Before I get into the detail and tell you why it was so notable, a little history is in order. Wikipedia describes Berthoud Pass, elevation 11,307 ft, as a mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado – located west of Denver, and provides a high route between upper Clear Creek Canyon and the upper valley of the Fraser River in Middle Park to the north. The pass is named for Edward L. Berthoud, the chief surveyor of the Colorado Central Railroad during the 1870s, who discovered the pass in July 1861 while surveying a possible route for the railroad. Berthoud reported that the pass was suitable as a wagon road, but not as a railroad. View old photos of the pass at FraserColorado.com

(more…)

Need a break from your ordinary winter activities? Step out of your skis and strap on a pair of snowshoes! Snowshoeing is a great way to experience the beauty of Winter Park. Spend a day enjoying the quite serene of Winter Park’s backcountry as you break trail through the freshly covered snow, or follow along the many extensive mountain biking trails that are already packed down for you. This is truly an activity that everyone can enjoy. Check out some great snowshoeing tips and guided tour information, and get out there and enjoy the snow!

This starts a five part series of posts on the the Berthound Pass Mountain Access Project and the thoughts of a Winter Park business owner and resident.

On November 16, 2006, a notable event took place that will affect the future driving experiences of hundreds of thousands of people every year from that day forward. At a special grand opening ceremony that took place at the Hard Rock Café in Empire, Colorado, and attended by dignitaries from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Winter Park Resort, the final widening project on the east side of Berthoud Pass was officially declared “finished”. The total cost of the project which took place over a seven-year time-frame, was approximately $76 million. (more…)

Winter Park Ski Resort Celebrates Opening Day November 15

Winter Park, CO November 7, 2006 – Winter Park Resort will open for its 68th consecutive ski season on November 15, 2006. Colorado’s longest running resort will feature a new triple chairlift, and seven brand new trails.

Winter Park Resort has accumulated a significant amount of pre-season snow. Combined with world-class snow making capabilities, the Resort is able to guarantee an estimated 17+-inch base for Opening Day. The new chairlift, Eagle Wind, will make its debut November 15. This towering transport will whisk skiers and boarders to the backside of Parsenn Bowl at 11,486 feet. These legendary back bowls promise deep powder and thrilling extreme conditions sought after worldwide. Visitors and season pass holders will enjoy 143 total trails, including seven brand new runs in Parsenn Bowl.

Vacations Inc., a leading lodging company serving Winter Park and Fraser Valley will offer a special discount beginning Opening Day and running through the winter season. Visitors will receive one night of free lodging and skiing when they purchase three.

Brian Lence, Vice President of Sales & Rental Management for Vacations Inc. says, “I remember vividly my first Opening Day experience 15 years ago. I’d just arrived from Europe, virtually half of the mountain was open, and the adrenaline was flowing pretty fast as I and a couple of friends rode the Zephyr Express lift up as the snow continued to fall. It was a pretty exciting day and there’s no other feeling like it – especially when you know there are 151 more days to follow! If you’re thinking of coming to Winter Park, now is the time to book. Big discounts on lodging, as well as lift tickets that are 50% cheaper than will be the case if you book after December 15th! If you’ve skied here before, pretend it’s your first day all over again. If it is your first day, make it memorable!”

The Christmas holidays are still 39 days away – but many people have found that the grinch has spread his disappointment for the holidays – sold out accommodations.  A couple of the contributing factors for this is early season snow and the overwhelming demand promoted early bookings for this time period.   If you have been grinched for the Christmas time period, consider the following alternatives to still enjoy a ski vacation this year.

1.  Christmas is the most expensive time of year for lodging, lift tickets and ski rental.  Choosing alternative dates can save you over $700.00!  For example:  Come for Thanksgiving for as low as $853.00 or MLK weekend in January for $981.00 or the week prior to Christmas for $1055.00.  (All of these prices are based on 2 adults and 2 children in a 1 bedroom condo for 4 nights, 3 days of lift tickets and ski rental.)

2.  Time periods that are sold out or will be sold out, usually mean no discounts or free night specials available to you – even at the last minute.

3.  Popular time periods can lead to over-crowding on the slopes with long lift lines, longer wait times for the shuttle bus, dining and activities. 

4.  Transportation to and from your destination can test anyone’s patience – crowded airports, long check-in lines, lost luggage and possible weather delays.

Now that you have some alternatives for a ski vacation and a few reasons why spending Christmas at home or elsewhere isn’t so bad, call us at 1-800-215-6535 or email us at res@vacationsinc.com!