Though our charming town of Winter Park feels miles away from it all, nestled in Arapaho National Forest over the Continental Divide, it’s only 66 miles from Denver. Don’t be fooled by our convenient location– Winter Park is a true Colorado mountain town with a character all its own.
You may already know about Winter Park’s 3,000+ acres of world-class terrain and hundreds of activities to do outside of skiing and riding. But, you might not know about these great experiences off the beaten path. Check out these 6 hidden gems of Winter Park!
Snowcat & S’mores Tour
A lot happens after last chair! After a day of skiing the legendary Mary Jane or sliding down the Coca-Cola Tubing Hill, kick back and relax on a scenic snowcat tour. Load into the heated tour cat and watch the sunset over the Fraser Valley with Parry Peak illuminated by alpenglow. Make your way to Lunch Rock at the top of Mary Jane, where you’ll enjoy s’mores and beverages for the entire family. Tours are on Thursday, Friday, & Saturday evenings only, so get yours booked before it’s too late!
Albert ★★★★★ – “We had a great time on this tour. … John, our guide, was great. He gave us a lot of history about Winter Park and was helpful in taking many pictures of our family (better than selfies). We would definitely recommend this tour.”
Hot Springs
Think swimsuits & snow don’t mix? Think again! There’s nothing quite like soaking in hot springs to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul after a day in the snow. Hot Sulphur Springs Resort is about a 35-minute drive from Winter Park. They have 21 natural hot springs ranging in temperatures from 95º to 112ºF and are open from 8am-10pm daily. That means you have plenty of time to ski or ride all day, grab food from Doc’s Roadhouse (you can order online!), head to the springs, and get at least 2 hours of quality relaxation before the end of the night. Hot Sulphur Springs Resort also offers Swedish and Deep Tissue massages for the ultimate comfort and recovery.
Guided Early Lift Access
What’s better than waking up early, loading the Gondola 1 hour before the lifts open, and skiing fresh powder with a local? We can answer that for you: nothing! Our Ski & Ride Guides can make that dream come true. Spending the day with a guide is the best way to learn about the mountain, find your new favorite run, or a spot on the mountain that you never knew existed. They might even let you in on some local secrets while you are skiing runs all to yourself!
Cross Country Ski or Snowshoe in The Fraser Experimental Forest
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are great ways to spend time in nature, take in the views of the beautiful snow-covered mountains, and of course, get a great workout in. Our favorite place to do these activities is in the Fraser Experimental Forest. On your way to the Experimental Forest, stop by Epic Mountain Sports to get your rentals! The Experimental Forest is on County Road 73 and is just west of the town of Fraser. For beginners, Northwest Passage is a great option because it’s relatively flat and has wide-open views. For those who want to step it up a notch, take a shot at Flume. Enjoy as you walk next to a creek with iconic views of Byers Peak!
Fraser Valley Distilling
The Distillery is known for their handcrafted cocktails, but what the locals rave about are the fries! (They are seriously a must try!) Whether it’s for an afternoon snack, catching up with friends, or grabbing a drink after a long day of adventures, Fraser Valley Distilling is a great spot. If you are in town on a Sunday, be sure to check out their brunch.
*BONUS EVENING ACTIVITY* The Foundry
Bowling, movies, pizza, and beer, what more would you want? The Foundry is the only movie theater & bowling alley in the area and is a great place to spend the evening with the crew. With 8 lanes of bowling, billiards, and arcade games, everyone will find something they love, no matter the age. Plus, grab some pizza & an adult beverage and watch a movie in one of the full-size theaters. Located conveniently in Winter Park, The Foundry is sure to be right up your alley 😉.
This winter, whether it’s your 1st, 5th, or 100th time visiting Winter Park, discover something new! Read our ‘100 Things To Do This Winter’ blog for more ways to Venture Out.