Story & Photos by Cheri Sicard
 Covered
In This Article:
 Do
you long to ski, but are short on budget? Is your patience significantly
shorter than amount of time you spend waiting in lift lines? Were there
too many people and too little open space on your last winter vacation?
Then come closer, I have a secret to tell you. For great skiing plus an
abundance of other winter activities, with even greater prices and no crowds,
forget Vail, forget Aspen, do not pass go and do not collect $200.00. Go
directly to Colorado's best kept secret, Grand County.
Located about seventy miles north of Denver, Grand County has a simple
down home beauty and charm. While there's little glitz and glamour, there
is lots of great skiing, both downhill and Nordic, snowmobiling, snow
shoeing, snow boarding, horseback riding, snow tubing and even snow biking!
 If
it's alpine skiing, snow boarding or even snow biking, you're looking for,
Silver Creek Resort is where you want to be. You may not have known
before this article that you were looking for snow biking, but trust me,
you are. It's easy to learn, non-strenuous and it's a blast!
Composed of two separate, but interconnected mountains, Silver Creek
has 33 designated trails (30% beginner, 50% intermediate, 20% advanced)
spread over 251 acres of skiable terrain. They feature an extensive children's
program, adult alpine ski, parabolic ski, Nordic ski and snow board school,
full equipment rentals, NASTAR races, as well as a restaurant, lounge
and shop.
One of the best things about Silver Creek is it's lack of lift lines.
We were amazed that in peak season we never had to stand in line more
than a minute or two. Likewise, the slopes were not crowded, making it
easy for everyone to go at their own pace.
 The
ski school at Silver Creek is exceptional. Beginners, be sure to ask about
their specialty classes, such as the "Guaranteed Start To Ski Program."
First time skiers' specialty classes include those for women and for folks
over 50 years of age. Instructors were very personable and knowledgeable.
I took two "parabolic" ski lessons. If you haven't tried this newfangled
ski, shaped wide at both ends and narrow under the foot, you owe it to
yourself to take a lesson, even if you've shied away from regular skking.
Parabolic skis are easier on the knees and take less endurance than regular
old fashioned skis. They also make it much easier to stay in control,
as you can easily turn yourself up the hill.
I felt more comfortable with parabolic skis than I had ever felt in all
my previous years of skiing. Our instructor Spike (ho perfect is that,
skiing instructor named Spike?) was truly exceptional expalining tips
and techniques simply and with humor. He had the ability to instantly
put the entire class at ease and by the end of the first lesson, Spike
had our entire group -- some long time skiers, some novices -- using their
parabolic skis with grace.
Late afternoon/early evening is when the skis come off and the snow
bikes come out. While the "bikes" may look intimidating, they're actually
quite easy to master and loads of fun. The bike body has two skis under
it and handle bars that turn. In addition, there are two small skis attached
to the rider's feet, so the rider sits on the bike, balanced with two
feet on the ground. All you do at that point is point yourself down the
mountain and steer. To get up the hill you and your bike are hooked onto
the lift, you simply ride off at the top. Snow biking is isn't all that
strenuous, so it's a good choice for those who aren't quite up to the
workout that skiing provides. No matter what your physical condition,
however, snow biking is loads of fun. Don't worry about how your going
to learn this new sport, Silver Creek had the first snow biking school
in the United States.
Practical Silver Creek Information
Silver Creek has lots of great lodging options, from trailside condominiums
to the 342 room Inn At Silver Creek, located just five minutes from
the town of Granby. Rooms in the Inn At Silver Creek open to a scenic view
of the mountains and meadows and all units include direct dial phone, cable
TV and bath featuring whirlpool tub bath/steam cabinet. The studios, lofts
and suites include fireplaces, dining/living area, wet bar with refrigerator,
sink and microwave oven. There is also a full service athletic club. One
call to Silver Creek central reservations can plan your entire trip. Call
800-SKI-SILV (800-754-7458), US or 970-887-3384. Be sure to ask about
their family discount programs. Even without a discount, Silver Creek rates
are significantly lower than the nearby glitzier resorts.
Also nearby is Winter Park Resort. For more information on this
great ski area, read the story "Winter
Park Is Winter Smart".
 Forget
all your preconceived notions about what staying at the YMCA means. The
YMCA of the Rockies is a resort! The "Y" is an especially wonderful
place for families and large groups to stay.
Very affordable, the YMCA is a non-profit organization, the group plans
include meals. The 240 rooms at the "Y" house between one to six
adults. There are also six and seven bedroom cabins available, and the "Y"'s
pride and joy, the "Heritage Reunion Cabin" which accommodates 40!
Great inexpensive lodging that comes complete with breathtaking views
of the Rocky Mountains are not the only reason to stay at the YMCA of
the Rockies, however. There are tons of activities available, year round.
 Some
of the best cross country skiing and snow shoeing is available on the
"Y"'s trails. There is an on-site equipment rental, instructors and tours.
They also offer ice skating and indoor roller skating and there's alpine
skiing and a tubing hill nearby. They have extensive youth programs during
ski season.
Year round amenities at the YMCA of the Rockies include a gift shop,
coin-op laundry, baby sitting, firewood for sale, library, security patrol
and FAX service. There are conference and meeting rooms available. For
more information or reservations call 800-777-YMCA (US) or 970-586-4444
or visit their web site at http://www.ymcarockies.org.
 Snowmobile
enthusiasts come to the towns of Grand Lake and Granby in droves. There
are miles and miles of groomed back country trails that take you past some
of the finest views in the United States.
Don't worry if you don't have a snowmobile, there are numerous rental
agencies scattered about the area. A great choice is "On The Trail"
snowmobile rental in Grand Lake, which rents single and double snowmobiles
with helmets, suits and boots furnished. Reservations are suggested, especially
on weekends and holidays. Call 970-627-2429 or 970-627-0171.
 There's
lots of dining options in Grand County, but do yourself a favor and take
at least one evening for "Dinner At The Barn." Hosted by the
vivacious Annie, Dinner At The Barn is a full evening's entertainment combined
with dinner. Your evening begins with a peaceful horse-drawn sleigh ride
through snow covered woods and country meadows to the property's original
homestead and barn. You'll think you were transported into a Currier and
Ives painting. Dinner itself is a hearty affair of country coooking favorites,
although they do have a vegetarian option. After dinner there's live music
with Annie and John on guitars, harmonicas, washboard and stump fiddle.
When the merriment ends, you're bundled back into the sleigh for the ride
back to civilization. For information or reservations for Dinner At The
Barn call 970-726-4923.
A little less of a production but even better food can be found
at E.G's Garden Grill located at 1000 Grand Ave. in Grand Lake.
In fact, E.G.'s had the best food e found in all of Grand County. They
have a casual atmosphere with an innovative, yet inexpensive menu and
full bar. You can call them at 970-627-0118.
You'll also find numerous other restaurants and coffee shops to fit
your needs. Don't forget to try some rocky mountain oysters while you're
in the area --if you don't know what these local delicacies are, well...ask
a native or look it up in the FabulousFoods.com
glossary. A good place to get Rocky Mountain Oysters is the Silver
Spur Restaurant and Saloon in Granby (970-887-9556).
In addition to the already mentioned Inn At Silver Creek 800-SKI-SILV
(800-754-7458), US or 970-887-3384) and YMCA of the Rockies (800-777-YMCA
(US) or 970-586-4444 or visit their
web site at http://www.ymcarockies.org), you'll find some great
Bed and Breakfasts and smaller motels in Grand County. There's even camping
at Winding River Resort (winter open dates are December 13 - January
1), which also features sleigh and trail rides. Call 970-627-3215.
Morningstar Ranch is a wonderful bed and breakfast, especially
suited for active people. You can cross country ski or snow shoe right
out the front door and onto 105 kilometers of groomed trails and they're
located just ten minutes from Winter Park ski area. Hosts Karen and Dave
will make sure your every need is taken acre of at this charming eight
room facility. Another great feature of Morningstar Ranch is Karen's home
made bread at breakfast. Yum! For information or reservations call
800-875-9739 (US) or 970-726-4895 or you can email them at dwz@aol.com.
No matter how you choose to get to Grand County, the scenery will be gorgeous.
You can drive from Denver (about 70 miles) or other areas over US 40. Trains
are another option. Amtrak (800-USA-RAIL) will take you to Granby. There's
also two small airports for private planes, the McElroy Air Field (970-724-3360)
or the Granby-Grand County Airport (970-887-3661).
In the Nearby Area:
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