Aussies have had a love affair with Colorado for decades, and now that international travel has returned with testing requirements being rolled back, there's a lot more to love in Colorado than ever before. #ColoradoLovesAussies

The snow Gods have well and truly cast their spell on Colorado ski resorts this winter season, with plenty of fresh powder constantly blessing the fields, providing the perfect playground for beginners, experts and everyone in-between as the state's 28 ski areas welcome back international visitors.

Away from the ski fields, visitors can feel the love this Valentine's Day and beyond in the sweetheart city of Loveland, add chart topping attractions and new accommodation options to their wishlist, and enjoy endless adventure opportunities across the Rocky Mountain State for a comeback trip to remember.

LOVE is in the air. Literally!
 

Loveland, Colorado is known for being the best place in the USA to celebrate Valentine's Day. 

In its 76th year, Loveland's Valentine Re-Mailing Program invites people from all over the world to send in their Valentines letters to be stamped with the official Loveland valentine card collectors stamp, and then sent back to their loved ones. Loveland receives around 100,000 valentines cards from all 50 states and 110 countries across the world through its Valentine Re-mailing Program, the largest program of its kind. Sponsors & Volunteers hand-stamp the collector's stamp and postmark onto each individual valentine that comes through the city and then re-mails them to their intended recipient.

LOVE Colorado in Spring

Come Snow or Shine - and often both - Colorado is perfect for spring skiing and adventure in the sun for those planning a last minute getaway.

March and April are some of the snowiest months in Colorado's high country and some of the most beautiful and mild months for warm weather experiences at lower elevations. Here's six reasons to LOVE Colorado this Spring:

1. Ski til mid-June at A-basin: The longest ski season in Colorado usually belongs to Arapahoe Basin (often open into mid-June!), and their epic terrain and family-friendly spring concert series make it a sure bet for smiles.

2. Wine Tours in Palisade: Grand Valley Grapes and Grains Adventures is offering two new winery tours available through 14 April 2022. The Governor's Cup Tour is perfect for the local wine lover who wants to expand their knowledge or the visitor who wants to try Colorado's finest wines. The New Vintage Tour explores new wineries in the Palisade area.

3. Fish in Fort Collins: Early spring in Fort Collins is the perfect time to cast a line in area rivers before they wash out later in the season. Warm March days kick off the seasonal snowmelt cycle, meaning fresh water feeds rivers and streams and the fish are eager to feed on spring hatches. Check Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters for boat trips, river trips, ice fishing, fly fishing (all weather dependent).

4. Snow Beach in Aspen: Snow Beach ASPENX Gray Malin - Chaise Lounge is a one-of-a-kind “club” on top of Aspen Mountain. This is the first time this area will be brought to life in winter/spring with a pop-up experience available for a limited six-weekend run starting on 18 February, and ending on 27 March. The experience offers a new take on après-ski during Aspen Snowmass' 75th Anniversary ski season. The outdoor setting features beach-themed décor in an alpine environment with bottle service and multi-course food pairings.

5. Sand Fun at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: Climb up and tumble, sled or sandboard down North America's largest sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in the San Luis Valley. A big spring bonus: The mystical Medano Creek returns this time of year, flowing by the base of the dunes and creating a beachy environment with pulsing, small waves.

6. A Two Helmet Day in the Grand Junction Area: Outside of Grand Junction, Powderhorn Mountain Resort sits on the edge of the Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-top mountain. The area enjoys a reputation for outstanding tree skiing and diverse terrain. Visitors can spend the morning on the slopes, then head into town where they can mountain bike on the area's famed singletrack pretty much any day of the year. One of the most famous riding areas is the Tabeguache trailhead, better known as the Lunch Loops.

Rocky Mountaineer Returns for First Full Season with Special Offers

Love a scenic rail journey? Returning this April for its first complete season is the Rockies to Red Rocks route, traversing the dramatic mountains and canyons between the Mile High City of Denver and Moab with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs. Bookings before 28 February for journeys in April, May, September and October 2022 are eligible for $1,140 AUD discount per couple when booked through Rocky Mountaineer or ATAS accredited travel agents. More details here. 

Colorado attractions receiving the LOVE!

• Red Rocks Amphitheatre has taken out the #1 spot of Billboard Magazines year-end chart of the top-grossing and best attended venues of any size, anywhere in the world for 2021. Hosting 233 paid ticket events over the year, it's really no wonder the attraction took out the top spot. The amphitheatre - geologically formed by the red rocks, the arena boasts amazing acoustics and an enjoyable atmosphere with many recent visitors saying that no matter the show, the majestic atmosphere makes for a wicked time.
• Estes Park has made the New York Times list of '52 places" to go in 2022, which includes options for a changing world of travel and focuses on destinations that advocate responsible tourism. Coming in at No. 32, Estes Park was selected for its low-carbon footprint backcountry skiing at the former Hidden Valley resort, as well as for its camping, snowshoeing and abundant opportunity for nature and wildlife photography.
• The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was ranked the number one top scenic train by USA Today in 2021. Achieving this status for a second year running, readers also ranked Colorado's Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and Pikes Peak Cog Railway in the top 10 scenic trains in the U.S.

Accommodation Spotlight: Top Colorado Glamping Spots

Home to 26 Scenic Byways, the headwaters of 4 major rivers and 32 National Parks and Monuments, Colorado is ideal for spending time outdoors, away from the crowds and sleeping under the stars. Get close to nature but with a touch of luxe at these three glamping spots:

• Arapaho Valley Ranch, Granby - situated in Northwest Colorado, find peace at Arapaho Valley Ranch, located in the serene Indian Peaks Wilderness. Each 'Miners Camp' glamping tent has its own fire-pit and wooden deck overlooking the ranch's private Little Indian Lake, where guests are guaranteed to catch a fish during their stay. Additional on-site amenities include picnic areas, WiFi, restrooms with showers, and a nearby lodge and bar, Red Dog Saloon.
• WeeCasa, Lyons - think 'glamp-site' meets tiny house and you get WeeCasa. Travellers book their own teensy abode offering all the comforts of a normal home. This very, very tiny home has all the amenities required - a bathroom, bath products, towels and bedding, cookware, refrigerator and stove, ceiling fan, firepit. Even a French press is included for your morning coffee before heading out for a day of adventures in close by Rocky Mountain National Park.
• Echo Canyon Campground, Canon City - Like a home away from home, Echo Canyon Campground offers another step up the luxury camping ladder, with a collection of fully equipped glamping tents that feature queen beds, sleeper sofas, electricity, Wi-Fi and a furnished, private deck with a fire pit perfect for roasting s'mores over. Also on site are authentic wooden cabins with mind blowing mountain vista views. And with Colorado Springs only an hour away, as well as Royal Gorge Park and Via Ferrata course close by, Echo Canyon serves as the perfect basecamp for a Summer outdoor adventure.

Colorado has changed - for the better. We're the same great State you remember, only more so! And when you are lucky enough to visit, please help us Care for Colorado - Leave No Trace.  The set of principles is aimed at guiding travellers to show care for the state's water, land and wildlife while helping protect special Colorado places.

Find out more and get a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide at www.colorado.com