Winter Park - Introduction
Winter Park is the closest major ski resort to Denver. It is located close to the continental divide and enjoys one of the highest snowfalls in Colorado. With so much snow and nearly 3,000 acres of terrain, Winter park offers something for everyone. The ski area spreads across 3 inter-connected mountains: Winter Park, Mary Jane and 12th Vasquez Ridge. The town of Winter Park and its nearby neighbour, Fraser, have lively bars as well as a great choice of restaurants and shopping. A short distance away is Berthoud Pass with 1,000 acres of challenging, off-piste terrain for advanced skiers (requires separate lift pass purchased locally).
Skiing
With nearly 3,000 acres over three peaks, this is Colorado’s third biggest ski area. Parsenn Bowl provides a huge expanse of above-treeline skiing heading down into pretty glades, all accessible via the new Treeline lift, which reaches a giddy 12,060ft and gives spectacular views. Vasquez Cirque offers some of the most challenging terrain.
Snowboarding
Facilities for boarders include a half-pipe with a pumping sound system under the Eskimo Express, and two terrain parks with every kind of jump, rail and kicker. Rail Yard Terrain Park at 3650Ft long and 15 acres, runs the length of one of the longest runs. Check out the Vertigo half – pipe.
Ski Schools
Try the Video Arena, where you ski down a slope to be taken apart by instructors who then decide which lesson is best for you. The Children’s Center at the base has games, daycare and a magic carpet lift.
Eating Out
Deno’s Mountain Bistrot has great seafood, steaks and a choice of over 200 beers and wines. If you are feeling extravagant, everyone will tell you the Devil’s Thumb is the place to go. Set in an old log cabin, the chef serves wild game and fish. A family preferring a hearty American meal meanwhile should head for the Last Waltz. Boarders and free-riders who love sushi and Mexican food will love the ambience in Pepe Osaka’s, which serves both.
Bars and clubs
Straight off the slopes the Derailer often has a guitarist stoking the crowd into a sing along which can be brilliant fun. For Wild West surroundings try the Kickapoo. Or you could always “eat until it hurts, drink until it’s better” at The Crooked Creek Saloon in Fraser. For a home from home, the Olde English Pub is decked out in dark oak and serves more Jameson’s than any bar in Colorado.
Off the slopes
You could try snowmobiling through the forest, mini-snowmobiling around a circuit, snowcat tours, dog sledding, inner tube racing, or skating. Out of town, Cherry Creek in Denver is one of the largest malls in Colorado.