River Festival & Water Fun Keep Action Flowing in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado

Getting up close and personal with the crystal-clear rivers and lakes is a regular occurrence in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado.  Not only is the area known for outstanding rafting and kayaking ranging from scenic Class I to fast-paced whitewater Class IV on the Gunnison and Taylor Rivers, there are options galore for boating on Blue Mesa and Taylor Reservoirs, trying tricks at Gunnison Whitewater Park, and taking part in the action during Gunnison River Festival. 
 
Consistent snowfall and rain over the past several weeks have outfitters enthusiastic about the upcoming season.  “We are looking forward to a great season with fun-filled rafting.  Releases out of Taylor Reservoir will be strong through the end of September,” says Mark Schumacher, owner of Three Rivers Resort & Outfitting in Almont.  “There will be peak flows in the middle of summer and good flows for float fishing until the end of the season, so it will be much better than last year.”
To help make it easy to plan a trip that includes water fun, local businesses are offering several unique packages well-suited for couples, individuals, families or groups of friends.  Among the offerings are a dinner float trip; rafting and rock climbing adventure; two nights lodging and a raft trip for only $100 per person; and a horseback riding, rafting and lodging combo available through a luxury bed and breakfast.

Gunnison River Festival, June 19 - 23
For a unique blend of hardcore and lighthearted outdoor recreation for all ages, don’t miss the 11th annual Gunnison River Festival on June 19 – 23.  The event kicks off on Wednesday, June 19 with a River Film Event hosted by Crested Butte Film Festival at I Bar Ranch, located adjacent to Tomichi Creek in Gunnison.  Several short films and a feature film will be shown in the ranch’s open-sided, covered barn.  Tickets will be sold at the door for $5. Dinner and beverages also will be available.
On Thursday morning, the Gunnison River Festival will take a group to nearby Curecanti National Recreation Area for a ranger-led Morrow Point Boat Tour of Black Canyon of the Gunnison.  Transportation will be provided to and from the Gunnison Community Center, with a departure time of 8:30 a.m. and return time of approximately 1:30 p.m.  The cost is $12 per person with pre-registration required due to limited seating.   Contact the Gunnison Community Center at (970) 641-8060.

Festival happenings continue with the Gunnison River Festival Extravaganza on July 21 at Legion Park, starting at 6 p.m.  Registration, information about the weekend, a beer garden and live music for the public will usher in the water activities for the weekend.  Local band Rx Flannel will open the music set followed by Fort Collins-based, blues-fushion band Musketeer Gripweed taking the stage during the Summer Solstice sunset.

For a full slate of river activities, head to Gunnison Whitewater Park on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. A fly casting accuracy challenge, competitive down river raft race, community float, canine big air competition, kayak competition, boater cross, inflatable rodeo, and hooligan build-your-own boat race are planned. There also will be a kids’ zone with entertaining and educational options.  The community float is another great chance for all ages to get on the water.

On Sunday, the festival moves to nearby Curecanti National Recreation Area for flat water action starting at 8 a.m.  A stand up paddle board race, kayak/canoe flat paddle race, one-mile open water swim competition and canine paddle ensure a memorable day for humans and their furry friends.

For more information, registration and a schedule, visit www.gunnisonriverfestival.com or call (970) 901-6215. 

See more activities after the jump.

Nice to See StevieB: Ready to Roll

By StevieB

I purposely positioned my bike next to the door I use every day to leave the house. This is to remind me the ease of grabbing my bike, and going for a ride. This week; however, has been rather torturous in the bike riding department.

Colorado has decided to not give up on winter and wants to keep the snow cranked up for a long as possible. Winter in Colorado is the Norma Rae of seasons. Monday I was the only student to show up to my American Civil Rights history class due to a massive snow storm. You would think the professor would cancel, but I guess he gets paid by the Microsoft slide show, so I sat alone in class and watched grainy photos of President Johnson, as I listened to Professor Nerdbear speak about President Johnson’s response to Dr. King’s response to Vietnam. It’s difficult to text during class when you’re the only one in attendance to a history professor verbally decipher the Lemarchand's box that was Johnson civil rights policy. On the way home from class I drove through 7” of snow, thinking how ready I am to put LBJ behind me and go for a bike ride.

Yesterday it snowed again. Yes, it is April. I am chomping at the bit (as President Johnson used to say) to slap my bike onto the back of my car and head out for a long bike ride on the Platt River biking trails.

This post originally appeared on Steven Bennet's website Nice to See StevieB. Republished with permission.

Out and About Colorado: Biking Events Keep Gunnison-Crested Butte on a Roll

Mountain bike races, gran fondo road rides, townie tours, world-renowned trails and more will keep two-wheelers grinning and fist-pumping this summer and fall in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado. 
Biking is a way of life here, whether it’s on skinny tires, fat tires or a bike with one gear enjoying the stunning mountain scenery.  

Since the 1970s, when locals started retrofitting old Schwinn paperboy bikes with multiple gears, Crested Butte has become known as one of the birthplaces of mountain biking, and the biking scene in the valley continues to gain momentum and renown across the globe.

For hard-core mountain bikers and weekend warriors, the Half-Growler, Full-Growler, Wildcat 40, 24 Hours in the Sage and Pearl Pass Mountain Bike Tour are a great fit and a visit to Evolution Bike Park at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame is a must.  Road bikers can hop in the saddle for the Growler Gran Fondo, West Elk Bicycle Classic or Bicycle Tour of Colorado with its two-night stop in Crested Butte.  Those who like to be a little more casual and enjoy cruiser bikes, including families, will enjoy the Townie Takeover Ride and Bridges of the Butte Butte.  Crested Butte Bike Week celebrates all types of biking, including the gutsy but calculated maneuvers of downhill and cross country racing.

2013 Biking Events
May 25           Half-Growler Mountain Bike Race (32 miles), Hartman Rocks, Gunnison
May 26           Full-Growler Mountain Bike Race (64 miles), Hartman Rocks, Gunnison
May 26           Growler Gran Fondo, Gunnison to Mt. Crested Butte and back
May 26           Townie Takeover Ride, Gunnison
June 1           National Trails Day – Work on Trails in Gunnison & Crested Butte Areas
June 26 – 28   Bicycle Tour of Colorado in Crested Butte
June 26 – 30   Crested Butte Bike Week, Crested Butte & Mt. Crested Butte
June 29 – 30   Bridges of the Butte, Crested Butte
June 29 – 30   Big Mountain Enduro, Mt. Crested Butte
Aug. 24 – 25   24 Hours in the Sage, Hartman Rocks, Gunnison
Sept. 1         West Elk Bicycle Classic, Gunnison to Crested Butte
Sept. 7 – 8     Pearl Pass Mountain Bike Tour, Crested Butte to Aspen

Explore Colorado: Huts and Yurts and Teepees, Oh My!

Travelers won’t just find standard hotel properties when booking a place to sleep in Colorado, where part of the adventure can be staying somewhere truly unusual or one-of-a-kind. From a refurbished train caboose near hot springs or safari-style tent “glamping,” to secluded backcountry yurts and eco-friendly huts, visitors will delight at the many unique lodging options throughout the state. Below is sampling of unconventional and inspiring places to stay. For information on additional accommodations, visit www.COLORADO.com.

Unique Lodging:

Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Rustic, affordable and adventurous lodging options await in the heart of Steamboat’s mountains, including a train caboose, rustic cabins, covered wagons and tent sites. The popular renovated caboose features a gas fireplace, bathroom with shower, solar lights and full size futon. Overnight visitors enjoy full access to Strawberry Park Hot Springs. From $55 - $115 per night for two people.

OPUS Hut. The OPUS Hut is a completely self-sufficient and off-the-grid lodge situated in the San Juan Mountains east of Ophir Pass. The Hut comes equipped with solar-powered electricity and hot water, two wood burning stoves, indoor composting toilets and plumbing for those seeking a more luxurious backcountry experience. Spend the day swimming and fishing in alpine lakes or mountain biking in the summer, or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter before retreating for the night. Lodging rates from $35 per person, per night.

Jellystone Teepee. Teepees are a Native American invention and tie into the era of America’s westward expansion. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park-Resort at Larkspur gives visitors a chance to experience a sleeping structure entrenched in American lore and culture. Campers will find value in this authentic experience as they gaze skyward through teepee poles jutting into the night sky. From $61 per night, seasonal prices vary.

Wolf Creek Pass Yurt. The Wolf Creek Pass Yurt offers endless miles of skiing and snowshoeing trails where the peace and serenity is unmatched. Located three miles southeast of Colorado's Wolf Creek Pass, renowned for abundant snowfall, the Wolf Creek Pass Yurt at 10,250 feet lies just below the Continental Divide. Visitors will find plentiful firewood for the woodstove, an equipped kitchen, and futon bunk beds furnished for comfortable sleeping and lounging for six people. Prices start at $159 per night. For reservations call 970-731-2486.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Just 30 minutes outside of Denver’s bustling city-center, visitors will find a tranquil setting among dense pine forests, snow-capped peaks and 36 miles of trails. Seven cabins and yurts are nestled in lush aspen groves and each accommodate up to six people. Bunk beds, heating, lighting and an outside campfire are provided. Yurts and cabins each cost $70 per night.

Cresto Ranch. Just 20 feet from the Dolores River, eight luxurious safari-style canvas tents are situated in an alpine clearing in the pristine West Fork Valley. Making its debut this summer, the intimate resort includes a main lodge – a restored 19^th century farmhouse – with dining room, guest salon, and wraparound deck highlighting the spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains. Each tent features a gas stove, a spacious en-suite bathroom with a six-foot soaking tub, and private lounging porch. Rates start at $1,400 per night, beginning June 1.

State Forest State Park. Huts and yurts are available at State Forest State Park in Walden, Colorado’s moose capital. The park’s seven Siberian-inspired round tents provide secure shelter and come equipped with beds, a woodstove, lantern and cooking facilities. Seven yurts and two huts range from $60 – 110 per night.

Snow Mountain Ranch. Perfect for family camping trips, the yurt village at Snow Mountain Ranch offers 12 yurts that sleep up to six people with a tent pad outside for an additional two. Each yurt is dog friendly and has a picnic table, mini refrigerator, microwave and grill. The 5,100-acre property features plenty of activities to keep guests occupied during the day, including horseback riding, mountain biking, guided hikes, canoeing, and more. One yurt is wheelchair-accessible. Rates from $89 per night.

Colorado Hut Systems:

10^th Mountain Division Hut Association. This not-for-profit organization manages a system of 34 backcountry huts connected by 350 miles of suggested routes throughout the White River, Arapaho and San Isabel National Forests at an elevation of 9,700 to 11,700 feet. The name honors the U.S. Army’s famed 10^th Mountain Division, and many of the huts are named after individual soldiers. The huts play host to day-use and overnight hikers, bikers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers, who will find equipped kitchens, ovens and occasionally saunas. Reservations required; prices vary.

Grand Huts Association. The Grand Huts Association plans to link new and existing huts with a year-round backcountry trail system from Berthoud Pass to Grand Lake. The first project – The Broome Hut – and newest hut in Colorado opened for reservations on December 27, 2012. The Grand Huts Association has worked to create the most technologically-advanced hut in the state, with a solar power system, pellet stoves created from beetle kill trees, compost toilet system and rainwater collection for water consumption. Outdoor education is promoted through teaching safety, wise use and enjoyment of wilderness and national forest lands. Broome Hut rate is $35 per person, per night.

San Juan Hut System. For more than 20 years, the San Juan Hut System has offered the ultimate hut-to-hut skiing and biking experiences in southwestern Colorado. More than 60 miles of Nordic trails are accessible in the winter, and two 215-mile mountain bike routes entice summer visitors. Five huts can accommodate up to eight people and are available for $30 per person, per night.

Summit Huts Association. Summit Huts Association (SHA) maintains one of Colorado's most popular backcountry huts, Francie's Cabin, located about four miles south of Breckenridge. Also managed by SHA, Section House and Ken's Cabin were originally used by railroad workers for the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad. Rail service was discontinued in 1937, and the huts were restored from 1992-1997. The gentle grade of Boreas Pass Road makes this trip perfect for first timers and the sweeping views of the Tenmile Range entice all levels of skiers. Rates vary.

Winter Adventures (Without Skis) in Colorado

Colorado is known around the world for its epic skiing and snowboarding and its 25 world-class ski resorts and areas. Yet, visitors who are looking to experience the other side of Colorado’s winter season will find countless other activities, from ice climbing and snowmobiling to snow biking and dog sledding.

After the jump is a sampling of the winter sports activities that can be enjoyed in Colorado. For additional information or to order a copy of the 2013 Official State Visitors Guide, visit www.colorado.com.

Eight Great Places for Stargazing in Colorado

With fall in full swing in Colorado and leaf-peeping season nearing its end, visitors to Colorado begin to train their eyes skyward, when winter constellations come into view.  With its dark night skies, Colorado is an amazing destination for stargazers.

From one of the hottest outdoor music venues to an off-the-grid backcountry hut, the Colorado Tourism Office highlights eight of the best spots for stargazing in the state.
 

• Chimney Rock National Monument in southwest Colorado’s San Juan National Forest is the country’s newest National Monument, having received its official designation from President Obama on September 21, 2012.  It’s also one of the best places to go stargazing in the western United States.  More than 5,000 acres of beautiful high desert terrain surrounds Chimney Rock’s striking rock formation from which it gets its name. The U.S. Forest Service offers complimentary Full Moon Programs, which allow visitors the opportunity to watch the full moon rise, learn about the Ancestral Puebloans and archaeo-astronomy theories, and participate in Night-Sky Archaeo-Astronomy Programs and sunrise outings.
   
• Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater is used to seeing stars all the time. U2, Dave Matthews Band and Coldplay are a few of the acts who have performed at this spectacular natural, open-air amphitheater.  Located just outside of Denver, it’s also an amazing location to spend an evening stargazing. The wide, terraced stairs of the amphitheater are perfect to lay down a blanket and enjoy the heavenly bodies as they come into view.
   
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located just outside of Montrose in southwest Colorado, offers numerous opportunities to turn one’s eyes heavenward and channel one’s inner Galileo. The sky in and near the park is considered a ‘dark sky site’ because there is little-to-no light pollution to impair star viewing. Ranger-guided stargazing programs are offered throughout the year, as well as an Astronomy Festival each summer.
   
• The UFO Watchtower in Alamosa, Colorado boasts miniscule light pollution and is an ideal stargazing site.  Local legend has it that the San Luis Valley is an extraterrestrial hotbed, with dozens of unexplained flying object (UFO) sightings rumored to have occurred in the area since 2007. At the UFO Watchtower, there's little or no light competition obstructing one’s view. 
   
• The OPUS Hut tucked in between 13,000-foot mountain peaks, at an altitude of 11,800 feet, is an incredible backcountry respite. At night, visitors feel as though they can reach out and touch the stars and planets that are visible in the night sky. Rates, which include dinner and breakfast, are just $70 per night. The Hut offers solar powered electricity and hot water, two wood-burning stoves, indoor plumbing and restrooms. Amazing backcountry skiing and snowshoeing are available nearby. 

• Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, Colorado offer several unbeatable stargazing areas. The Rocky Mountain Nature Association offers Trek Adventures at Dusk, a custom educational experience specifically for children led by a local naturalist is available via an evening snowshoe tour or bus tour. At the Estes Park Memorial Observatory visitors can explore the night sky with a Mead 12 inch LX200 Schmidt-Cassergrain telescope in a private observation session or during a pre-scheduled public viewing.
   
• Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins, so-called because of a bizarre rock formation that resembles an actual horse's tooth, offers an uninterrupted view of sparkling night skies. A short hike to Horsetooth Rock boasts a view of Fort Collins on one side and rugged mountains framed by Horsetooth Reservoir and the night sky on the other.
   
• Gunnison Valley Observatory is the largest public telescope in Colorado. At an elevation of more than 7,700 feet and with virtually non-existent air and light pollution, Gunnison boasts near-perfect stargazing conditions. The entirely volunteer-operated observatory and its powerful telescopes allow visitors to get closer to the stars and planets than ever before.

When planning to go stargazing in Colorado, it’s best to be prepared. Following are a few tips from the pros for having an enjoyable stargazing experience in Colorado.

• Each person in your party should bring a flashlight to guide the way to the stargazing site. Bright LED flashlights are recommended. Because maintaining one’s night vision requires complete darkness, keep flashlights pointed to the ground at all times.
   
• It can take anywhere from 15-25 minutes for one’s eyes to adjust to dark conditions. Be sure to keep any and all lights off the stargazing site.
   
• Since stargazing is not an active pursuit, it is best to wear warm clothes or bring layers to add as temperatures drop in the colder months.  A thermos of your favorite soup, coffee or hot cocoa can help keep you warm.
   
• Many stargazing sites don’t offer comfortable seating, so it is always a good idea to bring a lightweight, folding camping chair.

Culinary Tourism Workshop to Debut on October 10 at Governor’s 2012 Colorado Tourism Conference in Steamboat Springs

From game cuisine and fresh farm-to-table fare to award-winning restaurants with top chefs at the helm, Colorado has an agricultural heritage all its own. 

On October 10, the Colorado Tourism Office Heritage and Agritourism Program and Northwest Colorado Cultural Heritage Tourism, an initiative of the Community Agriculture Alliance, will host the first annual Culinary Tourism Workshop in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

This tracked workshop, led by Erik Wolfe, International Culinary Tourism Association, offers invaluable insight into the culinary tourism industry and can benefit anyone who is in – or wants to join – the industry: tourism organizations, aspiring chefs, restaurant managers, event planners, farmstead producers, winemakers and microbrewers, etc.

The workshop includes sessions on culinary tourism product development, food culture, strategic brainstorming and more.  A special lunch in the Yampa Valley is included in the workshop registration, as is transportation via shuttle bus from the Steamboat Grand Hotel.

This is the perfect time for this workshop, since culinary tourism and agritourism are more popular than ever, according to Laura Grey, heritage and agritourism manager for the Colorado Tourism Office.  

“Those want to break into the industry and those who are already in the industry and simply want to take the next step can both benefit from attending the workshop,” said Grey.  “The sessions cover everything from the production and operations end to the business and branding aspects, which are equally important in the culinary tourism world.”

Scholarship applications will be accepted.  Scholarships cover the cost of the workshop, lunch, workbook and shuttle to the event.  For additional information on the workshop, including schedule and registration details, visit www.coloradotourismconference.com/culinary.

Colorado: Experience Fall Fun and Foliage

Cooler temperatures signal the start of a new season, and Colorado’s color-soaked leaves are begging to be explored 10 different ways this fall. Cast a line in waders next to autumn gold, soar through fiery red treetops on a zip line, take a leisurely scenic drive or saunter through the forest on horseback to experience Colorado’s mesmerizing fall foliage. Below are the top 10 ways leaf peepers can witness nature’s artistic wonder this fall season in Colorado.

• Horseback Riding. Settle into a saddle on a guided horseback ride in Steamboat Springs to experience Colorado’s fall frontier just like the cowboys. Amble through the Routt National Forest along timeless American West trails popping with vibrant golden, red and orange leaves. 
   
• Bike A Byway. Begin this aspen-laden ride west of Pueblo on Colorado 96. The Frontier Pathways route climbs into the Wet Mountains and descends into the Wet Mountain Valley, passing aspens blazing in autumn color along the way.
   
• Historic Train. Travel through the scenic San Juan Mountains aboard the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Between Durango and the historic mining town of Silverton, this locomotive allows passengers to experience color-drenched aspens that line the free-flowing Animas River and ascend the rugged collection of mountain peaks and striking canyon scenery.
   
• Four Wheels. With a summit at 12,095 feet, Independence Pass connects Aspen – a city named for the quintessential Colorado tree – and Twin Lakes, the largest glacial lake in Colorado and is open during early fall. Independence Pass is rife with stunning autumn colors popping on both sides of the pass and ringed with five 13,000-foot peaks.
   
• Tire Tour. Fruita’s dirt trails and challenging single tracks wind along huge flattop mesas allowing mountain bikers to discover panoramic views of valleys sprinkled with glowing yellow leaves.
   
• Hot Air Balloon. Fall’s cooler climate and artist’s palette of nature’s colors make for an ideal time to take to the air. Float above pockets of fall foliage speckled along the Front Range’s peaks and valleys and throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Take in colorful views on a hot air balloon ride with Fair Winds in Boulder.
   
• Gondola. Leaf peep the quaking aspens nestled in Telluride’s box canyon while sailing through the trees. The first and only free public transportation of its kind in the U.S., this gondola connects riders between Telluride and Mountain Village, giving passengers an ever-changing view of the crimson and golden leaves along the way.
   
• Two Feet. Fall’s crown jewel is nestled along Kebler Pass, where a massive aspen cluster of interconnected roots wows hikers with brilliant fall hues. The radiant yellow and red leaves on Kebler create a textured denseness that is unique to this area. Take the hiking trails Kebler Wagon Trail #606 and Dyke Trail #838 for even more leaf peeping opportunities.
   
• Zip line. The landscape of fiery red, orange and golden leaves will shift as guests soar through autumn-tinted treetops and above deep valleys on one of 14 zip lines throughout the state. Thrill seekers will feel the rush and crisp autumn air as they glide over changing scenes at Zip Adventures near Vail.
   
• Fly-fishing. Carbondale lies in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley, home to some of the finest rivers for trout fishing, especially from mid-September to mid-October. The deep blue waters starkly contrast the foliage-lined banks bursting with deep scarlets and golds. Tranquility and a wide variety of water types await fly-fishers this fall with Roaring Fork Anglers. 

Stunning Fall Drives & Trails in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado

The mountain ranges surrounding the Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley look like an artist’s autumn palette, with brushstrokes of gold, orange and crimson evident at every turn in September and early October. 

Known for the largest, most spectacular aspen grove in the United States, the area offers eye-popping vistas that well-known travel journalist Peter Greenberg mentions in his new book “The Best Places for Everything.”

Not only are there exceptional drives, get surrounded by fall foliage on foot by hiking one of the outstanding trails off Kebler Pass or Ohio Pass, mountain biking Trail 401 or one of the area’s other classic routes, and going on a trail ride through the forests with Fantasy Ranch Horseback Adventures or Tenderfoot Outfitters.  Crested Butte Mountain Guides and Colorado Backcountry can help you hit the trail on bike or foot.

If that’s not enough, festivals, farmers’ markets, a gourmet dining series, biking and running events and much more are on tap during “September Splendor in the Rockies,” the Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley’s month-long celebration.  For a listing of September Splendor activities and fall vacation packages in addition to the ones listed below, visit www.septembersplendor.com. 

 See a list of Fall Drive Routes after the jump!

Top 10 Free Things to Do in Winter Park-Fraser Valley

Those who believe nothing comes for free just haven't visited Winter Park-Fraser Valley recently. From concerts to art, fitness, nature walks and more, here are the top 10 freebies in The Valley.

1. Winter Park Play Free: Through October 31, book a minimum of two nights at any participating lodging property in the Winter Park Play Free promotion and receive $50 on a Winter Park Key Card for your choice of play.

2. Group mountain bike rides: Dallas Timms leads these intermediate rides every Saturday at 9:30 a.m. as part of the offerings of Mountain Bike Capital USATM. Meet at Totally Wired Cyclery in Fraser.

3. First Fridays Art Walk, Bike or Drive: Visit various galleries and restaurants for an evening of culture in the mountains. Aug. 3, Sept. 7 and Oct. 5.

4. Fitness in the Park: Sundays and Thursdays in Hideaway Park in downtown Winter Park. Enjoy Pilates, yoga and Zumba in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. 

5. Free Concerts: Fraser Tuesday Picnic in the Park from 6-7:30 p.m. and High-Note Thursdays at Hideaway Park from 6-8 p.m. Also, check out other locations for free concerts: Cooper Creek Square, Granby Ranch and Winter Park Resort. 

6. Granby Ranch: Enjoy free chairlift rides Thursdays through Sundays during bike park hours. Also, take in the free mountain biking clinics from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturdays to learn the right way to negotiate obstacles, stay safe, and make the most of your riding opportunities.

7. Snow Mountain Ranch - YMCA of the Rockies: Tons of free family activities from square dancing to hawk viewing.  

8. Cooper Creek Square family fun: Activities include ice cream socials, juggling, comedy and magic stage shows, street performers, face painting and crafts & much more! 

9. Winter Park Resort: Events include Supersized Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and Star Safaris after sunset on Saturdays, Coca-Cola® Family Movie Night each Friday night after sunset, and Cowgal Singalong & S'mores on Tuesdays starting at 4 p.m.

10. Fishing in the Lions Club Ponds: No license is needed for kids under 18 years of age! Inexpensive rod rentals are available across the street at the fly shop.

For more information visit www.PlayWinterPark.com.

Cool Off in Colorado This Summer

While sweltering temperatures plague towns across the nation, Colorado’s mild climate and refreshing activities offer relief from late summer’s heat and humidity. From plunging into icy lakes and cool cave tours to whitewater rafting and windy adrenaline rushes, Colorado offers plenty of opportunities to stay cool this summer. Below is a sampling of the many ways visitors can chill out around the state.

• Low Temperatures in High Places. Summertime temperatures in Leadville — the highest incorporated city in North America — range from 70s in the afternoons to the 40s at night. Turquoise Lake and Twin Lakes invite visitors to take a dip or spend more time on the water by renting a canoe or kayak. 
   
• H20 @ 8,150 ft. Vail Cascade Resort offers plenty of ways guests can stay cool, starting at just $139 per night. Guests are invited to stay wet by watching movies in the pool on Friday or Saturday nights, participate in boat races, practice stand-up paddle boarding and a variety of other cool activities.

• River-Runner. The Cache la Poudre River near Fort Collins is whitewater paradise for those wanting to cruise and lurch down stretches of the river in a canoe, raft or kayak. Class I to Class V rapids are accessible.
   
• Beneath the Surface. Escape to year-round cool underground temperatures at Cave of the Winds in Colorado Springs. Visitors can choose from two exciting cave tours: the Discovery Tour, which winds through nearly a mile of caverns; and the Lantern Tour, which explores historical formations by lantern light.
   
• Nighttime Photo Tour. A photography-focused evening walking tour through downtown Denver is a great way to beat daytime heat and cool off in the Mile High City. Guides start with an ideal dusk shot and continue on to some of Denver’s best locations for nighttime photography.
   
• Sunset Sails. Sail Western Colorado offers the chance to cruise Blue Mesa Reservoir while soaking in refreshing breezes, stopping for a swim in a quiet cove and assisting with sailing.
   
• Zippy Adventure. Float through crisp mountain air on an all-day zipline course in Durango. Soar above treetops and rushing rivers to feel refreshing excitement on the longest zipline course in the world.
   
• Chill Out at the Boulder Reservoir. Visitors can cool down through a variety of summertime activities including windsurfing, sailing, swimming, relaxing on the beach, playing in the sand, kayaking or kite-surfing.
   
• Feel the Rush. North America’s highest roller coaster, the Cliffhanger, recently opened at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs and is giving brave riders a breezy adrenaline rush.
   
• Whitewater Suds. Amble down the pristine Arkansas River on a whitewater rafting excursion with Noah’s Ark. Cruise down the river for a half day at $40.46 for adults and $29.97 for children, or paddle away all day for $61.46 for adults and $52.46 for children.

• Above It All. Ascend sky-high in a hot air balloon and take in dawn’s gentle wind. After launching in Fraser, relish panoramic birds-eye views of the Rocky Mountains while floating through cool breezes.
   
• Jump for Joy. Hidden within Southeast Colorado’s canyons and plains, the Black Hole in Two Buttes Reservoir invites visitors to enjoy a refreshing dip, afternoon of fishing and the thrill of cliff jumping.

Lone Tree Arts Center partners with leading cultural organizations to announce 2012-12 performing arts season

After a highly successful inaugural season serving nearly 60,000 patrons at performances and events, the Lone Tree Arts Center (LTAC) is proud to announce its 2012-13 performing arts season. Highlights include continued collaborations with leading Colorado cultural organizations such as the Arvada Center and Creede Repertory Theatre, an exciting new partnership with The Colorado Symphony, and performances by national touring artists in jazz, tap, folk and Broadway.

The LTAC, in conjunction with Starkey Productions, is also expanding its theatrical offerings to include a winter play. Rounding out the season will be two new community series focused on jazz and chamber music featuring local professional musicians. Season tickets for the 2012-13 season will go on sale to the public on May 15th.

With this second season announcement, Executive Director Lisa Rigsby Peterson states, “The City of Lone Tree’s goal is to establish the Lone Tree Arts Center as an indispensable and vibrant addition to Denver’s arts and entertainment landscape.  Our success in our first season tells me that audiences are hungry for the programming we offer, that they especially appreciate our convenient location and welcoming atmosphere, and that they have enjoyed a variety of entertainment options in our beautiful theater. With our second season, we’re looking forward to welcoming patrons to another slate of first-rate professional productions in an intimate and friendly setting.”

The cornerstones of the 2012-13 season are LTAC’s extended-run theatrical productions.  Lone Tree is proud to continue its collaborations with the Arvada Center, Creede Repertory Theatre, and Starkey Productions. The series will kick off in October with the Arvada Center’s production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, followed in early November by Creede’s world premiere production of Harry the Great.  In February 2013, the timeless comedy Noises Off will hit the main stage, to be followed in April by a production of Hank Williams: Lost Highway.

To celebrate the holidays in December, LTAC will host the regional premiere of A John Denver Holiday Concert, which teams Tony Award nominees director Randal Myler (Love,Janis, It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues, Almost Heaven: Songs and Stories of John Denver)  with musician Dan Wheetman (Appalachian Strings, Fire on the Mountain, member of John Denver’s band) for a holiday concert featuring songs from the classic John Denver Rocky Mountain Christmas album as well as other Denver hits and holiday songs. Following the John Denver concert, the LTAC has commissioned an original production, Home for the Holidays, created by Paul Dwyer, Kitty Skillman Hilsabeck and Starkey Productions. This production uses the nostalgic variety-show format to showcase Denver talent as they come home for the holidays.

 The 2012-13 season will mark the beginning of an ongoing collaboration with The Colorado Symphony.  Starting with an encore presentation of the symphony’s popular Inside the Score: Mozart concert in late July, the LTAC will partner with the CSO throughout the season. Three additional concerts, focusing on the works of American, classical and Baroque composers, will take place in the outstanding acoustics of LTAC’s Main Stage Theater.  Each concert will feature a large complement of the symphony’s musicians (between 45 and 60 for most concerts). The LTAC-CSO collaboration is a key element of the symphony’s new operating model, which calls for greater community involvement and broader performing opportunities for the CSO.

Also on the schedule are a number of notable national touring performers in a wide range of genres.  Jazz will be well represented by New York-based smooth jazz vocalist and musician Allan Harris in August; March brings the regional debut of nationally-acclaimed ensemble SFJAZZ Collective, featuring some of the country’s finest jazz musicians performing The Music of Chick Corea. Folk favorites Aztec Two-Step bring their popular Simon and Garfunkel Songbook concert to Lone Tree in early September. Also in early September, Minneapolis-based contemporary tap dance sensations Rhythmic Circus will present their infectious, music-propelled show Feet Don’t Fail Me Now just prior to their off-Broadway debut. Back by popular demand after last season’s sold-out hit One Man Star Wars, actor Charles Ross will hit the stage for 70 minutes of hilarity with his One Man Lord of the Rings.

Season offerings in 2013 include a live radio broadcast from award-winner Denver director, filmmaker and radio producer donnie l. betts, who will bring his noted Destination Freedom: Black Radio Days to Lone Tree in late February. This live radio drama will feature exceptional stories, music, and sound effects, all broadcast in real-time on KGNU radio. In March, veteran Broadway cast members of Jersey Boys will perform together in The Doo-Wop Project, a concert highlighting the great harmonies and sounds of classic doo-wop as performed by five outstanding vocalists backed by a tight five piece band (this performance is not affiliated with, nor does it feature music of Jersey Boys).

Finally, the 2012-13 Lone Tree Arts Center season will include two brand-new community series designed particularly to highlight local musicians and introduce south metro residents to different genres of music.  The series – Essential Jazz and Chamber Music Insights – will serve as a platform for some of Denver’s best musicians and music experts, including jazz man Art Bouton and the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra, viola player Phillip Stevens (Colorado Symphony) and musicologist Betsy Schwarm, and violinist Elizabeth Greenberg  (Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra) and the Elizabeth Trio and String Quartet. The two series are also designed to serve a growing need in the metro area for daytime programming accessible to seniors and others who prefer an alternative to night-time performances.  Most of the series offerings will take place on Wednesday afternoons, and will be followed by talkbacks and light refreshments with the performers.

Experience Colorado Beyond the Ski Slopes

Renowned for its unmatched downhill ski slopes, Colorado also offers an array of winter activities visitors can enjoy off the slopes. From luxurious hot springs soaks and quiet snowshoe excursions, to hot air balloon rides and dog sledding adventures, Colorado is a wintertime playground for any age and thrill level. The Colorado Tourism Office has highlighted 13 unforgettable winter activities in store for Colorado travelers. For more information visit www.COLORADO.com.

• Romantic Relaxation. Dunton Hot Springs is a 19th century mining camp turned luxe resort that combines old world charm with modern conveniences. It also provides opportunities to explore fresh powder beyond an individual cabin’s back door, including dog sledding, ice climbing, heli-skiing, avalanche education and more. www.DuntonHotSprings.com
  
• Nordic Photography. Learn how to photograph winter using various techniques while accessing subject matter on Nordic skis or snowshoes. Six Nordic photography workshops are offered from January through March for $55 each, which includes the workshop and Nordic pass. www.CrestedButteArts.org
  
  
• Dog Sledding Adventures For All Ages. Siberian and Alaskan Huskies guide sleds through Colorado mountain trails. Full day “Mushing Madness” and half-day “Mush on the Brain” options guarantee exhilarating adventure and breathtaking beauty.  With a guide on every sled, all participants have the opportunity to drive. www.DurangoDogRanch.com
  
• Glide Across Grand Mesa’s Skyway and County Line. Discover 32.4 miles of some of the state’s best trails for cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing. Athletes can enjoy free tree skiing and open meadows skiing and can even bring dogs along to County Line. www.GMNC.org
  
• Ice Fishing in Diverse Waters. Try ice fishing on Colorado’s largest lake, Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison, with local outfitters who make this winter activity effortless and fun. www.HighMtnDrifters.com
  
• Snowshoe Across the Rockies. Follow in wildlife’s footsteps through Rocky Mountain National Park, where elk, coyotes, deer and other wildlife remain active during the winter. Some of the Park’s most beautiful snow-covered backcountry trails can only be reached on snowshoes. www.VisitEstesPark.com
  
  
• Ice Climbing in the “Switzerland of America.” Novices and gurus alike can experience the exhilaration of ascending massive walls of ice in Ouray, aptly nicknamed the “Switzerland of America.” The Ouray Ice Park is the world’s first park dedicated exclusively to the sport of ice climbing, where local guides and instructors are available to beginners. www.OurayIcePark.com 
  
• Snowmobiling at Grand Lake. Travelers can snowmobile to remote locations in the snowmobiling capitol of Colorado, Grand Lake. Known for its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is base camp for winter pursuits that take visitors off the beaten path. www.GrandLakeChamber.com
  
• Wintertime Golf. Weather permitting, three golf courses in Montrose remain open all winter long. The Links at Cobble Creek features jaw-dropping views of the San Juan Mountains, the Bridges is a par-71, Nicklaus-designed course, and Montrose Black Canyon Golf Club offers both a park-style course on the front nine and a links-style course on the back. www.VisitMontrose.com/index.aspx?nid=130
  
• Hot Air Ballooning. Get a bird’s eye view of three million acres of snow-covered national forest and wilderness areas surrounding Pagosa Springs with a winter hot air balloon ride.  www.VisitPagosaSprings.com 
  
• History in the Backcountry. Many trails in Breckenridge’s snowy backcountry are preexisting paths and flumes used by miners in search of gold. On a snowshoe or Nordic ski outing, travelers will uncover restored dredge boats once used for gold mining, abandoned pioneer cabins and more. www.GoBreck.com
  
• The Best of Fly-Fishing. Winter is the best time to fish Colorado's Gold Medal rivers. Carbondale is centrally located to access the big Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, Crystal and Colorado rivers. The local fly shops are open year-round to assist visitors. www.Carbondale.com/winter-base-camp
  
• Scenic Jeep Tours. Step inside a mountain ATV vehicle to experience the spectacular views of the snow-capped Continental Divide. Travel along historic mining trails on an individualized and professionally guided wintertime tour. www.MileHiRafting.com  

Colorado civil unions bill clears Senate committee

Sen. Pat Steadman (pictured) and Rep. Mark Ferrandino, two openly gay members of the Colorado state Legislature, are supporting an effort to create civil unions for same-sex couples in that state. The bill cleared a state Senate committee vote on Monday. 

"These are protections no family should be without," state Sen. Pat Steadman, one of the bill's sponsors.

Poll: Coloradans Support Legalizing Civil Unions

Gay and lesbian couples from around Colorado gathered recently at the State Capitol. They were asking for lawmakers to give them the same rights provided to other committed couples. Those rights are found in the Colorado Civil Union Act, recently introduced by Sen. Pat Steadman. It would allow legal partnerships between same-sex couples, similar to those currently enjoyed by spouses.

Shawna Kemppainen hopes the law will pass. Her longtime partner has muscular dystrophy, and she worries she won't be able to make important decisions in a medical emergency.

"There are a lot of responsibilities and protections that we think are just fair for gay and lesbian couples to be able to have, but it's about much more than that. It's really the way that our love can be fairly recognized, as well."

Three recent surveys - including one conducted earlier this month by Public Policy Polling (PPP) - found that more than 70 percent of Coloradans support legal rights for same-sex couples such as those found in civil unions.

One Colorado Executive Director Brad Clark (pictured) says that's a big shift since 2006, when the state passed a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

"There's been a sea change in public attitude over the last several years. This shouldn't be a Democratic or Republican issue. Issues involving basic fundamental legal protection should be something we should all agree on."

Eighty organizations representing more than half a million Coloradans have formed a coalition in support of the Colorado Civil Unions Act. It includes the GLBT Center of Colorado and also church, business, labor and civil rights groups.

Kemppainen calls the relationship with her partner "the relationship of a lifetime." She says the civil unions law will help them care for and take responsibility for each other - the same as other couples do.

"This is critical way for the United States and for Colorado to say you are as good as. That you count."

The PPP survey can be found at http://coloradoindependent.com/category/lgbt-issues.

Click here to view this story on the Public News Service RSS site and access an audio version of this and other stories: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/18525-1

Colorado's own Sen. Pat Steadman launches civil unions drive

Colorado state Sen. Pat Steadman (pictured) says he is confident his bill that would establish civil unions will pass the state's Senate, and that it could pass in the state House if the leadership allows it to come to the floor. 

"This is an issue whose time has come. The public is ready, my colleagues are ready, and I'm going to keep proposing it until it's done," Steadman said.

The GLBT Center of Colorado issued the following statement regarding civil unions in Colorado, "The GLBT Community Center of Colorado is proud to be a member of the coalition of organizations representing over 500,000 Coloradans supporting civil unions legislation in this state.  Unfortunately, many GLBT families lack the basic legal protections that they need to take care of each other and their loved ones.  It is clear that all Coloradans deserve to be able to protect and be responsible for the people they love.  The Center believes that the upcoming civil union bill to be sponsored by Sen. Steadman and Rep. Ferrandino will provide committed couples with these critical protections."

Colorado 31st most tolerant state in the USA?

The Daily Beast ranks the U.S. states in terms of tolerance, basing its rankings in part on popular support for marriage equality. Wisconsin, Maryland and Illinois take the top three spots while Colorado doesn't show up until way down the list, at number 31. Kind of surprising for a state that was recently ranked one of the 'Gayest States in the Union'.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado This Winter

When shelling out your hard-earned cash for a vacation, you want it to be memorable.  Here are five great reasons to visit, along with some wallet-friendly deals and an airfare sale by Continental Airlines and American Airlines.

For some of the lowest fares of the season on Continental’s new direct jet service from Houston to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, book your airfare by Dec. 19.  The fares are valid for travel from either direction between Jan. 5 – Feb. 17, 2011, and a two-night minimum stay is required.  Sample round-trip fares for non-peak travel include $226 from Houston, $255 from Raleigh-Durham, $269 from Miami, $288 from Newark and $302 from Atlanta.  These fares do not include taxes and fees and are subject to availability.  Call Crested Butte Vacations at (800) 810-7669 or visit www.continental.com. 

1. The skiing & snowboarding rock
Inspire your passion for adventure on Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s legendary extreme terrain or get your fill on beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes that cover 1,167 acres and include 121 trails.  Try some tricks at the intermediate terrain park or on the legendary superpipe and the latest features at the DC Terrain Park.  Or enjoy the more than 95K of Nordic trails groomed by the Crested Butte Nordic Center and the Gunnison Nordic Club.  Go on your own or with a guide to try something new or hit some secret powder stashes.  Visit www.skicb.com, www.cbnordic.org and www.gunnisonnordic.net.

2. Drink in the atmosphere & culture
The Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley is known for its fun, free-spirited events and diverse cultural opportunities.  The Alley Loop Nordic marathon, U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Championships, ArtWalk Evenings, Elk Mountains Grand Traverse (Crested Butte to Aspen), Night of Lights, Flauschink and many other events throughout the winter and spring keep the atmosphere lively.  The Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum, Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Gunnison Arts Center and Crested Butte Mountain Theatre keep the arts and history hot during snowy days.  Go to www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com for a calendar of events and list of things to do.

3. Stroll Elk Avenue in Crested Butte
Crested Butte’s downtown district is big on charm with colorful historic buildings and a great vibe with people bench sitting and mingling around to locally owned, one-of-a-kind retailers, eateries, outfitters and service businesses.  Much of Crested Butte was placed on the National Register for Historic Place in 1974, before it was a cool thing to do.  In fact, Crested Butte was named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” list in 2008.

4. Soak in some solitude in the woods
•    There is nothing quite like the freedom of being pulled by a team of dogs in the thick of stunning mountain terrain capped with snow.  Dog sledding with Lucky Cat Dog Farm is one of those lifetime experiences not to be missed.  Visit www.luckycatdogfarm.com or call (970) 641-1636. 
•    Join the Crested Butte Nordic Center on a Full Moon “Dinner at the Yurt” Ski & Snowshoe Tour to Magic Meadows on Dec. 21, Jan. 19, Feb. 18 or March 18.  The gourmet dinners are prepared by local chefs and begin at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $65 for adults and $30 for children, which includes a trail pass and equipment rentals.  Go to www.cbnordic.org or call (970) 349-1707.
•    Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers daily guided snowshoe tours on ski area trails at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.  Snowshoes, poles, water, a light snack and a lift ride are included in the cost for the two-mile outing.  Daily snowshoes tours on Snodgrass Mountain also are available from 1 – 4 p.m., with transportation included   During Moonlight Snowshoe Tours on Dec. 21, Jan. 19, Feb. 18 and March 19, enjoy the thrill of being out in the night under the stars from 7 – 9 p.m.  All tours cost $75.  For information and reservations, call (970) 349-4554 or visit www.skicb.com. 
•    Enjoy a scenic, horse-drawn sleigh ride with Lazy F Bar Ranch to a rustic 1950s cabin overlooking the East River south of Crested Butte and indulge in a five-course meal that most importantly includes five kinds of homemade desserts.  Visit www.lazyfbarranch.com or call (970) 641-0193.

5. Create magical moments during the holidays
There is merrymaking and fun for all ages with Crested Butte Mountain Theatre’s production of “A Tuna Christmas,” Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park’s Winter Solstice at the Rim (snowshoe walks, telescope viewing and more), holiday market at the Gunnison Arts Center, ArtWalk Evening in Crested Butte, and a gingerbread house display, ice sculpture carving and a Christmas Eve torchlight parade at the ski area. For New Year’s Eve, there’s the Frozen Buns Resolution 5K Run, a New Year’s Yurt Dinner Party accessed by Nordic skis or snowshoes, and a torchlight parade and fireworks on the slopes.  Also don’t miss Valentine’s Week, when there are all sorts of sweetheart happenings and great deals for Romance in the Rockies.

2010 Colorado Tourism Conference

The Governor's 2010 Colorado Tourism Conference took place last month in Snowmass Village, Colorado. The conference, hosted by the Colorado Tourism Office, was one of the most successful ever.

The conference theme, Achieving Peak Performance,' was echoed in the overall conference schedule. From the very start, the conference took on a decidedly technological slant, with experts from the fields of social media and mobile and emerging technologies leading break-out sessions. Industry partners from across the state also attended sessions that demonstrated how to best implement innovative technologies and cost-effective strategies in an increasingly competitive landscape.

"The tourism industry greatly benefited from the exchange of fresh ideas and the enthusiasm generated at the conference. This was an opportunity for the entire industry to celebrate our successes and learn how we can continue to grow tourism in Colorado," stated Richard Scharf, chairman of the Colorado Tourism Office Board of Directors.

At the Annual Awards Dinner on September 29, Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. presented awards to individuals and organizations that made a significant and meaningful impact on Colorado's tourism industry including:

* The Outstanding Community Tourism Initiative Award, which acknowledges an activity, event, or project undertaken by a community or region to promote tourism in Colorado, went to the Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau. The organization's "Train to Colorado's Wine Country", which began as an idea between the area wineries, lodging properties, and the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau, was designed to promote shoulder season traffic to the destination. Via a partnership with AAA Colorado, the GJVCB created packages for the wine trans which are routinely sold out, with a waiting list.

* The Governor's Award for Outstanding Marketing Program, which goes to an event or project undertaken by a community or region to promote tourism in Colorado, went to the Lake City Heirloom Vacations marketing strategy by the Town of Lake City. With virtually no marketing funds, the Town of Lake City taught itself how to create and benefit from online marketing strategies by using best practices from other organizations across the country and adapting them for the city's benefit.

* The Governor's Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Colorado Tourism is presented to an individual in recognition of his/her contributions to the promotion and development of the Colorado tourism industry. This year's award was presented to Peggy Ziglin, Colorado regional public relations/tourism director, and president, Rocky Mountain Shopping Center Association, for the "Strike a Pose" amateur model search. The program incorporated all three Outlets of Colorado Shopping Centers in Castle Rock, Loveland and Silverthorne. The winning model won an on-location photo shoot at a chosen Colorado partner destination and was photographed at signature attractions in clothing from the stores at the Outlets of Colorado.

* Laura Libby, heritage tourism program manager for the Colorado Tourism Office, was presented with the Colorado Tourism Office Board Chairman's Award, which recognizes an exceptional contribution to tourism in Colorado. Libby was commended for her tireless work on behalf of promoting heritage, arts and culture in Colorado.

At the conclusion of the conference, the Colorado Tourism Office announced that the Embassy Suites Loveland - Hotel, Spa & Conference Center would host the Governor's 2011 Colorado Tourism Conference.

Colorado is a Winter Wonderland

With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop showcasing a variety of snow-filled events, it’s easy to get in the holiday spirit in Colorado. From an enchanting journey on the Polar Express to holiday-themed helicopter tours, this state is a winter wonderland. 

Below is a sampling of Colorado’s festive holiday offerings.  

For more inspiration and winter trip planning ideas, visit COLORADO.com.

• Ride the Polar Express in Durango: The award-winning Christmas book comes to life on this magical journey on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.  Every passenger will enjoy the Polar Express story on their way to the North Pole, hot chocolate and a treat served by a personal chef, along with Christmas carols on the return to Durango. The Polar Express runs from November 19-December 28. www.durangotrain.com
  
  
• 50th Annual Christmas Market in Georgetown: Experience the holiday season in the historic mountain town of Georgetown with roasted chestnuts, holiday shopping, horse-drawn wagon rides and wonderful sights and smells. On December 4, 5, 11 and 12 visitors can enjoy appearances by St. Nicholas in his traditional dress, the daily procession of the Santa Lucia and carolers in Victorian costume. www.historicgeorgetown.org
  
• Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens: Embrace the holiday season at Blossoms of Light with more than one million colorful lights draped in elegant designs highlighting the Botanic Gardens’ winter beauty. December 3, 2010 through January 2, 2011. www.botanicgardens.org
  
• Christmas by Helicopter in Colorado Springs: Listen to Christmas music and view thousands of holiday lights from the sky via helicopter. Fly over the best holiday sights in the area including downtown Colorado Springs, the Broadmoor Resort, Seven Falls, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and wonderful residential displays. Runs from December 1-31. www.coloradovertical.com
  
• Singing and Santa in Fort Collins: Visit Santa’s workshop and have story time with Santa then meet the Choice City Singers as they lead the public through the charming downtown Fort Collins area with timeless Christmas carols during Carolfest on December 3. www.downtownfortcollins.com
  
• Holiday Tree Clinic in Roxborough State Park: Learn whether your Christmas tree is a Conifer, Douglas Fir or a Spruce by joining naturalist Vickey Trammell for this workshop and enjoy the winter experience in Roxborough State Park on December 4. www.parks.state.co.us
  
• Wassail Days in Frisco: Stroll among holiday decorations and boutique shops offering unique Colorado gifts while sipping a steaming cup of warm Wassail (Ol’ English apple cider) on Frisco’s charming Main Street. As you walk around town you will hear the sounds of carolers singing and holiday cheer. Runs December 4-12. www.townoffrisco.com
  
• Yule Night in Ouray: Enjoy a day of holiday festivities with a free family matinee at the Main Street Theater, a Yule Night Parade on Main Street with a special visit from Santa, a bonfire, caroling, and a live nativity scene and a Wine and Chocolate Festival on December 11. www.ouraycolorado.com  
  
• “Come Catch the Glow” in Estes Park: “Catch the Glow” in Estes Park on November 26 and enjoy the lighted parade. Gather along Elkhorn Avenue to watch the elaborately-decorated floats pass by as a moving extension of the town’s holiday decor, including streetlights dressed with multi-colored lights, 190 live trees throughout town that sparkle with tiny white lights and seven larger-than-life holiday murals. www.estesparkcvb.com