Chugging across the Colorado countryside, the Winter Park Ski Train huffs and puffs its way over mountains and along canyons. A perennial favorite, the train has been transporting families, ski bunnies, and snow-loving shutterbugs between Denver and Winter Park for over 60 years. Its mission to conveniently ferry travelers from the city to the mountains has remained the same over the years, even if lift tickets can no longer be bought for just a buck.
From Denver, the ride takes about two hours, and excitement builds in the passenger cars as the train passes beneath the Continental Divide through the famous Moffat Tunnel. For an hour before the tunnel, the train's windows reveal Rocky Mountain terrain that is inaccessible from the state's system of highways and byways. The snow through the window is fresh and abundant, and sets the mood for the wintry adventures that lie ahead. Coming to a stop right at the foot of the mountain, the train lets out one last "choo-choo" before opening its doors at the base of the slopes.
Sitting just west of the great Continental Divide, the resort of Winter Park has cornered the Colorado snow market. With a whopping average of 367 inches of snow per year, it easily beats totals at other Colorado resorts. The abundant snowfall and excellent mountain conditions make Winter Park a favorite with locals both expert and novice, and a great choice for groups and families with different skill levels and different ideas about how best to spend a winter day.
Side by side, the two mountains of Winter Park and Mary Jane take center stage, and together they're like Cinderella and a wicked stepsister. Pretty and perfect, Winter Park Mountain's long, flat stretches are suited for beginners or skiers looking to lap up the atmosphere and glide through wide and gentle gradients, while Mary Jane's nefariously steep plunges, tree-filled glades, unmarked trails, and bone-rattling mogul courses cry out for sheer nerve and skill. Black and double-black diamond mach-speed runs on Mary Jane satisfy hard-core skiers looking for a challenge, while the ski schools on Winter Park cater to all levels. And for the skiers who fall in the middle--the ones looking for more than a bunny slope but less than a possible broken neck--134 trails and 22 lifts mean that there's no shortage of ski and snowboard paths on either mountain for every skill level and desire.
Winter Park is the top-choice setting for most Coloradoans when they strap on their first set of skis. Prime conditions and convenient Denver access, as well as the renowned Children's Center and Ski and Snowboard School located right on the mountain, are the real draws for beginners. The center of all things ski, this school features everything from telemark classes and women-only programs to mogul bump jamborees and snowboard lessons. Lessons are offered to kids ages three and up, ensuring that the little tykes can learn to ski soon after learning to walk. There are all-day non-skiing programs for children, too, including games and crafts. Group lessons are divided by age group for kids and skill level for adults. Private lessons are available, as are lessons for the whole family.
Although skiing and snowboarding are the main event in Winter Park, other activities abound. Young and old flock to the giant tubing hill for sled-like rides on massive inflatable tires. Ice skaters perfect their moves amidst picturesque scenery at the outdoor rink. Horse-drawn sleighs, dog sleds, and motorized snow cats take exhilarated passengers through the wildlife-rich woods. When the cold starts seeping in, many head indoors to challenge the Winter Park climbing wall. There are also a fair share who choose to soak into hot sulfur springs, get a massage, or head to one of the town's three spas.
Of course, after the sun sets, many climb back on the Ski Train and head back to Denver. But those who stay are in for abundant après-ski activities, a wide range of accommodations, and dining options for every taste. Although it has a reputation for being a lot more low-key and casual than some of its fellow Rocky Mountain ski resorts, Winter Park does offer pampering and frills at some of the newer, more upscale hotels for those who seek it. Most accommodations, however, take the form of cozy mountain lodges with warm fires and board games in the lobby to create an inviting, family-friendly atmosphere.•
