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Fun in the Sun
Abundant sunny days and year-round swimming options make for a fun-soaked time at The Broadmoor.
BY TOM WILMES
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ALTHOUGH COLORADO IS A LANDLOCKED state, water has always been a central feature of The Broadmoor. The main campus is oriented around Cheyenne Lake, a humanmade reservoir that John and Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.—The Broadmoor’s original landscape architects and sons of Frederick Law Olmsted Sr., born 200 years ago this year—keyed off to lay out the paths, plantings, and green spaces that make up the resort’s bucolic grounds. As with New York City’s Central Park, designed by Olmsted Sr., the lake provides an attractive focal point that invites guests to relax on and around its waters.
When The Broadmoor opened in 1918, three sandy beaches lined Cheyenne Lake for bathers to bask in the abundant Colorado sunshine. The beaches remained until the early 1960s, which is also the era when waterskiing demonstrations were held on the lake. Guests could even strap on a pair of skis and take a few laps themselves. Guests could also try their hand at fishing in the stocked lake. Cheyenne Lake was once even home to two sea lions, who were introduced to help control an excess fish population. Sea lions require a saltwater diet, however, and were soon relocated to the nearby Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
The lake is quieter these days, yet no less enjoyable. Paddleboats and handsome electric canopy boats—recreations of the resort’s original wooden designs—now ply its waters. White swans, a personal symbol of Julie Penrose, wife of Broadmoor founder Spencer Penrose, also traditionally make their home on Cheyenne Lake. As it’s been for decades, a stroll around the lake is a favorite pastime of Broadmoor guests.
The Infinity Pool Complex
The Broadmoor opened with the largest indoor swimming pool of any resort in the Western United States. Lined with blue-andwhite ceramic tiles, the 35-by-80-foot pool was filled with purified mountain spring water. The indoor pool was covered over in 1961, and a large outdoor pool built to take its place.
The original outdoor swimming pool served guests for several decades. When it was time for an upgrade in the late 1990s, Broadmoor management took the opportunity to construct a king-sized swimming complex at the north end of Cheyenne Lake.
Building a pool into an existing lake was not without its challenges, however. After an attempt to create a floating dam failed, the fish were removed from the lake and relocated, and the lake was drained to complete the project.
The new pool complex debuted Memorial Day weekend of 2001. Impressive in both size and scope, the heated infinity pool features a beach-like “zero-entry” slope that gradually reaches a maximum depth of five feet. The 11,000-square-foot pool’s crystal-clear water appears to blend seamlessly into the lake.
The complex also features Slide Mountain, with two waterslides built into a rock-scape that mimics the pool’s mountainous backdrop. A children’s pool and a small bubble-jet fountain are also nearby, as are two 14-person whirlpools. Attendants greet guests upon arrival and offer plush towels as they guide them to open chaise lounges. Seventeen private shaded cabanas are also available for rent, including a “grand cabana” with a largescreen television. Food and drink are available from the adjacent pool café. Locker facilities, including a shared facility for families with small children, are also located on-site.
Spa Pools
The Broadmoor’s tradition of an opulent indoor swimming pool continues on the ground floor of The Broadmoor Spa and Golf Club. Open year-round, the pool is located in a large, airy, and light-filled room outfitted in signature Broadmoor style. Daily fitness classes are also held in the pool.
A whirlpool overlooking the golf course is located just outside the pool’s door and is also open year-round, as is an adjacent two-lane lap pool.
Paddleboats
Guests may also take in the spectacular mountain views as they cruise Cheyenne Lake in two-person paddleboats or electric Lightning Bug skiffs. Paddleboat rentals, included in the daily resort fee, are located at the Lakeside Boat Dock and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Speak with an attendant at the floating dock located near the infinity pool to come aboard.
INFINITY POOL
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THE BROADMOOR’S OUTDOOR POOL
