Winter Park Resort is often overshadowed by its famous neighbors of Vail and Breckenridge, but this charming ski resort deserves recognition as one of the top ski destinations in the US for beginners, families, and snow lovers of all levels.
This lesser-known ski resort is famous for its 7 territories: Winter Park, Vasquez Ridge, Parsenn Bowl, Terrain Park, Mary Jane, Eagle Wind, and The Cirque. Each of these territories offers unique terrain for various skill levels, ranging from novice to expert slopes.
Continue reading below for the ultimate Winter Park Resort guide, so that you have the most amazing time exploring this hidden gem this winter!
What is Winter Park CO known for?
Winter Park, Colorado is known for its incredible skiing and snow activities. Whether you are looking to ski or snowboard, want to try snowshoeing or tubing, or just tagging along for the ski apres, there is an activity for everyone to enjoy.
When does Winter Park open?
The answer is always as soon as possible. Winter Park’s opening date depends on its snow accumulation each year but as of late October 2023, the snow-making process has begun! Its ski slopes typically open between the months of November and December but if the mountains receive early snowfall this can push the opening date up.
Winter Park just announced they will be opening for the 2023-2024 ski season on Friday, November 3!
During the 2022-2023 ski season many Colorado resorts, including Winter Park, opened at the end of October so it really just depends on the snow accumulation each year.
Be sure to check out Winter Park’s website and social media channels to stay up to date with their conditions, hours, and opening date.
Winter Park Resort’s Elevation
Winter Park’s base elevation is 9,000 feet and the summit of the resort sits at 12,060 feet.
Is Winter Park Resort Good for Beginners?
Although the resort is largely known for its advanced and expert terrain, it’s also a great place for beginners.
Around 30% of Winter Park’s terrain is beginner to intermediate. This number may not make it seem like there’s much newcomer terrain, but it provides ample space for those who are just starting out. Trust me, as a beginner skier, you will likely want to repeat the same runs until you get comfortable anyways. It also helps with building up confidence.
Another reason that Winter Park is a great resort for beginners is because it tends to be a bit less crowded than the well known resorts of Vail and Breckenridge. This is perfect for beginners because you’ll have more space to learn, practice, and play on the slopes.
A Beginners Guide To Skiing Winter Park
Because I’m fairly new to the world of skiing, I wanted to include a beginner’s guide to skiing at Winter Park to help other beginners like myself. If you are a complete newbie, you should know that green is typically beginner-friendly, blue is typically intermediate, and black is typically expert levels (no one told me this when I first started and I was confused).
The resort has 8% beginner terrain situated amongst the Winter Park, Mary Jane, and Vasquez Ridge territories.
For intermediate skiers, Winter Park has about 18% of its terrain that cater to your skill level. These intermediate trails can be found at the territories of Winter Park, Mary Jane, Vasquez Ridge, and Parsenn Bowl.
As a beginner, I recommend sticking to the Winter Park area because it has the most green and blue runs to enjoy.
If you are looking to push your limits, experience a bit more elevation, or you are simply looking for better scenery, venture out to the Mary Jane territory.
For beginners looking to explore Mary Jane, I recommend you check out the High Lonesome Express and the slopes surrounding it.
If you are looking to try more intermediate runs, head over to the Sunnyside Express which has plenty of blue runs to explore.
When you’re ready for a break from the Mary Jane area, be sure to check out Lunch Rock restaurant before heading to the base area. This is an awesome place to grab some lunch and warm up for a bit. The pizza was good but the more memorable part was the hot chocolate–it is one of the best I’ve had from any ski resort! I typically prefer a dark hot chocolate and while this was not that, it wasn’t too milky like most standard hot chocolates. It was rich and delicious and just thinking about it now has got me craving another. Do not skip this slopeside treat!
Why Winter Park Should Be Your Next Ski Destination
You should consider making Winter Park Resort your top choice for your next skiing trip for several reasons!
It’s One Of The Best Ski Resorts In North America
USA Today rated Winter Park the #1 choice for best ski resorts in North America. USA Today said, “The 3,081 acres of terrain at Winter Park is divided into seven distinct territories – glade skiing in Eagle Wind Territory, bowls in Parsenn Bowl, jumps and jibs in Terrain Park Territory, steeps and deeps in Cirque, the bumps of Mary Jane, black diamonds of Winter Park and powder stashes of Vasquez Ridge. Skiers and riders have 166 named trails to choose from, accessed by 25 lifts.”
I have personally skied the slopes at Winter Park and can testify that it’s one of the top ski destinations in the US that I’ve been to. Also, the staff is one of the friendliest bunches I’ve encountered!
Winter Park is commonly known for its fantastic moguls for expert skiers and snowboarders. However, as a beginner skier, I found there to be a great selection of beginner-friendly slopes too. I tried moguls for the first time there and can’t say that I care for them.
The combination of slopes for beginners and experts truly sets Winter Park apart as an outstanding ski resort, not just in Colorado, but in the entire United States.
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It’s One of the Best Ski Resorts in Colorado for Families
If you are planning a family vacation to the slopes but you aren’t one for the slopes, fret not – there’s so much do to here!
Aside from skiing and snowboarding, there’s a variety of activities including tubing, Mountaintop Apres at Sunspot Lodge 10,700 ft (gondola ridge is free), ski bike touring, snowshoeing, sunset snowcat and s’mores tour, scenic snowcat tours, sunset snowshoe tour, cosmic night ice skating, sunset-guided skiing, snowmobiling, uphill skiing, and some of the best nordic XC skiing in North America. You can even go for a sleigh ride in town!
Food Tip: if you like Reuben sandwiches, stop by Randi’s Grill & Pub in town for dinner!
The Convenient Train From Denver To Winter Park
Did you know there’s a train that runs from downtown Denver directly to the ski slopes at Winter Park?
It’s called the Winter Park Express which runs on the weekends between the months of January and March. This is Amtrak’s only true ski train and the first ride leaves at 7 am and arrives to Winter Park Ski Resort at 9 am, just in time for the slopes to open.
This convenient train ride departs each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and is a fantastic option for out of towners looking to hit the slopes without having to rent a vehicle. It’s also a great option for Colorado residents that just want to avoid the I-70 traffic and would rather kick back on the way to the mountains.
The train ride takes about 2 hours in length and the Winter Park Express leaves from Denver Union Station and takes you up to the mountain where upon your arrival you are just a few hundred feet from the nearest ski lift. The train also passes through mountain terrain that is inaccessible by any other vehicles which offers a truly unique experience.
If you are flying into Denver Airport and want a private transfer to Winter Park resort, you can also book a private car for up to 15 people here.
Apres Ski At The Incredible Restaurants In Winter Park
Apres ski is one of the best post-slope activities to enjoy. If you are asking yourself what does apres ski mean, it simply means “after ski.” In other words, apres ski is a popular activity for skiers and snowboarders after a day of riding. It involves enjoying drinks and good food by the slopes.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy time with friends or family after your mountain activities. Even if you hit the slopes by yourself, it’s the perfect chance to connect with locals and visitors who share your interests and enjoy a few tasty snacks or drinks.
The most popular apres ski at Winter Park is the Mountaintop Apres at The Lodge at Sunspot. Taking the scenic gondola up and catching the alpenglow sunset on Parry Peak makes for a memorable apres ski experience.
Awesome Slopeside Lodging
This awesome ski resort offers a variety of lodging choices, including the fantastic Winter Park Mountain Lodge and Zephyr Mountain Lodge. Both of these hotels feature mountain-themed decor, a warm ambiance, and are located just steps from the ski slopes. Staying at either of these resorts is a perfect choice if you want to enjoy the ultimate mountain experience.
Fantastic Views Of The Beautiful Snowy Mountains In Colorado
Winter Park offers incredible views of snow-covered mountains. From the summit and throughout the resort, you can enjoy views of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, making it a picturesque place to visit in Colorado.
Winter Park Resort Map
What To Pack For Visiting Winter Park
- Parka for when you are not skiing
- Thermos with a hot drink (I like to bring chicken soup)
- Ski or Snowboard equipment
- Skis – rentals available
- Skie poles – rentals available
- Ski boots / bindings rentals available
- Helmet – rentals available
- Ski Goggles
- Gloves/ MIttens – I’ve been using Eddie Bauer’s heated mittens for skiing and absolutely love them since I always get cold hands and feet
Winter Park Resort Parking
There are several different areas to park at the resort including paid and free options.
If you are forced to park far away from the lifts, there are numerous shuttles that operate within the resort that can pick you up and get you closer to the village and lifts so that you don’t have to walk a long distance while lugging all your ski gear.
Like many ski resorts in Colorado, parking fills up fast so I recommend getting to the resort early before spaces fill up. Also, carpool when you can!
Also, I suggest checking out this parking and transportation map so that you can easily navigate around the resort and find the best parking to suit your needs and desired parking location.
FAQs About Winter Park Resort
Is Winter Park on Epic or Ikon Pass?
Winter Park is on the Ikon Pass.
What is the closing date for Winter Park?
Winter Park’s closing date varies depending on the snow conditions but they typically close in mid-May.
Who is Winter Park Resort owned by?
Alterra Mountain Company owns the resort.
Final Thoughts On Why You Need To Visit Winter Park Resort For Your Next Ski Destination
Winter Park Resort offers an abundance of terrain suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels. With convenient slopeside lodging options, plenty of delicious restaurants, and fewer crowds compared to Colorado’s most popular resorts of Breckenridge and Vail, it stands out from the crowd and you must check this resort out for yourself.
Winter Park is the type of destination that comes to mind when you are planning a family ski trip for the holidays… but only some of your group skis/ snowboards. You can go play on the slopes for bit and then enjoy other activities at the resort.
Places to Stay in Winter Park CO
📍Best Western Alpenglo Lodge in WInter Park, CO
📍Holiday Inn Express & Suits, an IHG Hotel in Fraser, CO
📍The Mavern Hotel near Union Station, Denver, CO