Colorado prides itself on farm-to-table cuisine, with many of its restaurants serving up tasty dishes using the freshest, local produce. Food, drink and community are at the heart of Coloradan culture and they are always eager to show travelers what great food means to them. Take an epicurean adventure through the tastes and flavors of Colorado this summer.   Rocky Mountain Food Tours, Colorado Springs  Rocky Mountain Food Tours in Colorado Springs invites foodies to sample authentic flavors and discover why the city is a gastronomy hotspot. There are three tours to choose from, the most popular of which is The Original Colorado Springs Tour, where guests get to enjoy dishes from five different restaurants and learn about the region’s rich history. Travelers get a behind-the-scenes look into the popular culinary scene downtown.   Beer and Bike Tours, Fort Collins Cruise from one craft brewery to another on two wheels with the Fort Collins Brew Cruise. Beginning at the Troubadour Malt House, the tour lasts around four hours and visits three different local breweries, with the itinerary tailored to each group. Riders will journey e through the picturesque streets of Fort Collins, learning about the city’s history, cycling culture and craft brewing industry. Fort Collins is renowned for its craft beer; the city is home to more than 20 craft breweries including one of the largest brewers in the US, New Belgium Brewing Co.   Delicious Denver Food Tours, Denver Offering an introduction to Denver's dynamic food scene, Delicious Denver Food Tours are perfect for those who love both gastronomy and city life. Explore the Mile Hile City’s foodie scene with a knowledgeable guide, who will offer a glimpse into the award-winning local restaurants. Taste delicious dishes such as Neapolitan pizza and Colorado green chile on the Downtown Denver Food Tour or Mexican street tacos and banana nutella empanadas on the RiNo Arts District Food Tour. Each provides an authentic Denver experience, mixing both high culture and street food, as well as showcasing history, street art, and things to do in the surrounding areas.   Festivals  Vail Wine Classic, Vail (11-13 August)  The Vail mountains are calling wine enthusiasts this August at the Vail Wine Classic. Across three days, winemakers are on hand to meet and greet wine lovers, whilst guests can attend educational seminars, enjoy paired dinners, and sample wines from around the world. The two Grand Tasting events are highlights and feature an impressive selection of local and international wines, alongside premium beer and craft cocktails   Palisade Peach Festival, Palisade (11-13 August) Life’s a peach at Palisade’s annual Peach Festival. Taking place 11-13 August, guests experience Palisade peaches at their finest during the 53rd annual celebration. The peach party is a chance for farmers, families and businesses to share their famous fruits with the rest of the world. Guests can expect the crowning of the 2022 Peach Queen and Court, live music and dancing, drink vendors and food trucks. There are also family-friendly games and the famous BBQ throwdown and peach eating contests.   Taste of Colorado, Denver (3-5 September) Across Labor Day weekend (3-5 September), one of Colorado’s most popular festivals takes place in Denver’s Civic Center Park to bid farewell to summer. Taste of Colorado hosts thousands of guests with distinctive Colorado dishes created by talented local chefs. Tour the state’s menus with samples from over 50 restaurants, dance to live music, and shop artisan crafts, homewares and jewellery from 50 market traders. .   For more information: www.colorado.com

During this episode of VYTS's Expert Panel join TravelMole’s Graham McKenzie as we talk about the wide-open spaces of beautiful Colorado. Most are familiar with the world-famous Rocky Mountains, and the Colorado River – unbeatable for experiences in hiking, camping, skiing, and white-water rafting. Learn more about some of the pearls of the tourism industry, like Durango, and Fort Collins. From high mountainous adventures to flatland wilderness exploration, and even sand dunes and scenic highway - get a Rocky Mountain high at Rocky Mountain National Park – which is only an hour drive from popular Fort Collins, Colorado. Special guest speakers include Liz Bertel (from the Colorado Tourism Office), Percy Stevens from Durango, and a special friend of mine, Kate Schneider, from Fort Collins, Colorado. [embed]https://youtu.be/z3SRdsF7DkM[/embed]

Summer is officially here and it’s time to get back outdoors. From Jazz festivals in majestic canyons and ziplining, explorers can count on Colorado for adventure in scenic settings.   Outdoor recreation Soaring Tree Top Adventures opens for its 18th season The largest and safest zip line canopy tour course has returned for its 18th season. Soaring Tree Top Adventures is once again allowing guests to experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the tree canopy of the breathtaking Durango Mountains. It spans 27 zip lines, which are accessible for all ages. With no road access to the remote area, guests travel via the historic Durango & Silverton Railroad.   The Highway to the Sky reopens Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, otherwise known as the Highway to the Sky, is now officially open for the summer. Encompassing 48 miles of winding roads through the Rocky Mountains, the drive curves above the trees and reaches heights of 12,183 feet. There are many viewpoints along the trail which offer breathtaking scenery. Travellers must book a timed permit in advance to access the park.   Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park introduces new attraction this summer (date TBC) Coming this summer, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is unveiling its newest attraction, Defiance. The one-of-a-kind roller coaster is a 56 second rocky mountain adventure like no other. Defiance defies odds with a 110-feet record breaking fall drop. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is located above Glenwood Springs and is known as America’s only mountain-top theme park.   Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park reopens this July (1 July) After a redevelopment, tours will resume at the historical Cliff Palace from 1 July. The archaeological wonder is the largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park and is crafted of wooden beams, sandstone and mortar. With over 700 years of history and preservation, it has over 150 individual rooms and more than 20 kivas (spaces for religious rituals). It is said the Palace once had a population of 100 people.   Royal Gorge Bridge & Park With magical mountain views and a wealth of history, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a must for every thrill-seeker's bucket list. Home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, guests can fly 1,200 feet above the canyon on the Cloudscraper Zip Line.   Festivals & events  Bravo! Vail Music Festival returns for its 35th season Returning for its 35th season, Bravo! Vail Music Festival will take over Vail Valley with the world’s greatest orchestras. Performances will be seen from the talented Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic as well as more than 60 concerts during the six-week classical music festival.   Denver PrideFest Across a two day celebration, Denver PrideFest encourages love from all walks of life. The weekend begins with a Pride dedicated 5K where participants can walk, run, or sashay their way to the finish line. The celebration continues at Civic Center Park, which includes over 250 exhibitors, 30 food and beverage stalls and live performances. On the final day the streets are filled with colourful floats and music.   Meow Wolf relocates VORTEX festival to Denver for 2022 VORTEX, an outdoor immersive music festival from Meow Wolf, will take place in Denver for the first time this summer. Originally started in Taos, New Mexico, VORTEX will take place 5-7 August in a yet to be announced Denver location, and will see well-known EDM artists, including Duke Dumont, take to the stage.   Telluride Jazz Festival Nestled at the base of a majestic canyon, and surrounded by waterfalls, the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado hosts the Telluride Jazz Festival, a three day music event centred around jazz. The annual event combines the finest natural landscapes with boundless creativity by acclaimed artists. For more information, visit www.colorado.com 

  Summer is officially here so it’s time to get back outdoors. From Jazz festivals in majestic canyons to ziplining at record heights, sophisticated explorers can count on Colorado for unforgettable experiences in perfect, scenic settings.   Outdoor recreation   Soaring Tree Top Adventures opens for its 18th season   The largest and safest zip line canopy tour course has returned for its 18th season. Soaring Tree Top Adventures is once again gracing the skies and allowing guests to experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the tree canopy of the breathtaking Durango Mountains. An all-day ecological adventure tour that spans across 27 zip lines, which are accessible for all ages, the unique adventure can be found in the heart of the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. With no road access to the remote area, guests travel via the historic Durango & Silverton Railroad in the Soaring First Class train cars.   The Highway to the Sky reopens for the summer season    Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, otherwise known as the Highway to the Sky, is now officially open for the summer. Encompassing 48 miles of winding roads through the Rocky Mountains, the drive curves above the trees and reaches heights of 12,183 feet. There are many viewpoints along the trail which offer breathtaking scenery such as the Rainbow Curve, which is a hot spot for rainbows and found 10,829 feet above sea level, and the Forest Canyon Overlook, which stands at 11,716 feet. Travellers must book a timed permit in advance to access the park from 5am-6pm to 9am-3pm depending on their entry route.   Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park introduces new attraction this summer (date TBC)   Coming this summer, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is unveiling its newest attraction, Defiance. The one-of-a-kind roller coaster has thrills at its core and is a 56 second rocky mountain adventure like no other. Defiance defies odds with a 110-foot record breaking fall drop. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is located above Glenwood Springs and is known as America’s only mountain-top theme park.   Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park reopens this July (1 July)   After a redevelopment, tours will resume at the historical Cliff Palace from 1 July. The archaeological wonder is the largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park and is crafted of wooden beams, sandstone and mortar. With over 700 years of history and preservation, the establishment has over 150 individual rooms and more than 20 kivas (spaces for religious rituals). It is said the Palace once had a population of 100 people. It’s a must visit for history lovers who enjoy the outdoors.   Royal Gorge Bridge & Park   With magical mountain views, heart-pumping thrills and a wealth of history, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a must for every thrill-seeker's bucket list. Home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges and the majestic Royal Gorge which stands 956 feet above the Arkansas River, guests can fly 1,200 feet above the canyon on the Cloudscraper Zip Line, glide across in an aerial gondola, and explore the historical roots at the Plaza Theater.   Festivals & events    Juneteenth Music Festival, Denver (17-19 June)   This historic and iconic festival returns to Denver’s Five Points neighbourhood for another exciting year of live performances, art stalls, and authentic food and drink. Attendees of Juneteenth Music Festival can also witness the interactive and educational programming at the acclaimed African American cultural institutions and landmarks in the area.   Bravo! Vail Music Festival returns for its 35th season (23 June - 4 August)   Returning for its 35th season, Bravo! Vail Music Festival will take over Vail Valley with the world’s greatest orchestras. Performances will be seen from the talented Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic as well as more than 60 concerts during the six-week classical music festival.   Denver PrideFest (25-26 June)   Across a two day celebration, Denver PrideFest encourages love from all walks of life. The weekend begins with a Pride dedicated 5K where participants can walk, run, or sashay their way to the finish line. The celebration continues at Civic Center Park, which includes over 250 exhibitors, 30 food and beverage stalls and live performances to set the tone. On the final day the streets are filled with colourful floats and music in an honorary pride parade.   Meow Wolf relocates VORTEX festival to Denver for 2022 (5-7 August)   VORTEX, an outdoor immersive music festival from Meow Wolf, will take place in Denver for the first time this summer. Originally started in Taos, New Mexico, VORTEX will take place 5-7 August in a yet to be announced Denver location, and will see well-known EDM artists, including Duke Dumont, take to the stage. There will also be signature art installations and delicious food and drink offerings.   Telluride Jazz Festival (12-14 August)   Nestled at the base of a majestic canyon, and surrounded by waterfalls, the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado hosts the Telluride Jazz Festival, a three day and night music event centred around jazz. The annual event combines the finest natural landscapes with boundless creativity, accompanied by a once-in-a lifetime soundtrack, provided by acclaimed artists. Providing a sample of the state's craftsmanship, amenities include food vendors, craft brews and cocktails.   Getting there    British Airways flies direct from London to Denver every day from £576 return in the summer. United Airlines runs a double daily flight from London Heathrow to Denver International Airport.

  With sustainability a key travel trend this year,  it’s never been more important for globetrotters to be mindful of their holidays and the impact they have on the world. Home to towering mountains, glistening lakes, beautiful forests and four national parks, Colorado welcomes travellers to discover its diverse landscape through eco-conscious experiences.   Dark Sky Reserves    Home to eight International Dark Sky Parks and five International Dark Sky Communities, Colorado prides itself on diminishing sky pollution in as many areas as possible. Aiming to provide vast starry nights and a nocturnal environment for scientific, natural and public enjoyment, the preserves welcome a rare experience that not many destinations obtain. Recently, Colorado’s self-guided stargazing tour added new experiences in destinations including Gunnison, Ridgway and Nucla, Naturita and Norwood.   Bike through boroughs    Whether walking or biking, travellers are encouraged to experience the 5280 Trail in downtown Denver this summer. The 5.280-mile-long trail will showcase the uniqueness of each neighbourhood. Travellers can explore the local culture, iconic landmarks, architecture and history as well as the Mile High City’s plentiful green spaces.   Rewilding Expeditions, Estes Park   Aimed at restoring and protecting the natural habitats and wilderness areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Rewilding Expeditions experience in Estes Park offers multi-day guided backpacking, packrafting and camping opportunities that support and educate visitors on rewilding and conservation efforts. Guests can trade the sound of traffic with the songs of birds in an expedition of true solitude, whilst having the opportunity to deepen their connections to the wild and diminish the ecological impact of ecotourism.   Drink responsibly at Marble Distilling Co   Located in Carbondale, Marble Distilling Co has partnered with Siemens to become the number one sustainable, zero-waste distillery. With the motto ‘drink sustainably’ at the core of its business, Marble Distilling captures 100% of its processed water and reuses energy harvested in the distilling process to heat the facility. Annually, they save more than 18 million litres of water and capture enough reusable energy to heat 20 homes locally. Travellers can grab a drink at the bar or stay in one of five luxury rooms at The Distillery Inn.

by Graham McKenzie It’s not often that you get to tick off not one, not two, but three bucket list items in one trip. That is exactly what happened to me last year when I travelled from Moab in the heart of Utah to Denver, via Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Visiting the country on the back of a special exemption from the US Government, I arrived in the middle of the Utah desert at Canyonlands Airport and then had a 20-minute drive to downtown Moab which has a very chilled, almost hippyish vibe. I liked it but unfortunately had no time to delve into it other than walk up and down the main drag for 15 minutes. What was about to come was my first tick off the list. A trip on a luxury train with meals, drinks, and views. I was about to board the Rocky Mountaineer on their newest service – Rockies to the Red Rocks. The fact that I was doing it the other way around was irrelevant as the excitement grew. On board I get into my seat and am immediately asked “what would you like to drink”? “Gin and tonic please” I reply as the train departs. Happy days as my iced cocktail turned up with some warm roasted nuts, the menu for the evening meal, a few details of our route and what to expect at our overnight stop. Back goes the leather reclining chair, on come the shades and I’m heading for chill out city. Surely this wasn’t the first time I had done this. I was born for it! The first couple of hours coming out of Moab you cover arid desert, sandstone escarpment and the edge of Arches National Park. Fantastic landscape but also relaxing. Relaxing enough to sneak off to the lounge car and replenish a drink or two, chat with fellow travellers and start to appreciate what all the fuss is about of luxury train travel. Next up was dinner. There is no doubt that there is something very sophisticated about travelling through some of the most picturesque landscapes known to man whilst enjoying a first-class meal, and beverages coupled with first-class service. What’s not to like? The next bucket list item was about to be fulfilled as we pulled into Glenwood Springs, the overnight stop, situated midway between Aspen and Vail, Colorado. Your luggage is magically transported to your accommodation and with luck you will be staying in the historic Hotel Colorado, sometimes referred to as the Western White House due to the number of Presidents that frequently visited. Wherever you stay all you need to do is check in and then you are free to explore. My itinerary was already set with a trip to Iron Mountain Springs and my first ever plunge into a naturally heated spring pool. I was met at the station by an acquaintance who had told me to pack my swimming gear. Within fifteen minutes I was soaking in water around the 98f mark on a crisp mountain night under clear starry skies with a glass of wine and zen like state. At Iron Mountain they have a choice of 17 pools with a range of temperatures up to 108f. Not being a person who wants to get into really hot water I chose the coolest of the options. This facility comes on my ‘highly recommended’ list, with prices starting at around $32 for a couple of hours but make sure you pre-book your time slot which is essential. As the name would suggest Glenwood Springs is famed for its range of geothermal hot springs and, coupled with other world class spa amenities, is ideal for a wellness break. After a good night’s sleep its back onto the train for breakfast. A wide choice is available and once again the service and quality were excellent but this time my meal was interrupted as I jumped out of my seat with camera off to one of the observation windows to tick off that third bucket list item. The train manager alerted us to the fact that on the left-hand side of the train the driver had spotted a female black bear with a cub and sure enough there she was by the river with her offspring. I could not have been more delighted. The pictures were poor, but I had seen them, and my bucket had one less item in it. The remainder of the trip takes you through truly breath-taking topography as the train follows the Colorado River all the way to the mile high city of Denver. The clear blue skies, the wildlife, the history, the food, the genial hospitality, and the constantly changing scenery all lead to a fantastic memory making experience. “Trains are wonderful.... To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches, and rivers, in fact, to see life.” Agatha Christie.

  It’s no secret that train travel has been on the rise for some time. It’s sustainable, offers breathtaking views of destinations, and provides a different way of seeing the world. Colorado is well known for its scenic rail routes which date back centuries. In celebration of Rocky Mountaineer’s new Rockies to the Red Rocks route beginning on16 April, which takes passengers from Denver to Moab, Utah, via Glenwood Springs, take a look at four more Colorado rail routes that are guaranteed to impress.    California Zephyr  Said to be one of the most beautiful train trips in North America, the California Zephyr is a daily Amtrak train which starts and ends in Chicago or San Francisco, with six stops in Colorado between Fort Morgan, Denver, Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction. The high speed tour offers comfort and convenience, whilst coursing through the plains of Denver and soaring across the Rockies. Three course dinners are included.   Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad  Best known for its appearance in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), the Toltec is a National Historic Landmark on wheels. Steaming 64 miles over the Rocky Mountains and elevated cliffs, experience the confined Toltec Gorge, over 10,000 feet of Cumbres Pass, and endless views of evergreen forests, not to mention the 100-mile views in every direction. Starting and ending in Antonito or Chama New Mexico, travellers have a choice to sit in the Victorian elegance of the Parlor Car, the newly restored Deluxe Car or the budget friendly Coach Car which all come with a delicious buffet lunch. The C&T runs several special trains throughout the year including moonlight dinner runs and a kids express, the Cinder Bear Express. The season begins in May and runs until October.   Georgetown Loop Railroad  Connecting the mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume, the Georgetown Loop Railroad train runs for two miles through steep, narrow canyons and is famous for its historic narrow gauge roads. The engineering marvel extended over the Devil’s Gate Bridge and winds through a scenic Rocky Mountain pathway. The railroad’s 1800s builders constructed tracks that corkscrewed up more than 600 ft in elevation on four bridges. Passengers can choose to opt into a tour of the historic Lebanon Silver Mine in conjunction with their ride.   Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad  This coal fired, steam powered locomotive offers a safe haven for backpackers, day hikers and fishermen as they can get on and off the train mid-route to access the San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness. Beginning and ending in either Durango or Silverton, the railway runs 200 feet above the Animas River and features views of majestic peaks as it passes through the western wilderness and charming canyons of the Animas Gorge and San Juan National Forest.

As the US continues to emerge from the pandemic and travelers look to return to travel, environmental concerns are top of mind for travelers now. The Colorado Tourism Office, along with destinations across the state, has already laid the groundwork for low impact travel experiences. Colorado already is home to two US cities powered 100% by renewable energy, meaning travelers to both Aspen and Glenwood Springs can enjoy a vacation with little carbon impact. Denver is consistently ranked among the most sustainable cities in the country, and Breckenridge has joined Vail as two of only three certified sustainable mountain resort destinations in the world. Five Roaring Fork Valley tourism organizations have come together to launch a tourism alliance (the first of its kind in Colorado) that will focus on activities and programs that promote responsponsible travel. As travelers explore The Centennial State this summer, the Colorado Tourism Office is making it easier to visit responsibly and to Do Colorado Right. This educational campaign offers travelers insights on how to enjoy the state by traveling at off-peak times, exploring lesser-known spots and traveling like a local. As an added bonus, many of these insider's tips will help visitors take a responsible approach to travel by embracing the state’s Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles.  This includes Trash the Trash, Keep Wildlife Wild and Be Careful with Fire. This year, the CTO is especially pleased to partner with Cortez, Colo. resident Phil Henderson, a leader in outdoor adventure education. Henderson led an all African American ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2018 and will serve as a spokesperson for Colorado encouraging backcountry safety in the state. Below is a sampling of low emissions travel options to give back from across Colorado. Find more information about all of these responsible travel offerings and more on www.Colorado.com. Explore Low Emissions Travel Offerings:

• Buses and Shuttles: With service launched in March 2021, United Airlines is making it easier for customers to travel to Breckenridge and Fort Collins with convenient year-round ground transportation service from its hub at Denver International Airport. 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. Book a Groome Transportation shared-ride shuttle to Denver International Airport (DIA), which uses cleaner burning propane-powered vehicles. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) introduced eight battery powered electric buses last year to a fleet offering free rides from a collection of stops between Aspen, Snowmass, Glenwood Springs, Eagle and Rifle.
• Aviation:  Atlantic Aviation, launched a new carbon offset initiative in December 2021 in which every gallon of jet fuel for commercial and private aviation at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) will be offset to be carbon neutral through verified carbon credits purchased by Atlantic Aviation. 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.
• Trains: Colorado has numerous scenic and historic railroads and train travel offerings. 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. The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway reopened in spring 2021 after a multi-year hiatus for reconstruction. Recognized as the world’s highest cog railroad, the railway is one of Colorado Springs’ top attractions and since 1891, has taken thousands of people to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak.
• Cycling and E-Bikes: This summer, visitors can bike or walk through downtown Denver to experience a route the locals call the 5280 Trail. The 5280 Trail is an envisioned 5.280-mile recreational biking and walking route connecting fun Denver neighborhoods. Locally owned since 1978, Recycled Cycles in Fort Collins is “Colorado’s largest Earth-friendly bicycle store.” Aurora, Colorado, is home to Pedego Southlands – a fully-equipped rental service for electric bikes. Enjoy a cruise around Steamboat Springs on an electric bike from Pedego Electric Bikes and find e-bike mountain bike rentals at Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare or Ski Haus. Aspen Skiing Company opened a Maroon Bells Basecamp visitor center at the base of Aspen Highlands that offers e-bikes for rent as an alternative to taking the bus to the Maroon Bells. Even beginner cyclists can ride the Top of the Rockies scenic byway by renting e-bikes at E-Bike Leadville, which makes riding in the highest town in Colorado more accessible.
• EV Vehicles and Charging: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has set the state on a path to 100% renewable energy by 2040 and is positioning Colorado as a leader in the clean energy economy, building out a network of fast-charging stations to power electric vehicles.  An eighth Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway was certified as a Colorado Electric Byway in December 2021, and the state is committed to electrifying all 26 of its byways over the next several years. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has embarked on a partnership with Rivian to install public charging stations in every state park. The Town of Breckenridge recently installed more than 60 public electric vehicle charging ports with the completion of the South Gondola parking structure. The City of Aspen owns and operates a total of 65 charging stations and 8 public charging stations.
• ‘Colo-Road Trips’: The “Colo-Road Trips” microsite on Colorado.com is a searchable, online collection of hundreds of multi-day itineraries aimed at inspiring travel in less-visited destinations and seasons. It’s a great way for travelers to find their way to lesser-known, fun Colorado destinations. Search by favorite activity, city or time of the year. Each multi-day trip idea includes great places to stay and eat and fun things to do, along with a ‘Sustainability Activity’ and ‘Insider Tips,’ giving visitors the lowdown on traveling like a local.

  As the U.S. continues to emerge from the pandemic and people look to return to travel in a big way, environmental considerations are also top of mind for travelers now more than ever. The Colorado Tourism Office, along with destinations across the state, has already laid the groundwork for authentic and low-impact travel experiences. The state continues to activate thoughtful new offerings and initiatives to stay ahead of the curve and protect its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich and diverse history and culture.   Colorado already is home to two U.S. cities powered 100 percent by renewable energy, meaning travelers to both Aspen and Glenwood Springs can enjoy a vacation with little carbon impact. Denver is consistently ranked among the most sustainable cities in the country, Breckenridge has joined Vail as two of only three certified sustainable mountain resort destinations in the world and five Roaring Fork Valley tourism organizations have come together to launch a valley-wide tourism alliance (the first of its kind in Colorado) that will focus on activities and programs that promote responsible travel.   As travelers explore The Centennial State this summer, the Colorado Tourism Office is making it easy for travelers to visit responsibly and to Do Colorado Right. The state’s award-winning and educational campaign offers travelers insights on how to enjoy the state by traveling at off-peak times, exploring lesser-known treasures and traveling like a local. As an added bonus, many of these insider's tips will help visitors take a responsible approach to travel by embracing the state’s Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles including Trash the Trash, Keep Wildlife Wild and Be Careful with Fire. This year, the CTO is especially pleased to partner with Cortez resident Phil Henderson, a leader in outdoor adventure education. Henderson led an all African American ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2018 and will serve as a spokesperson for Colorado encouraging backcountry safety in the state.   Below is a sampling of low-emissions travel options, ways to support local food and drink systems, low-impact outdoor recreation experiences, places to sleep sustainably and voluntourism opportunities to give back from across Colorado. Find more information about all of these responsible travel offerings and more on www.Colorado.com.  

Explore Low Emissions Travel Offerings:

 

• Buses and Shuttles: With service launched in March 2021, United Airlines is making it easier for customers to travel to Breckenridge and Fort Collins with convenient year-round ground transportation service from its hub at Denver International Airport. 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. Book a Groome Transportation shared-ride shuttle to Denver International Airport (DIA), which uses cleaner burning propane-powered vehicles. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) introduced eight battery powered electric buses last year to a fleet offering free rides from a collection of stops between Aspen, Snowmass, Glenwood Springs, Eagle and Rifle.
• Aviation: Atlantic Aviation, launched a new Carbon Offset Initiative in December 2021 in which every gallon of jet fuel for commercial and private aviation at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) will be offset to be carbon neutral through verified carbon credits purchased by Atlantic Aviation. 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.
• Trains: Colorado has numerous scenic and historic railroads and train travel offerings. 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. The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway reopened in spring 2021 after a multi-year hiatus for reconstruction. Recognized as the world’s highest cog railroad, the Railway is one of Colorado Springs’ top attractions and since 1891, has taken thousands of people to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak.
• Cycling and E-Bikes: This summer, visitors can bike or walk through downtown Denver to experience a route the locals call the 5280 Trail. The 5280 Trail is an envisioned 5.280-mile recreational biking and walking route connecting fun Denver neighborhoods. Locally owned since 1978, Recycled Cycles in Fort Collins is “Colorado’s largest Earth-friendly bicycle store.” Aurora is home to Pedego Southlands — a fully-equipped rental service for electric bikes. Enjoy a cruise around Steamboat Springs on an electric bike from Pedego Electric Bikes and find e-bike mountain bike rentals at Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare or Ski Haus. Aspen Skiing Company opened a Maroon Bells Basecamp visitor center at the base of Aspen Highlands that offers e-bikes for rent as an alternative to taking the bus to the Maroon Bells. Even beginner cyclists can ride the Top of the Rockies scenic byway by renting e-bikes at E-Bike Leadville, which makes riding in the highest town in Colorado more accessible. Explore other e-bike rentals in towns across Colorado as an alternative to driving your gas-powered vehicle to a trailhead parking lot.
• EV Vehicles and Charging: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has set the state on a path to 100 percent renewable energy by 2040 and is positioning Colorado as a leader in the clean energy economy, building out a network of fast-charging stations to power electric vehicles and paving the way for even more low-impact travel opportunities in the future. An eighth Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway was certified as a Colorado Electric Byway in December 2021, and the state is committed to electrifying all 26 of its byways over the next several years. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has embarked on a partnership with Rivian to install public charging stations in every state park. The Town of Breckenridge recently installed more than 60 public electric vehicle charging ports with the completion of the South Gondola parking structure. The City of Aspen owns and operates a total of 65 charging stations and 8 public charging stations.
• Colo-Road Trips: The Colo-Road Trips microsite on Colorado.com is a searchable, online collection of hundreds of multi-day itineraries aimed at inspiring travel in less-visited destinations and seasons. It’s a great way for travelers to find their way to lesser-known, fun and inspiring Colorado destinations driving traveler dispersion across the state and helping to limit crowding on public lands. Search by favorite activity, city or time of the year. Each multi-day trip idea includes great places to stay and eat and fun things to do, along with a “Sustainability Activity” and “Insider Tips,” giving visitors the down-low on traveling like a local.

 

Support Local Food and Drink Systems:

 

• Food Trails: The Liquid Arts Passport provides consumers with discounted tastings and offers from breweries, cideries, distilleries and wineries across the state. The Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway showcases the orchards, lavender gardens, vineyards, wineries and fresh farm market fruit stands in Colorado’s Mountains and Mesas region. The Boulder County Farm Trail showcases ways that visitors can pick berries, tour farms, pet the animals, buy produce from farm stands, tour a goat dairy and bike to a farm for lunch or dinner. The Roaring Fork & Farm Map is a printed pocket guide to Carbondale’s agritourism offerings that include guest ranches, public gardens and farms, visitor attractions and experiences, along with restaurants and retailers that were identified as specifically supporting the local food movement through menu items or connections with local farmers.
• Farmers Markets: Arkansas Valley farmers work hard on their farms all season to grow a wide variety of produce including sweet corn, watermelons, cantaloupe and much more, all of which is sold at a variety of area farm markets. Boulder County Farmers Markets (BCFM) 2022 farmers market season will kick off on April 2 when its Boulder and Longmont locations will open with a bounty of fresh produce, fruit, meats, packaged goods, plants and more. The Grand Junction "Market on Main" Farmer's Market is slated to return Thursdays from June 23–Sept. 8. Live music and local produce make this weekly event a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Discover the source of locally grown food at ACES at Rock Bottom Ranch, a 113-acre wildlife preserve and educational ranch in Basalt. In the summer, the ranch’s produce, meat, and eggs are available at the Basalt Sunday Market, or enjoy a farm-to-table dinner.
• Toast to Sustainability: Marble Distilling Co. in Carbondale has partnered with global innovator Siemens to become the most sustainable, zero-waste distillery (and you can sleep at their Distillery Inn). The Colorado Farm Brewery in Alamosa is one of the only breweries to produce 100 percent of its ingredients on the farm where the beer is made. Peach Street Distillers in Palisade utilizes local fruits and grains raised by devoted area growers and often upcycles local fruits that some foolishly deem “too ripe” for market. Tour Ska Brewing’s 100-percent wind-powered facility in Durango, and then stick around for a pint — from the pine-meets-citrus Modus Hoperandi IPA to the ultra-crisp Mexican Logger.

 

Take in a Low-Impact Experience:

 

• Amache Site 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, Colorado, 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.
• Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, near Colorado Springs: The new Pikes Peak Summit Complex (altitude: 14,115 feet)  is the most sustainable high-altitude structure in the country, if not the world. The 38,000-square-foot Pikes Peak Summit Complex includes a newly designed and reconstructed Summit Visitor Center, elevating the experience for visitors who summit Pikes Peak via car, bicycle, foot or rail. The project strives to become the first Living Building Challenge-certified project in Colorado (a two year certification process) and aims to achieve net-zero energy, net-zero waste and net-zero water consumption.
• Rewilding Expeditions, Estes Park: Rewilding Expeditions offers multi-day guided packrafting, backpacking and camping experiences that direct, support and educate visitors on rewilding and conservation efforts aimed at restoring and protecting natural processes and wilderness areas in Rocky Mountain National Park.
• Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), Gothic: Located in the tiny town of Gothic outside of Crested Butte, RMBL provides logistical support for field scientists and students, including access to living quarters, research laboratories and protected research sites. RMBL focuses on the importance of preserving and providing access to historical data about the local ecosystems. As scientists address ever more sophisticated questions about a dynamic world, RMBL is a vital resource for discovering nature’s fundamental ecological and evolutionary processes. RMBL offers a variety of opportunities for the public to interact and learn including lecture series, volunteer programs, youth camps and more.
• Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Estes Park: Founded in 1931, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy (formerly the Rocky Mountain Nature Association) is a nonprofit organization supporting Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors can get hands-on field opportunities or educational programs on topics such as wildflowers, mammals, chords, cultural history, outdoor skills and more.
• Stargazing: Colorado is home to eight International Dark Sky Parks and five International Dark Sky Communities, many of which were newly designated in the last year. Colorado’s self-guided stargazing tour added three new locations to its roster in preparation for the 2022 summer travel season. In addition to the original seven locations, Colorado Stargazing now includes Gunnison, Ridgway and Nucla, Naturita and Norwood. All of these locations are home to an International Dark Sky Designated Place or are designated themself. Just one mile west of La Veta is the Southern Colorado Astronomical Park, a crossroads of ancient and modern astronomy, including a stone calendar and two observatory structures. Smokey Jack Observatory in Westcliffe is excited to offer new public celestial viewing events for its community and guests this summer.
• The Springs Resort, Pagosa Springs: The Springs Resort is home to the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring, known as the Mother Spring. In 1982, Pagosa Springs constructed a geothermal system to harness the Mother Spring’s warm waters which provides heat for local businesses and keeps the sidewalks clear of snow — the water is even used in the brewing process at local Riff Raff Brewing Company.
• Walking Mountains Science Center, Avon: Walking Mountains Science Center provides locals and visitors from Pre-K to gray with opportunities to explore nature, gain scientific understanding, and learn about the many wonders of the mountain environment through natural science and sustainability programs. Walking Mountains envisions a future where everyone understands the science of nature and is inspired to take action as an environmental steward.

 

Sleep Sustainably:

 

• Aspen Meadows Resort, Aspen: Aspen Meadows Resort is the first hotel in Aspen to utilize electric shuttle vehicles for guest transportation, including trips to and from the Aspen airport. The move is part of an ongoing strategy to be the most sustainable resort in Aspen. In addition to the two, new 14 passenger shuttles, the resort has also installed five new electric charging stations with the capacity for six vehicles. The resort has already replaced all plastic water bottles with reusable options, removed single-use plastic from rooms and Plato’s, the onsite restaurant, has been growing a number of herbs and produce for their kitchen.
• Badger Creek Ranch, Canon City: Badger Creek Ranch raises grass-fed, grass-finished beef and lamb and pasture-raised pork and poultry. They also offer seasonal guest lodging and teach horsemanship. The ranch believes that sustainable agriculture means being responsible stewards of the land and are part of a coalition of ranchers and public agencies working to regenerate the Badger Creek Headwaters watershed that flows into the Arkansas River. They are focused on undoing the damage from the poor land use practices of the past by taking steps to reduce soil erosion and restore ecological vigor and diversity to this brittle grassland environment. Carefully managed grazing practices, symbiotic with rangeland health, play a central role.
• Breckenridge Grand Vacations, Breckenridge: Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV), which owns and operates several lodging properties in the Breckenridge area, recently ​announced the signing of a 4.9 megawatt community solar subscription with Pivot Energy. The contract is one of the largest community solar subscriptions in the history of the hospitality sector and a vital component of BGV’s sustainability initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
• CampV, Naturita: CampV offers several ways for visitors to volunteer and give back to the area. CampV is excited to announce a Heritage Apple Tree Planting Day with the nonprofit Apple Core Project on April 8. Learn about the history of these heritage apples and proper planting techniques. Guests can volunteer throughout the year to help water and care for the preservation of these trees. CampV will continue community trail building every Saturday until the new V connector trail is done. Join the local non-profit WETA as they build these trails and build awareness of the work being done to further the local trails. CampV will also continue to offer customized gardening voluntourism opportunities throughout the spring and summer. Guests can connect with nature on the property through bird and wildlife watching  and stargazing (Naturita was just designated an International Dark Sky Community).
• C Lazy U Ranch, Granby: Colorado’s premier luxury guest ranch, C Lazy U, serves as each guest’s private national park with 8,500 acres of adventure. Working in tandem with The Nature Conservancy to ensure lasting protection of the Great American West and its wild nature, C Lazy U Ranch has placed an additional 1,221 acres under permanent easement as of 2020. Actively advocating for environmental friendliness, the ranch sources all of its water from nearby Mount Baldy’s natural springs. Guests are also given a reusable water bottle upon check-in to encourage drinking of the freshwater and eliminate plastic waste. Another sustainable initiative at the ranch is reclaiming beetle kill lumber found onsite to renovate wood floors in guest cabins and build beautiful wood accent pieces.
• Dunes Experiences, Alamosa: Founded by a group of explorers, Dunes Experiences will launch this year at their 320-acre private ranch property near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve near Alamosa. The stylish and modern clubhouse is set up to host events and retreats for private groups of any size starting this summer, and they can curate all activities and visitor experiences in the area. This full service eco-property will scale up their accommodations in 2023 with the "Desert House," a sustainably built and architecturally designed abode specifically for private groups.
• Monarch Casino, Black Hawk: As part of the Monarch Casino Resort and Spa’s $390 million luxury expansion, the property is creating a monarch butterfly habitat across the property in partnership with the Butterfly Pavilion. Monarch Casino Resort Spa is proud to continue its industry-leading sustainability efforts with the installation of EV charging stations, state-of-the-art Vivreau water systems and eliminating nearly all single-use plastics.
• OPUS Hut, Silverton: Outside of Silverton, hike or snowshoe to the OPUS Hut, a full-service backcountry lodge with solar-powered lighting, indoor composting toilets, in-floor solar-thermal heating, and healthy, natural food served up daily.
• The Pad Hotel and Hostel, Silverthorne: The Pad is a brand new boutique hotel/hostel in Silverthorne that is on track to becoming Colorado’s first B Corp-certified lodging property. Constructed with up-cycled shipping containers and a commitment to the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. The Pad’s team incorporated sustainable building techniques, committed to composting, selected a restaurant partner who serves Colorado-grown and -raised food and sources eco-friendly sustainable products as part of their decision to use their business as a force for good.
• SCP Hotel, Colorado Springs: Standing for Soul, Community, Planet, SCP Hotel was born out of a vision to help make the world a better place by serving those who value personal wellness, social good and the environment. SCP merges earth-friendly and socially responsible practices with modern, clean lodging accommodations and nutritious ‘vegan-forward’ food choices. They also give trees back to the forests through their "One Tree: One Forest" program. As of Sept. 30, 2021, SCP’s positive impact includes 234.15 MWh solar energy produced, 362,573 pounds of Co2 emissions saved, 144,114 single-use show amenities saved, 108,978 plastic bottles eliminated and 7.9K pounds of food waste saved from landfills.
• Weston Pass Hut, Leadville: Those seeking a unique off-grid overnight experience can sleep sustainably at the Weston Pass hut, set at 11,950’. This remote escape is built with locally harvested and milled beams and an earth-covered, naturally insulated tundra roof. Hikes from this high perch look out to the tops of the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges, including Colorado’s two highest peaks, showcasing Mother Earth’s splendor.
• Zapata Ranch, Mosca: Zapata Ranch is owned by The Nature Conservancy and managed by Ranchlands in a partnership model that emphasizes environmental conservation practices. Located on the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley, the ranch borders the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Home to a conservation herd of bison that run in a single 50,000 acre pasture, the ranch also runs a herd of Angus mother cows. Additionally, the ranch has a 17-bedroom lodge that welcomes guests from around the world to learn about ranching’s role in preserving and protecting these natural landscapes.

 

Give Back to Colorado with Voluntourism Activities and by Supporting Local Nonprofits:

 

• City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks: Group travelers can bring friends, colleagues or family members to one-day volunteer projects hosted by the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. Spend the day constructing or maintaining a nearby trail for Boulder locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
• Colorado Trails Foundation: The Colorado Trail stretches 500 miles from Denver to Durango. It's a pathway for hikers who want to travel the majority of the state on foot, passing over mountains, around lakes and through a number of Colorado communities. Colorado Trail Foundation volunteers are continually working to maintain its varied terrain. The foundation's volunteer crews make improvements to the trail, and visitors to Colorado are welcome to take part in the weeklong trips.
• Colorado Fourteeners Initiative: Colorado is endowed with 58 mountains whose peaks rise at least 14,000 feet above sea level — more than any other state in the continental U.S. The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative is a nonprofit, volunteer-dependent organization that helps restore and maintain the trails and fragile plant life. Volunteer vacations range from three-day trail builds while camping near the work site to wildflower-seed collection, where the seeds from native flowers will be used to repopulate barren trails.
• Colorado Mountain Bicycle Association (COMBA): COMBA is dedicated to building new singletrack trails and helping land managers maintain current trails. COMBA started out as the Trail Conservation Services in 1991 maintaining trails, and to this day building and maintaining trails is one of their main goals.
• Friends of Breckenridge Trails: The Friends of Breckenridge Trails offers a way to provide a helping hand in the upkeep of fragile habitats, open spaces, and trail systems unique to Breckenridge. Through vital volunteer efforts offered throughout the summer, open spaces, trails, historic sites, and ecologically sensitive areas are maintained and restored, thereby creating fun opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities to make memories and give back.
• Friends of Twin Lakes, Inc.: Friends of Twin Lakes is a nonprofit organization focused on preserving the area’s many historically significant aspects and working with the Forest Service and local governments to build and maintain trails in southern Lake County. Visitors can volunteer to serve on a variety of projects and also donate.
• HistoriCorps: HistoriCorps works with volunteers to save at-risk places like settlers' log cabins nestled between cliffs and canyons, century-old fire lookout towers still standing watch on state's highest peaks, or the remnants of delicate mining infrastructure in alpine meadows. For summer 2022, HistoriCorps will be leading a group of volunteers as they restore the historic Devil’s Head Lookout Tower.
• Steamboat’s Taking Care of 2A Trails: Resident riders and trail-focused guests to Steamboat Springs continue to benefit from new trails created using public funding from Initiative 2A. Steamboat Springs’ officials recently introduced new “donation stations” — refurbished parking meters with credit card readers — at 11 popular local trailheads, as well as a portable station on wheels for local events. The stations give visitors and locals a simple way to support the maintenance of local trails.
• Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC): Since 1984, VOC has been motivating and enabling people to become active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. VOC works with conservation and land agencies and relies on thousands of people annually to provide a volunteer workforce for outdoor stewardship projects.
• Wildlands Restoration Volunteers: From land to water, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers offers a wide range of projects. Whether visitors are into clearing and maintaining trails, picking up litter from waterways or building rock structures to maintain natural habitats, there’s something for everyone.
• YMCA of the Rockies Voluntourism Offerings: The YMCA of the Rockies in both Estes Park and Grandby, have a handful of voluntourism opportunities where volunteers get ample time to enjoy Colorado’s outdoors in exchange for volunteer hours. For as little as 28 volunteer service hours per week (season dependent), volunteers receive free lodging, meals and access to the beautiful facilities. A majority of the opportunities are a four-week commitment.

Spring is in the air, and now is the time to ensure summer “Shines a Little Brighter” by planning an unforgettable vacation to Colorado. Visitors to Colorado can expect to be wowed with exciting new travel experiences. Outdoor adventures await with new bicycle, hot springs, stargazing, rodeo and rail offerings. Arts and culture are calling from Banksy to Bayer. New and hip boutique lodging includes an A-Frame Lodging Club in Winter Park, a river camp in Grand Junction, lodging at a historic drive-in movie theater in the San Luis Valley, one of Denver’s most iconic historic school buildings turned hotel and more. And to fuel and celebrate Colorado adventures, exciting new restaurant and craft beverage concepts are springing up across the state.

As visitors explore Colorado, they are encouraged to “Do Colorado Right” and embrace the state’s interpretation of responsible tourism — showing care not only for destinations but for visitors and the people who call Colorado home. The following is a sampling of what’s new in Colorado for the year ahead. For more information and travel ideas, visit www.COLORADO.com.

 

Exciting New Outdoor Pursuits and Adventure-Inspired Events:

 

• Amache National Historic Site Named as America’s Newest National Park: 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.

• Bicycle Colorado Launches Regional Planning Site: Bicycle Colorado is launching a bicycle-tourism planning microsite for the Mountains & Mesas travel region. The microsite will feature rides for all skill levels and types of cyclists.

• Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop Expands in 2022: For the past six years the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop (CHHSL) has showcased the state’s premier hot springs destinations via self-guided itineraries that share the state’s geothermal resources. In 2022, the CHHSL is adding three more destination partners: Durango, Carbondale and Saguache County.

• Colorado Mountain School Builds a New Backcountry Yurt on Cameron Pass: Colorado Mountain School built a large yurt at the Seven Utes Mountain pull-off on Cameron Pass. Lodging is available for guests booking private backcountry experiences and/or participating in scheduled courses and adventures.

• Colorado Stargazing: Experience the Night Offers Three New Locations: Colorado’s self-guided stargazing tour added three new locations to its roster in preparation for the 2022 summer travel season. In addition to the original seven locations, Colorado Stargazing now includes Gunnison, Ridgway and Nucla, Naturita and Norwood. All of these locations are home to an International Dark-Sky Designated Place or are designated themself.

• Drishti Beats Yoga & Music Festival, Snowmass (July 8–10): The New 2022 Drishti Beats Yoga & Music Festival explores the symbiotic connection between music, yoga and the outdoors. The three-day festival features yoga classes, lectures and a live-music lineup.

• Grand Valley Grapes and Grains Adventures Offers New Winery Tours, Palisade: Grand Valley Grapes and Grains Adventures is offering three new winery tours starting this spring. The Standard Winery Tour includes reserved wine tastings at three Palisade-area wineries, an education about the grapes of the region and more. Additionally, the new Magnum Winery Tour includes a behind-the-scenes tour of a working winery and the Imperial Winery Tour includes a made-to-order gourmet lunch served at a winery.

• First Official Gravel Triathlon Series in U.S. Stops in Steamboat Springs (July 31): Gravel is growing and its popularity has reached beyond just biking. The new USA Triathlon Gravel Series is planning an eight-stop tour this year, including the Stagecoach Gravel Triathlon in Steamboat Springs. The new gravel triathlon races will utilize mostly non-technical dirt roads and singletrack.

• Junk Yard Bike Park Opens in Buena Vista: This summer, Buena Vista-based RMOC will open its brand new, professionally built bike park, The Junk Yard, on its Arkansas Riverfront property. Along with RMOC’s on-site nano-brewery and food truck and its slew of outdoor adventure offerings, guests can now hone their biking skills on this stellar bike loop and four trails.

• Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Hosts the 2022 NFR Open (July 13–16): The 81st Cinch Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo welcomes the 2022 NFR Open at the Norris Penrose Event Center. The inaugural NFR Open powered by RAM will be one of the biggest rodeos of the 2022 PRORODEO season with $1 million in payouts.

• 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.

• Rocky Mountaineer Launches First Full Season for Rockies to the Red Rocks Route (April–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.

• Stargazing and Solar Observing Events at Smokey Jack Observatory, Westcliffe: Dark Skies is proud and excited to offer new public celestial-viewing events for its community and guests. These events include Visual Public Star Parties, Electronic Assisted Astronomy Public Parties, Open Public Observing Night and Public Solar Observing Day Sessions.

• New Summit Nature Guides Offers Guided Nature Hikes, Breckenridge: Summit Nature Guides is a new nonprofit service that navigates small groups on planned nature hikes, led by an interpretive nature guide.

• YMCA of the Rockies Offers New Master Naturalist Workshops, Estes Park: YMCA of the Rockies is offering brand new Master Naturalist Workshops, through which participants can take their passion to the next level and become certified Master Naturalists via multi-day programs. Starting in May, each program will include hands-on, “in the field” classes in fire ecology and the effects of climate change, aquatic ecology, montane forest ecology and glaciology, coupled with special seasonal classes on wildflowers, wildlife and more.

 

Enticing New Arts and Cultural Events and Attractions:

 

• The Art of Banksy Exhibition Comes to Denver (April 14–June 12): The Art of Banksy, the largest touring exhibition of authentic Banksy artwork in the world, will make its Denver debut on April 14. The Art of Banksy will feature over 100 original works from private collectors across the globe, offering a rare opportunity to view authenticated and certified Banksy artworks rarely seen by the general public. Banksy, whose identity is the art world’s most closely guarded secret, is an enigmatic artist and world-recognized political activist.

• Carla Fernandez Exhibition Comes to the Denver Art Museum (May 1–Sept. 5): The Denver Art Museum (DAM) presents the first exhibition to fully explore the career of Mexican artist and fashion designer Carla Fernández, founder of the eponymous fashion brand. The acclaimed Mexico City-based fashion brand, Carla Fernández, established in 2000, is a couture house that aims to bring new meaning to the luxury world as an agent of social and ethical change and innovation.

• New CSU Spur Offers Hands-On Learning in Denver: Colorado State University (CSU) Spur in Denver is a new and first of its kind public-learning destination for K-12 student field trips, families and visitors. Inside the Vida building, visitors can watch horses working with humans and veterinarians performing live surgeries on dogs and cats. A mock exam clinic is available for kids to try their hand at being a veterinarian and exhibits throughout the building and virtual reality supplement the real-world experiences.

• The Culture Museum Opens in Denver: The Culture Museum is a new immersive, multi-room art installation dedicated to celebrating iconic moments in Black pop culture. The museum, which recently opened in the RiNo Art District in Five Points, explores an array of Black culture expressions with themed rooms ranging from '90s sitcoms and iconic films to hip-hop music to the barbershop and family reunions.

• Fort Collins Museum of Discovery Presents Upcoming New Exhibit (June 18–Sept. 4): Food for Thought Micro Views of Sustenance: Threats & Prospects is a traveling photography exhibit using photomontage to inspire conversation about how food is connected to climate change. The goal of the exhibition is to use dramatic art to engage visitors in complex issues and possibilities surrounding the state of food on our dinner plates and planet.

• Herbert Bayer Center Opens in Aspen: With a soft opening in December 2021 and a grand opening in June 2022, the new Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies will focus on preserving and honoring the art of Bayer, who designed the Institute’s historic campus, influenced the foundations of modern Aspen and whose work is an iconic expression of the Bauhaus movement in America.

• The Historic Opera Houses Circuit Debuts: The first-ever Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit is a joint promotion of five historic Colorado mountain opera houses. The project will share the performances, programs, histories and stories of these opera houses, which were built between 1878 and 1913 and retain their original character. The Circuit will feature a map, website and other promotions to attract visitors interested in history, arts and culture.

• Immersive Frida Kahlo Exhibition Comes to Denver (runs through May 30): On the heels of the critically acclaimed blockbuster Immersive Van Gogh, Lighthouse Immersive and Maestro Immersive Art have set their sights on the art and life of Frida Kahlo (1907–1954). The exhibition features some of the artist’s best-known works “brought to life” by the world-renowned master of digital art, Italy’s Massimiliano Siccardi, accompanied by composer Luca Longobardi’s resonant score and art direction by Vittorio Guidotti.

• Kirkland Museum Welcomes Frank Lloyd Wright Inside the Walls, Denver (June 17, 2022–January 8, 2023): This exhibition will explore the relationship between Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture and decorative art through Kirkland Museum’s permanent collection. Decorative art objects from around a dozen of Wright’s building projects are part of the permanent collection of Kirkland Museum.

• Planet Walk Debuts in Westcliffe: Fully complete by summer 2022, Planet Walk is an interpretive, self-guided walking adventure of a 4 billion-to-one scale model of the entire Solar System and other wonders on Main Street in Westcliffe. The colorful interpretive signs along the way are designed to give a conceptual understanding of the nature of the objects and other aspects across the Solar System and beyond.

• Ridgway Space to Create to Boost Creative Culture of Ridgway: Located in southwest Colorado near the San Juan Mountains, the Ridgway Space to Create project will create workforce housing as well as 2,000 square feet of creative community space in the Town of Ridgway's downtown core and certified Creative District. Construction is underway and expected to be complete in late summer 2022.

• New Spanish Peaks Country Fest, La Veta (June 17–18): Spanish Peaks Country Fest is a new country music festival coming to southern Colorado. The event welcomes guests to experience the biggest artists playing at the foot of the beautiful Spanish Peaks. Koe Wetzel and Tracy Byrd are headlining the festival.

 

New Lodging Properties, Offerings and Renovations:

 

• A-Frame Club Opens in Winter Park: Slated to open in summer 2022, A-Frame Club is a lifestyle hotel consisting of 31 newly constructed A-Frame cabins integrated into Winter Park's natural environment. Both modern and nostalgic, the design takes cues from 1970s American ski culture and the iconic A-frame cabins of that era. Cabins come equipped with a main floor living room, bathroom, kitchenette, lofted bedroom with an Onsen-style soaking tub, Malm fireplace, exterior deck and vintage furnishings. The location includes a bar and restaurant in a historic saloon building.

• CampV Adds Singletrack to Property, Naturita: CampV and The West End Trail Alliance (WETA) are excited to announce the construction of a 2-mile single track system on the Camp V property. Guests and the public will get a taste of the much bigger trail system that is currently in the planning process for 54 miles of multi use trails. The CampV connector trail will be completed in early spring for hikers, bikers and trail seekers looking for the next hidden spot. CampV is a boutique camp that combines art, history, architecture, design, outdoor recreation and unique spaces.

• Dunes Experiences Launches Near Alamosa: Founded by a group of explorers, Dunes Experiences will launch this year at their 320-acre private ranch property near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve near Alamosa. The stylish and modern clubhouse is set up to host events and retreats for private groups of any size starting this summer, and they can curate all activities and visitor experiences in the area. This full service eco-property will scale up their accommodations in 2023 with the "Desert House," a sustainably built and architecturally designed abode specifically for private groups.

• El Jet’s Cantina + Sky Outpost Opens in Grand Junction: El Jet’s Cantina® + Sky Outpost® "Born in Baja" will be a multi-acre indoor/outdoor cantina and lodging development that will also offer camping in tiny homes, Airstreams and campsites. The facility will be located right on the Colorado River in close proximity to downtown Grand Junction expected to open in late 2022.

• 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.

• Historic Hotel Colorado Renovates Guest Rooms: Hotel Colorado’s multi-year, multi-million-dollar restoration has resumed. All guest rooms, along with corridors and the main stairway, are receiving comprehensive floor-to-ceiling makeovers. All furniture has been custom-made to match the period and respect the heritage of the hotel’s original Italian villa design. This phase of the room renovations is anticipated to be completed this summer.

• The Lodges at Knapp Ranch Offers Cabins in the Vail Valley: For the summer and fall of 2022, Knapp Ranch, a new retreat nestled in the Rocky Mountains, has four cabins offering day events only until 2023. Considering the property covers more than 300 acres, guests will have plenty of room to hike, bike, fish, learn all about the Knapp Ranch bees and go forest bathing.

• The Max, a Renovated and Reimagined Hotel Opens in Lamar: Discover the beauty and serenity of Colorado’s prairie while staying at The Max, a renovated and reimagined upscale hotel that recently opened with hints of its Art Deco roots. In 1938, The Maxwell Hotel, a southeastern Colorado Art Deco gem, promoted itself as being as modern as tomorrow. Now 83 years later, its new owners are making that a reality. The Max boasts custom, artful finishes and a lounge featuring house-crafted cocktails and dining options.

• Monarch Casino Resort Spa Celebrates its Grand Opening: The $400 million luxury expansion debuted this spring. Guests can play on a 60,000-square-foot gaming floor. There is also the brand new BetMonarch Sportsbook & Lounge. Foodies will delight in award-winning offerings like the white tablecloth Monarch Chophouse and Monarch’s newest upscale offering, Bistro Mariposa. Monarch offers 516 mountain modern luxury hotel rooms, a luxurious spa experience and more.

• 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.

• The Slate Hotel Opens in Denver: Located at the site of the historic original Emily Griffith Opportunity School, The Slate Hotel will begin welcoming guests this spring. Paying tribute to the campus’ legacy within Denver, the redevelopment of the 2.4-acre landmark preserved the historic buildings and will pay homage to the former school with thoughtful design touches and experiences. The 4-story, 135,000-square-foot property will add 251 guest rooms to downtown Denver.

• 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.

• The Historic Western Hotel is Reimagined, Ouray: The Western Hotel & Spa is an iconic Old West property located in the downtown historic district of Ouray. One of the few remaining 19th century wood-frame hotels in the region, this beloved 130-year-old landmark is being restored with select modern, luxe touches set to open in summer 2022. Original tin ceilings, stained glass and hand-carved bar are complemented by new kitchenettes and fireplaces alongside custom furniture in each of the 16 rooms. The original saloon and restaurant retain their Old West charm while serving farm-to-table cuisine from local Western Slope producers. The onsite general store provides thoughtfully selected artisanal goods. Exclusive to hotel guests, The Grotto Spa features access to therapeutic modalities with multiple treatment rooms and subterranean hot and cold saline plunge pools that compliment the region's natural hot springs.

• Zapata Ranch Launches New Travel Workshops, San Luis Valley: With an emphasis on learning and immersion in the striking landscape, Ranchlands’ trips to The Nature Conservancy’s Zapata Ranch have something for everyone. New travel workshops include the art of botanical dyes and foraging with designer and textile artist Edie Ure; discovering nature with Ted Floyd by spending time observing the Nature Conservancy’s herd of bison alongside local wildlife; joining bestselling memoirist Molly Wizenberg in a generative writing workshop to explore how the sensory details of food can help unlock fertile memories; learning to move with ease at Power of Pilates; and learning more about a variety of wines and spirits from New Mexico and Colorado led by Head of Beverage at Los Poblanos, Dylan Storment.

 

Delicious New Food and Beverage Offerings:

 

• The Annex at WeldWerks Eatery Opens at WeldWerks' Greeley Taproom: Similar to WeldWerks’ constantly rotating tap list, menu items at The Annex will be ever-changing, evolving and expertly paired with the current beer menu. Guests can enjoy intentionally crafted cuisine from all corners of the world, including items like Spanish Calamari with Romesco sauce, Pork Belly Steamed Buns and a crave-satisfying Double Cheeseburger.

• James Beard Award Nominated Manny Barella Opens Second Bellota Location in Boulder: 2022 James Beard Award “Emerging Chef” semifinalist Manny Barella will bring his authentic approach to Mexican cuisine to Boulder when Bellota opens its second location this spring. Bellota opened at The Source in Denver in 2020 and quickly became a neighborhood favorite due in large part to Barella’s passion for the cuisine of his Mexican heritage — evident in every dish on the menu.

• Benzina Brings Pizza to Former Muffler Shop in Denver: Housed in a former muffler shop, Benzina features Neapolitan-style pizza and high-style, retro-cool aesthetics. Helmed by Brian Lockwood, a Boulder native with a resume that includes the French Laundry and Eleven Madison Park, Benzina has quickly become a neighborhood favorite.

• Birch Road Neighborhood Clubhouse Opens in Denver: Opening in spring 2022, Birch Road is an independent, women-owned BYOB neighborhood clubhouse with a membership model much like a gym or co-working space, but centered around members’ social lives. Monthly membership includes fingerprint access to the clubhouse, a personal locker in a temperature-controlled bottle storage cellar (for their favorite wine, beer or spirits), access to private event spaces for larger gatherings or to the member lounge and tasting room for more casual nights with friends.

• Bluebird Market Opens in Silverthorne: Bluebird Market is located at the hub of Fourth Street Crossing, a 3.8-acre district in the new heart of downtown Silverthorne. Tenants of the nearly 30,000-square-foot market include a dozen chef-driven culinary concepts along with three local retail entrepreneurs and a flexible co-working space.

• Aspen Welcomes Catch Steak: Steps from the Aspen gondola, Catch Steak Aspen sprawls along 10,000 square feet of rooftop terrace and indoor dining space, complete with a gorgeous bar and a tasteful private cellar. Iconic meals unfold over the world’s best steak cuts.

• Chez Maggy Opens in the New Thompson Hotel, Denver: Michelin starred chef Ludo Lefebvre brings his culinary magic to Chez Maggy where French brasserie meets Mile High style. An homage to his Denver family, chef Lefebvre leans into his roots and heritage to create a unique approach to classic French cuisine using elements and ingredients native to Colorado.

• Cruise Control Kitchen & Cellar Opens as Colorado's First Fast Casual Winery Concept in Grand Junction: Opening in summer 2022, Cruise Control will focus on gourmet foods designed to pair with craft beer, spirits and wine. The new restaurant will feature Sauvage Spectrum wines served on tap, along with bottles, growlers and cans. Guest wines with an extremely heavy focus on Colorado producers will also round out the menu. Greeting guests upon entry will be a micro-market displaying locally produced Colorado Proud provisions.

• The Easy Vegan Opens in Denver: The Easy Vegan is a pandemic startup serving vegetable-forward vegan food that is not centered around health or diet culture. Owners Alexi Mandolini and Taylor Herbert believe vegan eating is not a limitation but an opportunity to reimagine vegetables, their endless abilities in the kitchen and their worthiness on a plate.

• Five Nines Cocktail Lounge Opens in Cherry Creek’s Clayton Members Club & Hotel: Five Nines is an immersive craft cocktail bar serving a selection of drinks curated to be as elaborate as they are elegant, alongside a concise menu of shareable bar bites and playful pops of promiscuity in the form of multiple nightly movement-based performances.

• Fuel & Iron Opens Pueblo-Inspired Bar in Denver and Food Hall in Pueblo: The bar precludes a sister Fuel & Iron Food Hall, coming to downtown Pueblo in fall 2022. Visitors can taste their way through a mini tour of Pueblo food and drink at Fuel & Iron Bar. The kitchen will serve Pueblo classics, including green chile made with Milberger Farms Pueblo chiles, and a smaller slider take on the famous Green Chile Slopper. Guests can also expect to see products from Pueblo-area artisans and farmers. When it opens in fall 2022, Fuel & Iron Food Hall seeks to forge a bridge between Pueblo’s industrial past and a future which honors the city’s diverse population and bountiful agriculture by creating a platform for restaurant incubation.

• Fidel’s Cocina and Bar Opens in Palisade: Fidel's Cocina is a lively and vibrant taqueria serving Latin-inspired dishes and thoughtful craft cocktails. Everything at Fidel's is made from scratch with clean ingredients. Handcrafted plates mingle heritage ingredients with bright, lively flavors for an unabashed culinary experience.

• La Française Bistrot Opens in Breckenridge: The cozy ambiance and authentic menu at La Française Bistrot, a new family-owned restaurant in downtown Breckenridge, transports guests from the mountains of Colorado to Southern France. Enjoy classic French dishes like coq a vin and bone marrow and escargots, along with fresh baked bread made at their family’s bakery next door, La Française Bakery.

• Mythmaker Brewing Opens in Fort Collins: Mythmaker Brewing will open this spring seeking to create its own mythical journey, pulling from the traditions of the past as well as the experimentation of the present to represent craft beer as it evolves into the future. Along with a few year-round offerings, the brewery will provide an ever-evolving tap list of well-balanced beers from their seven-barrel brewhouse.

• Denver’s Ruby’s Market Supports Immigrant and Refugee Communities: Located in Denver’s Platte Park Neighborhood, Ruby’s Market is a multicultural artisan and food destination, incubating refugee, immigrant  and indigenous entrepreneurs and supporting local businesses. The Market showcases nearly 200 snacks, spices, cooking supplies, textiles, jewelry, plants and other products made by local and global artisans, the majority of whom identify as women or members of immigrant, refugee or Indigenous communities.

• Stanley Marketplace Celebrates Five Years with New Offerings in Aurora: Stanley Marketplace, a former aviation factory turned small business collective is celebrating its fifth birthday this year and welcomes Churreria de Madrid, an authentic Spanish churrería or “churro bar,” Sky Bar at Stanley will be a mod cocktail bar featuring a 1950’s Pan-Am themed experience and Colorado’s iconic Tattered Cover Book Store recently opened their first-ever children’s-focused concept, Tattered Cover Kids.

• Storm Peak Brewing Opens Tasting Room at Steamboat Base Area: Steamboat’s Storm Peak Brewing Co. recently opened a second location in town, the Bus Stop tasting room at the ski area base. The new location currently features 30 of the local brewery’s hand-crafted beers on-tap, plus one of the largest bars in Steamboat Springs. The name — Bus Stop — is a nod to the tasting room’s location between two stops, and a reminder to use public transit.

• Suga Moon’s BBQ & Cocktails Comes to Frisco: Husband-wife team Teryn Guadagnoli and Chris Warren are bringing smoked Kansas City–style barbecue to Summit County, working with local ranchers and farmers to source high-quality brisket, ribs and pulled pork. The laid-back lodge is named after Prohibition-era Colorado sugar beet moonshine.

• Trinidad Tea Company to Be First Tenant to Open in the Renovated Fox West Theatre: The vision for the rehabilitation of the once magnificent Fox Theatre is to provide an unparalleled performance venue and event destination for the community and the southern Colorado region. Phase 1 of the Fox West Theatre rehabilitation project is underway, including exterior repairs, environmental remediation and activation of the commercial storefront spaces. The eastern storefront of the Theatre will soon be home to the Trinidad Tea Company, owned and operated by a talented local couple, opening this summer and giving a first glimpse at the long-term vision for the fully revitalized theatre.

 

Anniversaries:

 

• Cañon City Celebrates its 150th Anniversary in 2022: Cañon City turns 150 in 2022, and the city has planned a year-long celebration filled with events for all ages. Events include a Gala, Jubilee and Fireworks, Concert, themed monthly First Fridays and more. The anniversary year encourages residents and visitors to explore themes of history and education, innovation and entrepreneurship, social equity and robust democracy, as well as arts and leisure.

• Colorado Parks and Wildlife Celebrates its 125th Anniversary in 2022: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will celebrate by telling the agency’s long history of wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation in a series of stories, videos, podcasts and community events throughout 2022.

• Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Celebrates 50 Years of Racing the Train from Durango to Silverton (May 28–30): Half a century ago the Mayer brothers decided to race from Durango to Silverton: Tom on a bike, Jim aboard a steam-powered train. Every Memorial Day Weekend since, riders from around the U.S. and the world gather for 50 miles of cycling over two mountain passes that summit just under 11,000 feet. New additions to the 2022 event include a new segment from Ouray to Silverton, special dual slalom and roostmaster competitions and a special exhibit at The Center of Southwest Studies on the history of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.

With spring in the air, Colorado’s high country sees some of the snowiest months, while lower elevations welcome mild weather that is perfect for exploring welcoming towns. It is the season for relaxing hot springs, hiking routes and everything in between. Spring in Colorado boasts an extensive ski schedule to round-off another successful season as well as new experiences and opportunities waiting to be discovered. For the ski lover Aspen Snowmass Celebrates 75th Anniversary (3-17 April) Commemorating 75 years of skiing and riding, Aspen Snowmass is offering guests lift tickets for just $75 per day. Between 3-17 April, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the snowy mountains at an unbeatable price. Aspen Snowmass has 3,132 acres of terrain, four mountains, two towns to explore and world-class skiing, snowshoeing and hiking in the summer. Tickets should be booked at least seven days in advance. New Uphilling Experience with Park Hyatt Beaver Creek In February, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa introduced a new uphill ski adventure which is a must on every snow lover’s bucket list. Guided private groups are taken on an uphill ski experience that offers them advanced access to one of Colorado’s most magnificent mountains, where there’s incredible snow and breathtaking viewpoints. With over 1,500 acres of skiable terrain to explore and the convenience of a ski-in/ski-out resort, guests are encouraged to customise the uphilling as the ultimate ski package. For the culture vulture Immersive Frida Kahlo Experience, Denver (3 March - 30 May) Art aficionados can learn about iconic Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, at the Frida Kahlo exhibition, taking place at Lighthouse Artspace Denver between 3 March - 30 May. In the spirit of recent art trends, the interactive event will highlight the painter's most iconic works and exhibit Kahlo’s surrealist portraits through animated projections. The Art of Banksy (14 April) Opening on 14 April, The Art of Banksy exhibition will be taking over the Denver Sports Castle building with original, authentic work from one of the world’s most influential artists. Art enthusiasts can see over 100 original works spanning the illusive artist’s career. The largest Banksy exhibit ever assembled, his iconic works including Girl and Balloon and Flower Thrower will be on display. 18th Annual Eye Center of Northern Colorado Masks Exhibition (1 April- 6 May) Now in its 18th year, the annual Northern Colorado Masks Exhibition is integrated in Coloradan culture and takes place at the Museum of Art Fort Collins. Each year, Northern Colorado mask artists present new perspectives in ceramic forms, creating a unique collection of masks. An in-gallery auction of the intricate masks helps to fund the museum so it can continue to be a must-visit for travellers wanting to experience local culture. For the tree hugger Reset Retreat (May) Proving that one week can change your life, Reset Telluride is a private, luxury wellness and trekking retreat launching in May. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, the experience includes a six-night, six-day retreat with three personalised routes - Reach, Recharge and Roam - created for empowerment outdoors. Every week, 18 guests are carefully guided by wellness experts and get to enjoy mountain treks, massages, plant-based meals, sound therapy, oxygen enrichment programs and much more. Where to stay Viewline Resort Snowmass An iconic ski-in, ski-out property located in the heart of the Aspen Snowmass Village, Viewline Resort Snowmass is the newest hotel resort for travellers to be excited about. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the venue delivers a modern luxury resort experience with a 1960’s mountain ethos. It has 254 guest rooms, including 20 suites, a soothing spa, a private ski and bike concierge, heated mountainside pool, and sundeck and terrace. The Slate Denver (opening 31 May) The Slate Denver is a new boutique property that pays tribute to the site of the historic original Emily Griffith Opportunity School. Adding 251 guest rooms to downtown Denver, amenities include the use of digital keys, , complimentary Wi-Fi, a business centre and state of the art A/V system to accommodate meetings. It boasts a signature bar and restaurant, lounge, outdoor patio and fitness centre. How to get there from the UK United Airlines London - Denver flight returns From 27 March, United Airlines will add a second daily service from London Heathrow to Denver International Airport, so keen skiers can easily hit the slopes for some spring skiing. United first launched summer seasonal flights between LHR and DEN in March 2018 and the service was expanded to operate year-round in March 2019. It was suspended as a result of the pandemic but has now resumed with double daily flights beginning later this month.

As the winter season descends, Colorado turns into a snow-filled playground ready for thrill-seekers. Check out what's new in the mountains across the Centennial State this winter.   Aspen Snowmass celebrates 75th anniversary Aspen Snowmass celebrates 75 years of skiing and riding this winter season. This historic milestone pays homage to the heritage and history of skiing in Aspen as well as providing a look forward to the future of skiing with a series of new activities. The season will highlight how innovation in ski racing, sustainability, athletic achievement, inclusion, art and other areas have led to future possibilities in each of these areas. All four mountains are expected to open for the 21/22 season by 11 December.   Breckenridge is 60 This winter, Breckenridge celebrates its 60th anniversary with a host of special events. The Opening Day celebration will kick off the season on 28 November, with festivities taking place at the base of the Centennial Lift. The resort will also soon unveil a new chair lift at Peak 7.   Explore More Bluebird Backcountry launches new terrain Bluebird Backcountry, a new avalanche-managed backcountry ski resort which enjoyed its first full season last winter, will this winter offer 12 new runs, four new skin tracks and new backcountry touring terrain..   New beginner terrain at Beaver Creek Beginner and intermediate skiers can take to the slopes at McCoy Park, a new learning area at Beaver Creek. There are 17 trails across 250 acres of terrain to explore.   Major $135 million regeneration project underway at Steamboat This year, Steamboat announced a three year $135m regeneration project - Full Steam Ahead - to transform the base area and make on-mountain improvements at the resort. Gondola Square is being transformed to include additional dining, après and retail offerings, whilst mountain improvements will include 650 new acres of terrain in Pioneer Ridge..   Arts & Culture Andy Warhol takes over the Roaring Fork Valley An Andy Warhol exhibit will open at the Aspen Art Museum on 3 December, the only place it will be shown in the US. The exhibit will be complemented with the showing of a private Warhol collection at The Powers Art Center in Carbondale. 'Warhol in Colorado, The Artist's Relationship with John and Kimiko Powers' will display between 30 November 2021 - 30 April 2022."   Meow Wolf unveils new Denver attraction Meow Wolf, the artist collective known for creating immersive and interactive experiences, opened its permanent installation in Denver this autumn. Spread across four floors, Convergence Station brings together work from 300 artists to create more than 70 surreal installations. There's also a new music venue and cafe.   Getting to Colorado British Airways resumed its non-stop service from London Heathrow to Denver in September after an 18-month hiatus. Return flights are available from £488 per person throughout November and December.