How to Ski And Ride Winter Park Ski Resort
Brief Overview
If you’re searching for a resort with beautiful views and solid terrain, look no further than Winter Park Resort. Plus it’s a perfect #vanlife and riding destination. You can find some pretty awesome spots (*weather & crowd dependant) close to the ski resort.
Where to Ski
Whether you’re into steeps & deeps, gladed trees, park features, or world-class bumps Winter Park Resort has a ton to offer.
Trail map
Trails
The Cirque
Saddle up, it’s going to be a hike. The Cirque is well worth the work you put in especially since it’s one of the few parts of the resort with steep bumpless terrain. Personally, I like to do The Cirque within the first few runs to get the blood pumping.
South Headwall
Alphabet Chutes
THE JANE
You could spend all day in this dreamland of steep chutes, massive bumps, and fast and hardy trees. Plus there’s always a great vibe in the parking lot when you’re ready for post-riding tailgating.
Awe Chute
Trestle - Steer towards the trees on either side
PARSEN BOWL
This fun open entrance into gladed tree skiing is a must-see especially if you’re not feeling up for the more intense parts of Mary Jane.
Willett’s Way
Looking Glass Lift
Okay, this isn’t exactly the gnarliest part of the resort, but if you enjoy historic lifts that are still running today. Go check out Looking Glass Lift. It’s an old center pole that conjures up images of old Warren Miller ski flicks.
SUNSPOT LODGE
Grab a beer at Sunspot and enjoy some fun surfy tree turns just to the right of the lodge.
Re Railier Terrain Park
Without a doubt, Re Railier is a super fun spot to progress in the park and start working up to some of the larger features at winter park.
Eagle Wind
Great tree runs with some solid spots for mid day safety meetings ;)
Thunderbird
Tips for the day
Park at The Jane and bring a small BBQ for tailgating in the parking lot.
Berthoud Pass can be a bear at times. Make sure you check CDOT before heading up and plan on an extended drive if the weather starts to close in.
Be sure to check out the town of Fraser after a long day of riding. They have some great restaurants and breweries! (see food options below)
Sharkeys
Aces
Big Trout Brewery
Hernandos Pizza Pup
Randis Pub and Grill
https://www.udot.utah.gov/connect/current-conditions/road-conditions/
Transportation
Timing
If you’re coming from Denver, leave early. Sitting in LA… I mean I70 traffic is no joke. Weekend crowds can easily double your drive time. We usually head out by 5:30 and have a few pre-ski beers in the van while we wait for the resort to open *drink responsibly 🍻
Parking options
Winter Park has a variety of parking options suitable for any type of rig as long as you leave before the front range crowd starts heading up I70. We usually try to get a spot at Mary Jane or the Bench Lot to avoid taking a shuttle or gondola to the resort.
Things to do
Food & Drink
Sharky’s Eatery offers a great Island vibe in the middle of the mountains. Portions are hardy and the food is fantastic. If you’re in the mood for it, the bloody mary’s are a solid option.
Big Trout Brewing is a fantastic option to grab some pints and food. The beer is out of this world and you can’t ask for a more convenient option close to the slopes and local camping spots.
Randi’s Grill And Pub serves up amazing Irish classics along with standard grill fare. It’s a great pit stop to refuel before another big day on the slopes.
The Peak is a great hangout spot with tons of beer and food options. Bring your group over and enjoy the vibe.
Activities
Interested in a slightly different option for skiing and snowboarding. Head up to the top of Berthoud Pass and take a few laps at one of Colorado’s Powder Ghost Towns. This amazing Backcountry playground is the perfect place to learn and practice your skills. It goes without saying, but ill say it - Know Before You Go & Get The Gear before heading out into the backcountry
Service
Winter Parks cell service is a solid 6/10. Some places are great and others are spotty. We occasionally have a difficult time when working from the resort & Fraser, but you can usually find a good option.
Where to stay
We’re firm believers in not blowing up camping spots and ruining them by bringing in the masses. If you’re interested in where we stayed for our Winter Park vanlife adventure send us a message on the Gram and we’ll give you specific details and coordinates, plus any extra details you may be interested in.
Great Access to the slopes and town.
Did we miss anything?
Let us know if we missed something that you have a question about. We’re happy to update posts as questions come in and answer all your longing questions about skiing, riding, and camping at Winter Park Resort.
