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Winter Park, Colorado claims to be "Colorado's Favorite". While this might sound like just another marketing slogan, a few facts about Winter Park combine to back it up. The superlatives used to describe Winter Park are probably based on it's annual snowfall (the most of any major resort in Colorado), and it's proximity to Denver. But for the skiers who make annual pilgrimages to "The Park", and the legions of mogul skiers who loudly worship the resort's Mary Jane area, no slogan is needed.

Located near the Continental Divide just 67 miles from the Denver metro area, Winter Park is the closest major destination resort to Denver, and by extension to roughly half of the state's population. It is also the oldest continually operated ski resort in Colorado, and, on average, receives the most snow of any major destination resort in the state. (A destination resort is one with lodging available at it's base.) Add to that 5 distinct mountains and a thriving summer mountain bike scene, and you have a formula that easily justifies the resort's trumpeting.

Owned by the City of Denver, Winter Park had begun to fall behind during the capital improvements arms race of the 90's. By 2000, the resort was having difficulty competing as a major destination resort, and rumors began to circulate of a potential sale, or operating partnership with the City. In 2004 the rumors were laid to rest when the City of Denver announced a deal granting operating and development rights to ski resort development giant Intrawest Corp.

Two months ago, Intrawest announced a design for the new "Village at Winter Park", including approximately 1,500 residential units and 24 shops and restaurants. Among the most anticipated of the many planned improvements is the enhancement and the reclamation of the Frazer River, which runs directly through the village.

Winter Park is also known as a summer haven for frazzled city-dwellers, and boasts a full slate of summer activities including golf, whitewater rafting, hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, rodeo, sailing and several music and art festivals. Perhaps the crown jewel of summertime in Winter Park is its mountain biking, as the resort features one of the largest mountain biking trail networks in ski country.

Still unknown to some destination travelers, Winter Park's star has begun to rise again, and while it may always have been "Colorado's Favorite", it will very soon be making its name known around the globe - as Colorado's destination resorts are prone to do. If you haven't already, you should consider getting a sneak preview.

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