They key is lots and lots of snow. With around 375 inches yearly, Winter Park stays snow-covered for half of the year. Winter Park activities include sledding, snow shoeing, snowboarding and just about anything else you can do in cold mountain weather.
Kids race down an alpine slide in Winter Park. (Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group/Colorado Tourism Office)
Here are a few ideas to get you started when planning your Winter Park, Colorado vacation.
WINTER ACTIVITIES IN WINTER PARK
Ski Winter Park Ski Resort no matter who you are or what your level of experience is. They have difficult terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders, including over a thousand acres of off-piste terrain to explore, but also have easy trails and magic carpets for the tiniest of skiers. It is also home to the national program for disabled skiers.
Winter Park is always improving, in its snowmaking, grooming and adding new rails to the 6 terrain parks.
Grab your sled and head to nearby Fraser for some downhill screaming, or take a relaxing sleigh ride in this winter wonderland. Snowmobile tours, hayrides and even dog sled rides are also available.
Cross-country ski buffs and snowshoers should check in at Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center or Devil’s Thumb Ranch. They also have rentals and lessons from these centers.
When your tank is empty, head to one of the Winter Park restaurants to refuel. Get those cheeks rosy trying the spicy Cajun and Mexican, or get a real old-fashioned wholesome German stew.
SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN WINTER PARK
Rent a bike and explore the mountain trails in and around Winter Park during the summer months.
Take the chair lift up if you want to get an immediately different perspective and don’t forget to bring your camera for those hikes!
The Cozens’ Ranch House Museum is an interesting insight to the local traditions and history. Located north of Winter Park, it’s a former stage stop and post office from the 1870s.
Pole Creek Golf course will test your skills with a driver while surrounded by a gorgeous sub-alpine landscape. Mini golfing is also available in the area for tykes, or for those that just like to have fun.
Fly-fishing, visiting a spa, horseback riding and going on a hot air balloon ride are other extremely relaxing activities that will have you leaving Winter Park feeling truly refreshed.
Grand County Fishing Co.: Come and fly-fish with other anglers like you with this Winter Park and Fraser, Colorado outfit. The fly shop is located in Fraser, just two miles from Winter Park Resort. They’ll pick you up from anywhere in Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, Grand Lake or Kremmling. You’ll be on the water with their patient and experienced guides in no time!
Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park: Make a reservation today to experience this one-of-a-kind winter outing. These 45-minute rides will wind through their private trail system in the pristine Colorado Rockies. The entire excursion takes about an hour and a half. Two or three guests fit in each sled. Opportunities to pet the dogs-Siberian and Alaskan Huskies- and drink some hot chocolate after your trip. Don’t forget your hat, gloves and a camera!
Colorado Rafting: This company offers rafting trips of all levels. They have seven outposts and rafting on five different rivers in the state- (the Arkansas River, Clear Creek, Eagle River, Blue River, Dolores River, Animas River and the mighty Colorado River). Their expert guides have an average of eight years of experience, so relax, climb onboard and get ready to have some fun!