The company was founded by Duane and Darlene Zobrist in 1994, explained Resort Outfitters General Manager Willie Phillips. The couple visited Scotland and experienced the sport of falconry for the first time. They wanted to bring the sport back to the United States and decided to offer it to visitors staying at high-end resorts.
“The first resort they offered it at was The Greenbriar Resort in West Virginia,” Phillips said. “They then added other activities and branched into other resorts.” These include The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels, West Virginia, and The Boar’s Head in Charlottesville, Virginia. In Colorado Springs, Resort Outfitters offers programs to visitors at both The Broadmoor and Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. In addition, The Adventure Center, located at 1501 W. Colorado Avenue, brings these same experiences offered in five-star resorts to the general public.
The website www.broadmooroutfitters.com states the company’s mission is “to draw people into a deeper connection with their natural environments and relationships-both personal and professional-through fun and challenging activities.” Phillips added that all activities are led by a staff of experienced and established guides trained to ensure the safety and comfort of participants.
A Wide Variety of Activities to Choose from with Resort Outfitters
Phillips summed it up when he said Resort Outfitters offers everything “from the mild to the wild.” Activities include guided hiking tours, bike tours, zip lining, rock climbing, bike rentals, falconry, and the Wild West Experience to name a few.
“We cater to all ages and guest needs,” Phillips said. “With all our activities, we can customize them for everyone from beginners to advanced participants.” Because of how unique it is, falconry is one of the most popular activities requested.
Falconry is a 4000-year-old sport that gives participants the opportunity to meet the birds and learn about different species. Different levels of the program available include everything from witnessing a free flight demonstration to casting the hawk and having it return to learning how to command a bird. “It’s a sport, an adventure, but also educational,” Phillips said.
The Wild West Experience, another unique program, teaches participants skills straight out of the Wild West. Activities include archery, air rifle target shooting, and tomahawk throwing. The Wild West Experience is for those ages five and above.
The event begins with skilled instructors teaching the art of archery in the groomed facilities. A safety briefing and introduction to skills take place prior to any arrows being launched. Next, participants use a .22 air rifle to shoot at a variety of targets. The shooting range is designed for those of all ages to be successful. Lastly, the Wild West Experience allows the opportunity for traditional tomahawk throwing. Guides teach the proper technique and skills to stick the tomahawk in a wooden target.
It is recommended that all activities are booked in advance.
An Ever-Evolving Company
Phillips joined Resort Outfitters in 2019. His role includes developing new tours and programs, staying on top of safety policies, and conducting staff training. “My job is to make sure we are staying up to speed with industry standards and customer service,” he said. “We deliver and promote unparalleled hospitality.”
Phillips said he enjoys the hospitality side of his role and embraces his involvement in providing guests with a lifetime experience. “The guests gain something from the experience but we get to walk them through it,” he explained. “We provide an all-inclusive experience.” Phillips also spends time out in the field, being able to mentor up-and-coming company professionals, and instilling the same passion in them.
The Future of Resort Outfitters
Phillips explained Resort Outfitters is always looking for new adventures and will be adding one this year. “I’m in the process of developing a whitewater rafting program,” he said. “The tours will be day trips on the Arkansas River, near Canon City.”
Sharing this new adventure with the staff and guests will be exciting, he added. “We are now the complete package,” he said. “We check all the boxes and then some with the tours we offer.”
Resort Outfitters is open year-round, seven days a week. They are closed on Christmas Day. Activities are personalized to accommodate everyone from one participant to a large group. Programs can be designed to cater to corporate events as well. All activities are available weather permitting.
For additional information, visit the website at www.broadmooroutfitters.com or call 719-471-6168.
