Beyond the Slopes at Winter Park
September 09, 2024Winter Park truly is winter’s playground. The mountain resort boasts over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain across 7 distinct areas, yet is still considered by some to be a Rocky Mountain hidden gem. Located just close enough to Denver to be accessible yet far enough from the I-70 corridor to maintain a “local’s only” vibe, Winter Park Resort offers an impressive variety of slopes and trails that blend the expansive excitement of a major resort with the cozy charm of a local ski hill.
But a true winter getaway extends beyond the slopes. In addition to the eateries and activities to keep you busy within the resort village, the peaceful and unpretentious towns of Winter Park and Fraser are only a few minutes down the road by car or public transportation. They serve as excellent jumping-off points for those looking to immerse themselves in local life or explore the area. This article will share recommendations of things to do and places to eat in Winter Park and Fraser.
Where To Eat in Winter Park and Fraser
If you need freshly brewed coffee and a handcrafted pastry to kick-start the morning, you’ll want to stop at Rollin’ Sweet Bakery. Known for their rolled chimney pastries cooked over a hot flame, this Eastern European style street fare is prepared sweet, with cinnamon and sugar, or savory, rolled in herbs and cheese. Additional toppings like Nutella, cream cheese, and fresh fruit are optional.
Randi’s Grill & Pub offers a laid-back experience that feels anything but touristy. Here you’ll brush shoulders with locals on their lunch break enjoying the not-to-be-missed Rueben and Beef Dip sandwiches. The restaurant seamlessly blends the atmospheres of a small-town grill and an authentic Irish sports pub, and the sustainability-minded scratch-made fare is prepared with local, hand-selected ingredients.
Deano’s Mountain Bistro, the longest-running family restaurant in Winter Park, is a nearby favorite. This historic charmer features a spectacular happy hour offering, thoughtfully crafted entrees, pizza, pasta, and a selection of locally raised, grass-fed, and grain-finished aged steaks. If the latter strikes your fancy, the gorgonzola fondue add-on is pure luxury.
A few minutes down the road you’ll reach Fraser Valley Distilling, home to cozy seating, big fireplaces, and expertly crafted spirits. Wednesday through Saturday you can enjoy their unmatched duo- whiskey and waffles.
Things to Do in Winter Park and Fraser
If your legs need a rest after a couple of days on the slopes or you have non-skiers in tow, you’ll be happy to discover Grand County has no shortage of family-friendly attractions.
The Foundry Cinema & Bowl offers (you guessed it) movies and bowling with a modern industrial vibe. The Foundry is popular with locals, housing the only cinema in the area, so you’ll want to reserve movie tickets and bowling lanes in advance. Don’t forget to mention if you need gutter guards for young bowlers, all skill-level bowlers are welcome which makes this a great option for your family game night. After a few rounds of bowling, check out the arcade and billiards before grabbing pizza and a beverage from their full-service bar and heading into the movie theater. Sit back, snack, and enjoy a show.
The Fraser Tubing Hill is a fun way to spend time outdoors without committing to a full day of skiing or snowboarding. Hourly rates range from $30-$40 per person, depending on the time of year, and include your tube and helmet rental. This activity is suitable for anyone 3 years old and up (note that children 3-6 will need to ride down with an adult). Once you reach the bottom, a convenient lift will tow you back up the hill to do it all again. Speaking from experience, the laughs you’ll share here are more than worth your visit.
The Grand Park Community Rec Center offers the perfect balance of fitness and fun. The aquatics center is equipped with a leisure pool, lap pool, lazy river, water slide, steam room, sauna, hot tub, and more. The center boasts a full weight and cardio room and is complete with a full group fitness schedule featuring barre, pilates, and zumba. If you haven’t yet had your fill of adventure, don’t miss the 30-foot climbing wall, and of course, your winter vacation wouldn’t be complete without a bit of hot cocoa and ice skating. The IceBox Ice Rink is located off-site- just a 5-minute drive away- and is sure to excite the entire family.
Ready To Go?
With so much to offer, go ahead and stay a while. Whether you book accommodations at Winter Park Resort or in the nearby towns of Winter Park or Fraser, you’ll never find yourself too far from a delicious meal and a fun-filled activity.