My Time in Winter Park and Woodspur Lodge

Honestly, a lot of change happened for me in Winter Park, CO and at the Woodspur Lodge. I had been praying for a change in my life that would help me grow as a person and come away from it with a memorable experience. I wanted to really have an appreciation for life, what God has given me and what He has in store for me in the future. After searching Google sights for "cool" jobs in Colorado that I could do for a season or two I came across coolworks and The Woodspur Lodge. I immediately inquired about an application and requested some more information about the lodge. I was informed that if I were to be hired I would be provided with basically ALL my utilities (cable, wireless internet, food, housing, a SEASON SKI PASS and a gym pass). Immediately I was interested and although was a little concerned about the monthly salary, something I wasn't used to, decided to delve into the idea of moving to the Rocky Mountains all the way from MA. Coming over the pass was just a reminder that God wanted me here for whatever reason. It was absolutely beautiful and I couldn't wait to see what my year here would look like. With all my expenses basically being covered by the lodge, I was able to enjoy my surroundings without spending a lot of money. I got 65 days in this last winter season boarding, pretty good for my first season ever!
The lodge is a very family oriented atmosphere, there's a large living room with an A-Frame window that looks out on the divide. The fire is almost always lit, there are fresh cookies made daily and hot chocolate available 24/7. Needless to say, not only did I make some great friendships with the staff that worked here but I met guests from all over the world that were wonderful to meet and so friendly! Most of them have been coming for years and know the lodge like the back of their hand. The lodge does a nice job of trying to make sure that your time here is worthwhile and that though you may work hard are able to get out and play in the snow whenever possible. My schedule allowed for me to have most afternoons off (usually a 6 hour break!) where I could go and snowboard and be back in time to serve my second shift. One thing I will say about being at the lodge is that you live and work at the same place, which, if you've never done before can sometimes prove to be challenging...in my experience, however, you really have to take into account all the benefits that come along with working here. Sometimes a small selection of people can be negative and if you're not careful that can spread...it was in these times that taking some time to myself, whether that be on the mountain or at a local coffee shop, really helped me remember how blessed and fortunate I really was to have the job I did in the place I did.
Keeping the attitude of working as a team at the lodge is crucial. In the Winter, being able to work in the office really made me feel like I was able to work within all areas of the lodge, from helping out in the kitchen on occasion, to trying to help with housekeeping if it was needed and one or two times helping the maintanence guys out with their shoveling. I got to see it all, and work with everyone which really made it feel like more of a team.
The summer proved to be even more of a team effort at the lodge. It was during the summer that I made some really great friendships here that I'm sure will last a lifetime. Though we worked hard when we had groups staying here (mostly weddings, family reunions and church groups or that of the like) we made sure that each of us got plently of time to enjoy the beautiful Colorado summer. On my breaks or time off I was able to go hiking all over Grand County and other parts of Colorado, go mountain biking, fishing, train for a half-marathon, which I can proudly say I completed and just experience pretty much all that Colorado has to offer. One of the groups, Women's Quest, a group of women who are truly inspiring, even had me go on a mountain biking trip with them which my boss and co-workers graciously allowed me time off to do.
In looking at all I've experienced while working at the Woodspur and living in Winter Park for two seasons, I am so grateful to have been led here. There were a lot of laughs shared, experiences never to be forgotten and frienships that I will miss immensely.