ADVENTURES IN COLORADO SPRINGS

The Broadmoor is a spectacular experience in innumerable ways—from its 5,000 acres to its many restaurants and incredible experiences, ranging from falconry classes to ziplining. The hotel’s founder, Spencer Penrose, who made his fortune primarily in mining, was fully entrenched in the sport of polo and its Gilded Age lifestyle. He built four polo fields at The Broadmoor, and guests could rent ponies for games. On the heels of The Great Depression and World War II, however, the sport dwindled in popularity, and the fields were repurposed.

This year, the second annual Broadmoor Winter Polo Classic returns to the Norris Penrose Equestrian Center in partnership with the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation on February 23rd and 24th. The exhibition-style event brings spectators together to watch the adrenaline-charged chukkers (4 periods, each 7 minutes long). Of course, the Norris Penrose Equestrian Center sells individual tickets, but why not take advantage of the hotel’s Winter Polo Package, which elevates the weekend to an immersive and oh-so-elegant experience? It includes accommodation, an invitation to the VIP Reception on Friday, transportation to and from the Norris Penrose Equestrian Center, priority seating at the polo match, and a welcome amenity. VIP access during the event includes entry into the Heritage Room, where you’ll find complimentary food, cocktails, and premium whiskey tastings from the folks at the locally famed Distillery 291.

Polo enthusiasts will revel in the VIP event’s austerity, boasting the perfect balance of cozy, come-hither cocktails and the opportunity to chat with the players and event organizers. The next day, sit as close to the action as possible in the box seats as the ponies kick up the dirt.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR WINTER POLO
Friday’s VIP reception is an upscale casual event, so something you’d typically wear to a steak house would work well. If you lean toward jeans, pair them with high-fashion footwear, blazers, or other elevated accessories.

You’ll need to pay close attention to the weather for the day of the exhibition; February in Colorado Springs is a mixed bag. As cold as it may (or may not) be, the event is a chance to don a bit of winter flare—anything from classic layered Ralph Lauren looks to equestrian-meets-ski-bunny and luxe cowboy. Wear a sure-footed shoe or boot and get stylish with your layers and winter accessories. 

MORE EXCITEMENT
AT THE BROADMOOR
You’ll want to keep in mind the many ventures The Broadmoor offers for optional activities like an E-Bike Tour through the Garden of the Gods, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, falconry classes, axe throwing, archery, and some of the area’s most incredible ziplining—ranging in distance from 250 feet to a spine-chilling 1,800 feet.

Also, open year-round, The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway travels 9 miles to the Pike Peak summit. You might see bighorn sheep herds, elk, deer, or even yellow-bellied marmots along the way. It’s no surprise that the adventurous property’s golf course, tennis courts, and pickleball courts are also open, weather permitting, and you can check with the concierge regarding horseback riding.

THE EXQUISITE SPA
I’ve been lucky enough to visit spas across the globe, and Broadmoor’s is truly top-notch. Even on a mild winter day, you can relax on the patio, overlooking the mountains. The sun is so bright and warm you’ll fall asleep in your plush robe. It’s a proper spa with a variety of spacious relaxation rooms with comfortable lounge seating. With over 35 treatment options, it’s the winter oasis your soul craves.

A DINING DELIGHT
Besides its delightful smaller lounges and cafes, The Broadmoor has eight on-property restaurants. Overlooking Cheyenne Lake, Ristorante del Lago takes house-made to a new level. The handmade portions of pasta are sublime, but you’ll also get homemade gelato and honey from the Broadmoor’s hives.

Culinary team members regularly travel to Italy to glean culinary insight and maintain relationships with authentic purveyors of fresh Italian goods. For example, the Prosciutto di Parma is sourced exclusively from the Pio Tosini family business, and it’s the cows of the Serra family in Emilia Romagna supply the Parmigiano-Reggiano Valserena. Set aside an evening to linger at a table here and chat with your server because so many of the restaurant’s ingredients have a beautiful backstory--far too much detail to print on the menu.

Another stellar experience—one you won’t soon forget—is a causal lunch at The Golden Bee—a cozy 19th-century-style English pub. Choose between classics like Guinness Beef Stew, Chicken Pot Pie, and Fish & Chips, or grab a Colorado Blue Bison Burger. Their Crisp Polenta Wedges will forever replace the French fry as your comfort food craving. It’s the vibe and the food, but then they have this unique tradition that is as cute as it is memorable. I won’t spoil the surprise, but it involves the staff flicking puffy bee stickers, flicking with a masterful aim you must experience for yourself.

For more information The Broadmoor, visit broadmoor.com; for the Winter Polo Package,
visit broadmoor.com/special-packages