Eckert Crane Days in Delta County, March 19-27

February 3rd, 2010

News Release

 

Contact: Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970-887-2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com

 

 

‘Second-Hand Crane Days’ Mark Greater Sandhill Crane Migration in Western Colorado

– Sandhill crane migration announces end of winter with impressive herald of spring –

 

Eckert, Colo., Feb. 3, 2010 – Spring will be in air – literally – when the Greater Sandhill Cranes gather in Eckert, Colo., March 19-27, on their annual northward migration.

 

Eckert Crane Days, otherwise known as Second-Hand Crane Days, celebrate the first main stop for the Greater Sandhill Cranes as they begin their annual northward migration out of the San Luis Valley of Colorado. As the birds leave the Valley between early March and mid-April – with peak migration counts as high as 17,000 – they head to Hart’s Basin and Fruitgrowers Reservoir in Eckert. Most of the cranes come to the reservoir for an overnight stay to rest, feed and regroup, relying on the reservoir’s water and wetlands for protection, and adjacent agricultural lands for food. 

 

With thousands of visitors arriving to view the cranes, the festival includes educational sessions, as well as entertainment and fine dining.

 

  • Winemaker’s Dinner (March 19) – Gourmet dinner, featuring local produce and meats, paired with fine wines from Eckert’s Surface Creek Winery and Gallery.

 

  • Lift-Off and Landing (March 20) – Audubon experts will offer lectures on the Greater Sandhill Cranes and other migratory birds in the Fruitgrower’s Reservoir Habitat. The cranes’ lift-off and landing is described as an “organized mayhem of flight and sound.” Their trumpeting calls, produced by a modified windpipe likened to a French horn, can be heard for miles during migration.

 

  • Colorado Art Ranch Presentation (March 27) – Speakers from the Colorado Art Ranch will present water as it relates to the Greater Sandhill Cranes and their habitat, weaving together science and art for an entertaining experience.

 

The Sandhill Crane, considered a species of special concern, is a long-legged, long-necked bird with a naked red forehead and slate or brown-gray plumage. The birds measure 34 to 38 inches in length, and weigh 8 to 10 pounds. The Sandhill Crane population is estimated at 25,000 birds, with up to 17,000 in the Rocky Mountain region.

 

Eckert Crane Days is co-sponsored by Surface Creek Winery and Gallery, and the Black Canyon Chapter of the Audubon Society. For more information on the festival, visit www.eckertcranedays.com or contact event coordinators Jim and Jeanne Durr at 970-835-9563.

Delta County (www.westerncolorado.org)

Delta County, Colo., is located on Colorado’s western slope at the base of Grand Mesa, one of the largest flattop mountains in the world.  With more than 281,000 acres dedicated to agriculture, Delta County is home to the towns of Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Eckert, Hotchkiss, Orchard City and Paonia. 

 

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Delta County Press Trip – Qualified Journalists Invited

February 2nd, 2010

Title: Western Colorado Adventure: Hike, Raft, Fish (Delta County, Colo.)

 

Company: Ore Communications

 

Phone, email, Web site: 970-887-2536 (MDT), gaylene@orecommunications.com, www.orecommunications.com

 

Description: Experience the variety of Delta County, one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets, with hands-on action. You’ll combine outdoor adventures in rafting and hiking with visits to local wineries and eateries, and explore terrain that ranges from desert to orchard to alpine. Delta County, Colo., is located on Colorado’s western slope, sitting at the base of the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain. An agricultural, outdoors, wine and heritage hotbed, the region is home to the communities of Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Eckert, Hotchkiss, Orchard City and Paonia.

 

Dates: June 24-27, 2010

If these dates do not work into your schedule, we would be happy to include another appropriate staff person or freelance writer on assignment, or arrange an individual trip at another time.

 

Journalists are invited to: Raft, hike, visit a national park, explore a newly created national conservation area, explore the world’s largest flat-top mountain, wine and dine.

 

Arrival: Arriving on Thursday, June 24 you’ll stay in the quaint small town of Hotchkiss, in the middle of western Colorado’s agriculture and wine country.

 

Day 1: Whitewater raft the Gunnison Gorge (Class III and IV rapids). Start by hiking down the Chukar Trail, to the bottom of the Black Canyon and the mouth of the Gunnison Gorge. We’ll be rafting through the Gunnison Gorge, a unique double-canyon system of black granite layered with red sandstones that sits within the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (downstream of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park). During the trip, you’ll gaze up at 1,500-foot walls of the Black Canyon and down at pools of fish.

 

We’ll meet bright and early for a 7:30 a.m. start to the day. Included will be a light breakfast and then a catered lunch along the way on a scenic beach. Fishing aficionados are in for a special treat this time of year, as the stoneflies will be in hatch.

 

 

Day 2: Hike in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. You’ll see rarely viewed petroglyphs, visit an old cabin and walk along scenic trails. After a morning of exploring, we’ll return to the town of Delta for lunch. In the afternoon, it’s off to the wineries in the Surface Creek Valley; they comprise some of the 15 wineries in Delta County. You’ll then have the chance to head up to the Grand Mesa, topping out at 10,000 feet. Stretching some 40 miles across, the Grand Mesa is covered with lush aspen forests, sunny meadows and more than 200 sparkling, stream-fed lakes.

 

Day 3: Return to Grand Junction’s Walker Field for flights home.


Web site:  www.westerncolorado.org

 

Location: Delta County is located 40 miles south of Grand Junction, Colo., 276 miles west of Denver, 329 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. Known for its extensive outdoor recreation opportunities and agriculture base, the county is home to myriad farms, orchards and ranches as well as Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the West Elk American Viticultural Area.

 

Inclusions:

-       Lodging (June 24-27)

-       Meals

-       Air transportation to and from Grand Junction, Colo.

-       Transportation to and from Grand Junction’s Walker Field, and from lodging properties to and from all activities

-       Cost of all scheduled activities

-       Note: If your media outlet does not permit you to participate in complimentary trips, we are happy to work out an acceptable form of payment.

 

Exclusions:

-       Alcoholic beverages

-       Gratuities

-       Rental car

-       Items of a personal nature

 

Journalist requirements: Journalists with major travel, fishing, outdoors or other related media outlets; writers on assignment for travel, fishing, hiking, outdoors or other related articles. Journalists need to be able to hike 1.1 miles to the put-in for the raft trip, carry their own daypacks and help paddle.

 

For more information: Call or email Gaylene Ore (970-887-2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com)

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Mesa Verde Country(R) Agritourism Gets Boost from U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

January 13th, 2010

– Grant helps Bureau tie together agriculture, archaeology –

In southwest Colorado’s Mesa Verde Country(R), agriculture has historically been a key piece of the cultural and economic fabric. Now, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the area is making that history its present and future.

Mesa Verde Country will use the $50,000 grant for its “Agricultural Adventures” program, designed to communicate the benefits and details of local producers to regional and national audiences.

“Agritourism is a popular term, and a fast-growing industry, but making it tangible and accessible to the public can be challenging,” explains Lynn Dyer, director of the Mesa Verde Country Visitor Information Bureau. “Our intent is to help people learn and experience agriculture through real, hands-on experiences. That’s agritourism.”

Key elements of the program include a new brochure and expansion of the Mesa Verde Country Web site (www.mesaverdecountry.com) to tie together the archaeology, agriculture and scenic attractions of the area. For example, how to incorporate the relationships between Mesa Verde National Park, a Navajo-Churro sheep ranch, a brewery and a ranch in the area’s historic McElmo Canyon. The site will expand to offer podcasts with local farmers and ranchers, real-time information on farmers markets and special events, as well as “how-to” presentations for aspiring farmers and gardeners.”

The “Agricultural Adventures” section of the Web site already makes it easy and fun to explore the region’s bounty. Newly added pages contain information on every form of local agriculture, says Dyer, ranging from an antique tractor museum and historic agricultural sites to a state-of-the-art biofuel production facility. Visitors will find detailed information on:

-Ranches: Yak, alpaca, camel and reindeer ranches; tours and stays at working ranches

-Farms, orchards and mills: Tours; pick-your-own opportunities for apples, peaches, pears, pumpkins and other produce.

-Livestock: Auctions and processors of locally-produced cattle, sheep and hogs.

-Produce: Farm stands, farmers markets featuring locally-grown produce and related products.

-Food, wine, beer: Local distilleries, restaurants, wineries, and microbreweries, as well as local coffee brewers..

-Greenhouses and nurseries: Native plants, heirloom seeds, and other locally grown products.

For information on Mesa Verde Country® agricultural destinations and events, call 800-530-2998 or visit www.mesaverdecountry.com.

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Contacts: Lynn Dyer, Mesa Verde Country® Visitor Information Bureau, 800-530-2998, lynnd@mesaverdecountry.com

Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970-887-2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com

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Winter Park/Mary Jane celebrate birthday, announce schedule for Jan. 22-24 Winter Park Winter Carnival

January 12th, 2010

MEDIA ADVISORY

Contacts: Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, gaylene@orecommunications.com; 970-887-2536
Tamara Davis, Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce; tdavis@playwinterpark.com; 970-726-4221, ext. 205

They’re 70!
– Winter Park/Mary Jane celebrate birthday, announce schedule for Jan. 22-24 Winter Park Winter Carnival presented by Sprint and Summit Legend/Trailhead Lodges–

Winter Park, Colo., Jan. 12, 2010 – Winter Park and Mary Jane Ski Resort will celebrate 70 years of skiing during this year’s Jan. 22-24 Winter Carnival.

The three-day fest includes on-snow activities including snowshoe hikes, human bowling, dog sled races and skijoring. Visitors also will find a snow sculpture contest, live music, free bump-skiing tips, retail and rental gear specials, gear demos and geocaching throughout the weekend. Kids can enjoy dog sled rides, a play zone, and campfires with s’mores and hot chocolate. There’s also a dog agility demonstration and an evening parade down Mainstreet, followed by fireworks and cupcake.

The Grand Park development in nearby Fraser will play host to the Grand Park Dog Days of Winter, complete with sled dog races, skijoring (and clinics). A snowshoe race will benefit Grand County Pet Pals, a non-profit organization dedicated to responsible pet ownership, animal health and education programs, and spaying/neutering.

For a full schedule of events, see www.playwinterpark.com. Highlights include:

Friday, Jan. 22
1. Free bump tips (top of Super Gauge Express): 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
2. 26th Annual Chef’s Cup Dinner Dance (West Portal Station): 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 23
1. Pancake breakfast (Mary Jane): 7:30-9 a.m.
2. Snow sculpture contest (Winter Park and Mary Jane): 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
3. Dog sled races, skijoring (Grand Park, Fraser): 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 noon
4. Free bump tips (top of Super Gauge Express): 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
5. Red Feather Snowshoe free demo (Grand Park in Fraser) 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
6. Dog agility show (Grand Park, Fraser): 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
7. Hot chocolate (Trailhead Lodges Clubhouse, Winter Park): 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
8. Live music: Mary Jane (12 noon-4 p.m.); West Portal Station, Winter Park Resort (2-4 p.m.); Hideaway Park, Winter Park (4-8 p.m.)
9. Interpretive snowshoe hike (Hideaway Park, Winter Park): 1 p.m.
10. Free skijoring clinic (Grand Park, Fraser): 2-3 p.m.
11. Human bowling (Hideaway Park, Winter Park): 4-5:30 p.m.
12. Campfire with s’mores and hot chocolate (Hideaway Park, Winter Park): 4-7 p.m.
13. Parade down Mainstreet (Winter Park): 6 p.m. Fireworks and cupcakes to follow

Sunday, Jan. 24
1. Free bump tips (top of Super Gauge Express): 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
2. Dog sled races, skijoring (Grand Park, Fraser): 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 noon

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Media Note: To request photography, interviews or more information, please contact Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, at 970-887-2536 or gaylene@orecommunications.com.

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Enjoy winter vacation deals, activities and fun festivals in Southwest Colorado this winter

January 6th, 2010

NEWS RELEASE

 

Editor’s Note: Photos Available

 

Southwest Colorado – Showcasing Cool Deals During Cold Days

 

Southwest Colorado (Jan. 6, 2010) – Winter vacationers looking for a fun-filled getaway – at a discount, no less! – need look no further than the Southwest Colorado Travel Region.  Offering world class ski resorts, sky-high outdoor playgrounds, and plenty of events and activities both on and off the slopes, Southwest Colorado Travel Region is a cool way to spend cold days.

 

Delta County (www.westerncolorado.org)

Delta County’s Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, boasts 800-square miles of winter playground terrain.  The mesa is home to 400 miles of winter trails, perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.  The 123-mile-long Powderhorn to Sunlight Trail is the longest snowmobile trail in North America. Visitors may book a room at one of the nearby communities in Delta County, or choose to stay right on the mesa at the Thunder Mountain Lodge (www.sprucelodgecolorado.com) or the Grand Mesa Lodge (800.551.6372). 

 

Gunnison-Crested Butte (www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com)

Crested Butte Mountain Resort is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding.  Groomed Nordic trails in the area now number more than 95K and backcountry routes are plentiful, allowing tons of opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors around Gunnison-Crested Butte. 

Visitors may fly directly into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport from Salt Lake City, Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth and Denver to experience “Colorado’s Last Great Ski Town.”   Fly to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) on United, Delta or American between Dec. 17, 2009 and April 4, 2010 and take advantage of the Friends and Family Fly Free program.  Buy two airline tickets and get the third free when staying in Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s lodging properties for at least four nights. The maximum number of free tickets per itinerary is three (for a booking of nine tickets), and the maximum travel credit is $450 per free airline ticket. The offer is subject to availability and not valid for any travel between March 12 – 16, 2010. To book visit www.skicb.com or call 800-600-2803. 

Lake City (www.lakecity.com)

Lake City is home to Colorado’s highest hut system.  Offering some of the finest in winter backcountry experiences, The Hinsdale Haute Route provides cozy refuge for skiers and snowshoers within four yurts that are carpeted, insulated and furnished with nearly all the comforts of home!  

 

The Jon Wilson Memorial Yurt is rated for beginners and intermediates and is located 1.25 miles from Highway 149.  The yurt sleeps up to six people and offers superb views of Lake City, Lake San Cristobal and Sunshine, Grassy and Red Mountains.  Beginners may also access Rambouillet Yurt, located on routes that vary from 3.5-five miles from Highway 149.  Colorado Trail Friends Yurt is located high on the divide and is rated intermediate to advanced.  Three routes ranging from 4-6 miles long lead to the yurt, which sleeps up to eight. Fawn Lakes Yurt is the highest, most remote and most challenging-to-reach hut in the system.  Located four miles from the Colorado Trail Friends Yurt and six miles from Pearl Lakes, this yurt sleeps up to six people.  For information on lodging rates, or to make reservations visit www.hinsdalehauteroute.org.

 

Montrose (www.visitmontrose.com) 

Montrose Regional Airport is the gateway to Southwest Colorado Travel Region and offers convenient flights from many major cities, including Denver, Houston, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Newark.  Make Montrose the hub for your Southwest Colorado vacation, but don’t miss out on the experiences located right in this area.  The stunning Black Canyon of the Gunnison (http://www.nps.gov/blca/) is open year round and gives winter visitors the opportunity to snowshoe, cross country ski and star gaze.  Take a guided trek with one of the knowledgeable rangers, or venture out on your own.   

 

Canyon Creek Bed and Breakfast offers a number of packages ranging from $175 to $275 to entice visitors to stay and play in this charming mountain town.  The packages include things such as in-room his and her massages and champagne.  Each package comes with a yummy breakfast.  (www.canyoncreekbedandbreakfast.com/valentine.html)

 

Ouray (www.ouraycolorado.com)

Surrounded on three sides by 13,000-foot snowcapped peaks, beautiful Ouray is aptly nicknamed “The Switzerland of America.”  The Ouray Ice Park (www.ourayicepark.com) is the world’s first park dedicated exclusively to ice climbing and offers free climbing experiences for beginners, as well as experts.  Each January world-class athletes flock to Ouray for the Ouray Ice Festival (www.ourayicefestival.com), the premiere international gathering of its kind.   To warm you up after a day on the ice take a dip in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool.  It is open year-round and offers more than a million gallons of crystal clear natural hot springs water, several soaking sections at varying temperatures, and a lap swim section. 

 

Book the Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs’s Once-a-Month Special (www.boxcanyonouray.com), created for those who live within a four-hour drive of Ouray and need an excuse to get away.  Join the popular program and commit to an Ouray getaway once a month until May 31.  Once-a-month program members stay for just $59 per night Friday-Saturday and pay only $44 Sunday-Thursday.  Offer not valid on holiday weekends. 

Orvis Hot Springs in nearby Ridgway also offers lodging packages.  Orvis Hot Springs is a clothing optional natural hot springs resort that does not heat or treat its waters.  Orvis offers seven soaking areas that range in temperature from 98-112 degrees.  Log on to www.orvishotsprings.com to see the most updated deals being offered.   

 

Silverton (www.silvertoncolorado.com)

The snow-covered San Juan Mountains around Silverton provide an enchanting setting for various outdoor winter activities including: alpine, extreme, snow-cat and cross-country skiing; snowshoeing; ice fishing; natural ice climbing; ice skating; sledding; and snowmobiling. The Silverton Snowmobile Club grooms many miles of multi-use trails with easy access from town on U.S. Highway 550.

 

Located just outside of Silverton, Silverton Mountain (www.silvertonmountain.com) boasts the steepest, most powder-filled slopes in the U.S.  For a milder ride, hit Kendall Mountain Ski Area and go sledding, skiing, snowboarding, or tubing for just $15 per adult and $10 per child or senior. 

Pagosa Springs (www.visitpagosasprings.com)

Located just outside of Pagosa Springs, Wolf Creek Ski Area (www.wolfcreekski.com) boasts an average of 465 inches of snow on the mountain and is known for having “the most snow in Colorado.”  Pagosa Springs also has more than 60 miles of cross-country skiing trails, groomed for skate, freestyle skating and snowshoeing.  After a day in the great outdoors treat yourself to a relaxing soak, massage or other treatment at The Springs Resort & Spa (www.pagosahotsprings.com), which is terraced along the banks of the San Juan River.  The Great Pagosa Aquifer, the world’s largest and deepest hot mineral spring, is the source of the therapeutic mineral waters here. 

 

Telluride (www.visittelluride.com)

Telluride is renowned for its rich heritage, charming culture and remote mountain beauty.  Conveniently, visitors may fly directly from Denver or Phoenix into Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), the highest commercial airport in North America (located at 9,078 feet above sea level).  Between Telluride and nearby Mountain Village options for accommodations and activities abound. 

 

The world-class Telluride Ski Resort (www.tellurideskiresort.com) is known for its powder-filled bowls, family-friendly ski school and amazing views.  Book the Telluride Stay and Ski Package starting at $115 per person/per night based on double occupancy that includes lift tickets and lodging.  Package rates are based on a four-night stay with three days of skiing.  (800.778.8581)

 

For a backcountry experience, book a trip with Colorado’s only heliski outfitter, Telluride Helitrax (www.helitrax.net).  Or, explore the San Juan Hut System (http://sanjuanhuts.com/), five backcountry huts located between Telluride, Ridgway and Ouray.  For family fun, check out the local ice skating rinks—one near Heritage Plaza in Mountain Village, or another in Telluride’s Town Park.   

 

Winter Festivals & Events

 

15th Annual Ouray Ice Festival – Jan. 7-10, 2010 – This festival draws some of the greatest athletes in the

world who challenge themselves on the slippery slopes of the route created at the Ouray Ice Park.

Guided Snow Shoe Walks at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park –Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. from Jan. 16 – March 7 – Montrose – Take part in a ranger-guided snow-shoeing tour along the rim of the canyon.  No special skills are required to participate, and snowshoes (including kids’ sizes) are available for loan free of charge at the visitor’s center. 

Cowboy Ball – Delta – Jan. 23, 2010 – This event is the Delta County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s annual fundraiser for healthcare scholarships and to support the oncology department.  The fundraiser includes dinner, dancing, the Anders Brothers and a silent auction.  (www.deltahospital.org)

 

Moonrise/Sunset Nordic Ski-B-Q Social – Pagosa Springs – Jan. 29, Feb 26, March 26, 2010 – The Pagosa Nordic Club hosts these social events that start at 6 p.m. at Falls Creek.  Meet new people and try out some of the groomed trails under the sunset and moon rise. Enjoy a free BBQ, ski and camp fire amongst friends of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. (http://pagosanordic.blogspot.com)

 

24th Annual Alley Loop Nordic Marathon (1.5 K, 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K), Crested Butte Nordic Center – Feb. 6 – This event is the highest-altitude Nordic marathon in the U.S. The American Birkebeiner qualifying race starts and finishes in the heart of Crested Butte on Elk Avenue (a National Historic District since 1974) and winds its way through streets, alleyways and Nordic trail system located on the outskirts of this historic mining town.  (www.cbnordic.org)

Telluride Comedy Festival – Feb. 11-14, 2010 – Telluride Comedy Fest is a weekend of comedy by some of the best and funniest performers working today. Each night features a unique show with an emphasis on a different comedic form: stand-up, sketch and improv.  (www.sheridanoperahouse.com)

 

WinterFest, Pagosa Springs – Feb. 13-14, 2010 – Take a plunge – if you dare! – into the frigid San Juan River as you raise money for your favorite non-profit or community organization.  Also on tap – the Anything Goes Downhill Sled Race competition (complete with homemade sleds made of toilets, chairs, satellite dishes and other wacky materials!), the Snowsculpting Contest and Nordic Ski Races (a cross-country race that takes place in the downtown area, around the beautiful Reservoir Hill and surrounding private lands.  (www.visitpagosasprings.com/colorado/chamber-of-commerce/chamber-events/winterfest-info)

 

Rocky Mountain Sled Dog Sprints, Grand Mesa (Cedaredge) – Feb. 20-21, 2010 – Delta County goes to the dogs atop the world’s largest flat-topped mountain with the Rocky Mountain Sled Dog Sprints on Feb. 20 and the Rocky Mountain High Sled Dog Races on Feb. 21. 

 

Gay Ski Week, Telluride – Feb. 20-27, 2010 – This celebration includes a full week of events and parties both on and off the slopes.  (www.telluridegayskiweek.com)

 

Progressive Bonfire Dinner – Crested Butte – March 20, 2010 – The Crested Butte Nordic Council’s annual Progressive Bonfire Dinner is a unique culinary journey taking participants along a luminary-lit path for a four-star, four-course, four-fire meal.  Snowshoes and Nordic skis are the mode of transportation!  (970-349-1707)

 

Eckert Crane Days – March 20 and 27, 2010 – From early March to late April (times vary depending on the arrival of spring) visitors can see the Greater Sandhill Cranes glide into Hart’s Basin and land at the Fruitgrowers Reservoir as they stopover during their migration north.  Come in the afternoons between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to see them land or in the mornings between 9 – 11:00 a.m. to see them take off.  It is quite a spectacular sight! (www.blackcanyonaudubon.org or www.eckertcranedays.com)

 

About Southwest Colorado Travel Region:

The Southwest Colorado Travel Region boasts eight scenic byways, five national forests, five hot springs, five wilderness areas, two national parks, and two national monuments.  The area stretches from Delta in the northwest to Pagosa Springs in the southeast.  For more information about this unique region, contact Gaylene Ore at 970.887.2536 or gaylene@orecommunications.com or log on to www.swcolotravel.org for information and to request a map of the area.

 

# # #

 

Contacts:  Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970.887.2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com

Karen Avery, Southwest Colorado Travel Region Board, 970.325.4981, boxcanyonlodge@gmail.com

 

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S.O.U.L Food Cooking Classes Offered in January

January 6th, 2010

 

Paonia’s Fresh and Wyld Addresses New Year’s Resolutions With S.O.U.L. food

– Top farmhouse getaway locale offers January cooking classes, lodging discounts –

 

Paonia, Colo. (Jan. 6, 2010) – Fresh and Wyld Farmhouse Inn and Gardens, on Colorado’s western slope, is making it easier for people to get a head start on American’s top New Year’s resolutions with its January slate of S.O.U.L. (Sustainable, Organic, Unprocessed, Local) cooking classes.

 

This year, 65 percent of Americans have resolved to relax more and reduce stress, while 63 percent want to save more money and 60 percent have vowed to eat better.[1]  Fresh and Wyld, known for its commitment to locally grown food, is offering a way to address all three at one time – “and have fun at the same time” – says Dava Parr, chef and owner.

 

January S.O.U.L. classes focus on Italian cooking. All classes meet 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Price, which includes lunch following the class, is $40 per session.

 

In addition, Fresh and Wyld is offering 30 percent off on lodging at its Farmhouse Inn for class participants. Regular prices, before discount, start at $95/room/night, and include gourmet farm-style organic breakfast. The Inn was recently named one of the nation’s top 10 farmhouse getaways – and best choice for eating well – by Sunset Magazine.

 

The roster of January classes includes:

 

·         Jan. 13 – Pizza and Calzones. Learn the secrets of mixing your own dough and crowning it with creative toppings from Dava Parr, Fresh and Wyld’s own chef.

 

·         Jan. 20 – Italian Sauces. Gourmand and long-standing natural foods cooking instructor Maria Hodkins will lead participants in making slow-simmered sauces and quick savory sauces from fresh ingredients. On top will be Bolognese, clam, and Alfredo sauces.

 

·         Jan. 27 – Homemade Ricotta Cheese. Class participants will make their own ricotta cheese from fresh milk, and create fillings and spreads. Maria Hodkins is the instructor.

 

“The classes are excellent ways to learn some secrets of Italian cooking, with simple, delicious and sustaining dishes for the winter,” says Parr, who gives a nod to the Slow Flood movement as well. “This is Slow Food cooking at its best,” she says, explaining that the original Slow Food movement began in Italy, where Italians regard quality and freshness of ingredients as primary, and prefer to base their cooking on whatever can be gathered, cultivated or raised locally.

 

For more information or to register, contact Dava Parr at Fresh and Wyld at 970-527-4374 or through www.freshandwyldinn.com.

 

 

Fresh and Wyld Farmhouse Inn and Gardens (www.freshandwyldinn.com)

Fresh and Wyld Farmhouse Inn is a historic seven-bedroom bed-and-breakfast inn. Located in the picturesque orchard and small-farm community of Paonia, Colo., in the heart of the state’s agriculture-rich Delta County (www.westerncolorado.org). Fresh and Wyld maintains its own vegetable gardens, chickens, berry patch and heirloom apple trees to feed its guests, and offers a year-round Friday Night Farmhouse Dinner featuring local ingredients.

 

 

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Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park this winter for an enchanted experience

December 17th, 2009

Black Canyon, White Winter, Mountains of Fun

 

Montrose, Colo., is the gateway to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the most unique and beautiful places in the country.  During the winter, the park is incredibly quite and tranquil, giving winter visitors a truly enchanted experience.   

The South Rim Drive is unplowed during the winter, creating a wonderful cross-country ski trail.  The road is six miles long each way, and allows access to the amazing overlooks into the canyon.  Park at the South Rim Visitor Center located at the Gunnison Point Overlook.

You can also take a snowshoeing trek through the park.  The upper part of the Oak Flat Loop and Rim Rock Trail are two of the recommended routes.  Snowshoeing is also encouraged in any part of the canyon’s rim.  However, going into the inner canyon is not recommended.  A tip from the locals: be courteous to other trail users by not snowshoeing or walking in the snow tracks already established along the South Rim Drive.  Also, it’s important to note that in order to protect the area wildlife, man’s best friend is not allowed along the South Rim Drive in the winter. 

If a guided tour is more your style, the rangers at the Black Canyon have just the ticket (and it won’t cost you a thing!). Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. from Jan. 16 – March 7, take part in a ranger-guided snow-shoeing tour along the rim of the canyon.  No special skills are required to participate, and snowshoes (including kids’ sizes) are available for loan free of charge at the visitor’s center. 

On Sunday, Jan. 10 at 1 p.m., fulfill your New Year’s resolution to learn something new by signing up for a two-hour cross-country ski clinic at the park.  The clinic covers the basics of cross country skiing from simple striding and gliding to travelling in variable terrain and snow conditions.   

For a truly delightful experience, join the rangers on Jan. 30 and Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. to cross country ski the South Rim Trail by moonlight.  Please bring your own equipment, including skis, poles, warm clothes, and a portable light.  Afterwards, warm up at The South Rim Visitor Center with hot chocolate, tea and coffee.       

To reserve your spot for one of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park winter programs call 970-249-1914, ex. 423.

About Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (www.nps.gov/blca)

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National park is located 250 miles southwest of Denver.  The south Rim is 15 miles east of Montrose and the North Rim is 11 miles south of Crawford.  It was proclaimed a national monument in 1933 and was designated a national park through a congressional bill and a presidential signature in 1999.  The Black Canyon is aptly named – it is so deep, sheer and narrow that very little sunlight reaches the canyon floor.  Activities in Black Canyon National Park include fishing, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, nature walks and camping in the summer, and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and backcountry camping in the winter.

 

About Montrose (www.visitmontrose.com)

Montrose, located in southwest Colorado, is a uniquely-authentic town that has carved out a place for itself in the landscape and culture of Colorado.  A multi-faceted town, Montrose serves up layer upon layer of discoveries, each more unique than the last.  Whether you are looking for adventure, agritourism, history, culture, shopping, fine dining or anything in between, Montrose has a little something for everyone. 

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Contacts:

Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970.887.2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com

Jenni Sopsic, Montrose Visitors and Convention Bureau, 970.708.1182, jenni@visitmontrose.net

 

 

 

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Grand County Ice Fishing Festivals

December 1st, 2009

 

Break out the Rod, Reel…or Ice Auger: It’s Time for Ice Fishing

– Scenic Colorado mountain towns host mid-winter ice fishing contests –

 

After the last holiday decoration is stored away, the last Christmas cookie has been wolfed down and the last holiday bill (hopefully) paid off, winter settles in. Want to spice things up and try something new? Head to the Colorado Mountains and break out the ice auger.

 

It’s time for ice fishing. Grand County, Colo. – located just 70 miles west of Denver – is home to wide-open spaces, the frontier spirit and world-class and year-round fishing. This winter, it will play host to two major ice fishing contests.

 

Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest (Jan. 29-31, Granby, Colo.) – The contest takes place over three days on three popular fishing lakes in the Granby area: Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Grand Lake. Participants can fish one, two or all three days, and are eligible for daily cash prizes of more than $5000 daily as well as raffle prizes that include two snowmobiles.

 

For Three Lakes’ Grand Slam prize, fisherman work to catch one fish from each of the following species: Kokanee, rainbow, brown, and Mackinaw. After weighing all four fish, the prize is awarded to the heaviest creel, or basket.

 

The Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest is open to all fishermen, not only the serious. Fees for adults range from $25 for one-day participation to $45 for all three days. Anglers 17 and under are free. For more information, contact the Granby Chamber of Commerce at 970-887-2311, grcoc@rkymtnhi.com or www.granbychamber.com.

 

 

13th Annual Wolford Mountain Reservoir Ice Fishing Contest (Feb. 20, Kremmling, Colo.) – Prizes abound at this one-day contest: $13,000 for the winning tagged-fish competition; $5,000 cash purse for the top 10 largest fish (length plus girth); and hourly “big-fish” prizes for adults and youth. Registration cost is $35 for adults and $30 for youth 15 and under who want to compete for the cash prizes. Otherwise, there is no charge for anyone 15 and under; the contest also features a free youth division with prizes for the top 10 largest fish. For more information, contact the Kremmling Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at 877-573-6654 or 970-724-3472, or visit www.kremmlingchamber.com.

 

 

For additional information on Grand County, events, lodging, and other activities, contact the Grand County Tourism Board at www.grand-county.com or 800-729-5821.

 

 

Media Note:  To request photography, interviews or more information, please contact Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, at 970-887-2536 or gaylene@orecommunications.com.

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Olympic Athletes Compete in Telluride, Stay at Mountain Lodge

November 18th, 2009

 

Mountain Lodge at Telluride Serves as Lodging Host for World Cup Snowboarding Event

- – U.S. Olympic qualifying competition comes to Telluride  - -

 

Telluride, Colo. – When America’s best snowboarders come to Telluride this December to compete for spots on the U.S. Olympic team, many of them  will be staying in style.

 

Mountain Lodge at Telluride will serve as a major lodging sponsor for the LG FIS Snowboard World Cup, providing lodging for the athletes, event sponsors and other VIPs. Telluride will be the sole U.S. stop of for the sport’s World Cup this season, with Telluride Ski Resort hosting the Visa U.S. Snowboardcross Cup Dec. 17-20.

 

The event – Telluride’s first World Cup competition – will feature SBX and PGS competitions in what will be the second in a series of five Olympic qualification events for the two sports. The location is “perfect” for the courses needed for the competition, according to Peter Foley, U.S. snowboarding head coach. “No place (else) in the world can get these kinds of courses done at that time of year,” Foley said. “I think it’s going to be one of the, if not the best World Cup of the year.”

 

Mountain Lodge at Telluride is preparing for the event with great anticipation, says Neil Hastings, director of sales and marketing for the resort. “All of us in the Telluride area are coming together to take on this event as a community,” he says. “It will be an honor to host some of America’s greatest athletes and others associated with the competition.”

 

The resort, explains Hastings, will afford relaxation and comfort to participants. In addition to a slopeside location, Mountain Lodge at Telluride offers lodge rooms, condominium units and cabins with private balconies or patios, jetted tubs, luxurious robes, and, in condo units and cabins, gourmet kitchens or kitchenettes with granite countertops. Guests can take advantage of property amenities including concierge services, a steam room, general store, grocery shopping service, outdoor deck with heated pool and Jacuzzi, and complimentary wireless Internet service.

 

And for all those skiers and boarders who might not be ready for the World Cup, but want to ski the famed Telluride slopes, Mountain Lodge is offering two early-season specials:

 

1.   40 percent off on all condominium stays between Oct. 16 and Dec. 12

 

2.   Savings of up to 40 percent for winter reservations. Check special offers at www.mountainlodge telluride.com.

 

For more information or to book reservations, contact Mountain Lodge at Telluride at 970-369-5000 or www.mountainlodgetelluride.com.

 

Mountain Lodge at Telluride (www.mountainlodgetelluride.com)

Mountain Lodge at Telluride is an exclusive, slopeside, upscale resort featuring an eclectic blend of rustic elegance and western charm. At 9,500 feet in the San Juan Mountains, the locale offers private luxury cabins, condominiums, and lodge rooms as well as executive conference rooms offer space for small meetings and retreats, reception space and full catering service. The View restaurant provides authentic Italian dining in a spectacular, intimate setting.

 

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Contacts: Neil Hastings, Mountain Lodge at Telluride, 970-369-5000, nhastings@destinationhotels.com

Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970-887-2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com

 

 

 

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Ouray “Best Destination for Recreation” in Colorado

October 21st, 2009

Cross Country Skiing in Ouray, Colo.

Cross Country Skiing in Ouray, Colo.

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

 

 

 

Ouray, Colo., Named “Best Destination for Recreation” in Colorado

-TV feature on Ouray to air Oct. 24 on Denver’s KCNC-

 

 

Ouray, Colo. (Oct. 21, 2009) – Ouray, Colo., has been named “Best Destination for Recreation in Colorado” for 2009 by the popular online site, The Official Best Of (www.officialbestof.com).

Ouray will be listed on the web site and will be featured on the television program The Best of Colorado, which will air on Oct. 24 at 12 p.m. on KCNC (CBS 4) in Denver. 

 

Official Best of solicits nominations for award winners on its web site, which is intended to provide TV and web viewers with the official best places to visit in America. 

 

Ouray Chamber Resort Association President Karen Avery says it’s been quite the month for Ouray.  She notes that the “Best Of” designation comes on the heels of Ouray being named one of the most beautiful towns and villages in the southwest in a book by the same title.

 

“’The Switzerland of America’ is the perfect escape from the everyday,” says Avery.  “Jeeping, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and biking are popular summertime activities.  The Ouray Ice Park – the first of its kind dedicated solely to the sport of ice climbing – is a huge draw in the wintertime.  We host hundreds of the world’s best climbers every January for the infamous Ouray Ice Festival.  It’s really quite something!”

 

Avery notes that there are plenty of cold weather activities for the average Joe, as well.  Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding are popular options, as well as the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, which is open year round.

 

About Ouray:

Located at 7,700 feet above sea level in southwest Colorado, the National Historic District of Ouray is surrounded on three sides by 13,000-foot peaks, earning it the nickname “The Switzerland of America.”  Ouray is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering rock climbing, hiking, four-wheeling and mountain biking in the summer and ice climbing, backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.  To learn more about the area log on to www.ouraycolorado.com.

 

Contacts: 

Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970.887.2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com

Karen Avery, Ouray Chamber Resort Association, 970.325.4981, boxcanyonlodge@gmail.com

 

 

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