Don’t the best moments in life come when you least expect them? Have you ever considered that might be true of taking a vacation? Maybe you don’t always need to plan extensively for a trip. What if a last-minute vacation can be just what you need to pause and reset from the hustle and grind of daily living?
The time is now. Maybe your calendar suddenly cleared up, your kids have a break from school, or you just realized it’s been way too long since you’ve been to the mountains. Whatever your reason, Winter Park, Colorado is an excellent choice for a last-minute vacation. Here you’ll find outdoor activities to do year-round, fresh mountain air, and amazing experiences. Depending on the time of year, you could be carving down the snow-covered slopes, listening as gravel crunches underfoot during a hike, or relaxing in the peace of the mountains from a comfortable vacation rental.
Winter Park welcomes you with open arms! And no, you don’t have to plan it all months in advance to have an incredible time here. In this guide, we’ll cover the essential tips for planning a last-minute vacation in Winter Park, what makes it an awesome destination for a last-minute vacation, and how Winter Park Escapes can be your go to for an amazing place to stay in Winter Park!
Tips for Planning a Last-Minute Vacation in Winter Park, CO
There are plenty of reasons why you might suddenly find yourself ready to ditch your everyday scenery and head to the mountains. Maybe the travel bug has bitten you for a variety of reasons like these:
Has some unexpected time come your way? Maybe you’ve got a long weekend coming your way or some PTO that needs using. Maximize your time away with fresh mountain air, adventure, and comfortable accommodations in Winter Park.
If work stress or city life is getting to you, and you feel yourself on the verge of a burnout – nothing can reset your mind and body like a last-minute trip to the Rockies. Winter Park has nearly 300 days of sunshine and some of the best snow in the state. Whatever the weather, you want to strike while the conditions are just right.
Last-minute travel doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a little know-how and the right accommodations, it can be the easiest, most exciting trip of your year!
How to Plan a Last-Minute Trip to Winter Park
Ok, so you don’t exactly have months and weeks to prepare for this trip. That’s fine. With the right approach and following these steps, you can get everything set in just a couple of days or even less. Want to know how? Well, we’re so glad you asked! Allow us to explain.
Book Your Rental First
First thing you want to do is book your accommodations first. Your lodging is the homebase of your trip. Since you’re looking for something relatively last minute, availability might be limited. So, start by locking in your dates for a vacation rental first. Winter Park Escapes has a wonderful selection of stylish, comfortable and high-end vacation rentals that are perfect for your needs, group size, and location.
Pack Smarter, Not Harder
Keep your stress to an all-time low when packing for this last-minute vacation. Think of the essentials you need, write a checklist, and pack for comfort and flexibility. Follow the packing tips below!
Tips for Packing Last Minute
You don’t need to or have the time to pack your entire closet. Simply focus on the essentials. Here’s what you should consider bringing:
Layers, layers, layers! You’re in the mountains, and no matter the time of year – weather can change quickly. Bring sweaters, warm base layers, waterproof jackets for precipitation, and breathable active wear. You’ll also want to throw in a good pair of jeans for going out, a nice top or button-down shirt, and adequate footwear.
Good footwear could include hiking boots in warm seasons, insulated snow boots in winter, and sneakers for everyday use. And keep in mind that high-altitude sun is very strong, even during the colder months. Pack appropriate sun protection like sunglasses, sunscreen and temperature appropriate hats.
It never hurts to pack a bathing suit! Many rentals have hot tubs, and some local resorts offer pools. You’ll be ready for moments that require spontaneous swims. And if you’re an outdoor sports enthusiast, you can consider bringing your own adventure gear. Rentals are widely available, but being able to use your own skis, snowboard, mountain bike or fishing rod just enhances the overall experience.
Bonus tip: If you’re traveling with kids, consider packing a few games or books for moments of downtime spent in your vacation rental. You might even get lucky by choosing a Winter Park Escapes rental that has a designated game room!
Build a Loose Itinerary
Don’t overbook yourself. Doing so can contribute to vacation stress. Instead, consider leaving room for spontaneity! Choose one to two key activities per day and leave the rest open for rest, relaxation, and downtime. Every moment of every day of this last-minute vacation does not need to be filled up. Remember that!
What to Do Year Round in Winter Park
Winter Park is an outdoor lover’s dreamland with a bunch of seasonal activities to keep you occupied. Here’s what you can enjoy no matter what season it is when you get here.
Winter Adventures
If you’re heading to Winter Park during the snowy season, you’re about to have your socks knocked off when it comes to winter sport activities! With over 3,000 acres of terrain, Winter Park Resort is one of Colorado’s premier resorts. Come here to ski or snowboard at any level. Consider snowshoeing or even backcountry skiing while you’re at it.
If you’re not quite steady on the ski or snowboard, there’s always tubing. It’s fun, fast paced, and addictive! Once you go down the slope in a tube once, you’ll be back again and again. And who could forget ice skating. Winter adventures abound here in Winter Park.
Spring & Summer Activities
Once the snow melts, and the wildflowers start to bloom – a whole new adventure comes to life in Winter Park. The trails thaw out and are perfect for hiking and seeing amazing waterfalls, scenic outlooks and more.
Check out the trails in a speedy way by mountain biking. There are lift accessed trails and miles of single track to explore here in Winter Park. Or you might prefer taking in the scenery the old-fashioned away by doing a trail ride through the Rockies!
Take to the skies on a zipline and soar above the trees and canyons for a thrilling adventure you’ll never forget. Or choose some water adventures like whitewater rafting. Cool off with an exhilarating ride down the Colorado River. Cast a line during some fly fishing or from a boat to try your hand at catching some trout which populate these waters.
Staying with Winter Park Escapes Is the Key to a Great Last-Minute Getaway
When your planning time is short, convenience and comfort are everything in a rental. Winter Park Escapes takes the stress out of last-minute vacationing by offering an excellent selection of vacation rentals that have everything you need to enjoy yourself.
Expertly Designed Interiors
Not only do these properties feel like home the moment you walk in, but you’ll be excited to stay here based on curb appeal alone. Beautifully crafted homes, inviting mountain aesthetics, high-end décor and more will make it easy for you to unpack that suitcase and stay a while. You’ll also have space to spread out, making them the right choice if you’re traveling with your family or group of friends. Gone are the days when you have to squeeze into one or multiple hotel rooms. Give yourself a gift of spacious accommodations with Winter Park Escapes.
Full Kitchens & Home Essentials
There are some amazing places to eat in Winter Park. However, staying in a rental from Winter Park Escapes gives you the option to choose. Every meal doesn’t have to be taken out or dined in. Instead, you can eat in when you want to and avoid the stress of trying to find restaurants for every meal. Most rentals include full gourmet kitchens, with the appliances, cookware, and dining areas to prepare and eat a meal together with loved ones. Essentials like Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and smart TVs are also available to make your stay comfortable.
Relaxation Ready Amenities
Relaxation is a key aspect of this last-minute vacation to Winter Park. Your vacation rental helps relaxation come easily with amenities like private hot tubs, fireplaces, firepits, and outdoor spaces like balconies and patios that show off perfect mountain views.
Prime Locations
What are you looking for in a vacation rental location? Do you want to be right on the slopes, in a ski-in ski-out rental? Or would you rather be downtown, close to where the life and excitement are? Maybe you like being close to nature, with trails accessible nearby while surrounded by beautiful scenery. There’s a rental to match your ideal location, whether that’s close to ski slopes, popped in a quiet neighborhood, or in the center of it all in downtown Winter Park. Just take a little time to look around and find the rental you want.
Perfect for Spontaneous Stays
Winter Park Escapes specializes in providing vacation rentals with flexible stays and easy check-in. If there’s anything you need to know about last-minute attractions, where to rent gear, and the best experiences in the area, then you’ll want to talk to the team at Winter Park Escapes.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Last-Minute Trip
Winter Park Escapes offers services like grocery delivery that can come in clutch before you arrive. Contact their concierge services to see about having groceries delivered to your rental of choice. That way you can have what you need upon arrival, without having to hurry out to get food after traveling all day.
If you choose to bring your own outdoor gear, that’s fine! But please know you can rent bikes, skis, or snowboards from any of Winter Park’s local outfitters.
For high-season visits, try calling ahead or asking the team at Winter Park Escapes to help you make reservations at popular spots like Deno’s Mountain Bistro. Keep things flexible. Be sure to enjoy the journey and embrace spontaneity when planning your last-minute vacation in Winter Park!
Book Your Winter Park Escape Today
See! You don’t need months of planning to enjoy an amazing vacation. A last-minute vacation to Winter Park can be every bit as exciting, refreshing and memorable as a carefully planned vacation. This is especially true if you book a vacation rental from Winter Park Escapes.
Let’s work together to help you put a pause on that busy work week and utilize your vacation time! Take that idea of a romantic weekend or family vacation and make it happen. Winter Park is your ideal destination with everything you need for a great last-minute vacation. Think outdoor fun, amazing attractions and relaxing in the mountains! Treat yourself to the perfect last-minute stay with a rental from Winter Park Escapes.
Imagine yourself sitting comfortably in your spacious vacation rental with spacious interiors, comfortable seating, large windows that frame a spectacular view, and private outdoor spaces where you can spend time outside whenever you desire. Then there are the luxurious moments like soaking under the stars in a hot tub or sitting around the firepit and sharing stories and laughter over your experiences in Winter Park so far.
Don’t delay. Your last-minute vacation to Winter Park is just getting started! All you have to do is check the availability of the rental you have your eye on, and then in just a few clicks it can be yours. It’s as simple as that. Contact us to book your last-minute vacation rental today with Winter Park Escapes!