Spring Time in the Rockies - Grand County Style

This morning as I sit in my kitchen drinking coffee I start to remember all the spring events that are so exciting in Grand County. We watch the ice melt on Lake Granby and Grand Lake, anxiously waiting to throw out a line and catch a rainbow trout.

View of Grand Lake looking South from Western Riviera Events Center

We wait for all the wildlife starting to move around. On the drive home for work every night I see a herd of mule deer crossing the road; even a few young ones.

We look to the sky awaiting the return of red tailed hawks and eagles. My favorite author David Gessner calls the raptors the sex symbols of all the bird kingdom.

There is a sign in many homes I know that say, Home is Where Your Story Begins.

When you visit Grand County, I hope your vacation slogan will be, On a Mountain Vacation is Where the Story of your Family Continues.

And as the snow begins to melt a new world unfurls. At 8,000 feet and higher, the new world is slowly revealing itself. I walk the mountain trails behind my house each morning and am able to stay on top of the snow. My dogs run ahead and smell the new earth after it being frozen and I swear, they are smiling as their tails wag in excitement.

This afternoon I’ll walk them on the same trail and it’s a bit harder to walk on the mush but it’s so fun to watch my yellow lab roll in it, oftentimes for several minutes; I nudge her on to keep walking.

Spring is a great time to be in the mountains: quiet, uncrowded roads and trails.

Hope to see you soon.

April showers bring May flowers. However, in the Winter Park Fraser Valley, this year it’s April Snow bring More Snow.

The skiing is still great, so if you’re looking for a winter weekend getaway in April, we have a great place for you.

Rendezvous Cabin 1324, is a beautiful 3 bedroom home located in the Rendezvous subdivision, just outside the town of Winter Park, and minutes to Winter Park Resort.

The best aspect of this home: everything to make your vacation a wonderful experience, including a TV in every bedroom, satellite TV, washer/dryer, and a private hot tub. Sleeps 8 with 2 king beds, 1 full bed, and a queen futon.

So if you need to get a last minute fill of powder skiing in April, give me a call, mention you saw this website, and I will give you the best deal going: up to 40% off the nightly rate.

Since April is National Poetry Month, here’s an ode to April and her surprises bestowed on us up on the mountains:

"Poor, dear, silly Spring, preparing her annual surprise!"

- Wallace Stevens

Granby is hosting: Middle Park Half Marathon

Looking for a running vacation spot? On July 9th, 2011 Granby will be the start of a new Half Marathon: Middle Park Half Marathon. Paul Karlson 303-960-8129 is the race director. Start Time: 8:00 AM Event Description Runners in the half marathon will follow what is roughly an out-and-back route that starts and finishes in downtown Granby, which lies at an elevation of just over 7,900 feet. The route reaches its peak elevation between the mile 4 and 5 markers, and then runners begin a long, gradual descent over the next few miles (with a few more uphill stretches thrown in) as they make their way around the loop of the dirt road and head back into Granby. For more details and how to register visit: http://www.digdeepsports.com/ ooking for lodging during your stay in Middle Park? Check out our website with Granby addresses for vacation rental: http://www.mtnlodging.com/

Winter Wonderland in Winter Park Colorado

Holy Cow. Winter Park Resort is reporting 9.5 inches of new snow overnight. SolVista Basin is reporting 3 inches of new snow. Spring Skiing, is more like mid-winter skiing for the last week of March. If you haven’t skied in Winter Park this winter, this is a great time to do it. With amazing snow and warm temperatures, come up to Winter Park to experience the best of the outdoors in the Rocky Mountains.

Canada Log Home

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE:

Retreat to the perfect mountain getaway in this new custom built log home. This 5 bedroom, 4 bath home is located just outside Tabernash and will sleep up to 12 people. The 5,000 square foot home features a jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom and a foosball table in the family room. With the outside private Hot Tub in an secluded area under the pine trees and the Stars. With two gas fireplaces this home provides a great getaway in a secluded mountain setting.

www.mtnlodging.com

Whispering Pines

CLICK TO ENLARGE:

Whispering Pines is a very spacious 4 bedroom, 5 bath plus loft home in the upscale Elk Run area of Winter Park. Perfect for multiple families, Whispering Pines features 2 bedrooms with king beds and 2 bedrooms with a king bed and a bunkbed. Each room has a private bath and opens onto the deck.

The kitchen and living room are open to each other with plenty of room to gather and plan your day’s adventures.

The loft has two bunk beds and a private TV room with DVD and Xbox. The loft also has a game table that folds out to a mini pool table. There is a large hot tub on the deck with views of the mountains. You can even see some of the ski slopes from the deck!

LA303

This new 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome is located across the highway from Winter Park Resort. Beautifully decorated, it has many amenities including a jacuzzi bath tub in Master suite, a private outdoor hot tub, 1 car garage, washer/dryer, and gas fireplace. The Enterment-system in the home consist of 3 flat screen TV's Surround sound in the living room and Satellite TV incluing HBO channels. There are awesome views of the ski slopes from the living room and deck. Sleeps 8 with 1 King, 1 Queen, 1 Full/Twin Bunk, and twin trundel all in the same 3rd bedroom.

Summer is Just Around The Corner

Spring is in the air in the Winter Park Fraser Valley and Grand Lake, Colorado.

There is snow on the ground but a spring in my step.

If you are thinking about summer on Grand Lake or in Winter Park, Destinations West has the best lodging options throughout the valley.


We are offering early booking specials for July and August on all remaining lakeside properties. 4th Night Free in Grand Lake.
In Winter Park, 3rd night free on all 2 and 3 bedroom homes and townhome.

Featured Property in Grand Lake - Grand Lake Legacy Cabin, sleeps up to 12.

Featured Property in Granby - http://www.mtnlodging.com/Rentals/SolVista-Sage-View/32352- sleeps up to 7, 200 yards from SolVista Basin base area.

Featured Property in Fraser - Porcupine Ridge 4 bedroom home, sleeps up 12

Featured Property in Winter Park - Sawmill Station 3 bedroom with private hot tub, sleeps up to 8



Don’t miss out on the best availability. Call us today: 800-545-9378

Fraser Valley Winter Park Colorado - Spring Break 2011

Spring Break 2011 is staring out great.
Temps in the 30s and 7 inches of new snow reported at Winter Park Resort.
272.3" of snow for the year.

This weekend is Backcountry Awareness to raise awareness about being smart in the backcountry while skiing and riding. Classes topics include how to use a beacon and backcountry gear demos. Grand County Search and Rescue will instruct.

SolVista Basin reports 6 inches of new snow on a mid-mountain base of 54 inches.

Forecast: LIGHT SNOW, FOLLOWED BY SUNSHINE-- The latest low pressure system moves through mainly in the morning, with mostly light snowfall due to limited moisture and energy in this storm. The low pressure system moves out in the later morning and afternoon, with partly cloudy/ mostly sunny skies then expected.

Fraser Colorado Condo Rental

3 bedroom condo located on the Fraser Ridgeline overlooking the Fraser Valley and Byers Peak. This end unit condo has an open floor plan and vaulted ceilings. There are two bedrooms with queen beds and the third bedroom with twins - queen sleeper sofa in the living room. The free shuttle bus stop is located just outside the building and will get you to Winter Park ski slopes in minutes.

What’s happening this week in the Fraser Valley:
March 8, 2011 Grand County Blues Society Trampled Under Foot FAT TUESDAY
March 12, 2011 Free Snowshoe Tour from the Winter Park Visitor Center

Slopeside Village #203

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE:

This brand new three bedroom townhome is located in Old Town Winter Park, about 1/4 mile from the Winter Park Ski Resort and a short walk to the shuttle. The main level has two bedrooms each with a queen bed and bathroom.

A garage is also on this level. The upper level is the main living area with an open floor plan design including a kitchen, dining area and living room. The living room has a TV (cable), VCR, and stereo and queen sleeper sofa.

There is also a covered deck on this level. A 1/2 bath is located behind the kitchen. The master suite is also on this level with a queen bed and private luxury bathroom. Queen beds in all bedrroms, Queen sleeper sofa, Queen Murphy bed in 4th bedroom.

Crooked Creek Retreat Vacation Rental Home

Vacation Rental Home close to Winter Park Resort:

In Fraser: 4 bedroom home on County Rd 50.

King in Master Suite on the top floor with private bath,
Two twin bunk beds in the s second bedroom,
3rd bedroom is a futon and crib.
4th Bedroom has a queen bed.


The living room has a large fas fireplace with views of the Fraser Valley.
Downstairs there is a large playroom for kids.

From $250 per night. call or email me today: 800-545-9378

What is going on in Winter Park and SolVista today

Today, Saturday, February 26th:

Winter Park Resort is reporting 3.5 inches of snow in the last 24 hours on a 74 inch mid-mountain base. 246.8 inches of snow this year.

SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch is reporting 2 inches of new snow in the last 24 hours. 52 inch mid mountain base and 100% open.

At Winter Park this weekend:
USASA Boarder X, the newest Olympic event. Snowboarders and skiers compete on the Vistadome/Phipps course for the chance to qualify for the National Championships. Be on the mountain by 10:15am today.

At SolVista today, ski all day long and into the evening under the lights. The lights come on at 5pm and go until 8 pm. You can even tube at the base.

Today only, Destinations West is offering a 40% discount on all inventory remaining for the first weekend in March. Not only is this the best deal going, this is a great week to be on the mountain skiing in solitude.

Call us today for the best lodging options from Winter Park to Grand Lake.
http://www.mtnlodging.com/

IN3-D

CLICK ON IMAGES TO MAKE ENLARGED:

This new 5 bedroom 5 bath duplex will sleep up to 13 people very comfortable. This home comes with all the amenities you could think of, even a TV in the kitchen for the Cook!! nothing was overlooked in this custom build home.

Located in the Lakota area right across from the Winter Park Ski Area. After a day of skiing relax in your private outdoor hot tub over looking the ski slopes or retire for a nice steam in the Dry/Wet Sauna.

Located right off the large family room w/ a large flat screen TV perfect for your private apres ski get together. Enjoy outside grilling on the gas Bar-Q right off the 2 car garage. 3 Levels makes this house very spacious. The 5 bedrooms have the following bedding, Two Kings, Two Queens, One Captains Bunk, and One Twin Bunk.

Enjoy sitting by one of the two gas fireplaces, one in Living room and one in the Family Room.

Dates Nightly
January 4, 2011 - February 15, 2011
$700
February 16, 2011 - March 31, 2011
$750
April 1, 2011 - April 18, 2011
$700
April 19, 2011 - November 15, 2011
$675
Rates do not include taxes and surcharges. Stay totals will be displayed during the booking process.

Tips for Skiing at Winter Park:

1. Drink a lot of water prior to arriving
2. Book your ski rental in advance for the best deals
3. Book your lift tickets early for the best rates
4. If you are flying, try to get a flight that gets you into Denver by noon, so you can see the beautiful scenery on the way to Winter Park.
5. Don’t forget your sunglasses, Colorado has over 300 days of sun and there is 50% more ultraviolet radiation at 10,000 feet elevation.
6. Bring sunscreen and apply a few times throughout the day; even if it’s cloudy.
7. Don’t forget the lip balm

Create your vacation memories with Destinations West and experience the Great Outdoors in Grand Lake, Grand Elk, Winter Park, Colorado.

Click here to view availability for homes, townhomes and condos in Winter Park, Colorado

Who Said There are No Freebies in Life? Here is one night free

Monday February 21, 2011 – 5 inches of new snow at Winter Park Resort.


The temperature at 2:00 is a balmy 23 degrees with sun and a few clouds.

Winter Park Resort is reporting Powder / Packed Powder conditions.

Did you recently spend the weekend in Winter Park?



If you email me a photo of your ski day, and we post it here on our blog. In return, Destinations West will give you a free night lodging (when you book a 2 night stay). Tell me in your email what the best part of your ski day was so I can post with the photo.

What's going on in Winter Park & Fraser Colorado

This weekend has been a busy with President’s Day visitors. Great snow, great temperatures, and great fun for all the families and visitors to the Winter Park Fraser Valley for skiing, snowmobiling, tubing, and sleigh rides.

I just did the math and there are 27 days of Winter left and then spring skiing begins on March 20th.
There are 62 days left to ski and ride Winter Park Resort and 41 days of skiing and riding left at SolVista Basin in Granby.

There is still time to have fun this winter in Grand County and to stay in the best lodging available. Come enjoy the snow and all the fun activities surrounding your vacation rental including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowmobiling.

Go on a sleigh ride, tube, go ice fishing for the day, take a snowshoe tour of the Fraser Experimental Forest – then stay in a vacation home rental or condo with Destinations West.

Here is a great example of the townhome in Fraser, Spruce Ridge
3 bedroom with loft townhome sits on the ridge in Fraser overlooking the Fraser River Valley. The outdoor hot tub is on the deck with a perfect view of Byers Peak to the west. Hardwood floors, granite countertops, leather furniture, gas fireplace in the living room, and a 1car garage.
Amenities: Internet, VCR, CD Player, on Shuttle Route, DVD, Washer/Dryer.





February 20, 2011 - Winter Park Resort Snow Report:
Winter Park Resort received 14.5 inches of snow in the last 7 days.
77 inches of snow at the summit.
Total Snow Fall this ski season: 233.8"