Winter Park Resort

Close, cool and convivial, this resort is a longtime local favorite.

by Contributor

The Scene
Owned by the city of Denver, Winter Park really is a "park"--and the oldest, continuously operated resort in Colorado. An unpretentious place to cruise (both on the slopes and off), this no-frills resort is loved by locals and visitors alike for its great terrain, reliable snowfall and friendly, small-town feel. Winter Park includes Mary Jane, Vasquez Cirque and Vasquez Ridge.

The Slopes
Next to the Continental Divide, Winter Park has the distinct advantage of being able to catch winter storms from nearly every direction. Both western and southern storms get "trapped" by the divide and can't move until they've made a significant deposit of snow onto the slopes. Winter Park receives an average 369 inches of snow annually. While the park boasts terrain for all abilities, its sister resort, Mary Jane, offers wilder rides. The trails are long, steep and planted with mega-moguls. For ungroomed, untamed, unmarked, off-piste terrain, check out Vasquez Cirque.

Vital Stats
Vertical drop: 3,060 feet
Base elevation: 9,000 feet
Top elevation: 12,060 feet
Number of trails: 134
Lifts: 24
Skiable acres: 2,762
Beginner terrain: 9 percent
Intermediate terrain: 21 percent
Advanced terrain: 67 percent
Expert terrain: 3 percent
Snowboarding: Full facilities

01/25/06

Simply a great experience

by powderhound58

Without question W.P. offers a great variety for the dollar. The timberline lift down through Mary Jane is as solid as it gets!

Although the bumps on Mary Jane are similar, in my opinion, to most Colorado bump layouts, it's the atmosphere and environment that will have me returning.

A buddy and me were there a year ago for a week and W.P. fits in unassumingly with everything in Summit County!

Skiing above the timberline at W.P. is an adventure that just about everyone can experience, including some tree chutes on the way down.

No Pain - No Jane

• Pros: cheap motels, big vertical, good cruisers
• Cons: air fare/SUV $$$ , travel time, interstate traffic

10/06/05

best skiing around

by page6979

i've been skiing for well over 10 years, and i've tried out lots of resorts with my family. we chose winter park beause it is the best value around for some awesome skiing. winter park mountain is awesome for all around skiing and the bowl is great for more advanced skiers. mary jane provides bumps that will knock you off your feet!! vazquez is decent, but has a long flat bottom and can be difficult to get back to winter park. tickets are relatively cheap and i think it's one of the best kept secrets in colorado!!

• Pros: short lines, cheap tickets, lots of mountain
• Cons: smaller town