Winter Park lodging is located right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, just over an hour from the Denver airport, making it the closest of any Colorado ski areas. While Telluride may get the professional "hotdogs" busting tricks and soaring down the hill at break-neck speeds, cozy Winter Park attracts many families, work groups and Colorado locals.

A Colorado ski vacations accommodates all levels of skiers, with more than 134 trails on nearly 3,000 acres and 24 ski lifts. Beginners will enjoy fresh-groomed trails and wide runs. Ridges, basins, ski tracks, terrain parks, steeps, slaloms and tree forests await those looking for that extra challenge. The summit stands tall at 10,700 feet, with a vertical drop of 1,700 feet for the more advanced skiers. This year, Winter Park saw $9 million in renovations, including a new high-speed chairlift and restaurant, as well as a gondola transporting people from the parking lot to the village and ski area.

Winter Park lodging is about more than just a place to rest one's head. Sure, weary skiers will want to find a comfortable nook to rejuvenate – although quality Winter Park Colorado lodging entails comfortable bedding, a fireplace, a sumptuous meal and a hot tub as well. For those who feel "sleep is for the weak," there are a number of outdoor activities – dog sledding, snowmobile tours, ice fishing, snowshoeing and sleigh rides, to name a few.

After a long action-packed Colorado ski vacation day, sometimes travelers just need a drink to unwind and the Village doesn't disappoint. Scenesters will want to check out the recently remodeled Derailer Bar to mingle, while local flavor and music thrives at The Winter Park Pub. Those on a budget will love the $1.50 tacos and 4-6pm happy hour at Mirasol Cantina. Live music can be heard at Randi's Irish Saloon (which also features dancing) or the Untamed Steakhouse at Wildcreek (which also has a pool table). Quiet nights are spent at the Five Mountain Tavern in the Vintage Hotel, at Eichler's or The Sushi Bar. Free shuttles from Winter Park Colorado lodging will deliver guests to and from the Village until midnight, but local taxis keep running until 2 am.

Winter Park lodging has gone from less than thirty "tourist cabins" and taverns to hotels, cabins, townhouses, lodges, mountain inns, bed-and-breakfasts and condos that can accommodate more than 10,000 visitors during the ski season! Dormitory-style hostels or activity-centered hotels are perfect for those in search of true adventure on their Colorado ski vacations, whereas family reunions or company get-togethers are better suited to a larger private residence rental, townhome or cabin. Couples looking for romance will find that a cozy condo or a mountain lodge with a fireplace and Jacuzzi accommodate quite nicely.