Winter Park, Winter Park

Perfectly positioned next to the Continental Divide, Winter Park has the distinct advantage of being able to catch winter storms from nearly every direction. Western and southern storms get "trapped" by the Divide. Northern and eastern "upslope" storms often spread over the west side of the Divide and add to the snowpack. On average, Winter Park receives 369 inches of snow annually - a factor that has led to its long-held claim of being Denver's favorite place to ski. Winter Park is actually owned by the city of Denver, but operated by Intrawest. The area is 67 miles from Denver. Though it is completely interconnected by lifts, it has separate base areas: Mary Jane and Winter Park. Mary Jane is where you'll find the famous bumps and super-steeps. Advanced skiers favor the Zephyr Express on the Winter Park side. ActivitiesSnowboarding: All trails open to snowboarders. Halfpipe and two terrain parks designed especially for snowboarders. Rental and shops available along with daily lessons and clinics.Cross Country Profile: Not available on-site at the resort, but access to over 200 kilometers of groomed classic and skate-style trails are available at Devil's Thumb Cross Country Center and at the YMCA. Private and group lessons along with a lighted track for night skiing.LodgingAccommodation for more than 10,000 people during the ski season including mountain inns, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and condominiums ranging from upscale to budget. Locations are slopeside, downtown Winter Park, and some rooms tucked away in the forest. With 194 units, Fraser Crossing and founders Pointe offers a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom units.Winter RecreationSnowmobile rides, tubing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and the double diamond nightlife tour keeps visitors going day and night.