FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:
Mandy Gauldin, 970-945-5534

LEADVILLE AND TWIN LAKES HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR WINTER VACATION, INCLUDING AFFORDABLE PRICES
From skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling to races, special events and romantic getaways, Leadville and Twin Lakes are appealing, reasonably priced mountain town destinations

LEADVILLE, Colo. (Dec. 4, 2008) — In response to an uncertain economy, many people are looking for affordable vacation options this winter. Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado, have all of the ingredients of an ideal winter destination, plus something you might not expect in a resort community: reasonable prices.  

The area’s abundant, natural snow provides for a vast number of popular winter activities, including snowshoeing; alpine, telemark and cross country skiing; snowmobiling; snowboarding and dog sledding. Add a charming selection of specialty shops, museums and galleries and lodging options that range from quaint B&Bs and rustic lodges to an elegant Victorian hotel and motels with all the latest conveniences, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Here are some of the best reasons to head to Leadville and Twin Lakes this winter:

Affordable Prices — If you’re one of the many folks looking for a deal this year, you’ll find it in Leadville and Twin Lakes. From $42 lift tickets to great lodging packages and delicious, reasonably priced meals, you can still take that winter vacation you’ve been dreaming about. Call 888-532-3845 for lodging information.    

Ski Cooper and Chicago Ridge Ski Area — Ski Cooper’s low prices, short lift lines and friendly staff make it one of the most enjoyable ski experiences in the state. Services include backcountry Snow Cat tours at Chicago Ridge, lessons, rentals, day care, a Nordic center and more. Opening day has been rescheduled for Dec. 12, snow permitting. 

Central Location — Leadville and Twin Lakes are located in the geographic center of Colorado, just 103 miles west of Denver and 129 miles northwest of Colorado Springs, making it a one-tank trip from many locations. Plus, both are located within an hour of some of the country’s most popular ski resorts, including Copper Mountain, Vail and Beaver Creek. 

Mouth-watering Meals — Hungry? Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or an amazing four-course gourmet dinner, you’ll find it and everything in between in Leadville and Twin Lakes. The surprisingly wide selection of eateries includes coffee, pizza and sandwich shops, North America’s highest brew pub, Mexican cantinas, steak houses, and restaurants specializing in Italian, Chinese, American and bistro-style cuisines. 

High-country Trails — There are 16 groomed, well-marked trails in Lake County, ranging from beginner to expert. The Mineral Belt Trail, a 12.5-mile all-season, paved ADA-accessible trail passes through the historic district and stands of trees and foliage, with access to multiple trailheads. In the winter, the Mineral Belt Trail is groomed for skate skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 

Ski Joring — In this extraordinary winter sport, skiers are pulled over a series of jumps by a horse and rider. The goal is to stay on your skis, spear rings and complete the course in the least amount of time. Ski joring is the highlight of Leadville’s annual Crystal Carnival, which takes place March 7-8, 2009, along with a snowshoe race series, Loppet race and dog sledding.

Competitive Events — Got a competitive streak? Lake County can help you satisfy that need with the Leadville Loppet Race, snowshoe races, turkey shoots, ice fishing competitions, winter mountain bike races, ice golf, and Ski 100 Nordic Ski Race, just to name a few.

Memories in the Making — The small-town atmosphere, rich history and breathtaking scenery will stay with you long after your vacation ends. Whether you’re walking the sidewalks where Baby Doe, Horace Tabor and Doc Holliday once walked, snowshoeing to a four-course dinner in a yurt nestled on the mountain, or watching a horse and rider pull a skier over snow-packed streets, your memories of Leadville and Twin Lakes will last for years to come.

At an elevation of 10,152 feet, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in North America. All of the highways in Lake County have been designated as the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. Call 888-532-3845 or visit http://www.visitleadvillecolorado.info for more information or to request a visitor’s guide.

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About Leadville and Twin Lakes
Leadville, the highest incorporated city in North America, is located in the geographic center of Colorado, 103 miles west of Denver and 129 miles northwest of Colorado Springs, on US Highway 24, part of the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. Once one of America’s richest, longest-lived and bawdiest mining boomtowns, 70 square blocks of the downtown area has been designated as a National Historic Landmark of Victorian architecture. Activities include skiing, fishing, camping, golfing, hiking, whitewater rafting, four-wheeling, biking, museums, historical tours and train rides. Nearby Twin Lakes, located 15 minutes from Leadville at the eastern entrance to Independence Pass, is also a National Historic District and a popular summer destination for camping, boating, hiking and fishing. Go to VisitLeadvilleColorado.info for more information.