Winter Park Ski Resort Guide

Winter Park is ideally located along the western side of the Continental Divide, allowing it to intercept snow from nearly every direction. Thanks to this positioning, storms from the west and south often get “trapped” by the Divide, while upslope systems from the north and east spill over to further boost the snowpack. Averaging around 327 inches of snow annually, Winter Park remains one of Colorado’s most reliable winter destinations.

Nicknamed “Colorado’s Favorite”, Winter Park is consistently ranked as a top resort by local skiers—particularly those from the nearby Front Range, who have long felt a sense of ownership and pride in the area. Although now operated by Alterra Mountain Company, the resort is still owned by the City and County of Denver, preserving its unique public-private legacy.

Just 67 miles from downtown Denver, Winter Park is the closest major ski resort to the metro area, making it a convenient favorite for day-trippers and weekend warriors alike. Now in operation for over 80 seasons, the resort features seven distinct but interconnected territories: Winter Park, Mary Jane, Vasquez Ridge, Parsenn Bowl, the Cirque, Eagle Wind, and Terrain Park.

Mary Jane is revered by mogul lovers for her steep, bump-laden runs, while Vasquez Cirque offers advanced skiers and riders access to over 1,000 acres of challenging backcountry-style terrain west of Parsenn Bowl.

Winter Park is also home to the National Sports Center for the Disabled, one of the largest adaptive sports programs in the world. Here, athletes with physical and developmental disabilities can learn to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and more in an empowering and inclusive environment.

Visitors can choose from accommodation options for over 10,000 guests during peak season, ranging from slope-side condos and luxury lodges to downtown hotels, cozy B&Bs, and secluded forest cabins.