This Front Range mountain has the distinction of being both a local’s hill and a destination resort, though recent and impending upgrades—including the return of the Winter Park Express from Denver’s Union Station and a 10-person gondola replacing the Zephyr Mountain Express—nudge it slightly over to the destination column. Regardless of where they’re coming from, skiers love Winter Park for its high-alpine Parsenn Bowl terrain, the glades and hidden powder stashes in Vasquez Ridge, and, of course, Mary Jane’s legendary moguls, all less than 70 miles from Denver’s airport.

Variety is the name of the game for this gem tucked at the base of Berthoud Pass in the Colorado Rockies. Comprised of two main peaks, Winter Park and Mary Jane, the resort features “lots of family-and kid-friendly groomed terrain, while still having plenty of great challenging terrain for the more advanced skiers to sneak off to for a while.”

On the Winter Park side, fall line options, accessibility, and ski school make Winter Park very kid-friendly while providing more challenging options for advanced skiers. Hop another lift to get to Mary Jane and explore some of the best bumps in Colorado, plentiful tree runs, and the hike-accessed Cirque territory.

Resort Guide 2022—Winter Park Resort, Colo.

Winter Park Mountain Stats

Winter Park Resort Pass

Winter Park, Colo., is on the Ikon Pass. Pass holders get unlimited access to the resort.

Trip Planning

From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Winter Park, Colo.

FAMILY EXPERIENCE

Take a sunset snowcat tour to Vasquez Ridge for firepit S’mores and hot chocolate.

BEST VALUE

Ikon and Winter Park Pass Holders can get a Five Buck Huck—a $5 breakfast burrito—at the Mary Jane base area.

BRAGGING RIGHTS

Find your way to the Cirque Territory for steep headwalls and chutes that funnel into high-angle glades. Getting to the Cirque is a trek, but the mountain views and the adrenaline-inducing lines are worth the venture.

APRÈS-SKI

Fraser Valley Distilling opened a couple seasons ago with two stills; the gin, made with locally sourced juniper, is not to be missed.

ON-MOUNTAIN EATS

Lunch Rock, at the top of Mary Jane, serves up delicious bites with stellar mountain views. Pair the Ratatouille Pizza with the Mary Jane Ale and enjoy the views out on the expansive patio.

BRAGGING RIGHTS 

Ditch the crowds and head over to the Eagle Wind lift, where you can test your legs skiing Thunderbird top to bottom without stopping. Bumps, bumps, and more bumps!

FAMILY ACTIVITY 

Thursdays are Kids Night Out at Winter Park. Drop the little tykes off to enjoy fun activities and snacks while parents can have a date night in the village.

Winter Park’s Website