Summer Guides, Summer Itineraries, Venture Out

Top 10 Must-Do Winter Park Experiences

Soak up the high-alpine sun, breathe in the fresh mountain air, enjoy the cool summer temperatures, and most importantly, have fun and make memories with the people you care about the most. Winter Park has endless must-do experiences, ranging from heart-pounding and adrenaline-pumping thrills to peaceful and relaxing moments. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime, and while you’re reading about all the things to do, plug in these Summer Tunes to truly get you in the mountain mood.

1) Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

Just a short (and scenic) 37 miles away sits the crowned jewel of National Parks, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). With 355 miles of hiking trails, 156 alpine lakes, 450 miles of streams and rivers, 60 species of mammals including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose, 77 mountain peaks over 12,000 feet, and nearly 250,000 acres of protected wilderness, you’ll truly be blown away by the natural beauty! RMNP also has the highest continuous paved highway in the nation sitting just over 12,000 feet, Trail Ridge Road.

RMNP requires a reservation for your entry to the National Park. Learn more about the Timed Entry Permit System here.

Does it sound intimidating with all the opportunities for adventure and required reservations? Don’t worry! Venture Out with an experienced local guide that’ll tailor your hike to your wants and needs. Go out and see glacial lakes, snowcapped peaks, and maybe even some wildlife! Package includes entry fee and reservation to RMNP, snacks, and guided service.

experiences, Top 10 Must-Do Winter Park Experiences
Beautiful Glacial Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

2) Reconnect With A Yoga & Hike Experience

Experience total bliss with our newest activity, Hike & Yoga. This serene mountain escape features a short 1.5-mile hike through the forest to warm up and begin your reconnection with nature and yourself. After hiking, you’ll find panoramic mountaintop views where you will stretch and find peace in a 45-minute yoga practice with a certified yoga instructor, suitable for all levels!

For only $44, get a Scenic Gondola ride and a yoga practice with an experienced teacher! There’s only a handful of dates left, so don’t miss out. The remaining classes include August 7 | August 8 | August 14 | August 15 | August 21.

experiences, Top 10 Must-Do Winter Park Experiences
Peaceful Mountaintop Yoga Practice

3) Village Uncorked Presented in Partnership With Rendezvous!

Our favorite mountainside wine festival is back! Sip on wine nestled in the mountains with unlimited samples of over 50+ world-renowned wines supplied by RNDC, plus listen to live music and take in the stunning surrounding mountain views. Snag your tickets now for the best price and we’ll see you August 28 for Village Uncorked!

Skip the drive to and from the event and stay steps away from the excitement with 20% off lodging from 8/27-8/29. Book now here.

experiences, Top 10 Must-Do Winter Park Experiences
Pour Up Some Wine at Village Uncorked!

4) Mountaintop Happy Hour

Enjoy a peaceful ride up the Scenic Gondola to the top of Winter Park where spectacular views, sun-kissed mountains, and relaxation awaits for the perfect end to a day full of activities. Join the Mountaintop Happy Hour festivities every Friday and Saturday from 4-7pm (be sure to catch the last gondola ride up by 6:30pm) during the summer season.

If you’re looking for a more grounded approach, lace up your hiking shoes and hit the Ute hiking trail from the base to Sunspot. Once you’ve reached the mountaintop, you’re sure to have earned a happy hour treat! Check out the hiking trail map here.

Bonus: Purchase a Gondola Pass for $39 after 4pm on Fridays & Saturdays and get a $20 food and drink voucher per pass to use at Sunspot.

experiences, Top 10 Must-Do Winter Park Experiences
Ride the Scenic Gondola to 10,700 feet

5) Free Live Music in the Mountains

Free live music is a summer staple here in Winter Park!

High Note Thursdays: Another can’t-miss music series is High Note Thursdays. Head to downtown Winter Park every Thursday through August 26 for live music at the Rendezvous Event Center stage with a breathtaking mountain backdrop. No need to bring a chair (they’re provided!), but don’t forget your own snacks and refreshing drink for this free local favorite.

experiences, Top 10 Must-Do Winter Park Experiences
High Note Thursdays in downtown Winter Park.

6) Watch a Movie Under the Stars

Join us on our FREE summer experience with Coca-Cola Movie Nights. This family-friendly event takes place every Friday from June 25 – Aug 27 with a range of movies like Disney classics, popular 90’s flicks, and new favorites so kids & adults alike can enjoy! All movies will start about 15 minutes after sunset. You can view all dates, movies, and start times HERE.

Winter Park will provide the movie, chairs, and beautiful surroundings. We recommend that you bring an extra jacket and a blanket because the temps drop when the sun goes down. Also, no movie is complete without some snacks, so bring your popcorn, candy, and a refreshing drink.

experiences, Top 10 Must-Do Winter Park Experiences
Coca-Cola Movie nights are a must-do family event!

7) Summer Tubing & Waterfall Hike

Head over to Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies to experience a traditional winter activity in the summer, Tubing! This tubing hill is the first of its kind in Colorado.

After your tubing adventure, head down the road and go on a short 2.2-mile hike to see a beautiful waterfall! The Waterfall Trail starts within the Snow Mountain Ranch area and is perfect for kids and dogs!

Summer Tubing
Photo credit: Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies

8) Shred Trestle Trails

With over 40 miles of gravity-fed trails, 1st timers & pros alike will get a thrill at Trestle Bike Park. Hit the trails on your own, or tackle Trestle with a coach during a lesson or clinic.

Plus, late night hours are back, so you can shred until 6:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 4.

Get ready for an unforgettable mountain adventure, and we’ll see you out on the trails!

experiences, Top 10 Must-Do Winter Park Experiences
The #1 Downhill Bike Park in the U.S.

9) Go Disc-Golfing

Get ready for a challenge on Winter Park Resort’s 20-hole on mountain disc golf course with some of the best views in Colorado. This challenging course winds through trees then across ski trails with views of the Continental Divide that’ll leave you speechless.

Grab your disc golf ticket for $20 and ride up the Arrow lift to hole 1. After you complete the course, enjoy a ride down the alpine slide to get back to the base.

yellow and black metal signage near trees during daytime
Disc Golf hole within the forest

10) Cruise Down the Alpine Slide

One of the best activities to do at Winter Park in the summer is the Alpine Slide. Take the Arrow lift for a scenic ride up, and top it off by going down 3,000 feet of track with the wind in your hair and sun on your face. The Alpine Slide sleds let you moderate your speed, so speed demons and sightseers can both enjoy this awesome activity!

experiences, Top 10 Must-Do Winter Park Experiences

We were the oldest kids on the mountain at 61! We had a blast … going up and down the mountain on the Alpine Slide over and over! It was one of the most fun things we have done! I can’t wait to go back!!

5 star review – Charlotte M.

Looking for more to do? Read our 100 Things To Do This Summer and Impawsibly Fun Day With Your Pup blogs to get more recommendations.

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