In Colorado, we love the opportunities and adventure that each season offers, but there is a special thrill that comes with the announcement, “Winter Park Ski Resort is open, with lifts running, and snow waiting!” Yes, our first of many ski trips of the season!
Locate the essentials. Make certain those skis you sadly put away last April are waxed and willing. Our verbal checklist upon departing the house, “Skis, boots, poles, pass.”
With temperatures in the mid-forties and blue skies smiling down, this is the perfect time to check out your equipment and loosen up the muscles for the new ski season. There were eight lifts already running when we arrived. We saw people at the base renting equipment to try out for the upcoming snowfall.
Conveniently, right at the base of Winter Park, there was a tent set up for us to try out our RFID ski passes to make certain that everything was current and functioning. Super simple, before we scurried onto the Arrow lift.
Early skiing. There are no crowds, plenty of enthusiastic employees, and the calming beauty of a day in the Rocky Mountains. Our smiles were wide as we took in the views. 
It was also fun to see several groups of beginner skiers taking an early season class; working on their skills while the sun still shines and before the truly deep snow descends.
It was a short foray. Enough to pick up a breakfast burrito from Moffat Market, assemble my accoutrements, and to whet my appetite for the upcoming season of friends and family swooshing down these expansive Winter Park/Mary Jane trails, creating new memories.
Upcoming Events & Activities:
First Weekend of December:
Friday, December 1
- Model Railroad Christmas Display, Granby, 10am-6pm
- Festival of Trees, Grand Park County Recreation Center, Fraser, 4-8pm
- Ullrs Tavern presents the Kyle Hollingsworth Band with guests Haley Jane and the Primates, Winter Park 8pm
Saturday, December 2
- Pet pictures with Santa Paws, 10am-1pm, Hideaway Park Bandshell, Main Street/Highway 40 Winter Park
- Model Railroad Christmas Display, Granby, 10am-6pm
Sunday, December 3
- Yoga in Hill House, at Winter Park Resort, 7:30am
- Model Railroad Christmas Display, Granby, 10am-6pm
- Winter Park-Fraser Valley Rotary Club BINGO, Carver’s Winter Park, 6pm
Wednesday, December 6
- Open Mic at the Basement, Winter Park 9:00pm to 2:00am
- Campfire Music Series, Village Gazebo, Winter Park Resort, 4:00pm to 5:00pm
While in the area, this is the perfect time and place to get a fresh Colorado Christmas tree.
Here’s what you need to know–
WHEN CAN I GET MY PERMIT? November 1st through December 24th, or through January 6th from the USFS Office in Granby only.
COST Permits are $10 per tree with a maximum of five (5) trees per person.
WHERE CAN I GET MY PERMIT
United States Forest Service Granby office * closed holidays
9 10 Mile Dr, Granby, CO 80446
Country ACE Hardware in Granby * closed holidays
627 W Agate Ave, Granby, CO 80446
Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply in Fraser * closed holidays
541 Zerex St, Fraser, CO 80442
Winter Park Information Center
78841 U.S. HWY 40 Winter Park, CO 80482
Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce
14700 US-34, Grand Lake, CO 80447 
1.800.756.5509
Stay With Us
Winter Park Lodging Company has a great lineup of deals and specials for Winter events for you to take advantage of!
