Glamptuary Review - Tennessee Pass Nordic Center & Sleep Yurts
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE A STAY IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS AT AN ALTITUDE OF 10,800 FEET, AN EXCLUSIVE DINNER INSIDE A REMOTE COOKHOUSE, AND A BREATHTAKING CROSS-COUNTRY SKI ADVENTURE
I can now check the box of visiting the highest altitude incorporated city in the United States. It’s called Leadville and it sits at 10,158 feet above sea level.
I always try to push limits during our Glamptuary excursions and this trip would be no different. I wondered, is there a place to stay that’s a little higher?
Answer = yes.
About 642 feet higher.
Our latest Glamptuary adventure placed us at Tennessee Pass Nordic Center & Sleep +Yurts - an amazing winter wonderland getaway nestled in the Rocky Mountains set at 10,800 feet.
And when I say nestled…I mean it. After we checked in at the small nordic center at the base of Cooper Mountain, we had to ride a snowmobile for about 1.5 miles to get to our yurt - luggage in tow. Talk abut setting the tone for the weekend!
Our trusty snow taxi.
After a brisk ride in, we discovered our yurt nestled into the mountainside, surrounded by beautiful views and the sounds of silence.
We unloaded our gear from the snowmobile and settled in for our weekend adventure. Our yurt was cozy, and came equipped with 3 hand-crafted queen beds (there was a queen bunk bed which I’ve never seen before), a wood-burning stove, a small kitchen, and a stock of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and cider.
Aside from staying in a beautiful yurt, we came to Tennessee Pass Nordic Center & Sleep Yurts for the SKIING!
There are over 17 miles of beautifully groomed nordic trails to explore, and we did our best to see as many as possible.
I hadn’t been on nordic skis since junior high school, and it took me a little while to get back in the swing of things.
Once I did, we were able to explore all the beautiful scenery whilst enjoying the art of nordic skiing, which can trace its roots back 5000 years to the Sami Peoples of Scandinavia.
Our skills did not achieve the expertise of the Norse peoples of yesteryear, but we did improve…and sometimes that’s more than enough.
After burning 1000’s of calories on the trails, it was time to step out of the skis and into an exclusive dinner at “The Cookhouse”, located deep inside the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center property.
The Cookhouse serves a 4 course dinner to 45 lucky individuals every Thursday - Sunday, with a bonus brunch added every Sunday. You can only get in with a reservation, and reservations usually get booked out months in advance.
Our quaint table for two inside The Cookhouse
Our first course began with a seasonal vegetable and couscous appetizer, followed by a roasted beet salad.
The main courses consisted of elk sirloin and a fresh shrimp pasta dish, which we shared (like we always do).
Our dessert was a delicious chocolate lava cake which we enjoyed along with couple of espressos, finished with a smile from a satisfied diner.
If you’re looking for a unique and adventurous experience, balanced with cozy accommodations and the chance to dine in an exclusive setting deep in the Rocky Mountains - then book a stay at Tennessee Pass Nordic Center & Sleep Yurts.
I’m thankful I was able to see what owners Ty and Roxanne have worked hard to build since they purchased a small nordic center operating out of a trailer back in 1993.
Based on what we experienced during our Glamptuary stay, I think they’ll continue to realize success for a long time.
Safe travels everyone!
Helpful Information For Planning A Visit To Tennessee Pass Nordic Center & Sleep Yurts
Booking: Directly on the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center & Sleep Yurts Website
Nearest Major Airport: Denver International Airport
Nearest Regional Airport: Leadville Regional Airport
Drive times: 23 minute drive from Leadville Regional Airport, 2.5 hour drive from Denver International Airport, 2 hour drive from Denver, CO
Nearest town is Leadville, CO - 10.3 miles away (16 minute drive)
Nearest hospital - Community Hospital - 11.3 miles away (18 minute drive)
Dirt road access to parking lot
Meals not provided. Made to order meals and grab-n-go available at Nordic Center, Dinner available at Cookhouse (reservation only)
Coffee and tea provided ensuite + cookware and dinnerware.
Mini-burner plate available in yurts
Outhouse near yurts, no showers
Family-friendly.
Ski Rental & Snow Shoe available for rent, Rental included with Cookhouse reservation
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