Grinches be gone! This year at Winter Park Resort, we are feeling the Holiday Spirit. If you are visiting us for your family vacation this magical time of year, we’ve compiled a list of the festive activities at Winter Park Resort and in the surrounding areas!
1. Letters to Santa & Santa In the Village
Everyone’s favorite chubby man is at Winter Park Resort. December 17 and 18th Santa will be in the Village, so stop by and say “hi!” The elves told us he will drop in between 3:00-5:00pm at the Village Gazebo for weekend meet and greets!
If you can’t make it to one of the days he is in town, we have a special Santa’s mailbox set up on your way to the Cabriolet. Pick up one of the postcards, located at each of the Village restaurants, write your letter, drop it in the mailbox, and you’ll be entered into our Christmas Bike Give Away!
Anyone can pick up a tree from a lot, but did you know that if you’re staying in Winter Park, for $10, you can go chop your own? Make tree hunting a new tradition this year, and even rent some snow shoes for the snowy adventure. Permits may be purchased at Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply in Fraser or at the Winter Park Information Center. Check here for more information.
3. Christmas Shopping at Burton’s Grand Opening
Need to do some last minute shopping? We get it, you put it off and now you’re on your vacation, and you still NEED to get a few more stocking stuffers. It happens to the best of us. Have no fear! Burton is here. December 17th, our new Burton Store is kicking off with a Grand Opening event! Ride down the mountain with Santa from 8:30am-9:30am and you could win one of our 2 special giveaways! Then, join us for free coffee and donuts before you shop our Burton selection. It’s like you’re getting rewarded for waiting to shop. If midday is more your style and you haven’t greeted a day at 8:30am in quite a while, join us for our noon group ride! Check our more information here.
4. Vertical Anniversary Party
Vertical is a year old! Come help us celebrate on December 14, 4:00pm-6:00pm. With complimentary samples and beer and wine discounts, you’ll be hooked. Here’s their full menu because we know you’ll want to come back for dinner. Want to plan a night out without the kids? Our Kids’ Night Out Program stars December 15th! Spend more than $25 at Vertical, or any of our Village shops and restaurants and the program is FREE! Call 970-726-1565 to reserve your spot, more details here.
5. Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade
Whether it’s your first time joining us or the Torchlight is part of your holiday traditions, you don’t want to miss this yuletide fun. Gather at our blazing bonfire next to the Zephyr lift as early as 4pm, and then at 5:30pm, the procession of Indian Joneses in training (AKA our torch-bearing skiers and boarders), will be riding down Lower Hughes. Santa will follow behind before the spectacular fireworks display concludes the lighted excitement.
At 6pm, we will host an interdenominational Christmas Eve service in West Portal.
6. New Years at Granby Ranch
Whether you’re looking to ring in the New Year with a sleepy toddler on your hip or a glass of champagne in your hand Granby Ranch may have the right party for you!
Their Family Party includes a DJ, photo booth, fireworks, and is open to all ages! It is a sure way to celebrate 2017 with the whole fam.
The VIP Party is for a 21+ crowd. Your ticket gets you two drink tickets, dessert bar access, and live music from Natural Geometry.
Get more info on both parties here.
Just because you are spending your holidays away from home doesn’t mean that you will have to be without good food! Christmas Eve, Christmas Night, and New Year’s Eve venture up to Sunspot for their 5 Course Fine Dining menu. Ride the Gondola at the Zephyr Lift up to the Lodge at Sunspot, where you can indulge in delectable dinners while watching the stars and the Valley lights twinkle against the shadowy outline of the Continental Divide. Make your reservation now!