24 hours in Winter Park/ Mary Jane
Winter Park, Colorado has always been our "go to" area for a ski trip.
Winter Park is usually (if well timed, hint... no traffic) a 90 minute drive from Denver or less.
It is the only resort in Colorado that you can take a ski train from Union Station right to the base of Winter Park.
Overview. Winter Park is known as family friendly locals ski resort that is low key, a little less flashy that some other areas just outside of Denver. WP as locals call it has a plethora of greens and blues. My kids love ..Crammer, March Hare, the terrain park and of course Dilly Dally alley with a stop at the Waffle hut.
Winter park's counterpart Mary Jane is the advanced side of the mountain, and is known for bumbps, steep shutes and tree skiing. Outhouse, Drunken Frenchman, Boiler, Rainbender, an expert could ski hard core bumps most of the day without repeating a single run.
Food
Let me be honest Winter Park is not known for its food scene.
There are some decent spots, Denos and Tabernash Tavern for a more refined post ski dinner. Lunch Rock at the top of Mary Jane for some great tacos and unbelievable views. We actually like hitting some of the "off mountain" spots at the base. Pizza Pedal'r is our go to for a slice and a beer. Goodies is cute serves excellent crepes and other more gourmet items as well. Finally Coffee & Tea House has been an institution amongst WP Locals for decades. You will find it right above the ticket office at the base. They have fantastic breakfast items and fresh baked goods and fresh sandwiches and soups. At night, we the Ditch in Winter Park is where all the locals hang for a beer, and a mex food, and the bartenders know how to make a cocktail. Randi's has a great Apre and excellent food. Hernandos Pizza Pub is always packed serving up mountain pies.
Lodging
We usually rent a house or condo when staying in Winter Park. With four kids, it is absolutely less expensive and everyone has a little more space. Winter Park Escapes has a large collection of condos and homes in all prices ranges. Some with private hot tub.. really the perfect way to end a ski day. Ski buses run from various locations in both Winter Park and Fraser, best to check if your home is near a bus stop, as taking the bus can be much easier than parking.
If you don't mind driving a little further ( 20 ish minutes) the best place to stay in Grand County is Devils Thumb Resort. It is the perfect Colorado mountain luxury get away. The views are stunning, miles of cross country ski trails, outdoor hot tub, spa, and stables. Think a la carte Dude Ranch.
Tickets
Winter Park and Mary Jane are on the Ikon Base Pass. Winter Park resort sells “flex passes” 1-4 days of skiing for $89/day. Black out dates do apply. Window rates as high as $240/ day.
Other Activities There are lots of things to do after a day of skiing or if downhill skiing is not your thing.
Tubing - There are three tubing locations in the area, one at the base of the mountain, and two in Fraser (the nostalgic Fraser Tubing Hill and Colorado Adventure Park), both are lit at night and a lot of fun, the two in Fraser offer a bit more of a thrilling experience than the one at the base.
Ice Skating - A small ice skating rink can be found at the base of Winter Park, our kids like going to the larger rink in Fraser, check their website for open skate times.
Grand Park Rec Center - Our kids love heading over to the Rec Center after skiing, to hit the water slide, the lazy river and the hot tub.