Imagine swooshing down the slopes on fresh powder. The sun shines across the blue sky. The air is crisp and the stress of everyday life disappears. After a day on the slopes you join friends for a soak in the rejuvenating hot springs. Warm, refreshing waters surround you as tiny snowflakes fall from above. After a relaxing massage, it’s off to meet the family for a delicious slice of Roma Sonoma pizza. Ahhh, the pleasures of winter…but where can you find this wonderful escape?
Whether you’re a group of friends looking for something to do on winter break, a family with children of all ages, or a retired couple wanting to get away, Grand County, Colorado is the destination this winter! Located 67 miles from Denver, Grand County is packed with activities, site-seeing opportunities and adventure for all ages. Kansas native, Amy Fox, has lived and worked in Grand County for the last fifteen years. “No matter where you are in Grand County,”she says, “you’re not very far from recreational opportunities right out your back door.”
For the skiing and snowboarding enthusiast, or newbie, November 18th marks opening day at Winter Park Ski Resort. This will be their 70th season, making Winter Park the longest continually running resort in Colorado! There are trails for all levels, and lessons are available.
Further up the road in Granby is SolVista Basin, a smaller ski area that also accommodates all skill levels. All runs lead to one location, so no matter how well you ski, you and your group will eventually end up in the same place. SolVista’s season begins in mid December.
“The best advice I can give to those visiting the mountains, is to drink plenty of water,” says Fox. “The climate at 9,000 feet is dry. You’d be surprised how quickly you can become dehydrated.”
For someone who is looking for a little bit tamer adventure there is plenty of shopping to be done in Grand Lake and the town of Winter Park. At Cooper Creek Square in Winter Park there is a little ice skating rink tucked away next to the shops. And there are plenty of places to get a bite to eat. “At Beaver Village Resort near the entrance of the town of Winter Park, guided and unguided snowmobile tours are available to the top of the Continental Divide,” says Fox. “Another great family activity at Beaver Village is taking a sleigh ride through the forest and open meadows.”
If you’re looking for some great sledding Fraser, Colorado features a tubing hill. There is a “lift” that assists you to the top of the hill, so you don’t have to climb. Kids of all ages enjoy this fun activity.
No matter what adventures you choose, at some point you’re going to need a nice relaxing soak in the springs! The town of Hot Sulphur Springs is where you need to go. There are 22 pools and private baths, plus they offer massages, facials and body wraps. Even if there is a foot of snow on the ground and it’s still falling, the hot springs are an experience you won’t want to skip. “A lot of people think it’s too cold to soak when it snows,” says Fox. “We love going over there to soak on nights like that. It’s really cool to watch the snow gently falling on us while the steam is rising up.”
No winter adventure would be complete without a great meal next to a wood burning fire. Hernando’s Pizza Pub has been a Winter Park tradition since 1967. Their pizza is like no other! My personal favorite is the Roma Sonoma. The dough is brushed with a mixture of virgin olive oil, fresh basil and minced garlic. Then it’s topped with chicken, artichokes and sundried tomatoes. Be sure to save the crusts! It’s tradition to finish the meal by adding honey to them right before you eat them.
There you have it, the winter pleasures you need to escape the everyday world. Now it’s time to make your travel plans, pull out those warm sweaters and grab your friends. The mountains of Grand County, Colorado are calling your name.
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