by Carol Schmidt
Colorado is a highly desirable meeting destination because of its central location in the United States, abundant sunshine and diverse array of outdoor activities and entertainment. This is all topped off by friendly, warm hospitality.
The Centennial State also stands out for its unique connection to natural meeting and team-building experiences. Drop the bricks and mortar and consider what an environment of plants, trees and fresh, clear air can add to your organization’s next meeting or retreat in Colorado.
The sky is truly the limit, and you are only constrained by how big you can envision venues and programs that will stimulate your attendees to work in a higher level of productivity, creativity and teamwork.
- Copper Mountain’s Nature Center, located at 11,000 square feet above sea level is an open-air log structure that stands before the Ten Mile Mountain Range, inspires and relaxes attendees after taking a 15-minute chairlift ride from the resort’s village. Seating for up to 30 and a built-in sound system make it a real meeting in the rough.
Copper Mountain Nature Center
- Small board meetings love the exclusivity and privacy afforded by the pontoon boats at Lake Dillon. Seating up to 12, the boat can ride the shores of this popular reservoir central to Copper, Breckenridge and Keystone.
Lake Dillon, photo by Tripp Fay
- Rounding up cattle at the Rusty Spur Ranch, just outside of Kremmling, is a memory that lasts a lifetime. This team-building adventure is tame enough for the newbie but can be cranked up to challenge the most seasoned wrangler. Top it off after a morning’s work with a cookout at this authentic working ranch. The spectacular mountain vistas and wildflower-adorned meadows can be reached only by foot or horseback!
- Early morning yoga as the sun rises over the mountain peaks is a popular start to the day. Stretch, breathe and feel the light, pure clear air fill your body. Prepare for enhanced energy and clarity.
Outdoor yoga at Hartman Rocks in Gunnison with Sanctuary Studio. Photo by Matt Burt
- Networking seems to take on a higher energy and heightened level of interaction between folks after the formal sessions are over for the day. Sitting around a bonfire, watching the sunset slowly fall behind the peaks or basking in the alpine glow of the late afternoon all work wonders.
Bonfire near the skating rink at Copper Mountain Resort. Photo by Tripp Fay
- Open your meeting with a Birds of Prey demonstration. Up close and personal interaction with an eagle is inspiring for attendees to notch it up a bit. For example, Alpine Access, a DMC based in the Vail Valley, is a great resource to help create and integrate the natural local resources, hidden treasures and culture into your important event.
By Carol Schmidt who is currently senior conference sales manager at Copper Mountain, a resort she has promoted for more than 30 years around the globe. Biking, skiing, golf, hiking, meditation and healing with earth elements, including plants, are her passions.
