A giant train-shaped cake!

I get some interesting press releases in my job. Many are irrelevant and go in the bin. This one doesn't fit a model railway magazine, but is perfect for this blog. To be honest, it's too wonderful not to share. 

2020 Hasn’t Derailed This Train of Christmas Cheer 

The Broadmoor Unveils Gigantic Cog Railway Gingerbread Creation

Creating a fanciful, over-the-top gingerbread house is a holiday tradition at the 102-year-old Broadmoor resort in picturesque Colorado Springs, and 2020 (despite its best efforts) is no exception. The gingerbread isn’t cancelled. 

We repeat: the gingerbread isn’t cancelled! 

Led by The Broadmoor’s Executive Pastry Chef Adam Thomas and his team of chocolatiers and bakers (plus a few carpenters), The Broadmoor gingerbread creation has been a holiday staple at the resort since 1964. 

This year’s installation was inspired by the resort’s own The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Railway, one of the top tourist attractions in Colorado. Originally built in 1891, the cog railway is the highest railway in America reaching a height of 14,115 feet above sea level. Since March of 2019, it has been closed as it undergoes a massive $100 million renovation of its tracks, railcars, and depot to totally reimagine the experience to the summit of Pikes Peak where "America The Beautiful" was inspired. It’s on track for a May, 2021 reopening. 

Previous gingerbread displays have included the resort’s intricate Pauline Chapel, the original 1918 resort, and, in 2019, The Broadmoor Special, a 1918 Pierce Arrow Touring Car that was converted by Broadmoor Founder Spencer Penrose into an iconic race car. The first Broadmoor gingerbread was a fairytale gingerbread house with Hansel and Gretel, complete with a tiny oven where the old witch put the bad children. 

Since 2013, the gingerbread creations have been life-sized and played a vital role in the resort’s holiday celebrations – going up at Thanksgiving and remaining on display until the new year. They are beloved by families who visit the resort during the holiday season. 

 In the past, non-guests would flock to the resort to get a glimpse of the impressive creations, along with a host of other public holiday programming, but in 2020 as crowds must be kept to a minimum, only hotel guests may view the gingerbread and other lavish decorations. This year, the resort has made digital viewing available, as well as created a video with The Broadmoor’s talented pastry team/chocolatiers that gives families tips on making their own gingerbread creations at home: https://www.broadmoor.com/the-resort/holidays/2020/ 

For those who can travel to the property for holiday cheer (or indulge in a restful staycation), the resort is offering a Winter Spectacular getaway, with rates starting as low as $249/night, valid on select dates between now and March, 2021. For more information about The Broadmoor, visit broadmoor.com.