Colorado Economic Awareness

If you are a sports enthusiast, and you enjoy professional sports, then Colorado has a great variety to offer. When going through Colorado, you can choose to watch any number of games.

Professional Hockey

The fast-paced sport of hockey is not for the faint of heart. With fast-actioned puck play and men on ice, you know you are going to be in for a great time. Previously known as the Quebec Nordiques, the Avalanche came to Denver in 1995. The Colorado Avalanche has a huge, loyal following. In fact, they hold the record for the most consecutive ticket sellouts with 487 games. The Avalanche games can be seen by purchasing single tickets for individual games through TicketHorse.

Professional Lacrosse

What is Lacrosse some may ask? Lacrosse is a game that was invented by Native Americans played with a small rubber ball and long handled sticks which are used to carry and throw the ball. Known as a fairly violent game, it is rich in cultural history. While Lacrosse is not as popular as hockey, it is gaining a loyal following. You can purchase tickets to the Colorado Mammoth games by going to TicketHorse. There are great deals for family packs or even date night ticket combos. Take a chance to see a game that not everyone knows about. You can even check out the Wild Bunch, who is the team’s personal cheering section.

Professional Soccer

Known as football in other countries, soccer is a major sport in Colorado. The Colorado Rapids tickets range from $17 to $88 depending on the location in the arena. The Rapids will start their season in 2011 in March against the Portland Timbers. For another fast paced game that will give you some thrills, watch the Rapids’ master ball handling. Known for their great techniques and teamwork, this team is one that will go far. Colorado is always proud of their teams and the Colorado Rapids are no exception.

Professional Baseball

It’s one, two, three strikes and their out. Baseball is the summer sport of choice for Colorado sports fans. With the great weather in the Rockies, it’s no wonder that every season tends to have blow out crowds. With ticket prices starting as low as $4 even the youngest fan can attend. Of course, you can find tickets as high as $110 as well. Baseball having one of the longest running seasons make it one of the most popular sports. So, buy some tickets and enjoy a day in the sun eating peanuts and popcorn.

Professional Football

No matter what state you visit, the likelihood is that they have a professional football team. With being said, Colorado is no different. The Denver Broncos are the football pros. With their bright orange, blue, and white colors they stand out on the field like wildflowers. Known to have avid fans and even more avid cheerleaders, the Broncos are a true member of the Colorado community. The Broncos spend time in children’s hospitals and at community events raising awareness for leukemia, breast cancer, and other diseases.

With such beautiful clear blue skies and inches of snow each winter, it makes sense that the favorite winter sport in Colorado is skiing. You may not live in Colorado, but there are a whopping 37 ski resorts in the grand state. With that many choices, every budget should be able to find some fun in the winter sun.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Boasting one of the longest seasons in North America, Arapahoe Basin frequently opens in October and tries to offer good snow until the Fourth of July. As strange as that sounds, their snow making capabilities are phenomenal. Arapahoe’s tough terrain is perfect for all ages. With a total of 69 trails, the majority of them considered slightly difficult, this ski area captures the heart of the laid back Colorado style.

Aspen Highlands

Aspen Highlands is known as the locals’ favorite mountain. Most often known for its amazing bowls, Aspen Highlands is the place for big-mountain skiing in its world famous Highland Bowl, Olympic Bowl and Steeplechase. In fact, several Olympic medalists have come from this area. Bragging about having a whopping 131 trails, the majority of which are expert only, proves to be a challenge that many outsiders and locals alike want to tackle.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Surrounded by National Forest land, Crested Butte is surrounded by spectacular panoramic views of the mountains. For individuals who were not born with a ski pole in their hand, Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers programs ranging from adult and kid’s ski classes to snowboarding classes and special programs. Approximately half of the 121 trails are over difficult terrain, yet the remaining are a good mix for beginners of all ages. You will truly appreciate the spectacular sheer cliff views as you head to the bottom of the mountain.

Keystone Resort

This unique resort is made up of three different mountains – the Outback, North Peak, and Dercum Mountain. Each of these mountains offers bumps, powder, rails, and bowls for an awesome and exhilarating experience. You can even take your family and friends on a slower paced tour of Keystone by using the cross-country ski trails. Keystone Lake even offers a huge five acre frozen pond for true ice skating as it was meant to be. Since Keystone is a full resort, you can experience a four star dinner, yoga in the morning and a massage after a tough day on the trails. Enjoy this unique experience and pamper yourself for your vacation.

Vail

All you have to do is utter the name and the look of envy and awe will cross any face you meet. Vail is consistently ranked the No. 1 Ski Resort in North America. It combines the single largest peak in North America with over 5,000 acres of rugged terrain. Offering one of the largest skiing and snowboarding schools, over 800 instructors strong, Vail fits any level of skill. With only 28% of the trails for beginners, however, this mountain is certainly geared for the less novice individual. No matter your skill level, however, Vail is a town and ski resort that will remain in your memories for years to come.

Colorado is a state known for its Rocky Mountains, rugged landscape, and many fun filled activities. If you are going to be in Colorado, there are hundreds of activities that you can go to that typify the heart and soul of Colorado.

Rodeos

Most people think of rodeos as something you would see in Texas or Wyoming, however, Colorado has a great many rodeos to keep even the most avid follower entertained. In January, the National Western Stock Show comes to Denver. Then rodeo season begins in the month of July. Rodeo season begins with the 4^th of July Cowboys Roundup in downtown Steamboat Springs. Rodeo events go through the month of September, so enjoy your summer in the cool mountain air.

Film Festivals

If you enjoy film and movies, the three film festivals offered in Colorado. The Durango Independent Film Festival kicks off the month of March. In the month of August the Friday Night Flicks occurs in Glenwood Springs. Every Friday night current movies are shown outside while vendors are available for snacks while sitting on a blanket on the hillside. In September, Estes Park Film Festival shows a nice variety of independent films, documentaries, and shorts. If film is your passion, enjoy your opportunity for truly unique film experiences.

Craft Fairs

Colorado is known for its expansive craft fairs throughout the state. If you passing through during any of the festivals, you should take a look at what is offered. In July the Hot Air Balloon and Craft Festival is held in Steamboat Springs. While watching the beautiful air balloons glide slowly into the air over the Yampa Valley, you can peruse the arts and crafts held in the park.

If your visit takes you through South Fork, why not stop and attend the Logger Days Festival? This fun family event includes logging competitions, arts, crafts, food and fun. Gunnison also has what is called the High Octane Arts and Craft Show. This show includes artisans from all of the state, as well as the classic hot rod show. It is a fun-filled couple of days.

Food Festivals

If you’re a classic food and wine aficionado, then Colorado has a variety of opportunities for wining and dining. Starting in March with the annual Snowmass Mardi Gras Celebration, you can enjoy classis Fat Tuesday foods including king cake, crawdad boils, and more meats and sweets than you can imagine.

Shifting from March into April, the Spring Barrel Tasting includes all of the behind-the-scenes winery and vineyard tours, wine tasting, and gourmet food. If you consider yourself an oenophile, then this day of wine and food is just what you need to complete your visit.

Throughout the remainder of the summer, different cities host their local wine festivals which bring wines from California, Texas, and other states. Just a stop to the Colorado tourism website will let you know the dates and locations of this classic summer pastime. Enjoying the slow pace of summer with a glass of excellent wine is a perfect way to end your tour of Colorado.