Iconic Broadmoor Resurrects Its Favorite Traditions

With the return of the Winter Polo Classic and the Cog Railway, this Colorado Springs luxury hotel shares its heritage and history with a new generation.

On my first trip to The Broadmoor, my expectations were high. After all, this is a legendary, historic hotel that holds the distinction as the longest-running consecutive Forbes 5-Star and AAA 5-Diamond resort. And somehow, my already high expectations were exceeded.

From my regal suite (the dining table alone could seat 8 of my closest friends) to a staff that only wanted to meet my every need, my only complaint was that I hadn’t gotten there sooner. But I was fortunate to be there for a moment as iconic as The Broadmoor itself: the return of polo, a former tradition resurrected in February 2023 and returning February 24, 2024, at the second annual Broadmoor Winter Polo Classic.

The century-old equestrian tradition was adopted by The Broadmoor in 1924. Eventually, it faded from the resort’s repertoire. This year, in an effort to make polo accessible to a new generation of visitors, the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation partnered with The Broadmoor to throw the first Polo Classic. The event – not at all stuffy, a whole lot of fun and festive – attracted over 800 spectators. It didn’t hurt that Distillery 291, a local small batch whiskey distillery, was on hand, creating craft cocktails (when in town, order their Decc, a citrus clove liqueur that goes down way too easily). Groups gathered on the VIP viewing deck, and crowds filled the stands overlooking the pitch.

The 2024 match promises to be equally thrilling, pitting the Penrose Polo Team against Emerald Valley Polo in a spirited exhibition match to be held at Norris Penrose Event Center, an open-air arena with stunning views of Pikes Peak.

The event is a draw to Colorado Springs in and of itself, but The Broadmoor has expanded its offerings so impressively that you really don’t need an excuse to schedule a few days’ stay. Outdoor experiences abound, with two golf courses, seasonal swimming pools, tennis, pickleball, and horseback riding demonstrating the diversity of choices. This is home base for fly fishing, hiking, biking, rock climbing, even archery, and the weather is temperate enough that a winter visit rarely precludes you from participating in any number of activities.

The falconry, in particular, is an experience you don’t want to miss. Sign up for a beginner’s lesson and spend some time at the mews, where falcons and owls are housed and cared for as lovingly as you will be at the resort. Your falconer will educate you on the birds of prey eyeing you through leather aviator caps labeled with names like Maverick and Goose. You’ll learn about the surprising role the “sport of kings” has played in its 4000-year history. Then there’s the moment when a Eurasian Eagle Owl spreads its massive wings to fly, setting off gasps and a hair-raising breeze. And yes, you’ll don a heavy glove as a Peregrine Falcon alights on your arm, sharp talons gripping your wrist.

It might inspire you to take flight yourself, an experience made all the better by the beauty of the South Cheyenne Canyon, just a short drive from the resort. Broadmoor Outfitters and Soaring Adventures provides 10 zip lines that offer stunning views from about 500 feet up. You’ll zip through the woods until you get your air legs, then emerge to a breathtaking vista over a deep canyon. Platforms jut impossibly out of rock walls – from there you’ll launch yourself out above the abyss or teeter across a rope suspension bridge that makes for shaky knees and a deep desire to get to the other side. The experience and the views are equally epic and invigorating.

For a more sedate view of your surroundings, check out the recently reopened Pikes Peak Cog Railway. In honor of The Broadmoor’s 130th anniversary, this historic sightseeing opportunity now features new trains, new tracks, and a new depot – it’s an activity young and old can enjoy together, so a perfect plan for a family vacation.

Returning to the comfort of The Broadmoor, you’ll find indoor options where you can keep your feet on the ground. A fitness center and variety of wellness classes are great alternatives on a rainy day, or you can take it easy at the resort’s award-winning spa. Go early so you can relax in the lounge area, with its floor-to-ceiling views of the Cheyenne Mountain, famous for housing the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) bunker.

Upscale shopping is available on property with around 20 shops that run the gamut from jewelry to crafts to fine apparel for men, women, and children. There’s about the same number of restaurants and lounges, so you can stay for days and never eat at the same restaurant twice.

Ristorante del Lago, as the name implies, sits lakeside and is the place to find comfort food like fresh pasta. The Golden Bee has two traditions: legendary fish and chips and a strange practice that involves wait staff flicking bee stickers onto your shirt as part of their greeting. The Grille is a quintessential golf club restaurant where you can look out over the greens while eating your own greens. Everything from fine dining to casual cafes is available right there on property.

The Broadmoor is consistently excellent – in service, in customized activity options, and in its desire to remain true to its history. This is a hotel that honors its traditions, and with the addition of the Polo Classic and the rejuvenation of the Cog Railway, you now have two more reasons to visit.