Meeting at the Foot of the Rocky Mountains

6 Things to Know

Planning a meeting in Boulder is unlike anywhere else — here, the Rocky Mountains meet the Colorado plains to create a setting that’s breathtaking, inspiring and...a little different! Here's how to think about a meeting at the foot of the mountains, blending outdoor beauty and adventure with easy accessibility and warm, down-to-earth hospitality.

1. Winter Weather Smarts

Boulder has a mild, fairly dry climate, and the sun shines much of the time. The average temperature even in January is 47 — not too shabby. When it snows, it’s often just a pretty dusting that makes the Flatirons look like they’ve been sprinkled in powdered sugar. While you could hit a blizzard in winter, it’s more likely to be sunny, and locals will be bundled up and riding their bikes, out hiking or even sitting on patios for lunch. Plus, you could earn a handsome cash incentive to host your meeting here in winter.

Myths and Truths

Photo by Justin Bilancieri

Winter hiking on the Chautauqua Trail

2. Elevation Essentials

Boulder sits right where the mountains meet the plains, at an elevation of 5,340 feet (1,655 m). That’s a moderate altitude — several thousand feet lower than Colorado’s high-alpine resort towns. So while you should encourage attendees to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest, it's likely they will adjust easily and enjoy the mountain views without the challenges of higher elevations.

More About Boulder

3. Access to and From DEN

Boulder is only 45 minutes from Denver International Airport (DEN), the largest domestic hub in the country, and just a 45-minute drive on easy, scenic highway with no mountain passes to traverse. This means getting here with ease from any corner of the country, with plenty of flights to choose from.

Getting to Boulder

Photo by Terence Burke on Unsplash

4. Maximize the Views

Your attendees will be excited to check out Boulder's natural beauty. Indulge their curiosity by choosing venues with panoramic views, outdoor terraces or access to nearby trails. Incorporate the natural beauty into your meeting design — from breakout sessions in fresh air to evening receptions timed for sunsets.

Venues with Views

Photo by Gwen Gray

Corrida's Rooftop Terrace

5. Dress Smart

While your event's schedule will dictate what attendees need to pack, it's helpful to know that you can most likely leave the ball gowns at home. Boulder tends to be "Colorado casual" even under the fanciest of scenarios — think polished yet relaxed, where a blazer might pair with jeans, and trail shoes are never out of place. Encourage attendees to dress comfortably and in layers, ready to move from a morning meeting to an afternoon stroll without missing a beat.

What to Pack

Photo by Andy Colwell

A meeting attendee shops between sessions

6. Build in Outdoor Time

Boulder's rugged backdrop encourages outdoor time, reflection and creativity. Leave a little downtime in the agenda for attendees to explore trails, visit downtown shops, or simply enjoy the scenery — it often sparks more meaningful conversations and connections. You can also plan coordinated group adventures (accessible to all levels) as part of your meeting agenda.

Outdoor Activities