craigdailypress.com

Steamboat Springs — Bikinis, sand, beaches and palm trees are the status quo when it comes to NFL cheerleader swimsuit calendars.

The Denver Broncos were no different. For the past five years, the team had gone to an exotic location in Mexico to shoot its annual calendar.

But at the urging of fans and the opportunities that abound in Colorado, the Broncos decided to keep it more local this year. And what better and more beautiful place than Steamboat Springs?

The Broncos cheerleaders have been in Steamboat since Sunday shooting their 2009-10 swimsuit calendar. The photo shoot ends Saturday.

Locations have included Strawberry Park Hot Springs, More Barn, St. Cloud Mountain Club, the top of the gondola, Vista Verde Guest Ranch, Steamboat Lake, Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club, Ghost Ranch Saloon, F.M. Light & Sons and several private homes, among others.

"It is different," said Teresa Shear, the Broncos' director of cheerleading and game day entertainment. "Not all the teams in the NFL can claim the mountains like we can. With the Broncos and our Western theme, it made it a perfect spot for us. We do hope it's a unique calendar and stands out among the other NFL teams."

Judging by the initial reactions of several cheerleaders, the shoot has been a success.

Although the team has tried to find some water to go along with the swimsuits, they've also found several of Steamboat's most beautiful and famous spots to shoot.

On Tuesday evening, the team was at Steamboat Lake on a boat at sunset. The cheerleaders also were shot at the top of the gondola on Monday during sunset.

"Mexico is fun, and it's fun to be on the beach," said Nicole Moore, who has been a Broncos cheerleader for three years. "But at the same time, we're excited to be up in the mountains. Our fans really wanted us to shoot in Colorado again since we are the Denver Broncos cheerleaders. I think they're really looking forward to the calendar up here."

Most of the girls treat their cheerleading as more of a passion than a job. All have years of experience in dance at the youth, high school and collegiate levels. Most either are full-time students or have other full-time jobs.

"It's like the greatest experience," said Jessica Flores, noting that members of team also are employed as teachers, architects and pharmacists. "We do so much with games and dancing. This is more for the charities, and we get to hang out with our fans."

The photo shoots all have varied, but each includes long hours. Flores, who was photographed at the St. Cloud Mountain Club next to its fireplace, said her shoot took more than five hours, including two hours of hair and makeup.

Shear said she was looking for the ideal Colorado location for the shoot. After visiting Steamboat several months ago for her daughter's tennis tournament, she said she knew Steamboat was the place.

"It's the perfect fit," she said. "The Western aspect, and it's just so beautiful up here. I know it's going to be a great calendar for us."

The calendar will be finished Aug. 15 and go on sale after that. It will cost $14.95 and can be purchased at www.denverbroncos.com or at retail locations throughout the Front Range. To see some of the shots from Steamboat Springs, click here.