We know that  summer’s been on your mind these past few months– but we’ve been thinking about winter all year long and working on big projects around the mountain. And good news: we’re excited to kick off the 2024/25 winter season with a few new things to make this your best winter with us yet. Here’s what we’ve been working on this summer: 

Major Snowmaking Upgrades 

This season, we’re debuting our newly upgraded $37 million snowmaking system—the first major upgrade since the original system was installed in the late 1970s. This new system will work more efficiently, allowing us to open more terrain quickly as we start skiing for the season. The upgrade includes: 

• Four new pump houses that manage water intake, storage, and flow throughout the mountain, enhancing the pressurization needed to create snow faster. 

• A 13-million-gallon reservoir pond to better manage water retention and usage. 

• Seven miles of new water pipes installed throughout the mountain, designed to meet current snowmaking needs and future expansions. 

• Advanced technology including new compressors, pumps, 20,000 feet of electrical wiring, and nearly 200 new snowmaking guns. 

The upgraded system now pumps up to 6,000 gallons of water per minute, more than doubling the capacity of the old system, which operated at 2,400 gallons per minute. This means we’ll be able to take advantage of cold snaps earlier in the fall, allowing for more efficient snowmaking and better base coverage across the mountain. Get ready for those temps, winter is on the way! 

New Opportunities To Save On Learning 

We’re committed to making skiing and snowboarding accessible for families and beginners. That’s why this season, kids 14 and younger can ski for free with a complimentary daily lift ticket when booking a kids group lesson. (Psst, this deal is available for a limited time, so make sure to lock in savings now.) 

Did you know that kids rent for free, too? Kids receive a free ski or snowboard rental with an adult rental of 3+ days, making it even easier for young skiers and riders to hit the slopes as a family. 

New to skiing, at any age? We’ve got you covered. On top of being named Best For Beginners by the Wall Street Journal last season, our Learn To Ski package will get you on the hill for the first time with a lift ticket, group lesson, and gear rental from $169 (plus the option to take 2 additional discounted lessons). Think you’ll learn to ski by then? We think so, too. That’s why our Learn to Ski package also comes with a Learn To Ski Guarantee: if a new skier or snowboarder can’t ski our ten designated easiest green trails by the end of their third lesson, the fourth lesson is on us. 

And if you’re not a beginner but want to keep learning, we’ve got something for you, too! Back by popular demand this season, our 60-Minute Pro Tips lessons are $99, 60-minute sessions with an expert Ski Instructor. These quick, one-on-one lessons are ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders looking for some expert advice. (Bonus: sessions start at 8am daily, giving you early access to the mountain.) 

Speaking of early mountain access, you can also purchase an Early Ups add-on to your season pass or day ticket, granting you up to an hour of fresh powder or corduroy before the slopes open to the public. These add-ons are limited and will sell out quickly, so make sure to grab yours soon! 

Refuel With New Locations On The Mountain & At The Base 

Is that your stomach growling? Well, we’ve got a solution for that! Or rather, many new (and delicious) solutions that we’re excited to share with you ahead of this winter:

This is our first full season enjoying Sundog Taproom, the latest hot spot in the heart of our base village across from the Gondola. This casual eatery and taproom offers over 130 seats and 30 self-serve taps of beer, wine, and cocktails. You can enjoy the unique experience of serving yourself from a grand tap wall, along with a menu featuring cocktails, wine, and shareable snacks. 

We are also looking forward to some new, local partners at the mountain this season:

Further acknowledging and enhancing our Native and Indigenous history, we’re honored to be partnering with Tocabe, an American Indian Eatery, based out of Denver. Tocabe will be offered at the Outpost at the top of the Wild Spur Express in Vasquez Ridge, as well as providing offerings in the Mary Jane Café. Winter Park will offer Tocabe-made chili at its other on-mountain food and dining establishments. 

Supporting local agriculture, we’ll be offering Fitch Ranch free range beef at select food and dining establishments around the resort this season. Sitting on more than 18,000 acres in the high mountains, Fitch Ranch is a family-owned and operated ranch in Grand County, the same county we’re proud to be a part of. Come see Fitch Ranch’s dedicated space at Mary Jane Café this winter! 

Upgraded Eagle Wind Trail Signs 

We continue our commitment to recognizing Indigenous perspectives and presence in the mountains with the upgraded Eagle Wind Trail signs as part of the “Heniiniini’: There is Snow on the Ground” public art installation. These trail signs, translated into native Arapaho language with the help of an Arapaho linguist, honor the mountain’s history and the Indigenous people who have inhabited this land since time immemorial. 

Whether it’s learning to ski, cruising fresh powder, or enjoying lunch with a view, the 24/25 season is shaping up to be one of our best yet. Time to get out your gear for a tune-up—we  can’t wait to see you on the slopes!