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At a meeting on July 15, Winter Park Town Council approved the initial final development plan for the Winter Park Resort base area, setting the stage for a multi-year development that will transform the resort and the surrounding area. Construction is projected to begin as early as summer 2026, pending the receipt of remaining approvals, according to Sky-Hi News.
The approved plan encompasses 15 acres within the Resort Village and Welcome Village neighborhoods. Designed by Alterra Mountain Company and the Winter Park Recreational Association, the proposal calls for higher-density overnight accommodations envisioned as up to 400 multifamily units, and the addition of 35,000 square feet of commercial and service space. Nearly four acres of open space will be preserved, maintaining access to recreational opportunities while striking a balance between growth and environmental integrity.
This first final development plan is the latest step in a long-anticipated master redevelopment. The groundwork for the project was laid on June 3, when the council approved a preliminary development plan that rezoned the whole 177-acre base area to accommodate future phased expansions. Each upcoming phase will still require case-by-case approvals as the resort builds out its vision over the coming years.
- Related: Historic Beaver Village Lodge Demolished in Winter Park, CO, to Make Way for New Development
According to resort planners, the redevelopment aims to modernize the resort base, improve connectivity between Winter Park and downtown, introduce new lodging and dining options, and reimagine transportation infrastructure. Early priorities include expanding public spaces, upgrading parking, and launching the initial segment of “Connect Winter Park”—an aerial transit gondola system initially slated to have a terminal near the Gemini Lift.
In addition to approving the development plan, the council advanced a cluster of resolutions reinforcing Winter Park’s carbon neutrality goals and renewable energy ambitions.
The three resolutions passed include:
- Contracting with Lotus Engineering to review current climate and energy data, identify gaps, and update the town’s Climate Action Plan. This independent review will yield actionable recommendations aimed at reducing emissions and guiding Winter Park toward its stated targets: a 60% reduction from 2023 levels by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050.
- Authorizing a proposal from The GreyEdge Group LLC for a feasibility study on establishing a geothermal district heating system, potentially tapping into local geothermal resources to power homes and businesses cleanly over the long haul.
- Submitting a letter of intent to the Colorado Energy Office to pursue grants that fund sustainable transportation and local environmental initiatives.
The council also greenlit three special event applications:
- Plein Air @ Altitude: a fine art gathering with a cocktail reception and silent auction on August 30 at the Rendezvous Event Center in Hideaway Park.
- 5Point Adventure Film Festival: supporting Grand County’s youth climbing team through a fundraiser on August 2.
- First Fridays: a recurring celebration of community art slated for select months in 2025 and 2026 at Uptripping in Cooper Creek Square.
For more information on the development plans or to review meeting materials, the public is invited to visit the official agenda and minutes available at WPGov.com.
Winter Park Resort’s master plan extends far beyond the proposed gondola, outlining a comprehensive vision to transform the base area and surrounding mountain into a year-round destination. Key projects include the development of new residential and commercial spaces, hotels, expanded retail and dining options, and improvements to public spaces, such as parks, plazas, and gathering areas, designed to foster a lively community atmosphere.
A major expansion includes a new area on Vasquez Mountain, increasing skiable terrain by 358 to 3,439 acres. This expansion will position Winter Park as the third-largest ski area in Colorado, following Vail and Steamboat. The plan also introduces several new chairlifts, such as a t-bar providing access to the Cirque from the new Vasquez area and additional chairs in the new area. The resort plans to replace the aging Looking Glass, Pony, and Iron Horse lifts with modern six-pack chairs and an eight-person gondola.
Mountain Master Development Plan (USFS MDP)
Winter Park Resort is well-known for its diverse terrain across more than 3,095 acres. On-mountain plans are intended to enhance current terrain, improve connectivity, and expand intermediate terrain to meet guest needs. The USFS MDP as submitted in 2022 includes plans that:
- Reimagine and redesign our learning area with new lifts and access points, and an on-mountain day lodge for new skiers and riders to have an indoors home-base.
- Include additional snow-making upgrades to help ensure we can open more early-season terrain.
- Improve and upgrade existing on-mountain restaurants and day lodges to better serve guests.
- Expand Vasquez Ridge terrain, including a new dining option at the top of the Wild Spur Express Lift.
The master plan also aims to increase skier capacity by 41%, from 15,830 to 22,375, and expand snowmaking capabilities from 280 to 605 acres. The Sunspot and Snoasis on-mountain dining facilities will undergo remodeling to enhance guest experiences. In addition to winter operations, the resort plans to introduce new summer activities, including hiking and biking trails, to offer year-round recreational opportunities.
Infrastructure upgrades are central to the plan, with enhancements to roads, parking, and public transit aimed at improving access and reducing congestion. The resort is also prioritizing sustainability and recreation, proposing new trail networks for hiking and biking, expanded ski terrain, and modernized lift systems. Workforce housing is another major component, as the plan dedicates land and resources to support affordable housing for employees, helping to ensure the long-term vitality of both the resort and the local community.
- Related: Winter Park Resort, CO, Offers Update on Masterplan That Includes Gondola Connecting Resort to Town
For more details on the rezoning, gondola project, and upcoming public meetings, residents can review the full council minutes and planning documents on the town’s official website.
Offering one of the longest ski seasons in Colorado, Winter Park Resort saw 384″ of snow last season and stayed open into May.
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