- County
- Grand
- Base elevation
- About 9,000 ft at the town center
- Population
- 1,033 (2020 census)
- Downtown Denver
- About 66 mi ยท about 1.5 hr
- Nearest commercial airport
- Denver International (DEN), about 90 mi
- Ski area
- Winter Park Resort, including Mary Jane
Drive times are typical and change with traffic and weather.
Living in Winter Park
What it's like to live in Winter Park
Winter Park is a small Grand County town on US 40, about 66 miles from Denver on the far side of Berthoud Pass. Only about 1,000 people live here full time, but the town has about 2,850 housing units, so the population swells in ski season. Fraser borders it to the north, and the two share the Fraser River Trail. It is the closest of the big ski towns for a Denver weekend, and in winter the Winter Park Express train runs from Union Station.
Most homes here are condos and townhomes, with single-family homes and cabins spread through Winter Park, Fraser, and unincorporated Grand County. As reported in December 2025, Colorado Association of Realtors data put the Grand County median near $1.09 million for detached homes and near $589,000 for condos and townhomes. Those are county-wide figures, so the town itself can run different.
Short-term rentals must register with the town before listing, pay a per-bedroom housing fee each year, and pass a fire and life safety inspection. Berthoud Pass sometimes closes in winter for avalanche work, and overnight street parking is banned from November through April. Grand County also lived through the 2020 East Troublesome Fire, so ask about wildfire mitigation and insurance. I live on the Front Range, so for Winter Park I team up with a local agent I trust and stay with you through the whole move.
Where it is
Where Winter Park sits in Colorado Mountain Towns
Hover a pin for a quick look. Click to open that town's guide.
Neighborhoods
Where to look in Winter Park
Town of Winter Park
The town center sits around 9,000 feet near the resort, with condos, townhomes, and the main shops and restaurants.
Fraser
The town just north of Winter Park, linked by the Fraser River Trail. Short-term rentals pay a per-bedroom fee that funds local housing.
Granby
A larger Grand County town about 20 miles northwest by road, with more year-round homes and a longer drive to the lifts.
Unincorporated Grand County
Cabins and acreage outside town limits. Short-term rentals need a county permit with a fee based on occupancy.
Get outside
Things to do in Winter Park
- 01
Winter Park Resort
Skiing since the 1939-40 season, with 3,081 acres and a 12,060-foot summit. The resort is owned by the City and County of Denver.
- 02
Mary Jane
One of the resort's three connected peaks, opened in 1975 and known for moguls, trees, and Parsenn Bowl.
- 03
Winter Park Express
A winter ski train from Denver's Union Station that takes about 2 hours and stops at the Fraser-Winter Park station.
- 04
Fraser River Trail
A 6.3-mile paved and crushed-stone path between Winter Park and Fraser.
- 05
Devil's Thumb Ranch
A ranch resort in the valley known for cross-country skiing.
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FAQ
Winter Park questions, answered
How far is Winter Park from Denver?
About 66 miles, or around 90 minutes. Take I-70 west to Empire, then US 40 north over Berthoud Pass. The pass sometimes closes early in the morning for avalanche control, so check CDOT before you go.
Can I rent my Winter Park home short-term?
Yes, if you register with the town before listing and renew every year. There is a base fee plus a per-bedroom housing fee, and units need a fire and life safety inspection. Confirm current rules with the Town of Winter Park.
What is the elevation of Winter Park?
The town center is about 9,000 feet. Town limits run from about 8,700 feet up to 12,060 feet at the top of the resort.
Can you live in Winter Park year-round?
Yes, but the full-time population is small, about 1,000 people. Many owners use their homes part time, and winters at 9,000 feet are long and cold.
Which school district serves Winter Park?
East Grand School District, which runs Fraser Valley Elementary in Fraser. Check the district boundary for any specific address.
Is wildfire a concern in Grand County?
Yes. The 2020 East Troublesome Fire burned about 193,800 acres and destroyed more than 300 homes in the county. Ask about defensible space and insurance on any home.
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