Wondering how to park like a pro at Winter Park this season? The resort has been making improvements and updates their parking options, and are now ready for the upcoming winter season! The good news is that there are nearly 350 more free parking spots available than there were last season. Yay!
Since Winter Park continues to grow and be a popular holiday and weekend destination for many people locally and world wide, parking can often fill up early on holidays, weekends, and especially snowy days. But when arriving to Winter Park, and figuring out where to park, it’s important to think about how far you are willing to walk, how much you are willing to spend, or if you’re willing to take a shuttle. There are a few options, and there is a solution for everybody! Read on to learn how to park like a pro this season, and maximize your time spent on the slopes!
1. Download and Check the Winter Park App
Download the Winter Park App and check parking updates in real time. The app has a new feature to help alert guests when parking lots are full and where to best find open parking. When close to the resort, simply open the app, and click on “Parking Information” and scroll for the most up to date parking information.
For even more intel, tap the “info” button on the bottom menu bar and then tap “Resort Parking.” You’ll find details about free parking, paid parking, electric vehicle charging stations, drop-off and pick-up locations, and more. Once you find your spot, you can quickly check mountain conditions, gear up, and head straight for the lifts!
Check Out: 5 Reasons To Download The New Winter Park Resort Mobile App
2. Check the Sign Before You Park
From coming into Winter Park from Berthoud Pass, you may notice an electronic sign at the entrance of Mary Jane and Winter Park for parking status. Take a peek and make sure you’re going to the correct lot and in the right direction. This sign is kept up to date by the resort, and can be a wealth of information.
Local’s Tip: If all lots are full, head into Winter Park and park at the Cooper Creek parking garage. From there, you can easily take the free bus to Winter Park Resort & base area. “The Lift” as locals call it, drops you off just steps from the Gondola, so no need to haul the littles or trek a far way! A great option if the parking situation looks dire. Download The Lift app to see all routes and track the shuttles.
3. Arrive Early (or Late!)
Weekends are a popular time for visiting Winter Park and the parking situation seems to reflect that, and generally the lots fill up pretty quickly! To secure your spot, we recommend arriving early. There are lots of great places to grab breakfast around the resort while you wait for lifts to open.
Check Out: The 6 Best Breakfast Spots in Winter Park, CO
Local’s Tip: Not an early bird? If sleeping in is more your speed, we often see parking start to open up again around noon. Sleep in, grab breakfast at home, and then head up for some afternoon turns!
4. Park at Winter Park (and Still Ski the Jane!)
Mary Jane lots typically fill up first on weekends, as the proximity and terrain appeal to some weekend warriors from Denver. Make sure to check the sign near the entrance before turning in, these signs provide great up to date information.
Parking at the Winter Park base and skiing the Jane is super easy as there is a free shuttle between the Winter Park base and Mary Jane base that departs every 30 minutes. There is also a free bus service in town that drops off and picks up on the Mary Jane side as well.
Local’s Tip: Are you a proficient skier? If you’re trying to make it from the Winter Park side over to the Mary Jane side, simply take the Gondola up and ski or ride over via Sober Englishman or Outhouse. There are several ways to ski back to the Winter Park base at the end of the day, too. From the top of Mary Jane, take Whistlestop or the High Lonesome trail to get back to the Winter Park base. There’s also the Corridor trail located just past the Iron Horse lift at the base of Mary Jane that can take you straight back to the Winter Park base. So many options!
5. Help Maximize Parking
We get the excitement when getting close to the ski hills, but be mindful that everyone else is just as excited and ready as you are. To help maximize parking and minimize environmental impacts, try carpooling as much as possible. Ask friends if they are planning on going skiing too, and make a day of it!
Flying solo? Check out the new ride-sharing apps like Tread Share or Caravan if you’re looking for someone to carpool with (more info here).
You can also ditch the car and take the Winter Park Express Train! The train is by far it’s the most economical way to get yourself out of the city, and into the mountains. The ski train will run each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, beginning Friday, January 13 and ending Sunday, March 26. One-way fares start at $34, with kids fares (aged 2-12) starting at just $17.
Local’s Tip: Learn more about the train here or by visiting https://www.amtrak.com.
6. Check the Forecast
Before heading up to the mountains, we recommend checking the forecast, and seeing what the conditions will be like. Apps like Open Snow are great for the latest and up to date information about storms and snowfall. Heavy snowfall can impact driving & road conditions and may hinder your journey. Be sure to check the CDOT website for road conditions and any road closures.
For more info about Winter Park, CO check out these other great resources:
- 1-Day Ski Itinerary at Winter Park
- Top 13 Restaurants in Winter Park, CO
- How To Spend The Holiday Season in Winter Park
