Local Favorites, Secret Stashes, & Must-Ski Terrain

A Winter Vacation Guide to Winter Park, Colorado

Winter Park is the kind of mountain town locals quietly recommend and seasoned skiers return to year after year. It’s approachable without being boring, challenging without the ego, and packed with terrain and winter experiences that reward those who know where to look. If you’re planning a winter getaway, this alpine destination is sure to provide the trip you’ve been waiting for. And we’ve got all the tips on how to make the most of it, both on and off the mountain.

Why Winter Park Is a Local Favorite

Winter Park is a favorite among Colorado residents due in part to its community-driven ski town atmosphere. While it offers the same level of world-class terrain as other, larger resorts, it retains its small-town, welcoming vibes. It’s become the go-to spot for skiers and riders across the state because it offers:

• Easy access from Denver via Berthoud Pass or the Winter Park Express
• A great mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain
• Consistent snowfall and a long ski season

Must-Ski Terrain & Secret Stashes

Winter Park Resort offers some of Colorado’s most varied skiing, all accessible without endless traverses or crowds. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced skier, you’ll find trails among the resort’s three mountains to match your skill level.

Explore Winter Park Territory

For those who prefer a leisurely ski experience, we recommend  exploring the terrain of the Winter Park Mountain. With wide groomers, smooth laps, and incredible views, this area is perfect for relaxed skiing with friends and family. There are also plenty of runs for intermediate skiers to build their confidence before graduating to more challenging terrain.

Find Powder Stashes at Parsenn Bowl

When weather conditions line up, you can find tons of great powder stashes in the Parsenn Bowl area. We suggest hitting this area after a fresh snowfall as the open terrain feels even better with a blanket of soft snow. The Eagle Wind run is one of our favorite recommendations, as it holds some of the best tree skiing and powder stashes on the mountain.

Advanced Skiers: Test Your Skills on Mary Jane Mountain

Mary Jane Mountain is a local legend, and for good reason. This is where seasoned skiers have been going to challenge and level up their skills for decades. Conquering runs on this mountain has become somewhat of a rite of passage for locals due to the advanced terrain with moguls steep lines, and technical tree skiing. If you’re an experienced skier ready to test your skills, we recommend trying these top trails on Mary Jane Mountain:

• Outhouse
• Drunken Frenchman
• Trestle Trees

Après-Ski, Winter Park Style

The après lifestyle here is low-key and welcoming—think casual breweries, relaxed bars, and cozy spots where ski boots are still welcome. It’s all about swapping epic stories from the day’s adventures. Whether you’re sampling a local brew or are focused on finding warm comfort food, the vibe here is always easygoing. These are some of our favorite places to spend the evenings:

• The Lodge at Sunspot: This is the best spot for mountaintop après. Starting at 4:00 PM Thursday to Sunday, you can enjoy live music, drinks, and great views.
• Snowasis: This mid-mountain staple is known for its music and sundeck— it’s a great place to enjoy the late afternoon sun.
• Doc’s: This popular spot is located at the base of the mountain. It’s known for its local Colorado comfort food and great happy hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Enjoy a wide selection of local beers, whisky flights, and their world-famous margaritas.
• The Foundry Cinema & Bowl: For a family-friendly après, you can hit up this favorite in downtown Winter Park to enjoy bowling and movies.

Winter Adventures Beyond Skiing

Before heading home from your winter adventure, you have to take some time to experience Winter Park beyond the lifts. There are so many wonderful ways to get out and explore the snow-covered landscapes of Colorado. Whether you prefer a peaceful excursion on snowshoes or the high-energy experience of snowmobiling, there are multiple ways to explore beyond the slopes.

Snowmobiling in Winter Park

Snowmobiling is one of the area’s most popular non-ski adventures. Guided tours led by local guides can take you deep into scenic backcountry terrain, offering adrenaline, alpine views, and access to areas you’d never reach on skis. Here’s our local recommendations for the best spots to explore on a snowmobile.

• Continental Divide Tour: This is a popular guided tour that takes you to heights of 12,000 feet, offering stunning panoramic views of the alpine landscapes. 
• Arapahoe National Forest: This forest is a great option for both guided and self-guided tours. You’ll get to make your way through an extensive network of groomed trails and powder meadows for non-stop fun.
• Vasquez Cirque Area: Snowmobiling above Vasquez Cirque, a backcountry ski area, provides some of the most incredible views of the Continental Dive and Fraser Valley. It’s best explored with an experienced guide.

Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing

If you want a quieter way to experience the breathtaking winter landscapes, we suggest trying nordic skiing or snowshoeing. There are numerous places to explore groomed trails and routes through frosty valleys and open meadows. You can even take lessons or rent equipment via the Grand Lake Nordic Center. Both Nordic skiing and snowshoeing are great options for mixed-ability groups, as both activities provide fun for all.

Snow Tubing

If you’re looking for downhill thrills without the need for ski skills, we suggest visiting one of the area’s local snow tubing hills. Both Colorado Adventure Park and the Fraser Tubing Hill offer a fun and exciting snow tubing experience. These parks are located within close proximity to the ski resort. In addition, both parks have a lift or magic carpet to carry you back up the hill, so you can spend more time having fun and less time climbing the hill.

Where to Stay for the Best Experience in Winter Park

When it comes to where to stay in Winter Park, vacation rentals offer the space, comfort, and flexibility that hotels simply can’t match. A SkyRun vacation rental puts you closer to the mountain, trails, and town—while giving you room to truly relax after long days on the slopes. From cozy living spaces to private bedrooms and mountain views, our homes are designed to feel like your own alpine basecamp. Staying in a SkyRun vacation rental means more comfort, more privacy, and a better way to experience Winter Park like a local.

Plan Your Winter Park Getaway

Winter Park delivers everything you need to make your winter getaway unforgettable—incredible ski terrain, hidden powder stashes, laid-back après activities, and endless opportunities to explore the mountains beyond the ski runs. Whether your goal is to chase fresh snow on the ski slopes or simply relax in a winter paradise, you’ll achieve it in Winter Park. If you’re ready to plan your Winter Park adventure, the best place to start is choosing the perfect SkyRun vacation rental to be your home base. Find your perfect getaway today!