Winter Park, Colorado - a local favorite. Two mountains in one (Mary Jane + Winter Park), 360° views, mountain town charm and runs that range for all skill levels. You can't go wrong in Winter Park, but we are here to help make your planning a little easier.
What should I pack?
- Goggles
- We use wide view, anti fog goggles. These make for a great option to take in the scenery while protecting your eyes from getting sunburnt. Yes, your eyes can get burnt - be careful!
- Helmet
- We love our white helmet, but whatever gives you the most safety and confidence is a great option!
- Hydration Pack
- How else do you prefer to store your cold beer to crack on the lift? Oh, and stay hydrated too... ;)
- LAYERS
- It's difficult to predict how warm you will be when you're out on the slopes ~shredding the gnar~ but we typically layer up in thicker options if it's a powder day/under 30° or pack our breathable options when it's over 30°/sunny (bluebird). Let's break it down!
- Mittens or gloves
- Most snowboarders prefer "lobster" gloves, which help strap in and strap out with ease.
- We personally prefer mittens as we struggle with cold hands and cold feet.
- Ski socks
- We prefer ours heated! If you run warm, regular ski or snowboard socks will do the trick.
- Winter coat
- Winter/snow pants
If you plan to ski the entire duration of your trip, then you have your days FILLED. What more could you need?! Skiing a few runs off the Panoramic Lift area is a MUST. ALL skill levels can enjoy the 360° breathtaking views at the top. To get down, there is a fully groomed, long green run for beginners, a wide, semi-groomed blue bowl (fun to play and practice jumps here!) and black tree and mogul runs.
However if you do NOT ski and are visiting Winter Park because your friends love all that the mountain has to offer, we have tips for you from arrival to departure. Let's start with the drive up....
What should I do?
Thursday (take a couple of days off and start your trip on a Thursday! You deserve it!):
- Pack your car and hit the road.
- Head up I-70 and try to beat winter traffic (we like to take a half day and leave before 3 PM.)
Friday:
- Skiiers + Snowboarders
- Pack a breakfast and hit the SLOPES!
- Break for lunch at a mid-mountain lodge, or pack a energy bar ski right through.
- Pepperoni's! Affordable pizza, tasty beer and a sports bar vibe.
- Meet your ski mates Apres at Derailer Bar for outdoor seating, live music, sunshine and to people watch all skiiers and snowboarders find their way down the mountain.
- Eating in?
- Grab groceries, make a meal and hope you have a hottub to end your night in!
- Eating out?
- Depends what you're craving. Burgers, beer and margaritas? Ditch on 40. Fish Taco's and a margarita? Pepe Osaka's. Upscale American Bistro and delicious wine? Deno's Mountain Bistro.
- Non skiiers + snowboarders
- Dive right into the fun that Winter Park has to offer!
- Snow tubing!
- Travel to Winter Park base with your ski mates and visit the Coca-Cola® Tube Park on resort.
- Head over to Fraser Tubing Hill with your travel buddies and ZIP down that hill.
- Eating in?
- Grab groceries, make a meal and hope you have a hottub to end your night in!
- Eating out?
- Depends what you're craving. Burgers, beer and margaritas? Ditch on 40. Fish Taco's and a margarita? Pepe Osaka's. Upscale American Bistro and delicious wine? Deno's Mountain Bistro.
Saturday
- Skiiers + Snowboarders
- Pack a breakfast and hit the SLOPES!
- Break for lunch at a mid-mountain lodge, or pack a energy bar ski right through.
- Waffle House
- Meet your ski mates Apres at Sunspot Lodge for a mountain top experience - outdoor seating, live music and a sunset to end your day with.
- Eating in? Grab groceries, make a meal and hope you have a hottub to end your night in!
- Eating out? Depends what you're craving. Burgers, beer and margaritas? Ditch on 40. Fish Taco's and a margarita? Pepe Osaka's.
- Non skiiers + snowboarders:
- Winter Park is your oyster!
- Spend some ME time at the spa - Blue Sky Massage.
- Shop Winter Park's convenient shopping center with local artist products, Winter Park clothing and accessories and more!
- Eating in? Grab groceries, make a meal and hope you have a hottub to end your night in!
- Eating out? Depends what you're craving. Burgers, beer and margaritas? Ditch on 40. Fish Taco's and a margarita? Pepe Osaka's.
Sunday
- Whatever you do - you MUST stop at Lewis Sweet Shop for the best ice cream/milkshakes - get it "Avalanche thick". There is a full menu, but the sweet treats are a MUST.