Welcome to Winter Park, Colorado
At 9,000 feet above sea level, Winter Park's best attractions are outdoors. Yes, skiing is the obvious draw, but mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, and a good soak in the hot springs all deserve space on the itinerary, especially if you're visiting in other seasons. And that's without considering the restaurants, breweries, and little mountain towns scattered across the Fraser Valley.
The town sits just 67 miles west of Denver, with Fraser, Tabernash, Granby, and Grand Lake all within exploring distance. There's plenty of ground to cover, so we've gathered the best addresses, outdoor adventures, and local favorites in one handy guide to help you plan a locally approved itinerary.
Before We Jump In, a Little About Us
At Winter Park Lodging Company, you'll find a collection of stellar vacation rentals throughout Winter Park, including cozy condos, spacious mountain homes, pet-friendly stays, and ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Backed by local expertise, we're here to help you enjoy every moment of your stay.
Need more inspiration before your Winter Park escape? Visit our destination blog, where you'll find local tips on wildflower hikes, the best restaurants in town, pet-friendly things to do, and much more.
Getting toWinter Park
Amtrak Winter Park Express
One of the most entertaining ways to arrive in ski country involves no driving whatsoever. The seasonal train departs Denver Union Station, travels through the historic Moffat Tunnel, and drops passengers beside Winter Park Resort's ski lifts. The journey takes roughly two and a half hours, with impressive mountain scenery along the way. Check Amtrak for the upcoming winter schedule.
Berthoud Pass (US Highway 40)
Driving from Denver means crossing this spectacular 11,306-foot mountain pass. Expect hairpin turns, Continental Divide views, and occasionally challenging winter conditions. Check COtrip for road closures and traction restrictions. Proper winter tires are essential when conditions deteriorate.
The Lift Shuttle
Winter Park's free public transportation system connects the resort, downtown, Fraser, and surrounding neighborhoods. Download The Lift Rider app for routes and arrival information. Staying near a shuttle stop saves parking headaches and rental-car expenses.
Winter Fun on the Mountain
Snow Days & Mountain Adventures
Winter Park Resort
With more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, Winter Park Resort caters to everyone from first-timers to seasoned skiers, with spectacular Continental Divide views along the way. Beginners should head for the gentler slopes around Discovery Park, leaving the steeper stuff for another day, and the base village has rentals, lessons, shops, and restaurants covered. One local tip: get here early on winter weekends to beat the lift lines.
Mary Jane Territory
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, Mary Jane is famous for steep moguls, challenging tree runs, and an old-school skiing culture. Advanced riders should explore the legendary Sleeper run and Parsenn Bowl when conditions permit. This territory belongs to Winter Park Resort, not a separate ski area.
Granby Ranch
About 20 miles north of Winter Park, Granby Ranch offers a smaller-scale alternative, especially appealing to families and beginners. Its two connected mountains feature approachable terrain, ski instruction, and a chill atmosphere.
Snow Tubing & Sledding Locations
Coca-Cola Tube Hill
Who needs skis when you have a giant inflatable tube? Winter Park Resort's Coca-Cola Tube Hill has four groomed lanes with banked turns for a speedy ride downhill, plus a covered conveyor lift to spare you the uphill hike. It's a fun option for families and groups, with evening sessions offering an extra dose of excitement. Book ahead during ski season, especially on weekends and holidays.
Historic Fraser Tubing Hill
A local tradition since 1971, with a cable tow, groomed runs, and nighttime lighting. Visitors also love the delightfully old-fashioned atmosphere here. Make sure to check snow conditions before visiting.
Colorado Adventure Park
Another Fraser favorite where you'll find tubing lanes, conveyor lifts, and activities for younger children. Its snowmaking system helps extend the season, and the outdoor fire pit is a popular hangout for resting between rides.
Hideaway Park Sledding Hill
For a free outing, head to the Rendezvous Event Center in downtown Winter Park. The public sledding area is great for younger children, with a playground nearby. Just make sure to bring a sled and check conditions.
Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing & Trails
Discovery Challenger Trail
This gentle 1.2-mile forest loop near the resort is a good introduction to high-altitude walking. Leashed dogs are welcome, and snowshoeing is a great alternative to skiing in winter.
Jim Creek Trail
Across Highway 40 from the resort, this approximately 6.6-mile round-trip hike follows a mountain creek through pine and aspen forests. In winter, expect deep snow and more demanding conditions. Check avalanche information before heading into backcountry terrain.
Fraser River Trail
A relatively flat pathway connecting sections of the resort area, Winter Park, and Fraser. It is ideal for relaxed walks and cycling during warmer months.
Snow Mountain Ranch (YMCA of the Rockies)
Spread across more than 5,000 acres near Tabernash, this YMCA recreation center is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of groomed Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails, ice skating, and fat biking in winter. There's plenty indoors, too, including a swimming pool, climbing wall, and arts and crafts activities, so it's a great choice for families.
Summer & Shoulder-Season Activities
Mountain Biking
Trestle Bike Park
Winter Park Resort's downhill biking playground features more than 40 miles of lift-served trails, from beginner-friendly routes to demanding jumps and technical descents. Lessons and protective gear rentals are available and help newcomers get started.
Grand County Singletrack
Beyond the resort, hundreds of miles of trails wind through the Fraser Valley. Creekside and Tipperary are popular cross-country routes. Pick up maps at the Winter Park Information Center, consult COTREX for trail conditions, and avoid muddy trails after rain or snowmelt.
Hiking & Wildflower Spotting
Monarch Lake Loop
This scenic 4-mile loop circles Monarch Lake near Lake Granby, with mountain views, forest trails, and a good chance of spotting wildlife as you explore. Moose sometimes wander near the shoreline, so keep a safe distance if you see one, and check seasonal road access before heading out.
Devil's Thumb Trail
A demanding backcountry hike east of Fraser, climbing through aspen groves and alpine meadows toward the Continental Divide. Planning to go the full distance? Check the forecast, pack the right gear, and start early.
East Inlet Trail
Near Grand Lake, this Rocky Mountain National Park trail starts with the accessible Adams Falls area and continues into increasingly dramatic alpine country. You can choose a shorter walk or commit to a longer hike toward Lone Pine Lake.
Resort Base Summer Attractions
Alpine Slide
Get ready for 3,000 feet of twists and turns on Colorado's longest alpine slide, where you're in charge of the speed thanks to hand-operated brakes. Kids must be at least 3 years old and 36 inches tall to ride with an adult, or 8 years old and 48 inches tall to drive their own sled. The slide usually operates from mid-June through late September, weather permitting.
Water Sports, Fishing & Hot Springs
Grand Lake & Lake Granby
A scenic drive north leads to two of Grand County's best waterfront destinations. Summer visitors head out kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Grand Lake also has historic wooden boardwalks, shops, and restaurants worth exploring on foot.
Fraser & Colorado River Fly Fishing
Fancy catching your own trout? The Fraser River is a great place to start, with fishing spots close to town and more stretches to explore along the Colorado River. New to fishing? Winter Park Flyfisher and Fish Winter Park run guided trips, with local experts who know where the fish are biting and will show you the ropes. Anglers aged 16 and older need a Colorado fishing license, available online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and some river sections have special catch-and-release rules.
Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa
About 40 minutes west of Winter Park, this historic mineral-springs destination is home to pools of varying temperatures that are particularly appealing to stop after hiking or skiing.
The Winter Park Food Scene
Signature Dinner Spots
Hernando's Pizza Pub: Open since 1967, this local classic has walls covered in decorated dollar bills left by generations of customers. Order a hand-tossed pizza, garlic breadsticks, and something cold to drink.
The Ditch on 40: New Mexico-style green chile is a house specialty, served generously over burgers, burritos, and other favorites. Margaritas are popular here, too, so come hungry and try to beat the lunch rush.
Pepe Osaka's Fishtaco: For something different from the usual mountain-town fare, head to this Mex-Asian fusion spot for spicy tuna tacos, fresh seafood dishes, and a great tequila selection.
Tabernash Tavern: For a special dinner, head north to Tabernash for prime steaks, seafood paella, and some very good wines to go with them. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Breakfast & Brunch Favorites
Sharky's Eatery: Start your ski day with Eggs Benedict, pancakes, or one of the generous breakfast burritos at this popular Fraser spot. The locals know it well, so arrive early to grab a table.
Goodys Mountain Creperie: At the resort base, Goodys Mountain is the go-to spot for sweet and savory crepes, waffles, and hot chocolate. Check shoulder-season hours, as resort village businesses sometimes reduce service.
Wake N' Bacon: Bacon is practically a religion at this downtown breakfast spot, especially in its famous biscuit sandwiches, but there's more to the menu than pork. Try a veggie breakfast burrito, a house-made bagel, or a fresh fruit bowl if you're after something lighter.
Bars, Breweries & Après-Ski
Craft Breweries & Distilleries
Hideaway Park Brewery: A favorite among Winter Park locals, with rotating craft beers and a casual atmosphere. Grab a hot dog from Fraser Valley Hot Dog next door and settle in for a drink, especially when the sun's out.
Idlewild Spirits Distillery: A downtown address for locally distilled spirits, well-mixed cocktails, and proper pub food. Order a tasting flight to sample the house spirits, or go straight for a cocktail and a plate of wings.
Fraser Valley Distilling: This family-run distillery in Fraser makes its own whiskey, gin, vodka, and other spirits, with tasting flights and cocktails available at the bar. There's also a food menu, a heated patio, and outdoor fire pits.
Big Trout Brewing Company: Find this downtown brewery in Cooper Creek Square, where the taps pour house-made beers and the kitchen serves burgers, pub classics, and pork green chili.
Après-Ski & Mountaintop Bars
Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge (Closed from late April through mid-June): At 10,700 feet, this mountaintop restaurant has spectacular Continental Divide views, plus casual lunch options such as burgers, sandwiches, and soups, with beer and cocktails at the bar. During winter, you can take the gondola up for special après-ski events, drinks, and mountain views after dark.
Lunch Rock Restaurant & High Craft Bar (Closed throughout the entire spring, summer, and fall - from late April through late November): Perched at 11,200 feet in Mary Jane territory, this ski-in, ski-out restaurant is another great lunch stop for burgers, sandwiches, hot meals, and craft beers, with spectacular views from its large outdoor deck.
Indoor Attractions & Family Culture
Museums & Historical Sites
Headwaters River Journey: This interactive museum at Baker Drive explores the Colorado River headwaters, wildlife, and water conservation through more than 30 exhibits.
Cozens Ranch Museum: Between Winter Park and Fraser, this preserved 19th-century homestead tells the story of the valley's early settlement, stagecoach travel, and ranching history.
Indoor Recreation & Shopping
Grand Park Community Recreation Center: Located in Fraser, this recreation center offers an indoor swimming pool, lazy river, water slide, climbing facilities, and fitness areas. Day passes suit families looking for an active afternoon away from the mountain.
Cooper Creek Square: Downtown Winter Park's pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining center is worth a wander. Browse local shops, stop for a meal, or settle into one of its restaurants and breweries. Seasonal events and outdoor gatherings also take place here.
Ready for Some Mountain Time?
Mountain adventures come in all shapes and sizes, and having the right place to return to makes every day even better. At Winter Park Lodging Company, our collection of more than 100 vacation rentals offers something for every type of traveler, backed by local expertise and friendly guest services every step of the way.
Happy planning, and see you in Winter Park!