By Christie Leman
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains just a short drive north of
Denver, Winter Park has long been considered a peaceful mountain getaway for Denver residents and visitors to the state. While wintertime activities may be the most obvious attractions in Winter Park, there are many exciting things to in Winter Park, Colorado throughout the year.
Snow Skiing
By far one of the most well-known things to do in Winter Park, Colorado, snow skiing in this small mountain village is a refreshing change of pace from the glitzy, crowded slopes of Aspen and Vail. The Winter Park resort, with over 3,000 acres of skiing, including a good mix of beginner, intermediate, advanced, most difficult and expert-only trails, snow skiing in Winter Park has something for all skiers. As one of the best Colorado ski resorts for families, Winter Park also offers kids ski free programs, Kids' Ski and Ride Programs, daily lessons, childcare, the separate Rendezvous Flats slopes with family-friendly terrain and programs, and plenty of affordable lodging nearby.
85 Parsenn Road
Winter Park, CO 80482
Tel: (970) 726-5514
www.skiwinterpark.com
Alpine Slide
During the summer, one of the most popular things to do in Winter Park, Colorado is to ride the state's longest alpine slide at the Winter Park Resort. Winter Park's Alpine Slide is over 3,000 feet long and begins with a 6-minute chairlift ride where thrill seekers can take in the beautiful mountain views before beginning their descent on the slide. A heavy duty plastic sled with rollers and brakes is provided for sledders as they whisk 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, with tickets costing $15 for an adult or large child. Children 5 and under are free and must ride with an adult.
85 Parsenn Road
Winter Park, CO 80482
Tel: (970) 726-5514
www.skiwinterpark.com
Balloon Rides
There is no way to view the beautiful mountain scenery of the area like in a hot air balloon, making balloon rides one of the increasingly popular things to do in Winter Park, Colorado. Hot air balloons typically have a maximum capacity of 8 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. Fare for a hot air balloon ride in Winter Park, Colorado is $225 per person.
Grand Adventure Balloon Tours
PO Box 1124
Winter Park, CO 80482
Tel: (970) 887-1340
www.grandadventureballoon.com
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 things to do in Winter Park, Colorado. The park is home to over 60 mountains with an elevation of 12,000 or more feet, pristine mountain lakes, mountains streams and waterfalls, unique mountain plant life, and mountain wildlife including 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 designate streams and lakes, mountain climb, camp and participate in educational seminars.
1000 Highway 36
Estes Park, CO 80517
Tel: (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.
