WINTER PARK, COLO. (November 7, 2011)- Winter Park Resort, one of Colorado’s premier resort destinations, has announced that it will open four days earlier than originally planned for the 72nd season on Saturday, on November 12, 2011. Skiing and riding will take place on 36 acres and five trails accessible via four lifts; Arrow, Gemini, Endeavour and depending on conditions, the Discovery lift.
“Winter Park Resort is responding to the high demand for early season access to the slopes from Colorado’s Front Range skiers and riders. Also, by opening ahead of schedule we are putting seasonal employees to work earlier than originally expected,” said Gary DeFrange, president and chief operating officer at Winter Park Resort. “Thanks to the hard work of our snowmaking and grooming crews, plus early season snowfall, the runs are primed and ready to go.”
First chair is at 8:30am on Saturday, November 12, 2011. Winter Park Resort will be open daily through April 22, 2012, 9:00am – 4:00pm weekdays and 8:30am-4:00pm on weekends. For opening weekend, lift tickets will be $69 adult and $49 child. Ski + Ride School and Winter Park Resort Rentals will be in full operation. Open restaurants include Starbucks and limited menus at Doc’s Roadhouse and Moffat Market. Opening day celebrations include après ski specials and the new Red Bull Sugga vehicle will be onsite to provide videos and music. Don’t miss opening weekend lodging deals, Vintage Hotel rooms start at just $62 per night!
Winter Park Resort will provide free garage parking at The Village at Winter Park through Tuesday, November 15. The free Cabriolet lift will be running on opening day, connecting guests from free parking in the Vintage Hotel parking lot to The Village at Winter Park. The free shuttle, “The Lift”, will not be running routes until Wednesday, November 16, 2011.
Conditions are expected to change rapidly, especially during early season. Guests are encouraged to check the daily snow report for updates on terrain and lift openings, snow accumulation, events and other happenings in The Village at Winter Park.
What’s New at Winter Park Resort in 2011/12?
- Reconfiguration of the Village Way Trail, providing a new and easy way to the base for beginners, to be completed in early season.
- New Superpipe dig in, resulting in earlier opening day and reduction of water and electricity due to decreased need of manmade snow, plus new features will again be added in 2011 in the progressive terrain park system
- 13 new terrain park rails/jibs for this season.
- New Snowcat for superior slope grooming in 11/12 season
- New Columbia retail store in The Village at Winter Park
- Addition of the Burton Experience Snowboarding Lounge – a dedicated lounge where guests can meet their instructor, see some new gear displays and more. Located in Winter Park Resort Rentals, West Portal.
- Two new programs with Winter Park Ski + Ride School – Kids and Adults Max Four PM Lessons which have a relaxed start at 11:45am, and a guaranteed maximum of four guests per instructor. Adult Full Day Lessons (for all levels), group lessons that include a complimentary on-mountain lunch, are also a new addition.
ABOUT WINTER PARK RESORT Located just 67 miles from Denver, Winter Park Resort has been Colorado’s Favorite® resort for generations seeking award-winning terrain including miles of cruising groomers, terrain parks, bumps, steeps, trees, and most definitely deeps. At a great value for over 72 years and its ideal location amidst the Continental Divide supplying over 30 feet of sweet Colorado snow annually, it offers skiers and riders an experience unlike any other resort. Recently, Winter Park has invested in on-mountain improvements and in the completion of 20,000 sq. ft. Village atWinter Park in the last six years. Winter Park is also the proud home to the renowned National Sports Center for the Disabled. For more information visit
