From Presidents to Skiers, Restaurateurs to Ranchers
Winter Park, Colorado, and the neighboring Fraser Valley form one of the most captivating corners of the Rocky Mountains. Nestled just 90 minutes northwest of Denver, this alpine region blends rugged wilderness, ski-town charm, and deep historical roots. While today’s Winter Park is best known for world-class skiing, mountain biking, and outdoor recreation, its legacy also includes a remarkable lineup of famous visitors, presidents, athletes, and locals who helped define its character.
Among the many stories woven into this high-country landscape, one stands out: President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s enduring connection to the Fraser Valley. But he’s not the only notable name tied to this mountain community. Over the decades, ranchers, civic leaders, Olympians, and entrepreneurs have all left their mark on Winter Park and Fraser.
Dwight D. Eisenhower and His “Western White House” in Colorado
When President Dwight D. Eisenhower needed to escape the intensity of Washington, he found solace in the wide-open valleys and trout-filled streams of Fraser Valley, Colorado. Beginning in the late 1930s and continuing through his presidency in the 1950s, Eisenhower vacationed regularly near St. Louis Creek, just west of the town of Fraser.
He was hosted at Byers Peak Ranch, then owned by Denver businessmen Aksel Nielsen and Carl Norgren. There, Eisenhower spent time fishing, painting mountain landscapes, and relaxing in the crisp alpine air. Local lore holds that he referred to this spot as his “Western White House.” His 1955 official White House Christmas card even featured one of his own paintings depicting the valley’s quiet beauty.
Eisenhower’s visits weren’t just for leisure. They brought national attention to the Fraser Valley and established it as a premier mountain retreat for statesmen, executives, and artists seeking peace away from the spotlight. His presence elevated Winter Park’s reputation as a destination that offered both world-class nature and discretion—a theme that continues today.
The Men Behind the Ranch: Aksel Nielsen and Carl Norgren
The story of Eisenhower’s visits to Byers Peak Ranch also highlights two influential Colorado businessmen—Aksel Nielsen, a Denver banker and philanthropist, and Carl Norgren, an engineer and entrepreneur. Together, they purchased the former youth camp property and turned it into a working cattle and fishing ranch.
Their stewardship combined conservation, recreation, and hospitality. When Eisenhower began visiting, the ranch gained legendary status, and their names became intertwined with both national history and local identity. The “Western White House” era of the Fraser Valley remains one of the most celebrated chapters in Winter Park’s history.
Early Settlers Who Built the Foundations of Winter Park
Long before the ski lifts rose over the Continental Divide, the Winter Park and Fraser Valley area was shaped by pioneering families, homesteaders, and ranchers. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settlers such as David Mizell Jr. and Linus Oliver “Doc” Graves established homesteads, guest cabins, and small community hubs that helped populate what was then a remote part of Grand County.
These families contributed to early ranching and hospitality traditions that later became the backbone of the valley’s economy. The Graves family, for instance, played a key role in developing lodging and social gatherings that eventually attracted city visitors looking for a rustic mountain escape.
Their pioneering spirit laid the groundwork for what would become Winter Park Resort, established in 1940 after the City of Denver purchased land for recreation. This investment transformed a quiet ranching valley into one of Colorado’s best-loved ski towns.
From Rails to Resorts: How the Valley Became a Destination
The transformation of Winter Park, Colorado, into a modern mountain resort is closely tied to the Moffat Tunnel and the arrival of the railroad. When rail service expanded through the Fraser–Winter Park station, the area suddenly became accessible to travelers from Denver and beyond.
Skiers, hikers, and summer vacationers arrived by train, and the community grew around this steady stream of visitors. The railroad not only powered the region’s tourism boom but also introduced Winter Park to countless visitors who would return year after year—and in some cases, decide to stay.
Deno Kutrumbos: The Heart and Soul of Winter Park Dining
Every ski town has its cornerstone restaurant, and for Winter Park, that place is Deno’s Mountain Bistro. When Deno (Charles) Kutrumbos purchased the historic log-and-stone stagecoach building in 1976, he transformed it into a gathering place that captured the warmth and flavor of mountain hospitality.
Over time, Deno’s became far more than a restaurant—it became an institution. Locals, seasonal residents, and travelers alike have made it a ritual stop after a day on the slopes or trails. The Kutrumbos family, now led by Deno’s son Nick, continues to serve the community both through hospitality and civic engagement.
The story of Deno’s reflects a larger theme in Winter Park’s history: small-town entrepreneurs shaping the town’s identity through personal investment, family legacy, and genuine community connection.
Olympic Legacy: Athletes from Winter Park, Colorado
While Eisenhower brought presidential prestige, Winter Park Resort brought something equally enduring—athletic excellence. The area has produced an impressive lineup of Olympic and World Cup athletes who trained on its slopes.
Among the most recognized are:
-
Ryan Max Riley, a U.S. national champion mogul skier raised in the Winter Park area.
-
Michelle Roark, freestyle skier and World Cup competitor.
-
Ryan St. Onge, World Champion aerialist and Olympian.
These athletes honed their skills through the Winter Park Competition Center, a world-class training facility that has long been a pipeline for elite skiing talent. Their achievements have kept Winter Park on the map internationally and reinforced its reputation as one of Colorado’s premier training grounds for winter sports.
The Civic Stewards: Mayors, Philanthropists, and Local Leaders
Beyond the famous names, the story of Winter Park and Fraser, Colorado is built on countless community members who dedicate themselves to maintaining its small-town integrity amid growth and change. Civic leaders, business owners, and volunteers have all contributed to the region’s success.
Figures such as former mayor Jim Meyers, entrepreneur Roger Hedlund, and Fraser’s own Peggy Smith have been recognized for their commitment to sustainable development, affordable housing, and preserving open space. These residents ensure that Winter Park remains both a thriving resort and a livable community.
Local awards such as the Winter Park & Fraser Chamber of Commerce’s “Citizen of the Year” and Pioneer Awards celebrate these contributions, reminding visitors that the real fame of Winter Park often comes from its everyday heroes.
The Quiet Celebrity Appeal of Winter Park
Unlike glitzier mountain resorts such as Aspen or Vail, Winter Park, Colorado has long been prized for its low-key charm and privacy. Over the decades, the valley has hosted filmmakers, professional athletes, and business leaders who appreciate the town’s unpretentious character.
Some own discreet vacation homes or ranch properties in the surrounding foothills; others visit to enjoy skiing, mountain biking, or fly fishing without fanfare. The appeal is simple: breathtaking scenery, authentic local culture, and a welcoming community far from the paparazzi spotlight.
Fraser Valley’s Role in Winter Park’s Identity
While Winter Park often grabs the headlines, its twin community—Fraser, Colorado—plays an equally important role in the region’s character. Known as “The Icebox of the Nation” for its crisp mountain temperatures, Fraser has historically served as the valley’s working-class backbone.
Its railway station, local businesses, and residential neighborhoods give the valley its year-round stability. The Fraser–Winter Park Amtrak Station remains a key transportation hub for visitors arriving via the historic California Zephyr route. Together, Winter Park and Fraser form a symbiotic pair: one a resort town, the other a local community that sustains it.
Arts, Culture, and the Spirit of the Rockies
Modern Winter Park isn’t just about skiing. The valley’s cultural calendar now includes art fairs, live music, and festivals celebrating everything from local cuisine to mountain biking. These events owe their success to local philanthropists, artists, and organizers who believe in expanding the valley’s cultural offerings beyond the slopes.
Music festivals, craft fairs, and outdoor markets fill the warm months, bringing vibrancy to what was once the “off-season.” This creative energy attracts new residents and ensures that Winter Park remains more than just a seasonal destination.
Why These People Still Matter
The famous and influential figures tied to Winter Park, Colorado, share a common thread: a deep appreciation for the region’s natural beauty and community spirit.
-
President Eisenhower gave it presidential prestige and national visibility.
-
Ranchers like Aksel Nielsen and Carl Norgren bridged Denver’s business elite with rural Colorado life.
-
Entrepreneurs like Deno Kutrumbos turned hospitality into local heritage.
-
Athletes like Ryan St. Onge and Michelle Roark showcased Winter Park’s athletic excellence.
-
Local civic leaders ensured that growth never came at the cost of character.
Together, these figures embody the balance that defines Winter Park and the Fraser Valley—a blend of high-profile history and grassroots heart.
Experience the Legacy Yourself
Visitors today can still experience the places that shaped Winter Park’s story:
-
St. Louis Creek: The tranquil waters where President Eisenhower fished and painted.
-
Byers Peak Ranch: Private but still visible from nearby trails, a reminder of the “Western White House.”
-
Deno’s Mountain Bistro: A living piece of local history, welcoming diners with the same warmth Deno Kutrumbos established nearly fifty years ago.
-
Fraser–Winter Park Station: The perfect arrival point for anyone wanting to explore this legendary mountain corridor without the drive.
Every corner of the valley holds a story—of presidents, pioneers, Olympians, and everyday people who helped make Winter Park, Colorado one of the most beloved destinations in the Rockies.
The Timeless Allure of Winter Park
Winter Park and the Fraser Valley remain, at their core, about connection: to nature, to heritage, and to each other. From Eisenhower’s fly rod on St. Louis Creek to today’s skiers carving fresh powder on Mary Jane Mountain, every generation finds its own reason to fall in love with this extraordinary corner of Colorado.
It’s a place where history, recreation, and community coexist seamlessly—and where every visitor, whether famous or not, becomes part of the ongoing story of Winter Park, Colorado.
