Multiple Personalities in Grand County - by Janene Johnson

WinterPark andGrand Countyhave Multiple Personalities! I know, when you hear of a multiple personality disorder, its not a good thing. But in Winter Park and Grand County, Colorado, its a great thing! In case you werent aware, we are the ultimate four season resort here in Grand County. Grand County begins at the top of Berthoud Pass, just north of I-70. It runs all the way north to Rocky Mountain National Park, our eastern border is the Continental Divide and the western border sits atop beautiful Rabbit Ears pass on the way to Steamboat Springs. Winter Park, home to nationally acclaimed Winter Park Resort, boasts famous ski terrain for winter playtime, but is also host to over 600 miles of mountain biking trails for amazing adventures from spring to autumn. Just a few minutes northwest on Highway 40 to Highway 34, are 3 enormous lakes. Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Grand Lake are home to world-class ice fishing in the winter but water skiing and summer sports for everyone. Of course, we have 4 incredible golf courses between Winter Park and Grand Lake for the golf enthusiast. The Town of Grand Lake is known for its famous boardwalk and summertime activities due to being sandwiched between world-famous Rocky Mountain National Park and 200 foot deep natural lake Grand Lake, but most people dont realize that it truly is a snowmobile, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing center for our county. Heading west on Highway 40, towards Rabbit Ears pass, youll see the land transition through the natural hot springs in Hot Sulphur Springs, through Byers canyon and then open up to the ranges of those spectacular ranches that Grand County is known for, plus the Gore Mountain Range which provides amazing river rafting trips. Cross country skiing in the winter on Rabbit Ears pass is the ultimate adventure to enjoy nature at its best. Lets see if I can sum up our many faces; skiing, hiking, biking, ice fishing, water skiing, sailing, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, Jazz Festival, winter carnival, snowmobiling, Grand Lake barbecue days, 4th of July extravaganzas, Spring Splash, Blues Festival, Thursday nights of Music in the Park, boardwalk, restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, arts festivals, antiques, horseback riding, river rafting, dog sledding, New Years Eve fireworks, Christmas Eve ski down, you get the picture! Im exhausted just thinking about it. Come up to Grand County and see it for yourself.