With the nickname of “Icebox of the Nation,” one would wonder why you would visit Fraser, CO for your Colorado vacation. While some might shun this city because its average temperature hangs precariously around 32° Fahrenheit, for others who enjoy frolicking in the snow or fun outdoor activities, it can provide a perfect epicenter for adventure. Whatever you decide to do during your stay in this wonderful city, there are two different locations that can serve as a landing point in between your excursions.
Situated in North-Central Colorado, Fraser is in an ideal location for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The city finds itself sandwiched in between Arapaho National Forest to the Southwest, Rocky Mountain National Park to the Northeast, and Hot Sulphur Springs to the North. This location makes it an ideal spot for anyone looking to visit Colorado during the summer, spring, fall, and winter as there are plenty of activities to take part in, from hot air ballooning to shredding the slopes. While it may be hard to choose what to do first, the most important consideration is where you’re going to stay.
Unique Lodging Venues in Fraser and Winter Park
Fraser, and neighboring town Winter Park, have many options in terms of lodging, but there are two venues that stand out from the rest in terms of unique accommodations. The first location is the Wild Horse Inn, which is just 4.5 miles outside of Fraser. The Wild Horse Inn offers three different guest cabins, all of which vary slightly in décor and theme. Each cabin comes with a number of amenities which include a king-sized bed, kitchenette, covered porch, fireplace, and high-speed WIFI.
Another inviting perk that the inn offers is its breakfast service–lodgers have the option of having a private breakfast prepared and delivered directly to the room’s door, or they can take advantage of the gourmet breakfasts that are prepared in the main lodge.
The inn also offers a number of room packages for people looking to unwind in between activities. These packages include the Romantic Escape Package, which the inn states as its most “sensuous Winter Park Package.” This package includes breakfast in bed or a breakfast basket for those looking for privacy, a complimentary bottle of champagne, and a fresh bouquet of flowers. Other packages include the Ski Free option which comes with 2 free ski lift passes, the Dog Companion Package, the Winter Wonderland package, and the massage package.
In addition to these packages, the warm and inviting atmosphere at the Wild Horse Inn provides an ideal location to spend your Colorado vacation, whether it be a ski trip or honeymoon.
If you’re looking to hit the slopes and nothing else, then the Rocky Mountain Chalet should not be overlooked by any means. Tucked away in the Rockies, the Rocky Mountain Chalet finds itself in great proximity to the Winter Park Ski Resort, Byers Peak, Berthoud Pass, Grand Lake, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
While these natural areas may be the main draw for your vacation in Fraser, the accommodations of this venue should not be ignored. The Rocky Mountain Chalet has been awarded such notoriety as one of the “10 Great Places of Refuge” by USA Today, and Skiing Magazine described it as a “Clean, modern, and classy joint.” This comes as no surprise as each room offers pure Egyptian cotton bedding, ultra high quality bamboo and cotton towels, flat panel HDTVs with DirecTV, and high-speed WIFI. The establishment also sports a well-stocked and up-to-date gourmet kitchen where visitors can trade information, converse, and share a hot meal.
If you find yourself lodging at Chalet during the ski season, the friendly staff also prepares Apres Ski Coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, and cookies nightly for the returning guests in the lobby lounge. So if skiing, socializing, and relaxing are the main goals of your Colorado vacation, then the Rocky Mountain Chalet may be your best bet as its friendly and warm atmosphere beckons vacationers to stay just a day longer.
If You Go
More information about reservations and packages at the Wild Horse Inn can be found on their site: http://www.wildhorseinncolorado.com/index.htm and http://www.wildhorseinncolorado.com/specials.htm. You can also call: (970)726-0456 or email: [email protected]
For more information and news on the Rocky Mountain Chalet: http://www.therockymountainchalet.com/ and http://therockymountainchalet.blogspot.com/, or call (970) 726-8256
For more information about attractions and activities in Fraser, CO visit their site for a complete listing: http://frasercolorado.com/index.aspx?page=32
Evan Witt is an Illinois native with a degree in English Literature from Lake Forest College, and as a frequent visitor to Colorado, he enjoys fishing, camping, hiking, and photography.