Bed-sled races? Teapot curling? Grand Lake's wild west winter games are open to all

By: Robin Tierney Special to The ExaminerJanuary 31, 2010

Nestled between peaks near the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake turns traditions into wild spectacles. Its Feb. 6 Winter Carnival include such alt-Olympics games as Teapot Curling, Snow Sculpting, Human Bowling and the Town Tug-of-War.
After the games, townies and tourists alike celebrate at the Olympic Medal Party & Dance at Pancho & Lefty's.

As Colorado's largest natural lake, Grand Lake (elevation 8,369 feet) has served as a backdrop for antics and action. Centuries ago, when Ute and Arapaho waged war, women and children fled by raft, only to be cast overboard by gusting winds. Survivors dubbed the cobalt-blue waters "Spirit Lake." In 1883, a proposal to move the county seat triggered a deadly Fourth of July shootout.

These days, Grand Lake's about friendly competitions, such as parades with revelers dressed as cowboys, call girls and other characters. "It's a place to have fun," said Eileen Jones. In town for her annual family reunion, she brought her 14-year-old water-loving dog and an sport utility vehicle-load of boating gear.

At dawn, mist rises from the 400-foot-deep lake; when it clears, the glassine surface mirrors cottony clouds, surrounding peaks and colorful boats docked at the arcade.
"[Grand Lake] is the quiet side of Rocky Mountain National Park, so it's not very touristy," said Linda Gricius, of Reston. "It's also a big area to spot moose and elk."


Boasting lakeside homes built in the late 1800s, the town was one of Colorado's first resorts. People now come to snowmobile and ski, get rowdy at Grumpy's Saloon, hunt knickknacks in shops along the short Old West-themed Grand Avenue, and cruise the sky-high lake in motorboats, sailboats, pontoons, kayaks and canoes. Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre offers professional productions -- and everyone gets into the act at festivals from Winter Carnival to July's Buffalo Parade with gunfights and other Old West antics.

Grand Lake is among the few places that allow snowmobiling on roadways. But if you prefer dancing in the street, you'll attract partners in no time.

Reach Robin Tierney at robintierney@gmail.com Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/83048482.html#ixzz0eCcqTBly

Snowberry Retreat at Polecreek Fairways

Destinations West has a new, 4 bedroom vacation home rental.

Snowberry Retreat at Polecreek Fairways

This gorgeous home is over 5,000 sq feet and 3 stories. Located on 2 acres overlooking 8th green and 9th Tee Box of the Range Course (500 yards from The Fairways Club House), this home is perfect for a winter vacation in the mountains or a summer retreat on a golf course.

The master suite has a deck with gorgeous views. The kitchen has granite counter tops.

There are 4 bedroom suites and a downstairs bunk/video game room with pool table and 60 inch HDTV w/ surround sound and Blu-Ray player. The hot tub is located on main level deck.

Call Destinations West in Winter Park Colorado. 800-545-9378 to book this house.
We specialize in luxury vacation rentals in Winter Park and Grand Lake - Luxury for Less.

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.