Colorado’s lineup of off-site venues for receptions, banquets and other corporate mixers held away from the host property is as impressive as the Rocky Mountains.
Most of these venues, ranging from galleries to ranches to restaurants, boast not only attractive meeting spaces but also spectacular natural views for especially memorable group gatherings.
Theatre Aspen, Aspen
Theatre Aspen is situated in the heart of downtown Aspen, adjacent to the lovely John Denver Sanctuary and between Aspen Mountain and the Rio Grande River.
The venue features a contemporary lobby and a picturesque pavilion overlooking ponds, waterfalls and gardens.
“This one-of-a-kind destination is surrounded by unparalleled views and natural beauty,” says Regna Jones, the venue’s operations manager. “Events in summer and even into autumn will be beautifully appointed, with photo ops that rival any outdoor location in the U.S.”
Theatre Aspen, which is also located within walking distance of hotels, restaurants and shopping opportunities, can accommodate 130 people for seated events and 200 for receptions.
The 10th, Vail
The 10th is Vail’s newest on-mountain restaurant, and its ski-in, ski-out fine dining atop Vail Mountain makes it unique, says Pamela Dixon, director of group sales for Vail.
“Plus, once guests have hunkered down with a hot toddy and taken in the views of the Gore Range, they’ll never want to leave,” she says, explaining that the main dining area sports views of the Gore Range while the south-facing deck enjoys views of the Look Ma and Challenge trails.
Located at Mid-Vail on Vail Mountain and accessed by Vail Village’s Gondola One, which has heated seats and Wi-Fi, The 10th is available for day or evening events in winter and summer, and its menu features “Modern Alpine Classics.”
Popular dishes include Summit Creek lamb rack, herbed smoked buffalo carpaccio and a dessert called the King’s Sundae, with peanut butter ice cream, fried banana bread, crispy bacon praline and milk chocolate ganache.
Der Fondue Chessel, Keystone
Located atop Keystone’s North Peak at 11,444 feet, Der Fondue Chessel takes groups on a journey through Switzerland and Bavaria. The venue, which is a restaurant that can be bought out for special events, features a four-course traditional fondue dinner, complete with plenty of Bavarian music and dancing—quite a reward after a breathtaking trip up the mountain via gondola.
The restaurant is one of several dining options at Keystone Resort, home to Keystone Lodge & Spa and Keystone Conference Center, featuring more than 60,000 square feet of meeting, exhibit and event space, plus 40,000 square feet of unique meeting space resort-wide.
Rembrandt Yard Art Gallery & Event Center, Boulder
Situated in the heart of downtown Boulder is Rembrandt Yard Art Gallery & Event Center, a venue featuring inspiring works by local artists, birch hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing views of the Flatiron mountains.
According to Molly Hensley, the venue’s director of sales and special event manager, the space is a blank canvas that’s well-suited for a variety of events, from meetings and presentations, to banquets, galas and silent auctions.
“We always say that you can make your own masterpiece here, because you can utilize the space in so many different ways,” she says.
Wash Park Studio, Denver
Denver’s Wash Park Studio, a commercial photography studio and art space, “exudes creativity,” according to its owner Todd Droy.
“It is warm, inviting and contemporary mixed with old red brick walls, hickory floors, a high wood-beamed ceiling and tons of natural light,” he says.
Situated five blocks from Wash Park, a favorite city park among locals, the centrally located venue resides in a safe and quiet neighborhood with free street parking and tempting restaurants nearby.
“It is our goal to do all we can to ensure your event goes smoothly,” Droy says.
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Gorrono Ranch, Telluride
In Telluride is Gorrono Ranch, which according to Lacey Downing, who handles weddings and special events for Telluride Ski & Golf Resort, has amazing mountain views to the west and north.
“Gorrono has ample deck space to comfortably accommodate a 200-person cocktail hour or reception with 360-degree views of the mountains,” she says, adding the privacy of the ranch, which is located on the side of a mountain away from civilization, appeals to many planners.
“And in the winter we provide open-air sleighs pulled by snow cats to transport guests!”
The venue, which Downing adds features several original structures from the original early-1900s sheep-herding ranch, “maintains that Western rustic ranch feel.”
Clubhouse at Flying Horse, Colorado Springs
The look of Flying Horse, a Colorado Springs community including a group-friendly clubhouse, golf course, athletic club and spa, is “Rocky Mountain Tuscan,” a style that Lee Reijgers, the venue’s director of sales and marketing, says is completely unique to Colorado.
“Groups love that we are not a big box property where they may be one of several groups trying to gain the attention of the staff,” he says, adding: “Our panoramic sweeping views of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountain Front Range are some of the best that this city has to offer.”
The clubhouse’s facilities for group functions include terraces, fine dining rooms, private dining and event rooms and outdoor spaces.
Venga Venga Cantina & Tequila Bar, Snowmass
According to Shayna Ivy, the venue’s general manager, Venga Venga Snowmass is a standout option for group luncheons or cocktail receptions because of its location on Snowmass Mountain Ski Resort in Snowmass Village.
“You have a wonderful view of not only the resort but of the Roaring Fork Valley as well,” she says. “The best views are in the fall when all the colors are popping, and every evening at sunset.”
The restaurant’s space includes an open concept indoor dining area, an inside and outside bar, and a wraparound patio that’s fully equipped with fire pits, plush couch seating and tables next to heat lamps for events in the evening or winter months.
Venga Venga offers Modern Mexican Cuisine, and according to Ivy all food and sauces are made in-house from scratch.
“Our must-try appetizer is our table side guacamole that we make right in front of you with the freshest ingredients possible,” she says. “And the must-try cocktail would be one of our famous margaritas made from one of our 130 tequilas.”
Venga Venga event packages that are most popular with groups include three-course sit-down dinners, and the taco and tequila bar.
Two Rivers Winery & Chateau, Grand Junction
The architecture and decor at Grand Junction’s Two Rivers Winery & Chateau is that of a country French chateau, says Allyson Witham, the venue’s operations manager.
The venue features a conference/event center and a bed-and-breakfast for groups seeking upscale lodging and/or a beautiful spot for business meetings and corporate retreats.
Located five miles from the Colorado National Monument on a 10-acre vineyard, Witham says Two Rivers offers “unimaginable views,” also including Book Cliffs and Grand Mesa.
For those in the group who are interested in a take-home memento, bottles of wines are available for purchase.
Regular Meetings Focus contributor Carolyn Blackburn lived in Aspen for a (too) brief spell a long time ago.
