Need a Rocky Mountain adventure with year-round outdoor thrills? Head to Winter Park, Colorado! Known for world-class skiing, mountain biking, and alpine charm, Winter Park is the ultimate basecamp for high-elevation fun. Whether you’re carving fresh powder, hiking wildflower meadows, or sipping après drinks with a view, Winter Park delivers excitement and relaxation in equal measure.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Winter Park depends on your interests. Winter (November to April) is ideal for skiing and snow sports. Summer (June to September) brings mild weather perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and festivals. Fall offers fewer crowds and beautiful foliage.
Tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: Winter Park is located along U.S. Highway 40, about 1.5–2 hours northwest of Denver via Berthoud Pass.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Winter Park Express offers direct weekend service from Denver’s Union Station during ski season.
- By Air: Fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), then drive or shuttle to Winter Park (about 90 miles).
Where I like to stay
- Zephyr Mountain Lodge – Ski-in/ski-out condos right at the base of Winter Park Resort with hot tubs and great views.
- Gravity Haus Winter Park – Boutique hotel with stylish rooms, gear rentals, co-working space, and a community vibe.
- Fraser Crossing / Founders Pointe – Comfortable condos near the lifts and the Village for easy access to dining and fun.
Top Attractions
1. Ski at Winter Park Resort
From ice skating and snow tubing to snowman making and skiing, visitors of all ages will find something they love at the Winter Park Resort. You can choose on what you want to do based on your priorities like activities that are kid-friendly or challenging climbs for experts. If it’s your first time, the resort offers classes and guided adventures for almost everything. Some of the activities you’ll come across are snow tubing, skiing, sledding, Snowcat tours, snowshoeing, ski biking, fat biking, sled rides, and more. In addition to these fun things to do, the resort also houses a number of dining and accommodation options for visitors to indulge in.
Address: 85 Parsenn Road, Winter Park, CO 80482, Phone: 970-726-5514
2. Take the kids to the Coca-Cola Tube Hill
One of Winter Park Resort’s most entertaining attractions, the Coca-Cola Tube Park is an activity that the entire family will enjoy. There are four separate lanes with banked curves that will drive you down at exhilarating speeds. Get on the single or double tubes and hold on for the ride. Once you get to the bottom, get on the covered conveyor lift and ride back to the top to do it all over again. Afterwards, head to the Hill House warming lodge and feast on freshly baked cookies and specialty hot cocoa. Additional amenities at the lodge also include restrooms.
Address: Winter Park Resort: 85 Parsenn Road, Winter Park, CO 80482, Phone: 970-726-2349
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
3. Explore the historic Moffat Tunnel West Portal
The Moffat Tunnel West Portal was the brainchild of David Moffat, an industrialist and Colorado railroad pioneer, who came up with the solution of the tunnel to avoid the costs of dealing with severe snow conditions. The railroad and water tunnel provide a link that cuts through the Continental Divide in Colorado. You can view and explore the historic West Portal which can be found near the Winter Park Resort. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the gigantic coal trains which come through the tunnel every now and again. Make sure to take your camera with you because you’ll be able to capture some really nice photos of the tunnel and its surroundings.
Address: 670 Winter Park Drive, Winter Park, CO 80482
4. Learn about pioneer times at the Cozens Ranch House Museum
Situated on the banks of the Fraser River, the Cozens Ranch House Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the life of pioneer times from the late 1800s. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only museum in the entire Winter Park - Fraser Valley region. You’ll be able to travel back in time to the first homestead in Fraser Valley, that once spanned over 600 acres, and when pioneer ranching and stagecoach travel were the norm. There are over twelve rooms in the museum dedicated to exhibits which portray the people and events from the area’s local history.
Address: 77849 US-40, Winter Park, CO 80446, Phone: 970-726-5488
If you are traveling with kids:
5. Go bird watching in Vasquez Peak Wilderness
Vasquez Peak Wilderness is one of Colorado’s most recent additions to their wilderness areas and is a great place to take in the amazing mountain views without the hustle and bustle you may come across in busier wilderness areas like Eagles Nest or Indian Peaks. During the summer months, Vasquez Peak is renowned for the clusters of wildflowers you’ll come across. The 17-mile-long trail system is categorized as being moderate to difficult and may prove to be strenuous to hikers at certain points. If you’re planning on staying overnight, backpack camping is possible along the Continental Divide Trail and you can camp in your car on the Jones Pass Road.
6. Take the kids to Amaze'n Mazes
You may have gone through some amazing mazes in your lifetime, but none will compare to the Amaze'n Mazes you’ll come across at Winter Park Resort. People of all ages, from young to old, have a great time trying to get through this timed maze to not only find a way out but to also collect pieces of a puzzle along the way. If you get through the twists and turns within a certain amount of time, you’ll win a fun prize. If you’re not in the mood to navigate through the maze but want to make sure the little ones are having a good time, just head on to the lookout point above.
Address: 677 Winter Park Drive, Winter Park, CO 80482
7. Check out Grand Adventures
Grand Adventures offers some of the most thrilling, hair-raising snowmobiling and off road vehicle adventures in the state. Their tours are safe, fun, and perfect for riders of any age and ability as they can be customized accordingly. You can choose to rent a snowmobile and go on an unguided adventure on their well-marked trail in Beaver Village; this allows you to explore at your own pace and you’ll be prepared with an overview of the area, machine orientation, and maps to keep you on route. Their Continental Divide Guided Tour from Winter Park Mountain Lodge is a great option too; it follows the historic “Moffat” railroad route and its wide, groomed trails are perfect for beginner riders.
Address: Downtown Winter Park/ Beaver Village: 79303 US HWY 40, Winter Park, CO 80482
The Winter Park Mountain Lodge: 81699 U.S. HWY 40, Winter Park, CO 80482, Phone: 970-726-9247
8. Have fun at Trestle Bike Park
With over 40 miles of gravity fed dirt paths and the largest rental fleet in the nation, there’s no better place to get your mountain biking thrills than at Trestle Bike Park. The trails are awesome and perfectly wound to ensure you have a mind-blowing experience. They’re constantly expanding their trail system so every time you go, there’s more dirt to shred. It’s simple: you get a pass, rent a bike, and start exploring. Experienced guides will ensure that you’ve taken every safety precaution and that you’re familiar with your gear; they can also help you pick a trail that right for you based on skill and time available.
Address: 85 Parsenn Road, Winter Park, CO 80482, Phone: 970-726-5514
9. Spend a romantic morning with Grand Adventure Balloon Tours
Grand Adventure Balloon Tours really is a treat and offers one of the best views of the Rocky Mountains and its surroundings. Fodor’s has even recognized it as one of the “Best 10 Balloon Rides in the US”. The hot air balloon rides are available all year long and give you the opportunity to explore something grand - you’ll some breathtaking views of Colorado and its flora and fauna without the crowd. You’ll be glad to know that Grand Adventures has been around for over 25 years and the captain holds a perfect safety record, so not only will you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience but you’ll also be completely secure. All hot air balloon rides include a traditional champagne toast, breakfast, a launch photo, commemorative certificate, and an album of your adventure.
Address: 220 County Road 522, Fraser, CO 80442, Phone: 970-887-1340
10. Have lunch at Pizza Pedal'r
The ultimate Colorado experience includes riding bikes, eating pizza, and drinking local craft beers. At Pizza Pedal'r they combine it all so that you have a memorable, all-in-one visit. The local, family-owned business can be found right in the middle of some of the most inspiring mountain biking trails in the area. After your adventure, head on over for some of the best pizza you’ve ever tasted - all made fresh after you order. Start your meal with appetizers like chicken wings and cheesy garlic bread. Afterwards, make your own pizza or choose from one of their specialty pizzas such as the Wild Pigs with bacon, pepperoni, and sausage, or the Grinder with pesto sauce, chicken, and roasted red peppers.
Address: 125 Parry Peak Way, Winter Park, CO 80482, Phone: 970-726-5944
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Fraser Valley Trail System – Hike or bike scenic alpine trails through meadows, forests, and wildflower-filled valleys.
- Hideaway Park – Relax, picnic, or catch a live show in this central community park with mountain views.
- Colorado Adventure Park – Snow tubing, snowshoeing, and sledding fun just a short drive from downtown.
Where I Like to Eat
- Deno’s Mountain Bistro – Cozy après-ski favorite serving steaks, seafood, and craft cocktails since 1976.
- The Ditch on 40 – New Mexico-style eats with legendary green chile, burgers, and local brews.
- Pepe Osaka’s Fish Taco Tequila Bar – Fusion tacos, sake margaritas, and laid-back vibes in a local hotspot.
My favorite local events:
- Winter Park Jazz Festival (July) – Two-day outdoor music fest with top jazz, funk, and R&B acts in Hideaway Park.
- Venture Out Fest (June) – Kick off summer with music, adventure demos, food trucks, and mountain activities.
- Oktoberfest (September) – Beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian flair in the crisp fall mountain air.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Winter Park, Colorado:
- Fraser (10 min) – Chill mountain town with breweries, tubing hills, and the Fraser Valley Rec Center.
- Granby (25–30 min) – Go boating or fishing on Lake Granby, or explore the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Hot Sulphur Springs (30 min) – Soak in mineral-rich hot springs in a peaceful mountain setting.
- Berthoud Pass (20–25 min) – Scenic drive or snowshoe up this high alpine route for panoramic views.
- Vasquez Ridge (15–20 min) – Hike or bike through pristine backcountry terrain with epic scenery.
Plan Your Trip