Winter Park is one of the closest ski resorts to Denver, making it a convenient destination for those traveling from the city or other nearby areas. I recently took a weekend trip over the presidents day weekend
1. Purchase tickets in advance online - When planning your winter park ski trip, consider purchasing your tickets in advance online to save money. In addition to securing your spot on the mountain ahead of time, buying online can offer early-bird discounts and special promotions that may not be available at the ticket window. It may be intimidating to purchase early since the tickets are sold as "non-refundable," but we found that there may be some flexibility to transfer them to the next day, especially in situations such as delayed flights. So don't hesitate to call the resort and inquire about your options if you need them. This should definitely be a last resort since there’s no guarantee they will be able to honor this since it’s based on ticket availability for the next day. However, it’s likely the resort won’t be sold out since we were visiting over the long weekend of presidents day and were still able to switch lift ticket dates. With a little bit of foresight and flexibility, you can save money and ensure a stress-free skiing experience.
2. Purchase Gondola tickets instead of lift tickets - Skiing can be an expensive sport, but there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing the fun. One great tip is to purchase gondola tickets instead of lift tickets. While this may limit your options on the mountain, it's a great way to save money if you're not interested in exploring the entire area. Just keep in mind that you'll need to plan your runs accordingly, as you'll be returning to the same lift each time. If you're comfortable with skiing blue runs, a gondola ticket can be a great option, with prices as low as $40 compared to full lift tickets that can cost up to $200. You should still look to purchase these tickets online to save some extra money
3. Buy Groceries - If you're planning a trip to Winter Park and staying in an Airbnb, it's always a good idea to check out the local Safeway just a quick 5-minute drive away. Not only can you conveniently grab any missing items that you may need during your stay, such as salt, pepper, and sponges, but you can also find a fully stocked grocery store with a wide selection of items to choose from. What we love about this Safeway is the impressive variety of groceries they offer, including fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and much more. As vegetarians, we were especially pleased to find a range of plant-based meat alternatives, like Beyond beef, which allowed us to create a delicious and satisfying meal in our Airbnb kitchen. Despite being a tourist destination, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the prices at Safeway were reasonable and comparable to what we would normally pay at our local grocery store. So whether you're looking to stock up on essentials or cook a full meal, be sure to check out the Safeway near Winter Park for great savings and a convenient shopping experience.
4. Stay in the nearby town of Fraser instead of the Winter Park resort - Lodging in Fraser tends to be less expensive than in Winter Park itself. You can often find more affordable options like budget hotels or vacation rentals, which can help you stretch your ski trip budget further. Additionally, Fraser is located just a few miles from Winter Park Resort, so you can easily drive or take the free shuttle to the mountain. This can save you money on parking fees that you would incur if you stayed in Winter Park and had to drive to the mountain each day.
5. Use public transportation instead of renting a car - There are a few public transportation options available for people traveling to Winter Park, Colorado. One option is the Winter Park Express train, which runs from Denver's Union Station to the Winter Park Resort on weekends and certain weekdays during ski season. The train takes about 2 hours and offers scenic views of the Rocky Mountains. There are also private shuttle companies that offer transportation from Denver International Airport and other nearby cities to Winter Park. Finally, for those staying in the area, the Lift, which is a free shuttle service, operates around Winter Park and Fraser, making stops at the ski resort, downtown Winter Park, and other popular destinations. The Lift also offers a Night Rider service for those looking to enjoy the nightlife in the area.
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