zephyr lodge Colorado

Hey y’all! I absolutely love taking trips to new places & giving you guys the full run down on what to do to make the most out of any trip. So, after getting back from an amazing snow-cation, here’s everything you need to do in Winter Park Colorado!

First things first, this trip was in partnership with Winter Park Resort but everything is my own honest opinion on the experience.

About Winter Park Resort

Winter Park Colorado is located a few hours south of Denver. It’s a quaint town with a population of just over 1,000 people. That being said, it’s home to Winter Park Resort which is a ski resort that brings in over 15,000 people on a busy Saturday during peak snow season.

It was also voted #1 Ski Resort in North America by USA Today for the second time! There are a ton of great activities for people of all ages and abilities including skiing, snow boarding, snow biking, snow shoeing, tubing, snow cat tours, and honestly that only skims the surface.

https://www.high-endrolex.com/39

Keep scrolling to see the activities I got to try out and all the amazing food options.

Activities

Skiing in Colorado

Private Ski Lessons

I’ve skied now a total of 4 times in my entire life. I wasn’t someone who grew up around the sport (hello, Texas gal born and raised), so I pretty much could use all the help I could get.

With private ski lessons, I was able to move at a pace that I felt comfortable and didn’t feel like I was holding anyone else back or vice versa. Plus, I’ve done group lessons before at another resort and would recommend privates 10 fold just because of the personal aspect. If it’s your first time and are just super anxious about skiing, this is the activity for you!

*includes your ski rental + lift ticket for the day*

We even got the in-room ski boot fitting the day before which saved us time and lines day of the lessons!

Pro Tip: My instructor’s name was Jeff for anyone looking to book! He was very patient and an awesome coach.

snoshoeing winter park co

Snow Shoeing – Summit Hike

If you love hiking, you’ll love snow shoeing. It was honestly one of my favorite activities of the weekend and would recommend it to anyone no matter your familiarity with snow.

They have two route options including a “nature hike” being much less strenuous and more flat vs the “summit hike” which starts and ends at the summit and has some vertical to it.

Pro Tip: It is a group activity so your pace is dictated by the slowest one of the group. If you’re more advanced, try booking this one during the week when you’re less likely to be with a group and can really push the pace with your tour guide.

Our tour guides name was Alex and he was AWESOME! Such a fun guy to be around and was super knowledge about the history of winter park.

tubing winter park co

Tubing

Tubing is a MUST DO if you’re wanting to feel like a kid again. Granted, there were a lot of kids around because it is tubing and low impact, but I haven’t laughed so hard in years from pure joy.

It’s super easy to sign up for and is guaranteed to make your cheeks hurt from smiling.

Pro Tip: Book your hour long session in the morning right when they open because there are way less people and can get a ton more runs in.

zephyr mountain lodge winter park

Hot Tubbing

We stayed at the Zephyr Mountain Lodge which is a ski in/ski out condominium base lodging that is run by Winter park Resort. Each of the rooms is individually owned and range from Silver, Gold & Platinum Ratings that offer standard or upgraded decor & furnishings.

Each room includes a Full Kitchen, cable TV, Ski Locker, Fitness Room, and 4 Outdoor Hot Tubs.

I put a huge emphasis on hot tubbing during your stay for so many reasons. First being that hot tubbing while it’s snowing is an experience like no other. Second, two of the hot tubs are located just inches away from the mountain and can watch skiers and snow boarders finishing a run. Third, it’s the perfect way to wind down during the day or recover sore muscles at night after a day on the slopes!

Gondola Rides

This is something that you can take advantage of if your wanting to take a less windy ride to the top with your ski or snowboard gear OR just wanting a scenic view while you lunch or Apres.

Food (in the resort)

Goody’s Mountain Creperie

Great coffee, Awesome sweet or savory crepes, and highly recommend trying their veggie chili!

Coffee and Tea Market

coffee and tea winter park

Amazing coffee (they even have almond milk for a dairy free substitute) and their pastries are fresh and delicious. It’s located slope side and can even spot a few pro athletes hanging out if you’re there at the right time!

Vertical

vertical winter park

If you’re wanting a healthier option, they’ve got some great meals including their beet salad and brussel sprouts. Perfect for lunch or dinner.

Rippy’s Mountain Tavern

Farm fresh ingredients, craft beers and specialty cocktails – it’s a great option for lunch, dinner, or Après happy hour!

Hill House

Located at the top of the tubing hill, they’re known for their fresh baked cookies and gourmet hot chocolate.

Provisioner at Sunspot Lodge

With a full day on the slopes, Provisioner has a gorgeous view of the mountains and tasty options for lunch at the summit!

Sunspot Mountaintop Lodge

sunspot lodge winter park

If you’re wanting a fancy 3 course meal, this is the spot. Great for lunch or dinner with panoramic views at the summit.

Highly recommend getting the flourless chocolate cake for dessert at the end of your meal!

Sunspot Mountaintop Après

Take advantage of some happy hour discounts and watch the sun go down to live music at the mountain top!

*all of the Sunspot options are located at the summit right as you step off the Gondola*

Food (in the town of Winter Park)

Pepe Osaka’s

pepe osaka winter park

One of the most unique and delicious places I’ve ever eaten at. This is my number one recommendation if you’re in the area! Definitely try their fish tacos and their known for their margaritas.

Hernando’s Pizza

Best pizza in town as voted by the locals.

Charlie’s Frozen Treat Shop

best dessert in winter park Colorado

This may sound crazy but Fro Yo in freezing temperatures is a must. Plus, it’s a family owned business with amazing flavors and toppings!

Fontenot’s Seafood & Grill

If you like fresh seafood and want some lighter options, this is the place to go!

Ullrs Tavern

Where the locals go and most likely will see your ski instructor at the bar.

Hideaway Park Brewery

Camber Brewing Company

Fraser Valley Distilling

Lastly, a few pro tips in general to help with ease of travel are to use Home James that is a car shuttle service that takes you from the airport to Zephyr Lodge at Winter Park Resort.

While staying at the resort, the best way to get from there to town is by taking the shuttle service. The app I used is called “The Lift Rider” and gives you the routes and timing of all the shuttle services + where they go and is available to download via apple or android!

As far as stay, activities, and dining, this is my go-to list and everything you need to do in Winter Park Colorado! Make sure to save this post and share with friends for your next snow-cation!

Follow me on Instagram @spinsyddy for daily updates and check out my “Winter Park” highlight reel to see all the BTS of my trip.