Devouring Denver: From the Slopes to the Table

Denver, Colorado, the "Mile High City," is a vibrant metropolis with an unbeatable backdrop – the Rocky Mountains. Known for its dynamic cultural scene and fabulous access to outdoor adventures, Denver also boasts a delicious culinary landscape and a unique rail connection to one of the region's premier ski destinations, Winter Park. Whether you're a foodie, a passionate skier, or someone looking for that perfect blend of urban and mountain experiences, put Denver on your must-visit list.

One of Denver's most unique attractions is its ski train to Winter Park, a resort located about 67 miles northwest of the city. You'll need to be up bright and early, and you'd be smart to grab a breakfast to go before you board, but once you've settled into your seat, all you'll need to do is roll with it. Porters are on hand to take your skis and poles or snowboard to store for the journey and they'll be there at the end of the ride to hand them back to you. No wrestling with your ski rack or trying to jam things into the trunk of your car. The iconic train ride is not just a means of transportation and an escape from hassles of transporting gear – it's an experience in itself, offering breathtaking views and the easiest way ever to hit the slopes.

The Winter Park Express, as it's officially known, has a storied history dating back to 1940. Initially designed to transport skiers from Denver to the newly opened Winter Park Resort, the train quickly became a beloved tradition. There was a brief hiatus in the early 2000s, but popular demand saw the service revived in 2017, much to the delight of both locals and visitors. Today, it's Denver's hottest ticket.

The ski train departs from Union Station, making it convenient for travellers staying in any of the downtown Denver hotels. As an example, we had an easy 15-minute walk to the station, and as we rented our skis, poles, boots and helmets at Winter Park, we had only a small bag with our ski pants and mitts to deal with. The trip took about two hours, winding through the jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains and the Moffat Tunnel. As we lolled in our seats, we were treated to unparalleled views of snow-covered peaks, dense forests, and mountain towns along the way. The train offers comfortable seating, large windows for sightseeing, and a café car for light snacks and beverages. Best of all, friendly staff wander up and down the aisles, offering tidbits of train history and solid advice about how to make the most of your ski day. The Winter Park Express is not only an eco-friendly option that reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions, but it's also a stress-free solution – no need to navigate mountain roads, struggle to find parking or argue about who's driving home at the end of the day. The train arrives promptly in the late afternoon, with the same friendly staff on hand to welcome you back on board.

The fun really begins when you arrive at Winter Park Resort, known as "Colorado's favourite". You'll love the more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and you'll find something suitable for every skill level, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging mogul runs.

We were most impressed by the rental system – usually the worst part of a ski-day-away, involving long lines and sub-standard equipment. Not so at Winter Park where the rental process operates so smoothly that you're geared up in under ten minutes, with top quality skis, boots, poles and helmets. A technician even does up your boots for you. Bliss!

The resort features excellent dining options, and cozy lodges for warming up during your day on the mountain – everything a skier could ask for. Non-skiers can try snowshoeing, tubing, and even scenic gondola rides. And when the day ends, you simply curl up in your seat on the train and snooze your way back to the city, arriving refreshed and ready to dive into the Denver food scene.

While it would be impossible to cover them all in a single article, Denver is home to a vast array of fabulous dining options in various neighbourhoods across the city. With a blend of traditional Western flavours and global influences, there's a treat for every palate. On your list of must-try-treats in Denver should be several iconic dishes that reflect the city's Western heritage. The Denver omelet, a hearty breakfast classic featuring eggs, ham, onions, and green peppers is a must, while meat lovers will love the bison burger, available at many local restaurants. Lean and flavourful, bison meat is a healthier alternative to beef and embodies the spirit of the American West. Our favourite spot was the Urban Farmer – a vegetarian's nightmare but a carnivore's dream – where we had arguably the best steak of our lives. Feeling really adventurous? Try some iconic Rocky Mountain oysters, a regional delicacy that's not for the faint of heart and has much more to do – rather intimately, in fact – with cattle than with seafood!

Denver's diversity shines through its global cuisine. The RiNo (River North) Art District is a hotspot for international flavours, with establishments like Work & Class offering Latin-American comfort food and Uchi serving exquisite Japanese dishes. Meanwhile, Little Saigon, located along Federal Boulevard, is the go-to area for authentic Vietnamese pho and banh mi sandwiches. And of course, you can't visit Denver without delving into its renowned craft beer scene. With over 100 breweries in the metro area, there's no shortage of options. Great Divide Brewing Co. and Wynkoop Brewing Company are just two of the many spots where you can sample locally brewed ales, lagers, and stouts.

Is there more to life than skiing and eating? Perhaps. And Denver is ready to entertain you off the slopes as well. While the city offers a number of great museums, be sure to plan time for a visit to the MCA which celebrates the history of cowboy culture in surprising and artistic ways. And speaking of artistic and surprising, save a day for Meow Wolf, an enormous, interactive multi-media art and theatre experience that will take you to another planet for adventures you won't have anywhere else.

What makes Denver so special is its ability to combine urban sophistication with outdoor adventure. You can start a day with a gourmet breakfast to go from a trendy café enroute to Union Station, then hop on the ski train for an unforgettable day in the mountains. Roll back into the city in the evening to talk about the wonders of the hills over a craft cocktail or a juicy bison burger. It's this unique blend of experiences that makes Denver a truly must-visit destination.

Written By Liz Fleming