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Winter in the Rocky Region
by Michael Hodges
Winter means snow in the Rockies and snow means fun. Snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing in the lower valleys, winter mountaineering in the high country, downhill skiing ar Eldora and Winter Park, sledding and tubing at Hidden Valley. Access roads are kept open and provide the winter traveler with a panorama of the high mountains.
In the Park, Moraine Park, Longs Peak, and Timber Creek campgrounds are open all year. Once the snows begin, Longs Peak and Timber Creek are not plowed, so you have to carry supplies to your campsite. Moraine Park is the only campground with water in winter. Park dump stations are closed.
If you are going into the Park backcountry overnight, you will need a backcountry permit, available free at park headquarters, or the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Some areas are closed to overnight camping, and the danger of avalanches frequently exists, so plan your trip carefully, checking with park rangers for the latest Information on the areas In which you plan to travel.
Never travel alone. Take extra supplies in case you are forced to bivouac overnight. Winter in the Rockies can mean sudden storms and subzero temperatures at any time.
Hypothermia, or loss of body heat through exposure, is a danger that can be encountered any time of the year. If anyone exhibits shivering, slurred speech, incoherence, stumbling, or drowsiness, get the person out of the wet, cold. and wind, and into shelter and dry, woolen clothing. The quickest way to warm the victim is to place the person in a dry sleeping bag with another person.
Winter Events
- the 60's
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Remember the days of shag carpeting, wide ties, Andy Griffith and console television sets? For baby boomers, their Generation X offspring and everyone beyond, the Estes Park Museum is preparing a new addition to "Tracks in Time", the permanent exhibit that describes the history of Estes Park. The 1960s exhibit... [more]
- Movie
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Call for current shows and times. Historic Park Theater (summer only), Estes Park. 970-;586-8904. Reel Mountain Theater, Estes Park. 970-586-4227.
- Stanley Hotel Tour
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Historic Hotel Ghost Tours. Stanley Hotel. 333 W. Wonderview Ave. Hour and a half tour between 10 am & 4 pm. Daily except holidays. Reservations required. $15 adults, $10 children. 970-577-4110
- Free park movie
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See the stunning 23 minute park movie at the Beaver Meadows (en espanol) and Kawuneeche Visitor Centers during normal business hours. Spectacular aerial footage of the rugged high country of Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as wildlife and other park resources.
- Art in Public Places
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Art in Public Places is a changing exhibit series at the Estes Park Conference Center that is sponsored by the Arts Council. The exhibits feature local and Colorado visual and performing artists. Free! 970-586-9203
- Snowshoe Tours
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Ranger‐Led Snowshoe Tours. Explore the natural world of a subalpine forest while learning about snowshoeing skills and winter safety. Two‐hour tour begins at 12:30 pm Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays & Wednesdays. Reservations required. 970‐586‐1223. Reservations are necessary and may be made no more than seven days in advance. Call (970) 586-1223... [more]
- Snowshoe Ecology Walk
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Snowshoe Ecology Walk - Take a beginner-level snowshoe tour with a ranger and explore the natural world of a subalpine forest. No previous experience needed. Reservations are necessary and may be made no more than seven days in advance. Call (970) 586-1223 from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.... [more]
- Tracks in Time
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The Museum's award-winning permanent exhibit on the history of the Estes Park area, from the ice age to today. Free. 970-586-6256 200 4th Street
- Skins & Skulls
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Want to pet an elk? Cuddle up to a bear? Are you crazy? That's not safe! Come to Fall River Visitor Center to safely feel skins and skulls while learning about park wildlife. 20-30 minute talk. Wheelchair access. Saturdays 11 am and Sundays 2 pm.
- February Specials
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Check out the special offers that Estes Park businesses have listed for this month.
- Full Moon Walk
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Explore the Park by moonlight. 1 to 1.5 hour walk. Time and locations vary each month. Call 970-586-1223 from 8am to 4pm daily for reservations and information. Reservations are required, and may be made no more than seven days in advance. There is a limit of 6... [more]
- Texas Hold em
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Free Texas Hold em every Tuesday at the Wheel Bar Estes Park. 7 pm Grand Lake Texas Holdem every Tuesday at Johnson's Landing. 7:30 pm
- December Specials
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Check out the special offers that Estes Park businesses have listed for this month.
- January Specials
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Check out the special offers that Estes Park businesses have listed for this month. ... [more]
- Winter Festival activities
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January 13 Irish Barn Dance January 14 and 15 Chili Cookoff, Wine and Beer Tasting. Stanley Fairgrounds. 11 am to 5 pm January 14 and 15 Live Music. Stanley Fairgrounds. 11 am to 5 pm January 14 to 15 Merchants and Artists. Stanley Fairgrounds.... [more]
- Winter Ecology A Snowshoeing Trek for Families (All Ages)
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Winter Ecology: A Snowshoeing Trek for Families. Discover the serene beauty of RMNP in the wintertime on this four hour snowshoe hike. This fun and educational program will lead participants through snow covered pine, spruce, and fir trees to learn how plants and animals survive wintertime using... [more]
- Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest
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23rd Annual Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest. Join the 1000+ participants on either Lake Granby, Shadow Lake, or Grand Lake for 1, 2, or 3 days. Raffle at the end of every day for great prizes. 3 age categories for kids prizes. Call 970-627-9344.
- Holiday Programming
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Join us over the holiday season for a calendar full of fun family activities. December 26 through January 1, the park will be offering special programs to celebrate the winter season. Please stop by a visitor center or call 970-586-1206 for specific topics and dates.... [more]
- Ski the Wilderness
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Ski a snow-draped landscape and learn about the Kawuneeche Valley. Join a park ranger at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center at 9:30 AM for this 1.5-hour cross-country ski tour. Children under 8 years of age are not allowed on this activity. You must provide your own skis and poles with large... [more]
- Stanley Steamer Car Talk
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Ever wonder how a steam car works? Stanley Museum announces a series of educational talks on the Stanley Steam Cars and what makes them tick. The class begins at the Stanley museum at 10 am for a brief oversight of the museum and look at Local Frank Hix's 1912 Stanley... [more]
- Winter Festival
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3rd Annual festival featuring an Irish Barn Dance, Ice Skating RInk 17th Annual Winter Trails in RMNP with free snowshoe rentals and clinics, pony rides and family activities, Live Music and Entertainment at Stanley Fairgrounds, chili cookoff (professional & amateur), horse and carriage rides, private photo tours, wine & beer... [more]
- Grand Lake's Winter Carnival
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Grand Lake's Winter Carnival - Emerald City Saturday Feb. 4. with lots of fun events for all! The "Oz" Snowman, Tea Pot Curling, Flag Football, Kid's Steeplechase, Wizard of Oz Parade, Snow Sculptures, Parent/Child Sled Pull, Bed Sled Races, Human Bowling, and "Oz" Fireworks over the lake.
- Winter Trails Day
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January 14, 2012 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Park and Ride lot near Glacier Basin, Off Bear Lake Road. Rocky Mountain National Park www.wintertrails.org This event offers those new to snow sports an opportunity to try snowshoeing FREE. It includes... [more]
- Rails in the Rockies
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Rails in the Rockies Model Railroad Exhibition. Over 16,000 square feet of model RR excitement! Watch model trains run, see finely detailed models, children's activities, shop for railroad equipment. Estes Park Conference Center. 201 S. St. Vrain Ave. Saturday 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday 9 am to 4 pm.... [more]
- Grand Winter Snow Ball
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Celebration of Cross Country Skiing in Grand County at Solvista. Fajitas, Dancing, lots of fun!
1224
Estes Park Condos
1400 David Drive
Estes Park, CO
80517
(map)
(970) 577-0068
(800) 349-1003
(email)
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 LUXURY Accommodations w/ Outstanding VALUE. "A Home Away from Home Getaway." 1, 2, 3 BR's. Fully applianced Kitchens, Living Room Fireplaces, Private decks overlooking Fall River. Private Hot Tubs & Spa Suites. 1 mi. to RMNP, 3 mi. to Downtown. FREE: Stocked river fishing, WIFI, local calls, movies, games, indoor & outdoor activities.
LUXURY Accommodations w/ Outstanding VALUE!
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1235
Deer Crest Resort on Fall River
PO Box 1768
Estes Park, CO
80517
(map)
970-586-2324
1-800-331-2324
(email)
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Deer Crest is for non-smoking adults only. Located on Fall River, offering a variety of lodging from rooms to mini suites with kitchens and fireplaces. Open all year. 1 mile west of downtown Estes near entrance to Rocky Mtn National Park. Free WiFi.
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790
McGregor Mountain Lodge
2815 Fall River Road
Estes Park, CO
80517
(map)
(970) 586-3487
(800) 835-8439
(email)
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Estes Park cabins, rooms and suites bordering RMNP! Enjoy wood burning fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens with a hot tub on site. Free WiFi, dog friendly (w/conditions). Spectacular views and great wildlife watching. The perfect place for your mountain getaway!
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3880
Estes Park Outfitters
5229 Little Valley Dr
Estes Park, CO
80517
(map)
970-215-7064
(email)
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Snowcat tours, backcountry snowshoeing or ski touring from a luxury base lodge on the East side of Twin Sisters. Half day, full day, every tour customized. $350 per complete tour, 6 person max. Call for reservations.
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