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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The state of Colorado is a true year-round destination and the fall is one of its best kept secrets. Autumn starts early in the Centennial State and there's plenty of fall fun to be found. Here are the top picks to see and do during fall in Colorado.   Fall Foliage Breckenridge boasts some of North America's earliest fall colors. Located at 9,600 ft. above sea level, the aspen trees begin their annual transformation to brilliant gold in early September. Check out recently opened The Carlin, a "restaurant with rooms." This European mountain town concept blends top-notch dining and upscale accommodations. The Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit is a scenic drive lined with golden aspen trees as it takes visitors to the historic mountain towns of Aspen, Central City, Leadville, Ouray and Telluride, which offer elegant opera houses and a wide variety of entertainment. Grand Junction is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, and there is no better time to experience it than the autumn season. Explore the brilliant gold fall foliage on the Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-top mountain, or go hiking or canyoneering in the Colorado National Monument. Kike to the second largest concentration of naturally formed arches in the US at Rattlesnake Canyon or hit the mountain bike trails. The Rocky Mountaineer "Rockies to the Red Rocks" rail journey between Denver and Moab is an excellent way to experience fall foliage in Colorado. Guests can see aspen colors change from green to yellow, gold, orange and red as they travel in luxury on a train that runs along the Colorado River from Denver through stunning mountain landscapes. Silverthorne offers a variety of fall adventures. Ptarmigan Trail has panoramic views of several mountain ranges - the Continental Divide, Gore Range, Tenmile Range and Williams Fork Range. Local guide Cutthroat Anglers offers fly fishing lessons and guided excursions in nearby waterways. Stop for local brews at the new Syndicate Brewing, or grab brunch at Timberline Craft Kitchen. Twin Lakes, located at 10,000 feet above sea level, enjoy epic fall leaf peeping as well as hiking, scenic drives or a ride aboard the Leadville Railroad. Trinidad showcases a landscape of vibrant colors. To celebrate the harvest season, Trinidad offers leaf peeping, hiking, biking, hunting and fishing as well unique local foods, arts and culture.   Autumn for the adventurous Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a gondola ride surrounded by mountain vistas. At the top of the gondola, visitors can experience the world's only mountaintop amusement park, which features rides, rollercoasters and swings with spectacular views. Fly Fishing for Kokanee Salmon on the Gunnison River is a marquee event in the Crested Butte and Gunnison area. In October, more than 20,000 Kokanee Salmon - a rare species - migrate 30 miles from Blue Mesa up the Gunnison River to spawn at the Roaring Judy Hatchery. The area is open to self-led experiences, and there are several outfitter options available for guided fishing excursions for all skill levels. Rafting Experiences: As a result of extended rains and full reservoirs, the Colorado River provides adventurous recreation options long into the fall months. Near Kremmling, relaxing float-fishing trips offer a serene getaway. Half-day, full-day and overnight trips are available, and can be booked into October. The Colorado River also offers family-friendly rafting trips through Glenwood Canyon and Glenwood Springs.   Fall flavors Fall Flannel Fest at Dairy Block, Denver (October 22) - Dairy Block will host the 6th annual Fall Flannel Festival on Sunday 22 October, a free event with a line-up of live music, face painting, a pumpkin carver, kids crafts and more. You-Pick Vegetable Harvest and Pumpkin Patch at Bartels Farm, Fort Collins (Until 1 November) - For the past 22 years The Bartels Farm in Fort Collins has opened its vegetable garden and pumpkin patch for fall harvesting. Visitors can pick peppers, sweet corn, green beans, celery, onions, tomatoes and more. There is also a large pumpkin patch, along with gourds, bundles of Indian corn, and straw bales.   Autumn wellness Sensei Wellbeing Retreat at The Little Nell, Aspen (2-7 October) - Luxury wellness brand, Sensei, will team up with the iconic Aspen hotel, The Little Nell, for a special five-night, six-day group hiking retreat. Sensei brings its renowned wellness guide team to Colorado for the first time.

The MICHELIN Guide team announced the official reveal date for its first Colorado MICHELIN Guide listings. The MICHELIN Guide Colorado is the latest statewide expansion of the MICHELIN Guide. It will cover Denver, Boulder, Aspen and Snowmass Village, the Town of Vail and Beaver Creek Resort. Chefs will be invited to the Mission Ballroom in downtown Denver on September 12 for the launch. Restaurant teams will see if they have earned a MICHELIN Star, Bib Gourmand or another MICHELIN Guide distinction. This will be the first time any Colorado restaurants will be up for a Michelin designation. It is an invite-only event. Colorado has a rich culinary community, with many restaurants incorporating different flavors and ingredients. "This event marks a monumental occasion as we unveil the first-ever Colorado selections and showcase the innovation of our culinary community," said CTO Director, Timothy Wolfe. Earlier this summer, Colorado became the eighth MICHELIN Guide destination in North America. Michelin announced its first North American Guide in 2005 for New York. Guides have also been added in Washington, DC, Chicago, California, Florida, Toronto, Vancouver and Atlanta.

  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.

  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/OwKifEkrMso[/embed]

  Talk to anybody about visiting Northern Colorado in the winter and they will assume you are going to wax your skis and start slaloming downhill. Is the area worth visiting if you do not ski? Well, our Graham McKenzie visited in January of this year and found plenty of reasons to vacation in the region including scenic beauty, amazing cloud formations, amazing activities, snow shoeing and horse riding in the Rockies, multiple festivals, fabulous food. including world famous cinnamon rolls, and of course, local beer   Why visit Colorado in Winter; Part 1 Snowy landscapes and The Shining: Colorado in the winter Horsing around in Loveland – a Colorado winter The good life in Fort Collins, Colorado        

Aspen and Snowmass Village in Colorado are well known for their long history as vibrant arts and culture communities. During the summer months, a host of internationally acclaimed events take place across both mountain towns. Aspen Art Museum is a must for any art lover, and Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass has a series of top summer events. Discover eight of the best arts and culture venues, tours and experiences this summer in Aspen and Snowmass Village.   Aspen   Aspen Historical Society Preserving the fascinating history of Aspen, Snowmass and beyond, Aspen Historical Society (AHS) offers several guided tours of historic sites around Aspen. Join a walking tour of downtown Aspen, as well as its iconic landmarks including the Wheeler Opera House, Hotel Jerome and Red Butte Cemetery, or explore the bauhaus-influenced architecture of Aspen's West End residential neighbourhood. Some tours are offered for free.   Aspen Art Museum  A non-collecting institution, Aspen Art Museum hosts some of the newest and most important artworks from around the world, with free admission Tuesday-Sunday year-round. The 30,000-square-feet museum designed by Japanese architect and humanitarian Shigeru Ban, features innovative and timely exhibitions, educational programs, immersive activities and community events. The museum also has a bookstore and shop, as well as a new rooftop cafe. This summer's major exhibition is showcasing works by Florian Krewer 'Everybody rise' (25 May - 24 September). It is the German painter's first-ever solo museum exhibition in the United States, comprising more than twenty paintings.   Belly Up Aspen An icon in the live music industry, Belly Up Aspen is a small music venue in downtown Aspen hosting over 300 live concerts a year. Whilst holding just 450 people, Belly Up Aspen has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry including Snoop Dog, Wiz Khalifa, John Legend and The Chainsmokers. This summer will be no different with an epic lineup expected including Pink Martini, Train and The Wallflowers.   Theatre Aspen Celebrating its 40th anniversary, nationally acclaimed Theatre Aspen hosts a rotating schedule of productions suitable for adults and families. Performed under a tent during the summer in Rio Grande Park, 2023 mainstage productions include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (22 June - 8 July), Doubt, a Parable (14 - 29 July), and Rent (4 - 26 August). These productions are complemented by an assortment of community events, including late-night cabarets, educational programs and performances as well as collaborations with other Aspen arts organizations.   Snowmass Village   Anderson Ranch Arts Center  An internationally renowned destination for art, Anderson Ranch Arts Center has announced its summer series, with a schedule of free programs discussing contemporary art topics through lectures, conversations and panels. Enjoy stimulating conversations with today's most influential critics and collectors, or visit during Recognition Week (10-15 July), a week-long celebration of the International Artist Honoree, with special events, lectures and opportunities to purchase outstanding artworks. The event culminates with the Anderson Ranch Annual Art Auction & Community Picnic on 15 July.   Snowmass Free Concert Series  A long-standing summer tradition, the Snowmass Free Concert Series returns for its 31st year this summer to Fanny Hill, a popular amphitheatre venue in Snowmass, every Thursday evening at 6:30pm from 15 June to 24 August. The weekly outdoor series will feature music genres including soul, pop, funk, rock & roll, country, bluegrass and more. Additionally, there will be many free live music events throughout the season at various restaurants and venues.   Snowmass Art Festival  The Snowmass Art Festival (24-25 June) is a juried art show featuring original handcrafted artwork. This free two-day event showcases local Colorado and national artists, representing painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, glass and wood. This outdoor festival is surrounded by a world-class resort, mountains, countless recreational activities and shops, restaurants and hotels. Entry to the festival is free, while artwork is individually priced.   Drishti Beats Yoga & Music Festival  The 2023 Drishti Beats Yoga & Music Festival (7-9 July) in Snowmass Village explores the symbiotic connection between music, yoga and the outdoors. Relax and nurture your wellbeing by attending the yoga classes. The three-day festival features yoga, lectures and a live music lineup highlighting some of the top artists of downtempo electronic chill and house music.  

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.