Colorado isn't named the colorful state for no reason. From UFO sightings to high-spirited activity, check out these six spots which all have a unique story to tell. Bishop Castle, Rye Built entirely by one man over 60 years, Bishop Castle is one of the most impressive monuments of perseverance in Colorado. John Bishop bought the land for $450 when he was just 15, and soon after began construction. He built three floors of interior rooms complete with a Grand Ballroom, soaring towers and bridges with vistas of a hundred miles. There is a fire-breathing dragon too. Bishop Castle is an unforgettable architectural gem that is always open to the public, free of charge. UFO Watchtower, Hooper One woman's UFO-themed campground, complete with self-built energy vortexes, UFO-themed weddings, and magic bushes is another's space-themed playground. The plot of land - which is now home to the UFO Watchtower - was already used by UFO spotters.  In a genius way to monetize, Messoline (the owner) made it official by setting up an observation tower, campground and gift shop for the extraterrestrial obsessives. Those willing to describe their UFO sightings on camera, will go home with a free UFO-themed frisbee. Also an artist, Messoline will point travelers in the direction of many built sights including a rock garden, healing garden and two "energy vortexes". Other highlights include two large aliens that guard the entrance, a dome-shaped gift shop and a magic bush - which is still yet to be confirmed magical. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park Named one of the world's best horror tales of all time, Stephen King's 'The Shining' stemmed from a stay at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. The hotel was recommended to the author and his wife, but, on arrival, they found they were the only guests staying that night, creating an eerie feel which birthed the idea of the Overlook Hotel. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, The Stanley Hotel was built 115 years ago and still retains its history, attracting a large number of The Shining fans each year. The interior has been renovated over time but still has a turn-of-the-century feel and is said to have 'high spirited activity.'  Fifty-Two 80's, Denver This modern antique shop is a museum for 1980's Saturday morning cartoon culture. Nestled at the end of an antiques district in southern Denver, Fifty-Two 80's is a tightly packed inventory of nostalgia made up of 4,500 items. It includes pinball machines, action figures, stuffed toys, posters, board games, cassette tapes, video game cartridges and Halloween masks. Linger Eatery, Denver Once a mortuary that held the remains of Buffalo Bill, this Denver hotspot is now one of the coolest eateries in Denver. The site is the former base of the Olinger family's funeral business and famed mortuary, which was once responsible for organizing half of the city's funerals, including the retention of Buffalo Bill Cody's body in 1917 while Wyoming and Colorado argued over who would provide his final resting place (Colorado won). When the space was purchased by its new owners, they immediately embraced the spot's morbid history and dark interior. Magic Mushroom House, Aspen Popular with the rich and famous - such as Andy Warhol and Hugh Hefner - this Magic Mushroom House was created in the 1970s over six years by architect Andre Ulrych. His first time building a house, he believed the best way to tap into his creativity was to trip on mushrooms and see the outcome. From there, the Magic Mushroom House was born. The house is now a holiday home for Peter and Patty Findlay who purchased it from actress and former Playboy model Barbi Benton. For more information, visit: https://www.colorado.com/

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  Head to Aspen and Snowmass Village in summer for an adrenaline filled holiday surrounded by some of Colorado's most dramatic landscapes. From ziplining through the deep Aspen forests, to soaring high above the Elk Mountain Range, there are endless opportunities for thrill-seeking travellers.    Gold-level riding at Snowmass Bike Park   Featuring 25 miles of pristinely maintained downhill trails extending almost 3,000 vertical feet, Snowmass Bike Park has a trail for every ability from beginner-friendly singletrack to adrenaline-inducing downhill. Situated at the top of Elk Camp Chairlift all the way down to Snowmass Base Village, it is open daily from 21 June - 4 September and on weekends in September through to the first week of October. The bike park offers weekly races featuring big jumps and features, bringing together the mountain biking community and inspiring riders to push themselves to their limit. Snowmass additionally hosts multiple iconic cycling events such as the Enduro World Series and the Snowmass 50. Keen bikers can take part in regular bike clinics at the park, suitable for riders of all abilities where beginners can learn the basics of mountain-biking and advanced riders can fine-tune their downhill freeriding.   Rock climbing with Aspen Expeditions   Aspen Expeditions offers unique privately guided custom short day or full day rock climbing experiences up and down the scenic Independence Pass and surrounding areas. With no prior experience required, this is the perfect way to test your limits as you learn how to rappel off rock faces and navigate a series of different rock climbing routes with the help of an expert guide. More experienced climbers can embark on a multi-pitch adventure day where you will climb a number of different steep rock faces along Independence Pass and enjoy unmatched views of the Elk Mountain Range.   River rafting with Blazing Adventures   If you’re looking for a thrill, head to Blazing Adventures - which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year - where you can find a wide variety of tours and adventures. With snow still melting off the mountains into the rivers due to excessively high snowfall last winter, the white water rafting season has been extended. Blazing Adventures offers a variety of exhilarating rafting tours ranging from family-friendly rides with amazing views of the Glenwood Canyon, to full day rafting expeditions on class III and IV white-water. Pick up to, and from, major hotels in Aspen and Snowmass Village can be arranged for guests as well as lunches on longer experiences.   Hot air ballooning with Above It All Balloon Co.   Above It All Balloon Company offers year round hot air balloon rides over the incredible Aspen and Snowmass Village areas. Lasting around an hour, you will set off early in the morning to catch the sun as it rises over the spectacular Elk Mountains Range nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. After soaring high above the vast Snowmass Bush Creek Valley you will finish your adrenaline fuelled morning with a delightful champagne breakfast, toasting to your flight.   Zipping and climbing in The Lost Forest   The Lost Forest is the epicentre of summer exploration and adventure in Snowmass Village. From high-flying ziplines and ropes courses to the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster and a climbing wall, there are countless ways to explore and immerse yourself in the outdoors. Perfect for families and thrill-seekers, the Treeline Trail Challenge Course combines rapells, ziplines, bridges, and ladders in an elevated obstacle course amongst the towering Aspen trees. If you’re after a more relaxed adventure, take a ride on the Breathtaker Alpine Coast and zip through the trees on a ten-minute thrill ride to experience the beautiful forest.   Paragliding with Aspen Paragliding   If you’re willing to go above and beyond, Aspen Paragliding offers a once-in-a-lifetime birds-eye-view experience where thrill meets tranquillity as you soar high above the alpine town with a professional pilot. The premier paragliding school in the country and one of the first to get permission to fly from a ski resort, Aspen Paragliding provides a wide range of experiences with some flights taking visitors up to 18,000 feet, available for visitors aged 6 to 75.

Right across the Centennial State are a host of new openings and exciting events this summer. From wellness experiences, to music, arts, nature and culture, there's something for every traveler to discover in Colorado.   The Michelin Guide arrives in Colorado Colorado Tourism Office and Michelin recently announced the Michelin Guide Colorado, the latest expansion of the Michelin Guide. Colorado has a rich culinary community that includes both established, notable chefs and innovative up-and-comers. Colorado's mountainous terrain has influenced the culinary landscape, with many restaurants offering dishes inspired by the state's outdoor lifestyle. Colorado's gastronomy is influenced by German, Hispanic and Native American cultures. The state is home to several Native American tribes, including the Ute, Navajo and Apache. The first Michelin Guide Colorado selection will be revealed later in 2023. It covers Denver, Boulder, Aspen and Snowmass Village, Vail and Beaver Creek Resort.   Dunes Experiences & Dunes Desert Camp Founded by leading explorer Levison Wood, the newly launched, Dunes Experience & Dunes Desert Camp is situated adjacent to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The luxury escape comprises an exclusive campground with African safari tents and guided excursions in the San Luis Valley. Set on a 320-acre camp ranch, Dunes Desert Camp is the ideal location for exploring the area's natural wonders. Fusing wellness with nature, guests can attend retreats within the grounds ranging from yoga, to indigenous ceremonies and holistic workshops.   Malibu's The Ranch coming to Colorado (3 September - 27 October) Experience The Ranch Malibu's award-winning, wellness programs in Vail. Hosted at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, The Ranch Vail features a results-oriented, thoroughly structured program, that combines challenging fitness regimes with a nutritionally rich, plant based diet. The five-night, six-day program will host 25 guests each week in the natural surroundings for a complete health immersion.   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 host the Telluride Jazz Festival, a three-day and night music event centered around jazz. The annual event combines natural landscape aesthetics with boundless music creativity. Providing a sample of Colorado's renowned craftsmanship, amenities include food vendors, craft brews and cocktails.   Key dates Telluride Film Festival 50th Anniversary (31 August - 4 September) Ranking as one of the world's best film festivals, Telluride Film Festival is an annual gathering for film industry insiders, cinema buffs, filmmakers and critics. TFF is considered a major launching ground for the most talked about films of autumn and will this year celebrate its 50th anniversary. A four-day international event celebrating the art of film, the festival's long-standing commitment is to bring together filmmakers and connoisseurs to experience great cinema. The secret schedule (unannounced before Opening Day), consists of over three dozen filmmakers presenting their newest works.   150th Anniversary of Isabella Bird, Estes Park Isabella Bird became one of the most recognised travel writers of all time and is largely responsible for putting Estes Park on the map as an iconic, must-see mountain destination. This year is the 150th anniversary of her famed time spent in Estes Park and travellers can still today follow in her footsteps on the same trails. Isabella Bird defied the odds riding 800 miles across Colorado on a horse alone. A Yorkshire woman, she ventured across the world in a search of healing following advice from her doctor. She lived a bold life which inspired her travel book 'A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains'.   Eagle County Celebrates 140th Anniversary Minturn, Red Cliff, and other Eagle County communities will continue to host the Eagle County 140th Anniversary 'Then and Now' in a new location throughout July. Celebrating 140 years of rich history and extraordinary human endeavour, the county takes its name from the spectacular Eagle River and recognises its original inhabitants and oldest residents of Colorado, the Ute Indians. The exhibition documents the Eagle County's mining, rail, and agricultural past and modern Eagle County depicting its population growth and pivot to outdoor recreation. Travelers can see the exhibition at Minturn Town Hall through July and will also be mobile and featured at the Minturn Market on Saturdays , and the Eagle County Rodeo 26-29 July.    140th Anniversary of Seven Falls, Colorado Springs This year marks the 140th anniversary of one of Colorado's most sought after tourist attractions, Seven Falls. With Seven cascading waterfalls, hiking, captivating vistas, and stand-out rock formations, it's a beautiful representation of the state. Owned and operated by The Broadmoor, the luxury resort, a summer celebration is in the works to commemorate the anniversary. Travelers are encouraged to look out for four-foot-tall chipmunk art displays, special events and dining at Seven Falls' acclaimed eatery, Restaurant 1858.   For more information, visit www.colorado.com. 

The newest edition of the Michelin Guide is serving up Colorado cuisine. The Colorado Tourism Office announced the latest expansion of the Michelin Guide. Colorado's mountainous terrain has influenced its culinary landscape, with many restaurants offering dishes inspired by the state's outdoor lifestyle. Colorado's gastronomy is influenced by German, Hispanic and Native American cultures. The state is home to several Native American tribes, including the Ute, Navajo and Apache. Anonymous Michelin Guide inspectors award the iconic Michelin Stars – one, two or three – for unparalleled cuisine. The Guide is also renowned for its Bib Gourmand selection, highlighting restaurants that offer great quality food at good prices. The Michelin Green Star is given to restaurants that are leaders in sustainable gastronomy. The first Michelin Guide Colorado selection will be revealed later in 2023, and cover Denver, Boulder, Aspen and Snowmass Village, the Town of Vail and Beaver Creek Resort. "Colorado has a dynamic culinary scene – one that's perfect for the Michelin Guide," said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides. "The state's hotspot locations feature many creative restaurant teams and an exciting mix of flavors.” "We are thrilled to partner with the Michelin Guide to highlight the exceptional cuisine, sustainability efforts and innovation in Colorado," said Timothy Wolfe, Director of the Colorado Tourism Office. "It will further elevate Colorado as a global dining destination." The Michelin Guide is working with the Colorado Tourism Office on marketing and promotion activities only. The 2023 Colorado restaurant selection will join the Michelin Guide selection of hotels later this year and will feature the most unique places to stay in Colorado. The upcoming Colorado restaurant selection will follow Michelin's historical methodology, based on five universal criteria. These are quality products; the harmony of flavors; the mastery of cooking techniques; the voice and personality of the chef reflected in the cuisine; and consistency between each visit and throughout the menu. The Guide was first published in France at the turn of the 20th century to encourage tire sales by giving practical advice to French motorists. Michelin's inspectors still use the same criteria and manner of selection. Michelin published its first North American Guide in 2005 for New York. Guides have since been added in Washington, D.C.; Chicago; California; Miami/Orlando/Tampa, Florida; Toronto; and Vancouver.

By Graham McKenzie Just ninety minutes from downtown Denver lies the town of Estes Park. Recognised as the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park it has long held the reputation for a centre of activity, wildlife watching and stunning views. For somebody, like me, who loves adventure, snow, frosted trees, frozen lakes and the anticipation that something quite different is round the corner, it is a winter wonderland. First things first though; the drive from Denver to Estes Park is one that starts and ends with the constant reminder of how magnificent the Rocky Mountains are. They are at their spectacular best in the winter. When the sky is a deep blue, and the sun is high the terrain before you is magnetic in its quality. It’s the mainland equivalent of being at the seaside. Here watching the views roll in one after another is as hypnotic as watching waves cascade. Estes Park is a relatively small town and in the colder months not especially busy. Its easy to park, easy to get restaurant reservations and easy to find a good hotel. I stayed at the Taharaa Mountain Lodge which was friendly and comfortable but also has one of the towns leading restaurants, Twin Owls, on site. Taharaa is an Ute Native American word that means ‘Beautiful View’ and from my room, that had a small balcony overlooking the valleys that merge in Estes Park, it was an appropriate naming. My room also had fast Wi-Fi, coffee making facilities, every channel you could ever want, a very comfy bed plus a fireplace with real flames. If you don’t feel cosy in the Taharaa you have no chance. For the nephologists amongst you Colorado is a dream destination. The winds that are taken high over the Rocky Mountains create some of the most spectacular skies one could see, and lenticular clouds are quite common. The big-ticket item for me however was snow shoeing in the Rocky Mountains. This is not something I had done before and approaching the mountain staging post I was expecting to slip into a pair of comfy modified tennis racquets. This was not the case as modern snowshoes are oblong pieces of plastic with grips on the bottom and straps for your snow boots. Once I was fully equipped, off we went to the trail to begin the ascent. The temperature at this stage was around the -15c level but the trail was fairly clear with compacted snow. After about a mile I realised that the reason for lack of breath was the altitude as we were about two miles above sea level but the counter to this were the unbelievable views across the valleys. After and hour ascending we called it a day, but the descent was definitely a walk on the wild side as we went decidedly off piste. Bounding, if that’s the right term, through huge snow drifts, sliding on backsides, spotting wildlife, traversing frozen lakes and stopping to wonder at the beauty of it all.  The images will remain with me on what was a day never to be forgotten. Once back in the comfort of my hotel I had one last task to complete and that was to re-enact one of the most iconic and frightening horror movies of all time. Estes Park is home to the Stanley Hotel the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel The Shining.  Most evenings you can pay a small fee and take a tour of the hotel, find out about its history, which in itself is compelling, and how Stephen King came to stay there, get very drunk and have a nightmare which gave him the inspiration for this dark tale. All in all, Estes Park is an ideal destination if you like the thrill of winter in all its guises but don’t happen to ski.

If you visit Colorado in the winter, chances are you are going to enjoy the slopes,. The resorts in this neck of the woods are world famous and the names slide off the tongue. Vail, Aspen/Snowmass, Telluride, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Beaver Creek are just a few of those places. If, like me, you enjoy the seasons, love a snow scene, but you don’t ski – what then?  Well, I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Northern Colorado to find out and I started at the mile high city of Denver where I have been many times but always in the summer months. There is no doubting where you have landed as you come out of DIA in the winter. Chances are the ground will be covered in snow, the sky will be blue, the temperature will be low and the view of the distant rocky mountains one to revere. The walk from the terminal to the metro train is but a few yards but in that time, you immediately get a sense of what is to come – cold, fresh, exhilaration. I stayed at the brand-new Rally Hotel that overlooks McGregor Square with its giant TV screens showing sport from around the world. Rooms, service and the all-important Wi-Fi are all marked with the highest of grades. The hotel was walking distance from the rail station and adjacent to virtually all the downtown areas including all three of the major sports franchises – Nuggets for Basketball, Broncos for American Football (slightly longer walk) and Avalanche for Ice Hockey. Just around the corner is Coors Field which is home to the Colorado Rockies Baseball team but this activity doesn’t begin until late March/early April. I was fortunate to get a ticket for a Nuggets game. It’s a different experience altogether from European sport. Tickets are available especially if you book in advance. Festivals and events figure highly in the Denver winter schedule and a few days before I arrived in early January, the National Western Stock Show, which features rodeos, livestock shows, and exhibitions took place. Think traditional Western movies, cattle, drovers and stockmen, all in a modern city downtown area. Colorado is definitely more cowboy than one would first imagine. I did however catch the Blossoms of Light Festival right in the centre of the city. It seems that almost anywhere in the US the Christmas Light season is one that basically starts the day after Thanksgiving and continues right until the end of January.  When you have invested as much as the light fairies in Denver have why not? The illuminations are spectacular and if you have lost the spirit of festive time this will go some way to getting it back. If he hadn’t gone back to the North Pole, you would fully expect St Nicholas to be in attendance. Denver is home to several world-class museums, including the Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Visitors can also explore the city's historic neighbourhoods, such as LoDo (Lower Downtown), Capitol Hill and the more modern area of RINO (River North) where all the cool cats hang out. For an overview of the city, its attractions, its neighbourhoods, its history and its culture I would highly recommend an E-Tuk tour. The guides are on the ball, informative and amusing. In winter dress warm and make full use of the blankets on offer to cover your legs as it can get chilly. For your Colorado winter extravaganza Denver is the ideal starting place.

  Kent Anderson of Kirk Mountain Adventures in Estes Park talks to Graham McKenzie about the Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter.  

 

Colorado is a destination filled with vast natural spaces, outdoor recreation and breathtaking landscapes but it’s also a destination for unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. 

 

As we head into the New Year, it’s time to start thinking about bucket list trips and for inspiration, below are some of Colorado’s most unique festivals. 

  SkiJoring & Crystal Carnival, Leadville (3-5 March)   Why not try something different this new year? Experience a fearless skier navigating through an obstacle course connected by a tow rope to a horse and rider galloping at top speed. The once in a lifetime viewing takes place in the middle of snowy Leadville with heaps of winter activities going on in conjunction, including a seasonal carnival, paintballing, a winter race extravaganza with mountain biking and skiing, dancing and much more.   2023 Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival (3 June)   Experience the authentic, local flavours of Colorado with Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival next summer. Highlighting the versatility of the state’s wine-making industry, the flavoursome festival sees the very best of over 30 local wineries. Sip wine in the sun, sample food and indulge in the mountain scenery surrounding Manitou’s idyllic downtown.   75th anniversary of Whitewater festival, FIBArk (15-18 June)   For adrenaline-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, FIBArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas) is a must. Marking its 75th anniversary in 2023, FIBArk is the nation’s oldest Whitewater festival and Salida’s signature event. A tradition since 1949, the exciting event draws kayakers, stand-up paddlers and rafters to compete and play in the mighty Arkansas River. While Whitewater is the draw, the city of Salida also showcases a variety of local colours with live music and costumed bike competitors, as well as a parade and races on foot.   Hot Air Balloon Festival (5-7 August)   With so much natural beauty, Colorado is a destination that should be seen from the skies, and everyone who takes part in Craig’s Hot Air Balloon Festival gets that luxury. With a colourful ascension scheduled each morning, hot air balloons dip and soar over lakes with magical mountainous views as the backdrop. Saturday boasts a full day of entertainment and activities in Loudy-Simpson Park, including a classic car show, a cardboard boat regatta and bouncy castles. Music can be found playing all day long.   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 host the Telluride Jazz Festival, a three-day and night music event centred around jazz. The annual event combines the finest pristine natural landscape aesthetics with boundless creativity, accompanied by a once-in-a lifetime soundtrack, provided by acclaimed artists. The towering mountain peaks and glowing aspen trees that dot the hillsides provide the perfect amphitheatre for music to resonate through the mountain canyon. Providing a sample of Colorado’s renowned craftsmanship, amenities include food vendors, craft brews and cocktails.

"It's all about the recovery", says Tim. Learn about how they are adjusting their strategy and what kind of international visitors they are targeting (i.e. UK) for their vast inventory of offerings. And, the latest ways they are enhancing their sustainability strategy.

  Summer may have drawn to a close but autumn offers one of the best times to visit Colorado. Boasting fun activities for all the family, from arts and culture to food festivals and skiing, below are the must visits this season.   Festivals & Events   Pueblo’s Chile & Frijoles Festival, Pueblo (23-25 September)   Foodies should head south of Denver this autumn where they can celebrate Pueblo’s harvest of its most-loved crop, the Pueblo green chili, at the Chile & Frijoles Festival. A true feast, the festival will include cooking demonstrations, musical performances, frijole-spitting and jalapeño-eating contests. Visitors can also take home fresh green chiles so they can cook up a storm at home.   Breckenridge Oktoberfest, Breckenridge (23-25 September)   Returning to its original celebration for the first time since the pandemic, Oktoberfest is coming back bigger and better than ever. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their best Bavarian attire and enjoy a stein or three. Breckenridge Oktoberfest will have a full-blown street party with live music, food vendors and many cheers.   Elk Fest, Estes Park (1-2 October)   Each October in Estes Park, bull elk gather to show off for the females during the start of rutting (breeding) season. At Elk Fest, visitors can learn about the animals behaviour whilst observing them in their natural habitat. Onlookers can expect live music, performances, and can even participate in a bugling contest. For those wanting to learn the ins and outs of the beautiful beasts, The YMCA of The Rockies is offering an Elk Ecology Class where participants can enjoy hands-on activities to learn about their biology, herding dynamics and habitat requirements for survival and seasonal behaviour changes.   Tarantula Fest, La Junta (8 October)   Every autumn, herds of tarantulas scurry across the open landscape in La Junta and southeast Colorado. Whilst this has traditionally been seen as migration, it’s in fact an annual mating ritual performed by male tarantulas who roam across 443,000 acres on the Comanche National Grassland. Once temperatures start to cool, the mating season begins. In celebration, the first annual Tarantula Fest will be held in La Junta and include guided tarantula tours, an educational pavilion and much more.   Denver Arts Week (4-12 November)   With hundreds of events around the Mile High City, Denver Arts Week will show off one of the world’s most vibrant arts scenes. Explore vibrant art districts, outdoor sculpture displays, performing arts shows, literary events and art sales. One of the week’s main highlights is Saturday Night at the Museums on 5th November, when many of the city’s top cultural institutions will be open for free from 5-10pm, a great opportunity for culture vultures to get their art fix.   Ski News   Season opening dates   Colorado’s popular ski destinations have announced dates for the upcoming season, starting with Keystone’s kick off in October. On 11th November, both Breckenridge and Vail will follow before Winter Park opens on 16th November. Beaver Creek, Steamboat and Crested Butte will open on 23rd November, with Aspen Snowmass to follow on 24th November.   Keystone Resort   A true winter wonderland, Keystone Resort boasts more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain across three peaks a stone's throw away from Denver. Kicking of the Colorado ski season this October, activities include night skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, sleigh rides and more. With the Kids Ski Free programme, children 12 and under can ski and ride for free every day all season long when just two or more nights of accommodation is booked. Not only this, but the popular Outpost Restaurant has also received a 6,000 square feet expansion, adding 300 more guest seats indoors and 75 outside.   Steamboat   In January 2023, Steamboat in Colorado will celebrate its 60 year anniversary. The popular resort is known for its western heritage and is currently undergoing a $200 million renovation which will see modernisation on the mountain and in the resort’s base area. Winter 22/23 will see the opening of the lower leg of the new Wild Blue Gondola (the longest gondola in North America and the fastest 10 person gondola in the country) and base area improvements including a new ice skating rink and food and drink hall.   Aspen Snowmass   Gearing up for another ski season, Aspen Snowmass plans to come back with a bang with exciting events including the return of World Cup racing on Aspen Mountain and new major developments including a revamped Buttermilk base area. A $23 million renovation, Buttermilk will see a reworked base area complete with a new 9,000 sq.ft electric skier services building, a new Mountain Lodge eatery, and an expanded bar and outdoor patio named The Backyard.   Hotel Openings & Refurbishments   A-Frame Club, Winter Park - opening autumn   The much-anticipated A-Frame Club, a new hotel in Winter Park, is set to open its doors this autumn in time for the 22/23 winter season. Comprising 31 cabins, the design is inspired by 1970s American ski culture paired with modern amenities, including an Onsen-style bath, cosy fireplace and outside deck. Beyond A-Frame Club, visitors to Winter Park can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and more. Exact opening date TBA.   The Western Hotel, Ouray - reopening autumn   Originally built in 1891, The Western Hotel has undergone an extensive renovation to enhance its amenities whilst paying homage to its history and authentic design. In addition to 16 beautifully designed guest rooms, the property will feature a saloon bar and restaurant, general store and spa comprising hot and cold plunge pools and treatment rooms. Exact opening date TBA.

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

  Tours    Rocky Mountain Food Tours, Colorado Springs    Rocky Mountain Food Tours in Colorado Springs invites travellers to taste authentic flavours 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. Travellers will get a behind-the-scenes look into the popular culinary scene downtown, whilst seeing it from a locals perspective. Prices start from £53 per person.    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 along the way. 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. Prices start from £67 per person.    Delicious Denver Food Tours, Denver   Offering travellers 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 expedition ensures to provide an overarching Denver experience, mixing both high culture and street food, as well as teach travellers about history, street art, and things to do in the surrounding areas. Prices start from £58 per person.    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 of the festival and feature an impressive selection of local and international wines, alongside premium beer and craft cocktails. Live music and small bites ensure this outdoor experience has an atmosphere to be remembered. Tickets start from £99 per person.    Palisade Peach Festival, Palisade (11-13 August)   Lifes a peach at Palisade’s annual Peach Festival. Taking place 11-13 August, guests can experience Palisade peaches at their finest during its 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, as well as family-friendly games and the famous BBQ throwdown and peach eating contests. A family pass for the full weekend costs £21.   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 a farewell to summer. Taste of Colorado hosts thousands of guests to savour distinctive Colorado dishes created by talented local chefs. Tour the state’s menus with samples from over 50 restaurants, dance to live music spanning different genres across six stages, and shop artisan crafts, homeware and jewellery from 50 market traders. Entry is free.