshoeing close to the mountain.

Destinations West also has townhomes and private homes close to these slopes.

Snowmobiling in Grand Lake Part Deux

Want to go snowmobiling but need trail advice?

Give us a call and ask for our snowmobiling pro: Ami Frutchey. She can suggest trails in Grand Lake for any riding ability. 800-545-9378

Last Minute Ski and Stay Deals in Winter Park

Are you coming to Winter Park this weekend to celebrate Mary Jane Weekend? Give us a call to see what last minute lodging deals we have. Up to 30% off the nightly rate on select properties.
800-545-9378

Snowmobiling in Grand Lake

This could be you:

Snowmobiling this trail in Grand Lake:

With this view:

Call for lodging in Grand Lake: 800-545-9378. We have homes, cabins, and condos on the lake.

Bluebird Sky Day - Winter Park Colorado

This picture was taken today, January 14th 2008 at a vacation home in Tabernash (located between Winter Park and Granby, Colorado). We call it Hidden Pines. This is the view from the great room: The Continental Divide and Arapaho National Forest in the distance.

If you are interested in renting this luxury vacation home just give us a call at 800-545-9378. Hidden Pines is perfect for a large family or a group wanting to hang out by the fire and catch up.

Corporate and Artistic Retreats in the Mountains

Destinations West specializes in Corporate and Artistic Retreats including themed weekend packages including

Cooking schools
Women's retreats
Artists workshops

Our luxury vacation homes in Winter Park and Grand Lake are are perfect for specialized group meetings with large gourmet kitchens, expansive decks with views, and some with private docks on a lake. Call for details and we will send you a sample itinerary.

Winter Storm coming to Winter Park and Grand Lake

Another storm is heading our way. Here is a picture prior to the snow falling. Normally this view is of the slopes of Winter Park Resort.

Fraser Visitor Center - History Walk

Ski and Soak at Devil's Thumb / Stay at Destinations West

This is the first "Ski & Soak" just for women on Sunday, Jan. 6 at Devil’s Thumb Cross Country Center

It starts at 10 a.m

• Learn the art of cross country ski skating from University of Denver ski coaches.
• Lunch
• Soak in the geo-thermally heated pool and hot tubs
• Yoga

The cost is only $65 and includes ski equipment.
Call us today to book this special event for you and help you choose the perfect lodging in Winter Park, Grand Elk, Grand Lake.