Winter Park is famous for its ski slopes, wide open mountain views and the largest resort in Colorado
Winter Park and the Fraser valley have a variety of romantic places to stay, boutique shopping, good restaurants and trout fishing.
The Fraser Valley is up against the west side of the Continental Divide about an hour northwest of Denver. It is accessible the year around by car, bus and train. Several villages are strung along the Fraser River which flows into the Colorado River near Granby.
Known for its 29-ft. snow pack and ski runs up to 4.5 miles, Winter Park also boasts 600 miles of lift-accessible mountain bike trails, plus fishing, rafting, golf, concerts and art festivals.
Part of the Rocky Mountain Wine trail, the valley boasts two wineries specializing in fine red wines.
Verso Cellarsrecently opened a tasting room in Cooper Creek Square in Winter Park. The winery produces only 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and won a Gold Medal at the Colorado Mountain Winefest for its 2003 vintage.
The tasting room also stocks a variety of premium wines from other Colorado wineries. It’s open daily December thru April and June thru September noon to 8 pm; other months, Wednesday thru Sunday noon to 6 pm. Call 303-587-9740 for directions.
Winter Park Winery is actually in Fraser, two miles north of famous Winter Park Colorado. Winemaker Jon Brickner brings in fresh grapes from selected vineyards in northern California and the Grand Valley area of Colorado to make premium Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Malbec – all heavier reds. Tours and tasting hours are 3:30 to 9:30 pm daily. Not having to tend vineyards in the summer, Jon has had time to discover where the big rainbow trout are in Fraser River. Ask him.
Winter Park Resort consists of four adjacent mountains, interconnected by a network of trails and lifts, making it one of the largest resorts in Colorado. Downtown Winter Park is two miles from the resort complex. There are dozens of restaurants and bars, a movie theater, shops, day spas, various activities and events going on in the village.
There are many places to stay, but for those who prefer the comfort and atmosphere of a bed and breakfast inn, see Alternative Winter Park Lodging.
There are dozens of restaurants in the village, but for dinner, you might want to consider the following:
Sagebrush BBQ and Grill, 970-627-1404
Deno’s Mountain Bistro 970-726-5332
Fiesta Jalisco, 970-726-4877
Fontenot’s Seafood Grill. 970-726-4021
Jane Creek Grill, 970-726-8851
Mama Falzitto’s, 970-726-9049
Carlos and Maria’s, 970-726-9674
Untamed Steakhouse, 970-726-1111