Winter Park Snow Totals
There’s never a bad time to hit the slopes in Colorado, especially if you plan on visiting Winter Park Ski Resort. However, it’s always good to know trends so you can make the most of your powder-filled ski vacation.
Here are some things to keep in mind when thinking of the best time to ski in Winter Park. We’ve outlined the top reasons that people plan ahead for their ski vacation:
1. Travel & Traffic
Traveling from Denver, whether from the International Airport or in the metro area, it’s important to note the growing population and overall season visitors. In short, winter months are the height of Winter Park’s “busy season” especially if you plan on venturing to the spectacular Rocky Mountains.
Driving to the mountains used to be easy, convenient, and accessible. This has started to change. While the Mile High City of Denver is less than 100 miles away from Winter Park skiing, Colorado’s growing popularity means that traffic is nothing short of hectic. In fact, it’s not unusual for travel time to double, even triple during the weekend, especially after a good snowfall.
Therefore, many opt to travel on weekdays to avoid the road rush and long wait times for ski lifts. Here are some options on shuttles to and from Denver International Airport:
Local Shuttle:
2. Lodging
As we stated, the winter months are some of the most popular times for travelers to explore the snowy wonderland that is Colorado. Winter Park is a popular area for tourists. Not only is it one of the best ski resorts in the country, but there are also plenty of activities to partake away from skiing and snowboarding.
If you’re planning a trip, you’ll want to make the most of your time spent here. The best way to do this is to book your lodging well in advance. Popular destinations, cabins, and condos book quickly. Here are some options for lodging and accommodations in Winter Park, CO:
If you want to skip the headache of booking altogether, it’s also a wonderful idea to make this the year that you invest in a ski condo. Explore some of the best towns to purchase a ski condo in Colorado. Did you know? Winter Park has some of the best, most affordable housing options than any other mountain town in the Rockies.
3. Lift Tickets
Ski resorts make it easy and convenient to purchase your lift ticket online. Go here to purchase your ticket for Winter Park Ski Resort. Keep in mind, the earlier you make your purchases, the more affordable and bigger perks you get in return!
Planning on skiing at Grandby Ranch. Go here for tickets! Note, Grandby Ranch is now offering night skiing options, as well.
As we mentioned earlier, lifts are extremely packed on weekends and popular snow days. Keep an eye on the weather, but we also advise planning a few of your ski days during the week, if at all possible. Trust us, the last thing you want to do is wait 2 hours for a chairlift when you could be spending that time flying down the mountain in pure ecstasy!
4. Winter Activities
Have some fun in the snow! The best time to visit Winter Park is, obviously, October through March, during the height of the snow season. But skiing and snowboarding are not the only activities happening around Winter Park, CO. Other options include
Best Time to Ski in Winter Park
It’s hard to define, with 100% certainty, the best time to ski in Winter Park. The winter months are certainly our favorite! However, below is a list of snow total in Winter Park over the last few seasons. By analyzing previous years, you can make a better, informed decision about the best time to ski in Winter Park.
Winter 2018
- Total Snowfall: 328 inches
- Average base depth: 60 inches
- Max base depth: 99 inches
While uncommon, the biggest snowfall happened in mid-April 2019 with just over 22 inches of snow. Overall, the total snowfall was much lower than year previous, there was steady powder from November through end of March, phasing out a little at the beginning of April.
Winter 2017
- Total Snowfall: 401 inches
- Average base depth: 50 inches
- Max base depth: 79 inches
This season saw some of the biggest total snowfall than other years. Snowfall totals were reaching record heights in mid-January and didn’t phase out until late April/May timeframe.
Winter 2016
- Total Snowfall: 380 inches
- Average base depth: 53 inches
- Max base depth: 87 inches
Believe it or not, March and April saw the largest amounts of snowfall for the 2016 winter season, with both months having a minimum of 10 inches of snowfall but going up as high as 15 inches.
Winter 2015
- Total Snowfall: 292 inches
- Average base depth: 46 inches
- Max base depth: 68 inches
A large step down in snow volume from the previous year. February and April were the peak months for this season, measuring in at an average of 10 inches for each of the two months.
Winter 2014
- Total Snowfall: 397 inches
- Average base depth: 57 inches
- Max base depth: 89 inches
A return to form and larger snow volumes, the Winter 2014 season on average had more consistent deep snowfall than 2016. The majority of this season’s snowfall was seen in February, leaking over into early March as well. This season actually places as having the deepest snow levels out of all of the seasons in this list.
Winter 2013
- Total Snowfall: 320 inches
- Average base depth: 45 inches
- Max base depth: 80 inches
While better than other seasons, the snowfall in this season was still not on the upper end. This season is a good middle ground of all of the seasons. The majority of this season’s snow concentration was in April.
Winter 2012
- Total Snowfall: 224 inches
- Average base depth: 61 inches
- Max base depth: 38 inches
One of the lowest periods of snowfall out of all of the recent years. January and February saw the most activity, however the snow depth didn’t break 9 inches.
What Are The Results?
From the data, it’s becomes clear that the most consistent month for snowfall is during March.
This is most likely due to the mixture of humidity and rainfall from the approaching Spring season mixed with the cold and bitter temperatures left over from Winter. This perfect storm of conditions makes for the fluffiest and most suitable snow for Winter sports. While it might be tempting to head out as soon as the resorts open, waiting just a bit longer will lead to a more enjoyable snow experience.
All in all despite the variations between individual seasons, Winter Park’s snowfall is consistent and reliable, with even lighter seasons being sufficiently deep for all manner of Winter activities.
