Plan the Ultimate Winter Park Ski Trip
September 28, 2021
Winter Park Resort is a freestyle powerhouse and natural playground for outdoor adventurers, laid out over seven unique territories with 3,000 acres of skiable and snowboarding terrain, 166 trails, 23 ski lifts, 6 terrain parks and mountain adventures for all ages and levels.
Skiers and snowboarders head to the Winter Park territory for beginner and easy intermediate slopes, Mary Jane for famous moguls, Vasquez Ridge for powder, Eagle Wind for world-class glades, the Cirque for steeps and deeps, and the panoramic Parsenn Bowl, accessed via North America’s highest six-passenger chairlift, for intermediate skiing with exceptional views. No surprise it was voted the #1 Ski Resort in North America for two years in a row!
If you’re planning a rocky mountain escape to Colorado’s favorite playground this winter season, we’ve got the scoop on how to spend your time on the mountain and the best Winter Park slopes to suit your vacation. Whether you’re a family looking for a city escape to the mountains or a powder hound eager to push yourself beyond your limits, Winter Park has seven unique playgrounds that cater to every visitor.
Winter Park Territory
Best for Beginners
The Winter Park territory is best for beginners and early intermediates with short green runs off the Gemini express, fun groomed cruisers from the Olympia Express and meandering green runs from the High Lonesome Express Lift that takes you to the peak of Mary Jane. The Eskimo Express takes you to the top of Winter Park’s signature run, Cranmer, a wide-open intermediate run with perfect corduroy. There is a Ski + Ride School, designated learn to ski and snowboard areas, and a magic carpet for beginners at Discovery Park.
Learn to ski in Winter Park!
Enjoy family skiing
While this territory is best for beginners there are still some fun runs for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. If you’re ready to advance to an intermediate run, Larry Sale at the top of the Arrow lift is a great run to take your turns to the next level and Zephyr’s Balch is a steep black diamond mogul run to test your skills before heading over to more expert terrain.
Winter Park has 7 unique terrain parks with over 80 features for skiers and snowboarders to explore. Bouncer and Starter Park are ideal for beginners looking for small rides, Ash Cat for early intermediates looking to progress to the next level at Gangway, and Re-railer with a double jump line for intermediates looking to prepare for the challenging jibs, boxes, and rails at the advanced Rail Yard terrain park. Rail Yard is the largest terrain park at Winter Park Resort with the most creative features including an 18-foot superpipe and the extreme technical park, Dark Territory (watch the action from the deck of Snoasis!).
Vasquez Ridge
Best for Intermediates
The Pioneer Express lift, known to locals as the Pi-O takes you to the top of Vasquez Ridge at the edge of Winter Park Resort with great views overlooking Eagle Wind and the Cirque in the distance. This territory is tucked away and harder to reach for snowboarders due to the long catwalks, so the slopes are quieter with the most consistent powder in Winter Park and fun runs to keep intermediate skiers and snowboarders challenged and smiling!
Vasquez Ridge is best for intermediate skiers and boarders with plenty of opportunities for a challenge. Gambler and Ace and Eights are black diamond runs that turn into blues or perfect your mogul skiing on the Pioneer Express Trail.
Enjoy the views on the Pioneer Express Lift!
Parsenn Bowl
Best for Intermediate Bowl Skiing
North America’s highest six-passenger chairlift, the Panoramic Express takes skiers and snowboarders on a panoramic journey to Parsenn Bowl at an elevation of 12,060ft. Parsenn Bowl sits above the tree line with long groomed intermediate runs, powdery bowls, and breathtaking views at every turn. Drop into Forget-Me-Not from the summit and you can head all the way down to the Village at Winter Park.
Eagle Wind
Best for Expert Glades
Ski off the beaten path
There’s no need to go off-piste at Winter Park Resort to get expert glade terrain. Eagle Wind is rated the top territory in Winter Park for tree skiers with expert side-country terrain, exhilarating glade skiing through the forest, and the longest black diamond trail at Winter Park, the Thunderbird trail. You can drop into the Eagle Wind territory from Mary Jane on the Thunderbird Traverse, onto Belle Fourche (best powder in Winter Park!) from Parsenn Bowl, or take the Eagle Wind lift from Vasquez Ridge.
The Cirque
Best for Extreme Skiing
The Cirque is the crown of Winter Park Resort at an elevation of 12,060ft and lies off the beaten path so getting there can be an adventure of its own. From the top of the Panoramic lift at Parsenn Bowl, skate (or hike) the one-mile traverse to the Cirque or take the easy option and buy a pass for the Cirque sled for free rides all day and save your energy to play on 399 acres of ungroomed, double-black diamond terrain, with a 2,260ft vertical drop!
The Cirque boasts the most extreme and technical inbound skiing and snowboarding in Winter Park Resort with backcountry-style terrain to challenge the best! Soak up panoramic views from the West Headwall, play on the challenging Alphabet Chutes, weave through the tight trees on Eldorado and cruise the open slopes of Rollover.
The Winter Park Ski Patrol requests all skiers and snowboarders entering these extreme terrain territories to ski or ride with a partner.
Cruise the open slopes!
Off the Slopes
Best for Non-Skiers
Winter Park is “Colorado’s Top Adventure Town” and there’s no shortage of winter recreation and alpine adventures for non-skiers – sleigh-rides, dog sledding, snowcat tours, snowmobiling, ice-skating, sledding and tubing, winter fly-fishing, and scenic drives in the mountains. Winter Park boasts over 60 restaurants and cafes, wineries and breweries, aprés ski hot spots, alpine spas, and shopping to add to your alpine experience.
Ski & Snowboard Rental Equipment
Best for Savvy Travelers
Savvy travelers know the best ways to save time, money, and space on their vacation! Xplorie partners with local ski & snowboard rental providers to offer guests rental equipment, custom boot fitting, and backcountry gear for your outdoor adventures in Winter Park. Christy Sports and Epic Mountain Sports are situated in downtown Winter Park and are eager to help you conquer the slopes with the best gear (and local tips!).
Where to Stay in Winter Park
The season in Winter Park is expected to begin on Friday 3 December, so it’s time to get planning! Bluebird days, crisp mountain air, panoramic views, epic outdoor adventures, and a cozy vacation cabin awaits in Winter Park. Don’t forget to check out Xplorie for a diverse selection of Winter Park accommodations with free activities, every day of your stay!
Please note: COVID-19 restrictions may be in place in Grand County, CO, and some activities and services may be affected. Advanced reservations are suggested (and required) for most activities.
