Colorado Announces New Winter Adventures and Experiences for 2024-25 Season

Colorado welcomes winter 2024-25 with exciting new offerings, from enhanced ski resort experiences and luxury lodging to MICHELIN-recognised dining and immersive events.

Visitors can explore expanded terrain at multiple resorts, enjoy new hot springs experiences, discover dark sky destinations, and experience authentic cultural celebrations while embracing Colorado's interpretation of responsible tourism.

Major Resort Enhancements Transform Winter Recreation

This season, Colorado's ski resorts are introducing exciting upgrades to enhance convenience and access for visitors.

Copper Mountain is debuting a high-speed 6-pack Timberline Express chairlift this season, expanding access to premier intermediate terrain. The new lift enhances convenience for skiers and snowboarders, making it easier than ever to explore Copper’s vast mountain playground. Meanwhile, the Winter Park Express train service is expanding to include December holiday runs and a five-day weekly schedule from January to March 2025, offering a stress-free, eco-friendly way to hit the slopes. Over at Arapahoe Basin, a new advance parking reservation system is being implemented to streamline traffic flow and elevate the overall visitor experience, ensuring smooth arrivals and more time on the mountain.
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Luxury Lodging Elevates Mountain Getaways

Populus, America's first carbon-positive hotel, has opened in Denver's Civic Center Park. Designed to harmonise luxury with eco-consciousness, the hotel features state-of-the-art energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials and rooftop greenery that contributes to urban biodiversity.

The 205-room Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge Curio Collection by Hilton is set to debut this winter along the base of Peak 9 in Breckenridge with two distinct dining experiences, gear valet, concierge services, and more.

In Vail, the Four Seasons Vail has unveiled its highly anticipated redesigned spa and the opening of a new Tavernetta restaurant, a signature Italian restaurant helmed by award-winning chefs, bringing an authentic taste of Italy to the Rockies.
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Culinary Scene Earns International Recognition

Vail’s dining scene is reaching new heights with the introduction of several exciting culinary offerings. Alma Fonda Fina has been awarded a MICHELIN star, recognised for its vibrant and refined approach to Mexican cuisine, while MAKfam has earned the esteemed Bib Gourmand distinction, celebrating its exceptional value and soulful, flavor-forward dishes. Known for its creative spins on comfort food, MAKfam has become a favorite for both locals and visitors seeking an unforgettable yet approachable dining experience.

Renowned for his dedication to sustainable and locally sourced cuisine, Kelly Whitaker has been named Outstanding Restaurateur by the James Beard Awards. The founder of several acclaimed Colorado restaurants, including The Wolf’s Tailor and Basta, Whitaker has championed regenerative agriculture and zero-waste practices while delivering innovative and delicious dining experiences.

The newly opened Tavernetta Vail and multiple new dining concepts is elevating mountain dining and enrichening Vail as a premier destination for excellence in the Rockies.
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Colorado After Dark Adventures

Experience Colorado's winter wonderland after sunset with new nighttime offerings including moonlight snowshoe tours, stargazing experiences, and evening dining adventures. Two new International Dark Sky designations bring the state's total to 11 Parks and six Communities, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities.
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ABOUT COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE:

Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is the official travel and tourism office for the state of Colorado. CTO’s mission is to generate traveller spending by promoting Colorado as a four-season, four-corner, world-class travel destination and to develop compelling, sustainable travel experiences.

Colorado is a year-round destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine and 28 renowned ski resort areas. The state's diverse landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, numerous peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, known as ‘Fourteeners’. www.colorado.com

ABOUT LINKD TOURISM:

In 2024 Linkd Tourism celebrates 37 years and attributes its long-standing success to a fluid understanding of its clients’ requirements and the travel industry environment both in Australia and New Zealand. Linkd Tourism represents the Colorado Tourism Office, Alamo Rent-A-Car (North America), Aqua-Aston Hospitality (Hawaii), Hong Kong Tourism Board, Kyushu Tourism Promotion Organization, New York State, Seattle & Washington State, Arizona Office of Tourism, Visit Anaheim (PR Australia) www.linkdtourism.com.
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Did You Know?

Colorado is home to one of the most extensive backcountry hut systems in North America, with more than 30 huts across 350 miles of U.S. Forest Service trails called the 10th Mountain Division Huts.

Mountain Trip offers a new hut-to-hut ski tour connecting Ouray and Silverton, featuring iconic mountain towns and exceptional huts like Opus Hut and Thelma Hut.

Campfire Ranch Wash Gulch in Crested Butte accommodates 15 guests with modern amenities, including running water, flushing toilets, and a wood-fired sauna.

Explore full-service huts like Red Mountain Alpine Lodge and Opus Hut, or unique yurt experiences such as Broome Hut on Berthoud Pass and Pass Creek Yurt near Pagosa Springs.

Mountain huts, rooted in centuries-old traditions, have been vital sanctuaries for skiers and mountaineers worldwide. Originating from simple shacks, these shelters evolved into diverse accommodations, ranging from basic cabins to modern lodgings. In Colorado, the hut movement gained momentum in the late 1940s, leading to the creation of ski-oriented huts like the Tagert Hut. Inspired by this legacy, the Alfred A. Braun Memorial Hut System and the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association expanded, offering extensive backcountry opportunities while honouring the 10th Mountain Division soldiers. Today, these huts serve as essential refuges, preserving history and enabling contemporary adventurers to explore Colorado's wilderness.

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ABOUT COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE

Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is the official travel and tourism office for the state of Colorado. CTO’s mission is to generate traveller spending by promoting Colorado as a four-season, four-corner, world-class travel destination and to develop compelling, sustainable travel experiences.

Colorado is a year-round destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine and 28 renowned ski resort areas. The state's diverse landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, numerous peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, known as ‘Fourteeners’. www.colorado.com

New Winter Lodging Offers in Colorado

Populus Hotel Photo Credit: Studio Gang

Trailborn Rocky Mountains and Trailborn Rocky Mountain Outpost, Estes Park’s newest boutique hotels, set to open in fall 2023, offer dreamy stays for winter adventurers in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Populus, the nation’s first carbon-positive hotel, will grace Denver’s Civic Center Park in spring 2024.

Grand Junction welcomes its inaugural modern boutique hotel, The Hotel Melrose, in late 2023, featuring 16 elegant suites and The Melrose Spirit Co., a chic speakeasy bar in a historic 1908 building.

MOLLIE Aspen, a 68-room boutique hotel in the heart of Aspen, opens its doors in late 2023, promising a luxurious stay.

The Western Hotel & Spa, an iconic Old West property in Ouray, reopens with modern luxuries in summer 2023, and its Nordic Grotto Spa will debut in winter 23/24.
Breckenridge’s newest gem, The Carlin, opened in the summer of 2023, boasting four luxury suites, a lively open kitchen restaurant, and subterranean tavern. Sweet dreams await in these unique lodgings!

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ABOUT COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE

Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is the official travel and tourism office for the state of Colorado. CTO’s mission is to generate traveller spending by promoting Colorado as a four-season, four-corner, world-class travel destination and to develop compelling, sustainable travel experiences.

Colorado is a year-round destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine and 28 renowned ski resort areas. The state's diverse landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, numerous peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, known as ‘Fourteeners’. www.colorado.com

Winter in Colorado brings exciting news from its 28 ski areas and resorts for the 23/24 season

VailResort Skier Photo Credit: Jack Affleck

Colorado’s winter shines with new ski expansions, lifts, and MICHELIN dining. Discover art, culture, and off-slope adventures like hut-to-hut backcountry skiing and yurt stays. Unwind with craft beverages, wellness treatments, and cosy accommodations.

Experience a brighter Colorado winter!

Aspen Snowmass takes the spotlight with a new high-speed quad chairlift and expansive terrain boost on Aspen Mountain, boasting over 20% more skiable acres, the first major addition since 1985.

Steamboat completes largest redevelopment in resort history, adding 655 acres of expert terrain and installing the Wild Blue Gondola, North America’s fastest and longest 10-person gondola.

Keystone introduces Bergman Express, providing lift-served access to more than 550 acres of high alpine terrain in Bergman and Erickson Bowls.

Copper Mountain welcomes The Aerie, a new lodge with a full-service on-mountain restaurant located at the top of the American Eagle lift.

Breckenridge upgrades 5-Chair to a high-speed quad, debuting as the FIVE SuperChair for the 23/24 winter season.

Winter Park Resort introduces a high-speed 6-person chair lift in the Vasquez Ridge area, along with innovative lesson concepts, early mountain access, and new dining options.

Amtrak resumes the Winter Park Express, offering weekend runs from Denver to Winter Park, with additional charters available.

Wolf Creek Ski Area installs The Tumbler, a new beginner chairlift.

Colorado Ski Country's GEMS Card provides discounts and savings at 11 smaller ski areas across the state.

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Enjoy a low-impact experience in Colarado

Pagosa Hot Springs. Photo Credit: Andrew McGuire

Hot Springs: 

Since the 1970s, Glenwood Hot Springs Pool has been adding the extra British thermal units (BTUs) generated by the geothermal water to good use in pre heating domestic water supplies and warming decks, sidewalks and rooflines to keep them snow-free in winter. The geothermal waters from the World’s Deepest Hot Springs Aquifer in Pagosa Springs provide amazing soaking experiences at The Springs Resort. This natural resource is also used to heat downtown sidewalks, businesses, and residential properties, is the key ingredient in the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership and is used by local Riff Raff Brewing Company offering ‘Earth Powered Beer.’

Star Gazing: 

Colorado is home to 10 international dark sky parks and five international dark sky communities, making the destination for star enthusiasts. Colorado Stargazing: Experience the Night is a self-guided stargazing tour that connects several Colorado locations known for their night skies, low light pollution and incredible stargazing opportunities.

ABOUT COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE:

Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is the official travel and tourism office for the state of Colorado. CTO’s mission is to generate traveller spending by promoting Colorado as a four-season, four-corner, world-class travel destination and to develop compelling, sustainable travel experiences.

Colorado is a year-round destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine and 28 renowned ski resort areas. The state's diverse landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, numerous peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, known as ‘Fourteeners’. www.colorado.com

Support local food and drink systems in Colarado

Farmers Market. Photo Credit: Colorado Tourism Office

Low Impact Dining: Beyond farm to table, the James Ranch Grill in Durango sources its main regenerative ingredients from the James Ranch itself. Refuel with healthy, locally sourced dishes, from house-made veggie burgers to gourmet salads at Adam’s Mountain Cafe in Manitou Springs. And with a menu starring pasture-raised meats, locally sourced vegetables and “Best Choice Green” seafood, Root Down in Denver is a must-try for diners opting for a more environment-friendly option. Meanwhile, Snooze A.M. Eatery celebrates Earth Day by planting a tree for every employee.

 
Farmers Markets: Visitors can get their hands on the freshest produce and discover locally grown food at Colorado's Farmers Markets. Boulder County Farmers Markets 2023 farmers market season commenced earlier this month when its Boulder and Longmont locations opened. The Grand Junction "Market on Main" Farmer's Market is set to return Thursdays from July through to September. Live music and local produce make this weekly event a favourite for locals and visitors alike.

 

ABOUT COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE:

Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is the official travel and tourism office for the state of Colorado. CTO’s mission is to generate traveller spending by promoting Colorado as a four-season, four-corner, world-class travel destination and to develop compelling, sustainable travel experiences.

Colorado is a year-round destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine and 28 renowned ski resort areas. The state's diverse landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, numerous peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, known as ‘Fourteeners’. www.colorado.com

Explore Low Emissions Travel Options in Colarado

A-Line Train. Photo Credit: Denver International Airport

Head off on an EV Road Trip: Electric Vehicle (EV) travel is an important part of Colorado's target in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Colorado Tourism Office in collaboration with Colorado Energy Office and Department of Transportation, are prioritising the introduction of electric vehicle charging stations along the state’s 26 Scenic and Historic Byways. Some EV Byway road trip favourites include Top of the Rockies, Lariat Loop, Trail Ridge Road and Guanella Pass.
Take the Public Transit Buses and Shuttles: Visitors should consider the use of the affordable and easy-to-use state transit system. Ride Bustang, Outrider or the Pegasus van to get to destinations across the state. Boulder offers free Park to Park Shuttles on summer weekends connecting Boulder to Rocky Mountain National Park, Chautauqua, Eldorado Canyon State Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness. Rocky Mountain National Park will be operating the Hiker Shuttle this summer, from the Estes Park Visitor Center to the Park & Ride Transit Hub located on Bear Lake Road. Groome Transportation is a shared-ride shuttle to Denver International Airport (DIA), which uses cleaner burning propane-powered vehicles.

Jump on the bike and get cycling: This summer, Breckenridge will launch the Breck E-Bike Ride bike share program, the program will include 75 E-bikes across 12 designated hubs.

Experience Colorado on the rails: Exploring Colorado by train offers a wealth of experiences, from the excursions on scenic and historic railways to plush cars with modern amenities and views of little-seen terrain. Colorado has numerous scenic and historic railroads and train travel offerings. The 2023 season kicked off this week, with visitors currently able to experience Colorado by train with Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to Red Rocks route, a way to enjoy some of the best scenery in the state in a low-impact, sustainable way.

Denver International Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest solar-powered airport in the country with power-saving and recycling facilities along with the world’s largest and greenest parking lot.

ABOUT COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE:

Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is the official travel and tourism office for the state of Colorado. CTO’s mission is to generate traveller spending by promoting Colorado as a four-season, four-corner, world-class travel destination and to develop compelling, sustainable travel experiences.

Colorado is a year-round destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine and 28 renowned ski resort areas. The state's diverse landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, numerous peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, known as ‘Fourteeners’. www.colorado.com

Just for fun... test your skills

Think you know Colorado? 

View of Snowmass Village in Fall, credit Jeremy Swanson

Wordle, the web-based game developed by Josh Wardle and then acquired by the New York Times in 2022, has become a smash hit among puzzle-players. 

Now, there is Coloradle. Answers will be popular activities, landmarks and locations, public figures, colloquialisms, and well-known businesses or brands associated with Colorado. 

One puzzle is released daily at coloradle.com ranging from four to eight letters long.

Source: COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE: www.colorado.com

Haunted Hot Spots in Colarado

Hotel Colorado, credit glenwoodhistory.com

Colorado is home to 1,500 ghost towns, with a storied past of cowboys, bandits and gold diggers. Halloween inspired haunts are aplenty and anyone prepared for a scare should check out these top three spooky spots:Ashcroft Ghost Town (Aspen): Once home to two newspapers (even Denver only has one!), 20 saloons, a school and many private homes, Ashcroft faded before the turn of the century. Only 10 miles from Aspen, take a guided tour of a dozen or so buildings preserved by the Aspen Historical Society, including the jail, livery stable and a couple saloons.

Black Monarch Hotel (Victor): In the late 1800s during the town of Victor's heyday, what was then called the Monarch Hotel served miners and international travelers as the Gold Rush fueled their indiscretions. Today, visitors enjoy this renovated boutique hotel and its paranormal activity. Those working the hotel bar have reported strange sights that they cannot explain, including a woman's silhouette in the window when no one was there and the sounds of women laughing and men yelling in the middle of the night. Victor is the site of the Colorado Labor Wars, innumerable Gold Rush era murders and industrial accidents, so it’s said to be one of the most haunted cities in Colorado

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Hotel Colorado (Glenwood Springs): This 1893 Glenwood Springs accommodation is known as one of the state’s most haunted thanks to the paranormal activity that takes place under its roof. Both guests and staff have reported getting goosebumps at the sound of a woman wailing, and the lights are known to flicker unexpectedly. Hotel Colorado's eeriness is ramped up by the fact that the basement was once used as a crematorium for World War II military personnel. The hotel has just completed a multi-million-dollar restoration including all guest rooms which may have awoken some spirits…

Source: COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE: www.colorado.com

Events worth travelling to Colarado for this season

Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park, credit Matt Inden

Elk Fest – 1-2 October

The beautifully haunting bugle of a bull elk is unmistakable, and every October spectators head to Estes Park to experience the phenomenon. The elk gather there, at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, to show off for their ladies during the start of the rutting (breeding) season. At Elk Fest, visitors can learn about these beasts’ behaviour, observe them in their natural habitat, participate in a bugling contest and see performances by American Indians. This year, The YMCA of The Rockies is also offering an Elk Ecology Class in which participants enjoy hands-on activities to learn about elk biology, herding dynamics, habitat requirements for survival and seasonal behaviour changes.

 

Great American Beer Festival – 6-8 October 

Celebrating 40 years in 2022, the Great American Beer Festival will be showcasing 500 of America’s best breweries and more than 2,000 beers to sample. Pairings match independent craft breweries and acclaimed chefs from across the country whilst more than 10,000 beers will be judged in the USA premier beer competition. Tickets are already sold out for 7 and 8 October with availability still for the opening day, 6 October.

First Annual Tarantula Fest – 8 October

Each fall, large numbers of tarantulas skitter across the landscape in La Junta and southeast Colorado. While this phenomenon has traditionally been called a migration, it’s actually an annual mating ritual performed by male tarantulas who roam across the 443,000-plus acres on the Comanche National Grassland. The mating season starts once the temperatures cool at night, which is typically around the start of September. The first annual Tarantula Fest will be held in La Junta Saturday, October 8, and will include guided tarantula tours, an educational pavilion and much more.

Denver Arts Week – 4-12 November

Denver Arts Week celebrates The Mile High City's arts and culture scene with hundreds of events around the city. Explore vibrant art districts, outdoor sculptures, indulge in the performing arts, be inspired at literary events and even buy some art of your own. One of the week’s highlights is Saturday Night at the Museums on Nov. 5, when many of Denver’s top cultural institutions will be open for free from 5-10 p.m. – a great opportunity for families to explore all the city has to offer!

Source: COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE: www.colorado.com

Get A Culture Fix in the Mile High City

Culture seekers should head to Denver this season as the highly anticipated world premiere of Theater of the Mind, co-created by Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and writer Mala Gaonkar, opens on 13 September. 

The show is described as “an immersive journey of self-reflection, discovery and imagination, inspired by and grounded in neuroscience.” 

It’s also an intimate experience with less than 20 audience members for each 75-minute performance.

The show, hosted by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) Off-Center, takes place in a 15,000-square foot warehouse at York Street Yards in the Clayton neighbourhood of Denver.

Other cultural highlights in the city this season include MeowWolf Convergiversary - a 1-year celebration of MeowWolf Convergence Station in Denver, which surpassed 1 million visitors in June with two ticketed parties on 17 September. 

The inaugural Denver Walls international mural festival kicks off on 22 September in the Globeville neighbourhood and River North (RiNo) Arts District, with 4 days of street artists reimagining the city’s walls.

Source: COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE: www.colorado.com

Rediscover Colorado with these top adventures this Golden Season

Rockies to Red Rocks route in Fall, credit Rocky Mountaineer

Traverse the Rockies to the Red Rocks with Rocky Mountaineer

About to complete its first full season, the Rocky Mountaineer’s only U.S. route, between Denver and Moab, offers passengers premier seats for experiencing Fall colours across landscapes that are otherwise not accessible. Starting in Denver, the route passes Winter Park ski town and follows the Rocky Mountains to it’s overnight stop, Glenwood Springs, home to the largest hot spring pool in the world. The following day, passengers can enjoy the spectacle of the autumnal mountain landscape changing to red rock as the Silver Leaf train service approaches the Utah border. Rocky Mountaineer recently extended its 2023 All Aboard Promotion, in which travellers can save $1080 AUD per couple on qualifying bookings with select travel dates in 2023, bookings to be made before 30 September 2022 (valid on packages and rail only through travel agents or online).

Hike the World's Largest Flat-Top Mountain (Grand Junction)

Among Grand Junction’s spectacular red cliffs and winding canyons, visitors can marvel at the 11,000-foot Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, which boasts more than 300 lakes. At 350,000 acres, the Mesa is graced with deep forests of aspens set against Colorado pine, spruce and fir and offers breathtaking ranges of fall colours. Crag Crest Trail offers a high alpine hike atop the spine of the Mesa, perfect for fall colour viewing.

Fish at Lake San Cristobal (Lake City)

Enjoy the state’s second largest natural lake against the backdrop of vibrant aspen trees. This deep blue jewel is rich with trout, and the area’s best kept secret is that fall is the best time of year to go fishing, as fewer anglers are out and fish begin to bulk up for the winter. After a long day out on the water, visitors can head to the south end of the lake, in the Red Gulch Day Use Area, for dynamic views.

Ride the Rails to the Top of Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs)

What’s better than a view from the top? The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, America’s highest railway, takes guests up Pikes Peak topping out at a height of 14,115 feet and offering stunning Colorado mountain views and some of the country's best fall foliage landscapes.

Bike Gold Level Trails Amongst the Golden Leaves (Snowmass Village, CO)

Tucked into one of the most beautiful and accessible parts of the Rocky Mountains, Snowmass is the launching pad for accessing over 75 miles of ultra-scenic mountain biking and road cycling surrounded by brilliant gold aspen leaves. The destination and surrounding Roaring Fork Valley is an International Mountain Bicycling Association designated IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center.

Soar Above The Leaves in A Hot Air Balloon (Steamboat Springs)

Offering stunning views of the Steamboat Springs area, the Flat Top Mountains and Hahn's Peak, an inactive volcano, Wild West Adventures in Steamboat offers incredible fall hot air balloon rides. Early morning flights include a champagne ceremony after the flight and a personalised flight certificate.

Via Ferrata in Telluride, credit Roberto Serrini, Get Lost Magazine;

Get a cliff ledge view on a Via Ferrata adventure

Climb cliff walls on a guided Via Ferrata experience for the best views across the treetops. Options across the state include Telluride, Ouray, Estes Park and Royal Gorge.

Source: COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE: www.colorado.com

Take Three – New Accommodation Options

The Pad, Silverthorne. Credit David Laudner.

New Digs to Rest Your Head? Here’s our top three picks of new accommodation:

• The Pad Hotel/Hostel Opens in Silverthorne: The Pad is a brand new boutique hotel/hostel in Silverthorne. Located along the Blue River, The Pad was sustainably constructed with 18 shipping containers and is on track to become the first Certified B Corporation for a Colorado-based lodging company. Featuring 36 rooms ranging from private higher-end suites to dorm-style bunks, The Pad offers affordable rates with high-end amenities, such as an on-site restaurant (Graze and Torreys), a rooftop bar and event space, a coworking space, riverside patios and more.
• Historic Frontier Drive-In Reimagined as Outdoor Hospitality Destination, Center: Opening this summer, the Frontier Drive-In is a 1940s-era drive-in movie theater offering sweeping views of both the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges with nightly film screenings on a fully restored movie screen. Accommodations include steelmaster sheds converted to luxury hotel suites as well as glamping yurts. Starting mid-summer 2022, guests can also experience the Frontier's one-of-a-kind spas located inside signature 3D-printed adobe structures open to the sky.
• Thompson Denver Opens: Thompson Denver adds to Hyatt’s growing Thompson Hotels brand portfolio and is the brand’s first hotel in Colorado. The casual sophistication of the west comes alive in refreshingly modern style at Thompson Denver’s 216 room luxury boutique hotel. With interiors by the internationally acclaimed, award-winning design firm Parts + Labor, the natural palette and textures of the guest rooms and suites infuse impeccable details and finish with warmth and wellbeing.

Colorado has changed - for the better. We’re the same great State you remember, only more so! And when you are lucky enough to visit, please help us Care for Colorado - Leave No Trace. The set of principles is aimed at guiding travellers to show care for the state’s water, land and wildlife while helping protect special Colorado places.

Colorado loves Aussies and can’t wait to see you here again. Come, re-discover Colorado and embrace our changes for the good.

Find out more and get a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide at www.colorado.com

ABOUT COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE:
Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is the official travel and tourism office for the state of Colorado. CTO’s mission is to generate traveller spending by promoting Colorado as a four-season, four-corner, world-class travel destination and to develop compelling, sustainable travel experiences.

Colorado is a year-round destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine and 28 renowned ski resort areas. The state's diverse landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, numerous peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, known as ‘Fourteeners’. www.colorado.com

Colorado loves y'all

The Centennial State is elevating its inclusive travel opportunities with the introduction of

• The Culture Museum, a selfie experience, is a new immersive, multi-room art installation dedicated to celebrating iconic moments in Black pop culture, open Fridays - Sundays.
• Tocabe, Denver and Greenwood Village: This restaurant is the only American Indian owned and operated restaurant in Metro Denver specialising in Native and Indigenous cuisine.
• Pioneering the Field: Women in Mining Exhibit, Leadville: The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum is proud to announce the female mining focused “Pioneering the Field: Women in Mining” temporary exhibit, which opened on 22 May 2022.

This month, Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis signed a bill into law passing historic legislation officially recognising Juneteenth (June 19th), African American Emancipation Day, as Colorado’s 11th state holiday.
June also marks National Pride Month and Pride celebrations are happening across the state.

For LGBTQ+ travellers planning further ahead with a visit during the winter months, check out Aspen Gay Ski Week from 15-22 January 2023, the oldest annual, week-long gay ski event in the USA.

Colorado has changed - for the better. We’re the same great State you remember, only more so! And when you are lucky enough to visit, please help us Care for Colorado - Leave No Trace. The set of principles is aimed at guiding travellers to show care for the state’s water, land and wildlife while helping protect special Colorado places.

Colorado loves Aussies and can’t wait to see you here again. Come, re-discover Colorado and embrace our changes for the good.

Find out more and get a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide at www.colorado.com

ABOUT COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE:
Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is the official travel and tourism office for the state of Colorado. CTO’s mission is to generate traveller spending by promoting Colorado as a four-season, four-corner, world-class travel destination and to develop compelling, sustainable travel experiences.

Colorado is a year-round destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine and 28 renowned ski resort areas. The state's diverse landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, numerous peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, known as ‘Fourteeners’. www.colorado.com

New Colo-ROAD trip itineraries

Stargazing in Westcliffe, an International Dark Sky Community

With 26 scenic byways and mountain vistas you’ll really want to write home about, here’s some new themed road trip itineraries from Colorado Tourism Office:

• The first-ever Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit is a joint promotion of five historic Colorado mountain opera houses and will share the performances, programs, history and stories of these historic venues making it an exciting new road trip itinerary.
• The Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop expanded this year adding three more destination partners to this iconic road trip loop that showcases the state’s premier hot springs destinations.
• For road trippers looking to make a lighter impact by exploring via electric vehicle, an eighth Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway was recently certified as a Colorado Electric Byway, and the state is committed to electrifying all 26 of its byways over the next several years.
• Colorado is home to eight International Dark Sky Parks and five International Dark Sky Communities, many of which were newly designated within the last year. Colorado’s self-guided stargazing tour added three new locations to its roster in preparation for the 2022 summer travel season making for an epic celestial-inspired road trip.

Colorado has changed - for the better. We’re the same great State you remember, only more so! And when you are lucky enough to visit, please help us Care for Colorado - Leave No Trace. The set of principles is aimed at guiding travellers to show care for the state’s water, land and wildlife while helping protect special Colorado places.

Colorado loves Aussies and can’t wait to see you here again. Come, re-discover Colorado and embrace our changes for the good.

Find out more and get a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide at www.colorado.com

ABOUT COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE:

Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is the official travel and tourism office for the state of Colorado. CTO’s mission is to generate traveller spending by promoting Colorado as a four-season, four-corner, world-class travel destination and to develop compelling, sustainable travel experiences.

Colorado is a year-round destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine and 28 renowned ski resort areas. The state's diverse landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, numerous peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, known as ‘Fourteeners’. www.colorado.com

Rewrite your Colorado Bucket List

Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer, credit: Emotion Cinema

These hot new experiences for Colorado’s summer should be top of your list:

• Amache Named as America’s Newest National Historic Site, Granada: President Biden signed the Amache National Historic Site Act in spring 2022, designating the Amache site in Granada as part of the National Park System. This designation, the first in the National Park System during this Administration, will permanently protect the site for future generations and will help tell the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II
• .Rocky Mountaineer Launches First Full Season for Rockies to the Red Rocks Route (until October 2022): Rocky Mountaineer, the luxury train operator, will run its first full season in the Southwest United States in 2022. The Rockies to the Red Rocks route is a two-day rail journey between Denver and Moab with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs. Take a road trip, or rather a bike excursion, through the Roaring Fork Valley, home to Aspen, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. The 40-mile stretch of highway links all five towns via Hwy. 82 from I-70 to the base of the famed Independence Pass.
• Together, the region makes up the Aspen Snowmass / Roaring Fork Gold Level Ride Center, the first Gold-Level IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) Ride Center™ in Colorado, only the fifth in the United States, and one of only seven in the world.
• Railbiking Comes to South Fork: Railbiking with Revolution Rail is a fun excursion activity for all ages and ability levels that allows riders to ride railroad tracks under their own power and explore the outside in a brand-new way. Revolution Rail is taking reservations now for the full 2022 season for 2-seat and 4-seat railbikes.

ABOUT COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE:
Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is the official travel and tourism office for the state of Colorado. CTO’s mission is to generate traveller spending by promoting Colorado as a four-season, four-corner, world-class travel destination and to develop compelling, sustainable travel experiences.

Colorado is a year-round destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine and 28 renowned ski resort areas. The state's diverse landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, numerous peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, known as ‘Fourteeners’. www.colorado.com

On the Colo-ROAD again

Summer has arrived in Colorado and since this weekend, pre-departure COVID testing has been scrapped, meaning there's little in the way of getting your kicks on a Colorado road trip.

There's plenty of new items to add to the Colorado bucket list too. Colorado has recently welcomed a newly designated state park, new rail experiences – from the renowned Rocky Mountaineer to newly-created Rail Biking excursions – and exciting new experiences that will inspire returning road trippers to “Shine a Little Brighter” with new electric byways, dark sky park and community designations and a first-ever Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit.

And as Colorado recognises Pride Month, the state has a plethora of new openings that demonstrate its dedication to inclusivity as the State Governor campaigns for a state holiday to mark Juneteenth, African American Emancipation Day, as well as a month of LGBTQ+ celebrations. #ColoradoLove.

ABOUT COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE:
Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is the official travel and tourism office for the state of Colorado. CTO’s mission is to generate traveller spending by promoting Colorado as a four-season, four-corner, world-class travel destination and to develop compelling, sustainable travel experiences.

Colorado is a year-round destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine and 28 renowned ski resort areas. The state's diverse landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, numerous peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, known as ‘Fourteeners’. www.colorado.com

Accommodation Spotlight: Top Colorado Glamping Spots

credit @weecase instagram

Home to 26 Scenic Byways, the headwaters of 4 major rivers and 32 National Parks and Monuments, Colorado is ideal for spending time outdoors, away from the crowds and sleeping under the stars. Get close to nature but with a touch of luxe at these three glamping spots:

• Arapaho Valley Ranch, Granby - situated in Northwest Colorado, find peace at Arapaho Valley Ranch, located in the serene Indian Peaks Wilderness. Each 'Miners Camp' glamping tent has its own fire-pit and wooden deck overlooking the ranch’s private Little Indian Lake, where guests are guaranteed to catch a fish during their stay. Additional on-site amenities include picnic areas, WiFi, restrooms with showers, and a nearby lodge and bar, Red Dog Saloon.
• WeeCasa, Lyons - think 'glamp-site' meets tiny house and you get WeeCasa. Travellers book their own teensy abode offering all the comforts of a normal home. This very, very tiny home has all the amenities required - a bathroom, bath products, towels and bedding, cookware, refrigerator and stove, ceiling fan, firepit. Even a French press is included for your morning coffee before heading out for a day of adventures in close by Rocky Mountain National Park.

• 

  Echo Canyon Glamping tent,
  credit @royalgorgecabins

  Echo Canyon Campground, Canon City - Like a home away from home, Echo Canyon Campground offers another step up the luxury camping ladder, with a collection of fully equipped glamping tents that feature queen beds, sleeper sofas, electricity, Wi-Fi and a furnished, private deck with a fire pit perfect for roasting s'mores over. Also on site are authentic wooden cabins with mind blowing mountain vista views. And with Colorado Springs only an hour away, as well as Royal Gorge Park and Via Ferrata course close by, Echo Canyon serves as the perfect basecamp for a Summer outdoor adventure.

Find out more and get a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide at www.colorado.com

COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE: www.colorado.com
LINKD TOURISM: www.linkdtourism.com

The Holiday and Travel Magazine

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Colorado attractions receiving the LOVE!

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, credit: Stevie Crecelius

Red Rocks Amphitheatre has taken out the #1 spot of Billboard Magazines year-end chart of the top-grossing and best attended venues of any size, anywhere in the world for 2021. Hosting 233 paid ticket events over the year, it's really no wonder the attraction took out the top spot. The amphitheatre - geologically formed by the red rocks, the arena boasts amazing acoustics and an enjoyable atmosphere with many recent visitors saying that no matter the show, the majestic atmosphere makes for a wicked time.

Estes Park has made the New York Times list of '52 places" to go in 2022, which includes options for a changing world of travel and focuses on destinations that advocate responsible tourism. Coming in at No. 32, Estes Park was selected for its low-carbon footprint backcountry skiing at the former Hidden Valley resort, as well as for its camping, snowshoeing and abundant opportunity for nature and wildlife photography.

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was ranked the number one top scenic train by USA Today in 2021. Achieving this status for a second year running, readers also ranked Colorado’s Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and Pikes Peak Cog Railway in the top 10 scenic trains in the U.S.

Find out more and get a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide at www.colorado.com

COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE: www.colorado.com
LINKD TOURISM: www.linkdtourism.com

The Holiday and Travel Magazine

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Rocky Mountaineer Returns for First Full Season with Special Offers

Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer, credit: Emotion Cinema

Love a scenic rail journey? Returning this April for its first complete season is the Rockies to Red Rocks route, traversing the dramatic mountains and canyons between the Mile High City of Denver and Moab with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs. 

Bookings before 28 February for journeys in April, May, September and October 2022 are eligible for $1,140 AUD discount per couple when booked through Rocky Mountaineer or ATAS accredited travel agents. 

Book now and receive $1,140 off per couple on 2022 spring/fall travel dates. Don't miss out - offer ends February 28, 2022

Eligible on 2022 travel dates for our Canadian and US routes throughout April, May, and October. September included in US routes only.

Valid on rail packages and rail-only journeys, including SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf bookings.

Includes risk-free booking with Enhanced Flexibility.

How to book: Select a package or rail-only journey during eligible travel dates specified above. Once booking details are complete, the savings will appear in the price overview before checkout.

More details here.

Find out more and get a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide at www.colorado.com

COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE: www.colorado.com

LINKD TOURISM: www.linkdtourism.com

The Holiday and Travel Magazine

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au