Winter Park, Colorado

Hotspur

Hi All,

Has anyone been to Winter Park, Colorado and have suggestions on the best places to eat, best bars, nightlife etc. Any tips on saving money on lift passes and ski/snowboard hire etc and of course views on the best trails to ski/board.

Thanks

mountainchrisriver

Winter Park is ace... along with the vast majority of Colorado's ski resorts... Went there as part of a long trip around the state so did not stay in the resort area i'm afraid... One good point is that its not that far from Denver, if thats where you're flying to... As for discount lift passes I seem to remember some of the outdoor shops, in places like Denver, had offers for ski passes. Depending on how long you are going for you can pick up cheap snowboarding gear in Gart Sports in Denver (huuuuge sports superstore!) otherwise more often than not the cheapest hire places are the ones en route to the resort, just off the main highway from Denver (easy to access if you are driving).

If I can be of any more help... just ask...

Hotspur

Cheers mountainchris.
:beer:

I've only boarded for 3 weeks am am looking for some good powder on piste for some practice before I go for it on skis. Can get around fine on the reds in Europe. Are there many flat paths? Want to avoid them on the board!

mountainchrisriver

Generally speaking as long as you steer clear of the green runs (easiest) then flatness is not really an issue... remember they don't have reds in the US... its single black diamond... lots of opportunities to get off piste powder in, especially amongst the trees! given the right conditions at Winter Park... sure you have but worth having a browse around this site for further info...

http://www.skiwinterpark.com/index.htm

fuzyfelt

Hi,

Me and my partner went to Winter Park last year for 10 days..

First off, I have some negative comments, don;t be put off though, although I have pointed out the few bad things, it was a fantastic holiday. We first went to Colorado a few years ago, and have been every year since - overall a much better skiing experience than Europe we think - better, more reliable snow, and better organised (lifts and stuff) and seems less busy, except at weekend when people head up for a couple of days from Denver.

Sounds like you already booked so you're going anyway, but altitude sickness may be a problem - both of us had slight problems, but after a few days were ok. Makes you really tired, so good idea to take it easy to begin with. If you can (we normally do) it's worth staying in Denver (mile high city) for a night before heading up to the mountains - I think the Winter Park resort and base is 2 miles high (9000ft) , up to 12000 at the top of the mountain.

We stayed Winter Park Mountain Lodge - advertised as 100 yards from ski base... This was actually across a motorway though, so still had to get a bus from the Hotel to the slopes. Not really a big problem, but not really as advertised. You either have to stay near the slopes or in the downtown area, nothing really is both.

In US they have green, blue, black and double black - compared to European blue, red, black (and green nursery slopes maybe). Although sometimes seems variably classified we found (maybe depends on snow conditions and grooming) - always best asking the ski patrol for their advice. There are some flat bits that are not great for snowboarding, but again ski patrol are helpful if you ask.

There are a few restaurants and bars, but most seemed to shut fairly early. The last (free) bus if you're staying out of downtown is about 10pm. Most US places seem to be more family orientated, so not much night-life. Good pizza place called hernandos, and often a long wait every night for a table - you can phone ahead. The only late place is 'the pub' - sports bar type place with good bar food. Also a good steak house / grill close to hernandos and the pub - cant remember the name though. There are a few places in the 'shopping centre' at the edge of downtown, but weren't really impressed with these - oh, a good place for breakfast/brunch at the back of the shopping centre - a proper american diner type place.

Take your ID if you want a beer!!! (well, if you are over 21, otherwise forget it). We were in New England last month, and I got refused service 'cos I had no ID - and I'm 37...


Andy

Hotspur

Cheers fuzyfelt,

Yes booked already with a group so lack of late night bars won't be a problem and, we are there for the ski-ing/boarding primarily!!!

Have skied in Europe at over 3000m so altitute shouldn't affect me after an easy first day, as you say. Didn't think of that before though.

Must be great getting mistaken for under 21 when you're 37 (unless you want a beer)

:beer:

fuzyfelt

Hi Hotspur,

The town of winter park is at about 3000m, then the rest going up the lifts (up to about 4000m I think). Being constantly at this height (sleeping), rather than just a few hours when skiing, can cause altitude sickness. We heard of quite a few people having to go down to Denver 'cos they were ill.

I dont think they really thought I was under 21 - just a policy for checking everyone I think... First time in 20 years i've been asked though...

Andy