Winter Park began as temporary accommodations for workers at the nearby Moffat Tunnel which accommodates the railroad and water movement through the mountains forming the Continental Divide. Tourist cabins were added in the area later, and the Winter Park Ski area, owned by the city of Denver, opened for the 1939-1940 ski season.
The resort combines three adjacent mountain peaks with over 120 ski runs, with eight-person gondolas and 20 chairlifts whisking skiers to the top of the mountain in winter, and trail bike riders in summer.
A host of luxury accommodations are located at or near Winter Park. These particular four stand out among the rest:
- Zephyr Mountain Lodge
You can ski in and out of the Zephyr Mountain Lodge, located just steps from the lifts. The lodge offers condominium type accommodations right at the slopes, four outdoor hot tubs, free internet, and heated indoor parking. 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units have fireplaces and cable. The lodge is the gateway to the Village at Winter Park, a collection of shops and restaurants. A free shuttle bus runs the route often.
- Base Village
Winter Park Resort's Base Village is less than 200 yards from the Zephyr Express Lift. Contemporary 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units include inviting fireplaces, LCD TVs, and easy access to third floor common areas with hot tubs and BBQ grills. Both indoor and outdoor parking are available; lockers are available to stow your gear.
- Iron Horse Resort
Accommodations at the Iron Horse Resort bring you a range of options, from single room studios to fully furnished and equipped deluxe two-bedroom units that sleep 8. A fitness center, indoor/outdoor pools, and hot tubs can help you unwind at the end of a tough day on the slopes. You can ski in and out, of course, and when you need refreshing or recharging hit the on-site La Collina Kitchen and Wine Bar, with an ever changing menu of Italian specialties and more than 25 wines by the glass.
- Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa
The ultimate getaway location in any season, the Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa offers an island of tranquility. Accommodation choices are cozy lodge rooms or private cabins nestled in the pines a short walk from the base. Each cabin is furnished uniquely but all with a Colorado style, and range up to 2,000 square feet. Wood burning fireplaces are in each cabin as well as complimentary wifi and DVD rentals. 15 treatment rooms, including a couples area, are available in the resort's spa, with treatments featuring all natural ingredients. There are several dining options on site, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Heck's, an homage to the historical room at the Timberline resort in Oregon. The Ranch House restaurant features New American Mountain Cuisine that is as organic and local as possible. Summer invites you to participate in a number of equine related activities, including trail rides and chuck wagon dinners.
