The Top 10 Activities in Winter Park & Grand County You Dont Want to Miss!
Winter Activities
Not only is Winter Park home to the 3rd largest Ski Area in Colorado, but we are blessed with so many unique activities to enjoy throughout the winter season.
1. Dog Sled Rides - This is a wonderful way to "shush" across a clean clear mountain meadow at a heart pounding rate of speed set by a dog team. As you get ready, the dogs are going crazy, barking and howling and straining at the harness. You climb into the narrow sled and the dogs are released, bounding into their straps! All becomes dead silent as the air rushes across your face and the dogs whisk you away on a breathtaking adventure! You can find out more about Dog Sled Rides here.
2. Hot Sulphur Springs Resort - Oh what a way to relax! The springs and its medicinal advantages were known to the Ute Indians hundreds of years ago. Today, the resort has been built around 24 different pools, including spa treatments and massage therapy. Only 30 miles from Winter Park, this natural wonder in Grand County is unique and features a natural and soothing way to enjoy the beauty of the land. Read more about the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort.
3. Tubing - Be a kid again! This sledding hill is like no other! Huge tractor inner tubes with comfy seats, so you don't graze your bottom, are inflated to maximum sliding capabilities. A long open hillside beckons you to race or form chains or groups by holding hands and give thrill to joyful abandonment. Best of all, a rope tow hauls you back up to the top and you can go again and again! Follow up the adrenelin rush with a sugar buzz and enjoy a steaming cup of hot cocoa to warm up little mitts and get ready for more!
4. Hot Air Ballooning - You might think this is not for the "faint of heart" but speaking from experience, it is the most relaxing way ever to fly! You've got to wake up early to catch the best air currents, but it's worth it! Watch as the crew prepares the "craft" for flight by setting the basket and filling the ballon. Slowly, the ballon expands and rises in the early morning air. You climb in the little bitty basket, knuckles gripping the side in expectation as you are ready to embark. The craft starts to rise, quietly and serenly as the hot air is released into the ballon. The landscape is close enough to touch in this rare birdseye view of the valley and can not be compared to anything else! Following the descent, you are treated to a continental breakfast and champagne toast, a tradtition for balloners, representing successful flights. Grand Adventure Ballons offers great flights in the Fraser valley.
5. Cozens Museum - Ok, had enough time outside? Then come inside and learn about the history of the Fraser Valley in the Cozens Museum. Once home to a founding family in our area and the first stage coach stop in Fraser, it's now a museum representing our history with local memorabilia and antique artifacts. Visit some of our local Characters in actual re-enactments of the era. The Museum is fun and offers a glimpse of how things used to be. (hint) We guarantee you will walk away with an appreciation of modern snow removal! See the Cozens Museum site for more info.
Summer Activities
Any local will tell you they first came to Winter Park because of the skiing; but they made Winter Park home because of the summers. Summer in the mountains is glorious!
1. Winter Park Resort...in the summer! - It's a theme park in itself with the longest Alpine Slide in Colorado, mini golf, maze, bungee trampoline, chairlift ride to the top, and, well, you get the idea. The lawn is groomed to perfection with flower boxes lining the sidewalk, full of beautiful colors and identifying local flora and fauna. Talk a stroll or take a day, you won't be sorry you visited Winter Park Resort in the summer.
2. The Alpine Art Affair - This is an event in July and unusual for us to suggest because it's a one time a year deal. However, the artisians and crafts people are extraordinary and offer beautiful crafts to enrich our lives with. The Art Show has been an annual event for years and is held in July. The arts are complimented by food vendors featuring homemade bbq, Lions Club pancakes and fresh squeezed lemonade. For details visit the Winter Park Chamber, as the summer gets closer info will be more detailed.
3. Hot Sulphur Springs Resort - Just as good in the summer as the winter. Best in the evening when it's cool and stars are out! The springs and its medicinal advantages were known to the Ute Indians hundreds of years ago. Today, the resort has been built around 24 different pools, including spa treatments and massage therapy. Only 30 miles from Winter Park, this natural wonder in Grand County is unique and features a natural and soothing way to enjoy the beauty of the land. Read more about the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort.
4. Visit Grand Lake - There's nothing more quaint than the historic village of Grand Lake. The boardwalk on both sides of town bring back memories of small town fairs with ice cream, shooting gallery and putt-putt golf. Situated next to Colorado's deepest and largest natural body of water, Grand Lake offers a day of activities like boating, fishing and sunsetting!
5. Explore the old remains of our rail road history - Ok, this takes a little research, but any local will be able to help you find the way. We suggest a ride (in your car) to the ghost town of Arrow, the old railroad trestle and Corona Pass. Cozen's Museum, noted above, has information and old photos of this once thriving industry in Winter Park. There's not much left but the imagined sound of a train whistle in the wind and the old trestle, but it certainly puts one in a nostalgic mood. To boot, you are on top of the Continental Divide and can see for miles and miles. It's truly an adventure so put your exploration boots on!
|
