In a blog post on Friday, Winter Park Resort, CO, highlighted several changes and improvements guests would see at the resort this upcoming season. The most exciting of these is that they will almost double the expert-only terrain at the resort.
The increase will focus on two areas of the mountain; the Cirque and the Mary Jane chutes. In the Cirque, they will open a previously closed section known as ‘Jelly Roll.’ This area is known for its steep rolling pitch and ability to hold light, fluffy snow for days after a storm. Looking at the trail map (and from my knowledge), this must be the area even further round the bowl beyond the Alphabet Chutes, which is some hike. I guess the Cirque Sled’s route will be extended to include this drop-off until a lift is installed.
The Mary Jane chutes will also see more avalanche-controlled terrain opened, offering pillow lines and cliffs before dumping out in the ‘Powder Field’ between Trestle and the Chutes. Again, having skied the chutes, this new terrain must be skiers’ right of the hike-to Hole in the Wall.
Another notable highlight in the blog post is ‘more and earlier grooming.’ Based on guests’ feedback, they’ll be focusing on grooming steeper terrain and other select trails to create longer, steeper, and more wide-ranging groomed trails. Does this mean they’ll be grooming more of the Jane’s famous bump runs? Controversial!
The full blog post is below:
What’s New at Winter Park This Season
We know it’s still technically summer, but we haven’t stopped dreaming of cooler weather, powder days at Mary Jane, and snow-covered views of Parry Peak since the Super Gauge stopped spinning in May. While we’ve been dreaming, our operations teams have been hard at work prepping for an even bigger and better winter season ahead. We’re excited to announce brand new terrain, grooming enhancements for faster trail openings, additional evening adventures after the lifts close, and more this season! Take a look and start your countdown- winter is on the way!
Newly Accessible Expert-Only Terrain
Get ready to discover new powder stashes this season with almost double the expert-only terrain! We’re planning to open a previously closed section of The Cirque Territory known as “Jelly Roll” for its rolling steep pitch and its ability to hold light, fluffy snow for days after a storm. We’re also planning to open more terrain in the Chutes area on Mary Jane. These anticipated trails are controlled avalanche chutes and offer pillow lines, cliffs, and adventurous access to the popular “Powder Field” area between Trestle and the Chutes.
More Evening Activities
This season, the adventure doesn’t end after the lifts stop spinning. We’re excited to introduce our brand new Cosmic Tubing nights. We’re also bringing back Cosmic Ice Skating, Guided Sunset Skiing, and adding new enhancements to our evening Snowcat & S’mores evening tour. We’re also extending our mountaintop après festivities at Sunspot to Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, beginning December 15th. The gondola is free after 4 p.m., so anyone can join in the fun (and the views) at 10,700 feet.
More and Earlier Grooming
Also new this season are enhancements to grooming operations, allowing us to groom more slopes more often and to open more and varied terrain as early as possible. With additional resources and staff for grooming, we will also be better prepared to make snow when and if conditions allow. Based on your feedback, we’re focusing on grooming steeper terrain and other select trails to create longer, steeper, and more wide-ranging groomed trails. All of these enhancements will help us continue to have one of the longest seasons in Colorado too!
Parking Improvements
We understand on peak days parking can be a challenge for some of our guests. Over the summer we’ve been working to expand the G-Lot and widen a section of the Mary Jane Road to add almost 350 additional parking spaces at our resort. We’re also introducing a real-time parking update feature to the Winter Park Resort app this winter so you can see which lots are full and which still have availability as you approach the resort too.
Are you ready for winter yet? Because we are! Keep checking back for more updates closer to the season too. And if you haven’t booked your trip yet, don’t miss out on the best value of the season as a Winter Park Insider. 30% off your winter vacation + free experiences ends on September 19th!
I only care in essence of curiosity reasons only. Since I have health problems such as Lymphopenia, Sarcoidosis(active or not?), Scoliosis, left foot problems. No car/vehicle and no money to go skiing at Winter Park Ski Resort, and living on just Social Security I think you get the picture. Well at least I have Alta, Jackson Hole, Vail, Snowmass, Aspen, and Taos Ski Valley on my bucket list long ago.
Why had these zones been closed in the first place? Honest question.