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- Georgina D'Angelo
The Ultimate Winter Park CO Guide
Updated: Jun 21
Colorado has no shortage of picturesque mountainside towns, and Winter Park is just that. If you’re eager to explore Winter Park, Colorado you’ve come to the right place!
My ultimate Winter Park, CO guide is here to help you plan the best trip possible to this mountain-lovers destination. From where to stay and what to eat to the best things to do and the coziest coffee shops, learn all about this Colorado town (and its neighbor Fraser!) and start planning your own trip.
Please note this is about Winter Park, Colorado but I am also including Fraser, CO as it is located right next to Winter Park and is a great alternative when looking for a place to stay or a nice restaurant.
Pro Tip: Make a road trip out of your Colorado visit and plan a stop in Estes Park as well!
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Overview of Winter Park, Colorado (and Fraser)
Winter Park is located just under 2 hours from Denver International Airport in northern Colorado, and Fraser sits right next to Winter Park. This area is known for its incredible skiing terrain in the winter, and its hiking and mountain biking opportunities in the summer.
The weather in Winter Park is generally on the cooler side. Winter can reach temperatures below 20°F, the coldest month being January. You can also expect snowfall until early May, perfect for spring skiing.
Summer temperatures reach up to the high 50s and sometimes 60°F, and the hottest month is July. The cool summer months make for a great time to stay outdoors and hike, bike, etc.
Below is the map of Colorado to get an idea of where Winter Park and Fraser are. It's a great area to explore and enjoy, but it is also a great base location if you want to explore northern Colorado.
READ NEXT: How to Spend a Weekend in Estes Park
Best Hotels in Winter Park, CO
Finding the right accommodation makes a trip so much better. Here’s where to stay in Winter Park for couples and families.
Sleeps 4 - 1 bed, 1 bath
Private hot tub and 1 car garage
Walking distance to several restaurants and the Fraser River Trail
Sleeps 6 - 2 bed, 2 bath
Shared pool, hot tub, and gym
Modern furnishings and private balcony
Studio with room to sleep 4
Located at Winter Park Resort base
Fireplace inside, shared hot tub
Where to Stay in Fraser, CO
I personally stayed in Fraser when visiting in late May and it was a great location. Madge's Studio was perfect for my partner and I and our dog. There were many restaurants and coffee shops within a 10 minute drive, and hiking was nearby.
Sleeps 6 - 2 bed, 1 bath
River and mountain views from private deck
Shared hot tub and sauna, private grill
Bus stop to ski lifts right outside
Perfect for a couple and their dog
Welcoming host with local recommendations
Quiet area, yet a quick drive to downtown Fraser and Winter Park
Hotel rooms sleep 2-4 people
Breakfast included, hot tub, and gym
Convenient location in downtown Fraser
Winter Park CO Guide
Winter Park, Colorado is known for its skiing and winter activities. The town provides an amazing ski base with a plethora of restaurants and hotels, and the mountains offer top notch skiing in the western US.
In winter, you can not only enjoy skiing, but also snowshoeing for those who want to admire the winter wonderland without the adrenaline rush.
READ NEXT: Park City, Utah Travel Guide
Skiing in Winter Park, Colorado
As one of the best places to ski in the US, I highly recommend planning a ski trip to Winter Park, Colorado. Plan your transportation (flights or driving route), pick one of the best hotels in Winter Park above, book ski rentals and ski lessons, and get ready for an epic winter adventure!
Make sure you know what to pack for your ski trip. If you want to book ski or snowboard lessons, do so in advance so you can secure your spot.
If you need rental equipment, I recommend checking prices at Winter Park Resort itself as they have convenient overnight storage. Or see what rates are like at other local ski shops like Christy Sports.
11 Things to Do in Winter Park, Colorado in the Summer
Winter Park in summer is every hiker’s paradise. With the plethora of mountain views and trails, topped with cool, sunny weather, Winter Park is the perfect place for outdoorsy people to adventure in summer months.
While ski season is the busiest time of year to visit Winter Park, the middle of summer can get packed here too. If you want to enjoy all the things to do in Winter Park, Colorado in the summer, then try to visit in early to mid June or late August to early September.
1. Go Hiking
Winter Park itself boasts many hiking trails, one of my favorites being the Fraser River Trail. You can follow this trail along, you guessed it, the Fraser River, from Winter Park to Fraser.
If you plan to hit the trails in Winter Park or Fraser CO, make sure to prepare with the essential day hiking gear. Bring plenty of water, some snacks, and sun protection.
2. Take a Scenic Gondola Ride
The gondola at Winter Park Ski Resort is still open in summer for scenic rides! This provides an easy, yet still breathtaking way to admire the mountains in Winter Park.
Head to the top and grab a drink or two from Mountaintop Happy Hour. This is a fun activity for all ages, just be prepared for the heights when riding the gondola.
3. Cool Down With an Iced Coffee
Winter Park and Fraser have a surprisingly great coffee shop scene. There are many local cozy spots to grab an iced coffee, or even a light meal.
My favorites are Moon Frog Coffee Shop in Winter Park and Simple Coffee Co. in Fraser. I’ll include all of my coffee shop recommendations for Winter Park, Colorado below.
4. Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
Winter Park, Colorado is about 45 minutes from the southern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park making it a great day trip option. This opens up visitors to even more hiking and scenic views!
Take note that Trail Ridge Road, the main road that runs from the southern entrance to the northern entrance of the park, is closed in winter until late spring (it was still closed when we visited at the end of May).
You can still access the park, but your hiking options are limited (but it’s still worth a visit!). I recommend hiking at least the first mile and a half of the Colorado River Trail, Adam's Falls, and stopping by Holzwarth Historic Site.
You can also stay in Estes Park, Colorado to visit the northern side of Rocky Mountain National Park. I recommend making a road trip out of this, and visiting all three places. I did just that and it was so scenic, relaxing, and enjoyable.
5. Enjoy Dessert From Charlie’s Frozen Treat Shop
There’s always room for ice cream! Head to Charlie’s Frozen Treat Shop to choose from a selection of ice creams and desserts.
They even have cookie sandwiches and ice cream for your pups. As a dog-friendly ice cream shop, how could you go wrong with a visit to Charlie’s?
6. Take a Fly Fishing Tour
If you’re eager to give fly fishing a try, Winter Park is a great place to do so! There are several tour operators in town that offer fully guided tours with equipment included.
Fly fishing is a great way to get outside and spend time with friends and family without a huge adrenaline rush (like mountain biking). Check out Winter Park Flyfisher for tour options.
7. Mountain Biking in Winter Park
Another fun thing to do in Winter Park in summer is mountain biking. Perfect for those seeking a thrill, you can bring your own equipment or rent from a local sports equipment shop.
If you want to rent mountain bikes, I recommend heading to Christy Sports to get geared up. They’ll provide plenty of trail recommendations as well if you ask. You can also visit Winter Park Ski Resort to get suited up for biking on the well maintained trails here as they stay open in summer for mountain biking.
8. Sip on a Craft Beer
Along with great coffee shops, Winter Park also offers a great brewery scene. Head to one of the local breweries in either Winter Park or Fraser CO for a nice drink to end a day in the mountains.
I recommend Camber Brewing Company in Fraser and Big Trout Brewing Company in Winter Park. There are more brewery recommendations below as well.
9. Visit The Foundry Cinema & Bowl
If you’re looking for an indoor activity to do in Winter Park in the summer, head to The Foundry Cinema & Bowl. Here you can catch a movie, grab some pizza, go bowling, or do all three! They even have billiards tables if you’re up for a game of pool.
10. Admire the View from a Hot Air Balloon
As one of the best places to go for a hot air balloon ride, this Winter Park/Fraser CO activity is available year round, but perfect to plan for a summer trip.
Experience the vast mountain views of this part of Colorado from the height of a hot air balloon and with a knowledgeable local guide to share more about Winter Park. Visit Grand Adventure Balloon to see available ride options.
11. Grab a Book and Find a Park
Book lovers, this one is specifically for you. If you are always looking for a new book, head to one of my all time favorite local bookstores, Mountain Shire Books & Gifts.
There are a plethora of well known books, local authors, kids books, and more at Mountain Shire. Plus the store is so cute and the owner/staff are very friendly.
Once you’ve picked a book out, head to Hideaway Park to lay on the lawn and read. Better yet, pick up some chimney bread from Rollin’ Street Bakery to eat while you read and soak in the sunshine.
Best Restaurants in Winter Park CO
Even though Winter Park is a small town in the mountains of Colorado, the food scene here is quite delicious. If you’re a fellow foodie traveler, make sure you visit as many of the best restaurants in Winter Park CO and add a few stops to their local coffee shops.
Deno’s Mountain Bistro | American food with unique flares
Randi’s Grill & Pub | Irish pub serving classics like fish n’ chips
Hernando’s Pizza Pub | Pizza, pasta, salad, and wine
Wake N’ Bacon | Sit down breakfast restaurant
Paellas Restaurant | High end Spanish food
Rollin’ Street Bakery | Serves breakfast and lunch chimney sandwiches
Charlie’s Frozen Treat Shop | Perfect place for a cold sweet treat
Best Coffee Shops in Winter Park
If you’re like me and always need to stay caffeinated, stop by the best coffee shops in Winter Park for a delicious pick me up.
Moon Frog Coffee Shop | Coffee, burritos, muffins, etc. and a great patio
Rollin’ Street Bakery | They also have a full coffee menu - lattes, cold brew, etc.
The Perk Cafe and Roastery | Chic and modern vibe offering small bites too
Best Restaurants in Fraser CO
Fraser is slightly smaller than Winter Park, but super close and still offers some great restaurants. Here are the best restaurants in Fraser CO.
Fraser Valley Distilling | Distillery offering sandwiches, salads, and small bites
Shreddy’s Tacos | Try a walking taco at Shreddy’s
Rocky Mountain Roastery Cafe | Coffee shop with light fare and pastries
Simple Coffee Co. | Best coffee shop in Fraser, Colorado
Camber Brewing Company | Best brewery in Fraser, Colorado
Things to Do in Winter Park CO & Fraser CO
Winter Park and Fraser are two great places to visit in Colorado. Plan an epic ski vacation to this mountainside gem, or opt to visit in summer for stunning hiking views or to hop on mountain biking trails.
With the ultimate Fraser and Winter Park CO guide, you now know where to stay, what to do, the best coffee and the best food in both towns! On top of epic skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, there are plenty of things to do in Winter Park, Colorado in summer as well as the surrounding area, like Fraser.
Start planning your own Colorado getaway and admire the Rocky Mountain beauty yourself any time of year. As a frequent traveler and mountain lover, I can say this little piece of Colorado is well worth a visit.
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