Winter Park is Colorado's closest major ski resort to Denver, yet maintains a more laid-back feel than its flashier neighbors. Seven distinct territories across Winter Park and Mary Jane mountains reward return visits.
Best Time to Visit
Peak Powder Season (January – February)
January brings frequent storms and cold temperatures for excellent powder. Weekends are busy due to Denver proximity — targeting Tuesday through Friday dramatically improves the experience.
Spring Skiing (March – April)
Full terrain, longer days, and spring sunshine. Mary Jane's expert terrain holds snow well into spring.
Getting There: Nearest Airports
- Denver International Airport (DEN) — ~1.5 hours via I-70 west to US-40 over Berthoud Pass (11,307 ft). Check CDOT conditions and have AWD/4WD.
The Ski Train
The Amtrak Winter Park Express runs on select weekends from Denver Union Station directly to the base of Winter Park. ~2 hours, no mountain driving. Tickets sell out fast — book early.
Car Rental vs. Shuttle/Transit
Home James Transportation, Colorado Mountain Express, and Epic Mountain Express run shuttles from DEN. A free local shuttle connects the resort base to Winter Park town and Fraser. A car makes accessing restaurants and groceries easier for multi-day stays.
Where to Stay
Resort Base Village
Zephyr Mountain Lodge and Ironhorse properties sit right at the base.
- Pros: Walk to lifts, no parking hassle
- Cons: Limited dining at the base; higher prices
Winter Park Town & Fraser
Along US-40 with a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals. Fraser is a few miles further and offers lower prices still.
- Pros: More dining and shopping, broader price range, good shuttle access
- Cons: Shuttle required to reach the ski area