Beaver Lodge Winter Park Lodging

On March 29th the Sol Vista Ski Area will be closing for the season. Sol Vista is located in Granby, Colorado and offers tubing, and downhill skiing. The night skiing at SolVista is a great and affordable way to enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding. Make it there before they close!

One of the best activities to do in the winter is a beginner snowshoe hike with a Visitor Center employee.  This free beginner snowshoe hike is very family friendly and a great activity for those non-skiers.  Snowshoes are provided.  RSVP at the Visitor Center in Winter Park at 970.726.4118.  There are only a few spots available so call now.

The Denver, Northwestern and Pacific railroad first supported the building of the Moffat Tunnel through David Moffat in 1902.  The tunnel was proposed because of the difficulty of snow conditions due to steep grades and switch backs over Rollins Pass.  Rollins pass connects James Peak and the continental divide, and snow removing from the original line made the train non-profitable to operate.  Although there was overwhelming support, construction did not get underway until 1922 with the availability of funds from Denver and the Colorado government.  Construction proved to be hard due to solid rock, subterranean pressures that would cave the tunnel, and water that would burst in and flood the tunnel area.  Construction was completed for a cost of $18 million dollars in 1927, and begins at the east side of the Continental divide near Rollinsville and connects 6.2 miles later to the base of  the ski area of Winter Park, Colorado.  Over time control of the tunnel changed hands many times, and in 1996 the Union Pacific Railroad gained control of the tunnel.   Today the Union Pacific Railroad uses the tunnel as a rail route to transport coal, freight, and water to and from Colorado’s Front Range.  The rail is also used for the year round SKI TRAIN that transports skiers to and from Denver to the ski resort of Winter Park, and the west portal at the base of the ski area has become a popular icon to the town of  Winter Park and the Moffat Tunnel.

The History of Berthoud Pass

Berthoud Pass traverses the Continental Divide at the Front Range between Clear Creek County and Grand County, Colorado.  The pass was named for Edward L. Berthoud, whom was the chief surveyor for the Colorado Central Railroad during the 1870’s.  Edward L. Berthoud discovered the pass while surveying a possible route for the railroad.  The pass was built as a “wagon road” for travelers due to the steep grades and many tight turns.  The summit of the pass is located on the Continental Divide and measures to 11,307 feet.  Berthoud pass once contained the Berthoud Pass Ski area but now is a destination for local backcountry skiers.  The summit contains a warming hut that allows motorists to stop and access the two scenic viewing areas.  Berthoud Pass is known to be difficult to travel due to the 11 switchbacks that are required to drive from on either side of the pass.   The pass offers an environmentally unique experience due to the topographic and climatic location which allows a lengthy snow season and deep powder.  Go experience the pass whether it is hiking, snowshoeing, skiing or boarding Berthoud Pass is a unique fun excursion while visiting Winter Park.

The Winter Park Ski area is celebrating Mary Jane Birthday this January 24th, 2009. The celebration includes a snow sculpture contest, snowshoe trek, a parade in Winter Park, live music, Mary Jane look-alike contest, apres ski at the Club Car, music and birthday cake at Hideaway Park, and fireworks in downtown Winter Park.

The town of Winter park has plenty to do in the winter time. There is ice skating at Cooper creek square, dining and shopping downtown and sledding for the kids at Hideaway Park. The full moon skiing and ice skating event in the Fraser Valley falls on Saturday, January 10th. The activity begins in the evening ay 6:30pm at Devil’s Thumb Ranch.  

The Festival of Trees is coming to Beaver Village Lodge in Winter Park, Colorado.  December 6th from 4-6pm at the lodge the Lions club will be displaying and auctioning decorated trees. There will also be a dessert auction, refreshments, pick your favorite tree contest, santa visits, and children’s sing along. There will be live entertainment provided by Joe Rooyakers, Tim Connely, Juice Box, and Third Time Lucky. Admission is free and all proceeds benefit local community groups.

 

It’s that time of year again. The snow sports season opens at Winter Park Resort tomorrow, November 19th. A new snow season means new as well as familiar faces have returned to the valley in the form of ski instructors and seasonal employees. There is snow on the ground and plenty of activities to enjoy.   

The winter park ski area opens next week on November, 19th. The snow is falling and it looks like winter. The ski area has a few new additions this winter and we are eagerly looking forward to it’s opening this November/early December. There are two new restaurants, Lime, an American Cantina, and the Cheeky Monk Belgian Beer Cafe.  Also opening this season is the Village Cabriolet, an open air gondola that will shuttle guests from the free parking lot at the Vintage Hotel to the Ski area.

 

We’re brewing up some Spooky-Good Family fun for Cooper Creek square’s 8th Annual Halloween Bash. There will be trick or treating at all stores and restaurants, a haunted house for kids 6 and older, a supper special at Smokin’ Moes, costume contest, and scarecrow prizes. This will be a safe place to celebrate Halloween designed for children 12 and under.