Colorado is Mother Nature's playground. With beautiful landscapes, pristine rivers, abundant wildlife and blue skies, Coloradans have long taken pride in the state's natural beauty. Visitors can get involved in caring for Colorado by supporting environmental initiatives at various resorts, hotel properties, attractions and restaurants and by participating in volunteer vacations. Here is what just a few Colorado companies are doing to help.

Hotels, resorts and attractions across the state are focused on being green from the ground up through the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification Program created by the U.S. Green Building Council. The new home of the Museum of Contemporary Art (www.mcartdenver.org) in Denver is the first contemporary art museum in the country to receive the gold level certification. In addition, a number of properties across the state are seeking or have been awarded LEED certification, including The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon (www.westinriverfront.com) and the Viceroy Hotel (www.korhotelgroup.com) in Snowmass. The Las Manos Bed & Breakfast (www.lasmanosbandb.com) in Buena Vista was recognized by ForbesTraveler.com as one of "America's 10 Greenest Hotels in 2007" and The Devil's Thumb Ranch (www.devilsthumbranch.com) outside of Winter Park was the only U.S. property to be included on Travel & Leisure's 2007 list of the "Top 20 Eco-Friendly Resorts in the World."

Resorts throughout Colorado are doing their part for the environment too. Through the purchase of wind power, Colorado Resorts are keeping more than 241 million pounds of carbon dioxide out of the Earth's atmosphere annually. A total of 11 resorts, including Aspen/Snowmass (www.aspensnowmass.com), Vail (www.vail.com) and Beaver Creek (www.beavercreek.com), use wind power to offset 100 percent of consumed energy. All of Colorado's 26 ski areas offer extensive recycling programs and are doing their part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with their public transportation systems.

Don't forget to eat green. Colorado ranks second in Certified Organic acreage. In addition, one quarter of the nation's Certified Organic acreage is located in the state. Not surprisingly, Colorado's restaurants and eateries staunchly support local farmers. At The Kitchen in Boulder (www.thekitchencafe.com) the chef can tell his patrons which Boulder farm provided organic cheese, produce and meat used in the creation of its meals. The restaurant also uses recycled wood tables and steel chairs, compostable straws and is 100 percent wind powered.

Colorado not only offers environmentally friendly places to dine and stay, but it also offers a number of educational programs and activities that allow visitors to enjoy an environmentally sound vacation. From global warming to renewable energy and environmental clean-up, Denver has emerged as one of the best places in the nation for "green" learning vacations. Visit The National Renewable Energy Lab (www.nrel.gov/overview), the nation's primary lab for research and development of renewable energy. The laboratory directly contributes to our nation's goal of finding new renewable ways to power our homes, businesses and cars. This research facility offers visitors guided tours and exhibits about the Earth's climate.

Rock Resorts' (www.rockresorts.com) Colorado properties, including the historic Hotel Jerome, The Pines Lodge, The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera or The Lodge at Vail, offer guests the opportunity to hike and participate in an environmental conservation project in the White River National Forest guided by U.S. Forest Service staff. In exchange for a visitor's time, Rock Resorts will provide them with discounted lodging, a durable hydration pack, protective work gloves and soothing hand lotion.

Colorado is home to 54 majestic "14ers" (14,000 ft. mountains), providing adventurous hikes, spiritual renewal and a chance for visitors to connect with nature. The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (www.14ers.org) offers sustainable tourism programs that help to protect and preserve the natural integrity of these mountain peaks. Visiting hikers and nature enthusiasts can volunteer time and funds to assist with trail upkeep so future generations can enjoy Colorado's 14ers.

The Vail Film Festival
April 3–6, 2008
Lights, camera, action! The 5th Annual Vail Film Festival takes place April 3–6, 2008 against the beautiful backdrop of Vail, Colorado. The Vail Film Festival is a platform for independent filmmakers to screen their productions in an incredible atmosphere. Festival activities include film screenings, classes, panel discussions, live music, nightly galas, a filmmaker reception, first-tracks skiing and a closing brunch.

Recent premieres and highlights at the Vail Film Festival include Before Sunset (Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy), My Date with Drew (Drew Barrymore), Kung Fu Hustle, House of D (David Duchovny, Robin Williams), The Wendell Baker Story (Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Eva Mendes, Will Ferrell) and American Dreamz (Dennis Quaid, Hugh Grant, Mandy Moore) www.vailfilmfestival.org

All events are weather permitting and subject to change. For a listing of additional Colorado events and travel information, log on to www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800-COLORADO. You can also order a free copy of the Official State Visitors Guide by calling 1-800-COLORADO or visiting www.COLORADO.com.

Photo Credits:
"High above Interstate 70 at Loveland Ski Area" – Photo by Byron Hetzler/CTO
"Frosty morning at Echo Lake on the Mount Evans Highway" – Photo by Eric Wunrow/CTO
"Durango & Silverton Train Fall" – Photo by Tom Stillo/CTO
"Vail Film Festival" – Photo Courtesy of the Vail Film Festival