Winter Park Vacation Tips

Getting ready for your trip to Winter Park and need some advice on what to pack, where to go and what to do? Here's a quick hit list of our top Winter Park vacation tips to get your Winter Park vacation started on the right foot!

PACK THE RIGHT CLOTHES

The weather can change greatly from day to day, or even hour to hour. In the winter it’s all about layers. Pack non-cotton base layers (cotton is rotten!), several mid layers, and a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget a good pair of gloves, a hat and sunglasses. In the summer, be prepared for chilly evenings with a sweater and there’s always a chance of afternoon showers so bring a good rain jacket. Don’t forget a swimsuit year-round for the hot tubs and pools. All restaurants, no matter how fancy, are ok with fairly casual attire in Winter Park. No need to pack the heels!

PLAN YOUR TRANSPORTATION

There’s nothing more frustrating than being stuck somewhere because there are no cabs or your shuttle stopped running. Whether you are renting a car, arranging a shuttle to and from the airport, or using an on call shuttle/town bus, be prepared and plan the ride prior to needing it.

Most town shuttles pick up every 30 minutes on the weekends and hourly during the week, so this is often the easiest and fastest way to get around between downtown Winter Park, Fraser and Winter Park Resort.

We can help with all your transportation needs. Give us a call at 970-722-0707 to get them lined up.

HUNGRY? THIRSTY?

Have your home stocked before you arrive and hire out the tough tasks. Take advantage of services like The Grocery Guys, Nanny JoJo, and The Hidden Fork to make sure you aren’t scrambling last minute when you get to town. They are happy to fill your fridge with groceries, equip your home with cribs and baby gates, arrange last minute childcare and/or cook fantastic meals for you and your crew. These vendors will have what you need delivered to your property prior to your arrival or come to your home to provide their services.

SO MUCH TO DO!

Do your research about restaurants, activities, and events in Winter Park. Finding out a little information about these things prior to your vacation can go a long way towards a fun and stress free trip. Take advantage of the local knowledge and ask your vacation planner or guest experience team for advice and favorites. Also check out the Happy Stays Guest Portal or our Activities Page for suggestions.

MAKE RESERVATIONS. SERIOUSLY!

Whether it is for restaurants, rental shops, lift tickets, or activities, booking ahead makes everyone’s life a lot easier. Busy season in Winter Park is just that, BUSY! To avoid waiting in long lines, and to expedite the process once you’re at the front of a line, it’s best (and often less expensive) to book everything you need ahead of time rather than just winging it. Your vacation planners can help find you the best deals.

LOCAL TIPS

Take advantage of expert knowledge and ask a local. The residents of this town play hard, and often have a wealth of knowledge about the activities in the area. This could be anything from signing up for a ski lesson, hiring a fishing guide, or simply picking someone’s brain on gear at a local ski or bike shop. One of the best places to chat up a local is on the chairlift or gondola.

PACK SUNSCREEN

The most simple tip of all, summer or winter, is to be aware of the power of the sun. At this altitude, you will burn quickly without protection. Use hats, sunglasses or goggles, and reapply sunscreen often. Need more info about the high-altitude in Winter Park? Here are our tips.

KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING

Take a look at a map of town! This can help immensely in planning and coordinating the details of your vacation. Even though they are just 2 miles apart, there’s a big difference between Downtown and The Mountain. Here’s some info about the properties Downtown and at the Base Village.

PACK & SHIP

Ship luggage and packages ahead of time. Address to our office (please call ahead) and we will hand deliver everything to your property. You can travel light and not have to worry about lost or delayed luggage.

JUST BREATHE

The more oxygen you breathe, the better you feel, right? Then prep ahead of time and get a premium oxygen concentrator delivered directly to your vacation home before or during your stay. To help avoid altitude sickness, start using the oxygen as soon as you arrive and throughout your stay as needed. Bluebird Oxygen will help you through the booking process, delivery, set up, and pickup. Plus, save 10% on your oxygen rental when booking with us (discount code delivered after booking).

TAKE IT EASY & DRINK WATER

The adjustment to the altitude of a ski town can really take its toll. Don’t push it too hard on your first day in town, don’t be afraid to call it quits before the lifts stop running, and don’t be afraid to download on the gondola. Drink plenty of water and ease yourself into alcohol consumption. It can be helpful to over hydrate prior to arrival. Altitude sickness is the quickest way to turn a fun vacation into a miserable experience. Remember, you’re on vacation, so play hard, but rest easy.

DOWNLOAD THE WINTER PARK APP

Winter Park Resort has a new app that gives you up to date information on weather conditions, lifts & trails, events, and more. We highly recommend using this app during your winter stay to know what's going on at your favorite ski area. Download on iOS here or on Google here.