Don’t let cold, snowy weather keep you from getting away. Say goodbye to the winter blues, gather the girls, and head for Grand County, Colorado.
When a friend, who’d landed in Grand County twenty-five years ago—and stayed—called to invite me to join her there for a winter girls’ getaway, I jumped at the chance.
Situated only sixty-seven miles from Denver’s highlife, come-as-you-are Grand County bundles a world class ski resort, spas, yoga, alpine pursuits, and stunning mountain scenery into one of Colorado’s hometown favorites.
Take a little inspiration from these Grand County discoveries and launch your own escape.
Winter Park
Local Knowledge
For thirty years, Winter Park residents have fueled up on hot coffee and breakfast at Carvers Bakery Cafe. Rustic and relaxed, the homey eatery boasts the convivial sounds and baked-goods aroma of a small town favorite. Try the sumptuous cinnamon rolls and homemade bagels. 93 Cooper Creek Way.
Home Sweet Vacation Home
Buying a vacation home might be out of the question (damn the recession), but renting someone else’s luxury mountain house, is not only budget friendly, it’s fun! You may think you’ll be missing out on hotel services. Not true. From arranging welcome meals and in-home grocery stocking, to lift tickets and rental equipment, The Grand Concierge service by Destinations West will coordinate your transportation, plan special activities, and customize an all-inclusive vacation that IS all about you. www.mtnlodging.com
For the Cool Cats
Not a skier or snowboarder? No need to miss out on the fun. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Winter Park Mountain in the heated comfort of a thirteen-passenger Snowcat. Two-hour tours depart daily at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., as well as 2:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Travel across beginner, intermediate and expert trails, with scenic stops for photos and refreshment. www.winterparkresort.com
P.S., I Know Where You Are
Track your day on the mountain with a flaik GPS device. Winter Park resort offers private rentals and outfits every ski school student and instructor with one. View individual trails, enjoy video playback, share your day on Facebook, or compare multiple days across various resorts. Data is available in near real time on the flaik Web site, www.flaik.com.
Night Bike
For thrill seekers craving something different, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights at Winter Park Resort you can hop aboard a ski bike, strap on a head lamp and head out on the mountain under the night sky. Three-hour tours include instruction, a guide, and use of a ski bike. Beginners welcome. www.winterparkresort.com
Treasure Trove
Custom-made Peruvian designs play front and center at The Seven Sisters, a sweet Winter Park boutique. Whether you’re looking for a gift or a souvenir for yourself, owner, Cheryl Key, offers a tightly edited crop of unique, handmade clothing, jewelry, lingerie, accessories and home decor. Better still, prices rock. 47 Cooper Creek Square. www.coopercreeksquare.com
Ready, Set, Dough
When life gives you virgin olive oil, fresh basil, tangy garlic, and Roma tomatoes, you make pizza. When life gives you a Winter Park vacation, you let Hernando’s Pizza Pub make it for you. Thing is, the local’s love Hernando’s, too. So make a reservation. www.hernandospizzapub.com
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