Winter Park Ski Resort

Things to Do in Winter Park

► Winter Park Essentials

Experience the feel of backcountry, out-of-bounds skiing at Eagle Wind territory. This expert only area winds through glades and a challenging forest and is a must-visit for any expert skier.

Take the gondola up to Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge and experience an incredible sunset while taking in some of the best food and drink the mountain has to offer. 

Chow down on a hot Nashville chicken sandwich at Rippy's Mountain Tavern, located conveniently near the slopes.

Experience great Colorado craft beer at Hideaway Park Brewery, featuring a wide variety of beers, sometimes including Chili beer and Chai Milk Stouts.

► Non-skiing Activities

Like many larger ski resorts, Winter Park has a scenic gondola ride that skiers and non-skiers will appreciate. The gondola takes you up to over 10,000 feet, giving you great views of the Continental Divid and the Fraser Valley. You can dine at the top as Sunspot mountaintop lodge offers lunch, après, and dinner.

Kids' Night Out at Camp Idlewild is a fun event for kids 6-12 years in age. Your kids will get to play and explore the woods around Hill House before enjoying the rest of the night inside with crafts, movies and pizza. Its a great opportunity for parents to have a night on the town while the kids get a unique night on the mountain. 

If you've ever wanted to see a Tour Cat in operation, you can jump in a 90-minute Snow Cat tour through the Arapaho National Forest. You can also choose an evening tour that includes S'Mores. 

► Main Events in Winter Park

While there are many small events constantly going on in the summer, the largest is Village Uncorked, a day focused on wine and food in the mountains. This event takes place the weekend of the fourth of July every  year alongside the Run for Independence, so get a good 5-mile run in before enjoying tasting fantastic wines the rest of the day. 

Best restaurants and bars in Winter Park

While there are a few options on-mountain, most of the best dining you'll find in Winter Park is in the actual city, which is less than 10 minutes north of the slopes.

► For Breakfast

• If you need more hearty meals before heading to the slopes, stop by Wake N’ Bacon. From chicken biscuits to pancakes to breakfast sandwiches, you’re bound to find something hearty and delicious to eat. 
• Since 1982, Carver’s Bakery Cafe has been providing Winter Park visitors and residents with fresh-baked goodies and drip coffee and espresso drinks.

► For Lunch and Dinner

• The best dining at the resort (base of the mountain) is hands down Rippy's Mountain Tavern. Big burgers, steaks, wings and sandwiches with fresh sides, it's everything you'd want from a mountain pub. 
• We at On The Snow absolutely LOVE Pepe Osaka's Fishtaco. It's hard to really describe the unique goodness that you'll find here. It's technically Asian-Mexican Fusion, as they put an Asian spin on Mexican favorites like ceviche, carne asada and nachos. The cocktails are amazing as they have various infused tequilas they use for margarites and other premium mixed drinks. Oh, and the tacos are increidible as well! 
• Anyone who enjoys green chili MUST visit The Ditch on 40. Try out the unqiue spin on wontons with the New Mexican Juantans, with both red and green dipping chili. 
• Those wanting to go on a bit more upscale date would do well to visit Deno's Mountain Bistro. This 45-year establishment has a fantastic wine list and great steak and seafood options. The pizza is quite good as well!
• Another great option by the slopes ist Vertical Bistro at the base of the resort. Check out the Avo-Rado sandwhich with chipotle ranch and melted gouda. 

► Après/Nightlife

• Idlewild Spirits Distillery has really upped the nightlife game in Winter Park. They have an intense love for whiskey and is a great place to visit for an after dinner drink (or for dinner as well, as they do have a tapas menu). 
• Goodys Mountain Creperie is perfect at any time of day, but they’re known for their après snacks and happy hour menu.
• Heck’s Tavern is located on Devil’s Thumb Ranch, and it offers amazing views along with plenty of pre-dinner snacks and cocktails.