Tools

Snowfall Gives Boost to Local Activities

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Dec 29, 2012 at 7:42 PM MDT

Story Updated: Dec 29, 2012 at 7:42 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.The extra snow in the Grand Valley is not only a beautiful sight to see, it's also giving locals and tourists more reasons to get out and play.

The Monument's beauty speaks for itself, but park rangers are doing what they can to highlight its winter splendor.

Park ranger Nick Myers said, "Over the holidays we've had lots of folks bring in their families out, even with these cold temperatures. It seems like the snow is really inspiring people to get out the door."

Mike G., who refers to himself as an explorer, said, "Physically and spiritually delightful! You can't beat this, it's God's country."

Their new hiking series has been a huge success, with dozens coming out for the adventures.

"Exploring several different areas of the Monument, some of the canyons, Serpent's Trail," Myers said.

"All the rangers are superb, the education, the academic end of it, superb. This would be nowhere near as good, as enlightening without them," said Mike.

Also this winter, a ranger-led cross-country ski is scheduled to bring in the new year.

Myers said, "Was kind of a spur of the moment thing. With all of the snowfall that we've had we decided it was a great chance to get out their with the skis."

Some local businesses say they're seeing impacts of the snow in other ways.

Parker Carlson, owner of Carlson Vineyards, said, "When there's a good ski season we'll always get some people, particularly from Powderhorn when they stay up there, and we even get some from Vail, Glenwood area. Our December is better than last December, our November better than last November."

Carlson Vineyards is not only having a busier winter, but a huge year.

"2012 has been our best year for total sales that we've ever had in our 25 years," Carlson said.

"It's the winter, it's the snow. It's a different perspective all together," said Mike.

"There's a lot of things to do and there's enough wineries that you can spend a couple days taking it easy and just enjoy them," Carlson added.

Whether folks bring in the new year on the slopes or toast to it with a glass of wine, they don't have to stray from the Grand Valley to do right.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KREX - News, Weather, Sports for Grand Junction | Montrose | Glenwood Springs - Coverage You Can Count On and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
News Channel 5 Weather