Vanlife in Winter Park Colorado | Berthoud Pass Backcountry Skiing and Winter Camping
If you are looking for what winter vanlife in Colorado really looks like, this week in Winter Park and Berthoud Pass is about as real as it gets.
We left Summit County and set up basecamp in Winter Park, Colorado, spending several days winter camping, touring in the backcountry, dropping into Denver for a quick reset, and finishing the week with resort laps at Arapahoe Basin.
It was a full mix of cold weather vanlife, backcountry skiing, resort riding, and the day to day logistics that come with living on the road in winter.
Winter Camping in Winter Park Colorado G Lot
We kicked things off by settling into Winter Park and camping in G Lot, one of the most popular overnight parking areas near Winter Park Resort.
Winter camping here is simple but rewarding.
Cold mornings with frost on the windows
Snowy nights surrounded by quiet mountain views
Easy access to the resort and nearby backcountry terrain
G Lot is a go to option for vanlifers and skiers looking to stay close to the action without needing a traditional campsite.
Vanlife Routine in Winter Park
Life in the van during winter follows a different rhythm.
Mornings start slow with coffee and warming up the space
Days revolve around snowboarding or backcountry touring
Evenings are about staying warm, cooking simple meals, and finding a good place to park
Winter Park is one of the best places in Colorado to settle into this kind of routine, thanks to its mix of access and convenience.
Big Trout Brewing in Winter Park
Before heading into a big stretch of backcountry days, we made a stop at Big Trout Brewing in Winter Park.
It is one of the best local spots in town for a relaxed meal and a good beer after time outside. Places like this make Winter Park feel more than just a ski destination.
Backcountry Skiing at Berthoud Pass Colorado
The main focus of the week was backcountry skiing at Berthoud Pass.
Located along US Highway 40 between Winter Park and Empire, Berthoud Pass is one of the most popular backcountry skiing and splitboarding areas in Colorado.
We spent four days touring here, and it delivered exactly what you would expect.
Early starts
Windy ridgelines
High alpine views
Quiet descents away from resort crowds
Even with a developing snowpack, it felt incredible to spend multiple days exploring the terrain and settling into a rhythm.
What Makes Berthoud Pass Unique
Berthoud Pass stands out for a few reasons.
Easy roadside access to terrain
A wide range of routes for different experience levels
Close proximity to both Denver and Winter Park
It is one of the best places in Colorado to get into backcountry skiing or splitboarding, but it also requires proper avalanche awareness and preparation.
Reset at Grand County Recreation Center
After several long days in the backcountry, we made time for a reset at the Grand County Recreation Center in Fraser, just outside Winter Park.
This has become one of our favorite stops while traveling in the area.
Full gym access
Hot showers
Space to recover and reset
If you are living out of a van in winter, places like this are essential for staying consistent and comfortable.
Dropping into Denver Colorado
From Winter Park, we made a quick trip down to Denver.
The drive over Berthoud Pass into the city is one of the most scenic transitions in Colorado, going from high alpine terrain to a full urban environment in a relatively short time.
Denver Stops and Community Time
While in Denver, we took advantage of a few things that are harder to access in the mountains.
We met up with friends at Linger, one of the most popular restaurants in Denver
Got in another workout and shower at Planet Fitness
Spent time helping host a baby shower for friends
It was a reminder that even while living on the road, there is still space for community and connection.
Back to the Mountains at Arapahoe Basin
After Denver, we headed back into the mountains to wrap up the week.
We spent a day riding at Arapahoe Basin, located near Keystone in Summit County.
After several days in the backcountry, it felt great to get back on lift accessed terrain and ride with friends. We linked up with Jamie’s best friend Bridget, which made the day even better.
A Basin is always a solid place to finish out a stretch of travel in Colorado.
Balancing Backcountry and Resort Riding
One of the biggest takeaways from the week was how valuable it is to mix backcountry days with resort riding.
Backcountry offers solitude and exploration
Resorts provide consistency and ease
Together, they create a balanced experience
In Colorado, having access to both within a short drive is one of the biggest advantages.
Why Winter Park and Berthoud Pass Are Ideal for Vanlife
This area offers a unique combination that works extremely well for vanlife.
Access to Winter Park Resort
Immediate proximity to Berthoud Pass backcountry terrain
Nearby towns like Fraser for services and amenities
Close enough to Denver for resupply and community
It is one of the best regions in Colorado for winter travel on the road.
Final Thoughts
This week was a full circle look at what winter vanlife in Colorado really looks like.
Camping in the snow in Winter Park
Touring for multiple days at Berthoud Pass
Resetting in Denver
Finishing with a day at Arapahoe Basin
It is not just about chasing snow. It is about balancing adventure, logistics, and everyday life on the road.
If you are thinking about winter vanlife or planning a Colorado ski trip that includes both resort and backcountry terrain, this route is one of the best ways to experience it.
Watch the Full Episode
Check out the full Detour Diaries episode to follow along with the entire week, from Winter Park camping to Berthoud Pass touring and riding at Arapahoe Basin.
