Destination
Winter Park
Colorado
Winter Park
Destination
Winter Park, Colorado
Winter Park
Introduction
David and I go to Winter Park Resort for at least 2 weeks each year to fulfill our thirst for skiing (me) and snowboarding (David). What we have learned is that one, going on any ski resort vacation can be exceedingly expensive, and two, some ways of trying to save money on a ski vacation can ruin your trip. We own our own equipment which saves us a lot, but in most ways we are more focused on a great ski trip experience balanced with budget concerns. Our main goal is to ski with the minimal amount of complicated and because of this we strongly recommend you get accommodations in the ski resort village itself so that you can ski in and ski out without needing to use the free bus system. We also recommend that you rent your ski equipment within the ski resort village as well. Yes you might save a small amount by renting your equipment off-site, but it is just so much more complicated getting your gear and then returning it on the last day. Plus if you rent equipment off-site and something goes wrong you would need to leave the resort to solve the problem. Scroll down to see everything or use the quick links below to view specific sections.
Places To Stay
Zephyr Mountain Lodge on Winter Park Resort
There are loads of lodging options at and around Winter Park Resort, many of which can be easy to find online if you do a quick Google search. We stay at Zephyr Mountain Lodge when we go to Winter Park (using AirBnb) because it’s so convenient to the slopes. This 8-story resort hotel consisting of one, two, and three-bedroom condos, is located right in the middle of the Village, with shopping and dining options just steps away from the lodge’s entrance, and is just 110 feet from the gondola. Each condo is fully equipped and has a gas fireplace, full kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and mountainside or slopeside views. There is also onsite laundry, heated underground parking, and onsite ski/snowboard storage.
Winter Park Maps
Winter Park Village Map
Winter Park Lifts & Trails Map
Winter Park Free Bus Map
(Click any map to enlarge)
Things To Do
There are a lot of winter events and activities in and around Winter Park besides skiing and snowboarding. You can go sledding, tubing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, going for sleigh rides, ice skating, snowmobiling, and more. Because our main reason to be in Winter Park is to hit the slopes as much as possible we typically don’t invest the time and money into additional activities. That being said, there are two activities we have been known to fit into our schedule: snowmobiling and the tubing park.
Featured Activity - Snow Mobiles
- Ski goggles are required, as well as a DOT-approved helmet, waterproof gloves, snow boots, and waterproof snow clothes.
- The company does provide snow boots and DOT-approved helmets at no additional charge, but the rest must be rented or bought on-site.
- Water and Gatorade are available for purchase in the shop.
- You will be shuttled from the company site to the snowmobile trails, and one of the staff members will give you and your group detailed instructions on how the snowmobile operates as well as other information about the trails and how to have a fun and safe time.
- Snowmobiling is a sport that can be physically demanding depending on your fitness level, so don’t be surprised if you get tired or worn out!
- Try to book a reservation on a day that isn’t forecast for heavy snow. We’ve experienced a whiteout or two in the past while on snowmobiles, and that’s not as fun as a lovely blue sky and clear views.
Featured Activity - Coca Cola Tubing Hill
The Coca-Cola Tube Park features three individual lanes, exciting banked curves, a covered conveyor lift ride back to the top, and is located next to the Vintage Hotel at the base of Winter Park Resort. Jump in the fast lane, keep it slow, slide down as a group, or alone. No matter your age, an afternoon at the Coca-Cola Tube Park is sure to be fun for everyone in your group!
The Coca-Cola Tube Park operates during the ski season, from December to mid April. Participants must be 36″ tall. Dress warmly with good boots. You can rent outwear and helmets. All riders must use their own tube. Tubing times do sell out, so it’s best to reserve your slot online in advance. Tubing sessions last an hour. For more information and ticket prices visit their website.
Additional Activities
PlayWinterPark.com is a wonderful resource to find out more about summer and winter activities in the Winter Park area.
Transportation
Avoid Driving Yourself
Besides renting a car (something we don’t typically do), there are several options for getting around the area, but from our understanding and experience, there are very few (if any) Uber or Lyft drivers in the area, so we take advantage of two services that get us around when we’re in town:
Home James Shuttle Service
We don’t have an interest in renting a car, navigating ourselves to the resort, then back to the airport, or driving in icy conditions. We use Home James shuttle service that takes both of us round trip from the airport to our hotel and back for about $350. It’s easy to schedule and we don’t have to worry about daily car rental and parking fees which will most certainly be more than $350.
Free Public Transportation
The Lift is a free bus service that can get you to where you want to go around Winter Park and Fraser. They have an app that you can download that can help you plan your route and let you know when the next bus is coming, but keep in mind that the bus is not always right on time. If you have an appointment for an activity in town, you may want to get to the bus stop early, as sometimes it stops on the hour rather than on the half hour.
Good Eats
Plenty Of Dining Options
There are a LOT of restaurants in and around Winter Park. We’re covering the places that are some of our favorites on the Winter Park Resort property. If you’ve got an Ikon Pass, many of these eateries offer a generous discount if you show them your Ikon pass at checkout. The restaurants listed below are in alphabetical order.
On The Slopes Dining
While you are on the slopes at Winter Park Resort there are some very good dining options (though keep in mind that, as with all ski resorts, the prices of their food and beverage items are relatively high). You’ll find everything from pizza and chili to chicken tenders and fries, as well as grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and snacks. There are places all over the resort, up and down the slopes, so you can easily ski in, get fueled up, rest, and head back out. The staff are very friendly and the food is fresh. You’ll also find water stations and restrooms if all you need is the basics.
Goodys Mountain Creperie
This awesome restaurant and bar doesn’t just make unbelievable crepes. They serve up everything from amazing breakfast dishes to paninis, wraps, burgers, and handcrafted milkshakes. The staff are friendly and professional, and the food is phenomenal. If you’ve got a serious sweet tooth, try their apple strudel crepe with a scoop of locally made vanilla ice cream.
Mexicali Taco Co.
Got a hankering for tacos or chips and guac? Mexicali’s got you covered. With delicious bites such as loaded nachos, $5 street tacos, quesadillas, and specialties such as corn in a cup, you can get your fix and wash everything down with Mexican beer or Mexicali style iced tea. Be sure to load up on salsa, veggies, and hot sauce at their salsa bar. And don’t forget the queso!
Pizza Pedal’r
Grab a slice – or a whole pie – at the Village’s family-owned Pizza Pedal’r after a long day of snow shredding. They not only have savory appetizers such as Barrel Rolls and Gouda Bites, but they have salads, wings, and specialty Mega Slices and build-your-own pizzas. Super cool staff and atmosphere too.
Stoney’s Winter Park
I know the restaurants are listed in alphabetical order, it would be unfair to you if I did not point out that this one is our favorite. We have been there so many times we now know the owners and most of the staff who all work relentlessly during the season. We do our best to visit before 5:00pm on weekdays when most beers are 2-4-1. Be sure to check out this awesome sports bar and grill when you’re in Winter Park Resort Village. They’ve got plenty of big screens, beer and drink specials, and great food and service. Favorite menu items include wings by the pound, Bavarian pretzels, burgers, salads, loaded fries, and their Chip Dip Trio. If you’ve got a big group, Stoney’s has plenty of long tables to accommodate everyone, and the casual atmosphere is perfect for watching the big game or swapping stories after your day on the slopes.
Vertical Bistro & Tap
For an Après-ski fine dining experience, head over to Vertical Bistro, which offers small and shared plates, burgers and sandwiches, and a variety of craft beers, wines, and handcrafted cocktails, all in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Try their Lumberjack Burger, made with locally sourced beef, or the Wild Mushroom Pasta. If you’re looking for a warming adult beverage, ask for the Chocolate Raspberry kiss, made with Telluride Peppermint Schnapps.
Waffle Cabin
For a quick and delicious breakfast, dessert, or snack, be sure to grab a Belgian waffle at one of the Waffle Cabins located throughout the resort, from the Village at the resort to slopeside at the Mary Jane Complex.
On A Budget
Ikon Pass
Ski and snowboard adventures are notoriously expensive. By choosing Winter Park as your destination you are already saving a lot over most other resorts. If you are serious about the sport on an annual basis you next investment should be in an Ikon pass. First and foremost the Ikon pass will cost you less than a 5 day lift ticket pass in most cases so already you are saving money if you plan for a week vacation. Next the Ikon pass will save you 10%-15% on food, apparel, lodging, rentals, and much more. (Learn More)
Safeway Grocery Store
Eating and drinking on resort can be very expensive. Instead, on the afternoon that you arrive, take the free bus to the Safeway grocery store. There you can get all the food and drinks you need for your entire vacation. By enjoying most of your drinks and meals in your lodge at a huge discount leaves you plenty of discretionary money for other things. NOTE: They do not provide bags for free so you might want to bring your own.
Timing Is Everything
If you want to go on a ski holiday with fewer crowds and for a cheaper price, there is one simple rule to follow. Don’t book during a school holiday. It is important you don’t underestimate how much more expensive skiing during a school holiday can prove to be. The cheapest and emptiest times of the ski season are at the very beginning and very end of the season. This includes November and early December, as well as most if not all of April. However, if you are looking for a cheaper, less crowded holiday with close to perfect snow quality, then mid-late January is your best bet as the snow is getting consistently better and you might still be able to take advantage of some of those new year deals on offer. We prefer spring skiing so we personally choose the first 2 weeks of April where the lodging costs are about half what it would be in January.
Location Is Everything
Saving money is always a major consideration budget wise, however another part of your budget is time, and we cannot stress enough how valuable it is to stay on site. By choosing to stay at the Zephyr Mountain Lodge as I mentioned above you earn yourself a significantly better vacation experience. The amount of time you save being on site buys you so much more than the extra money spent for the on-site lodging. For starters, when you are ready to ski you step out of your lodge and you are on the slopes. Next when you take a break for lunch you can step back in your lodge for a quick bite, then back to the slopes with no time lost. Then at the end of the day you are not waiting in a long line at a bus stop to get back to your condo. Instead you can visit your lodge to drop off your equipment, change into your shoes, then head to a local joint for a drink or bite to eat.
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