Winter Park

Mary Jane bumps and a ski train from Denver.

Owned by the City of Denver, Winter Park pairs friendly groomers with Mary Jane’s famous moguls and the steep Vasquez Cirque. The seasonal Winter Park Express train runs from Denver Union Station to the base. Good for families and bump skiers who don’t need glitz.

The mountain

Vertical drop

3,060 ft

Summit

12,060 ft

Skiable terrain

3,081 acres

Trails

171

Lifts

23

Average snowfall

344″ a year

Longest run

4.9 mi

Snowmaking

10% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 8%
• Intermediate 18%
• Advanced 74%

What’s here besides skiing

• Terrain park
• Snow tubing
• Ice skating
• Snowmobiling
• Dog sledding
• Cross-country
• Snowshoeing
• Scenic lift rides
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasNov 28–Dec 31

  Deck the Slopes

  Holiday lights, drone shows, a trackless train and weekend family activities at the base.

• ChristmasDec 5, 3:30–5:30 pm

  Holiday tree lighting

  Holiday music, cookies and cocoa and the village tree lighting, with a visit from Santa.

• ChristmasDec 24, 5:30 pm

  Christmas Eve torchlight parade

  More than 100 skiers carry flares down the mountain, followed by fireworks. Free, with Santa photos at the base.

• Pond skimClosing weekend in April (last held Apr 27, 2025)Usually

  Spring Splash

  Costumed pond skim at the base for ages 18 and up.

Where to stay

• slopesideZephyr Mountain Lodge

  Condos in the base village steps from the gondola.

  Base village
• lodgeDevil’s Thumb Ranch

  Upscale ranch resort on 6,500 acres with cross-country trails, a spa and cabins.

  25 min drive
• hotelThe Vintage Hotel

  Hotel next to the tubing hill; the free Cabriolet lift links it to the village.

  Next to the base area
• hotelGravity Haus Winter Park

  Modern hotel in town with a lively lobby bar, near restaurants and the free shuttle.

  5 min drive
• cabinYMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch

  Family-friendly lodge rooms and cabins with a big Nordic trail network, at YMCA prices.

  25 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Winter Park Express · Stops at the base

  Seasonal Amtrak ski train from Denver Union Station to the base, about 2.5 hours each way. Check the 2026-27 schedule.

• Grand Adventures · 5 min drive

  Guided snowmobile tours in the national forest up toward the Continental Divide.

• Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park · 15 min drive

  Husky sled rides on a ranch in Fraser.

• Fraser Tubing Hill · 10 min drive

  Old-school tubing hill run since 1971, open day and evening, no reservations.

• Resort ice skating · Base area

  Skating pond at the base with day passes and rentals.

• Hot Sulphur Springs · ~40 min drive

  Historic mineral pools for a long soak after skiing.

Après and nightlife

• Derailer Bar

  Slopeside bar at the base for burgers and beer.

• Après at Mary Jane

  Lively afternoon parties at the Mary Jane base, the mogul skiers’ side.

• Hideaway Park Brewery

  Small, friendly brewery in town.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Denver International Airport (DEN) · about 1 hr 45 min drive
• Denver · about 1.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps