Step outside and savor an extraordinary backcountry meal with a scenic trek to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse in Leadville, Colorado. Combine outdoor fun with gourmet dining for a unique winter adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness is recommended to comfortably enjoy the one-mile trek on skis or snowshoes at a relaxed pace.
Wildlife
History
Tennessee Pass played a critical role during Colorado’s mining boom, with artifacts and historic routes still visible today.
Conservation
The area emphasizes sustainable tourism, encouraging visitors to tread lightly and minimize impact to preserve the pristine environment.
Tennessee Pass: Nordic Center, Cookhouse & Sleep Yurts
Step outside and savor an extraordinary backcountry meal with a scenic trek to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse in Leadville, Colorado. Combine outdoor fun with gourmet dining for a unique winter adventure.
Tennessee Pass: Nordic Center, Cookhouse & Sleep Yurts is a backcountry hospitality operation near Leadville, Colorado. The center operates a Cookhouse accessible by a one-mile trek, offering seasonal lunches, brunches, and four-course dinners in a remote alpine setting. Guided options include ski and snowshoe access, with gear provided such as skis, snowshoes, and headlamps for nighttime dinners and special events.
Special Event programming features a five-course meal, a pre-dinner happy hour, and an optional ski or snowshoe excursion to an on-site Ice Bar. Meals are prepared for on-location dining in a cozy cookhouse atmosphere that blends fine dining with outdoor adventure. The Cookhouse experiences emphasize local ingredients and multi-course menus tailored for backcountry service.
Sleep Yurts provide overnight lodging steps from ski and hiking trails. Each yurt includes handcrafted log beds, a woodstove, and a kitchenette to support comfortable stays in a rustic setting. Yurt accommodations are designed for guests seeking an immersive alpine night under Colorado skies with convenient access to day trips and on-site dining.
Safety and guest experience are central to operations: guided access, provided equipment, and clearly described trek distances help guests plan properly. Reservations are required for meals and yurt stays to manage capacity in the remote setting. The center is positioned for outdoor enthusiasts who want a curated combination of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, backcountry dining, and cozy overnight stays near Leadville. Booking details, seasonal schedules, and accessibility information are published by the center; guests should confirm dates, weather considerations, and equipment needs in advance.
Location
Leadville, Colorado
Alpine setting near Leadville
Experiences
Cookhouse & Sleep Yurts
Dining, skiing, snowshoeing, overnight stays
Trek Distance
1 mile
Short guided trek to Cookhouse
Included Gear
Skis, Snowshoes, Headlamps
Provided for Cookhouse experiences
Confirm dates and equipment needs, then book a Cookhouse experience or Sleep Yurt stay for a guided alpine getaway near Leadville.
Wear Warm Layers
Temperatures can drop quickly, so dress in moisture-wicking base layers and insulated outerwear.
Bring Headlamp Batteries
If participating in a nighttime trek, extra headlamp batteries ensure safe navigation after dark.
Use Proper Footwear
Waterproof boots or insulated boots are ideal for snowshoeing and trekking to keep your feet dry and warm.
Stay Hydrated
Even in cold weather, hydration is important — bring water or an insulated bottle with warm beverages.
Insulated Gloves
Protects hands from cold during outdoor trekking and dining.
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Snowshoes or Skis
Provided by the company; necessary for traversing the snow-covered trail.
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Headlamp
Essential for visibility if your adventure extends into dusk or evening.
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Waterproof Boots
Keeps feet dry and warm during the trek.
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