Swany’s Denver Guide for SIA Snow Show 2012

The 'Blue Bear' peeks into the Colorado Convention Center, site of the SIA Snow Show

We’re stoked that it’s time again for the SIA Snow Show (Jan. 26-29). While the show figures to occupy much of a typical attendee’s time,  you’ll also want to explore all the fun that Denver and Colorado has to offer.

That’s why we have expanded and updated our Third Annual Denver Guide for the 2012 SIA Snow Show. In this post you’ll learn about a few of the big events surrounding the show at the Colorado Convention Center, as well as how to get around Denver. We’re also offering two separate reports:

• Dining and Drinking in Denver: Here’s where to eat and quaff.
• Things to Do: If you want to escape the show, we’ve got plenty of ideas.

Here are some highlights OUTSIDE the show. The list is constantly updated, so visit the Mile High Snow Fest site for more:

• Snowdown 2012: This kickoff concert, sponsored by Never Summer SnowBoards, will be headlined by Dilated Peoples and also include DJ Vajra and a number of other acts (6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26; City Hall Amphitheatre, 1144 Broadway; Buy Tickets)
• 13th Annual Transworld Snowboarding Riders Poll Awards: Winners in this annual bash, which concludes with a concert,  are determined by votes from pro riders in each of the seven categories. The show also features the men’s and women’s New Era Readers’ Choice award as chosen by TWS readers. (Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, Fillmore Auditorium; Tickets on sale soon, or get them at the show.)
• Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks: This is so cool, it’s a first. The first winter concert at Red Rocks, that is. Sponsored by Icelantic Skis, the show will be headlined by Atmosphere and also include the rapper Common. (7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, Red Rocks; Buy Tickets). Check out this interview with Atmosphere’s Slug by SkiingMag.com.

GETTING AROUND

Denver has an easily walkable downtown; renting a car isn’t necessary unless you plan to drive to outlying neighborhoods or the mountains to ski. Many of you will be within a few blocks of the Colorado Convention Center.

For those in downtown hotels that aren’t as close, use the FREE 16th Street Mall Shuttle (get off at Stout Street and walk two blocks to the exhibition hall). The pedestrian mall serves as the spine for downtown, so most hotels are within a block or two of the mall. It starts running early and completes its last route about 1:30 a.m., so it’s useful if you’re out late (and we know you’ll be out late).

Staying outside downtown? See if you’re close to an RTD Light Rail Route. The train stops right in front of the Convention Center, where Snow Show will be held. It runs until 2 a.m.

Looking for a cab? The city has three main companies: Yellow Cab (303-777-7777; they also handle Super Shuttle); Metro Taxi (303-333-3333); and Freedom Cab (303-444-4444). And keep an eye out for the city’s growing fleet of pedicabs. If the weather’s warm, a bike cab can get you to various locations downtown faster than a car.

Finding your way isn’t difficult if you use the 16th Street Mall to navigate the city grid. The Lower Downtown area (better know as LoDo) is one of Denver’s most popular places to find dinner, drinks, live music and more fun. It’s a mix of high-end restaurants, brewpubs and affordable eating. Here’s a list of Lodo restaurants.

Find more Swany Guides to Denver:

• Dining and Drinking in Denver: Here’s where to eat and quaff.
• Things to Do: If you want to escape the show, we’ve got plenty of ideas.