Your Guide for Things to Do in Winter Park, CO
Mountain Access, All Season Long
Things to Do in Winter Park, CO in the Fall and Winter
Winter here doesn't slow things down—it just changes the gear. With one of the longest ski seasons in Colorado, the colder months offer high-energy fun, cozy town events, and plenty of powder.
World-Class Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing in Winter Park, CO, is the rhythm of life here and one of the best things to do in Winter Park, CO. The resort typically opens in mid-November and stays open through mid-to-late April, covering over 3,000 acres of diverse terrain across two distinct experiences:
The Winter Park Mountain: Ideal for families and intermediate skiers, featuring wide, perfectly groomed runs, vast learning areas, and the main base village.
The Legendary Mary Jane Mountain: Famous for its challenging moguls, steep tree runs, and deep powder—offering some of the most advanced, technical terrain in Colorado.
Lessons & Programs:
Ski & Ride School:
Whether you are a first-timer, looking to master moguls, or enrolling a child in a multi-week program, the renowned Winter Park Ski + Ride School offers lessons for all ages and abilities.
Nordic Lessons: If you are looking to learn the sport of cross-country skiing or refine your technique, Devil’s Thumb Ranch and Snow Mountain Ranch (YMCA of the Rockies)are the most popular lesson options in the area. Both locations offer expert instruction and equipment rentals on extensive networks of groomed trails.
Adaptive Programs: Winter Park is home to the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), offering inclusive winter sports programs for all athletes.
Access:
Getting to the slopes has never been easier—The Lift (Winter Park’s free shuttle) stops right at Sojourn at Idlewild, delivering you seamlessly to the base area.
Trail-Based Winter Fun
The same trails you hike in summer become prime spots for winter recreation. The nearby Idlewild Trail System offers miles of quiet terrain for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. These trails allow you to escape the resort crowds and enjoy the peaceful side of a Winter Park winter.
Relaxing Thermal Waters: Hot Sulphur Springs
After a long day on the mountain, nothing compares to soaking in natural geothermal pools. Hot Sulphur Springs is a short, scenic drive from Winter Park and offers multiple mineral-rich thermal pools, perfect for relaxing muscles and unwinding. This is a must-do local wellness activity during the cooler months.
Things to Do in Winter Park, CO in the Spring and Summer
Biking, Rolling & Gliding into Adventure
The trail network is massive, covering everything from lift-served downhill at Trestle Bike Park to rolling cross-country routes.
- Mountain Biking: Find lift-served downhill, rolling cross-country, and everything in between—all within easy reach of Sojourn.
- Hiking: Explore local favorites like Jim Creek Trail (wildflowers and shade) and the scenic Fraser River Trail.
- Water Fun: Try fly fishing on the Fraser River or plan a day trip to Grand Lake for boating and shopping.
Summer Festivals and Events
The town loves a good celebration, and the calendar is packed with reasons to gather outdoors. Many of these events are walkable from the front door of your modern mountain townhome.
- Major Music Festivals: Enjoy nationally known acts at the Rendezvous Event Center during the Winter Park Jazz Festival and the Blues from the Top Music Festival.
- Community Events: Don't miss free weekly concerts (High-Note Thursdays), the 4th of July Celebration fireworks, and the High Country Stampede Rodeo in nearby Fraser.
- Camping: When you want to truly rough it, excellent options are nearby. You're minutes from Idlewild Campground and the popular dispersed camping areas along Vasquez Road, perfect for a quick weekend escape into the wilderness.
On the Water: Fishing & Boating
When the snow melts, the waterways of Grand County become a primary draw. Whether you prefer the tranquility of a fly rod or the thrill of a powerboat, aquatic adventures are just minutes away.
- Fly Fishing: The Fraser River, which winds through the valley, is a Gold Medal trout stream offering world-class fly fishing for anglers of all levels. Numerous local outfitters offer guided trips and lessons to help you land the big one.
- Boating at Grand Lake: Just a short drive north, Grand Lake—Colorado's largest and deepest natural lake—offers the perfect setting for a day on the water. Rent a pontoon boat for a relaxing cruise, try your hand at sailing, or enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking surrounded by stunning mountain peaks.
Hitting the Links: Golfing in the Rocky Mountains
Golfing at altitude is an experience unlike any other—and not just because your ball flies farther! The Winter Park area boasts four distinct courses, each offering spectacular mountain views, challenging terrain, and pristine fairway conditions.
- Local Courses: Tee off at the scenic Pole Creek Golf Club (a 27-hole local favorite), enjoy the classic mountain layout of Grand Elk Golf Club, test your skills at the challenging Granby Ranch Golf Course, or play a quick nine at the historic Grand Lake Golf Course. No matter your skill level, you'll find a course that suits your game.
Year-Round Dining and Indoor Activities
The things to do in Winter Park, CO, extend well beyond the mountain, offering culture and cuisine within a short walk or drive.
Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
The Winter Park and Fraser Valley beverage scene is booming. Whether you want a sunny patio pint or a fireside cocktail, the local options are diverse and award-winning.
- Craft Breweries & Gastropubs: The area is a haven for beer lovers. Hideaway Park Brewery and Big Trout Brewing Company anchor the downtown Winter Park scene, along with The Noble Buck, a premier gastropub brewing its own beers alongside upscale comfort food. Just down the road in Fraser, you’ll find Vicious Cycle Brewing and Camber Brewing, both offering unique local vibes and rotating seasonal pours.
- Distilleries & Spirits: For handcrafted cocktails and small-batch spirits, visit Idlewild Spirits Distillery on Main Street (known for their creative small plates) or Fraser Valley Distilling, a family-run operation with a devoted local following.
- Wine: Unwind at The Winter Park Winery, a cozy local staple perfect for tasting varietals in a relaxed mountain atmosphere, or explore the sommelier-curated selection at Adventures Decanted, a chic wine bar offering flights and pairings.
Entertainment and Arts
- Headwaters Center: A cornerstone of local culture, the Headwaters Center is a premiere non-profit venue located in downtown. It hosts everything from concerts and weddings to educational programs, and features the immersive "River Journey" museum.
- The Foundry Cinema & Bowl: A local favorite for first-run movies, comfortable luxury seating, and an upscale bowling alley perfect for family nights.
- Winter Park Film Festival: An annual festival celebrating independent filmmakers and mountain culture.
- Art Festivals: Enjoy the annual juried fine arts event, the Winter Park Art Festival, showcasing regional and national artists.