After about 8-10 inches of snow, it is perfect for sledding down the road in front of  the Overlook.  CAUTION:  You must have someone watching for cars...note the two individuals at the bottom of the hill.  On a good run, you can sled down to the spotters, curve left then right and go all the way to the pine tree just left of the middle of this picture.  We are also only 10 minutes from Hidden Valley within the RMNP.  Hidden Valley was a ski resort closed about 30  years ago and is now dedicated to sledding.

Today is Friday January 19th and it is 50+ degrees in Estes Park.  Over 9 inches of snow is expected in two days...so it is a good time to get out and enjoy the weather.  This is a picture with Eagle Cliff Mountain on the right and the RMNP in the background.

The Stanley Hotel can just barely be seen behind this sign.  The Stanley was the inspiration for Stephen King's novel, The Shining.  They give ghost tours nearly every day.  Be sure to stop in the bar and ask for a REDRUM!

View from the Stanley Hotel, a popular tourist destination and a popular wedding venue.

As of 1/8/2018, there is approximately 1-3 foot of packed snow around Bear Lake.  This is a great spot to snowshoe in the winter.  It is right off the parking area, is very level, and the views are spectacular.  Today, because the snow is packed, I could hike with some spikes on my tennis shoes and a couple ski poles.  However, there is more snow expected over the next couple of days.  Time for the snow shoes!

Did you ever wonder where Santa goes after Christmas?  There has been a sighting at a top secret workshop on the Overlook property.  If you look closely you might see him!

The sunsets have been spectacular in Estes this week!

I am frequently asked what outdoor activities are there in the winter in and around Estes.  Besides snowshoeing anywhere in the park, sledding at Hidden Valley which is just 10 minutes from the Overlook, there is skating at the YMCA.  The YMCA is just 1 mile down the road and actually has lots of activities for visitors, even if you aren't staying there!  Be sure to visit their website and look for the visitor day pass.  Here are a couple of pictures from December 31st, 2017.  The temperature is only in the 30s but with our powerful sun (due to our elevation) it feels like 60 degrees.

Here are some of the things we have done to help insure your vacation is worry free....

• ​Fire Extinguishers in the home, gazebo, fire pit and bar
• Carbon and Smoke Detectors throughout the home
  
• Emergency Kit in the home
  
• Emergency Lights in the home
  
• Temporary Backup Power to furnace
  
• Deadbolts on all doors
  
• Single level home with no steps out to the yard and deck
  
• Fenced property with lockable gates
  
• Flood lights surrounding the property
  
• Well lit parking, stairs, ramp, etc.
  
• This is a LEGAL vacation rental home which requires the home meet certain codes
  
  • Legal bedrooms with egress
    
  • Legal bathrooms
    
  • Dark sky outdoor lighting
    
  • Sufficient parking for home
    
  • Commercial insurance, utilities and paying local taxes