Ski Area Activities

A MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUND

WINTER PARK, Colo., Summer - Summer in Colorado at 9,000 feet above sea level is the ideal time to visit Winter Park Resort for refreshing temperatures, spectacular scenery, and abundant recreation for the entire family. The green-covered slopes are home to a variety of activities that are an irresistible magnet for the young and the young at heart.

Located just 67 miles from Denver, "The Park" is easily accessible to anyone craving an escape to the mountains. The drive from Denver International Airport to Winter Park is less than two hours. Once in Winter Park, the activities are non-stop from early June through Labor Day. One of the resort's most popular activities is top-to-bottom mountain biking for intermediate to advanced riders. Cyclists and their trusty set of wheels are whisked to the summit of Winter Park Mountain via the Zephyr Express chairlift. From there, riders can access the resort's 50-mile network of interconnected trails. One chairlift ride with a bike costs $16, and bike rentals are available at the base of Winter Park Resort.

For those who prefer hiking boots to bike pedals, Winter Park has designated two trails exclusively for hikers. A chairlift ride on the Zephyr Express delivers hikers to the trailheads of the Nystrom and Ute Trails. The Nystrom Trail follows a mountain ridge to Mary Jane's 12,060-foot summit for a decidedly invigorating workout. The Ute Trail is a relatively gentle, downhill hike that crosses the wide-open trails of Winter Park Mountain and dips into sections of dense evergreen forest and on to the base.

Thrill seekers of all ages are drawn to Colorado's longest Alpine Slide. Riders climb into a sturdy plastic sled equipped with runners and hand-held brakes before launching their way down 3,030 feet of dips and swooping turns. The parallel tracks (one for slower riders) are accessed from the Arrow chairlift. Ride the slide for $10/adult and $8/child (6-13).

A popular brain-teaser for the directionally challenged is the Amaze'n Human Maze "Maze mice" must find four different checkpoints in the ever-changing labyrinth full of twists, turns and dead-ends before exiting and posting their time. Players compete against the clock (for prizes) and each other (for bragging rights) while attempting to find the fastest way out. The maze can be conquered for $8/adult and $6/child (6-13).

Catch one of the latest mountain crazes and play a round of disc golf. Perched at the top of Winter Park Mountain, the course's 18 holes wind around the summit for 360 degrees of jaw-dropping scenery. The course is free with the purchase of a Zephyr Express lift ticket ($10/adult and $8/child, ages 6-13), and disc rental is available at the base of the resort. Or, putter around the base of the slopes on the 18-hole Mountainside Mini Golf course. This original course depicts some of the features and folklore of Winter Park and the Fraser Valley's history. A round of 18 holes costs $8/adult and $6/child (6-13).

Guests get a high-flying rush on the Leaps & Bounds Bungee. Safely harnessed, all ages can flip and get huge altitude jumping on this trampoline tethered by bungee cords. Cost is $10/adult and $8/child (6-13). For a truly unique experience, the Rock 'n Roll Gyro is a human-sized sphere that allows riders to move themselves upside down and all around to create a sensation similar to weightlessness. Cost is $8/adult and $6/child (6-13). Height restrictions apply.

To rise above the crowd, slip on a harness and check out the Outdoor Climbing Wall. This 24-foot wall offers three different routes with varying degrees of difficulty and has an automatic belay system. Cost is $8/adult and $6/child (6-13) per climb.

All base activities may be purchased individually, however the premier Park Pass offers the best value. The pass includes unlimited use of Alpine Slide, Mini Golf, Zephyr Scenic lift ride and bike transport, Human Maze, Outdoor Climbing Wall, Gyro and Leaps n' Bounds Bungee. Cost for a full-day Park Pass is $44/adult/child and a half-day Park Pass is $38/adult/child, valid 1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Kids five and under are free. Seniors 70 and over are free Monday-Thursday and pay the adult/child prices Friday-Sunday.

For a relaxing change of pace, outside dining is a natural at Winter Park. At the base of the mountain, the resort's "beach" offers many choices to suit appetites of all ages. Stop by Penguin Pete's, located inside West Portal Station, for coffee drinks, tea and ice cream. Derailer serves summertime favorites such as salads, items hot off the grill, drinks and daily happy-hour specials. Visit the Boxcar for traditional deli sandwiches. For those in a hurry, thirst and hunger can be satisfied at a hydration station that serves POWERADE, Dasani and Evian bottled water, and hot dog and ice cream carts, conveniently located throughout the base of the slopes. The Lodge at Sunspot, a stunning log restaurant surrounded by large, sunny decks, serves barbecue at Winter Park's 10,700-foot summit, accompanied with breathtaking views.