2017-12-13 06:39:28
Coloradans have a funny way of saying lots of things. Here’s a short list of terms to know that will make you feel right at home in the Centennial State (see definition below!). ► FOURTEENER These are peaks that rise more than 14,000 feet above sea level. We’ve got 58 of them, more than any other state. Hardy hikers aim to “bag” — or summit — all of them ► CENTENNIAL STATE Colorado’s official nickname refers to the year we were admitted to the union. That happened in 1876, which was the centennial anniversary (100 years) of the United States’ Declaration of Independence. ► THE DIVIDE Also known as the Continental Divide, this ridge runs along the crests of the Rocky Mountains north to south; rivers and streams west of the divide flow to the Pacific Ocean, and east of the divide to the Gulf of Mexico. ► FRONT RANGE Where the Rocky Mountains gently slope down and transition to the eastern plains. Home to Denver and other populous cities like Fort Collins, Boulder, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. ► 5280 Denver is the Mile High City because it sits 5,280 feet (or one mile) above sea level. If you like to be precise, the 13th step of the Colorado State Capitol Building will put you exactly at 5280. (Pronounced: fifty-two eighty) ► WESTERN SLOPE This region is found on the western side of the Continental Divide. It’s home to the Grand Mesa, the largest flattop mountain in the world (around Grand Junction). ► FOUR CORNERS The point where the borders of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah come together at one point in our extreme southwest corner. ► HIGH COUNTRY A fancy way to say “the mountains.” This term is uttered mostly by local weathermen or folks along the Front Range headed to the mountains’ higher altitudes for a getaway. ► THE TUNNEL If you are headed to or from the High Country on I-70, you’ll likely pass through the 1.7-mile Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnel. Since 1973, the tunnels have been providing easy access to mountain activities through the Continental Divide. ► MUD SEASON This glorious harbinger of spring is typically slotted on the calendar for late April or May. It occurs when winter’s snow starts to melt and rivers swell, making for amazing fishing, thrilling whitewater rafting and great High Country lodging deals. ► LODO Shorthand for Lower Downtown, LoDo refers to Denver’s lively, walkable, historic downtown. Filled with restaurants, bars, shops and beautifully restored buildings, it’s a must-see destination for any Denver vacation. ► OPENING DAY We’ve got two opening days in Colorado, both of which are a grand occasion for celebration: 1. The first day the lifts open at each of Colorado’s 27 ski resorts, usually in late October or early November. 2. The Colorado Rockies’ first home game at LoDo’s Coors Field, or April 6, 2018. ► POWDER DAY Powder days follow snowy nights. That fresh snowfall means the conditions are set for skiing and boarding that feels like you’re floating down the slopes on air. Our deep, dry, fluffy powder is what makes us home to America’s Best Skiing® (and is also good for cushioning the occasional fall). ► CORDUROY Ski slopes freshly groomed by snowcat have the look and texture of corduroy material. Skiers and boarders who like speed seek out corduroy for fast runs. ► LILYDIPPER In whitewater-rafting parlance, a lilydipper is one who doesn’t dip their paddle into the water. This is not a compliment: It means you’re not pulling your own weight! ► THE HUMIDOR When the Colorado Rockies baseball team debuted in 1993, they delighted fans with abnormally high-scoring games. Because the air is thinner at this altitude, balls were flying out of the park at record pace (something for golfers to take advantage of as well!). The excess ended in 2002, when the team began storing baseballs in a humidor that enabled them to better control their moisture content — and made pitchers less afraid of a home-run parade.
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