When I first heard that Colorado was getting our own Gaylord Hotel I was more excited about ICE then anything else. ICE is a Gaylord tradition and when I lived in Texas I had heard about how amazing it was, but didn’t get a chance to go myself. I received an invite to check out opening weekend from the Gaylord media team about a month ago and I’ve been counting down the days ever since!
Each year the Gaylord Hotels across the country create a winter wonderlands, filled with breathtaking Ice Sculptures kept at a below freezing 9 degrees for the entire time the display is open to the public. The Gaylord Rockies inaugural display shares the classic Rudolph story featuring characters from the claymation movie.
Everyone heading into ICE borrows one of the Gaylord’s blue parkas, ensuring that even if it’s in the 60’s outside (like it was the day we visited), you are toasty and warm as you go through the display.
Over two million pounds of ice are carved by master carvers in the month leading up to the holiday season. In addition to all the classic characters we love [Rudolph, the Misfit Toys, Yukon Cornelius and Hermey the Dentist] there’s even an ice slide big enough for the bigger kids (like Drew & I).
Walking through the display takes about 30 minutes. Any longer would have been much to cold. At the very end of the walk through, nearly crystal clear sculptures depict the nativity scene and truly show off the breathtaking beauty of the ice.
Once outside of the ICE exhibit we wanted through Mistletoe Village where Mrs. Clause was singing carols, Santa was listening to children’s wishes and a giant gingerbread man helped with cookie decorating. Each of these additional items are an individual ticket to check out and was best suited to younger children.
Our next stop was the Cirque Dreams Holidaze show. Full of gymnastics, aerialists and fantastic costumes the show was a full 90 minutes of entertainment.
We wrapped up the day outside at the Ice Bumper Cars and Ice Slide. The slide was definitely one of my favorite activities. Similar to Water World you have to bring your own tube up to the top of the ice filled hill but its an easy set of stairs up to the top. Once on the tube the staff at the top tell you when to push off the edge and will even give a little push if you need it. For just being ice, the speed is incredible.
The outside area also had a full ice skating experience but after a long full day it was time for us to head home.
If you are looking for a new family tradition or winter date night I’d definitely recommend checking out everything that’s happening at the Gaylord Rockies this winter. It’s a great reason to check out the hotel and learn why the Gaylord Rockies is a destination year round!
Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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