Located just 65 miles west of Denver, Winter Park is a year-round destination in Grand County that’s known for its plethora of outdoor activities. Though it’s aptly best known for its winter sports and ski resort. Home to the state’s longest continually operating ski area, the town of Winter Park has grown up around the resort, expanding into one of Colorado’s most popular places to vacation.
Part of Winter Park’s attraction is its proximity to the Front Range, short lift lines, and world-class expert ski terrain. Beyond Winter Park, visitors will find other local ski areas that offer big terrain and a similar low-key experience. Discover here these ski resorts near Winter Park and start planning your vacation today!
Here are the ski areas near Winter Park, CO, in order of proximity:
Winter Park – 0.5 miles / 2 minutes
As Colorado’s longest continually operating ski resort, Winter Park has been a popular ski destination for locals and travelers for nearly 80 years. Known for its award-winning terrain, skiers and boarders will enjoy smooth groomers, steeps, tree skiing, terrain parks, and the popular bumps at Mary Jane.
While there are a few beginner and intermediate runs, 75% of its terrain is geared towards advanced and expert skiers.
Winter Park Resort prides itself on its seven distinct skiing territories, each offering a little something different for everyone. Find glade skiing in the Eagle Wind, bowl skiing in the Parsenn Bowl, jumps at the terrain parks, almost-hidden powder days at Vasquez Ridge, moguls at Mary Jane, and plenty of steeps at the Cirque.
Make a weekend of it and book a stay at one of Winter Park’s many lodging options. Choose from accommodations in the base area or in the town of Winter Park itself. Visitors will enjoy an array of shopping, restaurants, and apres-ski nightlife to round out their day on the slopes. With its proximity to Denver, it is the closest major ski resort to the Denver International Airport.
Winter Park offers 3,081 acres of skiable area, seven terrain parks, cat skiing, 166 designated trails, 1,212 acres of out-of-area terrain, 23 lifts, and all levels of terrain, with 75% of either advanced or expert. The ski area rests at a base elevation of 9,000 feet (2,743 meters), with its summit elevation touching 12,060 feet (3,676 meters), and a vertical rise of 3,060 feet. The annual average snowfall is 327 inches.
85 Parsenn Rd, Winter Park | 970-726-5514 | winterparkresort.com
Granby – 20 miles / 28 minutes
The Granby Ranch Ski Resort is a family-friendly and family-owned ski resort that is best known as one of the best places in Colorado to learn how to ski or snowboard. The resort is made up of two main mountain areas, the east side and the west side, all anchored by a large base area. It’s located only five minutes from the town of Granby.
Each mountain offers a variety of terrain, with the east side for beginners with more green and blue runs and the west side offering more difficult blues and blacks for the advanced skier. Visitors love Granby Ranch for its beautiful views of the Continental Divide, uncrowded slopes, minimal lift lines, night skiing, and friendly atmosphere.
Granby Ranch features 406 acres of skiable area, one terrain park, 33 trails, 5 chair lifts, and terrain that is accessible to all skill levels. Its base elevation sits at 8,202 feet (2,500 meters) and its summit elevation stands at 9,202 feet (2,805 meters). The annual average snowfall is 120 inches.
1000 Village Rd, Granby | 888-850-4615 | granbyranch.com
Echo Mountain – 53 miles / 1 hour & 15 minutes
One of the most affordable ski options near Denver, Echo Mountain offers visitors ski terrain, tubing, and night skiing four times a week. The casual vibe offers the perfect atmosphere for a no-fuss day on the mountain. With minimal lines, friendly people, and affordable lift ticket prices, it’s easy to see why Echo Mountain is the perfect go-to day trip for skiers.
19285 CO-103, Idaho Springs | echomntn.com
Day trips from Winter Park
If you’re looking for a fun and easy day trip, discover the ski resorts in Summit County and Steamboat Springs. Summit County boasts popular ski destinations like Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain, all roughly an hour and a half away. Or check out the champagne powder at the legendary ski resort in Steamboat Springs, all in just under a two-hour drive. The possibilities are endless!
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