Starting at Winter Park Base: Beginner-Friendly Skiing Essentials

For beginners, the Winter Park base is ideal, offering 27% of the resort’s beginner trails. It has all necessary amenities, including rental shops, lockers, and direct access to Sorensen and Discovery Park, which are perfect for novices. The Mary Jane base offers similar but smaller facilities.

Ski School and Childcare: Convenient Options for Families

The main ski school for kids and adults, along with a creche for younger children, is located at the Winter Park base. Ski school is located in West Portal, a bit of a walk from the cabriolet lift but close to the West Portal bus drop-off. Pro Tip: Use the red trolleys to transport kids and gear to avoid starting the day with tired legs.

First-Time Skiers: Tips for a Safe and Fun Experience

If you’re new to skiing and don’t have anyone to teach you, consider taking a ski lesson to maximise your experience and stay safe. The base of the mountain features magic carpets and designated areas for ski school, while Sorensen Park and the Spirit Button lift offer open spaces for beginners to get comfortable on the snow.

Building Confidence on the Slopes: Best Green Trails

For those feeling a bit more adventurous, the Gemini Express provides a short ride to Discovery Park, an excellent green area to build confidence. During busy times, the Endeavour lift opens up additional green trails like Porcupine and Bobcat. These slow, fixed-grip chairs are easy to load and unload, offering plenty of time to rest.

Exploring Green Trails: Progress Beyond the Basics

 Once you’re ready to move beyond the learning area, a short traverse from the top of the Gemini lift to the Prospector Express gives access to slightly more challenging green trails. The Prospector Express is a high-speed quad perfect for lapping trails like Jack Kendrick. From there, take Mock Turtle to the Olympia Express and then to the High Lonesome Express for more green trails.

End of Day Tips: Smooth and Safe Ways to Descend

At the end of the day, you can take Village Way down the mountain, but it can be busy. Alternatively, take Whistlestop Trail and use the Lariat rope tow to reach the Gondola for a quick and safe ride back to the base.

Tackling Blue Trails: Intermediate Skiing Adventures

If you’re ready for blue trails, take the Gondola up and start with March Hare, a green trail leading to the Olympia lift. Explore blues and greens in this area, with Cramner being a wide-open blue trail that remains in good condition throughout the day. For a similar experience, try the Mary Jane trail, but use Sober Englishman to access it.

Advanced Beginner Areas: Challenging Yet Manageable Slopes

From the top of Mary Jane, there are short blue trails under the Sunnyside Express lift. If you’re comfortable here, head to the Parsenn Bowl. Village Way and Forget-Me-Not are easier routes back down, but the upper section of Parry’s Peek might be challenging for beginners.

Avoiding Crowds: Hidden Gems for a Peaceful Skiing Experience

When conditions are good, the Wild Spur Express, with its new mid-station loading, is a wonderful place to practice blue trails away from the main resort crowds. Dilly Dally Alley is a fun spot for kids, but snowboarders should be cautious of slow and sticky spring conditions.

Exiting the Mountain: Efficient and Easy Routes

To exit the mountain, Turnpike can be flat and sticky in spring, so Village Way is a better option. Lower Parkway can get congested, so taking the Explorer lift and riding the Gondola off the mountain is often the easiest way, especially if the kids are tired. If you’re at the Mary Jane base late in the day, the Corridor green trail offers an easier traverse back to Winter Park.

Why Winter Park Resort is Perfect for Beginner Skiers

Skiing at Winter Park Resort offers an unforgettable experience for beginners and families alike. With its extensive beginner-friendly trails, top-notch ski school, and convenient amenities, it’s the perfect destination to start your skiing journey. Whether you’re building confidence on the slopes or exploring more challenging trails, Winter Park has something for everyone. Remember to use our tips for a smooth and enjoyable day on the mountain, and don’t forget to check out our resort guide video for more insights. Happy skiing!