By Madeline Tanguay
One of the biggest perks of having a group event in Colorado is the ability to experience both city and mountains in the same trip … or even in the same day!
Known as The Mile High City, Denver is a world-class cultural destination with countless options for meetings and events. Denver is also conveniently located just east of the Rockies, making it within arm’s reach of unforgettable mountain excursions. From national parks and historic sites to quaint mining towns, premier ski resorts and everything in between, groups can easily enjoy the best of both worlds in Colorado.
A prime example of this is a program that our destination management company (DMC) put together last October for a national insurance company’s annual meeting. The trip began with guests from all over the country flying into Denver International Airport. Regarded as one of the best and most innovative airports in the world, both by travelers and by the airline industry, DIA features a favorable flight schedule with non-stop service from more than 160 cities.
From there, guests took a 37-minute ride on the airport light rail to downtown Denver’s historic Union Station. Once outside, they enjoyed the city sights from the back of local pedi-cabs!
Attendees were transported from Denver Union Station to a downtown hotel by pedi-cabs.
In just a few minutes, they arrived at one of Denver’s most chic hotels for registration and a cocktail reception. After the final guest arrived from the airport, the group boarded motor coaches bound for the breathtaking Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa for its outing in the mountains.
Gathering in the lounge of a downtown Denver hotel while all guests arrived.
A motor coach transporting guests from Denver to Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa in Tabernash.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch is located just 90 minutes from downtown Denver in the small town of Tabernash near Winter Park. This destination is a sophisticated luxury resort where guests can experience an authentic, sustainable and rustically elegant getaway. Featuring some of Colorado’s best Nordic skiing in the winter and a genuine cattle drive in the summer, Devil’s Thumb Ranch is an impressive option for guests to enjoy all that the Rocky Mountains have to offer.
Pure relaxation is gathering around a fire pit in the mountains.
While at the ranch, the group took part in a variety of outdoor activities including educational hikes, fly fishing and zip lining. At night, the group attended themed dinners with an array of musical acts and interactive entertainment, all playing into the beautiful mountain surroundings.
Taking a break from meetings for a hike with snow-dusted peaks as the backdrop.
This entire program took place over the course of less than 72 hours and is just one interpretation of what can be accomplished in Colorado. The option to spend more time in either Denver or in the mountains truly make the possibilities endless!
Madeline Tanguay is the Creative Services & Program Manager for Realize Colorado, which is the Global DMC Partner serving Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Aspen, Vail, Telluride and beyond.
Photos by Camara Photography.
