Iconic Broadmoor Resurrects Its Favorite Traditions

With the return of the Winter Polo Basic and the Cog Railway, this Colorado Springs luxurious resort shares its heritage and historical past with a brand new technology.

On my first journey to The Broadmoor, my expectations had been excessive. In spite of everything, it is a legendary, historic resort that holds the excellence because the longest-running consecutive Forbes 5-Star and AAA 5-Diamond resort. And in some way, my already excessive expectations had been exceeded.

From my regal suite (the eating desk alone might seat 8 of my closest associates) to a workers that solely wished to fulfill my each want, my solely grievance was that I hadn’t gotten there sooner. However I used to be lucky to be there for a second as iconic as The Broadmoor itself: the return of polo, a former custom resurrected in February 2023 and returning February 24, 2024, on the second annual Broadmoor Winter Polo Basic.

The century-old equestrian custom was adopted by The Broadmoor in 1924. Finally, it pale from the resort’s repertoire. This 12 months, in an effort to make polo accessible to a brand new technology of holiday makers, the Colorado Springs Sports activities Company partnered with The Broadmoor to throw the primary Polo Basic. The occasion – in no way stuffy, a complete lot of enjoyable and festive – attracted over 800 spectators. It didn’t damage that Distillery 291, an area small batch whiskey distillery, was available, creating craft cocktails (when on the town, order their Decc, a citrus clove liqueur that goes down approach too simply). Teams gathered on the VIP viewing deck, and crowds crammed the stands overlooking the pitch.

The 2024 match guarantees to be equally thrilling, pitting the Penrose Polo Staff towards Emerald Valley Polo in a spirited exhibition match to be held at Norris Penrose Occasion Heart, an open-air enviornment with gorgeous views of Pikes Peak.

The occasion is a draw to Colorado Springs in and of itself, however The Broadmoor has expanded its choices so impressively that you simply actually don’t want an excuse to schedule a number of days’ keep. Out of doors experiences abound, with two golf programs, seasonal swimming swimming pools, tennis, pickleball, and horseback driving demonstrating the variety of selections. That is residence base for fly fishing, mountaineering, biking, mountaineering, even archery, and the climate is temperate sufficient {that a} winter go to hardly ever precludes you from collaborating in any variety of actions.

The falconry, particularly, is an expertise you don’t need to miss. Join a newbie’s lesson and spend a while on the mews, the place falcons and owls are housed and cared for as lovingly as you may be on the resort. Your falconer will educate you on the birds of prey eyeing you thru leather-based aviator caps labeled with names like Maverick and Goose. You’ll study concerning the shocking function the “sport of kings” has performed in its 4000-year historical past. Then there’s the second when a Eurasian Eagle Owl spreads its huge wings to fly, setting off gasps and a hair-raising breeze. And sure, you’ll don a heavy glove as a Peregrine Falcon alights in your arm, sharp talons gripping your wrist.

It’d encourage you to take flight your self, an expertise made all the higher by the fantastic thing about the South Cheyenne Canyon, only a quick drive from the resort. Broadmoor Outfitters and Hovering Adventures offers 10 zip traces that supply gorgeous views from about 500 toes up. You’ll zip by the woods till you get your air legs, then emerge to a wide ranging vista over a deep canyon. Platforms jut impossibly out of rock partitions – from there you’ll launch your self out above the abyss or teeter throughout a rope suspension bridge that makes for shaky knees and a deep need to get to the opposite facet. The expertise and the views are equally epic and invigorating.

For a extra sedate view of your environment, take a look at the not too long ago reopened Pikes Peak Cog Railway. In honor of The Broadmoor’s one hundred and thirtieth anniversary, this historic sightseeing alternative now options new trains, new tracks, and a brand new depot – it’s an exercise younger and previous can take pleasure in collectively, so an ideal plan for a household trip.

Returning to the consolation of The Broadmoor, you’ll discover indoor choices the place you may hold your toes on the bottom. A health middle and number of wellness lessons are nice options on a wet day, or you may take it simple on the resort’s award-winning spa. Go early so you may loosen up within the lounge space, with its floor-to-ceiling views of the Cheyenne Mountain, well-known for housing the North American Aerospace Protection Command (NORAD) bunker.

Upscale procuring is accessible on property with round 20 retailers that run the gamut from jewellery to crafts to superb attire for males, girls, and kids. There’s about the identical variety of eating places and lounges, so you may keep for days and by no means eat on the similar restaurant twice.

Ristorante del Lago, because the title implies, sits lakeside and is the place to seek out consolation meals like contemporary pasta. The Golden Bee has two traditions: legendary fish and chips and a wierd apply that includes wait workers flicking bee stickers onto your shirt as a part of their greeting. The Grille is a quintessential golf membership restaurant the place you may look out over the greens whereas consuming your personal greens. Every part from superb eating to informal cafes is accessible proper there on property.

The Broadmoor is persistently wonderful – in service, in personalized exercise choices, and in its need to stay true to its historical past. This can be a resort that honors its traditions, and with the addition of the Polo Basic and the rejuvenation of the Cog Railway, you now have two extra causes to go to.