Winter Park can be found 67 miles to the west of Denver, nestled in the Fraser River Valley. It's a beautiful area with plenty of outdoor activities, so plan on staying long enough to enjoy more than just the wedding! For those coming from sea level, it's always good to acclimate in Denver or other front range city for an evening before heading up the hill to Winter Park. Besides, Denver has plenty to do! Denver's elevation is 5,280 ft where Winter Park lies at 9,121 ft above sea level. Although uncommon, altitude sickness is possible at this altitude. Weddings often involve the imbibement of adult beverages and this can bring on altitude sickness. Know what altitude sickness is, what the warning signs are and how to avoid it - drink lots of water! We want our friends and family to have fun, but we don't want them sick.
Once in Denver, there are two general ways to reach Winter Park via car:
1) Over Berthod Pass (US hwy 40) - faster and moderately winding/steep pass - about 1.5 hours from DIA. If you don't have time to "smell the flowers", use this route and you'll be to Winter Park in no time and it is beautiful.
2) Over Trailridge Road - through Estes Park and through Rocky Mountain National Park - slower, significantly more winding road and quite steep, but amazingly beautiful. Allow for at least an entire day to make it over the road to Winter Park. If you really want to see how beautiful the Rocky Mountains can be, this is the route you take!
Flights
If you are coming from out of state and planning on flying, then Denver International Airport (DIA) is the closest airport. From DIA, there are multiple options including car rental, mountain shuttle or even train.
Ground Transportation - Car Rental
For those coming in from out of town, a car rental will provide you with the improved versatility for enjoying Winter Park and Grand County. We realize that not everyone will want to rent a car and so additional options are outlined below.
Ground Transporation - Mountain Shuttle
There are a number of mountain shuttles that service Winter Park directly from DIA. Home James is one such shuttle service and might be the best option for those that have no desire to do any mountain driving.
Ground Transportation - Train
Although it may take more planning, coordination and time, a scenic way to see Denver and the mountains would be the train. It is even possible to take a train as the sole method of transportation from Denver to Winter Park, with one "lay over" at Denver's Union Station. Using the train involves two steps:
1) DIA to Denver - Take the RTD Lightrail from the airport to Denver's Union Station in downtown Denver. This is known as the University of Colorado A Line.
2) Denver to Winter Park - Amtrak does offer service from Denver's Union Station to Winter Park Resort (WPR), to the Town of Winter Park (WPS) and to the Town of Fraser (WIP). Check the schedule carefully as there is only one train a day from Denver to Winter Park.