If the name doesn’t make it obvious enough, be assured that Winter Park, Colorado is a cold weather playground. From skiing to snowshoeing, this Colorado Rockies town has all the activities you can imagine amongst white powder snow.
A family plays in snow at Winter Park Resort. (Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group/Colorado Tourism Office)
On the western slope of the Continental Divide, Winter Park is at the southern end of the Fraser Valley and just a short drive from Denver.
At 9,000 – 12,000 feet, Winter Park is Colorado’s highest incorporated town and covered in snow for about six months out of the year. In addition to this, they also get more snowfall than anywhere else in Colorado. Because of all that white stuff, the biggest draw to this small Rockies town is undoubtedly the skiing.
Winter Park Ski Resort is owned by the city of Denver and has 143 trails with another 1,212 acres of off-piste terrain including Vasquez Cirque and glade skiing. Although they receive about 375 inches of snow per year fairly consistently, they don’t take any chances. Snowmaking on 26 trails (almost 300 acres) ensures that they always open before Thanksgiving.
A family pleasing mountain, Winter Park has lessons and magic carpets for the little ones and challenging terrain and up to five-mile trails for their expert parents. Teenagers flock to its 6 terrain parks, Superpipe and 85 features. Winter Park Resort is also home to the national program for disabled skiers, so no one is ever left out.
Sledding in nearby Fraser is another popular family activity. Their sleigh rides, hay rides, and dog sled rides will take you back in time and be an unforgettable experience.
Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center and Devil’s Thumb Ranch are where to go to plan cross-country skiing and snowshoeing outings.
Even the food in Winter Park is made for winter. Spicy Cajun jambalayas, hot Mexican nachos and hearty German stews fill the belly and warm the soul.
If you’re around in the summer, there is also a lot of fun outdoors activities in Winter Park. The ski lifts run during the off-season to take hikers and bikers up the mountain. Many stroll down amongst the blossoming wildflowers, or plow downhill, making all the jumps they can with their mountain bike.
The Cozens’ Ranch House Museum is located north of Winter Park, a former stage stop and post office from the 1870s.
Attend one of the summer concerts, try fly-fishing or go for a long hike to entertain yourself during the summer here in the Rocky Mountains.
Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting: This Colorado rafting company has river trips for every age and ability. With outfits all over Colorado, they pride them selves on having the best equipment and best service in the industry, so you’ll be in good hands. Let their enthusiastic and professional employees guide you through the best outdoor experience possible! From family-friendly floats to Class-V rapids, Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting has the perfect trip for you!
Arapahoe Ski Lodge: This family owned and operated ski lodge is conveniently located in downtown Winter Park, just three miles from the Winter Park Ski Area. Offering 11 rooms with one or two queen beds. Private bath, room phones, WiFi and data port come standard in each room. Facility amenities include cozy fireplaces, large recreation room, pool, sauna, restaurant and a bar/lounge.
Red Tail Rafting: Come rafting on the scenic and wild Colorado River. This rafting company is based in Winter Park/ Fraser and is the valley’s finest! The trained guides at Red Tail Rafting will show you through mild to moderate rapids on the Upper Colorado. They pride themselves on offering smaller, more personalized trips for guests. Safety and enjoyment are their priorities!