Colorado’s favorite playground, Winter Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking thrilling winter adventures and breathtaking alpine scenery. We’ve visited this charming mountain town several times, and it never gets old. Whether we’re hitting the slopes for world-class skiing and snowboarding or enjoying cozy evenings by the fire, Winter Park always offers an unforgettable winter escape. But where should you stay to make the most of your experience? In this article, we’ll show you our favorite resorts in Winter Park CO, offering something for every taste. Spoiler alert: the accommodations here are extraordinary, with many featuring fireplaces and kitchenettes to ensure a cozy stay. Here are our top recommendations!
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Winter Park Mountain Lodge
5
Best Value for Money. Let’s kick off this list with the Winter Park Mountain Lodge. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the polished building nestled on a leafy hillside, perfectly blending modern comforts with a rustic mountain vibe. The location couldn’t have been better; just a mile from the ski lifts at Winter Park Resort and a short drive from Berthoud Pass. It offers travelers easy access to both winter and summer activities.
We opted for a suite during our stay, and it exceeded our expectations. The room was spacious and comfortable, featuring all the amenities we could need. We especially appreciated the cozy fireplace. The suite also included a convenient mini fridge and microwave, allowing us to prepare some of our snacks. But the highlight of our room was undoubtedly the cozy seating area with its direct, breathtaking views of the mountains. It was the ideal spot to unwind and soak in the natural beauty surrounding us.
The lodge also offered a range of excellent amenities. We made use of the complimentary parking, which was a definite plus. The on-site restaurant and brewery, complete with a pool table and more stunning mountain views, provided a great place to socialize. And for the ultimate relaxation, we could always count on the indoor pool, hot tubs, and sauna.
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Iron Horse Resort
4
Best Condo-Style. Up next is the Iron Horse Resort. We loved the location of this resort, as it gave us direct access to the slopes via the Corridor Trail, which connects Winter Park and Mary Jane. This was a definite plus for us, as it meant less time lugging our gear around. While the trail is best suited for intermediate skiers and above, the ease of access to the mountain was a major highlight of our stay. We also appreciated the resort’s proximity to other amenities; a short two-block walk took us to the Winter Park Base Village, and the free local shuttle made trips to the Town of Winter Park, a couple of miles away, a breeze.
We opted for a studio during our stay. The standout feature for us was undoubtedly the fireplace, which kept us warm and cozy. The studio was well-equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable stay, including a private bathroom with all the essentials like free toiletries, a hairdryer, and both a bath and shower. Like many other resorts, it also provided us with a kitchenette. Best of all, we had our own private entrance!
Beyond the studio, we also took advantage of the resort’s amenities, which further solidified our positive impression. The heated pool, open year-round, was a welcome treat, and the hot tub was perfect for soothing our sore muscles. We also liked having access to the fitness center, though we mostly focused on enjoying the outdoor activities.
Speaking of which, we couldn’t have had fun without the best winter boots and the best insulated socks at Walmart. Make sure to check them out!
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Winter Park Resort
3
Best Resort Experience. Of course, we have to talk about the Winter Park Resort itself! We really loved our time here. The variety of terrain was perfect for our group, with challenging black diamonds for experienced skiers and gentle slopes for beginners. The resort’s well-maintained grooming made for smooth and enjoyable runs, and the snow conditions were consistently excellent throughout our stay. We especially loved the vibrant atmosphere at the base area, with live music, delicious food options, and a lively après-ski scene.
The great thing about this place is that there are plenty of lodging options within. While it doesn’t have a large standalone hotel like some major resorts, there are several places to stay right on the property, ranging from hotels to condos and vacation rentals. We spent a night at The Vintage Hotel’s lofted studio and had a blast. For our full review, read The Vintage Hotel in Winter Park: Colorado Mountain Escape.
Moreover, we also found the staff at Winter Park to be incredibly friendly and helpful. From the lift operators to the ski school instructors, everyone went above and beyond to ensure we had a positive experience. We also appreciated the resort’s commitment to sustainability, with initiatives like their free shuttle service and efforts to minimize their environmental impact.
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Fraser Crossing and Founders Pointe
2
Best Rustic Charm. Nominating the Fraser Crossing and Founders Pointe as one of the best resorts in Winter Park CO was easy for us. Located right on Route 40 within the Village at Winter Park, the location was ideal for accessing the slopes and other local attractions. We appreciated the proximity to the resort’s amenities and the overall ease of getting around.
We found our traditionally decorated One-Bedroom Suite to be well-equipped for a self-catering stay. The presence of a full kitchen, complete with granite countertops, was a definite highlight. Meanwhile, the gas fireplace provided a cozy atmosphere in the evenings, and the pull-out sofa offered additional sleeping space. The thoughtful amenities combined with the rustic aesthetics made our stay perfect.
The amenities at this resort also further enhanced our stay. We appreciated being provided ski lockers, so we had secure storage for our equipment. We particularly enjoyed relaxing in the outdoor area, which featured hot tubs and BBQs. It was a great place to unwind and keep ourselves warm.
“Though there are so many resorts in the area, this is one of the few that we’ll always want to return to.”
WOW Travel
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Zephyr Mountain Lodge
1
Best Skiing Access. Overall, we were thrilled with our stay at the Zephyr Mountain Lodge. The resort’s location at the base of the mountain couldn’t be better – we were just a four-minute walk from the Winter Park Resort ski lifts, making it incredibly convenient for ski-in/ski-out access. While Berthoud Pass is a bit further out at 11 miles, we were primarily focused on the immediate slopes.
For our stay, we booked the two-bedroom condo. The kitchen was a definite plus, allowing us to prepare some of our meals. We especially appreciated the gas fireplace and the private balcony; it was lovely to relax by the fire after spending hours on the slopes. The living area was well-appointed with a comfortable sleeper sofa and chair, perfect for lounging and watching the large TV above the fireplace. Moreover, the master bedroom featured a king-sized bed, a chair tucked in the corner, a six-drawer chest, and another TV. We also had plenty of storage with a good-sized closet and the convenience of a private bathroom.
Now, let’s talk about the resort’s amenities. The resort is split into two buildings, each with its own hot tub. While the fitness room, located on the bottom floor of the Riverside building, was on the smaller side, it served its purpose. Having a private area shuttle also made getting around easier.
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Our Verdict!
Each of the resorts above offers its own unique charm. To help you choose the best option, we’ve organized them into categories based on the following criteria:
- Best Skiing Access: Zephyr Mountain Lodge
- Best Rustic Charm: Fraser Crossing and Founders Pointe
- Best Resort Experience: Winter Park Resort
- Best Condo-Style: Iron Horse Resort
- Best Value for Money: Winter Park Mountain Lodge
Where to Stay in Winter Park, CO
If your main agenda is to ski, you’ll want to stay somewhere near Winter Park Resort. Being steps away from the lifts, ski school, and village amenities like shops and restaurants makes for a seamless vacation experience. Many lodging options offer coveted ski-in/ski-out access, heated walkways for added comfort, and on-site amenities such as pools and hot tubs for relaxation after a day on the mountain.
For those who want to be in the heart of the action, Downtown Winter Park is the place to be. This vibrant area puts you within walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars, and shops, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. You’ll find a variety of accommodation options here, from budget-friendly motels to charming boutique hotels, catering to different travel styles and budgets. For more recommendations, check out these best hotels in Winter Park! However, keep in mind that accessing the ski slopes from downtown requires a shuttle or car ride.
If you’re seeking a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with breathtaking scenic mountain views, Fraser is an excellent choice. This charming town offers a slower pace of life and is conveniently close to hiking and cross-country skiing trails, perfect for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors.
Read also: 11 Best Places to Go in Winter in US
Is Winter Park, Colorado worth visiting?
Yes, Winter Park, Colorado is definitely worth visiting. It’s a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide array of activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking.
Do you need a car in Winter Park?
It depends on your plans. If you plan to stay mainly in the resort area and utilize the free shuttle, you likely won’t need a car. However, if you want to explore areas outside of the resort, a car would be beneficial.
Is Winter Park, Colorado walkable?
Winter Park has a compact village area at the base of the ski slopes that is easily walkable, with heated walkways for convenience. However, the downtown area is a few miles away, requiring a shuttle or car to get there.
