The Best Things to Do on a Fun Mountain Getaway in Winter Park
There’s a reason that Winter Park has been named Colorado’s Top Adventure Town by Elevation Outdoors. It draws crowds to its alfresco scene year-round, home to world-class skiing, mountain biking, fishing and hiking. There’s truly an adventure for everyone in “Colorado’s Playground.”
In winter months, you can plow through fluffy powder at Winter Park Ski Resort and sled your heart out at Fraser Tubing Hill. When the cold departs, biking and hiking trails — along with photo-worthy wildflower fields — reveal themselves from beneath the blanket of melting snow.
For a truly elevated Winter Park visit, book a vacation rental steps away from the chairlifts or tucked away in an aspen forest. Coziness is key for enjoying the ultimate Rocky Mountain retreat.
Shred the Slopes at Winter Park Resort
Winter Park Resort and its sister mountain, Mary Jane Mountain, serve as the town’s mainstay anchors, dominating the skyline as you descend into Fraser Valley. From smooth groomers to steep black diamonds, the mountains’ diverse terrain offers ski slopes designed for both the novice and seasoned skier alike.
Even more adventure can be found at Winter Park’s Railyard Terrain Park, home to a number of jumps, jibs, and rails perfect for both skiing and snowboarding. New to snow sports? Winter Park features a remarkable ski school available for both kids and adults, so you can shake off those first-time nerves and get to practicing your turns.
Enjoy Year-Round Adventures: Mountain Bike, Hike, and Snowmobile
From downhill mountain biking to adventurous snowmobiling, Winter Park has a plethora of outdoor experiences in store for you, no matter the time of year. Visiting during the heart of winter? Include a dog-sledding trip with Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park and a snowmobiling excursion (guided or unguided) with Grand Adventures in your trip itinerary. For more laidback winter days, head to the hills of Fraser Tubing Hill or Coca Cola Tubing Hill at Winter Park for adrenaline-fueled descents down steep, snowy lanes, quickly followed by a hot cocoa in the warming station.
Those who prefer warm weather to the cold will love Winter Park’s vast hiking trails that wind deep into the Rocky Mountains. Berthoud Pass and the James Peak Wilderness are two of the most popular high-elevation trails, but for more recommendations (plus important safety information) you can check out Hiking In Winter Park.
Mountain bikers can keep the good times rolling on the trails of Trestle Bike Park. Grab a lift ticket, rent a bike, and take a class if needed before diving head first down the 40 miles of gravity-fed dirt.
Après Ski on Winter Park’s Main Street
There are those who come to ski and those who come to après ski — thankfully, Winter Park offers the best of both worlds. Prop up your skis (and your feet) for evening refreshments on Main Street. Hernando’s Pizza Pub, Deno’s Mountain Bistro and The Ditch on 40 are classic haunts for after-skiing eats and drinks, while Tabernash Tavern (just up the road) treats your palate to international culinary entrees and an extensive wine list.
Thirsty? We thought so. Grab a cold brew at one of Winter Park’s many breweries like Hideaway Park Brewery and Big Trout Brewing Company. Or, lift your spirits at Idlewild, offering everything from locally made whiskey and gin to rum and vodka.
Take a Day Trip Through Grand County
While Winter Park features a lifetime of adventure, don’t miss out on the rest of Grand County’s spectacular sights. Within Grand County, Colorado, you’ll find several quaint mountain towns and a myriad of outdoor destinations.
A quick drive up Highway 40 brings you to Granby, home to family-owned Granby Ranch. Here, the skiing is beginner-friendly, the panoramic views are unparalleled, and summer nights never seem to end.
The valley transforms into an oasis as you make your way north into Grand Lake, an idyllic destination for hiking, leaf peeping, paddle boarding, and boat tours. Additionally, the area is known as the ‘Western Gateway’ to Rocky Mountain National Park, which is truly a sight to behold.
Farther west, discover the Rocky Mountain spa paradise of Hot Sulphur Springs. This small mountain town features Gold Medal Waters for fly fishing, along with 23 thermal pools that line the Colorado River. Rejuvenate sore quads in the natural hot springs before making your way back to your rental.
Rest Easy in Winter Park, CO with Evolve
The moment you book your vacation, you should start looking forward to your trip — not worrying about the little details. When you choose Evolve for your Winter Park vacation rental, you can feel confident that the home you book will live up to our standards.
Every Evolve vacation rental you book comes with a team of hospitality experts, and we’re here to help make your stay more comfortable 24/7. To help you feel even more confident, we created our Rest Easy Promise: if a stay doesn’t match our standards, we’ll make it right.