Courtesy Winter Park Resort
WINTER PARK — Though Grand County experienced a somewhat prolonged winter this year, Winter Park Resort is ready to declare that it is finally summer in the county. This weekend the resort will be hosting the first Venture Out Fest to celebrate its summer opening.
Venture Out Fest will coincide with the opening of the mountain and Trestle Bike Park on June 15 starting at noon and going until 4 p.m. It will feature all of the options the mountains have to offer in the summer, such as fly fishing demonstrations, slackline performances, a performance by BMX Stunt Bike Team and an inflatable obstacle course.
The main event is a Dock Dogs jumping competition, where professional and amateur pooches jump from a dock to catch a toy and land in an awaiting pond.
In the past the resort hosted a chocolate festival on opening weekend, but decided to switch things up to better reflect guests’ summer options and utilize the mountain.
“It seemed like this fit more with the outdoor adventure vibe that we have at Winter Park,” said Steve Hurlbert, director of communications and public relations for the resort. “We’re looking forward to it, it’s going to be a great weekend.”
When the resort opens on Saturday, Hurlbert said about 70% of the lower mountain trails and 35% of the bike park will be open. As snow continues to melt, Hurlbert said up to 85% of the lower mountain trails and 45% of the bike park will open up in the next few days.
Guests will also have access to the alpine slide, hiking trails, two new ropes courses, live music and food and drink. The Gondola will be open to both bike park traffic and foot traffic.