‘Tis the Season…to Venture Out at Winter Park Resort! Kick off the winter season with a full day of mountain adventure. Winter Park’s signature event, Venture Out Fest, is back on December 11th, 2021.

Experience a day full of free activities celebrating Colorado winter mountain adventure. Enjoy snowshoe and ski bike tours, and check out interactive demos from The North Face and Grand County Search & Rescue. Need some puppy snuggles and dog time? You can meet the Winter Park Ski Patrol Dog Team and Snow Mountain Ranch sled dogs – talk about cuteness!

After a full day of exploration, end your evening by the bonfire with a free concert at the base and fireworks over the mountains. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just looking to try something new, Venture Out Fest has something for every explorer!

WHO: Winter Park Resort – three-time USA Today readers’ choice for best ski resort in North America, and Colorado’s Top Adventure Town.

WHAT: Venture Out Fest – a day-long celebration of all things winter, mountain, and adventure!

WHEN: Starting at 9 a.m. and running all day Saturday, December 11, 2021

Local’s Tip: Get to Winter Park Early. You are about to experience adventures from 9am all the way to sunset and after, so start the day early with breakfast from Coffee & Tea. While enjoying breakfast, maybe review what you want to do and see. Where will you start? What activities do you or your family want to do? Will you have time to do everything? Think about it, and make a plan!

WHERE: Base Area @ Winter Park Resort – See on Map

WHY: Winter Park Resort is a place for everyone to venture out and explore the mountains and wilderness, regardless of ability level or background. Kick off the season with a full day of mountain adventure!

Here are 7 reasons why Venture Out Fest is a no-miss day full of fun in the mountains!

1) Meet The North Face Athletes

At 10am, meet at the Gemini Express for an uphill tour with Kit Deslauriers, the first person to ski 7 summits and the first woman to ski Mount Everest. (Participants must have their own uphill touring gear to participate in the tour.)

If up hilling isn’t your thing, then at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm, you can go on a guided skiing and riding tour with Kit as well. But make sure to get there early, there are only 6 people allowed per group. First come, first serve. (Participants must have their own gear and lift access for that day to participate)

You also have the opportunity to ski or ride with Caite Zeliff, a 2x Queen of Corbets winner, during the morning hours. (Participants must have their own gear and lift access for that day to participate)

2) Claim Your Spot for Tours

Ski Bike and Snowshoe tours are happening from 9:30am – 1:30pm on Saturday. For both tours, meet by the Gemini Express to get started.

Snowshoe tours start at 9am, 11am, and 1:30pm. You will be exploring the surrounding winter woods while taking in the sights and sounds of pure and unspoiled nature. These snowshoe tours are perfect for the whole family. Make sure you get there early, space is limited, and it’s first come first serve.

Ski Bike tours start at 10am and 1:30pm. Hit the slopes like never before with a SnoGo. Cruise down the mountain in a new way as you hit the same runs as you would on skis or on a board. Check out this video of the SnoGos in action!

3) Hang With All Kinds of Pups

From 1pm – 2pm, meet the Winter Park Ski Patrol Dog Team and learn how they help Patrol Teams with day-to-day operations and rescues. Then between 2:30 – 4pm, meet the Snow Mountain Ranch Sled Dog Team and learn what it takes to train them. After hanging with the dog teams, join Parry the Snow Safety Pup for a parade through the Winter Park Village from 2:45 – 4:30pm.

4) Stop By All 3 North Face Tents

During Venture Out Fest, The North Face will have 3 separate outposts with different activations at each one. At the Expedition Tent, watch as Kyle Mendenhall (executive chef at The Kitchen) cooks up salmon dip on crackers and winter squash soup, both popular dishes during expeditions for mountaineers.

At The North Face Store, spin the prize wheel with a chance to win free North Face and Winter Park swag and gear. On top of that, get a free co-branded mug that’ll get you a $5 Snuggler (peppermint Snapp’s and Hot Cocoa) at Doc’s Roadhouse.

The third outpost is The North Face Basecamp & Lounge. This is a great place to take a break between laps and sit by a fireplace. This outpost is also the Ski & Ride Guide Check-in where you can go out and get laps with Kit Deslauriers and Caite Zeliff.

The North Face is giving away a ski jacket, pants, and other gear valued up to $2,000! If you visit all 3 outposts, you will be entered to win this gear kit 3 times.

5) Go to Doc’s to Watch TNF Films

Since you already picked up your co-branded mug at The North Face store and you are headed to Doc’s to get your $5 Snuggler, take a load off and watch some films. The North Face will be screening ‘The Approach’, an action-driven ski and snowboard film elevating people of color, women, and adaptive athletes, as well as ‘Ascend’, a minority lead movie reshaping the conversation around disabilities in the outdoors. Stop by Doc’s between 3-5pm to watch these incredible films.

6) Jam Out to Panda’s & People

Starting at 4pm, head toward the Gemini Express to listen to Pandas & People, a unique upbeat pop band from Denver. They debuted in 2014 and have attracted the attention of famed artists like Twenty-One Pilots, Kings of Leon, and The Doobie Brothers. They also have a loyal, diehard fanbase and have had their music play on national radio. Don’t miss your chance to see Pandas & People for FREE on Saturday, December 11th.

7) End The Night With Fireworks

At 6pm, during the final moments of the day, watch as we illuminate the mountain with a firework display. The bright lights, loud booms, and the warmth of the people around you will truly put the finishing touches on an incredible day.

One thing is for sure, whether you are trying a new activity, taking part in all the meet-and-greets, winning new gear and swag, or dancing the night away at the free concert, there is something for everyone in your group at Venture Out Fest in Winter Park!

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