Winter Park (United States)
Winter Park in short
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1.5 hr drive from Denver Airport
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Ski-in, ski-out accommodation
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143km of slopes and 120km cross-country trails
Winter Park Resort is home to some fabulous skiing, not only downhill but also cross-country, with some 120km of cross-country skiing trails to its name. The family-friendly ski area has a friendly vibe with typical American hospitality. You can choose whether you prefer to stay on the slopes or in the village. Either way, you’ll be well taken care of!
The base area at Winter Park Resort has an assortment of shops, restaurants and hotels and regular child-friendly activities are arranged. However, if you feel like exploring a bigger town, there is a free public bus that carries skiers and snowboarders past Winter Park downtown to Fraser, a town just down the road. Winter Park Resort is the closest major ski resort to Denver International Airport, just an hour-and-a-half drive away.
Alternate activities
Winter Park also offers ice skating, snowtubing, dogsledding, sledging, fat biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, spa facilities and hot springs (just a 40-minute drive from the resort). You'll find a huge indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness centre and indoor climbing wall just down the street at Fraser Valley Rec.
Restaurants and bars
There is a variety of bars and restaurants within easy reach of the lifts serving chili, soups and other winter fare plus a couple of terraces where you can find some après-ski. Nightlife is limited but you'll find occasional live music at Ullr's Tavern in downtown Winter Park.
Families
Ski lessons from age 3 and snowboard lessons from age 4. Winter Park Resort also hosts regular free events in the evening such as campfire music and broomball. Kids’ rental equipment is free when accompanied by an adult who has pre-booked a rental for 3 or more days. Childcare is available from 6 months but must be booked at least a week in advance.