Cranmer Chapel Dinners continue

The popular Cranmer Chapel dinners continue through the end of March. Held at the Cranmer Chapel, located in downtown Winter Park at 75 High Country Drive, the dinners take place every other Friday, from 5-7 pm. The last meals of the season are scheduled for March 12th and March 26th.

The menus and sponsors vary with each free dinner, and due to COVID-19 restrictions, only take-out meals are available. All are welcome to stop by and pick up a hot meal to go.

Winter trail grooming map now available

Headwaters Trails Alliance (HTA) has released the 2021 edition winter trail grooming map for the Fraser Valley. The map can be found at headwaterstrails.org/trail-maps/. Please practice proper groomed trail etiquette when using the trails.http://eventbrite.com/

Mountain Migration Survey

Have you noticed that the usual seasonal pattern of visitor in-and-outflow to our mountain communities seems to have changed during COVID?  Does it seem that more people are here all the time?  If so, you are not alone. There is much anecdotal experience leading to this conclusion.   But to what extent is the migration “really happening” and are changes here to stay or will things shift when the pandemic eases?

A regional research project entitled “Mountain Migration” funded by the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments (NWCCOG) and Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST) with support from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs is geared to help local leaders better understand these trends. Research has begun, and survey input is being gathered beginning in March so that the results can be published by the end of May 2021.

Take the Survey at https://bit.ly/3b999Cj?

GrandStar Certification Program

The Grand County GrandStar Certification Program, Grand County’s version of the State of Colorado’s “5 Star” Certified Business Variance Program, allows restaurants that achieve the certification to increase capacity above existing public health orders when approved by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Taverns and bars that operate like a restaurant will also be eligible. Gyms, yoga studios, fitness centers, and other personal recreation businesses that meet GrandStar criteria will be able to increase capacity. If the program is successful and COVID case numbers continue to decline, more business sectors will become eligible. To apply, visit playwinterpark.com.

It’s time to buy your Colorado fishing license

​Your license renewal does more than grant you the freedom to fish many of the state’s beautiful lakes, rivers and streams. The​ revenue generated from your fishing license goes toward conserving your local fisheries today and for generations to come.​ The 2021 license year runs from March 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022 (13 months). Renew online at cpwshop.com/licensing.

Roam Responsibly

Grand County is known for its beautiful vistas, abundant wildlife, and adventurous outdoor recreation opportunities. There is no doubt that tourism is a major driver of our economy.  Nevertheless, during times like now, when we are asking our residents to take extra precautions for the safety of our community, we must also ask the same of our guests. 

Before responsibly roaming our vast outdoors and quaint mountain towns, we ask that visitors please read the following advisories and expectations at co.grand.co.us/1289/Visitor-Resources.

Virtual Winter Carnival continues through March 14

Grand Lake’s Winter Carnival, “It’s A Marshmallow World”, is taking place online this year with some fun, creative and entertaining events you can participate in from home. Check out the schedule of events and upload photos/videos of your entries for a chance to win some great local prize packages at gograndlake.com/winter-carnival/.

Affordable Housing Forum

The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and their partners at the Colorado Fiscal Institute, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, and the Colorado Balance of State Continuum of Care along with local partners in Grand and Jackson counties invite residents to join a forum on affordable housing and health on Thursday, March 11 at 5:30 pm.

Find more information about the forum and RSVP through eventbrite. It is a virtual event and all are welcome to participate (nonprofits, residents, elected officials, the faith community, leaders from education, etc.) 

2021-2022 IKON Passes go on sale March 11

The Ikon Pass, which includes Winter Park Resort, goes on sale at its lowest pricing for the 21/22 season on Thursday, March 11, 2021. After debuting in January 2018, the Ikon Pass enters its fourth season offering 44 mountain destinations. The best deals are available when purchased before May 5, 2021. For all the information, visit ikonpass.com.

Ride On with The Lift

Due to COVID-19, the buses must operate at 50% capacity. Riders are asked to please be patient and courteous. Masks are required for all riders over the age of 10. To help plan your trip, QR codes have been added to all stops along Main Street to track when the next bus is arriving – or download the Lift Rider app to see buses in real-time. 

If you don’t feel comfortable riding the bus, there is also a paid ride service provided on weekends and holidays for Winter Park, Fraser and Meadowridge. Call (833) 274-3397 to schedule a ride.

Mussels found in aquarium product

Invasive zebra mussels have been found in “Betta Buddy Marimo Balls”, a product sold at aquarium and pet supply stores in Colorado. Consumers that have recently purchased this product should first freeze or boil the Marimo Balls and dispose of them in the trash. They should NOT be flushed down the toilet.

If you have recently purchased this product and believe you may have a zebra mussel population in your aquarium, PLEASE contact CPW’s Invasive Species Program at (303) 291-7295 for proper disposal methods. Learn more at bit.ly/3kO3l4q.

Granby seeks input on Skatepark

The Town of Granby is seeking input on the new design of the Granby Skatepark. The public is invited to an in-person or online Feedback meeting at Town Hall on Thursday, March 11 at 7 pm. Masks are required for in-person. Visit pivotcustom.com/granby/ to complete an online survey on the park (survey will be open March 11-25, 2021). For more information, call Julie Martin at (970) 887-3961.

Scam Alert

The Grand County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Scam Warning via Town of Grand Lake. At-risk clients have been reportedly contacted by people saying they are Grand County Public Health or Rural Health Network and asking social security and debit card information to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Under no circumstances should you give this information out. If this has happened to you, please call non-emergency Dispatch at (970) 725-3311 to place a report.  

Grand Creative Coalition

Calling all Grand County Artists! This newly created coalition is the result of a recommendation from a past Colorado Rural Academy for Tourism (CRAFT) program held in Grand County in 2019. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a devastating wildfire season which both had a negative economic impact on many Grand County businesses.  

When the Colorado Tourism Office offered a CRAFT Mentor to help with recovery efforts, Grand County Economic Development Director Diane Butler jumped at the opportunity. “Now more than ever we are wanting to bring together opportunities to build and strengthen our creative economy countywide and offer locals, second homeowners, and tourists the chance to explore all the creative gems and opportunities throughout our county,” said Butler. 

A committee was formed and the Grand Creative Coalition is ready to begin its work toward the identified collaboration.

First up is a survey to collect contact information and interest from all Grand County creative industries and artists to facilitate communication, collaboration, and information sharing. Click on the survey to help shape the future of Grand County Creative Arts: bit.ly/2ZF3LQH.

GCHA High School Summer Internship

Grand County Historical Association (GCHA) is currently seeking two part-time, paid summer interns (12 hours per week, $12 an hour). The desired candidates will be between the ages of 14 and 18 and a resident of Grand County during the time of the internship. They must possess a passion for the humanities, anthropology, and/or education.

To apply, submit a statement of interest addressing what about the position most interests you, and any relevant work experience; a list of three things that you would like to learn more about in this position; and, a letter of recommendation from a non-family member (ie a teacher, coach, pastor, or work supervisor) to Shanna Ganne at shanna@grandcountyhistory.org. Call (970) 725-3939 with any questions. All materials are due Monday, April 5, 2021.