THE PERFECT SOLAR TRAINING VACATION

Experience an unforgettable educational adventure

Enjoy unparalleled beauty while learning technical solar skills at SEI’s one-of-a kind training facility. Located on the Western Slope of Colorado, your solar training vacation experience will bring you to a new level of awe and inspiration as you surround yourself with majestic views and gain invaluable knowledge in the same breath.

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Food & Drink

Local Food

Paonia, where SEI is headquartered, sports a variety of dining experiences. From niche food trucks to sit-down restaurants, there is something for everyone. Local cuisine includes Asian, Mexican, American, Italian, Indian, Southern American, and more!

Breweries, Pubs, Bars, & Cideries

Get ready to experience the drink paradise of Colorado’s Western Slope! From lagers and IPAs to stouts and sours, this region is overflowing with unique brews. Uncover all it has to offer and discover some new favorite flavors during your solar training stay.

Wineries

Uncover the magic of Colorado’s wine country. From vibrant vineyards to unforgettable tasting rooms, discover an adventure-packed trail through the magnificent Western Slope – it promises to be a truly special experience.

Recreation

Water Sports

From kayaking and stand up paddle-boarding to surfing and white water rafting, Colorado water sports have so much to offer! Whether you’re a one time beginner or a seasoned pro, Colorado’s diverse array of lakes and rivers provide the perfect conditions to explore all sorts of water related activities.

Hiking, Cycling & Rock Climbing

There are plenty of different activities to take advantage of during your time in Colorado, whether your heart’s desire is hiking, cycling, or scaling some rock faces. Away from the hustle and bustle of cities, allow yourself to explore the rugged and stark beauty all around you when you put yourself out there to be exposed to unbridled nature!

Black Canyon
Crested Butte Trails
Jumbo Mountain Trailhead
Cliff Creek Trail
Ruby Anthracite Trail
Needle Rock Trail

Camping & Sightseeing

Whether you prefer staying in a tent or sightseeing in quintessential mountain towns accessed by vehicle, Colorado promises unforgettable experiences. Venture beneath towering pines and discover a new side of Colorado through camping and sightseeing.

Hot Springs

Nestled amidst the Western Slope’s stunning natural features lies an assortment of hot springs—waiting for anyone to come enjoy their warm embrace. These mineral-injected pools are both a relaxation experience and a form of hydrotherapy. Take the time for yourself or bring the whole family on this fascinating adventure.

black canyon of the gunnison

State Park & Federal Land Access

Find a wealth of beauty hidden amongst the Western Slope’s state parks and federal lands. Thriving wildlife habitats alongside dramatic Black Canyon cliffs, and leaves changing their color as temperatures transition away from summer – an enchantment that draws eager tourists each year. It is no doubt that outdoor enthusiasts find dozens of sights on state parks and federal corners across this part of Colorado.

Hunting & Fishing

The excitement that comes with hunting or fishing in Colorado offers memories that will last a lifetime. With an abundant range of densities, sizes and habitats, the Western Slope offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the world. The scenery here is outstanding and offers no end of wild places and teaming nature to inspire outdoor activities.

Entertainment

Art & Theatre

Get ready to be inspired when you explore the vibrant North Fork Valley. A Creative District of Colorado, this area is a hub for artistic expression. From performances at the Paradise Theater and the Blue Sage Center for Arts to small galleries around Paonia – there’s no shortage of ways creative minds express themselves here.

Live Music

Paonia is considered a go-to destination for music lovers, with many drawn to this idyllic mountain town for its eclectic mix of talent and vast range of musical tastes. If you’re attending an SEI course in August, don’t miss out on Pickin’ in the Park – a free Thursday night concert series at the town park! You can enjoy delicious food, sip some drinks and dance to great music with your fellow students and townsfolk.

Festivals

For a little town, Paonia sure does like to party! If you’re looking for some lively fun, experience one of the many festivals on the Western Slope. Enjoy tasty food, festivities, live music, and wonderful local wares. Some of the most popular festivals take place during the Colorado summer and fall, including Paonia Cherry Days and Mountain Harvest Festival.

orchards and local produce in Paonia, CO

Farms & Orchards

Get ready for a delicious adventure! On your way to SEI, you’ll pass by thousands of acres of organic orchards with ripe cherries, juicy apricots, succulent peaches and plump nectarines. Farms on the Western Slope have so much to offer, from blooms that will take your breath away to epic fruit picking – the possibilities are endless for discovering new delights around each corner.

Family Activities & Summer Camps

Western Colorado is an incredible place to take your family this summer with its variety of activities and summer camps. For parents looking for something a bit more educational, campers can stimulate their minds and explore their creative side through one of the many camps offered across the state. Families will also have countless opportunities to bond while participating in sports such as mountain biking, kayaking, and rafting as they enjoy Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes.

Museums

Western Colorado is steeped in vibrant history and colorful culture, making the museums of the area a fun destination to explore. From small interpretive centers to historical galleries teeming with culture and knowledge, visitors can wander rooms while taking in the cultural elements that make our region so captivating.

Bowie School House and Paonia Museum
Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Museum

DISCOVER YOUR  SOLAR TRAINING VACATION TODAY

In need of some vacation time while learning something new? A solar training vacation might be the perfect fit for you! You’ll get days full of adventures and plenty of learning opportunities surrounding solar energy.

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