Winter Park is Colorado’s longest continually operated major ski resort. The ski area features over 3,000 acres of terrain, including everything from wide groomed runs to ungroomed glade skiing.

With its combination of scenic beauty, reliable snow, terrain diversity, and welcoming atmosphere, Winter Park offers guests a well-rounded skiing experience.

It’s also worth noting that this spot is accessible from Denver via train, allowing guests to skip out on the Interstate traffic and avoid winter driving conditions.

The most noteworthy terrain:

Discovery Park – this is a true paradise for beginners, with access to multiple low-pitch green trails and dedicated learning spaces.

Endeavor (Green) – this lift is located next to Discovery, but it offers longer and steeper green runs for beginners looking to challenge themselves.

Cranmer (Blue) – this long, smooth, cruisy blue descends towards the village.

Jabberwocky (Blue) – this classic intermediate run is long, open, and great for building confidence. It starts at the top of the Gondola and allows skiers to practice linking turns over wide groomed terrain.

Lonesome Whistle (Blue) – this rolling tree-lined blue run is great for intermediates looking to challenge themselves. It holds good snow and has a slightly narrower pitch in certain places.

Mary Jane Territory (Black) – known for its tree runs and moguls, the steep, technical and often unpisted terrain includes leg-burning black diamond mogul runs like Challenger, Trestle, and Drunken Frenchman.

Eagle Wind (Black) – this area features tight tree skiing with natural obstacles and powder stashes.

The Cirque (Double Black) – this is Winter Park’s most extreme terrain, known for steep, technical lines, chutes, cliff bands, and big mountain terrain.

Where to park:

Paid parking is available at the Village Parking Garage, centrally located in the village or at Fraser Crossing/Founders Pointe. Free parking and shuttles include the Village Cabriolet Lot, Moffat Lot, Shuttle Lots, and Cooper Creek Garage.

Where to eat on mountain:

Vertical Bistro & Tap – this village spot features cocktails and locally sourced food.

Lunch Rock – located atop Mary Jane, this restaurant is great for pizza, sandwiches, and beer (with great mountain views).

Sunspot – perched on the mountain this one serves up BBQ, chili, and some more great mountain views.

Doc’s Roadhouse – this base area restaurant offers a menu of things like pulled pork and queso tots.

Mary Jane Ale House/Doc’s – the perfect place to get some local upslope brewery beers here.

Where to eat in town:

The Ditch – this is a popular spot for burgers.

Crooked Creek saloon – stop by for good food, history, and live music.

Deno’s Mountain Bistro – serves a menu including ribs and pasta.

Goodys Mountain Creperie – if you’re looking something different, head here for sweet and savory crepes.

Where to stay:

Zephyr Mountain Lodge – this lodge at the base of the mountain offers ski-in/ski-out access.

Winter Park Mountain Lodge – located in downtown Winter Park, this lodge offers easy access to both the mountain and shops, restaurants, and the free shuttle.

Fraser Crossing – located only 150 yards from the mountain, these condos range in size from studios up to three bedrooms.

The Vintage Resort – also located in downtown Winter Park, this resort offers easy access to the mountain and everything the town has to offer.

Events going on at Winter Park this winter:

Mountaintop Apres – guests are invited to take the gondola up to The Lodge at Sunspot every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday form 4-8 p.m. to enjoy live music, food and drink specials, and stunning mountain views.

Torchlight Parade – taking place on Christmas Eve, skiers will make their way down Hughes and illuminate the mountain underneath a fireworks display. Guests can watch from the bottom of the mountain with a warm cup of cocoa. Before the event, guests can participate in festivities at the base, including taking photos with Santa, at the Village Gazebo from 1-4 p.m., getting sweet treats from Treeline Treats, and getting hot cocoa from the Gondola Circle for Bradley’s.

Mary Jane 50th Birthday Party – head to Winter Park to celebrate Mary Jane area’s 50th birthday. Festivities will include an “all-day party on the mountain,” and then a free show from Big Gigantic and fireworks in town.

Glow Night Tubing – enjoy snow tubing at the Coca-Cola Tube Hill which features multiple lanes, banked curves, and a covered conveyor lift ride back to the top.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)