Denver named the '1.6 km-high city' on April Fool's Day

It was quite the historic day in Colorado, if we were living in another universe.

Or if it wasn’t April Fool's Day Monday.

From a new line of Colorado-themed shoes, a new metric system in Denver, $1 airfare to paradise, the first ever “driveway to runway” service at Denver International Airport, cardio training at grocery stores and electric skis for the slopes — it’s been a busy day in The Denver Gazette newsroom.

The 1.6-KM High City

In a surprise move, no longer will Denver be called “The Mile High City,” Mayor Mike Johnston said in a video on social media platform X on Monday.

Instead, Denver wants to use a “world class” metric system, the mayor said.

Denver will now be called “The One Point Six Kilometer High City,” according to Johnston’s newly labeled coffee mug.

“Taste’s like world class already,” said Johnston, while taking a sip of morning brew.

The move affects notable spots in Denver.

“Empower Field at 1.6 Kilometers High” will soon be known as the home of the Denver Broncos, according to Johnston, who said he plans to contact the NFL to make it a done deal.

Colorado’s new sense of fashion

Gov. Jared Polis on Monday announced a new shoe line to represent the Centennial State.

The new, shiny blue shoe line pays homage to Polis’ campaign trail in 2018, according to a governor’s office "news" release on Monday.

But apparently, Polis still wears them, according to the governor himself.

“Many Coloradans know me for my signature blue sneakers or my Colorado-themed sneakers,” said Polis in a statement. “They are an important part of my daily attire, especially as I travel across the state to visit with Coloradans.”

If early projections are correct, “this new and affordable Colorado-themed shoe line will quickly outpace other, recently launched shoe lines including a gaudy gold shoe launched by a former President,” the governor’s office said.

The governor’s office added the shoe design will be available as limited edition baseball cleats for the new season.

From home to the plane

Denver International Airport announced on Monday the nation’s first ever “Driveway to Runway” shuttle service — a "new" concept taking passengers straight from their homes to their plane at the gate.

The metro Denver service features electric fleet vehicles picking up passengers at their homes, then dropping them off directly outside at the gate, according to a DIA "news" release.

Passengers will have the option of booking an individual or shared ride at a discounted price, DIA officials said, adding service feeds are $99 per person for shared rides and $199 for individual rides.

Upon arrival, passengers receive exclusive airport security screening at the gate, according to the airport’s release, adding that luggage would be checked at the gate.

“I commend our partners, and everyone at DEN for revolutionizing the way airline passengers travel to the airport,” Chief Operating Officer for DEN Steve Jaquith said in a statement.

“The convenience of this service,” he added, “is unparalleled to any ground transportation and remote screening currently offered at any airport across America. It also represents a bold green mode of transportation thanks to our new fleet of electric vehicles.”

Those who tried to book a reservation got the "Happy April Fool's Day" message.

Wide-bodied plane to the French Polynesia isle

Denver-based Frontier Airlines announced Monday its newest airline fleet: the “wide-bodied aircraft” with plenty of room for "lie-flat seating." 

Customers of the low-cost airline knew it was a joke right about the "feature a chef-curated inflight menu and free Wi-Fi for all passengers" line.

To celebrate the airline’s newest addition, Frontier is offering a one-day flash sale of $1 fares from New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport to Motu Mute Airport in Bora Bora, according to Frontier’s "news" release.

Flights must be booked before 9:59 p.m. MST April 1 for travel through June 26, Frontier officials said, adding flights from New York City to Bora Bora will operate twice a week.

Whether flights will be offered coming back from Bora Bora remains unclear.

So, for folks looking for an island paradise vacation, now is the time to fly out of New York City.

“This is a monumental day in the history of Frontier Airlines,” Frontier CEO Barry Biffle said. “With the addition of new wide-body aircraft to our fleet, we are turning the airline industry on its head with a new luxury flight experience that is a total reimagining of our business model."

Grocery store workout

Ever dreamed of getting your cardio workout while grocery shopping at the same time? Now is your chance.

Natural Grocers, the Lakewood-based grocery store chain, announced on Monday a “Spin & Blend” fitness class.

In addition to buying groceries, customers are being offered free onsite fitness classes for 30 minutes of “an unforgettable workout,” Natural Grocers officials said.

Coupons are included, they added.

The Spin & Blend class is “designed as a ridiculous ‘whole-body’ health-supportive experience,” the grocery store's "news" release said.

It added: “The new Spin & Blend classes build on a fun alternative to just standing around and blending a smoothie in your kitchen. In today’s world of multitasking and busy lifestyles, it’s an efficient combination of exercise and eating right.”

Tesla Electric Powered Skis

Jason Levinthal and his staff at J Skis of Burlington, Vermont, have teamed up with Tesla and created the world's first electric powered ski, Levinthal announced over the company's social platforms Monday.

J Skis, a designer ski company known for its creative collabs, tested the Tesla battery powered ski earlier in March at the Mad River Glen in Vermont.

"This crazy project started a couple years back when I reached out to Tesla with the idea to develop an "E-ski" together," Levinthal wrote on a blog post. "I honestly didn't expect a reply, but figured it never hurts to ask, so I couldn't believe when one of their engineers (not Elon) actually hit me back."

Levinthal said the motor has a spinning wheel with traction on it like a snowmobile track does and the battery regenerates power on the way down, too.

Levinthal said J Skis and Tesla are working on tweaks to be made before the company starts accepting pre-orders this summer, with delivery of the first pairs of skis to customers in time for next ski season.

Giant tarantula loose in Westminster

Meanwhile, at the Butterfly Pavilion, a tarantula grew and escaped.

"Rosie got into a strange goo last night that resulted in her growing over 1,000 times her size!" the invertebrate museum posted on Facebook. "Rosie the Giant Tarantula is now loose on the City of Westminster, please contact Butterfly Pavilion with any sightings."

The post was accompanied by an obviously edited image of a giant tarantula, large enough to climb on the roof of the Butterfly Pavilion.

But, don't worry, the Butterfly Pavilion was quick to point out it was all just an April Fools' joke.

"Rosie is completely okay and no animals were harmed in the making of this prank," the post said.