Quick Stats
Skiable acres: 3,081. Trails: 166. Lifts: 24. Base elevation: 9,000 ft. Summit: 12,060 ft. Vertical drop: 3,060 ft. Pass: Ikon Pass.
Winter Park Resort is Denver's closest major ski destination - just 67 miles from downtown. The resort spans seven distinct territories across 3,000+ acres, offering everything from gentle groomers to legendary mogul runs. It's consistently less crowded than I-70 corridor resorts while delivering comparable terrain.
The Seven Territories
Winter Park: The original mountain and main base area. Varied terrain from beginner greens to intermediate blues. Good groomers and the most direct lift access.
Mary Jane: The expert's playground. Famous for moguls, steeps, and challenging terrain. Drunken Frenchman, Awe Chute, and Derailer are iconic runs.
Parsenn Bowl: Above-treeline alpine skiing. Wide-open bowls with intermediate to advanced terrain. Best on powder days.
Vasquez Cirque: Expert-only extreme terrain. Hike-to access for serious skiers. Steep chutes and cliff bands.
The Cirque: More accessible expert terrain. Steep but not quite as extreme as Vasquez.
Eagle Wind: Tree skiing territory. Glades and steeper shots through the trees.
Terrain Parks: Multiple parks from beginner features to advanced jumps. Rail Garden at the base is popular.
By Ability Level
Beginners: Discovery Park at the base offers a learning area. Galloping Goose and other green runs provide progression terrain. See our beginner guide.
Intermediates: Excellent options across Winter Park territory. Well-groomed blues with variety. Cranmer, Jabberwocky, and Hughes are favorites.
Advanced: Mary Jane's moguls are legendary. Parsenn Bowl for open alpine skiing. Tree runs throughout.
Experts: Vasquez Cirque and The Cirque for extreme terrain. Mary Jane's steeps. Some of Colorado's best bump skiing.
Lift Tickets & Passes
Ikon Pass: Winter Park is an Ikon Pass destination. The Ikon Pass or Ikon Base Pass provides the best value for multiple days.
Day tickets: Available online (cheaper) or at the window. Prices vary by date - holidays and weekends cost more. Book in advance for better rates.
Multi-day: Discounts for 2+ day purchases. Consider the Ikon Session Pass for 4-day visitors.
Snow & Conditions
Winter Park averages about 325 inches of annual snowfall. Its position on the Continental Divide means it catches storms from multiple directions. Mary Jane tends to get more snow due to its aspect.
Best conditions: January through March typically offers the most consistent snow. Early season can be thin. Spring brings warmer temps and corn snow.
Grooming: Excellent on designated runs. Winter Park side gets more grooming than Mary Jane's bump runs.
Base Area
The base village has been developed significantly in recent years:
- Ski-in/ski-out lodging options
- Multiple restaurants and bars
- Rental and retail shops
- Ski school and children's programs
For more dining and lodging options, Fraser is a short drive away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Winter Park good for beginners?
Yes. Despite Mary Jane's expert reputation, Winter Park has excellent beginner terrain and one of the better ski schools in Colorado.
How crowded does it get?
Less crowded than Vail, Breckenridge, or Keystone on most days. Weekends and holidays are busier, but lift lines are generally manageable.
Is it on the Epic or Ikon pass?
Ikon Pass. Winter Park is not on the Epic Pass.
What's the best time to visit?
Mid-January through mid-March for best snow. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Avoid holiday weeks for shortest lines.