Your Guide to Winter Park, Colorado Everything You Need to Know About Winter Park Resort From world-class skiing and legendary Mary Jane moguls to mountain biking, scenic gondola rides, transportation, summer adventures, and where to stay, use this Winter Park Resort guide to plan your Colorado mountain getaway. Explore Winter Park Vacation Rentals Explore the Guide 3,081 Skiable Acres 166 Designated Trails 23 Lifts 12,060′ Summit Elevation 344.6″ Average Snowfall 3,060′ Vertical Rise Winter Park Resort Guide Planning a Trip to Winter Park Resort Winter Park Resort combines a major Colorado ski mountain with the relaxed feel of a true Rocky Mountain town. Located in Grand County, visitors can spend the morning skiing Winter Park or Mary Jane, grab lunch at the base, explore downtown Winter Park, and return to a cozy mountain vacation rental at the end of the day. Whether you’re planning a Winter Park ski vacation, summer mountain biking trip, fall getaway, family vacation, or weekend escape from Denver, here’s what to know about getting here, navigating the resort, exploring the mountain, and choosing where to stay. Getting to Winter Park What Is the Closest Airport to Winter Park Resort? Denver International Airport (DEN) is the primary major airport for travelers visiting Winter Park Resort. Winter Park Resort is approximately 90 miles from Denver International Airport. Travelers can reach the area by rental car, airport shuttle, private transportation, or rail service from Denver Union Station. From Denver International Airport, take the A Line to Union Station before connecting to Amtrak service toward the Winter Park area. Most drivers travel west from Denver before taking US Highway 40 over Berthoud Pass into Winter Park. Traveler Tip: Winter storms, ski traffic, and road conditions on Berthoud Pass can significantly affect travel times. Local Denver and mountain traffic can also be especially heavy on Fridays heading toward Winter Park and Sundays returning toward Denver. When possible, consider avoiding those peak travel days or traveling outside the busiest morning and afternoon windows. Winter Park Transportation How to Get Around Winter Park If you’re staying near Winter Park Resort, downtown Winter Park, or Fraser, you may be able to enjoy much of your trip without driving every day. 1 The Lift Once you’re in Winter Park, you may not need your car as much as you think. The Lift is our free local shuttle connecting Winter Park, Fraser, Winter Park Resort, and stops throughout the valley. It’s especially handy on busy ski days when you’d rather skip resort parking altogether. 2 Airport Shuttles If you’re flying into Denver, an airport shuttle is one of the easiest ways to get up to Winter Park without renting a car. Shared and private options run between Denver International Airport and the Winter Park area, so you can leave the mountain driving to someone who knows the route. 3 Travel by Train Want to skip the drive over Berthoud Pass? Take the train. Amtrak serves the Fraser–Winter Park station, and during ski season, the Winter Park Express takes you from Denver Union Station right to the base of the resort. It’s one of the most relaxing ways to start a Winter Park getaway. 4 Rental Cars A car is worth having if you want to see more of Grand County while you’re here. Head to Granby or Grand Lake for the day, explore Rocky Mountain National Park, or simply have the freedom to venture beyond Winter Park and discover some of our favorite local spots. Winter Park Resort 3,081 Acres of Colorado Mountain Adventure Winter Park Resort features 3,081 skiable acres and combines two distinct mountains: Winter Park and Mary Jane. The resort also includes Parsenn Bowl, Vasquez Ridge, Eagle Wind, and The Cirque, creating a mountain experience that ranges from approachable beginner terrain to steep moguls, gladed tree skiing, bowls, and expert high-alpine terrain. Winter Park is especially well known for the challenging terrain around Mary Jane, but families, first-time skiers, and intermediate riders will also find plenty of terrain to explore. Skiing & Snowboarding Winter Park Resort Ski Terrain Winter Park offers terrain for nearly every ability level, but the mountain really stands out for skiers and snowboarders looking for more challenging terrain. 8% Beginner 18% Intermediate 19% Advanced 52% Most Difficult 3% Expert Only Where to Explore Winter Park, Mary Jane & the Mountain Territories Winter Park Resort is made up of several distinct mountain areas, and each offers a different type of terrain and experience. Winter Park A great starting point for families, beginner skiers, lessons, groomed runs, and convenient access to the Village at Winter Park. Mary Jane Famous for moguls, trees, steeps, and challenging terrain, Mary Jane has become one of the most recognizable parts of Winter Park Resort. Parsenn Bowl High-alpine terrain reaching approximately 12,060 feet with open mountain views and an entirely different feel from the lower resort. Vasquez Ridge Explore additional mountain terrain away from the main base areas, including a mix of groomers and more challenging runs. Eagle Wind Known for tree skiing and gladed terrain, Eagle Wind is a favorite for stronger skiers looking to get deeper into the mountain. The Cirque Expert high-alpine terrain designed for experienced skiers and riders looking for some of Winter Park Resort’s most challenging runs. Winter in Winter Park How Much Snow Does Winter Park Resort Get? Winter Park Resort reports an average annual snowfall of more than 344 inches, helping create a long Colorado ski season. The resort’s base sits at approximately 9,000 feet, while the mountain reaches 12,060 feet at its summit. Exact opening dates, closing dates, snowfall, and available terrain vary each season, so always check current mountain conditions before your trip. Beyond Ski Season Exploring Winter Park Resort in Summer When the snow melts, Winter Park transforms into one of Colorado’s favorite summer mountain destinations. Visitors can ride the Scenic Gondola to approximately 10,700 feet for panoramic views of the Continental Divide, surrounding mountains, aspen groves, and alpine wildflowers. Summer activities can include hiking, downhill mountain biking, scenic gondola rides, guided e-bike experiences, mountain dining, family activities, and special events. Mountain Biking Ride Trestle Bike Park Winter Park Resort is home to Trestle Bike Park, one of Colorado’s best-known lift-serviced mountain biking destinations. Trestle offers more than 40 miles of lift-serviced downhill mountain bike trails with terrain designed for riders ranging from beginners to experienced downhill bikers. Riders can also explore an extensive network of trails throughout Winter Park and the surrounding Fraser Valley. Explore Trestle Bike Park When to Visit Winter Park Is a Year-Round Mountain Destination Winter Skiing, snowboarding, Mary Jane moguls, powder days, après-ski, snow activities, and classic Colorado mountain scenery. Summer Mountain biking, hiking, scenic gondola rides, alpine adventures, outdoor dining, family activities, and mountain events. Fall Golden aspens, cooler mountain air, scenic drives, hiking, biking, and a quieter way to experience Winter Park before ski season. Winter Park Lodging Where Should You Stay Near Winter Park Resort? The best place to stay depends on whether you prioritize ski access, downtown restaurants, extra space, walkability, or a quieter mountain setting. Winter Park Village Stay right at the base of Winter Park Resort with easy access to skiing, mountain biking, the gondola, resort dining, shopping, and year-round base-area activities. Old Town Winter Park Old Town offers a convenient mountain setting with a quick shuttle ride to the resort, and some properties are approximately a 10-minute walk from the slopes. Lakota Located across Highway 40 from Winter Park Resort, Lakota is known for spacious luxury homes and beautiful views looking toward the ski slopes. Town of Winter Park Stay close to restaurants, shopping, live music, events, and local transportation while still enjoying convenient access to the resort. Fraser A great choice for biking access, a relaxed mountain-town feel, and winter fun near local tubing hills, all just minutes from Winter Park. Tabernash Choose Tabernash for a quieter mountain escape, wide-open views, and a peaceful setting less than 15 minutes from Winter Park Resort. Know Before You Go Winter Park Elevation & Mountain Travel Tips Winter Park Resort’s base sits at approximately 9,000 feet, and the mountain reaches a summit elevation of approximately 12,060 feet. Travelers arriving from lower elevations may notice the altitude, particularly during the first day of their trip. If your schedule allows, spending a day in Denver before heading higher into the mountains can give your body additional time to begin adjusting to elevation. Common symptoms of mild altitude sickness can include headache, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting. Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the strong Colorado mountain sun, limit strenuous activity when you first arrive, and pay attention to how your body responds. Mountain weather can also change quickly in both winter and summer, so bring layers and check conditions before heading out. Your Winter Park Home Base Stay Close to Winter Park Resort From powder mornings and Mary Jane moguls to summer bike trails and high-alpine adventures, stay close to everything Winter Park has to offer with a professionally managed SkyRun vacation rental. Explore Winter Park Vacation Rentals Winter Park Travel FAQ Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Park Resort Find quick answers to common questions travelers ask when planning a Winter Park, Colorado vacation. What airport do you fly into for Winter Park, Colorado? Denver International Airport (DEN) is the primary major commercial airport for travelers visiting Winter Park Resort. Winter Park Resort is approximately 90 miles from Denver International Airport. How far is Winter Park Resort from Denver? Winter Park is located west of Denver in the Colorado Rockies. Driving times vary based on traffic, weather, and conditions on Berthoud Pass, particularly during winter weekends and snowstorms. How big is Winter Park Resort? Winter Park Resort offers approximately 3,081 skiable acres, 166 designated trails, and 23 lifts across Winter Park, Mary Jane, Parsenn Bowl, Vasquez Ridge, Eagle Wind, and The Cirque. How much snow does Winter Park Resort get? Winter Park Resort reports more than 344 inches of average annual snowfall. What is the elevation of Winter Park Resort? Winter Park Resort has a base elevation of approximately 9,000 feet, a vertical rise of approximately 3,060 feet, and a summit elevation of approximately 12,060 feet. Is Winter Park Resort good for beginners? Yes. Winter Park Resort offers beginner terrain and ski lessons, particularly around the Winter Park side of the mountain. The resort currently classifies approximately 8% of its terrain as beginner. What is the difference between Winter Park and Mary Jane? The Winter Park side generally offers easier access to beginner terrain, lessons, groomers, and the resort village. Mary Jane is famous for moguls, tree skiing, steeps, and more challenging terrain. Is Winter Park Resort worth visiting in summer? Yes. Winter Park is a great summer escape from hotter lower-elevation destinations. Daytime temperatures are typically comfortable for outdoor adventures, while evenings cool down considerably and can drop into the 50s. Summer activities include mountain biking, hiking, scenic gondola rides, e-bike experiences, outdoor dining, family activities, and special events. Is there mountain biking at Winter Park Resort? Yes. Trestle Bike Park at Winter Park Resort offers more than 40 miles of lift-serviced downhill mountain biking trails with terrain ranging from beginner to advanced. Do you need a rental car in Winter Park? Not necessarily. You can reach the Winter Park area by train from Denver Union Station, and The Lift provides free transit throughout Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, and the resort area. Its routes make it easier to get around during both winter and summer without dealing with resort parking. A rental car is still helpful if you plan to explore farther into Grand County, Grand Lake, or Rocky Mountain National Park. Where should I stay when visiting Winter Park Resort? It depends on the experience you want. Winter Park Village puts you at the base of the resort. Old Town Winter Park offers quick shuttle access, with some properties about a 10-minute walk from the slopes. Lakota, across Highway 40 from the resort, offers luxury homes with beautiful slope views. The Town of Winter Park is ideal for restaurants, shopping, music, and events. Fraser is great for biking access and is close to winter tubing, while Tabernash offers quiet mountain views less than 15 minutes from the resort. SkyRun offers vacation rentals throughout the Winter Park area.
Winter Park A great starting point for families, beginner skiers, lessons, groomed runs, and convenient access to the Village at Winter Park.
Mary Jane Famous for moguls, trees, steeps, and challenging terrain, Mary Jane has become one of the most recognizable parts of Winter Park Resort.
Parsenn Bowl High-alpine terrain reaching approximately 12,060 feet with open mountain views and an entirely different feel from the lower resort.
Vasquez Ridge Explore additional mountain terrain away from the main base areas, including a mix of groomers and more challenging runs.
Eagle Wind Known for tree skiing and gladed terrain, Eagle Wind is a favorite for stronger skiers looking to get deeper into the mountain.
The Cirque Expert high-alpine terrain designed for experienced skiers and riders looking for some of Winter Park Resort’s most challenging runs.
