DENVER
Colorado is heading into a winter filled with new offerings for visitors. From soaring down the mountain year-round on four new mountain coasters, skiing 468 acres of new terrain at Arapahoe Basin and celebrating Snowmass’ 50th anniversary, to exciting hotel and restaurant openings and unique packages and experiences, Colorado is filled with winter fun just waiting to be explored. Following is a sampling of what’s new for the winter season in Colorado. For more information on Colorado, visit www.COLORADO.com.

Colorado Welcomes Winter Olympic Experiences: Colorado welcomes the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics with several Olympic experiences. Attend ski and snowboard Olympic qualifiers at the Dew Tour in Breckenridge (December 14-17, 2017) and the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain (December 6-10, 2017) and Aspen (January 10-14, 2018), visit the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, train where Olympians train at Woodward at Copper, experience Steamboat’s 2018 Olympic Send-Off Celebration (January 27, 2018) and more.

Wolfpack Ninja Tour LLC Comes to Colorado, November 3-5, 2017: The Wolfpack Ninja Tour will be a large-scale competition in which competitors from across the world will compete on a professional obstacle course for over $50,000 in cash prizes at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland. This tour will be a family-fun showcase operated by the Wolfpack Ninjas, a group of all-star athletes featured on NBC’s hit TV show series American Ninja Warrior. Loveland is the home of the new Wolfpack Ninja gym, owned and operated by American Ninja Warrior top-ranking competitors Noah Kaufman and Ian Dory.

The Brown Palace’s 125th Anniversary Champagne Cascade, November 19, 2017: Denver’s elegant welcome to the holiday season with a master swordsman who uses a Napoleonic saber to sever the bottlenecks of Moet & Chandon Champagne bottles at the historic Brown Palace Hotel. The Champagne is then poured into the uppermost glass of a two-story, 6,000-glass pyramid, overflowing to the glasses below, creating a dazzling display. The 2017 Cascade will honor the hotel’s 125th anniversary.

Snowmass Ski Area Celebrates 50 Years: This winter season marks the 50th anniversary of the Snowmass Ski Area. The season-long celebration includes vintage, 1967 lift ticket pricing of $6.50 on Friday, December 15 as well as a festive weekend of anniversary activities December 15-17 such as a retro party at Elk Camp restaurant, fireworks display, the return of Banana Days, an on-mountain celebration at Spider Sabich Picnic arena and more. Additionally, throughout the season, the celebration continues with new gold signs that mark the original ski trails, monthly fireworks display over Fanny Hill, a new mural in Base Village commemorating the history of Snowmass and more.

New Kidtopia Signature Event Series at Keystone Resort: New for 2017-18, the Kidtopia Signature Event Series will feature three distinct events throughout the winter to complement the family experience at Keystone. Events include the Kidtopia Spectacular, a holiday mountaintop celebration from December 15-24; the first-ever Kidtopia Culinary Festival, a celebrity chef event catering to the youngest of foodies from February 9-17; and the Kidtopia Music Experience, rock’n’roll parties, dance parties and more to kick off spring skiing from March 2-10.

Cooper Celebrates 75th Anniversary, December 31, 2017: Cooper, a gem resort just outside of Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the U.S., turns 75 this year. In honor of the anniversary, Cooper will hold a 75th birthday party and New Year’s Eve celebration with cake, balloons, a torchlight parade and more.

Loveland Launches Winter Wonderlights, November 25, 2017 – January 14, 2018: The magic of the holidays can be found at Loveland’s Winter Wonderlights, a new walkable holiday lighting attraction situated in the award-winning Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra. From November 25 until January 14, guests will be mesmerized as they stroll through the north end of the Sculpture Park. Holiday string lights, twinkling bulbs, lit trees, holiday characters and illuminated African stone sculptures only found in Loveland will transform a special section of this 26-acre outdoor park into a winter wonderland.

Outdoor Retailer Makes the Big Move to Denver, January 25 – 28, 2018: Denver recently announced the city was selected to host the prestigious Outdoor Retailer trade shows for the next five years, which represents a dawning for a galvanized, energized recreation community that will grow from Colorado, fomenting support for public lands, environmental health and the outdoor recreation industry. The first winter market show will take place in conjunction with the Snow Show.

2018 Olympic Send-Off Celebration in Steamboat, January 27, 2018: Steamboat is known for having produced more winter Olympians than any other town in the United States. The community celebrates that heritage and prepares to root for the next generation of Olympic athletes at the 2018 Olympic Send-off Celebration. Almost 90 athletes with ties to Steamboat have competed in the winter games and many of these former athletes will gather with 2018 team hopefuls during an evening with athlete autographs, fireworks, interviews and more.

Degas: A Passion for Perfection, February 11 – May 20, 2018: Appearing for the only time in the United States at Denver Art Museum, Degas: A Passion for Perfection will showcase prolific French artist Edgar Degas’ works from 1855 to 1906. More than 100 works consisting of paintings, drawings, pastels, etchings, monotypes, and sculptures in bronze will be on view. The exhibition will focus on the most prominent and recurring themes throughout Degas’ 60-year career. These include his interest in learning from the art of the past and from that of his contemporaries, a lifelong fascination with the nude, a passion for horses, and his strong interest in opera and dance.

Arapahoe Basin Expands Terrain: For the 2017-18 season, Arapahoe Basin will be adding a total of 468 acres to its inbounds skiable terrain, bringing its total acreage to over 1,400 acres. The expansion is one of the only expansions taking place in North America. Construction on the new terrain began this summer, with patrolled and maintained hike-back skiing available starting in the 2017-18 season. There will be 339 acres of lift-served skiing in The Beavers, including intermediate and advanced open bowl and tree skiing. The Steep Gullies will remain hike-back terrain, and will be some of the most technical and challenging in-bounds terrain at Arapahoe Basin.

Colorado Welcomes Three New Creative Districts: Colorado Creative Industries recently announced the certification of three new Creative Districts into the Colorado Creative Districts Program. The newly certified districts are Manitou Springs Creative District, Steamboat Springs Creative District and Westwood Creative District (Denver) joining the existing 18 Colorado Creative Districts.

Colorado Field Guide Launches: The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) introduced a new initiative aimed at inspiring travelers to explore the state’s hidden gems and carry their dollars to less-visited destinations in the state. The itineraries, which include specific recommendations for things to do and places to eat and stay, are housed on Colorado.com in a brand-new trip planner built from the ground up for Colorado by Utrip, an artificial-intelligence-based destination discovery and planning platform.

Copper Mountain Opens The Rocky Mountain Coaster: This fall, Copper Mountain will open its new alpine coaster that will span 5,800 feet. With a vertical drop of 430 feet on an average grade of 10.9 percent, the Rocky Mountain Coaster will provide an exciting activity in both the summer and winter months.

Cross Country Ski Association Offers Punch Pass: Cross country ski across 13 Colorado resorts with the Cross Country Ski Association (CCCA) Punch Pass. The CCCSA punch pass is similar to having a season pass, but instead of just one resort, ski across several resorts throughout the state. The pass includes 12 trail passes at six resorts and great lodging, rentals and tour discounts at the other seven resorts.

Mesa Verde Country Releases Free “Ancient Voices” Travel Podcast: Mesa Verde Country has released a travel podcast called “Ancient Voices” that guides visitors through the Southwest Colorado communities of Cortez, Dolores and Mancos. The 30-minute audio tour, which includes driving directions, is versatile and designed to accompany travelers as they journey at their own pace among the archaeological, agricultural and geological wonders of Mesa Verde Country.

Ouray Hot Springs Pool Unveils $10.6 Million Renovation: Ouray Hot Springs has undergone a $10.6 million renovation and recently unveiled the finished product in time for the springs’ 90th birthday. One of the many goals of this project was to make the hot springs more accessible, secluded and inclusive for all visitors, while maintaining the pool’s historic oval shape. New additions joined the two soaking pools, which opened in May as the first leg of the renovation. Other add-ons and improvements include new shallow and hot sections, an overlook, activity pool, slides, lighting and more.

Powderhorn Mountain Resort’s New Ski Patrol Ski Along: Get the ultimate insider’s guide to Powderhorn with the new Ski Patrol Ski Along. Ski with a professional Ski Patroller and learn some of the tools of the trade such as safety, transporting and caring for guests on the mountain. The ski along is open to all ages and starts at $75 per person.

Purgatory Resort Opens New Mountain Coaster: Opening in late 2017, Purgatory Resort in Durango will feature a new mountain coaster that will be accessible right from the base area and will operate during both winter and summer seasons. The coaster will be 4,000 feet in length with a 300-foot-vertical, and will feature nine switchbacks and one loop, giving guests another fun activity snow or shine.

Silver Queen Walking Tours Rolls Out Ghost Tour in Historic Georgetown: This September, Silver Queen Walking Tours (SQWT) will roll out a special edition ghost tour. Available weekends through Halloween, the Georgetown Ghost Tour will give participants a glimpse into the paranormal lore of the town and its dark past. SQWT will also offer a special edition John Denver’s Georgetown tour (October 6-8, 2017) to commemorate the musician/actor on the 20th anniversary of his death.

Snowmass Opens New Breathtaker Mountain Coaster: With a target opening of December 2017, the Breathtaker Coaster will feature a 5,700-foot-long track with a total ride time of seven to nine minutes. The coaster will span 410 vertical feet with the speed controlled by the rider, but there will be anti-collision technology for safety and a tandem option for small children.  The Breathtaker will be open for both summer and winter operations in which the coaster will wind through the trees between Gunner’s View and Sandy Park ski trails on Snowmass Mountain.

Steamboat Ski Resort Debuts Outlaw Mountain Coaster: Expected to open in August 2017 and operate year-round, Steamboat’s new Outlaw Mountain Coaster will descend more than 400 vertical feet with a riding length of more than 6,000 linear feet, making it the longest mountain coaster in North America. The track will be in the vicinity of Christie Peak Express lift and rise between 4 and 40 feet above the ground with dips, waves, turns and 360-degree circles.

Wagner Custom Skis Opens Factory in Mountain Village: Wagner Custom Skis recently opened a new ski manufacturing factory in Mountain Village at the base of Telluride Ski Resort. Wagner has the only ski factory headquartered at the base of a major resort, and is open to the public. They offer private and weekly factory tours to show ski lovers how their skis are made custom for each client.

New Intro to Alpine Touring Program at YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch: This new ski program is geared toward those who want to learn the basic skills needed to have a great day touring the backcountry.  The tour focuses on how to use modern Alpine Touring equipment, and touches upon the basic principles of how to use an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe.  This program is perfect for those who have always wanted to see what it’s like to ski on their own outside of the resort.

Zen Compound Expands into Denver Market with Groundbreaking Facility: This fall, San Francisco artist-deejay-entrepreneur Paul Hemming will open his second Zen Compound, a groundbreaking facility that divides four distinct but related concepts into a single space: ECO-SYSTM, a co-working space for artists and musicians; Mirus, a gallery hanging pieces from locals as well as internationally-known artists; Hive, a unique coffee bar; and Temple Nightclub, an innovative club known for its programming, production feats and legendary hospitality.

Christmas at Cloud Camp Package: Situated 3,000 feet above The Broadmoor, Cloud Camp offers stunning views of Colorado Springs and the Rocky Mountains. The Broadmoor will open the snow-covered doors of Cloud Camp for the holiday season to one lucky group or family for a new three- or four-night holiday experience including use of the entire main lodge and its seven bedrooms. Days will be filled relaxing by the fire, joining chefs in the kitchen for “cooking clubs”, enjoying wine tastings, building snowmen, and strolling on wintry walks. All meals, beverages, and alcohol are included, and staff are able to customize the entire experience to the family’s specific holiday memories, recipes and more.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail Offers Back Bowls Ski Tour Program: Vail’s seven legendary back bowls span 3,000 acres (1,200 hectares) of Vail Mountain’s backside. Vast and open, the bowls provide advanced skiers some of the most breathtaking views around. Enjoy an exclusive tour of these bowls with a local celebrity such as Pete Seibert, the son of one of the founders of Vail, as he weaves in and around the back bowls and tells stories about the founding days of Vail. To complement this full-day experience, take a break to refuel with a chef-curated picnic lunch at Blue Sky Basin.

The Gant Aspen Offers In-Room Ski & Snowboards Rentals: The Gant, A Destination Hotel, is partnering with Ski Butler to be the first resort in Aspen to provide guests with in-room ski and snowboard rental convenience. Once fitted, guests will pick up their rentals the following morning just outside the hotel lobby for easy transport to the slopes. Ski Butlers’ product line is exclusively Rossginol and they will carry 100 percent brand new 2017/18 skis for this upcoming season.

The Sebastian-Vail Offers New Sunday Funday Brunch: The Sebastian-Vail’s new Sunday Funday Brunch includes a bottomless Bloody Mary and Prosecco Bar, ‘All Day Rosé,’ service, a charcuterie and cheese bar as well as classic and creative brunch selections served tapas style. Sunday Funday Brunch at The Sebastian will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays throughout the winter season in Leonora, the hotel’s signature restaurant.

Hotel Telluride’s ‘Sled & Soak, Ski & Sip’ Winter Alpine Package: This 3-night package includes champagne upon arrival at The Hotel Telluride, a full day backcountry snowmobiling trip to Dunton Hot Springs, a gourmet lunch at Dunton Hot Springs, soak in the hot springs in Dunton and, upon return to The Hotel Telluride, enjoy wine and charcuterie by the fireplace. The package also includes a full day lift ticket for two to Telluride Ski Resort and a champagne pairing dinner upon return to The Hotel Telluride. The ‘Sled & Soak, Ski & Sip’ package is available from November  23, 2017 – April 8,  2018.

Wine Country Inn Stay & Ski Package: In the heart of Colorado’s Wine Country, the Wine Country Inn in Palisade is offering a stay and ski package. The package includes a king room, two lift tickets to Powderhorn Mountain Resort, 10 percent off lessons, an afternoon wine reception and a wine country breakfast. Prices start at $225 per night.

Aspen Meadows Resort Renovates Reception Center: Aspen Meadows Resort is breaking ground on renovations to the Reception Center beginning in August 2017. The new renovations will add in a modern touch while preserving key elements of the present architectural work. The renovations will include a new pavilion, an expanded all-weather restaurant space accommodating 100 additional guests, and an outdoor deck- all completed with a backdrop mountain view.

The Kimpton Hotel Born Opens in Denver’s Union Station: Opening in August 2017, the new Kimpton will be located adjacent to Denver’s iconic Union Station. The new 199-room hotel will feature 8,300 square-feet of meeting space, including a street-level patio and rooftop patio, a 2,000 square-foot fitness center and two local-inspired, chef-driven restaurants and bars.

Dram Apothecary Opens Doors of New Lodging in Salida: Colorado’s leading makers of locally sourced botanical bitters and syrups—Dram Apothecary— will open doors on a new guest house in Salida this fall. The Poor Farm is a historic bed and breakfast built in 1891, which sits on the Arkansas River one mile from the town. The team will grow organic herbs for their botanical products on the property, which will feature six individually rented guest rooms with private baths, as well as attic space for an artist residence program. From $130 per night.

Elizabeth Hotel Opens in Fort Collins: The new 164-room Elizabeth Hotel in Fort Collins opens to the public this October and pays tribute to FoCo’s deep-rooted music scene. With record players in the guest rooms, inspired artwork and a piano in the Sky Bar, a musical theme permeates this modern luxury hotel. The Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market, located inside the hotel, will offer everything from gourmet sammys and grilled pizzas to charcuterie platters and signature dishes.

Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden Inn Open in Boulder: Opening in November 2017, these new dual-branded properties will feature a combined 375 rooms, 9,500 square feet, including a 6,600-square-foot ballroom at the Embassy Suites, free underground self-parking and complimentary access to a rooftop pool at Embassy Suites. The properties will offer two price points at a single site, as well as what will be the largest hotel-ballroom in Boulder.

Jacquard Opens in Denver’s Cherry Creek North Neighborhood: Expected to open in early 2018, The Jacquard hotel is Stonebridge Companies in partnership with Autograph Collection Hotels newest, luxury hotel. The hotel will be one of only two Autograph Collection Hotels in the state of Colorado and will provide guests with a true, independent, Cherry Creek luxury experience including stunning art collections, tasteful design and sophisticated dining.

Hotel Jerome Renovations in Aspen: Design services are in progress for the renovation and expansion of Hotel Jerome and the Aspen Times Building. The design will add a total of eight new keys through renovations to existing spaces and an addition adjacent to the Aspen Times Building. The hotel’s pool and courtyard area, which is currently being revitalized, will be complete this December. The additional expansion and renovation updates are expected to be complete by early spring 2018, which will include a traditional barbershop in the old Aspen Times space, along with a “secret door” to a subterranean speakeasy-style bar.

The Lion Offers Luxe Vacation Lodging in Vail: Developed and owned by Grupo Pegaso, the Lion offers a variety of lavish “alpine modern” residences ranging from 1- to 5-bedrooms, all with opulent finishes and spacious balconies, plus three levels of underground parking and an amazing location, just 350 yards from Vail’s Eagle Bahn Gondola, in the heart of Lionshead. Amenities at the Lion include a huge outdoor salt-water hot tub, an indoor infinite current lap pool and saltwater hot tub, a fitness center with steam room and an entertainment room.

Renovations at The Little Nell in Aspen: Over the course of nine weeks this spring, The Little Nell, an iconic Five-Star, Five-Diamond boutique property in the heart of Aspen underwent a renovation by Champalimaud Design, LLC. The New York- based luxury design firm refreshed the 52 guest rooms, 26 premium guest rooms, eight junior suites and all guest floor corridors, inspired by an “Authentic Aspen” motif. The design pays tribute to both Aspen’s lively and cultural scene, as well as its dynamic history as a charming silver mining town.

The Ramble Hotel Opens in Denver: The Ramble Hotel, an independently owned, three-story hotel will open in late 2017 with 50 guestrooms; an intimate theatre and bar; an independently owned restaurant; and a marquee lobby bar, Death & Co Denver. The bar marks the first outpost outside of its original location in New York’s East Village.

The Source Hotel Opens in Denver’s River North: This 100-room hotel will be located next to the popular Source culinary marketplace and will be the first hotel in Denver’s hip RiNo (River North) district. The property will feature its own extension of the culinary marketplace as well as a courtyard connecting it to The Source. Hotel plans also call for a new New Belgium brewing concept to feature sour beers. The Source Hotel is expected to open in late 2017.

The Stanley Hotel Unveils Enhancements in Estes Park: The iconic and historic Stanley Hotel rolls out enhancements to the property and offerings, including the Pavilion Auditorium and Event Center (set to open in October 2018). In January 2018, The Stanley Hotel will expand its services with the Aspire Spa, which will offer day spa amenities including a pool, spa grotto, salt caves and cold dunking pools. Historic hotel and night spirit tours continue to be a popular activity at this iconic hotel, which was the inspiration for Stephen King’s famous novel, The Shining.

Colorado to be Featured on Season 15 of Top Chef: Colorado is taking center stage as a culinary destination with the premier of season 15 of Emmy and James Beard Award-winning “Top Chef” set to air later this year on Bravo and showcasing the thriving food scenes of Aspen, Boulder, Denver and Telluride.

Bigsby’s Folly, Denver’s New Craft Winery: Opened this summer, Bigsby’s Folly is a new craft winery where artisanal meets accessible at the full-production urban winery. The winemakers pair the authenticity of California’s most prestigious vineyards with the approachability of the Roaring 20s-inspired tasting room with a restaurant and full bar menu. The winery offers a “Winemaker for a Day” experience where visitors can blend their own red wine.

Brian Dayton Opens Corrida in Boulder: This Fall, Bryan Dayton, co-owner and beverage director of OAK at fourteenth, Acorn and Brider, will open Corrida on the rooftop level of downtown Boulder’s PearlWest building – a coveted space that offers one of the only unobstructed views of the Flatiron mountains within the city. “Corrida,” a term that loosely translates to “bullfight,” serves as a nod to the restaurant’s Spanish roots. The menu will be largely inspired by northern Spain’s Basque Country and its rich culinary heritage – focusing primarily on the great steak restaurants found throughout the region.

Ginger and Baker Opens in Fort Collins:  Ginger and Baker is coming to the former Northern Colorado Feeders Supply in Fort Collins. Slated to open in September, the charming spot includes a pie shop and restaurant, cooking school and market.

Ski Cooper’s Moonlight Mountaintop Yurt Dinners: In 2018, Ski Cooper will introduce Moonlight Mountaintop Yurt Dinners. Guests will be shuttled in a warm snowcat up the mountain to a gourmet feast. Dinner will be served in Ski Cooper’s new yurt at the top of the ski lifts, which opened last season for on-mountain snacks and drinks. The yurt evenings will end with a warm snowcat return to the lodge at the base of the mountain. These dinners will be offered on the first Saturday of the month from January through April.

Top Chef Hosea Rosenberg Opens Santo in Boulder: Award-winning Chef Hosea Rosenberg will open his second restaurant concept this fall in Boulder. Just under three years after opening his flagship restaurant, the critically acclaimed Blackbelly, Rosenberg will dig into his roots for inspiration with his next creation: Santo, a full-service restaurant serving seasonal, modern, northern New Mexican fare. A native of Taos, NM, Chef Hosea will bring to life the vibrant eating and drinking culture of the region with authenticity.

Solutions Lounge & Restaurant Features Escapology® Denver: Set to open in early October, Solutions Lounge & Restaurant is the first and only escape room that also includes a bar and full restaurant. This 6,100-square-foot multi-faceted event space will feature seven escape rooms along with the restaurant that will have largely cheese-centric cuisine.

Jennifer Jasinski’s Ultreia Opens in Denver’s Union Station: James Beard Best Chef Southwest Jennifer Jasinski, along with partners Beth Gruitch and Jorel Pierce will open Jasinski’s second restaurant in Denver’s Historic Union Station, Ultreia, this fall. The restaurant will open in the building’s Great Hall and will offer shared plate pinxtos and tapas from the countries of Spain and Portugal.

Zeppelin Station Opens in Denver: Opening in December 2017, the 100,000-square-foot Zeppelin Station will boast a ground level market hall featuring retail tenants focused in design goods, various street food vendors from around the country, multiple bars and a full-service anchor restaurant. Currently on the roster for the food hall are Denver’s Vinh Xuong Bakery, Boulder’s Fior Gelato, and Chicago’s Aloha Poke Co, with several announcements coming soon. Additionally, the RiNo Arts District will house their headquarters at Zeppelin Station alongside a dynamic retail space showcasing local artisans.

American Airlines Launches New and Expanded Service to Aspen: The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) announced that American Airlines will offer new daily nonstop flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) starting this winter along with expanded service from both Dallas Ft. Worth (DFW) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD). American is scheduled to resume nonstop flights from DFW for the winter on November 5 while adding a second daily nonstop from Chicago during periods of peak demand next winter.

Montrose-Telluride New Winter Flights: Montrose-Telluride, in partnership with Colorado Flights, now provides service from Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Phoenix, Newark, LaGuardia, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Charlotte, along with Denver service, giving the Telluride and Montrose-Telluride airports 15 nonstop flights from 11 major hubs for winter 2017-18. Notable additions include: connecting service on the year-round flights from Dallas to MTJ (American Airlines);  Daily, seasonal flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor (American Airlines);  Additional seasonal flights from Los Angeles, Chicago O’Hare and most recently, Charlotte (American Airlines). Holiday service is also available from Salt Lake City to Montrose-Telluride this winter.

United Airlines Offers Nonstop Service Between Denver and London’s Heathrow Airport: United Airlines’ new flight between Denver and London will operate in the summer season, beginning on March 24, 2018, with daily flights through October 26, 2018. Flights will depart DEN at 5:35 p.m. and arrive in London at 9:40 a.m. local time the next day. The service will operate using a 219-seat Boeing 787-8 aircraft, expanding United’s use of the aircraft beyond its daily service between DEN and Tokyo/Narita.

Winter Park Express Train Expands Service: The Winter Park Express, which reopened in January 2017, will expand service to select “First Fridays” of every month. In 2018, the train will run every weekend from January 5 to March 25 with additional Friday service on January 5, February 2, and March 2- 27 total days, which is four more days than last season. Ticket prices have been lowered to $29 one way on select departures.