Why Winter Park, Colorado? - by Ron Owens

Remember when Aspen, Vail, Telluride and Breckenridge were basically unknown and poised for growth? Obviously, we all would have invested in them had we just known what was going to happen. Although there are no guarantees in life, Winter Park is now well positioned to be the next hot spot mountain resort in Colorado. Winter Park has always been Colorados favorite ski resort for locals.Located just 66 miles from downtown Denver and a short 90 miles from Denver International Airport (DIA); it has been a favorite for front range day skiers since it opened 70 years ago. Today, skiers and snowboarders share 3,078 skiable acres of Colorados world renowned champagne powder snow. From Mary Janes legendary bumps (rated number 1 in North America) to well-groomed runs of all experience levels, Winter Park Resort has something to offer everyone. The Resort is also home to the internationally acclaimed National Sports Center for the Disabled, (NSCD). It is the largest and most successful program of its kind in the world. The new $100 million dollar Winter Park base village opened last ski season to great reviews. Built by internationally respected Intrawest Inc., the pedestrian village, with easy access via a modern cabriolet, hugs the scenic Fraser River with restaurants, shops, bars and entertainment and is steps from the slopes. The Resort also benefits from over $40 million dollars of recent on-mountain improvements. For example, the Panoramic Express built in 2008, is the highest, high-speed six person chairlift in North America. In addition, Winter Park benefits from being easy to get to via modern and well-maintained highways. Soon, when Denvers light rail transit system is completed to DIA (projected for 2015), air travelers will be able to cruise to Winter Park Resort entirely by public transportation! Winter Park lies within the heart of the magnificent Rocky Mountains in Grand County. The area is also home to world famous Rocky Mountain National Park, long recognized as one of the crown jewels of our nations National Park System. In addition, there are numerous close-by mountain lakes, reservoirs and rivers that provide endless year round outdoor activities. Since the days President Ike Eisenhower visited here to fish the famed Colorado River (whose head- waters begin in the county,) the area has enjoyed a reputation as an anglers favorite. Golf enthusiasts can test their skills on 4 (the 5th is on hold) challenging golf courses. From camping, hiking, fishing, hunting skiing, snowmobiling, golfing, biking (over 600 miles of biking trails are available), etc., Winter Park offers something for everyone to enjoy. Why? Winter Park because you can enjoy the best of mountain living here!