Winter Park is one of Colorado’s oldest and largest resorts. This classic ski resort combines abundant terrain with a relaxed Colorado vibe. There are over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain including groomed trails, moguls, and tree runs. There is a warm dose of après ski and a small village with lodging within walking distance to the resort.
This guide covers everything you need to know about making the most of your Winter Park adventure.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
- 3,060 ft vertical drop
- 12,060 ft Summit elevation
- 3,081 Acres
- Best for Powderhounds, Families & Terrain Parks
- 345 inches of snow annually
- IKON Pass
“Winter Park is a classic Colorado espace with all levels of terrain and a chill ski-town vibe. The perfect break from the everyday grind”
Best Terrain and Trails
Beginner Terrain
For those new to the slopes or looking to refresh their skills, Winter Park offers gentle green runs thoughtfully designed for progression:
- Start with Gemini Express: Ride up to a variety of easy greens runs.
- Move to the Prospector Express: Try out the Jack Kendrick run, it is a bit of a step up in difficulty but still manageable. This is a longer green.
- High Lonesome Express: This lift services some fairly long green runs like High Lonesome Trail and Whistlestop.
Pro Tip for Beginners: Some of these trails are slightly steeper than those at most resorts, making Winter Park an excellent place to progress quickly.
Intermediate Terrain
- Blue/Black: When you’re ready to level up there are good progression trails. You can ride blue/black runs from the top of Panoramic Express all the down to the Mary Jane Base Area.
- Cranmer: A wide, open blue off of the Explorer Express, where you can practice perfecting your turns.
- Jabberwocky: A slightly steeper blue that offers just the right amount of challenge without being overwhelming.
- Mary Jane Blues: Don’t miss mellow runs like Edelweiss and Butch’s Breezeway for scenic descents on the Jane side off the Sunnyside Express.
- Vasquez Blues: With a slight difficulty gradient from right (easier) to left (harder), these runs offer great progression for intermediates off the Panoramic Express.
Advanced and Expert Terrain
Winter Park has some pretty gnarly advanced and expert terrain. Dealer’s choice on whether you want steep chutes or to duck off into the glades.
- Challenger: So much fun advanced terrain off this lift. If you want sleep then hit the chutes, pick up some speed then cut back to the bottom of the lift. Cannonball is another incredibly fun run here.
- The Cirque: This advanced section offers rugged chutes, including Heart of Darkness and various alphabet chutes. Take Panoramic Express to the top and ride the Vasquez Cirque Access, enjoy the views then drop in.
Tip: The snowpack matters for extreme terrain—check conditions before heading into steep areas.
Winter Park Resort is home to 7 incredible terrain parks, each designed to help riders progress their skills. Most of these are accessible from the Prospector Express.
Photo Courtesy of Winter Park Resort
Terrain Parks
Progression parks mean that the features range from beginner to large.
- Bouncer (Small Features): Located at the base of the resort near Larry Sales, this park includes small ride-on features and occasional jumps, depending on snow conditions. Perfect for warming up before the lifts open or after they close.
- Starter Park (Small Features): A beginner-friendly park below the Snoasis area, ideal for experiencing sliding on plastic/metal surfaces.
- Ash Cat (Small/Medium Features): Found on the Jack Kendrick trail, this park features rails, boxes, and jibs for beginners and intermediates, plus small to medium jumps for progressing your skills. Access via the Prospector lift.
- Gangway (Medium Features): Located under the Prospector lift, this park offers intermediate rails, boxes, and jibs. It’s easy to access from Butches Breezeway or after a Skills Course lap.
- Re-railer (Medium Features): A creative playground of rails, boxes, and jibs for intermediate to advanced riders. It also includes a double jump line for working on airtime.
- Rail Yard® (Large Features): This large park offers unique and challenging jibs, rails, and creative lines. Upper Rail Yard also features an 18-foot pipe for transition riders, stretching over 3,500 feet in total length.
- Lower Rail Yard (Large Features): The most technical terrain park at Winter Park Resort, designed for advanced riders ready to take on its biggest challenges. Beginners and intermediates are encouraged to practice in the other parks first.
Après Ski and Other Activities
The village at Winter Park is rather small however there are some restaurants and lodges on site. The nearby town of Fraser also has shops, restaurants, and areas to explore.
Relaxation Spots
- Sunspot Lodge: Take the gondola up for stunning panoramic views paired with a relaxing meal or drink.
- Fine Dining: Indulge at spots like Tabernash Tavern north of Fraser or Ranch House at Devil’s Thumb Ranch for an upscale experience. These are both outside of the village but well worth the trip.
Casual Vibes
- The Derailer Bar: Perfect for a lively après scene with great views of the slopes.
- Balcony House: Watch skiers pass by while enjoying a warm drink in this cozy spot.
Off-Slope Fun
- Snowshoeing: Explore the beautiful terrain of Devil’s Thumb Ranch on snowshoe trails.
- Tubing: Great for families, Winter Park’s tubing hill offers exhilarating runs and fun for all ages.
- Ice Skating: Ice skating is open in the center of the Village at Winter Park with affordable onsite rentals.
Best Places to Stay in Winter Park
There are lodging options in the Winter Park village as well as the nearby town of Fraser. There is a shuttle that runs from Fraser to Winter Park and the drive is just a few minutes. There is no true ski in/ski out at Winter Park however there are plenty of options within walking distance, so you don’t have to worry about logistics on a ski day.
Don’t be overwhelmed with options, Contact Skizi to get your hassle-free custom itinerary and expert advice.
Zephyr Mountain Lodge
Zephyr Mountain Lodge offers ski to door access and is located just 110 feet from the gondola. This 3 star lodge has spacious suites include fully equipped kitchens, cozy gas fireplaces, and stunning panoramic mountain views.
The lodge has an outdoor hot tub or stay active in our fitness center. We also provide on-site ski storage and a free area shuttle for your convenience.
This apartment style lodge is perfect for families or groups who want a spacious room that is walking distance to the slopes with full amenities.
Winter Park Mountain Lodge
Winter Park Mountain Lodge is a quick walk across Main Street from the village area. This 3-star lodge boasts a year-round indoor pool and two hot tubs. You can easily store ski equipment on-site and enjoy the convenience of a daily shuttle to and from Winter Park Resort Base.
Enjoy the onsite Moffat Station Restaurant’s cozy atmosphere, or you can unwind in the sauna while taking in views of the ski slopes. For added entertainment, the lodge features billiards and exciting snowmobile tour options.
The Vintage Hotel
Vintage has cozy apartment style accommodations. Each room includes a coffee maker, while many also feature kitchenettes. The suites have gas-burning fireplaces.
The onsite Five Mountain Tavern is open during ski season, and is complete with a r full service bar. Located near Winter Park Resort and right beside the sledding hill, this hotel is just steps from the free Village Cabriolet. This open-air lift offers a scenic ride to the base Village, home to shops, restaurants, and the gondola.
The heated pool is open year round along with the hot tub. Vintage Hotel also offers an area shuttle.
Getting There
- Fly into Denver International Airport(DEN), then drive approx. 1 hours and 40 minutes to Winter Park
- Transfer from the Airport
- Transfer Companies
Winter Park Express: Train to Ski
Beginning at Denver’s Union Station, this train takes you directly to Winter Park base. Fares are incredibly affordable starting at $19.
You can ride from Denver International Airport to Denver Union Station and catch the Amtrack Operated Winter Park Express to the resort.
This will take a bit longer than driving as you will have to connect between trains and coordinate your trip however it is a great way to save money, avoid needing a rental car or driving in the snowy mountains. Pack your skis or snowboards as a carry-on for no additional charge
Contact Skizi
Get your custom itinerary and reservations secured. If you’re looking for a stress-free family vacation, group trip or luxury ski trip then now is the time to reach out and secure your trip!
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