As a first time snowboarder and visitor to Colorado, I found Winter Park simply outstanding. It fulfilled all of my childhood winter wonderland fantasies. It is breathtakingly gorgeous. The skies are bright blue and the resort is surrounded by the mountain ranges of the continental divide. The snow falling sparkles like fairy dust!

While quiet in the Apres ski department, Winter Park is far more friendly and down to earth (and affordable) than resorts like Aspen and Vale, which makes it perfect for families and nature lovers. The slopes are amazing – ithe resort is on one massive mountain covered in powdery runs. The runs are not crowded and there are so many you need a map so as not to get lost. There are lessons for all levels and ages (my teacher was just outstanding - I actually made it down the whole mountain on my last day!), and bob cats to take high level skiiers out on fresh, untouched runs beyond the divide.
Also - the restaurants are fabulous (and they offer free childcare at night). It is the perfect place to ski, snowboar , ice skate and even "tube" in winter; and in summer you can hike, bike and horse ride. There is also a gorgeous high-end, eco friendly Nordic ski ranch called Devil’s Thumb Ranch an hour’s drive away which you can visit for day trips. And the  Winterpark town pub is adorable and offers live music every night except Mondays. I fell in love with this fairytale place.

View from the chair lift across the Continental Divide.

With my travel companions, award winning journos Rob Macfarland and Ben Doherty in one of the many tempting pubs.