Winter Park Resort: A Laid-Back, Family-Friendly Ski Getaway
Hopping on the ski lift for the first time always makes me a little nervous—but at Winter Park Resort, the views, the wide trails, and the relaxed pace quickly eased my nerves. Skiing with kids brings a mix of excitement and logistics, and Winter Park makes the experience refreshingly simple. That’s why families from Atlanta often find themselves crossing paths here.
From spotting a moose outside our balcony to skiing long, forgiving trails, soaking sore muscles in an oversized hot tub, and gathering around a fire pit after dark, Winter Park delivers the ski-resort experience families want. Located an easy drive from Denver and just 10 minutes from a real mountain town with grocery stores and restaurants, the resort combines convenience with a welcome sense of seclusion.
Winter Park feels upscale without forcing families to overspend—and that balance sets it apart.
Easy-to-Learn Skiing for Families
Our family arrived feeling a bit rusty, so we started our trip by getting reacquainted with the slopes. After picking up boots and gear steps from the base area, we walked over to a morning lesson to rebuild confidence.
Winter Park’s Ski + Ride School offers group lessons for kids, adults, and families. We chose a family lesson so we could stay together, though first-time skiers may benefit from separating adults and kids to allow each group to progress at its own pace.
One standout perk: when you book a kids’ group lesson this season, your child skis free with a complimentary lift ticket. Check-in was smooth and well organized, which made the morning feel calm instead of rushed.
For brand-new skiers, Winter Park also offers a Learn to Ski package for kids and adults. For $139, beginners receive everything they need for their first day—lift ticket, equipment rentals, and a lesson—making it one of the easiest ways to try skiing without a major commitment.
Beyond traditional skiing, Winter Park offers snowcat tours, ski biking, night skiing, tubing, and ice skating—giving families plenty of reasons to return.
Off the Slopes: Tubing, Treats, and Après Views
When our legs needed a break from skiing, we headed to the Coca-Cola Tube Hill for a timed tubing session. Winter Park runs the experience efficiently, with a magic carpet lift and multiple lanes that vary in speed.
Getting there is part of the adventure. The Cabriolet—a free, stand-up gondola—carried us from the base village to the tubing area. Winter Park has fun surprises, like staff handing out free cookies in the village on our walk over to the gondola.
In the evening, we rode the gondola again—this time up the mountain for sunset views at the Lodge at Sunspot. During Mountaintop Après nights, gondola access is free. Plus, we had more warm cookies at Mary’s Mountain cookies at the Lodge.
Back at the base, Winter Park Village offers ice skating, shops, coffee stops, and several casual dining options.
Where to Stay
We stayed at Fraser Crossing/Founders Pointe, located in the heart of the village near the gondola. Our two-bedroom condo included a full kitchen and a balcony overlooking the village. The Village Hotel nearby offers standard rooms, studios, and loft options.
Condo and hotel rates start around $200 per night and vary by season. Midweek visits offer lower prices and lighter crowds.
– Laura Powell
The Details
Winter Park Resort
85 Parsenn Road
Winter Park, Colorado
970-726-5514
winterparkresort.com
