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Winter Park Ski Resort
As the longest continuously running ski resort in Colorado, Winter Park is steeped with history with a mining and timber background serving the close city of Denver.
Owned by Intrawest, who until recently were responsible for the monolithic success of Whistler and currently run Steamboat and Mont Tremblant, this resort has managed to gain lots of popularity over recent years. With the Mary Jane side acquiring an offbeat following for its moguls and a reputation as one of the best resorts for families in the world, the reach of the resort has pushed further and further.
Its proximity to Denver, friendly small town feel and 7 different ski areas are what makes Winter Park such a super place to ski. It has more than enough to do on the mountain but if you don’t fancy skiing for the day, the individual towns in the Fraser Valley are sure to keep you amused.
With $40 million of recent investment, the resort itself is relatively small and purpose built but the built-up areas retain some charming features; comprising of the Winter Park village, Winter Park Downtown and Fraser village just a little further down the valley.
At the bottom of the resort lies lots of accommodation and stretches of pedestrianized areas, as well as an outdoor ice rink and easy lift access. Downtown has grown to include a variety of dining options, as well as watering holes for those wanting a quick post skiing drink. Fraser is much more service centred, with numerous necessary amenities, such as grocery stores, hospitals, schools and pharmacies, creating a close, convenient centre for you to get supplies if needed. Only a few miles from the lifts, there is a complimentary bus service running from early in the morning to late in the evening, perfect for a spot of exploring.
Stats & FAQ
Location: USA, Rocky Mountains
Established: 1940
Open: November - April
Downhill: 143 runs
View our detailed Winter Park snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Winter Park snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Denver International Airport | 94 miles, 1 hour 45 |
| Grand County Airport | 21 miles, 30 mins |
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| Top Altitude: | 3,676m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 2,743m |
| Resort Altitude: | 2,743m |
| Longest run: | 4.9 miles |
| Slope Orientation: | N/NE/NW |
| Vertical Drop: | 933m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 933m |
| Night Skiing: | No |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 143 runs |
| Beginner slopes: | 8% |
| Intermediate: | 37% |
| Advanced slopes: | 55% |
| Lift Pass Price: | $277 - $496 (adult 6 day pass) |
| Nearby resorts: Breckenridge, Vail | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Winter Park
The skiing is some of the most versatile around thanks to the 7 interconnected areas, each with their own personality and style. Ski bumps or groomers in the morning before moving to some chutes over lunch and finishing with some tree runs at the end of day.
The ski school is a brilliant place to pick up the basics or hone skills. Typically, the Winter Park area is the best for beginners, housing the most green runs - you can ski the whole way down from the Hi-Lonesome Express to the village on beginner runs.
Intermediates will find a different classification here; a cross between blue and black diamond resulting in a blue diamond, for the more advanced. This being 19% of the area, you’ll have to make sure your legs are up to the challenge before tackling the more difficult terrain. Early intermediates should stick to the Winter Park area while those with more experience try out Parsenn Bowl. Being the highest point in resort, it affords some of the best views in the area as well as a variety of runs, from easy open runs like Edelweiss to gladed, steeps like Willet’s Way.
Experts are the best catered for in Winter Park, famous for its glades and bumps with 55% of terrain either black diamond or double diamond. The chutes and steeps in the Cirque compromise some of the trickiest on the mountain, with Eagle Wind home to the best tree skiing, and the Mary Jane area consistently being awarded #1 best bumps by Ski Magazine. Scope out the Waterfall in Cirque after a heavy snowfall for a series of pillows giving you a great combination of air and powder.
Freestylers won’t be disappointed with an incredible 6 parks and a Superpipe. The largest park - Dark Territory - requires you to watch a short video and sign a waiver before gaining entry to this access-controlled area...
Winter Park Apres Ski
Whilst the town is known for its family friendly feel, this isn’t to say you won’t find a good night out, it just means you have to know the best places. The Cheeky Monk is at the bottom of the slopes and is perfect for rolling into in your ski boots, with a huge variety or draft beers as well as good food. The Freestyles Sports Bar has games like foosball, shuffleboard and darts to keep you entertained and add a bit of competition to you après session. Ullr’s Tavern is a great local’s favourite with live music, usually open ‘til 2am.
For a little more sophistication, there are a number of restaurants on offer in Winter Park Mountain Village, Downtown and Fraser. The Lodge at Sunspot is a beautiful fine dining option. Travelling up the Zephyr Express gondola in darkness, you can drink in the view of the twinkling lights of the valley before being treated to a five course meal. The Hideaway Bistro is located in Winter Park Downtown with a cracking menu at a very reasonable price. If you’re famished and need something quick and filling, try Pizza Pedal’r’s selection of brilliant pizzas, by the slice or as a whole. In addition, if you crave a more familiar fast food joint, the town has many of the better known chains to keep energy levels high.
If you need something to keep you entertained off the slopes, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Colorado Adventure Park is a favourite for children, as well as adults who can have that all important break while their little ones tear down the tubing hill or rip around on the Snowscoots (a kiddies snowmobile). If you need a little relaxation for the aches and pains of skiing, the short journey to Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa is well worth your time, with a number of outdoor pools fed by hot springs, as well as spa services.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Winter Park
Best time to visit & ski Winter Park
As is typical with most resorts in Colorado, the snow here is pretty consistent all season. With an average of 348 inches of snow a year, as well as the average sunny days at 300 per annum, you should be well catered for. The quality of snow is usually very good; because it is so central and far from water, it tends to be very dry, making powder skiing absolutely dreamy. The resort has also been known to employ the use of cloud seeding in order to increase the amount of snowfall from each storm, good news for anyone looking for that all important powder.
Typically, February and March are the snowiest months but other months have been known to provide huge dumps as well, so it’s really your choice. Although it’s colder earlier in the season, the fact that you can hide yourself in the trees of Eagle Wind mean you can get out of the wind and not be exposed. If you’re going later in the season and trying to catch some of the sun, stick to Parsenn Bowl – just remember your sun screen.
Peak Dates
What with Santa and his reindeer visiting, carol singers, s’mores, fireworks and torchlight ski processions, you’ll kick yourself if you pass up the chance of spending Christmas in Winter Park.
With options for a classy, swanky party, or spending the night dancing away to live music and DJ’s, New Year’s in Winter Park has options for almost everyone.
No American half term and a thoroughly family friendly nature makes holidaying at half term in Winter Park a dream. The seven territories on the mountain also make it a playground for adults, who are likely to have as much fun as the kids at this brilliant resort.
An abundance of sun and snow are what you can usually associate with Easter at Winter Park. Tans and powder are a norm during this time of year, which can often see some particularly heavy snowfall.
Families in Winter Park
Being such a friendly, untarnished resort, Winter Park’s a particularly popular destination for families worldwide. The range of skiing is absolutely fantastic, so whether you have young ones who haven’t set foot in a boot before, or those who just want to rip their way around the whole mountain, you’ll be well accommodated. The ski school is fantastic and highly recommended – much like other resorts in the US, there’s only one on the mountain so you don’t have to shop around. They excel with kids from the age of 3 to 14, offering a range of lesson types to provide the most tailored experience for their pupils. If you’re looking to ski together outside of ski school, sticking to the Winter Park area is the best bet for a range of greens and blues, such as Lonesome Whistle Upper. If your brood have a little more confidence, the terrain parks are a great bet – probably best to start off at the beginning of the progressive 6 parks (Starter or Bouncer), instead of flying round the Dark Territory Park, reserved only for experts. Vasquez Ridge is a great chance to try out some powder and trees, as well as intermediate blue runs.
The town itself is relatively quiet and un-corporate, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. In addition to this, because there are only around 1000 people in Winter Park and Fraser each, the towns don’t have a buzzing party vibe like other, more established towns like South Lake Tahoe for Heavenly or Jackson for Jackson Hole. Whilst there is not an overbearing party atmosphere, you’ll still be able to find some restaurants to keep you going – check out the Pizza Pedal’r for some outrageously good pizza, or Fraser Valley Hot Dog for interesting variations of the nation’s signature dish.
Colorado Adventure Park is a great place for the young ones to blow off some steam on the tubing hill or shredding around on a Snowscoot. Alternatively, why not check out the Amaze’n Winter Park; a fun maze which can involve the whole family. If you want an evening to yourself, your kids will more than likely be happy spending their evening at the Kids’ Night Out. Free to customers who spend a certain amount of money at selected stores, 4 to 12 year olds will be entertained with crafts, a movie and dinner, typically from 5:30 to 8:30.
GroupsGroup Holidays Winter Park
The variety of skiing on offer will be more than likely to make groups revisit Winter Park again and again. Its 7 territories on the mountain cater for different abilities and styles, meaning even the most varied group are likely to find something to challenge each member. The Winter Park area is perfect for those just setting out on ski and intermediates who are in turn catered for in the Vasquez Ridge. If some of you are looking for big mountain or off piste options, check out the Cirque or Parsenn Bowl for the highest altitudes and some great in-bounds but off-piste terrain. If you’re looking for trees, Eagle Wind is the only place to be and the terrain parks cater to those who just don’t want to keep their skis firmly on the ground.
Despite not being a party town on the scale of Heavenly, Aspen or Vail, if you know where to look, you’ll be able to catch a few shindigs throughout the week. The local’s favourite late-night bar is easily Ullr’s Tavern. Named after the patron saint of skiers, you can dance the snow dance late into the night here. Alternatively, head to the Cheeky Monk for one of the best après vibes in town. For food, why not try out The Sushi Bar for an authentic Japanese selection, Gasthaus Eichler for German fare or the Hideaway Bistro for a range of meats and seafood. Whatever your tastes, there’s likely to be something to find in this friendly, unsullied American town.
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