Things To Do At Winter Park Resort Base Area

They say the base is the best place to be while visiting Winter Park! In addition to the base area activities, There is also a variety of stores and restaurants for unbeatable shopping and dining. Whether you are coming in the morning for a full day of play, or heading out after the lifts have stopped, slow down on your way through the base village. There are lots of unique places to shop, dine and enjoy the breathtaking mountain views!

BREAKFAST & LUNCH

When you stay at the base you have plenty of dining choices for any time of the day. For breakfast, head to Goody’s Mountain Creperie and choose from a large variety of sweet and savory breakfast crepes. Another quick option is to grab a warm chocolate croissant and something caffeinated from the friendly baristas at Coffee & Tea Market. 

Lunch options abound in the village, so you’ll want to start thinking about your cravings on your first gondola ride of the morning.  The Coca Cola polar bear welcomes you to Rippy’s Mountain Tavern where you “need” to explore the combination of flavors on the RMT burger. Bourbon-tomato-bacon jam and cheese fondue on a burger…WHAT? Sounds crazy, but we promise you’ll eat the whole thing. Need a little something to get you through the last few runs of the day? Try Pizza Pedal’r for a quick slice between runs. You can also grab a takeout pie or two as you head back to the condo for a quick easy meal everyone will enjoy. 

HAPPY HOUR

In Winter Park, we consider Happy Hour a sport that’s just as popular as skiing, so don’t miss out on the best part of the day. Let your toes relax out of those boots while sipping a world-class margarita and crunching chips and salsa on the patio at Lime Cantina. Located right in the heart of the village, you’ll have the best people watching position. If you are down for some live music, check out the Derailer Bar. With its huge western facing deck you can enjoy the last rays of the day and watch the afternoon carnage of tired skiers on their final run. 

DINNER

If Happy Hour didn’t send you home early, round out your day with a filling meal at Doc’s Roadhouse. Ribs, burgers and meatloaf as good as your mom’s will give you what you need for a good night’s sleep. They can also quench your thirst with handcrafted cocktails and 16 beers on tap. Vertical Bistro is another local favorite with a relaxing atmosphere and locally sourced cuisine. Share a few small plates of firecracker shrimp and bacon cheese fries or dive into a hearty meal ranging from wild mushroom ravioli to a Kobe NY strip or elk filet. If you are looking for a cocktail and meal all built into one the Bloody Mary is your best choice. 

SHOPPING

If you were so excited about your visit to Winter Park that you forgot to pack some of your ski kit, no worries. We’ve got you covered with everything you could need for all weather conditions at the village shops. The Columbia and Burton stores are happy, willing and able to outfit you from head to toe with the latest and greatest outdoor clothing, and equipment. And you know, the better you look, the better you ski. 

Candy isn’t just essential for kids, adults have sweet needs too. Get your sugar rush at Treeline Treats. So many colors, flavors, and styles to choose from ranging from jelly beans to sour worms and everything in between. Go ahead, you’re on vacation. Calories don’t count, especially when you’ve skied all day! 

Need a gift for the dog sitter? Swing into James & Parry’s and peruse their wide variety of Colorado made and inspired gifts. West Portal Outfitters is the best place if you are looking for Winter Park logo gear to prove what a fantastic time you had on your trip. Hats, T-shirts, hoodies and even socks will end up in your bag with no effort at all. Don’t forget to grab that sticker for your rocket box. 

ESSENTIALS & MORE

Did your cooler fit everything but the milk and eggs? You can grab those items along with snacks for the hill and postcards for the folks who couldn’t make the trip at the Trail’s End Mercantile.  A small general store for those little things you need on the fly.

If there is a super cold day during your stay probably best to schedule a warm massage at Alpenglow. Let those tired muscles heal and your skin soak in the oils for an all over rejuvenating effect. Try the Nirvana treatment…60 minutes for your body and a bonus ½ hour just for your feet. It’s a perfect way to say thank you to your feet after putting them in ski boots.