Midmountain below Five-Points at Winter Park Resort, 970-726-1564,
Why check this out now: The resort continues to expand this extensive mountain-biking playground, which offers 37 miles of downhill and freeride terrain with more than 200 features. Trestle has something for every skill level, from beginner to advanced — those just starting out should head straight for the top-to-bottom green trail called Green World, while longtime riders will appreciate the new expert jump trail completed at the end of last season, Rainmaker. Three lifts are running (Zephyr daily, and Gemini and Eskimo on the weekends). The bike park is open through Sept. 25. Female riders looking to improve can check out the Trek Dirt Series Mountain Bike Camp for Women on Saturday and July 17, which is being coached by Women’s World Cup Downhill Champion Tracy Moseley, and the All-Mountain Enduro Race will be held here Aug. 19-20, as well. Need a ride? Stop by Trestle Bike Park Shop (800-979-0328), which offers lift ticket/rental combo deals. Trestle Bike Park pricing for full-day lift tickets: $37 adult, $29 ages 6-12; half-day $29 adult, $19 ages 6-12.
Stay: The Rocky Mountain Chalet & Hostel (15 County Road 72, Fraser, 866-467-8351) is a unique hybrid, half comfy, clean hostel upstairs, and half cozy B&B. Whichever you choose, you have access to the common sitting areas and gourmet kitchen, as well as free high-speed Internet and storage space for bikes. If you opt for the B&B (rates start at $109 a night) a filling continental breakfast is included. For hostel guests (rates start at $32 per person a night), towels, bedding, lockers, TV and movies are provided, and Safeway is just across the street for easy grocery shopping.
Dine: For friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere, as well as good, reasonably priced Mexican food, it’s hard to beat Azteca Family Mexican Restaurant (5 Grand County Road, Fraser, 970-726-2451). From the still-warm chips and spicy salsa to the sizzling, well-seasoned fajitas and tender carne asada, the kitchen takes some care with the food, and the homemade sangria and strong margaritas are a bonus. Kyle Wagner
