Named for a “woman of the night” during the mining era, Mary Jane—and her less promiscuous sister, Winter Park--carry plenty of prospects for world-class skiing, from bumps to bowls and glades to groomers. The closest major resort to Denver offers an array of terrain spread across five mountains and 3,060 acres, comprising the fourth largest resort in Colorado. Add 3,000 feet of vertical, 30 feet of annual snowfall, and the fact that you can get there by train, and you’ve truly struck gold. Augmenting $40 million in on-mountain capital improvements over the past five years, this year it’s also celebrating its 70th anniversary, with special events throughout the season.
On-mountain Fun
- Pony Up to a Park: Five progressive terrain parks – one of the best facilities in the country -- let you hone your hucking according to your ability, whether you’re a grandmother or teenage grom. Begin at the starter area, move onto the Jack Kendrick and Dogpatch parks, and eventually land in Dark Territory, a limited-access rail and jump fest fit for X Games competitors.
- Take a Snowcat Tour: Stash the skis aside for a day and enjoy a sightseeing tour of Winter Park in a heated 13-passenger snowcat. Two-hour tours ($49) depart daily at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. This loop tour travels across beginner, intermediate, and expert trails, making several stops along the way for photos – and for you to catch your friends and family in action.
- Snowshoe with a Guide: Learn about native plants and animals and enjoy the peaceful quiet of the forest on a guided snowshoe tour. The tour route travels off-the-beaten-path along wildlife game trails and summer mountain biking trails, and include use of Redfeather snowshoes, a one-time lift pass on Gemini Express, and a knowledgeable tour guide to lead the way ($39; reservations: (970) 726-1616).
- Snow Bike at Night: Starting December 18, 2009, every Friday and Saturday night from 6 -9 p.m. you can swap your skis or ‘board for a bike and take to the slopes to let gravity have its way. The resort’s new crop of snow-cycles let you don head lamps while heading out on the hill for hours of balancing fun.
Off-mountain Activities
- Ice Skating: Skate under the shadow of the Continental Divide at the new outdoor Village Ice Rink, located in the heart of the Village at Winter Park. The rink is open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily during the ski season as conditions permit, complete with skate rentals (ask about family and group skate rental discounts). The evening (4 p.m. till close) cost is $9 for adults and $7 for children.
- Relax (or Work Out) at the Rec Center: Tired of skiing? The town of Fraser recently opened a new rec center with basketball courts, running track, climbing wall, aerobics/dance room, gymnasium with foam and tramp pit, four-lane lap pool and kid-friendly pool with water slides, lazy river and spray and play area. Cost: adults, $10; children, $7. Info: (970) 726-8968, www.fraservalleyrec.org.
- Cross Country Ski Devil’s Thumb Ranch: Whether you’re an expert or Nordic neophyte, you’ll love the cross country and skate skiing trails at world-renowned Devil’s Thumb Ranch just 15 minutes out of town. The world-renowned destination resort offers 100 km of groomed cross country and skate skiing trails, complete with lesson and rental packages (or tackle the trails yourself for $18, children $8). For a special treat, pamper yourself with a 50-minute happy hour spa treatment and massage for just $89 from 5 – 7 p.m. Info: (970) 726-8231, www.devilsthumbranch.com.
