Why Winter Park Resort should be your next vacation destination
The first major round of snowfall blanketed much of the western U.S. earlier this month — and here at The Points Guy, it has us dreaming about hitting the ski slopes. Between flying down the runs, taking in the scenery and (of course) enjoying après-ski in front of a blazing fire, there's hardly a better activity to enjoy this winter.
And if you're seeking a perfect spot to partake in this pastime while still enjoying the creature comforts of home, look no further than Winter Park Resort in Colorado.
Here are some of the top reasons why this destination should be at the top of your list to visit this winter season.
The adventure — aided by new tech
Travelers are ready (and eager) to get out and experience the freedom only a wintertime mountain adventure can bring. And to help navigate a getaway of every type, Winter Park Resort is launching a new mobile app — right in time for opening day on Nov. 17. The Winter Park app allows guests to access their tickets and check wait times for the lifts, right from their phones. No need to stop at the ticket desk upon arrival or fall victim to a long wait for a lift — all of which creates a more seamless and stress-free experience on the mountain.
Related: 6 things you must know before taking a first ski trip
And rather than brave the lines (and crowds) when it's time to eat, the app will also allow guests to order lunch ahead of time at most base and on-mountain dining spots — ensuring your meal is ready and waiting as soon as you step out of your bindings. The app will even sync with your Ikon or Winter Park season pass, allowing passholders to automatically receive discounts when they order through the app.
Speaking of which …
The savings — and flexibility
Buying a ski pass can be one of the most important ways to enjoy the slopes every winter, offering an array of options to meet your needs as well as a number of ways to save at the mountain.
If you purchased a season pass, you can enjoy up to 15% off your food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases at select Winter Park Resort eateries — including Moffat Market, Snoasis and Mary Jane Café.
Mary Jane Café is particularly noteworthy here, as it provides one of the best grab-and-go breakfast options out there: the Ten Buck Huck, a breakfast burrito with a 16-ounce coffee for just $10. This deal is exclusively available to passholders before 10 a.m. — providing valuable fuel in convenient to-go packaging before a day of exertion.
Passholders can also save 25% on walk-up lift tickets for visiting friends or family members, and you can also access shopping discounts at select outlets at the resort.
Now, ski passes aren't for everyone, but Winter Park regularly offers discounts and other promotions for any traveler. Be sure to check the resort's deals and packages page for current offers.
If flexibility is what you're seeking, look no further than Winter Park's flex ticket option (available through Nov. 23, with select blackout dates over the holidays). Commit to 2, 3 or 4 days of skiing at a set price — and then choose your specific dates later. This gives you valuable savings over last-minute prices at the resort while ensuring maximum flexibility for your planning purposes.
Read more: 7 mistakes to avoid when planning a ski trip
The experience
Visiting a ski resort isn't just about the terrain, and while saving money is important, it's not what makes memories for visitors. A ski trip is all about the entire experience — and here again, Winter Park Resort has you covered.
New for this year is Ember at Snoasis, the resort's new outdoor, wood-fired dining concept. Indulge in a meal from a rotating menu of global cuisine — including a "cut of the day" like lamb or wild game. Overlooking the nearby slopes and terrain park at mid-mountain, Ember at Snoasis will offer a beautiful spot for an outstanding dining experience.
If après-ski is more your scene, venture up to 10,700 feet above sea level and the Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge, which features food-and-drink specials along with live music every Friday and Saturday afternoon. The resort's gondola is free for all riders during après events — even if you didn't ski — so everyone can enjoy the festivities at Sunspot while taking in a beautiful sunset.
Related: 9 ways to enjoy a ski resort vacation without hitting the slopes
And for those looking to get even more activity in beyond the slopes, there's plenty from which to choose:
- Adventure guides: You and your family can opt to try many other activities on the mountain through Winter Park's adventure guides. This includes snowga — a small-group yoga session ahead of a day of skiing — or uphilling.
- Sunset tours: You can find even more peace by booking a sunset tour — via snowcat, snowshoe or ski-bike — that'll whisk you to a secluded spot on the mountain. Enjoy s'mores and a warm drink as you take in the sunset and the transition to the starry night
- Venture Out Fest: You'll have the chance to partake in all things adventure with the return of Venture Out Fest this year — including live music, dog sledding, and much, much more.
The convenience
Finally, Winter Park offers terrific convenience for travelers — both in reaching the resort and once you're on property. Guests can fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), from which it's a drive of less than two hours to get to Winter Park. While renting a car is an option, travelers can also utilize scheduled van service with Home James Transportation — with six daily departures starting Nov. 19 (expanding to 11 daily trips as of Dec. 17).
Once you get to the resort, you may not find much need to leave. There are a variety of dining spots, multiple lodging options, and on-site rentals and lessons.
But even if you want to venture off property, it's incredibly easy to do so via "The Lift" — free shuttle service within Winter Park and nearby Fraser. There's even an app specifically for riders, allowing you to track the buses in real time.
Bottom line
It can be hard to select a ski resort for your winter getaway, but Winter Park in Colorado has everything you need for a successful trip this season. From its new mobile app to exciting experiences and incredible convenience, Winter Park Resort can make a fantastic destination for hitting the slopes this year.
For more information about the resort and its various travel packages, click here.
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