Winter Park ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Winter Park, Colorado.
1. Winter Park Resort
PREMIER MOUNTAIN SKIING EXPERIENCE
Winter Park Resort is a mountain destination providing a mix of skiing and snowboarding runs amidst a vibrant ski town atmosphere. The resort features 134 trails spread across 1,414 acres on three peaks, earning its reputation as 'Colorado's favorite ski area.' Visitors can enjoy complete amenities including dining and shops, plus options for snowshoeing and tubing.
2. Coca-Cola Tubing Hill
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SNOW ADVENTURE
Coca-Cola Tubing Hill offers an exhilarating snow tubing experience for visitors of all ages in Winter Park. Guests can enjoy a simple check-in process where they select their tubes before heading to the slopes. This attraction provides a fun alternative to skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.
3. Winter Park Visitor Center
GATEWAY TO LOCAL ADVENTURES
Winter Park Visitor Center serves as the primary information hub for tourists exploring the Fraser Valley. The center provides maps, brochures, and personalized recommendations to help visitors make the most of their stay. Staff members offer expert guidance on seasonal activities, local dining, and accommodation options throughout the area.
4. Alpine Slide
THRILLING MOUNTAIN DESCENT
Alpine Slide delivers an exhilarating downhill adventure during the summer months at Winter Park. Riders control their own speed as they descend the mountain track on specialized sleds. This attraction offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape while providing an adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers.
5. Vasquez Cirque
EXPERT SKIING TERRITORY
Vasquez Cirque is a 435-acre expert skiing area that challenges even the most accomplished winter sports enthusiasts. The terrain features steep drops, natural obstacles, and ungroomed powder for an authentic backcountry experience. Advanced skiers and snowboarders flock to this section of Winter Park Resort for its technical difficulty and pristine conditions.
6. Mountain Bike Trail System
EXTENSIVE CYCLING NETWORK
Winter Park's comprehensive mountain bike trail system encompasses approximately 500 miles of mapped trails, including 200 miles of marked paths. The network utilizes former logging and ranching roads that accommodate riders of all skill levels from beginners to experts. Summer visitors can explore diverse terrain while enjoying spectacular mountain views throughout the Fraser Valley.
7. Berthoud Pass
SCENIC CONTINENTAL DIVIDE CROSSING
Berthoud Pass crosses the Continental Divide at an elevation of 11,301 feet, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. The pass serves as a gateway to Winter Park and features numerous pullouts where travelers can safely stop for photos and sightseeing. During winter, the area provides premier backcountry skiing and snowboarding opportunities despite no longer having operational lifts or safety personnel.
8. Rollins Pass Road
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN PASSAGE
Rollins Pass Road follows the path of the original railway that crossed the Continental Divide for 24 years until the Moffat Tunnel's completion in 1927. This four-wheel drive route offers adventurous travelers a glimpse into Colorado's transportation history while providing spectacular alpine scenery. The challenging road climbs to high elevations and delivers remarkable views of the surrounding wilderness areas.
9. Arapaho National Forest Fishing
PREMIER ANGLER'S PARADISE
Arapaho National Forest surrounding Winter Park offers exceptional fishing opportunities in pristine mountain waters. Anglers can pursue Rainbow, Brook, Mackinaw, and Cutthroat Trout as well as Kokanee Salmon in the area's numerous lakes and rivers. The diverse aquatic habitats provide fishing experiences suitable for both novice and experienced sportsmen throughout the warmer months.
10. Ice Skating Rink
WINTER RECREATION CLASSIC
The Ice Skating Rink in Winter Park provides a classic winter activity for visitors of all ages and skill levels. Skaters can glide across the smooth surface while enjoying the picturesque mountain backdrop. Equipment rentals and occasional special events enhance the experience for families and individuals looking for outdoor recreation beyond skiing and snowboarding.
11. Scenic Snowcat Tours
MOUNTAIN EXPLORATION ADVENTURES
Scenic Snowcat Tours offer a unique way to explore Winter Park's snowy terrain aboard specialized tracked vehicles designed for winter travel. Passengers enjoy comfortable transportation to remote areas while guides share information about local history, wildlife, and geography. These tours provide access to spectacular vistas and photography opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible to most winter visitors.
12. Winter Park Jazz Festival
SUMMER MUSIC CELEBRATION
The Winter Park Jazz Festival transforms the mountain town into a vibrant music venue during the summer months. This popular event features performances by renowned jazz artists against the backdrop of Colorado's spectacular scenery. Attendees enjoy world-class music while experiencing the festive atmosphere that showcases Winter Park as a year-round destination.
13. Hideaway Park
CENTRAL COMMUNITY SPACE
Hideaway Park serves as a central gathering place for community events and recreational activities in downtown Winter Park. The versatile outdoor space hosts concerts, festivals, and markets throughout the year, bringing together locals and visitors. Its central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the town's shops, restaurants, and nearby attractions.
14. Snowmobiling Adventures
MOTORIZED WINTER EXPLORATION
Snowmobiling Adventures offer thrilling excursions through Winter Park's unique trails and scenic backcountry. Guided tours provide a perfect blend of adrenaline and leisure with well-maintained equipment and optional gear rental. Riders can access remote winter landscapes and enjoy panoramic mountain views that are otherwise difficult to reach during the snowy season.
15. Grand Lake Area
NEARBY LAKESIDE DESTINATION
Grand Lake Area, located near Winter Park, offers a charming lakeside setting with Colorado's largest natural body of water. Visitors can enjoy water activities during summer months or explore the picturesque historic village with its boardwalk shops and restaurants. The area serves as the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, providing additional recreational opportunities throughout the year.