Winter Park Resort is located 85 miles west of Denver, via I-70 and U.S. 40 over Berthoud Pass.
BY Train: Amtrak makes two daily stops in Winter Park. The winter Park ski Train Operates Weekends.
General Information
LODGING
DINING
ACTIVITIES
ATTRACTIONS
TRAVEL PACKAGES
RESOURCESHow To Get Here: DIA, Ski Train( yes, both Summer and Winter Trains)
Online Winter Park Resort's web site is www.skiwinterpark.com. E-mail for general inquiries: wpinfo@mail.skiwinterpark.com. E-mail for media inquiries only: joan_christensen@skiwinterpark.com, kate_roberts@skiwinterpark.com or db_daugherty@skiwinterpark.com. Location Winter Park Resort is located 67 miles (108 kilometers) northwest of Denver and 85 miles (137 kilometers) from Denver International Airport. Set in the Vasquez Mountains of Arapaho National Forest, Winter Park is the closest major ski resort to Denver (1˝ hours driving time). Owner City and County of Denver Season Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2002 - Sunday, April 20, 2003 Hours of 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays Operation 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekends and holidays The Mountain Winter Park, Mary Jane (including Parsenn Bowl), Vasquez Cirque and Vasquez Ridge make up Winter Park Resort, one of the largest ski resorts in Colorado. The four adjacent mountains, each possessing unique characteristics, are connected by a network of trails and lifts. The 2002-03 season marks Winter Park's 64th year of operation and is the oldest continually operated resort in Colorado. Elevation Winter Park: Base 9,000 feet (2,743 meters); summit at Sunspot 10,700 feet (3,261 meters). Vertical drop: 1,700 feet (518 meters). Mary Jane: Base 9,450 feet (2,880 meters); summit at North Cone 12,060 feet (3,676 meters). Vertical drop: 2,610 feet (796 meters). Vasquez Ridge: Base 9,486 feet (2,891 meters); summit 10,700 feet (3,261 meters). Vertical drop: 1,214 feet (370 meters). Vasquez Cirque: Base 10,400 feet (3,170 meters); summit 11,900 feet (3,627 meters). Vertical drop: 1,500 feet (457 meters). Combined: Vertical drop: 3,060 feet (933 meters); summit at North Cone to Winter Park base. Terrain Total Winter Mary Jane & Vasquez Vasquez Park Parsenn Bowl Ridge Cirque Beginner (green) 9% 33% 3% 13% 0% Intermediate (blue) 21% 26% 24% 44% 0% Advanced (blue-black) 13% 14% 12% 2% 0% Most Difficult (black) 54% 27% 60% 41% 88% Expert (double black) 3% 0% 1% 0% 12%
Trails Total skiable acreage is 2,886 acres (1,169 hectares) which includes 134 designated trails and 1,467 acres (594 hectares) of off-piste terrain.
Longest Run Winter Park: 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) Mary Jane: 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) Vasquez Ridge: 1.4 miles (2.3 kilometers) Vasquez Cirque: 2.9 miles (4.6 kilometers) Combined: 5.1 miles (8.2 kilometers); North Cone to Turnpike.
Terrain Park New this season, Rail Yard debuts on Allan Phipps trail. The enlarged and reconfigured park begins with a series of jib features such as rails, a teeter totter and a rainbow rail. The lower portion has two distinct lines. One offers traditional features such tabletops and spines while The Rolls is a slope-style park used for skier and boarder cross events with crescents, compression rolls and spines. The halfpipe, Vertigo, is located just below the terrain park and above Snoasis mid-mountain restaurant.
Lifts Twenty-two lifts including eight high-speed express quads, four triples, seven double chairlifts and three Magic Carpets provide an uphill capacity of 35,030 skiers per hour. The Zephyr Express is modified to accommodate 20 gondola cabins for dinner service to The Lodge at Sunspot atop Winter Park mountain Friday and Saturday nights.
Snowfall An average of 367 inches (9.3 meters) annually based on snowfall from the past 10 years.
Snowmaking Winter Park has snowmaking on 26 trails covering 294 acres (119 hectares).
Area FacilitiesWest Portal Station: This base facility houses a food court featuring Good Times Burgers, Einstein Bros Bagels and Seattle's Best Coffee; the Derailer Bar; the Boxcar Deli; Candy Cache; Base Camp 9000 retail shop; West Portal Outfitters; West Portal Rental & Repairs; West Portal Boots & Boards; lost and found; lockers; an indoor climbing wall; and the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD).
The Children's Center: Located adjacent to West Portal Station and includes a nursery and children's ski school meeting rooms, children's rentals and reception area. 7-Mile Medical Clinic and Ski Patrol/First Aid occupy the ground floor.
Balcony House: Houses ticket sales, Ski and Snowboard School desk, Information Desk, Winter Park Tour Center, Coffee & Tea Market, ATM, Ski Video Mountain Memories, Sharpshooters Photography, Competition Center, Security, Season Pass Office and coin-operated lockers.
Snoasis Mid-Mountain Restaurant: Includes a food court, Mama Mia's Pizzeria, Oasis Bar, ski accessory shop and lockers.
The Lodge at Sunspot: A mountaintop lodge with panoramic views of the Continental Divide and the Rocky Mountains. Sunspot features a full-service restaurant--The Dining Room--the Provisioner food marketplace, lounge, lockers, The Mercantile accessory and gift shop and the National Disabled Ski Hall of Fame. Two distinct dinner options are served in The Dining Room and Provisioner on weekends during the season.
Zephyr Mountain Lodge: Located at the base of Winter Park mountain, the lodge has 230 condominium units on the upper levels and a variety of shops and restaurants on the ground floor including Kickapoo Tavern, Slopeside Gear & Sport, Trail's End Mercantile, Black Diamond Liquors, Rocky Mountain Eyewear, Grand Elk Alpine Club, Stephen's of Colorado and an ATM.
Mary JaneMary Jane Center: Features full-service dining in The Club Car, as well as Pepperoni's Pizza, a food court, ticket sales, The Jane Shop, Information Desk, Ski and Snowboard School Desk, Ski Patrol, first-aid room, lockers and meeting rooms.
Lunch Rock: Houses a snack shop, picnic deck and restrooms.
Vasquez Ridge
Ticket Prices Regular Season
(Dec. 21, 2002 - March 30, 2003)
Adult all day (ages 14 - 61) TBD
Adult multiple day - 2 of 3 consecutive days $49/day
3 of 4 consecutive days $48/day
4 of 5 consecutive days $47/day
5 of 6 consecutive days $44/day
6 of 7 consecutive days $41/day
Child all day (ages 6 - 13) $18
Adult AM/PM (9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.) TBD
Senior all day (ages 62 - 69) TBD
Disabled TBD
5 and under/70 and over FREE
Galloping Goose lift only $5
Early/Late Season Tickets
(Nov. 13 - Dec. 20, 2002 and March 31 - April 20, 2003)
Adult all day $36
Child (ages 6 - 13) $15
Adult AM/PM (9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.)TBD
Senior (ages 62 - 69) $25
Rentals Ski, snowboard and snowblade rentals are available at the base of Winter Park mountain at West Portal Rental & Repair as well as Slopeside Gear & Sport in the Zephyr Mountain Lodge and at The Jane Shop at the Mary Jane base.
Rental Prices
Ski Packages: 1-2 Days 3+ Days Half Day
Sport Package $22 $20 $17
Performance Ski Package $31 $29 $26
Junior Ski Package $13 $11 $9
Snowboard Packages:
Basic Snowboard Package $28 $26 $23
Performance Package $34 $32 $29
Junior Snowboard Package $21 $19 $16
Snowblade Package: $18 $16 $14
Ski and Information line: (970) 726-1551 or Denver (303) 316-1551
Snowboard
School Adult Group Lessons
Programs Half-day lesson, 9:30 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. - levels 1 - 3 $30
Half-day lesson, 9:30 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. - levels 4 - 6 $40
Half-day lesson, 12:45 p.m. - levels 7 - 9 $40
Quick Tips Learning Lane - levels 3 - 9, 15-minute session $5/run
Open 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Winter Park Video Arena
on lower Cranmer trail
Private Lessons - all levels, 1 - 2 people; 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.
1˝-hour lesson $120
3-hour lesson $205
6-hour lesson $375
$20 per 1˝ hours for each additional person.
Family Private - (up to six members) 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.
3 hours $275
6 hours $445 First Tracks - private, levels 4 - 9, 1 or 2 people, 8 a.m. 1˝ hours $85
Last Tracks - private, all levels, 1 or 2 people, 2:30 p.m.
1˝ hours $85
Note: Appropriate lift ticket needed for all lessons--all lessons available on shaped skis
Children's Winter Park is well known for its outstanding childcare facilities and children's ski and Center snowboard school. Registration, rentals and meeting rooms are all located in the Children's Programs Center. For more information and reservations, call (970) 726-1551.
Child Care: A non-ski program for children 2 months to 5 years old with indoor activities and lunch is available on site. All day: $75 (8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.); Half day: $60 (8 a.m.-12 noon or 12:30-4:15 p.m. without lunch). Reservations required. Pagers/beepers are also available for a $5 rental fee (deposit required). A one-hour private ski or snowboard lesson available for an additional $55--includes lift ticket and ski equipment but child must have own equipment for snowboard lesson (9 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.).
Ute: The Ute Program introduces willing and potty-trained 3- and 4-year-olds to skiing through indoor and outdoor activities. Children participate in a half-day small-group lesson on Mount Maury and, if appropriate, ride in a specially designed sled to Discovery Park. This is a non-chairlift riding program. Non-skiing activities include arts and crafts and mountain awareness activities. Cost is $80 without rental equipment and $75 for each additional day, $90 with ski rental equipment and $85 for each additional day. Fees include lessons, lunch and all-day supervision. Reservations are not accepted; register between 8-9 a.m. Note: Add-on private lesson available for $55 per child (lift ticket included). There is limited availability, so reservations are required. Child must be enrolled in all-day Ute Program.
Cheyenne: 5-6 years oldParticipants receive ski or snowboard instruction, all-day supervision, lunch, lift ticket and progress card. Cost is $80 for the first day without rental equipment and $75 for each additional day, $90 with ski rental equipment for the first day and $85 for each additional day. Snowboard lessons are $80 without rental equipment and $100 per day with rental. Reservations are not accepted; register between 8-9 a.m.
Note: The Children's Center is open 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Lessons are 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.National Information and reservation line: (970) 726-1540 or Denver (303) 316-1540 Sports The internationally acclaimed National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) is the Center largest and most successful program of its kind in the world. The NSCD began in 1970 For the with 23 amputee children from Denver taking ski lessons at Winter Park. Each year more than 3,000 participants take more than 21,000 lessons. In 1984, a Competition Program was Disabled established to provide race training and coaching for disabled skiers participating in regional, national and international events. Competition Information line: (970) 726-1590 or Denver (303) 316-1590 Center Programs Seasonal training programs are available in alpine, freestyle and nordic disciplines, for all ages of intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Clinics are offered throughout the year. Other services include tuning, binding mounts, boot fitting and equipment repair. NASTAR Races: Recreational racing every day from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Cranmer Trail, above Snoasis mid-mountain restaurant. Cost is $5 for three runs and $7 all day for adults; for children the cost is $3 for three runs and $5 for all day. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded for qualifying times. Winter Park Information and reservation line: (970) 726-1616 or Denver (303) 316-1616 Tour Center Redfeather Snowshoe Tours: Tours depart daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for a two-hour guided trip. The tour begins with a ride up the Gemini Express and continues with a gentle downhill trek through forested trails on Winter Park Mountain. Guides introduce the basics of snowshoeing and tell about the history and native plants and animals of Winter Park and the Fraser Valley. Cost is $25 (snowshoe rental included). Advanced Adventure Snowshoe Tours: Tours depart at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Cost is $35 (snowshoe rental included). This is a challenging five-mile trek through Winter Park's backcountry. For those who want to explore on their own, snowshoe rentals are available for $15/day, $10/half-day (8 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.). Scenic Snowcat Tours: These two-hour tours depart at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily from the Winter Park base area and follow various ski trails to the top of Winter Park mountain with opportunities to stop and take pictures along the way. Cost is $30/person. A snowcat shuttle service is also offered so non-skiers can meet their friends and family for a 1˝-hour lunch on the mountain at either Snoasis or The Lodge at Sunspot. Shuttles depart from the base at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and the return trips leave Sunspot at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Cost is $25/person. A senior discount is offered for ages 62 and older. Twilight Snowmobile Dinner Tours: Participants can drive or ride with a friend on this two-hour excursion to the top of Winter Park, Mary Jane and Vasquez Ridge with incredible vistas of the Continental Divide and twinkling lights of the Fraser River Valley below. Midway through the tour, a casual dinner is served featuring chicken stew in a bread bowl, salad, dessert and a drink. Cost is $70 for drivers and $30 for passengers. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and passengers must be at least 6 years old. Tours depart nightly at 5 p.m. and return at approximately 7 p.m. Reservations are required. Base Camp 9000 Climbing Wall: Located in West Portal Station at the Winter Park base, this 30-foot wall offers multiple routes that can be changed to vary the degree of difficulty. Climbing equipment, including helmets, climbing shoes and chalk bags are included. Open Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 - 7 p.m. Cost is $10 for three attempts. Lodging Winter Park Central Reservations (WPCR) is the central booking agency for more than 100 condominiums, family-friendly mountain inns (serving breakfast and dinner daily), hotels, bed and breakfasts, lodges, motels and property management companies. WPCR can also book air and rail tickets, rental cars, airport transfers, lift tickets, lessons, equipment rentals and non-skiing activities throughout Winter Park and the Fraser Valley. Winter Park Central Reservations P.O. Box 36 Winter Park, Colorado 80482 (800) 729-5813 (toll free U.S. and Canada) (970) 726-5587 (970) 726-5993 (FAX) e-mail: reservations@mail.skiwinterpark.com Trans- Winter Park is accessible by car, bus or train. By car from Denver take Interstate 70 west portation to exit 232 onto U.S. Hwy 40 to Winter Park. The resort is 85 miles (137 km) from Denver International Airport. Hertz rental cars are available locally or in Denver. Other rental car agencies are also available in Denver. Call Winter Park Central Reservations at (800) 729-5813. Home James Transportation Services offers door-to-door van trips throughout the day from Denver International Airport to the Winter Park area during ski season. Private charter and taxi service is also available. For reservations call Winter Park Central Reservations at (800) 729-5813 (U.S. & Canada) or (970) 726-5587 (international). Amtrak's California Zephyr serves Winter Park daily, with westbound service from Chicago and Omaha and eastbound service from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Salt Lake City. Sleeping accommodations are available on both routes. Call Winter Park Central Reservations at (800) 729-5813 (U.S. & Canada) or (970) 726-5587 (international) for reservations. The Ski Train departs Denver's Union Station each Saturday and Sunday at 7:15 a.m., beginning mid-December and continuing through early April, bringing skiers directly to the Winter Park slopes. The return trip leaves at 4:15 p.m. and arrives in Denver at 6:15 p.m. Additional trips are scheduled during the Christmas holidays and on Fridays from mid-February through early April. "The Lift" is the free local shuttle service that runs to and from most lodging properties and activities in the valley and Winter Park Resort base area. Buses run every 30 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. The free "Smart Shuttle" serves local restaurants and bars on Friday and Saturday nights from 10:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and takes passengers right to their door. Town Downtown Winter Park is located two miles (3.2 kilometers) from Winter Park Resort. More than 40 restaurants and bars, a movie theater, shops, day spas, recreational activities and other services are available. Winter Park/Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 3236 Winter Park, Colorado 80482 (970) 726-4118 (local and international) (800) 903-7275 (toll free U.S. and Canada) e-mail: chamber@winterpark-info.com web site: www.winterpark-info.com Cross- Devil's Thumb Ranch: Located north of Fraser, this popular nordic center offers a Country scenic network of 105 kilometers (65 miles) of groomed trails. Lessons and rentals Skiing available. For information, call (970) 726-5632. Snow Mountain Ranch: Located about 15 minutes from Winter Park, this expansive facility offers 100 kilometers (62 miles) of groomed trails for all abilities, including three kilometers of lighted track for night skiing. This is a favorite spot for skaters and track skiers. Lessons and rentals are available. For information, call (970) 887-2152. Fraser Experimental Forest Ranger Station: Marked trails suitable for beginners, intermediate and expert skiers. No trail fees and no facilities. Icing on the Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Fitness clubs Cake Ice skating Tubing Shopping Horse-drawn sleigh rides Hot springs Day spas Sno scoots Dog sled rides Comedy Club
DENVER - Denver Mayor Wellington E. Webb today joined officials from Intrawest and Winter Park Resort to announce the details of the agreement that allows Intrawest to become the City's partner to operate, invest in and develop the City-owned Winter Park Ski Resort.
"This agreement is a great example of what can be accomplished by the public and private sectors working together toward shared goals," Mayor Webb said. "The City is bringing Intrawest's expertise and resources to bear in this very competitive industry. I am convinced that this partnership will preserve and enhance the Resort for everyone - visitors, local residents and businesses and the citizens of Denver."
Under the agreements, Intrawest plans to invest almost $100 million in the Resort over the next 10 years. It is guaranteeing $50 million of that amount for on-mountain investment over the same time period. For the life of the lease, up to 2078, Intrawest will guarantee 6% of the gross revenues for resort operating capital investments. Additionally, programs of high community interest and support, such as children's recreational programs and support for the National Sports Center for the Disabled are preserved.
"Winter Park is a fabulous mountain which has had strong and talented leadership," said Gary Raymond of Intrawest. "We are delighted to have the opportunity to build on what exists today and enhance it."
The City will receive $2 million annually in guaranteed payments over the next 10 years under the agreement. After 10 years, the City is entitled to an annual payment equal to $2 million + 3% of Gross Revenue over $33 million subject to cash flow. Projected performance indicates this amount will equal or exceed the past annual City payments from the Resort. These annual payments will be earmarked for capital repair, rehab and replacement of existing parks and recreation facilities.
Other key points of the agreement provide for the retention of most current employees, coverage of existing Resort obligations by Intrawest and the development of real estate at the Resort to generate economic activity for the resort, the town of Winter Park and Grand County.
"We are very excited that the negotiations are now completed," said Gary DeFrange, president and CEO of Winter Park Resort. "The partnership with Intrawest will allow Winter Park to continue providing the outstanding programs and excellent services that have marked it's 63-year history while moving forward with on-mountain improvements and the completion of Winter Park Village which will enhance the year-round vacation experience for our guests."
The agreement will begin the City Council review process Monday September 9th.WINTER PARK, Colo., Summer 2002 - This summer find out what the locals already know - that Winter Park is a haven for beautiful weather, fresh air, exquisite views and lots of family fun. With plenty of activities that appeal to the young AND young at heart, a summertime visit to Colorado's FavoriteTM is a must! Located just 67 miles from Denver, "The Park" is easily accessible to anyone craving an escape to the mountains. Drivers can get here in 90 minutes from downtown. Or, for a unique and scenic experience, take the summer Ski Train to Winter Park Resort on Saturdays from June 15 through Aug. 17. The train leaves Denver's downtown Union Station at 8 a.m. and departs from the base of Winter Park at 2:30 p.m. (except on music festival days: July 13 and 20). The trip takes approximately two hours each way and costs $45 for adults in coach and $25 for kids 13 and under. Once in Winter Park, it's non-stop action from mid-June through Labor Day. One of the resort's most popular activities is top-to-bottom mountain biking for all levels. Cyclists, along with their two-wheeled steeds, are whisked to the summit of Winter Park mountain via the Zephyr Express chairlift. From there, riders have access to the resort's 50-mile network of interconnected trails. One trip on the chairlift with a bike costs $15, and bike rentals are available at Slopeside Gear & Sport in Zephyr Mountain Lodge starting at $23/half day and $33/full day. For an unusual ride down the bike trails, try the all-terrain Diggler® Mountain Scooters. Equipped with knobby tires, hand brakes and a wide standing platform, riders experience a thrilling downhill trail ride. Rent scooters at Slopeside Gear & Sport for $22/half day and $32/full day.
If keeping two feet on the ground is more appealing, Winter Park has designated two trails exclusively for hikers. Ride the Zephyr Express to access the breathtaking scenery and serenity of the Nystrom and Ute Trails. The Nystrom Trail follows a mountain ridge to the Mary Jane mountain's 12,060-foot summit. The Ute Trail is a self-guided nature hike that serpentines down the face of Winter Park mountain. It's a fact - thrill-seekers young and old find Colorado's longest Alpine Slide addictive! Riders twist their way down 3,030 feet of dips and arcing turns in a special sled equipped with runners and a brake. The parallel tracks (one for slower riders) are accessed from the Arrow chairlift. Ride the slide for $8/adult and $6/child. For a brain-teasing challenge, become a "rat" and run around the Amaze'n Human Maze. Players compete against the clock and each other while attempting to navigate a labyrinth of wooden corridors, complete with turns, dead-ends and blind alleys. Challenge the maze for only $6/adult and $4/child.
Golf anyone? Catch the craze and play a round of disc golf. Perched at the top of Winter Park, the course's 18 holes wind around the summit for full-circle scenery. The course is free and disc rental costs $2 at Slopeside Gear & Sport. Or, putter around the base of the slopes on the 18-hole Mountainside Mini Golf Course. This original course was designed to depict different aspects and eras of Winter Park and the Fraser Valley's history. A round costs $6/adult and $4/child. For high-flying excitement, get harnessed and check out the Climbing Walls (one indoors, one outdoors) and Zip Line. The outdoor climbing wall provides a gentle introduction to rock climbing and costs $6/adult and $4/child per climb. The indoor wall offers a significantly more challenging experience with several different routes that feature hand- and foot-holds and multi-tiered overhangs. Three climbs cost $10/adult and $8/child. The Zip Line, sold as part of an all-day or half-day pass, allows riders to "fly" 100 feet inside West Portal Station while harnessed to a steel cable. Half- and full-day passes that include most of these activities are available starting at $30. Children age 5 and under and 70 and over play for free. All of these activities generate mountain-sized appetites. Relax over lunch on the sun-drenched decks of The Lodge at Sunspot. This stunning log restaurant serves grilled sandwiches, salads and freshly baked goods from mid-morning to late afternoon. For a quick bite at the bottom, satisfy that appetite in the West Portal food court with Good TimesTM burgers, salad bar, hot dogs and snacks. Or, check out Winter Park's newest palate-pleaser, the Deli Express, located on the West Portal Plaza. Opening this summer, Deli Express will serve made-to-order sandwiches, soups, hand-dipped ice cream and freshly baked cookies.
To wind down from all that excitement, take a stroll through Slopeside Gear & Sport, Base Camp 9000 or the Mercantile at Sunspot, all of which sell mountain necessities like sunscreen, lip balm and visors along with sunglasses, souvenirs, t-shirts, clothing and candy. For additional information on summer activities, visit the resort web site at www.winterparkresort.com. For lodging reservations, airfare, ground transfers, rental cars and other activity reservations, call Winter Park Central Reservations at (800) 729-5813.
WINTER PARK, Colo., Summer 2002 - One of the star attractions of Winter Park and the Fraser Valley is the wide open spaces-with plenty of room to bike, hike, think, relax, spy wildlife or play. With approximately 85 percent of Grand County acreage designated as public lands, the options for fun are as wide open as the land itself. It is no surprise that with more than 600 miles of marked and mapped trails Winter Park and the Fraser Valley have been dubbed Mountain Bike Capital, USA™. Mountain bikes can be rented at locations around the resort and in town. Intrepid explorers can pedal leisurely along graded dirt roads or pump as hard as they can along challenging single-track trails with plenty of vertical and a high gasp factor. A variety of river rafting options are available through Mad Adventures with everything from a gentle float down the Colorado River to a white-knuckle ride through white water in the nearby Arkansas River. The rivers and streams around the valley offer plenty of gold medal fishing grounds. And, clinics available through Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort can help novices learn the basics of casting or guide avid anglers to the best stretches of river for making a catch. For a taste of old-time western transportation, saddle up for a one- or two-hour horseback ride. Grand Adventures offers trail rides that depart several times a day beginning in mid-June. To see real cowboys in action, the High Country Stampede Rodeo is held every Saturday night at the John Work Arena in Fraser with plenty calf roping, barrel racing, pole bending, bronc busting and the thrilling bull riding-which any cowboy will claim is the longest eight-second ride in the world. A classic western steak barbecue with all the fixings is served prior to the rodeo.
For a more "civilized" experience, there are dozens of hiking trails that pass through meadows filled with wildflowers, old growth forests with evergreens that stand hundreds of feet tall and ultimately lead to high alpine lakes-cold, clean, and pure. Hiking is also a great way to spot local wildlife-most notably moose, elk, coyote, porcupine, marmot, fox, deer and, on rare occasions, black bear. Too tired to do the walking? Guided jeep tours follow the old railroad route of the transcontinental trains to the top of the Continental Divide. Visitors can still see the ruins of the old depot and boarding house where railroad workers who shoveled the tracks during the winter months once lived. History buffs will want to stop by the Fraser Valley Visitor's Center to see early photographs of the area's railroad days-including photos from the old town of Arrow as well as trains edging by 20-foot snow drifts at the top of the Divide. For pure relaxation, grab a fresh bagel and a freshly roasted cup of coffee, find a comfortable bench, and watch the town wake up. Stroll through Cooper Creek Square and pick up a souvenir for a friend or co-worker who is sweating in a hot city somewhere. Visit one of the weekend attractions: Jazz Festival, RockFest, ArtAffair, the Wine, Beer & Food Festival, Colorado Craft Fair, Chili Cookoff or Oktoberfest. Find an outdoor café and have a leisurely lunch or pack up some fruit and cheese and claim a site along the Fraser River Trail for a mountain picnic. Best of all, revel in the cool mountain air, brilliant sunsets, nighttime skies filled with stars, and lots of elbow room in Winter Park's wide open spaces.
WINTER PARK, Colo., Summer 2002 - From heart-pumping uphill climbs and exhilarating single-track downhills to leisurely double-track trails through the forest, Winter Park Resort has it all when it comes to mountain biking. Novice, recreational and expert riders alike can appreciate Winter Park Resort's 50 miles of varied terrain across a 7,600-acre permit area.
To get to the top of the slopes, riders can jump on the Zephyr Express chairlift which is specially equipped to carry bikes. Once on the mountain, bikers can choose from a variety of green, blue and black trails. Riders are not alone on the trails - a team of mountain bike patrollers cruise the mountain regularly to offer directions, assistance and first aid for both bikes and riders. Bikers at any level can brush up on their skills with daily mountain bike clinics offered in either two- or four-hour sessions. Beginner and intermediate clinics emphasize learning the fundamental skills such as climbing, cornering and descending. Advanced clinics focus on tips and techniques for improving skills on steep or technical terrain. Cost is $20 for two hours or $32 for four hours. For those simply looking for tips on good routes, the resort's guided mountain bike tours are ideal. The tour focuses on maximizing the riding experience and costs $20 for two hours or $32 for four hours. Like ski trails, bike trails are rated in difficulty by color - green is easiest, blue is more difficult and black is most difficult. For beginners, Lower Roof of the Rockies, Fantasy Meadow and Tunnel Hill provide a gentle introduction to the sport while intermediate riders will want to tackle Upper Roof of the Rockies or Long Trail. For advanced and expert riders, Mountain Goat, Lower Arapahoe, Icarus and Jackalope are demanding single-track trails with plenty of natural obstacles to challenge the most experienced bikers.
Since traveling with a bike is not an option for many visitors, bike rentals are available at Slopeside Gear & Sport, located at the base of Winter Park. Front-shock rentals cost $9/hour, $23/half day or $33/full day. Full-suspension bikes run $14/hour, $31/half day and $45/full day. Bike rental and lift packages are also available. For those who bring their own bikes, Slopeside's trained technicians can perform repairs.