Winter Park Beginner Skiing

The Winter Park side, as opposed to the Mary Jane of the resort, is an ideal "learn to ski" area, and also a great place for more experienced beginners to explore the mountain’s green runs. Nearly 30-percent of the terrain on the Winter Park side is designated as beginner trails, so novices have a large number of green runs to choose from. If you’re looking at a trail map, the right side of the mountain, from Gemini Express to High Lonesome Express lift, is nearly entirely beginner trails.

Winter Park beginner terrain

The best Winter Park beginner terrain is scattered all over looker’s right side of the resort. First timers will want to start at the surface area, or magic carpet, lifts at the Winter Park base area. There they’ll find a gentle slope to learn on, and namely beginner skiers in that area, since experts and intermediates stick to looker’s left side of the base area. Once first time skiers area ready to ride up on the lift higher on the mountain, they’ll want to stick to Gemini Express. Off that lift, they’ll find short green runs that lead to short chair lifts like Discovery and Endeavor chairlift. As beginners progress and get more comfortable with the Winter Park terrain, they can pick their all the way up the mountain, nearly to the top, via the High Lonesome Express chairlift. From the top they can enjoy sustained, meandering green runs like Whistlestop and Village Way, which takes skiers all the way back the village. There are few areas that offer beginner skiers 2,200 vertical feet of novice terrain.

Winter Park Ski School

First time skiers at Winter Park have an incredible ski school right at their fingertips, so be sure to take advantage. Plus, it’s a great way to better acquaint yourself with the Winter Park beginner terrain. Winter Park Ski School offers half- and full-day ski or snowboard lessons for adults and children ages three to 14. Adults can opt for private lessons if they need a little more one on one attention. Lessons meet at the Sorensen Park area.