A Six-Night Car-Free Ski Getaway in Winter Park, CO

Fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) and board the RTD A-Line commuter train to Union Station. This quick and efficient 37-minute ride eliminates the hassle of car rentals and traffic, delivering you directly into the heart of downtown Denver for only $10 per person. With Union Station as your hub, you’re perfectly situated to begin your Colorado adventure. Check into The Crawford Hotel, a luxurious property located inside Union Station. Recently awarded a Michelin Key, The Crawford combines historic charm with modern luxury and offers exclusive perks like room upgrades and complimentary breakfast when booked through Fora.

After settling in, immerse yourself in Union Station’s vibrant atmosphere. Grab a drink at the cozy Cooper Lounge, a hidden gem upstairs overlooking the main concourse, or visit the retro Cruise Room at The Oxford Hotel, inspired by a 1930s ocean liner. For dinner, enjoy locally sourced cuisine at Mercantile Dining & Provision, or take a stroll to EatYaPizza for something more casual. LoDo’s historic charm and lively energy make it the perfect place to wander before returning to your hotel for a restful night.

Wake up early to fuel up for the day ahead. Enjoy a full breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, opening at 6:00 a.m., or grab a quick coffee and breakfast to-go from Pigtrain Coffee, both conveniently located inside Union Station. At 7:00 a.m., board the Winter Park Express Ski Train, a two-hour journey through the breathtaking Colorado Rockies.

As the only ski resort in North America accessible by train, the journey to Winter Park is part of the adventure. Relax in your seat and marvel at the snow-covered landscapes, winding through tunnels and the historic Moffat Tunnel under the Continental Divide. By 9:11 a.m., you’ll arrive at Winter Park Resort, where the gondola and village are just steps from the train platform. For those heading to Fraser, the train arrives at 9:41 a.m., seamlessly connecting you to your accommodations.

Once you arrive, settle into one of these handpicked options:

• Zephyr Mountain Lodge: Perfectly positioned just 110 feet from the gondola, this ski-in/ski-out lodging offers spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos, complete with kitchens, gas fireplaces and slopeside or mountainside views. After a day on the slopes, soak in the shared hot tub or explore the restaurants and shops of Winter Park Village just steps away. Remote check-in and enhanced cleaning provide extra peace of mind.

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fraser: Located in the charming town of Fraser, this hotel is a short ride from Winter Park Resort and within walking distance of local dining, shopping and the Fraser Amtrak Station. With complimentary access to The Lift Shuttle, which stops right outside the hotel, getting to the slopes or downtown Winter Park is effortless. Enjoy modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere for an excellent value.

Spend the afternoon settling into your accommodations, exploring Winter Park’s village or renting ski gear to prepare for the days ahead.

With three full days at Winter Park Resort, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy its award-winning slopes. Consistently ranked as one of the top ski destinations in the U.S., Winter Park caters to all skill levels, from beginner-friendly greens to advanced off-piste terrain. Guests staying at Zephyr Mountain Lodge can enjoy unparalleled ski-in/ski-out convenience, while those at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fraser can rely on the free Lift Shuttle for quick and easy transportation to the base of the resort.

When you’re ready to explore beyond the slopes, Winter Park’s charm extends to its vibrant village and nearby attractions. Some highlights include:

• Fraser Tubing Hill: Hop on The Lift to visit this adrenaline-filled tubing hill, where a thrilling ride down the slopes promises fun for all ages.

• Snow Mountain Ranch: Book a magical sleigh ride dinner or explore tranquil snowshoeing trails for a quieter way to enjoy the mountains.

• Downtown Winter Park: Take The Lift into town to discover local shops, restaurants and cozy spots like Idlewild Spirits Distillery, where craft cocktails pair perfectly with the mountain ambiance.

Evenings can be spent dining at local favorites like Deno’s Mountain Bistro or enjoying casual après-ski drinks in the village. Whether you’re soaking in a hot tub, strolling through town or relaxing by a fireplace, Winter Park’s welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to unwind.

On Monday morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and your final moments in the mountains before boarding the Winter Park Express Ski Train. Depart from Winter Park Resort at 4:35 p.m. or the Fraser Amtrak Station at 4:05 p.m. The train offers one last opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Rockies, arriving back at Union Station by 7:05 p.m.

Check into The Crawford Hotel for one more night of luxury and comfort. For dinner, consider The Velvet Cellar for inventive dishes paired with craft cocktails, wine and beer, or head to Tavernetta for Italian-inspired dishes served with warm hospitality. Denver’s lively yet relaxed atmosphere is the perfect way to wrap up your adventure.

Take your time in the morning before boarding the RTD A-Line back to Denver International Airport. This seamless connection ensures a stress-free departure, allowing you to reflect on a week of intentional, car-free travel filled with stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences.