What's going on in Grand Lake this Winter

Grand Lake Winter Carnival (Feb. 6, www.grandlakechamber.com) – The carnival, in scenic Grand Lake, features a full day – and evening – of snow- and ice-focused fun. The town, located 100 miles northwest of Denver on the shores of the largest natural lake in Colorado, becomes a snowy wonderland during the winter, with crisp, dry air and crystal-blue skies set against the peaks of the Gore Range.

Local residents and visitors participate in activities that range from the traditional and classic to unusual and even wacky: Attendees will find a snow-sculpture contest, parent-child sled pull, kids’ snowman-building contest, a poker run, and the ever-popular bed-sled races. Sports enthusiasts can participate in a snowshoe race, miniature golfing and flag football in the snow, teapot curling and human bowling (complete with both kids’ and adults’ courses).

In the evening, activities move indoors with Bingo, face-painting for the kids and a Mardi Gras Dance. The event, which is free for all spectators, concludes outdoors with fireworks over the lake.

Need lodging here are some options in Grand Lake:
Bear Crossing Home
Eagles Landing Condo
Hilltop House

What's Going on In Winter Park this Winter 2010

Winter Park Winter Carnival (Jan. 22-24, www.skiwinterpark.com) – At Winter Park and Mary Jane Ski Resort, the three-day fest includes on-snow activities such as free bump-skiing tips, retail and rental gear specials, an interpretive snowshoe hike, snowskating, human bowling, snow golf, dog sled races, geocaching and a skijoring clinic. Kids can enjoy dog sled rides, a play zone, and campfires with s’mores and hot chocolate.

There’s also a dog agility demonstration and an evening parade down Main Street, followed by fireworks and birthday cake to celebrate Winter Park Resort’s 70th anniversary. In the Grand Park development in nearby Fraser, carnival-goers will find the Grand Park Dog Days of Winter, complete with sled dog races, skijoring (and clinics). A snowshoe race will benefit Grand County Pet Pals, a non-profit organization dedicated to responsible pet ownership, animal health and education programs, and spaying/neutering.

Indoors, the 26th annual Chef’s Cup Dinner Dance will take place the evening of Jan. 22, benefiting the Winter Park Competition Center youth ski and snowboard programs. Visitors can enjoy a pancake breakfast Jan. 23, après-ski events on each day, live music and a silent auction benefitting Grand County Pet Pals.

2 bedroom condo in Fraser, Colorado and Free Lift Tickets

Acadia Condo in Fraser is a 2 bedroom condo.

This condo has a private hot tub with spectacular views of the western mountains.

The next rental (with a 3 night minimum) will get 4 Free Lift Tickets.

Call or email me today: 800-545-9378 kristen@mtnlodging.com

Black Tie Ski Rentals in Winter Park Colorado

Check out the latest ski delivery service in Winter Park, Colorado.

Black Tie ski delivery will come to your house with ski, boards, poles, helmets, and clothing to make your ski vacation so easy.

Just visit their website or call to book your ski rental in your vacation home.

Here's how to make your ski vacation in Winter Park the best vacation, ever:

1) book your vacation rental in Winter Park with Destinations West. We have the best lodging, for the best price.

2) book your ski rentals with Black Tie

3) get ready for the best ski vacation in Winter Park.

This could be your view:

Rendezvous Cabin 90T

Looking for a beautiful 3 bedroom cabin in the woods with spectacular views? Private Hot Tub.

Destinations West in Winter Park Colorado has a great vacation rental for you in the highly desirable ski neighborhood of Rendezvous, formerly part of the Idlewild Ski Area.

This 3 bedroom cabin sleeps 6. There is a deck with views of Winter Park Resort's ski slopes and a private hot tub to soak sore muscles at the end of a perfect ski day.

There is a hiking/snowshoeing trail that meanders below the house for your non-skiing days.

Give us a call or email me to get the best deal in Winter Park, Colorado.

A Revolution of Snow - We Got Snow in Winter Park

We got snow in Winter Park, Colorado. Book your lodging now. Destinations West still has great options for lodging during the holidays.

Need to remember what your winter vacation could be like? Read this article about snow and skiing and spending time in the Winter Park / Fraser Valley this winter:

From: Revolution of Snow.
In November, we wait for snow. We wait for weather reports and clouds coming from the northwest. After ten years of living in ski towns, I still get excited for the first big snow and the ritual of getting all the ski gear out of storage: sweaters, hats, gloves, and ski jackets.
Click here to read the rest of the column, Outdoor Adventures.

Free Gifts in Grand County

Ski Free, Really, Truly

Yes, it's true: Ski Free in Winter Park until 12/25/09.

All you need to do is stay 2 nights and you get one free lift ticket every night you stay.

Check out this great property with a private hot tub. Porcupine Home in Fraser. This is your view:

Planning a wedding in Winter Park or Grand Lake Colorado

Are you planning a wedding in Winter Park or Grand Lake Colorado? Destinations West can help you plan your dream wedding.

View Destinations West's website to view a beautiful lakeside reception venue.

View Destinations West's website for lodging for your guests or rehearsal dinner space

Skytop Home in Winter Park, Colorado

Lakeside Event Center in Grand Lake, Colorado

Free Lift Ticket for Every Night You Stay in Winter Park, Colorado

This is the best early season discount out there.

Free Lift Tickets - one for each night you stay with Destinations West in Winter Park Colorado.

Call me for details: 800-545-9378

Lakota Townhomes - Guest Reviews

Here is a guest review of Destinations West Lakota at Winter Park Townhome. Unit 303:

Guest Review from [guest]- Sep 26, 2009
"Awesome"
We had a wonderful time. That part of the country is beautiful. Enjoyed looking out the deck and seeing the ski slopes. Loved the heated floors, and fireplace; although, we only turned the heat on for one day because it was warm there. It would be beautiful in the fall and winter.

Trailhead Lodge Vacation Rental in Winter Park Colorado

Trailhead Lodge recently won the Parade of Homes award for Best Interior Design, Best Furnishings, Best Kitchen, and Best Master Suite.

Congrats!




Now you can rent one of these wonderful units for your ski vacation in Winter Park, Colorado.

This 3 bedroom condo is located on the top floor with views of the western mountains and Hideaway Park. Walk out your door to the sledding hill in winter and the Skate Park and music events in summer. It is a short walk to downtown restaurants and shopping. The property is on the free shuttle route; operating during the winter, only.


There are not many gorgeous vacation rentals in Winter Park with a pool and hot tub. Check us out here: http://tinyurl.com/ydklhj5

I'm Just Breathing Retreats Provide Support for Survivors

I’m Just Breathing Retreats Provide Support for Survivors

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Dreamcatcher Vacation Home Rental in Winter Park Colorado

Destinations West has added another Dreamcatcher Home to their vacation rental portfolio.

This 5 bedroom custom-made home is the perfect location for your Winter Ski Vacation in Winter Park, Colorado.

Located across highway 40 from Winter Park Resort, this home is your home-base for the Dream Vacation.

Sleeping up to 13 people, this home has two master bedrooms and a private hot tub with views of the slopes.

Do you want to vacation with another family and be close to each other? Book this Dreamcatcher with our other Dreamcatcher - IN3-D.

Both homes will sleep 26 people and you can walk back and forth to visit.
Both have complimentary internet access and are on a weekend shuttle service to the resort.

Fraser River Days in Fraser Winter Park Colorado

Fraser River Days kicks off - August 8th - live music, raptor and lumberjack demonstrations, and a Native American performance.

August 9th - live music and fly fishing lessons.

When you stay with Destinations West in a home or condo in Fraser or Winter Park we will give you 15% off a two night stay so you can enjoy the Festival.

Here are some great units close to the Fraser River:

Waterside West E304 - 3 bedroom sleeps 8.

Spruce Ridge 704A - 3 Bedroom Townhome on the Ridge overlooking the Fraser River. Private Hot Tub with a view looking west to Byers Peak. Sleeps 8

Here's your view:

Take Amtrak to Fraser / Granby

I just read an article about the Amtrak train that stops in Fraser and Granby Colorado.

Amtrak passengers in Colorado are treated to a series of stunning views --
particularly between Denver and Fraser Valley.

2 bedroom log cabin - Vacation Rental close to Winter Park Colorado

Are you looking for a log cabin for a mountain getaway. Inspiration Point is the perfect place.

Beautiful wooded and mountain views in a fantastic custom built log home sitting on 3 acres. The county maintained road makes this 2 bedroom log home very accessible. The home sleeps up to 6 people with a queen bed in each bedroom and a queen sofa sleeper in the walkout lower level; however this is a popular honeymoon and anniversary home.

View reviews from guests at Flipkey.

There is a private hot tub on the large back deck and a gas grill. Here's a video taken last week of the view. Can you hear the bubbling river flowing close to the house?

5 Bedroom Home on the Pole Creek Golf Course, Winter Park Colorado

Are you looking for a large home for a golf getaway. Look no further, Fairways Views is a gorgeous 5 bedroom home at Pole Creek Fairways. Located 5 minutes from Winter Park, Colorado.

There are 2 master suites, both with jetted bath tubs to soak and relax after a day of adventures. Gather with the family in the large rec room, complete with pool table, game table and full bar area.

Take a look at a video from this week. It's rough, but it will help you get a sense of the home. Starting on the back deck, into the home through the living room and kitchen, ending in the back where you can see the greens.

Mountain Bike Races in Winter Park Colorado

Winter Park Colorado has one of the best mountain biking races in Colorado. Here is a list of the dates for Summer 2009:

June 13 – Hill Climb Kick-Off
June 27 – X-C course TBA
July 11 – Valley Point-to-Point
July 12 – Super Downhill
August 1 – Crankworx Colorado X-Country
August 2 – Crankworx Colorado Super Downhill
August 15 – X-C course TBA
August 29 – King of the Rockies Finale, Tipperary Point-to-Point

Visit Destinations West's website for lodging close to the start of the races.
Here are some great condo options in Winter Park:
Slopeside Village in Old Town Winter Park 2 / 3 bedroom - hot tub on site
Lakota Townhomes 3 bedrooms - some with private hot tubs on the deck with mountain views
Sawmill Station Townhome 3 bedroom with private hot tub - walk to restaurants and bars

Riverside At Grand Elk 29

Stayed at Riverside at Grand Elk 2 bedroom + loft, open floor plan gave us tons of space, sits next to river so saw deer and fox up close, loft is great place for kids to hang out, also creates quiet place to read, has nice choice of cooking utensils and good size dining table, will come back often and golf Grand Elk!

Spring Special - Luxury for Less in Winter Park Colorado

Special Spring Rate

Only $695 per night

From 4/6/09-6/15/09

This is a 5 bedroom that sleeps 12 located in the Lakota Neighborhood across from Winter Park Resort.

There are just 2 weeks left in Ski Season - go out in style.

We just reduced the perfect family vacation rental home in Winter Park Colorado.

5 bedroom Luxury Home in Winter Park Colorado

If you are looking for a big home to rent for a long weekend of spring skiing or trying to find the right vacation rentals for next winter - Look No Further.

Dreamcatcher at Lakota - we call it IN3-D.

Here are photos of the home.

You and your family will feel very comfortable here. Just 1 mile from the base of Winter Park Resort, and during the ski season there is a shuttle to the slopes on the weekend.

There is a private hot tub on the deck with a view of Winter Park's slopes.

Give us a call if you'd like to check availability and pricing for this home in Winter Park, Colorado. 800-545-9378

Golf Grand County Giveaway

Go to this link: http://www.golfgrandcounty.com/twittergiveaway/
and enter to win 2 nights lodging and 2 rounds of Golf in Grand County, Colorado.

Register to receive the Grand Links e-newsletter by May 15, 2009 and be automatically entered to win two nights lodging and two rounds of mountain golf in beautiful Grand County, CO.

Win 3 nights lodging in Winter Park Colorado for Summer 2009

Share Your Family Vacation Legacy And Win A 3 Night Stay Summer 2009
If you've shared your vacation experiences with friends and family through blogs and web sites - share them with us and win a chance for a three-night stay this summer!

Our favorite guests are friends of our friends, so send an email to kristen@mtnlodging.com with a link to the blog or web site where you've shared those photos and experiences. In order to qualify, your blog/web site must have a link to www.mtnlodging.com and you must mention the property you stayed in and/or your Destinations West experience. Make sure to include your name and phone number so we can contact you if you win!

The drawing will be held on Monday, June 15 to determine the lucky winner of the three-night stay anytime during the summer of 2009 in one of Destinations West 2-bedroom properties (holiday and event weekends are excluded).

You could stay at this 2 bedroom townhome, hang out in the hot tub and watch the sunset.

Byers View Townhome in Fraser, Colorado.

Or

Or this 2 bedroom condo on Grand Lake - Eagle's Landing

It's Spring Break in Winter Park Colorado

This week is Spring Break and the weather is gorgeous.

With temperatures in the 40s and blue sky, you need to get up to Winter Park Colorado this week.


We have a 3 bedroom Waterside West condo available for $260 per night. On the shuttle route and views of the mountains.

Meadow Ridge 3 bedroom - access to a pool and hottub - on the shuttle route $250 per night.





Call to book your lodging and skiing at Winter Park Resort today 800-545-9378

Spring Break in Winter Park Colorado

Spring Break is just around the corner. Destinations West has a few properties left for last minute getaways.

Here is a sampling of available properties on March 14 for 3 nights:

Lakota 502
Located across from the resort, this 3 bedroom townhome has views of the slopes and sleeps 6.
$350 per night.

Crestview 608

Located in downtown Winter Park – walk to restaurants and step out your door for the free shuttle to the slopes. Sleeps 9 and complex has a community hot tub. $280 per night.

Call us today to book your Spring Break Vacation: 800-545-9378

Summer Music in Winter Park Colorado

It will be a summer filled with music in Winter Park and Hideaway Park.
As of today, Blues From the Top is scheduled for 6/26/2009 - 6/28/2009.

Destinations West in Winter Park has the best lodging for Music.

Our newest property, Trailhead Lodge is located across from Hideaway Park. This 3 bedroom condo has a deck for you and your friends to enjoy the best sounds of this music festival.

We also have 2 3-bedroom townhomes just down the street at Sawmill Station. These townhomes have a private hot tub and just a short walk to the music park.

Call now to book these units for

Blues From the Top in Winter Park, Colorado.
800-545-9378

Or go to
http://www.mtnlodging.com/

Mary Jane 5K Snowshoe Trek 1/24/2009

Mary Jane 5K Snowshoe Trek
Saturday, January 24, 2009

Start at the Fraser Visitor Center and finish is at Hideaway Park. Start time is 9am. Day-of registration is from 8am-8:45am at the Fraser Visitor Center, and is $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under.

This is a fun snowshoe event for everyone and will not be timed. We encourage people to dress up in Mary Jane look-a-like costumes! Every participant will receive a free Mary Jane t-shirt.

Proceeds benefit the Fraser Creative Learning Center.

Ski In Ski Out - Winter Park Colorado

Looking for a ski in / ski out property in Winter Park?


This brand new 4 bedroom townhome is Ski In/Ski Out to Mary Jane at Winter Park Resort. Just take the Corridor ski trail down to the Mary Jane base area.

This townhome is 2,900 square feet and has a one car garage. This 3 level unit features a master suite with a double sided fireplace and a bathroom with a Victorian 4 legged bath tub. There is a gourmet kitchen with a double sided fireplace for your enjoyment from either inside or from the
private outdoor hot tub on the deck.

View more photos and rates on this page. Base Camp 494

This is the best location in Winter Park.