By Christie Leman
While winter snow skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and other winter-related fun may be what Winter Park is primarily known for, there are countless summer activities in Winter Park, Colorado, that attract tourists. The Winter Park
resort, home to skiing in the winter, hosts a variety of summer activities, the most notable of which is the Alpine Slide. Other top summer activities in Winter Park, Colorado, include hot air balloon rides, festivals and fairs, and visits to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Alpine Slide
One of the most popular and exhilarating summer activities in Winter Park, Colorado, is the state's longest alpine slide at Winter Park Resort. Winter Park's Alpine Slide is more than 3,000 feet long and begins with a six-minute chairlift ride on which thrill seekers can take in the beautiful mountain views before beginning their descent on the slide. Sledders ride heavy-duty plastic sleds with rollers and brakes down the 610-foot vertical drop of the Alpine Slide. Winter Park's Alpine Slide is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer. Children 5 and younger are free and must ride with an adult.
85 Parsenn Road
Winter Park, CO 80482
(970) 726-5514
www.skiwinterpark.com
Balloon Rides
There is no way to view the beautiful mountain scenery of the area like you can in a hot air balloon, making balloon rides one of the increasingly popular summer activities in Winter Park, Colorado. Hot air balloons typically have a maximum capacity of eight passengers and are led by a qualified guide and balloon operator. Flights depart at sunrise, last about one hour and offer unparalleled views of the Rocky Mountains and nearby mountain streams and scenery.
Grand Adventure Balloon Tours
P.O. Box 1124
Winter Park, CO 80482
(970) 887-1340
www.grandadventureballoon.com
Festivals
While the winter may have the snow and skiing, the summer in Winter Park has festivals and fairs for all interests and ages. Some of the most popular summer activities in Winter Park, Colorado, include the Grand County Blues Fest, fireworks and a rodeo for the Fourth of July, the Winter Park Music Festival, the Grand Arts Festival, Alpine Artaffair, the Winter Park Jazz Festival, Colorado Craft Fair, the Salute to American Veterans Rally and Festival, Taste of Grand County Festival and the Famous Flamethrowers High Altitude Chili Cookoff.
Rocky Mountain National Park
With an entrance to the park just a short drive away in neighboring Grand Lake, a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is a must when it comes to summer activities in Winter Park, Colorado. The park is home to more than 60 mountains with an elevation of 12,000 feet or higher, pristine mountain lakes, mountain streams and waterfalls, distinctive mountain plant life and mountain wildlife such as bears, mountain lions, moose, elk and bighorn sheep. Aside from simply driving through the park and taking in its unparalleled beauty, visitors can hike on the many mountain trails, fish in designated streams and lakes, climb, camp and participate in educational seminars.
1000 Highway 36
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-1206
www.nps.gov/romo
About the Author:
Christie Leman is a public educator who has been writing informative articles on a variety of topics for five years. Her articles have appeared on several websites, including eHow, Associated Content and Examiner.com. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and history from Texas A&M University and is a certified Texas teacher.
