Winter Park Travel Guide

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Fresh Powder Trails © Debate Lord

Overview: Winter Park has been increasing in popularity over the last few years and the resort management, Intrawest Corp. are putting some funding ahead for new improvements. The resort sits at over 9,000 feet (2,743m) above sea level, and is roughly one and a half hours away from Denver, in the snow and ski heavyweight state of Colorado. Spread over more than 3,000 acres of ski terrain are 134 trails, most of which will suit the more advanced skiers and boarders. Linked with Winter Park are Mary Jane, Vasquez and Parsenn Bowl, suited only to intermediates and expert skiers and riders. The resort is popular with locals and those in the know, and one of the favourites in the hearts of snowboarders from all over Colorado for its wonderful parks and the great community spirit.
Skiing: Winter Park is for those who come to ski resorts to make the most of the actual skiing and snowboarding. The resort boasts that it receives more snow than any other resort in Colorado, with 365 inches (927cm) recorded in the 2005/2006 season. The numerous runs leave little room for amateurs and the resort is popular with skiers from Denver and the surrounding areas, many of whom have been skiing all their lives and can get the most out of the complex terrain. The award-winning parks include Railyard, Dark Territory, the Superpipe and Dog Patch. Winter park is also home to a large disabled skiers program.
Shopping: Around the village one can purchase most skiing and snowboarding necessities but it is better to head to the town of Winter Park itself for anything else. Although the town is small there are a number of boutique stores selling such items as cigars, at Cuban Crafters Cuban Style Cigars, clothes at Wear Me Out Shirt Company and collections of local and other various art at either Belerique Galleries or the Elk Horn Art Gallery. There are enough places to buy groceries for anyone in the self-catering mood.
Restaurants: There certainly will be enough to choose from in this resort, for every budget and taste. The Ranch House Restaurant at Devil's Thumb is rocketing to popularity, preparing some of the best steaks and seafood in town. For continental flavour there is the The Gasthaus Eichler with traditional German/Austrian fare. Deno's is popular with the locals and reasonably priced with a selection of pastas, shrimp, steak and chicken. And for families Hernando's Pizza & Pasta Pub comes highly recommended from the locals.
Nightlife: Although a small town, there are a few great bars that offer a chance to experience the cheery hospitality. The Derailer Bar has recently been renovated and is one of the most popular places to be for après ski. The Pub is a favourite for locals and the beer really flows, while the Shed has good deals on margaritas. The Untamed Steakhouse at Wildcreek has great live music and is a good place to wallow through the later hours, as is Randi's Irish Saloon, a good, perhaps the best, dance venue in town.
Activities: There is more than just flying down the slopes on skis. Winter Park has a range of snow-associated activities including scenic chairlift rides, snowshoe tours, tubing, mountain tours and snowcat tours. During summer, the resort offers a variety of activities including biking, hiking, mini-golf and even a human maze.
Negatives: The resort is mainly for intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders, as a majority of the runs are quite difficult.