Meet Our Norwood Community Businesses from A-Z
By Cheryl Jerabek
Quietly nestled at the west edge of town at 1160 W. Grand Avenue sits an unassuming establishment that’s known as the BackCountry Inn. It’s a quaint hotel that blends right into our small community – no flashing lights or “Do Drop Inn” signs, just a charming wooden bear that stands in the yard to greet guests.
If you’re not looking for the BackCountry Inn, you might drive right past without even noticing it. It’s a local business you probably don’t give much thought to unless a weary traveler asks where to find a reasonable room to rent or the in-laws announce they’re coming for an extended stay.
Owned by Telski (Telluride Ski & Golf) and managed by Norwood resident, Chris Bentler, BackCountry Inn is accommodating and affordable. Frequented mostly by business travelers and construction crews, the rooms boast all the amenities guests need to make themselves at home for a night or an extended stay such as air-conditioned and heated rooms, private bathrooms, flat-screen televisions with cable, microwaves, phones, internet access, a cozy common room with a fireplace, and a complimentary continental breakfast not to mention fabulous views of the surrounding mountains and mesa.
Located in the back of the property is tent camping, RV accommodations, and two rental RVs which are used mostly for Telski employee housing during ski season and regular rentals in off-season. RV spaces come equipped with full water, sewer, and electric hook-ups.
Two showers and flush toilets are available, which are popular attractions for hunters and campers.
A myriad of fabulous five-star feedback scores graces the internet for what is eloquently described as “mountain-elegant rooms at economy rates”. The raving reviews praise the value and cleanliness of the inn and give shout-outs to the friendly and helpful staff. The fact that the hotel is ADA compliant is another plus.
What truly sets BackCountry Inn apart, however, isn’t just its comfortable, affordable lodging but its connection to our community.
“We try to be involved in as many things as we can throughout the year.” Chris commented. “We sponsor and donate to organizations and events like the rodeo, 4H, and most recently, Halloween,” Chris commented.
The BackCountry Inn’s doors opened in 2010 after being rebuilt by the previous owner. In July of 2022, Telski purchased the property.
Although the management at the hotel isn’t inclined to brag, BackCountry Inn is a bit famous. It was featured as the setting for a hotel hideout in the Netflix comedy series The Ranch starring Sam Elliott, AshtonKutcher, Debra Winger, and more. Although no filming was actually conducted on the premises, the inn is mentioned in the credits. Coming from such a small establishment tucked away in a tiny town like Norwood, that’s a pretty big deal.
Fame isn’t what the folks at BackCountry Inn are after though. In fact, quite the opposite.
“We enjoy the personal touch.” Chris stated. “We like getting to know our guests and helping our community out whenever we can.”
Future goals for BackCountry Inn include growing the business and continuing to upgrade and update the rooms and RV accommodations.
Norwood Chamber of Commerce of Wright Mesa is excited to introduce a brand-new series of weekly columns spotlighting our current business members – Meet Our Norwood Community Businesses from A-Z. If you would like your business to be featured, please sign up on our website at norwoodcolorado.com or email [email protected].
The Norwood Chamber of Commerce of Wright Mesa has monthly membership meetings the second Tuesday of each month at the Lone Cone Library from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.