Whether you’ve arrived to ski the slopes or explore the sun-soaked Rocky Mountains, Winter Park is where you can unwind or chase adventure. You can spend your day exploring the town’s quaint bricked streets and experience its Old World charm. Or you can ‘chase the stoke’ and hit the Black Diamond slopes!
Either way, where better to share the tales of the day than at any of Winter Park’s best breweries? Local expertise and creativity combine with Colorado’s fresh produce and mountain water to create brews as memorable as the day’s escapades when you stay at a Winter Park House vacation home.
1. Hideaway Park Brewery
- 78927 US-40, Winter Park, CO
- hideawayparkbrewery.com
- $$
- Snow Bunnies & Mountain Bikers Unite
The good folks of the mountain biking and powder shredding community here in Winter Park call Hideaway Park Brewery their second home. Since 2014, it’s been a hub for adventurous souls, locals, and visitors alike. Among the good times is even better beer.
Hideaway then succeeds at both of its two goals. One is to create an intimate local brewery where friends can gather after another big day outside. This has morphed into something even greater. Good beer is now served after group rides and skinning laps, where epic stories and a few exaggerations are shared.
Now that you get the vibe, what about the beer itself? Well, Hideaway thinks they have one of the best brewers working magic behind the scenes. A bold claim, but their rotating mix of craft creations backs it up, completing their second goal.
2. Big Trout Brewing Company
- 50 Vasquez Rd Suite F, Winter Park, CO
- bigtroutbrewing.com
- $$
- Unique Beers
The brewers at Big Trout Brewing Company are certified beer nerds. Their brewing system is science at work while being on display to all who visit as they sip on their delightful IPA.
Process and numbers can only get you so far, however. Passion and quality ingredients are the other half. Big Trout has both. That’s why, although you’ll find all the regular styles, there is something different about the flavors here. It’s obvious from your first sip of your beverage of choice.
Now, along with the high ABV and Rocky Mountain altitude, you’ll want to balance the brews out with some apps. Big Trout has a small but delicious food menu, including sandwiches and salads that’ll help keep the good times rolling.
3. Fraser River Beer
- 218 Eisenhower Dr, Fraser, CO
- fraserriverbeerco.com
- $$
- Beer Garden and Pet-Friendly
This must-try brewery is just outside of Winter Park in the beautiful town of Fraser. Fraser River Beer is a place where you can sink cold craft beers while petting dogs. Is that not what dreams are made of?
Whether it’s a bluebird day or in the height of summer, the vibes here are always immaculate. As the tails of pups wag among the festivities, glasses chink, and the quaint local brewery feels like one big ole family.
Although this is a guide to the best craft breweries in Winter Park, Fraser River Beer lends a helping hand to those who aren’t fond of IPAs and summer ales. Angie, one half of the couple that opened Fraser River, creates her own kombucha and root beer. Don’t miss their Bandwagon Hard Seltzer.
4. The Noble Buck
- 78491 US-40, Winter Park, CO
- thenoblebuck.com
- $$
- Brewpub
To combine the craft beer experience with great food, there’s no better place to go in Winter Park than The Noble Buck. Locally owned and operated, The Noble Buck is a full-time gastro-brewery and takes both parts of the equation seriously.
You’ll find a dozen excellent craft beers on tap year-round, including a small selection of limited batches. What pairs better with your blonde ale than some mouthwatering pub grub? Grub, mind you, that has an elevated and modern twist.
You’ll notice The Noble Buck’s full-service bar as you go through the chef-driven seasonal menu. After all, you may just want to switch out that beer for bourbon, and these folks will answer your prayer. The brewery’s 3 to 6 pm happy hours line up with the end of the ski day; the most challenging part is figuring out when to switch to their signature cocktails!
5. Camber Brewing Company
- 365 Zerex St, Fraser, CO
- camberbrewing.com
- $$
- Local Vibes
Another brewery in Fraser worth grabbing a pint at is Camber Brewing Company. This was the first of its kind in town and has created a wonderful space with great local vibes, while its quirky beginnings often float to the surface.
The legend of Barleybeard lingers within the brewery, and so do the tales of the creation of Jib’n Juice. Something that should be your first choice once you walk through those doors and reach the bar.
Camber’s eclectic atmosphere is always fun and inviting, often blurring the lines between brewery and classic bar. Although it’s unlikely that your traditional bar would offer adult coloring on Tuesday evenings.
Speaking of events, you’ll find trivia nights and beer specials that coincide with the big game. Camber’s award-winning food truck specializes in mind-blowing corn dogs, but its wider selection of comfort food will keep the hangry moods at bay.
6. Vicious Cycle Brewing Company
- 751 Zerex St, Fraser, CO
- viciouscyclebrewery.com
- $$
- Fun Brewery with Food Trucks
Part of the reason travelers love to come to Winter Park is to escape daily life. To see the almighty Colorado Rockies and switch up their routine. This theme carries into the creation of Vicious Cycle Brewing Company.
In 2014, company owners Nathan and Rebecca moved away from life’s “vicious cycle” and completed a “180” on what was becoming a boring routine. Sixteen months of travel later, they moved to the mountains and opened this brewery.
It sure has set them on a different path. Their newfound way of life and zestful spirit are written all over the brewery’s walls. The brewery is part inspiration, part tap room. Regular events include a Run Club, Monday night Trivia, and All Day Happy Hour on Wednesday.
To pair with your craft beer, you’ll have the Shreddy’s and Shorty’s food trucks to peruse. Come and get your fixing of tacos, pizzas, and shared apps!
7. Idlewild Spirits Brewpub
- 78737 US-40 #1000, Winter Park, CO
- idlewildspirits.com
- $$
- Craft Distillery & New American Fare
This isn’t your typical brewery. But they are brewing, well, actually distilling, brilliant craft creations. It’s just that the hops have been traded out to create some of the best cocktails in town.
Mass-produced spirits may be the way of the world, but Winter Park’s Idlewild allows you to experience the work of a master distiller, Jeff Ruhle. Trade mainstream spirits for small-batch quality and attention to detail, where only the best Colorado grains make the grade.
Enjoy some new-age liquors served alongside elevated American fare, helped by the refreshing waters of the Vazquez Creek.
Stay Near Your Favorite Winter Park Brewery
Which of the seven must-drink at breweries in Winter Park catches your eye? You can wonder all you like, but we know the best way to decide is to try them all!
Make the most of your Colorado experience by booking a stay with Winter Park House. We’ll see you at Happy Hour!