Are you thinking about making your way to Winter Park this spring? You could make a case that this is the best time of year to explore one of the nation’s premier adventure playgrounds.
Just over an hour west of Denver, Winter Park has seemingly endless mountain terrain, from ski resorts to national forests. Add on atmospheric local towns and plenty of sunshine; you’ll soon realize you’ve made the perfect choice.
Spring Weather in Winter Park
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Winter Park. From March to the end of May, you can experience the “best of both worlds.” Snow continues to fall throughout spring, allowing you to experience one of America’s best ski areas. But as the daily highs climb from the low 40s to the high 50s throughout spring, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the mountains, charming towns, and lush valleys in a variety of ways.
Best Things to Do in Spring in Winter Park
1. Take to the Slopes
Don’t let the name fool you; Winter Park is just as fun in the springtime. March and April snowfalls average 50 inches and above, so you can extend your ski season even as the temperatures climb. It’s not uncommon for Winter Park Resort to stay open until late May!
Under the blue skies, enjoy some patented Colorado bluebird days as you navigate Winter Park or Granby Ranch ski resorts. Pow days are still fairly common, and the sun-soaked slush snow is a blast for skiers and snowboarders alike.
Owing to late-season conditions, you’ll find discounts on lift tickets and rental specials.
2. Cross-Country Skiing
Do you prefer slow-paced and peaceful exploration over moguls and chutes? Grand County is home to some of Colorado’s best cross-country skiing. Snow Mountain Ranch and Devil’s Thumb Ranch combine to have over 120 miles of Nordic trails alone.
Here, you can extend your mountain adventures off-piste and enjoy some of the best sightseeing the Continental Divide offers. You could even switch the skis for snowshoes or enjoy some fat biking.
If you’re new to cross-country skiing, follow the Fraser River Trail for 2.5 miles of flat and groomed terrain. Enjoy scenic river views all the way to Old Town Winter Park.
3. Go Snowmobiling
The serene Arapaho National Forest surrounds Winter Park and Fraser. Before the snow melts and hiking trails take over, enjoy one of the most thrilling winter activities and jump aboard a snowmobile.
With Grand Adventures, you can pick between unguided and guided experiences. The former allows you to explore epic marked trails around Winter Park at your own pace. The latter provides the opportunity to explore the Rocky Mountains to Corona Pass, culminating with views of Fraser Valley from 12,000 feet.
That’s just the start however, you can see their full listing of adventures here.
4. Take a Snowcat Tour
For some, winter getaways are about enjoying a snow-laden wonderland and relaxing in the hot tub. If that sounds like you, then jump aboard Winter Park’s Snowcat.
Across a 90-minute tour, you’ll venture beyond the resort base, explore the Arapaho National Forest, and bask in the beauty of the Continental Divide, Fraser Valley, and Vasquez Peak Wilderness.
Snowcats aren’t just good for leisurely experiences, however. They’re also a “chairlift to the goods” – your ticket to some of Colorado’s best backcountry skiing. Get ready to find your new favorite place.
5. Enjoy a Hike
As spring advances, the valley is the first place to say goodbye to the winter’s snow. The last half of spring allows you to start dreaming of summer adventures ahead of time. So break out the hiking shoes.
Some of our favorite “pre-season” hikes include the Creekside Trail, which gets plenty of sun and dries out quickly. Hikers will enjoy lovely Saint Louis Creek views.
For a proper hike, pack a backup pair of snow shoes and head out along the Jim Creek Trail. This is a 7.5-mile out-and-back trail that takes you into national forests, by creeks, and to a gorgeous waterfall.
6. Explore Fraser’s Winter Park Winery
We’ve spent plenty of time chasing the stoke and big mountain views. Now it’s time to kick back and try some fine Colorado tipple. In downtown Fraser, Winter Park Winery blends small-town charm with its fantastic wines.
It’s a lovely antidote to an action-packed Winter Park experience. In true Rocky Mountain fashion, the grapes sourced from across the world are crushed and pressed at 9,000 feet, adding a unique flavor palate to each batch.
7. Try Your Hand at Fly Fishing
The fly fishing in Grand County is, well, grand! The region has over 1,000 miles of lush streams and sprawling protected lands bespeckled with stunning high-alpine lakes. A quarter of Colorado’s “Gold Medal” waters can be found close to Winter Park. It’s a fly-fishing haven.
You can fly fish year-round, but spring is a great time as trout become more active after a winter slumber. With the help of Winter Park Flyfisher, you’ll be outfitted with everything you need. Or, you can join their expert guides to discover the best fishing in Winter Park.
Spring Events in Winter Park
Mountain Top Apres
Until early April, Winter Park’s Mountain Top Apres allows you to toast to a memorable day on the slopes with friends and family. Even if you didn’t ski or board, you can load the gondola for free and fly over whiteout spruce trees to the Lodge at Sunspot.
Enjoy craft cocktails, great eats, and live music as you bask in the alpenglow views at almost 11,000ft. Mountain Top Apres runs from 4 pm to 8 pm on Thursdays through Saturdays.
Glow Night
Come and trade the apres drinks for ice skating and snow tubing at the resort’s Tube Hill. Glow Night allows you to extend the winter fun into the late evening as you fly down the hill under bright neon lights.
With multiple lanes, you can race your friends and family before rushing to the covered conveyor lift to do it all over again. To get to the tubing hill, take the Cabriolet lift to The Vintage Hotel. We highly recommend booking tickets in advance.
Glow Night also includes ice skating at the Village Pond.
The Pond Skim
The pond skim is an end-of-season specialty for many ski resorts in North America. But at Winter Park, the un is spread out over multiple weekends.
Gone are the brisk winter days. Here are the sun-soaked spring afternoons where we can show off our hard-earned goggle tans, wear retro ski gear, try to navigate slushy snow, and ski our way across a body of water.
With live music, DJ tunes, and a party atmosphere, the Spring Bash and Splash rivals opening day as the most exciting time on Winter Park’s calendar. Keep your eye on the Winter Park website for dates and themed weekends.
Packing for Your Spring Adventure
Winter Park will offer plenty of classic Colorado sun, but the spring evenings remain brisk. Here’s what you should pack for your time in Grand County in addition to all your necessities.
- Wool base layers (top and bottom)
- Long sleeve shirts
- Light fleece jacket
- Snow jacket and pants
- Breathable shell for warmer days
- Beanie and neck gaiter
- Snow gloves and glove liner for bluebird days
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
Make the Most of Your Winter Park Experience
In Winter Park, there’s always more to do. You could even take a 50-minute drive north to Rocky Mountain National Park. But to make the most of your experience from skiing to ice skating, you need a flawless base. That’s where we come in with luxury vacation homes perfectly suited for both small and large groups.