Mix 3 big-time mountains, the highest average snowfall of any resort in Colorado, an easy-going family atmosphere in an unpretentious town and you've got yourself the ultimate winter playground! High in the Rocky Mountains, where verdant meadows and fragile tundra teem with wildlife and wildflowers, and the lakes and streams are filled with trout. Winter Park and the Fraser River Valley are surrounded by thousands of acres of the Arapaho National Forest and several other wilderness areas with 13 peaks rising over 12,000 feet. A world-renowned snow sports school teaches the physically challe ... More
Rustic and contemporary slopeside condo resort, steps from a chairlift – This luxury condominium resort, offering ski-in/ski-out accommodations in Winter Park, is just 110 feet from the Zephyr Express Lift. An array of activities means great year-round fun for outdoor adventurers and vacationing families. You have easy access to the popular pedestrian village featuring a retail promenade.
Family-friendly, private townhouse community in downtown Winter Park – Have all the luxuries of home and more while staying in this recently constructed townhouse community, situated half a block from Main Street and within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops. The fabulous Winter Park ski area is just 2.5 miles away, and warm-weather recreation includes golfing, hiking, and white-water rafting.
Rustic elegance meets comfortable convenience near downtown Winter Park – These townhouses, with rustic exteriors including stone features, cedar siding, and log accents, make up a peaceful, private community secluded in a wooded setting close to Hideaway Park and the calm Fraser River. They're within walking distance of Main Street in downtown Winter Park, with dining, nightlife, and shopping.
Hotel with mountain lodge look and feel, great accommodations for families – Located at the entrance to the Winter Park Resort, this hotel offers a variety of accommodations, including hotel rooms, 1- and 2-bedroom suites, and studios. Most feature kitchenettes and fireplaces. There is a ski shop on-site. Pets are welcome. A stone fire pit warms the outdoor patio at the tavern, a great place for apres ski drinks and snacks.
Upscale condominiums with rugged ambience, within walking distance of chair lifts – Located within Winter Park Village, these brand new fully-equipped condominiums are an ideal lodging choice for families. Gas fireplaces, kitchenettes or full kitchens, and designer furnishings create an all-the-comforts-of-home feeling, while chair-lift access to the mountain’s more than 140 designated trails and over 3,000 acres of terrain is just steps away. Relax on an outdoor deck that features a fireplace and hot tub.
Ski-in/ski-out condominium resort at the base of Winter Park Ski Resort – Winter Park's only ski-in/ski-out condominium rental property offers the amenities of a hotel with the conveniences of home in a resort setting. It's set slope side, nestled among pine trees, and situated between the Arapahoe National Forest and the Continental Divide. Spacious accommodations and outdoor recreation attract couples, families, and groups.
Alpine getaway across from the base area of Winter Park Ski Resort – Cozy comforts, a beautiful mountain setting, and warm and cold weather outdoor adventures await you at this active and friendly hotel situated in Arapaho National Forest and overlooking Winter Park Ski Resort. You have easy access to nearby lifts as well as renowned skiing and snowboarding in Winter Park.
Affordable condominium resort about 2.5 miles from Winter Park Ski Resort – A year-round favorite of families and groups, this charming condominium resort has a quiet mountain ambience and is set on a 25-acre wooded development, a block from Main Street in Winter Park. The Fraser River flows through the property, and the Winter Park Ski Resort and the Continental Divide provide a stunning backdrop.
Family- and group-friendly condo resort in a picturesque mountain setting – Situated serenely on a hilltop overlooking the Continental Divide, this condominium resort is just a few miles from the popular and exciting Winter Park Ski Resort, which is within the Arapaho National Forest. Spacious accommodations and year-round area activities help attract families and couples to this easy-going property.
Mix 3 big-time mountains, the highest average snowfall of any resort in Colorado, an easy-going family atmosphere in an unpretentious town and you've got yourself the ultimate winter playground! High in the Rocky Mountains, where verdant meadows and fragile tundra teem with wildlife and wildflowers, and the lakes and streams are filled with trout. Winter Park and the Fraser River Valley are surrounded by thousands of acres of the Arapaho National Forest and several other wilderness areas with 13 peaks rising over 12,000 feet. A world-renowned snow sports school teaches the physically challenged to ski.
Of course, winter isn't the only season to visit this popular resort. When the snow thaws, get out golfing on championship courses or go mountain biking on over 600 miles of marked trails. Hike into the backcountry on more than 240 miles of trails. White-water rafting down the Colorado and Arkansas Rivers makes for some of the region's best outdoor adventure thrills! Water sports enthusiasts couldn't ask for more than the 1,000 miles of streams, 1,000 acres of high mountain lakes, and 11,000 acres of reservoirs that entertained even President Eisenhower. Keep your camera handy because you never know when you'll see elk, moose, birds of prey, and other wildlife.
Please note that times reflect flights to Denver. Driving time from Denver to Winter Park is 1.5 hours.
New York City 4.25 hrs
Miami 4.5 hrs
Philadelphia 4.25 hrs
Boston 4.5 hrs
Los Angeles 2.25 hrs
Chicago 2.75 hrs
Dallas-Fort Worth 2 hrs
San Francisco 2.5 hrs
Arapaho National Forest: This pristine stretch of wilderness straddles the Continental Divide and is named for the plains tribe which hunted in the foothills and rugged Front Range during the summer. In fact, the game-drive structures that the Arapaho used to ambush animals are still visible. The forest quickly goes from tame woods to the Rockies at their most wild - raw, exposing visceral geologic formations such as jagged ridges, broken buttresses, cloud-piercing pinnacles, and glaciers cracked by crevasses. Mountain climbers go to ascend the peaks, others hike, bike, photograph wildlife, and swim, while many come just to rejuvenate amid the serene and bountiful beauty.
Tucked at the base of the Continental Divide at the east end of the Fraser Valley, the majority of Winter Park Resort's terrain is made up of 3 inter-connected mountains containing Winter Park, Mary Jane, Parsenn Bowl, Vasquez Cirque, and Vasquez Ridge. The 3,060-foot vertical drop has 134 trails spread out over 2,886 acres with varying degrees of difficulty from novice to expert, and 3 snowboard parks.
The extreme altitude and alpine climate cycle through the four distinct seasons, each with its own beauty and related activities. Snowfall averages 370 inches during winter (the most of all Colorado resorts) and summer is known for its mild temperatures, cool evenings, and low precipitation.
Spring 51°
Summer 70°
Fall 56°
Winter 24°
The famous "champagne powder" covers the slopes from November to April, but summers are a wonderful and little-known secret. The mountains are blanketed with wildflowers and festivals fill the valley, creating a whole new playground for outdoor folks. Temperatures are warmest and wildflowers are at their peak in July and August, when resorts are amazingly uncrowded. Also, many locals say their favorite month is September, when autumn sets the aspen leaves ablaze in gold and scarlet hues.
Skiing: With 134 trails, 22 lifts, and 3 snowboard parks, Winter Park is by far the most popular ski resort in Colorado. It is the closest major ski resort to Denver and boasts a combination of great terrain and reliable snowfall - at 370 inches annually, more than any of its peers. There's ski coaching for all levels and ages, as well as a renowned ski school for the physically challenged.
Great Outdoors: Winter Park sits high in the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by thousands of acres of wilderness. The Arapaho National Forest and other forest reserves are full of wildlife, wild flowers, verdant meadows, and fragile tundra. Lakes, streams, and ponds teem with trout and other fish. Thirteen peaks rise to over 12,000 feet, where the view of the mountain range, valleys, and continental divide is unbeatable.
Active Pursuits: Although skiing and snowboarding are the main activities of Winter Park, there are many other outdoor activities to partake in, such as hiking and mountain biking. In the summer, when the snow has receded to the top of the mountains, 600 miles of mountain biking trails and more than 240 miles of hiking trails ensure hours of entertainment for avid trekkers. Whitewater rafting on the Colorado and Arkansas Rivers make for some of the best outdoor adventure thrills. Fishermen are drawn to the 1,000 miles of streams, 1,000 acres of high mountain lakes, and 11,000 acres of reservoirs that entertained even President Eisenhower. Throughout the forests, elk and moose roam, and birds of prey soar through the sky.
Skiing: Of course, it's the #1 reason people flock to Winter Park every year. With a vertical rise of 3,060 feet, 134 trails covered by 22 lifts, moderate prices, and the most snow (370 inches) of all Colorado resorts, it's no wonder! The longest run is 2,695 feet, there are trails for all levels of experience, and ski school is always in session.
Snowboarding: Boarders and Xtreme skiers have nearly 700 deep and steep acres of their own in Vasquez Cirque, with 3 snowboard parks, a half-pipe, and a clinic. Each season there's an open series of competitions combining snowboard cross, slope-style, mogul, free-ride, and half-pipe events with a chance for everyone to win prizes!
Snowmobiling: Ride the Divide on powerful machines along lots of high trails with top-notch guides and experience the most-exciting snowmobile fun in the state. Cruise powder meadows, ridge tops, and cruiser trails while spotting wildlife in every direction!
Snowshoeing: Imagine walking atop several feet of fresh snow, your movements silenced by the immensity of Mother Nature and your mind free to wander on ahead of you. New shoe models weight only a 1 or 2 pounds make navigating the snow a walk in the park!
Dog-Sledding: Learn to mush and command your team of Siberian Huskies on a thrilling ride that has been featured on numerous TV programs! Or, if you prefer, just snuggle back under the blankets and leave the driving to the pros.
Hiking: Change your altitude as you tramp through the mountains of Winter Park. Summer wildflowers bloom in profusion and wildlife is commonly encountered along hundreds of miles of trails. If you've got the stamina for it, take the Nystom trail to the top of the Rockies at a 12,060-foot elevation - even the Continental Divide looks small from up there!
Mountain Biking: This place is a favorite for bikers with hundredsof miles of lift-accessible trails, a race series, a bike shop, and a full staff of instructors, patrollers, and mountain hosts. Hook your bike on the Zephyr Express chairlift to trails that crisscross cleared ski runs and zigzag through heavily forested areas, offering adrenaline-pumping downhill sections for speed junkies and thigh-burning uphills for a real workout!
Horseback Riding: Ride through the stunning Rockies and encounter high country vistas, rushing mountain streams, and wildlife including moose, deer, elk, and coyotes! Horses are chosen to suit each rider's skill level, even if your level is zero.
Hot Air Ballooning: It's such a romantic notion, letting the wind take you where it will. At high altitudes you see mountain ranges and valleys while your pilot points out the landmarks. From lower altitudes you'll get a whole new perspective on the fresh green of spring, summer wildflowers, the autumn leaves, and snow-covered peaks.
White Water Rafting: When the suns finally starts to warm the earth again and the rivers return to their rushing ways, you can paddle down the Arkansas, Eagle, and Colorado Rivers to float past canyon walls and striking rock formations at whatever speed you choose - mild or wild!
Golf: Pole Creek Golf Club is consistently rated the "Best Place to Play in Colorado" by Golf Digest. When playing at this high elevation, plan on hitting the ball up to 15% farther than at sea level because the thin air makes everyone drive like a pro!
Winter Park's 30-plus restaurants offer a surprising variety of dining options. For a romantic night for two, have dinner at a renovated ranch house and stage stop. Take the family out for pizza, take Chinese take-out back to your lodge, dig into spicy Mexican or make like a cowboy and treat yourself to a charbroiled steak.
Gourmet:
Marvin's Hideaway Park is locally owned and operated by the award-winning chef, Marvin Bronstein. Known for his extensive wine list and upscale modern mountain cuisine, the chef prepares the sort of meals you're still talking about the next day! Favorites include the Buffalo Entrecote and Rock Shrimp Curry. Music lovers won't want to miss the light jazz accompanied by appetizers, tapas, and "Marvinis" after 9:00pm. 78259 Highway 40, Downtown
Jane Creek Grille & Lounge: Enjoy tantalizing continental cuisine, friendly service, and fine wines. Selections include rosemary roasted game hen, stuffed smoked pork chops with peach salsa, and Rocky Mountain trout with crab stuffing and chive sauce. Reserations are highly recommended at this gourmet restaurant. The Iron Horse Resort
Highly Recommended:
Deno's Mountain Bistro is one of only 11 restaurants in Colorado to have received the prestigious "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator Magazine. Equally exceptional is the varied menu of fine aged steaks, pastas, seafood, and more. Try the chef's appetizer specials like Prince Edward Mussels and Artichoke Hearts Parmesan for a tantalizing hint at the entrees to follow. 78911 US Highway 40
Dezéley's: An old European Alpine setting welcomes guests to this fine restaurant. Continental cuisine is served in the casual dining room to the backdrop of the Vasquez Creek and Arapahoe National Forest. Swiss, German, and Austrian names appear on the menu, like Jäger Schnitzel and Rinds Schmorbraten. Dinner is served nightly from 5pm to 9, and reservations are recommended to avoid disappointment. 78786 US Highway 40
Local Flair:
Sleighride Barn Dinners are the ultimate way to dine in the spirit of the Old West. A team of Belgian draft horses draws your sleigh through woods and meadows to an original 1906 homestead where you are greeted with goblets of hot steaming cider and a gourmet dinner served in converted horse stalls. Your hostess, Washboard Annie, puts on a great one-woman show after dinner that gets everyone joining in! Call 970-726-4923 to arrange pick-up.
Moffat Station Restaurant & Brewery: Overlooking an incredible winter wonderland of soaring mountains and magnificent pines, Moffat Station is a truly spectacular place to eat, drink, and be merry. The restaurant's fame dates back to the days when settlers exchanged their animal pelts, gunpowder, and maps for food and brew. Outstanding local dishes, such as buffalo meatloaf, and authentic lager and ale microbrews, make Moffat Station one of Winter Park's most popular filling stations. 81699 US Highway 40
Romantic:
The Ranch House Restaurant & Saloon is possibly the finest dining room in Winter Park, and the area's only country restaurant. Guests of this inviting wood lodge are warmed by a fireplace and treated to wonderful views of the Continental Divide and alpine skyscape. Indulge in eclectic seasonal fare with favorites like the Roasted Leg of Venison, Baked Mushroom Nut Loaf, and Pesto-Encrusted Pork Chops, freshly prepared and artistically presented. 3530 County Road 83
Rapids Restaurant: Dine with the one you love in a beautiful, rustic atmosphere overlooking the roaring Tonahutu River. Menu specialties include grilled chicken with basil pesto cream, pine nut crusted Atlantic salmon, and sautéed rainbow trout. Choose from a vast selection of wines, and enjoy the evening. Grand Lake
Nine thousand feet above it all, life is good and the people never stop celebrating their good fortune. There's nothing uppity about Winter Park, which you'll quickly learn for yourself in the welcoming bars and pubs that don't give a hoot for fashion and celebrity. They're only concerned with providing good drink, good food, good music, and good times - the way Colorado was meant to be!
Club Car: Stop in at the base of Mary Jane and enjoy the mountain's best selection of microbrews, steaming winter cocktails, and mouth-watering "après-tizers" with live entertainment. You can also watch your favorite sporting events on TV and soak in the spring sunshine on the deck.
Comedy Train Club: Comedians from around the country perform at this club in the Iron Horse Resort and keep you laughing all night long. The full-service bar stocks all your favorites.
Derailer Bar: At the base of Winter Park, this is the most popular après-skihotspot with live music, televised sporting events, and a large selection of microbrews, warmer-uppers, and wines. There are also daily pizza specials and an outdoor deck.
James Peak Saloon: Après-ski specials, microbrews on tap, and all the popular drinks served throughout the evening. There's a pool table, jukebox, and a big-screen TV with ski movies shown during ski season.
Moffat Station Micro-Brew Pub: The area's only authentic micro-brew pub featuring full-bodied, hand-crafted brews - check out the 3 huge copper brewing kettles on the platform above the full-service bar. Rumor has it that Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley used to drink here!
The Rails Lounge: Ski-in to après-ski specials, a wide selection of microbrews, wines, and appetizers. There's also a full-service bar and fine dining.
Snowboard & Freeride Series: Snowboard cross, slope-style, mogul, and half-pipe events guarantee an exciting atmosphere for competitors and spectators alike. Lots of chances to win prizes and establish a reputation with insiders. January - April
Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival: Colorado' finest chefs and many of America' best-known vintners serve up their best to benefit the National Sports Center for the Disabled. August
US Freestyle Grand National: If there is any ski event that captures the joy and freedom of skiing, this is it. For 3 days, the world's finest freestylers dazzle the crowd with big bump skiing as well as mid-air twisting, turning, and flipping as they vie for titles and prize money. December
Neat casual clothes are appropriate everywhere throughout the year. Layered clothing and a medium-gauge jacket are the best choice for spring and autumn, and natural fiber light clothing in summer. Wear heavy, layered, waterproof clothing and boots in winter.
We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.
Altitude: At 9,375 feet, "the air is rare" with an oxygen pressure 40% lower than at sea level. This thin atmosphere makes "low landers" a little sluggish at first, and preventative measures are recommended. Avoid alcohol and caffeine for a few days, drink lots of fluids, eat lightly, and avoid overexertion for 2-3 days.
Sunburn: The combination of bright sun and reflective snow can cause skiers to burn more easily than at lower elevations. Wear a good sunscreen and sunglasses with UV protection.
Winter Park/Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce: PO Box 3236, Winter Park, CO 80482, phone 970-726-4118 or toll-free 800-903-7275, email chamber@winterpark-info.com