Colorado Forecasts a Memorable Winter Season Full of New Offerings, Attractions and Events

 

Denver, CO (August 18,2016) – Coming off a record-setting winter travel season, Colorado, home of America’s Best Skiing, promises to once again offer visitors to the state with an unmatched winter vacation. Both on- and off-the-slopes at Colorado’s 25 ski areas and resorts, and in destinations across the state, travelers can expect new and unique experiences including the chance to ski with professional athlete Chris Davenport at The Little Nell in Aspen, see the spectacular costumes from the Star Wars movies at the Denver Art Museum and create custom skis with the legendary Pete Wagner in Telluride. This winter, Colorado will also celebrate the centennial of the Town of Estes Park, the 70^th anniversary of Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort, the 50^th anniversary of Sunlight Ski Area and play host to the 2017 Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals ─ the first U.S. destination to do so in 20 years.

 

Following is a sampling of what’s new this winter in Colorado. For more information on Colorado or for a free copy of the 2016/2017 Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com.

 

Beaver Creek's White Glove Winter Vacation. New for winter, this Beaver Creek vacation package promises to be one of the ski industry's most luxurious holiday packages. Valued at $50,000, it includes first class airfare to Vail Eagle Airport, a private helicopter ride to the base of Beaver Creek Mountain, a chauffeured car to the Trappers Cabin, a private chef, ski instructor, four Epic Passes, a new wardrobe from Helly Hansen, and (of course) first tracks every day of your stay.

 

Hotel Telluride Offers Master of the Mountain Package. New for winter 2016, the Hotel Telluride is offering a ‘Master of the Mountain’ package that invites guests to become the master of Telluride's rugged terrain with two pairs of customized Pete Wagner skis, one of the most advanced cobblers of skis in the world. Also included in the package is a three-night stay in The Hotel Telluride’s Ajax Suite, one-day Telluride Ski Mountain pass with private guide, one-day private heli-skiing tour and champagne upon return to the hotel and a 90-minute custom spa treatment. 

 

Keystone’s Kids Ski Free Program Turns 5 this Winter. Keystone is lighting the birthday candles as its industry-leading Kids Ski Free program turns 5. Celebrate the birthday milestone all season long with free family-friendly Kidtopia events and parties. Every day, all season long, kids 12 and younger ski for free at Keystone with no blackout dates.

 

Click-In with Chris Davenport at The Little Nell. The Little Nell is excited to welcome pro skier Chris Davenport back for the 2nd annual Click-In with Chris Ski Camp in March 2017. Click-In with Chris includes deluxe accommodations, gourmet meals and exhilarating adventures. Chris is a professional big mountain skier with many adventure films to his name.

 

Gourmet Snowshoe Adventures at The Osprey in Beaver Creek. Launched in early 2016, Beaver Creek invites guests to enjoy three new snowshoe adventures – Winter Wine Excursions, Fondue + Shoe and Women’s Walk + Wine – each of which combine wellness-promoting outdoor activity and scenic splendor with après-snowshoe gourmet decadence found only at Beaver Creek.

 

St. Regis Resort Aspen to Offer Uphill/Downhill Package. Beginning in January 2017, the St. Regis Resort in Aspen is offering a new Uphill/Downhill Package in partnership with Aspen Expeditions Worldwide. The package includes a three night stay at the St. Regis Aspen Resort, a day of uphill and downhill skiing with Aspen Expeditions, daily fitness and yoga classes in the Resort’s fitness center and the newest spa treatment for winter 2017, the Altitude Recovery Massage at Remède Spa.

 

New Experience at Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. Illusions of the Passed: The Stanley Hotel added a new “Illusions of the Passed” theatrical séance. Led by the in-house illusionist Aidan Sinclair, who was featured on America’s Got Talent, real artifacts are used to simulate conversations with the dead. REI Basecamp at The Stanley Hotel: The iconic hotel has also partnered with REI Adventures to offer a special Outdoor School series, which began summer 2016. The REI Basecamp at the Stanley Hotel features programs such as campfire cooking classes and survival courses among other nature-inspired activities.

 

A-Basin Celebrates Its 70^th Birthday.  December 2016 marks the 70^th anniversary of Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, which will be celebrated with several special deals and events throughout the season. Arapahoe Basin’s Black Mountain Lodge at mid-mountain will also host the annual Moonlight Dinner Series, held on the Saturday of the full moon cycle each month during the ski season.

 

Estes Park Celebrates its Centennial. The town of Estes Park will celebrate its 100^th birthday in 2017. The town was established on April 17, 1917 and boasts several historic landmarks, attractions and lodges to visit.

 

Sunlight Ski Area Commemorates 50 Years. If you’re curious about what skiing was like 50 years ago, then Sunlight is the place to visit. The ski area has remained virtually unchanged after all of these years. In fact, they are still under the same ownership that purchased Sunlight in 1966. Sunlight will be celebrating its golden anniversary with a series of special events and offerings throughout the season.

 

Telluride Mountain Gondola Celebrates 20 Years. The beloved Telluride Mountain Village Gondola system will celebrate its 20^th anniversary on December 20, 2016. In true Telluride fashion, the destination will celebrate with a series of events and a festive gala will take place during the anniversary month in December 2016.

 

Wolf Creek Pass Turns 100. Wolf Creek Pass opened to the public 100 years ago making access to Wolf Creek Ski Area possible from both the San Luis Valley and Pagosa Springs.  Located in Southwest Colorado in the San Juan Mountains, Wolf Creek Ski Area is known for its deep-powder skiing and its uniqueness in the ski industry since its opening in 1939.

 

Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume, November 13, 2016 – April 2, 2017. This exhibition will give visitors a look behind the scenes into the fantasy, marvel and delight of bringing characters in the Star Wars™ universe to life through a dramatic presentation of original costumes. Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume will closely examine the captivating process of costume conception and design for iconic outfits from Princess Leia’s unforgettable bikini to Darth Vader’s imposing black uniform featured in all seven films of the Star Wars™ series.

 

2017 Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals in Aspen, March 15-19, 2017. Aspen will host the 2017 Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals in March 2017, marking the first time the event has been held in the U.S. in 20 years. The races will feature the best men’s and women’s alpine skiing athletes in the world competing in downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom and nation’s team event. Watch as the athletes take on the steep and challenging faces of Aspen Mountain and return to the historic site of America’s Downhill.

 

New Historic Hot Springs Loop. Five premier hot springs destinations in the western part of Colorado: Chaffee County, Pagosa Springs, Ouray County, Glenwood Springs and Steamboat Springs recently came together to form the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop with 19 unique facilities. Each of these communities has a ski resort or area nearby and this diverse selection of hot springs is the perfect pairing after a day on the slopes.

 

Monarch Ski Area Adds Uphill Skiing Lane. New for 2016/2017, Monarch Ski Area is adding an uphill travel lane to the mountain that will allow uphill skiing during operating hours and make it easier for skiers to skin up the terrain. Monarch will continue to allow uphill travel across the mountain during non-operational hours.

 

Rocky Mountain National Park Expansion. At the end of 2016, a 42-acre piece of commercial property located within the park boundaries will come under the protection of the National Park Service. The Cascade Cottages property was the largest privately owned land inside the park, and the land will now be open for park visitors to enjoy.

 

New Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience Opens in Canyon City. Opened in summer 2016, the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience is a state-of-the-art property featuring a world-class collection of interactive displays, full scale dinosaur fossils, and even a multi-story ropes course. The Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience is the perfect place to spend a day learning about the paleontological history of Colorado and enjoy the views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range.

 

Baldpate Inn Homestead Restored in Estes Park. In 2016, the historic Baldpate Inn, home to the world’s largest key museum, restored its homestead cabin for guests to reserve. Set in the forest, just a short walk from the main lodge, the homestead offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, great room, solarium and library. The inn will also be celebrating its 100^th anniversary in 2017.

 

Basecamp Boulder Opens. Boulder's newest hotel was built for adventure. Opened summer 2016, Basecamp Boulder features a climbing wall and fire pit complete with make-your-own-s'mores kits, alongside all the comforts of a quality hotel.  The new adventure-themed hotel’s decor employs youthful and humorous artwork.

 

Colorado Trail House Opens for First Winter in Leadville. At this 12-bedroom inn, guests enjoy the charm of a Victorian house built by a Leadville mining magnate and its prime location as base camp for skiing, snowmobiling or snow biking. Private rooms and a hostel-style bunk house rates start at $25 to $90 per night.

 

Halcyon Hotel to Open in Cherry Creek. Opening in fall 2016, the Halcyon is a seven-story independent luxury property featuring 155 rooms as well as a roof-top pool along with restaurant and retail space consistent with the neighborhood’s unique character. It was designed to make guests feel like they are visiting a friend’s house and to bring pedestrians and the community into the space.

 

Hotel Boulderado Completes Renovation in Boulder. Hotel Boulderado, a favorite destination for travelers since 1909, has completed phase one of a renovation project that included 114 guest rooms and the outdoor plaza. The next phase of the renovation focuses on the mezzanine and lobby in the historic section of the hotel and is expected to be finished by early 2017.

 

Hotel Indigo to Debut in Denver. This 180-room hotel will be part of the 21,000-square-foot Union Tower West mixed-use development near the recently renovated Denver Union Station. It is expected to open in late 2016.

 

New Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant to Open in Downtown Denver. Opening late 2016, the new Kimpton will be located adjacent to Denver’s iconic Union Station. The new 200-room hotel will feature 8,300-square-feet of meeting space, including an outdoor patio and rooftop patio, a 2,000-square-foot fitness center and two local-inspired, chef-driven restaurants and bars.

 

 

Mancos Inn and Hostel Gets a Makeover. In operation since 1894, the Mancos Inn & Hostel recently underwent an extensive remodel of the rooms, kitchen, common area and outdoor garden spaces.  It is the perfect basecamp for Mesa Verde Country adventures. 

 

Breckenridge Distillery Opens New Restaurant. Slated to open in fall 2016, Chef Daniel O’Brien (the Top Chef behind Washington D.C.’s Seasonal Pantry) debuted an intimate and modern farm-to-table experience at the Breckenridge Distillery. The kitchen concept is constructed around an open grill fueled by oak staves from whiskey barrels, and is dedicated to a whole animal process, leaving nothing to waste.

 

Breckenridge Ski Resort to Open New On-Mountain Restaurant. New for the 2016/17 ski season, Breckenridge Ski Resort will add a brand new 490-seat restaurant atop the Independence SuperChair on Peak 7. The restaurant will boast the resort’s only full-service salad bar, a Mediterranean station and dramatic views of Summit County.

 

The Central Market Opens in Denver. Noted Denver restauranteur, Jeff Osaka, will open The Central Market in Denver’s hip RiNo neighborhood in fall 2016. It will be an accessible gourmet market that serves as both food emporium and neighborhood community space and will be home to 13 local vendors including: Crema Bodega; High Point Creamery; Culture Meat & Cheese; COCO Chocolates; Izzio Bakery; Silva’s Fish; The Local Butcher, Green Seed produce; Vero Pizza from Andrea Frizzi of Il Posto; SK Provisions from Sean Kelly; and Curio bar.

 

Elkins Distilling Company Opens in Estes Park. Opened in July 2016, Elkins is one of only a handful of high-altitude distilling companies. They utilize the climate, high altitude and thin, dry air to create unique moonshine and white whiskeys – a different distilling process and rising trend in the beverage industry.

 

Gwyn’s High Alpine Restaurant Remodel at Snowmass. During summer 2016, Gwyn’s High Alpine restaurant located mid-mountain at Snowmass underwent an extensive remodel that includes a light expansion of the building as well as the addition of a bar that will have a large wood-burning fire and big-screen televisions.

 

Harvest by Kelly Liken Opens in Vail. Colorado chef and restaurateur Kelly Liken, a James Beard Award nominee, Top Chef alum, and Food Network Iron Chef competitor, opened Harvest By Kelly Liken in June 2016. Harvest by Kelly Liken is a community centric neighborhood restaurant focusing on seasonal American cuisine that embraces a Rocky Mountain essence, along with an inventive cocktail and beverage program.

 

Wilde's Green Hour Opens in Leadville. A new speakeasy recently opened in Leadville and is ready for its first winter. Wilde's Green Hour features delicious tapas-style dishes such as smoked trout dip with crusty French bread, homemade cocktails, and absinthe. Live music is also on the menu at this elegant new offering. 

 

Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 25 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet.  For more information or a copy of the 2016 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800 COLORADO. 

 

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Media Contacts: Carly Holbrook, [email protected], 720-289-9366

                        Kirstin Graber, [email protected], 303-892-3871