This small mountain town consistently earns high praise from winter sports enthusiasts for its more than 3,000 acres of well-groomed slopes and powder stashes spread over seven separate ski areas. Its location in the Rocky Mountains positions it for more than 300 inches of prime powder each year; the runs are designed for skiers of all levels, making Winter Park the perfect place to go with the whole family or a group of friends. Even if skiing isn’t at the top of your list, other winter activities like snowshoeing, tubing, and snowcat tours provide plenty of options. Plus a new scenic gondola lets you take in the panoramic views.

Winter Park shines during the snowy season. Skiing usually starts at the beginning of November, and the slopes can stay open until mid-April. The coldest month is January, with an average high temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit is in March and early April, when some of the last, but best, snow drifts in and the days are sunnier and warmer (dependably in the mid-40s). Late spring is humid and chilly, and rain turns the snow to slush. The warmest month is July, when temperatures can reach 80 degrees. Fall is a splendid time of year to visit, thanks to brilliant red and yellow foliage, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds.

Winter Park Resort

Winter Park Resort is the ideal basecamp for adventure, and features a wide range of activities year-round. There are many ways to experience the great outdoors here. A tubing park and bumper car course are popular with kids, while Nordic skiing and snowshoeing provide a slower-paced experience. When you’re through breaking a sweat, there are more than a dozen shops and restaurants to visit.

Winter Park Gondola

The Winter Park Gondola is the easiest and fastest way to access views of the Colorado Rockies in any season, whisking you to 11,000 feet elevation. The ride up offers a bird’s-eye view of ski runs and tree canopies. At the summit, you’re greeted by panoramic views of the Continental Divide and Fraser Valley, as well as access to hiking trails, lookouts, and a variety of ski runs.

James Peak Wilderness

Less than an hour’s drive from Winter Park is one of Colorado’s most impressive and underrated landscapes. James Peak Wilderness is located on the eastern side of the Continental Divide, and encompasses 17,000 acres. More than 20 miles of trails and streams meander through this alpine and subalpine ecosystem, including stands of willow, spruce, and Douglas firs.