FAQ
What is the best way to contact you?
That is a great question. We are often not in the office, although if you call the office number, it almost always transfers to someone in the field. For even faster response, we suggest texting us (720-495-2565), which is also listed on our contact page or through Facebook Messenger. You may still not reach us immediately from Thursday through Sunday since we are on site. The good part of having the best battlefield in the country is that it is in the mountains and somewhat remote. The worst part of having the best battlefield in the country is that it is in the mountains and somewhat remote. However, this is why we suggest that participants ask questions early and get their waivers filled out the Wednesday before the event. One other way to try to get ahold of us while we are in the mountains is to call the Wellington Lake office at 303-838-5496. They will do their best to get us the message as quickly as possible.
Is this real military training as opposed to being appropriate for a corporate event or a teenager’s birthday party?
Some of our personnel are actual combat veterans. We have consulted with several military personnel to make a more realistic experience than what you would have in the laser tag venues you may have tried in the past. We pay attention to detail, and our weapons our the most realistic that you will find anywhere in the country. With that being said, the end goal is to make everyone’s experience fun and enjoyable with a little bit of learning real world weapon handling and tactics in the process. So in short, is it appropriate for your group? YES! And we tailor the experience to the group too, which is why you will want to come back again and again. It won’t be the same old experience twice, whether that means learning a new weapon, trying new missions, or experiencing a whole different set of objectives. Veteran players get to move through our ranking system, which gains them access to new weapons and devices and new combat roles. There is nothing quite like it anywhere else.
How long is your season?
Our season goes from April or May to the first weekend in November. The beginning season is variable due to snow and road conditions. Much like Trail Ridge Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park, much of our area is not plowed and, therefore, may not be accessible.
What should I wear?
We are in the mountains. Dress appropriately. It is usually 5-10 degrees colder than Denver. The sun can still be brutal, so sunscreen is always a good idea. Weather can change rapidly, too, so rain gear is not a bad idea. We have shelter in case of severe weather. Long pants are a must. Camouflage clothing is optional and helpful but not mandatory. A hiking boot is preferred since even or most even terrain is still rugged, but it is also not mandatory.
Does Conflict Colorado provide any clothing?
Currently, Conflict Colorado does not provide an camouflage clothing or other clothing or rain gear. We are considering this for the future, but we want to make sure our gear is mil-spec quality and hopefully unique to our soldiers.
Do we still play in bad weather? What about snow?
We will still play in light rain, but we will call play during lightning or heavy rain for both player safety and equipment durability. Since these are essentially real weapons outfitted with computer equipment, they are not waterproof, but can handle light weather conditions.
Currently, we do not play in the snow. This may change in the future as we expand our already large game area.
Are there bathrooms?
Yes. There is a bathroom at base camp. However, other locations do not have any facilities immediately nearby, so make sure to use the base camp facility first before we move locations, if applicable.
The address doesn’t seem to be the right location for Base Camp. Where exactly are you?
We have several map areas all along the Wellington Lake area, but primary Base Camp is approximately 0.9 miles southeast of the Wellington Lake office. It is about 0.1 miles from the end of the lake, and if you get to the river fjord, you went about 200 yards too far.
You say you are somewhat remote? I don’t have a four wheel drive vehicle. Will I be able to reach you?
Yes. A four wheel drive vehicle is helpful but not necessary. The roads are not paved once you are approximately a mile outside of Bailey, CO. They can be rutted in places, but they are passable by any passenger vehicle. The parking area is grass/dirt and is also accessible to all vehicles. We do suggest adding extra time to compensate for back road driving if you are using a low clearance vehicle, however.
What should we as participants bring with us?
The main thing to bring is a great attitude, a desire to have fun, and a desire for good sportsmanship. You are welcome to bring water and camouflage clothing.
I bought the water package? Do I need to carry it with me? Should I bring a Camelbak or something similar?
We keep nice, cold water nearby, and there is always time between missions to relax for a few minutes and hydrate. You are welcome to bring a Camelbak or other hydration system, but it isn’t necessary.
I am on call. Is there cell service?
There is little to no cell service on site. There is a phone available at the Wellington Lake office for emergencies. It is less than a mile from base camp.
Are cell phones allowed on site?
Yes. You are welcome to bring cell phones, take pictures, etc. However, service is almost non-existent. Also, we strongly suggest that you keep it in airplane mode anyway or at least turn bluetooth off, as we find that some phones interfere with the communication between your weapon and your damage sensors.
Are real firearms allowed on site?
No. We are strong supporters of the second amendment and your right to carry, but please leave all live firearms locked in your vehicle. It is poor practice to bring live fire weapons in a training area, especially since our weapons look so realistic.
I am not in very good physical shape, and you are in the mountains. Is this not a very good activity for me?
One of our favorite players was named Cory, and he had called us before booking with this exact concern. Stating that he was overweight (around 400 lbs) and out of shape he was concerned that he would hold his team back. “We help all people regardless of age, weight, or fitness,” we told him. There are lots of roles that a player can choose. Each is valuable in their own way and can be critical to the success of the team. He ended up playing AND having a great time. He also made a significant contribution as a support gunner.
How much do the weapons weigh?
Our weapons weigh anywhere from 2 lbs to 15 lbs. They are as short as 12″ and as long as 48″.
What happens if someone is injured?
We keep some basic first aid on site, and some of our team members are trained in basic first aid, but the important thing to remember is that medical aid is NOT close. Play within your abilities. Some of these weapons are heavy. While we don’t tell you specifically not to run, it is rarely a good idea, as it gives away your location, making lots of noise.
Why is it called laser tag or laser skirmish? I thought I read that your weapons don’t use lasers.
Laser tag or laser skirmish is somewhat of a misnomer. The weapon emits an infrared pulse that is invisible to the human eye and completely harmless. The beam is basically no different than the remote you use to control your DVD player. What makes our system special is the way we focus the beam to cross significant distances. Some of our long rifles can reach ranges of more than 1500 feet. Even our basic assault rifles have been tested at ranges at 800 feet plus. You can read more about it here.
I have played Paintball and Airsoft frequently, and laser skirmish just seems to be for kids.
As we say, this isn’t your kid’s laser tag. Conflict Colorado is the next evolution and is becoming much more of a sport versus just a game. At Conflict Colorado we do our best to elevate it to the next level with realistic missions plus the upcoming campaign mode, which will allow advanced players to go through a dynamic campaign of various missions against other squads. We are also planning to do a more comprehensive article on the differences between the two other activities. You can check back here, and we will make sure to add a link.
One of the things I don’t like about Paintball and Airsoft is the cheating. Players ignore hits, for example.
Since our system is controlled by a computer, cheating is much more difficult. If you are killed, your weapon is non-functional. If a player removes their headband in order to try to conceal their sensors, the weapon system can tell and will disable their weapon. Referees are also present to maintain a game of fairness, and we take cheating very seriously as it ruins the experience for everyone. If someone is caught cheating, they will first receive a warning. The second offense, they will be removed from the game and for the rest of deployment. Corporate participants will have their superiors informed, and your company may take disciplinary action as they see fit.
How many missions do we participate?
The number of missions varies based on several factors: Quick or Standard Deployment, fitness of group, training and prep time, et al.
Where are the sensors and how do I know if I got hit?
The sensors are on a wireless headband. It can be worn over a hat or on a bare head. They are adjustable for almost all head sizes. The headband will vibrate if you are hit.
How many times can I get hit before I am killed?
This depends upon the type of weapon that hit you and whether that weapon causes you to start bleeding out. Larger weapons like our light machine guns (LMG) class and sniper rifles do more damage than an assault rifle. Only a rocket launcher can kill someone with a single hit. Other weapons will take 2-5 shots. If your weapon tells you that you are still bleeding, it is imperative that you call a team medic immediately. Like on the real battlefield, you will only have a few minutes before that bleeding is fatal.
What happens when I am killed?
If you are killed, several things will happen. Your weapon will no longer function. As you die, you will hear your headband beep like an EKG as the heartbeat approaches flatline. Your headband will then turn solid color of your team. At this point, you should raise your hand and walk back to your base area. You ARE dead, and dead people can’t ever come back to life, BUT in most missions your team will have a set number of reinforcements, so we consider your return reinforcement to be a clone of yourself. You are back in the game. You are on the same team and the same squad, but you are a “copy” of yourself. Remember that dead men tell no tales, so there is to be no communication with players on your way to a reinforcement station.
If I am killed quickly, am I out for the rest of the mission?
Generally, no. There are some missions where there are no reinforcements at all, but most games have some quantity of reinforcements allowing participants to re-enter the game as a “clone” of themselves.
I understand there are medics on each squad. Can they revive me?
The squad commander does have the option of appointing team medics. Team medics are a valuable support position that can turn the tide in battle, but they are not witch doctors. They can heal your wounds. They can stop you from bleeding out, but they can not bring you back from the dead.
How do I know if I killed an enemy opponent?
Just like in real combat, it is not always possible to confirm a kill during combat. If you are able to see your target, and he or she has a solid light on their headband, they have been eliminated. It is not necessary to large them further.
How do I recognize team mates?
The ability to recognize friendlies is an important aspect of all combat training, as uniforms and gear can look similar. Although friendly fire is generally turned off, always identify your target and coordinate with your team and squad leaders to know where your fire teams are located in the operational area. Generally, team mates will have the same camouflage colored headbands, and each team member will have an arm patch designating their team Bravo Team (Blue), Ranger Team (Red), Yankee Team (Yellow) and Team Gamma (Green).
How large are the areas of operation?
Areas of operation vary based on number of players, fitness level, age, and other factors such as mission type and objectives. Generally, they are anywhere from 300′ x 300′ and up to 800’x800′, but they can be even larger.