Arriving in the village at Winter Park Resort was one of those first time experiences where everything was novel and my senses were on point to take in all the newness. I was thrilled by the relaxed winter attitude, the jaunty skiers and boarders, and over the moon with all the snow. As a Texan born and raised, we measure snow in inches, not feet and there is never more than a light dusting. This was a whole new world-a beautiful shimmering white winter wonderland!
But, even though I was excited to be in the mountains at Winter Park Resort, I was also disoriented and completely out of my element. With skiers and snowboarders flying effortlessly around the slopes, it was hard for me to find where a flatlander like me belonged and where I should start exploring.
Fortunately, Winter Park Resort offers a Snowcat tour of the mountain just for folks like me who want to get the lay of the land. I learned that these tours are not just beneficial for novice skiers, but for anyone who is visiting Winter Park Resort for the first time and wants to get to know the mountain.
Snowcat Tour: A Must-Do for First Time Visitors to Winter Park
Heated cabins that seat up to 13 passengers take visitors along the same paths used by skier and snowboarders, allowing you to compare the easiest runs (green) to the most difficult runs (black). As a non-skier, this was a great way for me to gage my comfort zone for the trails. As we traversed the mountain, I was able to make mental notes on which trails might actually see me again, and which trails I would not step on for any amount of money in the world. Experienced skiers could really benefit from this information, as well. The guide does an excellent job of pointing out the subtle differences in the runs and what makes each desirable and unique.
The tour includes a history lesson about the resort and the area, and a much needed overview of the variety of activities available on the mountain. As I was making a list of all the new vocabulary I was learning about snow sports, I was convinced that no matter what kind of skiing or boarding you wanted to try, you could find it at Winter Park.
Scenic stops are planned at a midway point along the mountain where you can get a 360 degree view of the surrounding area, and at the Sunspot, where the highlight is seeing the Continental Divide in the distance. The stop at the Sunspot also includes a 15 minute break to grab some refreshments, and a bathroom, if necessary.
Not only do you get the amazing views, and the expert trail information on the two hour tour, you will also come away with some fascinating new facts. Did you know that the snow that melts in Winter Park becomes the drinking water for the citizens of Denver? I had no idea, and until I experienced it, I also didn’t know that the best way to see Winter Park Mountain for the first time was from the seat of a diesel powered snowcat.
Tips for Making the Most of a Snowcat Tour
1. Dress warmly, but don't go overboard. The snowcat is heated and very comfortable, even hot if you are wearing too many layers. You’ll want to have a coat and waterproof footwear for the scenic stops, but you can save all your ski gear and layers for the slopes.
2. Bring along some refreshments. Snacks and drinks are allowed in the snowcat, and at the high altitude, water is extremely important. There is a snack stop at the half way point in the tour, but the prices are pretty high on the mountain. If you want to save some cash, bring along your own snacks.
3. Ask to ride in the co-pilot seat. There is one seat available at the front of the snowcat, but it is first come, first served. If you want the absolute best views, request that seat before the ride begins.
~Winter Park provided complimentary tickets for our Snowcat Tour. They did not require that I express a particular viewpoint and all opinions are my own~
That looks like fun. I've only skied it, but this would be a way for me to see the runs that I have no business skiing on!
I'm a midwesterner finding myself now in a family of mountain dwellering skiers and the ski resorts are still a little overwhelming to me. This is a fun idea to get out there with them! I've been to Winter Park once (it was an odd half-way point to meet family visiting Denver from back home) and driving up the mountain in a blizzard I thought for sure I was going to die. It was beautiful once I finally made it up there, though!