Winter Park is magical any time of year, but December offers unique adventures that make it an extra special time. Aside from the usual world-class skiing and unbeatable views, here are the top 7 reasons to visit Winter Park in December.
1) Venture Out Fest
On December 11, join us for a day full of FREE snowshoe and ski bike tours, guided skiing with North Face athlete Kit DesLauriers (the first woman to ski Mount Everest), interactive demos from The North Face and Grand County Search and Rescue, a meet and greet with the Winter Park Patrol Pups and Snow Mountain Ranch sled dogs, and enter for a chance to win a full North Face kit. After a day full of adventure, cozy up by the bonfire with a free concert at the base and watch as fireworks illuminate the mountains. Venture Out Fest is on Saturday, December 11 from 9am-6pm.
Looking to stay steps away from the action? Check out our lodging deals here!
2) Learn To Ski Package
Do you or know someone who wants to learn to ski this winter? With the Learn to Ski Package, now you can! For only $149, you get rentals, a half-day lesson, and a full-day lift ticket. Winter Park has great beginner terrain and instructors that’ll tailor the lesson around your skill level. There’s no better place to learn to ski than at Winter Park. Book the Learn To Ski Package by December 8.
3) Be The First To Try Our Newest Offerings
We are excited to tell you that we are bringing in 2 new restaurants to Winter Park! 1 of them is a rendition of live-fire cooking called Ember. Ember is located on the mountain at Snoasis between the Explorer and Prospector Lifts and will feature a live flame cooking up some delicious and mouth-watering meats from around the world.
We are also excited to welcome Stoney’s Bar & Grill to the Winter Park Village. Stoney’s is a popular Denver sports bar known for its casual, easy-going American fare perfect for that post-skiing meal and to watch your favorite sports team.
Check out what else is New This Season at our blog.
4) Find Great Holiday Gifts… Early!
Find a great gift for everyone on your list this year. You can’t go wrong with a stop at James & Parry’s, where you’ll find logo wear for the Winter Park die-hard, decor for those who want to bring a touch of the ski slopes to their home, or this season’s coolest mountain attire. For those adventurous ones in your life, stop by the brand new North Face store for all things outdoors. Based on years of research, you also can’t go wrong with getting them a GoPro Hero 10 and a new Smith helmet to attach it to from West Portal Outfitters. Trust us, we’re (gift-giving) professionals!
5) Cut your own Christmas Tree
It’s the most wonderful time of year… so bring the holiday magic in full force with a new (or maybe just improved) holiday tradition! Don’t just go to any old tree farm to pick out your Christmas tree; mix in a little adventure with a tree hunt in the Arapaho National Forest. Hop in the car, turn up the holiday tunes, and don’t forget a thermos full of hot cocoa. We’ll also add that this is the perfect opportunity to get decked out in your plaid flannel and snap the perfect holiday card photo.
6) Torchlight Parade
Sure holiday cheer is nice and joyful festivities are fun, but the Torchlight Parade is next level! After skiing the day away, don’t cozy up for the night just yet… bundle up and gather around the massive bonfire to watch this spectacular, dare we say explosive, display to the tune of Christmas classics. I wish we could put the experience into words, but it’s best enjoyed in person. Join us on Christmas Eve for this must-see Winter Park tradition. Pair it with Christmas dinner at Sunspot; book here before it fulls up!
7) Tubing
We are expected to open the Coca-Cola Tubing Hill on Friday, December 3! Satisfy your inner speed-demon—without the skis. The best part? Your whole group can hit the tubing lanes together… skiers, boarders, or just a bunch of friends, you’re all part of the tubing crew now. Team up, go head to head, or put everything on hold to fill up on freshly baked cookies and the best hot chocolate in the Valley in the Hill House.
Early December in Winter Park is special and I’ll probably get chased out of town for telling you about it. We have the biggest party of the year on December 11, Venture Out Fest. You can brag about being the first to try all of our new offerings and to ski all the new terrain that opens up daily. And don’t forget about your loved ones while you’re soaking in the beauty of an empty mountain, get them a gift they won’t forget. We guarantee you won’t regret your early December mountain vacation.