Winter Park Resort: www.winterparkresort.com
George E. Cranmer, designated as the father of the Winter Park Resort, suggested turning Winter Park into a winter sports region during the early 1930s. In 1937, the United States Forest Service created several runs and a ski jump at Cooper Creek near the railroad. With the addition of a J-bar tow, skiers began to head down the slopes in 1939, paying only a dollar for a ticket. Since then, Winter Park Ski Resort, Colorado has grown significantly and still continues to be one of Colorado's favorite resorts.
Today, Winter Park Resort is made up of three interconnected mountains covering just over 3,000 acres. Winter Park, Mary Jane, and Vasquez Ridge provide skiers of all levels with plenty of terrain ranging from beginner to expert only. With 143 downhill runs, backcountry expeditions, terrain parks, and pipes, Winter Park Ski Resort has something for everyone. Soar down the slopes, maneuver over moguls, or sit back on a sun deck and relax. Receiving around 350 inches of snowfall each year and with the help of snowmaking, the resort opens for the ski season each year before Thanksgiving.
An easy 60-mile drive from Denver, Winter Park Resort is a favorite of many Colorado locals. The actual town of Winter Park has a very small permanent population of only 700, who service the tens of thousands of skiers that visit the mountains each year. Aside from alpine Winter Park skiing, the resort offers other activities such as ice skating, snowmobiling, backcountry skiing, fine dining, and many other entertainment options. Not only is Winter Park an ideal winter destination but is also a superb place to be during the summer. Trestle Bike Park, located on a section of Winter Park Resort, continues to provide adrenaline junkies with thrills once the snow has melted and the Aspen leaves have returned. Home to Colorado's longest Alpine slide, extraordinary mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and of course excellent ski slopes, Winter Park is an ultimate destination during any time of year. By owning real estate in Winter Park, you will experience a lifetime of year-round memories.
Granby Ranch: www.granbyranch.com
Originally called Silver Creek when the resort opened in the early 1980s, Granby Ranch was the idea of a Chicago physician named Dr. Fred Sinkovits. During the late 1960s, he teamed up with Del Webb Development Group to purchase five large ranches near the Granby area outside of Winter Park. Plans were put together to create a Winter Park ski resort including a ski area, golf course, condos, and hotels, however, by the 1970s, the poor economy put a halt on the project. In 1981, Bud Gettle and Kelly Klancke purchased the Silver Creek site and got Sol Vista Basin up and running.
Consisting primarily of beginner terrain, SolVista maintains the status of being an extremely family friendly resort. One of the state's smallest ski areas, five lifts service 33 runs. Made up of two interconnected mountains, the East Mountain is made up of beginner and intermediate terrain, while the West Mountain consists of mainly advanced terrain. Receiving an average of 220 inches of snowfall per year, as well as 300 days of beautiful sunshine, SolVista has its own unique feel with the amenities of a larger resort.
Granby Ranch is recognized as one of the top places to learn to ski in Colorado. Revolutionized by Harald Harb, the ski school uses a direct-to-parallel approach that incorporates specific body movements with shaped skis. This system has allowed children as well as adults to pick up skiing faster and improve quicker than with other methods. After spending a fun day on the mountain improving your skiing skills, Hot Sulphur Springs Resort is located only 15 minutes away. With 22 natural hot spring pools and a full-service spa, it's the perfect place to relax your muscles. No matter what time of year you visit Granby Ranch, you'll always be able to find something to do. Hike, mountain bike, golf, fish, or ski—it all depends on the season.
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