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Winter Park
By Robert Bates | |
| | | Introduction -
Essentially the last of the major, underdeveloped resorts, Winter Park has played a unique role in the development of Colorado ski history. Owned by the city of Denver, and operated as a non-profit resort, Winter Park has long held the distinction of teaching more people than anywhere else in Colorado to ski, and being a mere 90 minutes away from Denver, is the cities winter weekend playground.
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Perched high atop the continental divide - the base elevation a mere 9100' - Winter Park has the highest average annual snowfall in the Rockies, and with skiing spread over 5 mountains and 3000 acres, this leads to something of a contradiction. For Winter Park is a world-class ski resort trying to break out of the local's favourite hill mould.
IntraWest
With the ski area needing a large, sustained cash injection to take it forward into the big leagues, the City of Denver recently signed an agreement with the Canadian resort operator Intrawest, owner of Whistler and Tremblant amongst others.
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At the present moment, Intrawest are remaining tight lipped about plans to develop Winter Park, and it's expected it will take a few years before ground is broken on any new developments - whilst an expansion of both the lift network and terrain is probable, there's likely to be a consultation phase to determine what exactly needs to be done. Intrawest have an excellent reputation for slope maintainance and grooming, which will benefit beginners and intermediates, but with Vasque Cirque requiring a limited access for ecological reasons, it will be interesting to see how the mountains present offering changes for the experts.
As for the evolution of Winter Park the town, it's a case of wait and see. Local opinion is naturally mixed, but hopefully a long consultation time before developments commence should see it maintaining it's small, cosy, mountain town appeal.
Take a look at the pages to the right for more information on Winter Park. |
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Robert Bates stayed at the Vintage Hotel, located a short distance from the Winter Park base area. Special thanks go to Kate Roberts and Joyce Burford for arranging everything.
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