By Beth Buehler
Colorado is welcoming several exciting new attraction, activity and accommodations offerings of interest to incentive travel planners looking for something unique to schedule for top performers, clients and anyone involved in this type of meetings program.
Attractions
Host a beautiful welcome or closing dinner or reception at the Denver Zoo surrounded by exotic creatures, including tigers at The Edge, a new exhibit that gives guests a closeup look at Amur tigers roaming on nearly an acre.
The beautifully restored Denver Union Station not only is a hub for all sorts of transportation, it is filled with unique restaurants, bars and shops. Bring a group there for an event in the grand lobby or tasty meal at one of the eateries and consider scheduling in tandem with the new Chef-Driven Farmers Market on Saturdays from June 4 – Oct. 24.
Renovated Union Station. Courtesy Tryba Architects.
In Fort Collins, the historic Jessup Farm is now artisan village with businesses focused on handcrafted and locally sourced products. The 129-year-old home has opened as The Farmhouse restaurant that utilizes the village’s small farm and garden to create the changing menu.
Action
Planners looking for options to award adventurous attendees can now plug into technical mountaineering guide services such as rock climbing, ice climbing and avalanche training with outfitters allowed to operate in Rocky Mountain National Park adjacent to Estes Park and Grand Lake.
Minturn Anglers has introduced a fly-fishing experience that gives small groups access to private Colorado waters by helicopter. Small groups can travel to remote, private ranches and enjoy premiere trout fishing and streamside fine dining.
Colorado fly fishing nets results. Photo by Beth Buehler.
Vail Mountain is launching Epic Discovery, perfect for all levels of adventurers, including family members along for an incentive trip. The Game Creek Canopy Tour will immerse guests in the forest habitat with an array of zip lines and aerial bridges, while the Forest Flyer alpine coaster zooms down mountain terrain on raised rails and an expanded trail system encourages hiking and exploration.
The Athletic Club at The Westin Riverfront Resort Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain has introduced a new aerial yoga program following the AIReal Yoga method, the first and only form of aerial yoga accredited by the Yoga Alliance.
Aerial yoga at Athletic Club located in The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain. Photo by RexKeep Photo.
Viceroy Snowmass is offering a cycling program that is led by former pro cyclist and Tour de France competitor Will Frischkorn and can include customized activities such as a 25-mile ride to Sustainable Settings Farm and a farm-to-table dinner prepared by Viceroy Snowmass Executive Chef Will Nolan. Or schedule a ride to the Maroon Bells and Castle Creek/Ashcroft followed by massages at the hotel’s spa.
Accommodations
Slated for an early summer opening, Elk River Guest Ranch located just north of Steamboat Springs has 2,000 feet of private river frontage and offers several outdoor activities and mountain solitude.
On May 1, Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa will open Palisade Ranch, an on-property ranch designed to provide the ultimate western experience by providing daily trail rides, ranching education, roping lessons and historic guided rides.
The Broadmoor’s Cloud Camp is introducing Overlook, an incredible 1,500-square-foot meeting space that is tucked into the side of Cheyenne Mountain and features high ceilings, a covered front porch and large back deck with spectacular views. Overlook is only steps away from the main lodge and guest cabins, and a variety of activities are available on-site.
The new Outlook at The Broadmoor’s Cloud Camp. Courtesy The Broadmoor.
For more new options, check with destination, hotel and venue contacts who can help make sure that your incentive group has an amazing Colorado experience.
Beth Buehler is editor of Colorado Meetings + Events and Mountain Meetings magazines, has planned numerous meetings and events and enjoys exploring Colorado in all seasons.
