Ikon Pass Adventure :: Winter Park, CO
*Grab your 20/21 Ikon Pass before June 17th to land the lowest prices of the year, $199 down and 0% interest.
Ikon Pass includes 43 Destinations, 637 Lifts, and 4,155 Trails !
HI guys!
Now that this year’s ski season is firmly behind us, I feel like I can share these adventures (without being incredibly bummed out, ha!). Admittedly, I was in some real denial that the season was officially over until the last of the snow melted away here in the Northeast. I had planned an entire Spring season of ski days throughout this region, but will instead have to reminisce on all the good times we did have and focus on prepping for next year!
Just like last year, my Ikon Pass took me to some truly amazing places during my 19/20 season! This time around, I had my sights set on the Rockies. My first stop : Winter Park in Colorado.
After flying into Denver it was time to get into the mountains. If you are able to rent a car - DO IT. I swear I stopped at least half a dozen times to take in the views! I was lucky to stay right at the base of the mountain, at Zephyr Lodge - mere steps from the gondola. It made grabbing rentals and heading up the mountain a total breeze. With a perfect bluebird sky, I knew I was in for a treat.
The conditions on both days of my stay were incredible. Fluffy powder, endless sunshine, and views as far as the eye could see! Après-ski here is amazing, with the gondola offering free rides to passengers up to the Sunspot Lodge. With hot cocoa in hand, I warmed up as the sun set on the Continental Divide, turning all the peaks the most vibrant shade of purple imaginable.
My second morning at Winter Park brought a fun, unique opportunity of exploring the trails by snowshoe! Guided tours are offered multiple times a day, with no experience needed. My own group consisted of just our guide and one other person, making it a cozy adventure at a very relaxed pace (thankfully for me, since I stopped so often to take photos!). Our guide was extremely knowledgeable of the local history, flora & fauna, and shared insights of all the above as we explored. I personally love learning about the history of mountain towns I visit, and ate up all the tidbits he gave us along the way! After our tour ended, I took up my skis again. I had such a blast on this mountain, the terrain obviously being INCREDIBLY different + challenging compared to what I’m accustomed to here in the northeast (so.much.powder!).
After a full day on the slopes, I made my way back into the village to grab some much needed coffee before getting on the road. I loved the constant flow of activities that encompassed the shops + restaurants! There was free yoga, music, and people enjoying après drinks under the late afternoon sun. After fueling up on caffeine (Goodys Mountain Creperie was my go-to! Plus, they give you a big discount if you bring your own mug), it was time to say goodbye.
Favorite Trail
Everything off Parsenn Bowl is a MUST. The views are endless, and I had so much fun on the trails that dipped in and out of the trees!
Favorite Memory
Watching the sun set at the Sunspot Lodge was mesmerizing. The perfect welcome to Colorado!
Favorite Fact
After the season ends + the snow melts, the Winter Park team heads up with volunteers to clean up discarded trash on the trails! I love this initiative, and how eco-friendly this mountain is!
Winter Park made for the most incredible introduction to skiing in Colorado. But my adventures in this state weren’t over yet..
xo
J.