Traveling with Ore Communications

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Gaylene Ore, 970.887.2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com

Grand County’s Winter Wonderland of Activities … on and off the Slopes

Grand County, Colo. (Sept. 22, 2009) – Colorado and skiing go hand in hand.  But, when you are looking to change up your Colorado winter vacation, Grand County offers a multitude of options.  How will you know where to start? Here are seven suggestions for mixing up your winter vacation getaway to Grand County, Colo.   

1.      Trails abound! Grand County boasts over a thousand miles of snowmobiling trails where you can experience the exhilaration and soak up the unmatched views. Machine rentals and escorted tours along groomed trails are available for those new to the sport. Grand Adventures (www.grandadventures.com), located in Winter Park and Grand Lake offers a selection of tours and rental options suitable for all levels. The public lands in and around Kremmling are the place to be for more experienced riders. Trail maps scouting out the best ungroomed terrain can be obtained by contacting the Kremmling Chamber of Commerce (www.kremmlingchamber.com or 877-573-4301).

2.      What a catch! Set up your ice fishing hut and drop a line for your chance to snag some of the biggest lake trout in Colorado. Throughout the winter there are numerous ice fishing contests held over the frozen waters of the lakes in Grand County, most notably in Kremmling and Granby.  Fisherman flock to Granby each January for their chance at the $50,000 purse.  In February, Kremmling hosts the Wolford Mountain Reservoir Ice Fishing Tournament.  For more on the season’s hot fishing holes and event schedules, contact the local chambers of commerce (www.kremmlingchamber.com and www.granbychamber.com).

3.      What’s the best way to walk on snow? With snow shoes, of course. Grand County’s extensive hiking trail system doubles as a snowshoer’s paradise once the white stuff arrives. Looking for a low-key and family inclusive snowshoeing experience? Visit Devil’s Thumb Ranch (www.devilsthumbranch.com) for miles of marked trails, rentals and even a Full Moon Snow Shoe with hot drinks and bonfire afterward! Those seeking a more independent and backcountry experience are in luck – more than 70 percent of Grand County’s area is public lands, including Arapahoe National Forrest and Rocky Mountain National Park. Local retail shops and Nordic centers can provide information about permits and accessibility of these more remote areas.

4.      Strap on those ice skates and glide across the frozen waters on the marvelous outdoor skating rinks in Grand County. Cooper Creek Square’s rink in the heart of the Village at Winter Park is free and rental shops are located nearby. Fraser Valley Recreation Rink is also free; bring your own skates.  Ice skating is also available in Grand Lake next to the Western Riviera Events Center Hotel.

5.      Sledding and tubing are the perfect alternative to skiing on the slopes.  Kids (and adults who want to unleash their inner child!) can find some serious winter fun on the sledding and tubing hills in Grand County. A free sledding hill is available in Grand Lake (970-627-3402) and Fraser Snow Tubing Hill (970-726-5954) has a lighted slope extending the thrills beyond the sunlight hours.

6.      For a unique way to enjoy Grand County’s winter wonderland bundle up for a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Sombrero Stables at Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA (www.ymcarockies.org/home/our-locations/snow-mountain-ranch) offers daytime and evening hot cocoa sleigh rides and nighttime dinner sleigh rides, where you can enjoy a home cowboy-cooked meal and a relaxing dining hall atmosphere.

7.      Those no better way to warm up your icy fingertips and rosy cheeks than by visiting one of the nation’s oldest and finest natural hot mineral springs resort and spas, Hot Sulphur Springs (www.hotsulphursprings.com). Once used and referred to as “big medicine” by the Ute and Arapaho Indians, the resort today boasts twenty indoor and outdoor mineral pools and private baths. 

Grand County, Colorado is the perfect year-round destination with activities ranging from a family ski adventure to a real Western trail ride. For additional information on Grand County and to access an online trip planner, check out www.grand-county.com or call 800-729-5821.