Major Special Events, New Hotels, Attractions and Museums Debut

DENVER, Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Colorado is gearing up for a big year in 2012, a year that will bring a slew of new developments, including new hotels – from luxury brands to outdoor cabins – new attractions, museums, special events, cultural exhibits and more. Following is a snapshot of what’s new in Colorado in 2012. For a full recap visit http://www.colorado.com/MediaRoom/NewsReleases.aspx?prid=1241202

NEW HOTELS, HUTS AND LODGING OFFERINGS

The OPUS Hut is a new high alpine backcountry lodge nestled on the southern face of 13,666-foot Lookout Peak in the Northern San Juan Mountains of Colorado, halfway between Telluride and Silverton with access to some of the best backcountry skiing in the area. www.opushut.com

Point Breeze Cabin, the newest addition to the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association, located almost on top of the Continental Divide at 10,500 feet in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. www.huts.org

The Mining Exchange , a Wyndham Grand Hotel , is set to open in downtown Colorado Springs in spring 2012. The hotel is set amongst four historic buildings dating back to the early 20th century, including the primary stock exchange for the western U.S. www.miningexchangehotel.com

The Little Nell in Aspen is offering a new overnight horse pack trip in 2012 called “Cowboy Camp 101.” Families can learn the art of backcountry living from starting a fire to catching a fish. The Little Nell’s family activities also include fly fishing clinics, stand-up paddle boarding, and more. www.thelittlenell.com/ebook/index.html

FRESH COLORADO EVENTS

Yoga Rocks the Butte, Crested Butte, February 10 – 12, www.yogarocksthebutte.com
Ultimate Disc Open, Colorado Springs, July 4-8, www.usafa.af.mil
USA Pro Cycling Challenge, August 20-26 (stages across Colorado) www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com

NEW COLORADO ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

The $50 million Asian Tropics exhibit at the Denver Zoo is set to open in spring 2012. It will be the largest bull elephant habitat in the world. www.DenverZoo.org/AT/index.html
The History Colorado Center is an upcoming experiential museum where visitors will traverse the state in a “time machine,” and is set to open April 28, 2012 in Denver. www.HistoryColorado.org/museums/history-colorado-center

The Denver Art Museum will be the only United States venue for Yves Saint Laurent, “A Retrospective” from March 25 through July 8, 2012. www.DenverArtMuseum.org
The Fort Collins Museum & Discovery Science Center is a hands-on science and technology “museum” featuring over 100 interactive exhibits. Combining science with history and culture, the new museum will provide a deeper understanding of the world and each individual’s place in it. www.FCMDSC.org

WHAT’S NEW ON THE SLOPES

Winter Park’s Rail Yard Terrain Park’s Super Pipe “Dig-In” will be completed during the early season, with the Half Pipe opening by Christmas 2011. This will result in a reduction of water and energy consumption by using less man-made snow. www.WinterParkResort.com

Copper Mountain enters ski season in partnership with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (U.S.S.A.) to develop an on-snow training center at the resort. To support and develop the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center at Copper, the resort is implementing a new automated snowmaking system among other features. www.CopperColorado.com

EpicMix is revolutionizing the way we ski — again. The innovative app that tracks vertical feet and days skied at Vail Resorts added photo capabilities for this winter, making it even easier for skiers and snowboarders to share their on-mountain experience. www.EpicMix.com

Breckenridge Ski Resort celebrates its 50th Anniversary this ski season. The resort’s golden season will offer its signature events and 50th anniversary celebrations and promotions all season long. www.Breckenridge.com

SolVista Basin at Granby Ranch updates Terrain Park. Leading improvements include: Ted’s Secret Stash, an all natural log park off the Jackalope run; Progression Park, a beginner terrain park at the base area; and the newest feature The Tank, a former underground fuel tank. www.GranbyRanch.com