Covered Bridge Magazine | Winter + Spring 2021-22 | Issue #1 by CoveredBridgeVail

WINTER

SPRING

2021 2022

Don’t Stop When The Temps Drop Hygge Your Mountain Home

GEAR FOR THE SEASON

Live Like A Local

VAI L + M INTURN + EAGLE-VAI L + AVO N + E DWARD S + EAGLE + G YPSU M

hello from

our publisher

Community PUBLISHERS Kim Fuller + Bobby L'Heureux

Publisher Jaunt Media Collective Editor-In-Chief Kim Fuller Managing Editor Lexi Reich Assistant Editor Lauren Farrauto Creative Director Chelsea Connolly Creative Consultants Kitty Nicholson + Shannon Kennedy Advertising Bobby L’Heureux Partnerships Coordinator Laura Mills

Dear Readers,

by Sandy Ferguson Fuller, 59 years after she walked across what was then a simple, uncovered bridge to ski Vail Mountain on that opening day. Community is unified by place, yes, but as a place changes and evolves, the people make it whole. Covered Bridge is a nod to our mountain valley legacy and a celebration of the locals who give it life. From East Vail to Gypsum, the current that flows through is you. In Gratitude,

Kim Fuller Jaunt Media Collective jauntmediacollective.com

Cover Photographer Townsend Bessent Website coveredbridgevail.com Social @coveredbridgemag Partnership Opportunities Email bobby@jauntmediacollective.com or call 815.414.9642 Proudly produced + printed in Colorado. Thank you for supporting local media! Jaunt Media Collective 2077 North Frontage Rd. Suite 103A Vail, CO 81657 ® 2021 Covered Bridge Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publishers. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumers no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. Company cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine.

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PHOTOS BY CRAIG COHN, MARIAH SCHUETTE

I’ve always felt the current of the Vail Valley. While the mountains that surround us stand steadfast and mighty, our river water flows and continuously carves its way west. All of this mirrors the energetic nature of our community. People come and people go; some people visit for a little while and some stay for a lifetime. When my grandparents came to Vail for the first time in the early 1960s, they had no idea this valley would become such an international destination. With their daughters, my mother Sandy and my aunt Susie, the Fergusons skied Vail on its opening day in December of 1962. Now 96 years old, my grandmother Widge resides at Castle Peak Senior Care Community in Eagle. Her window looks out on Capitol Street in Eagle Ranch, over to red clay and sagebrush hills surrounding the town and up to Castle Peak. Widge has seen the valley’s growth over the past 60 years, yet it’s still those early Vail days she loves the most. With all that changes, some things stay the same. In every moment of every season, year after year, Gore Creek runs beneath the Covered Bridge in Vail Village. Its walls have seen a lot of history, thoughtfully put into words (on page 78)

Contributors Townsend Bessent, Mackennea Broyles, Julia Clarke, Chelsea Connolly, EJ Dilley, Kaitlin Emig, Lauren Farrauto, Kim Fuller, Sandy Ferguson Fuller, E.C. Hoffman, Courtney Holden, Sherri Innis, Jenna Kretchman, Cameron Martindell, Zach Mahone, Joe Newton, Kimberly Nicoletti, Rob Prechtl, Lexi Reich, Christine Rice, Dominique Taylor, Susi Thurman, Alison Vagnini, Jennifer Weintraub, Brett Zimmerman

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table of

contents

WINTER + SPRING

contents 2021 + 2022

14 GEAR GUIDE

18 c o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

features

78 A WALK THROUGH VAIL HISTORY

An “Abridged” Timeline of the Covered Bridge + Bridge Street

84 EAGLE VALLEY OUTDOOR MOVEMENT

Creating a More Inclusive Environment

88 AVANTI CHALET

Rebirth of a Mountain Masterpiece

94 RIDE ALONG

2 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Introducing Covered Bridge

30 GEAR FOR THE SEASON + Winter/Spring 2021-22

6 CONTRIBUTORS

8 ABOUT THE COVER Q&A with Townsend Bessent

36 ADVENTURE Beyond Skiing + Snowboarding

10 VOICES OF THE VALLEY Thoughts on Community

40 GRAND OUTDOORS Clean Air, Sustainable Community, Bright Future

11 VALLEY HAPPENINGS + The Hythe Unveils New Haven in Vail

+ Gear for Lil’ Rippers

+ Town of Vail Upgrades Transit Technology

+ Recipes from Chef Matt Limbaugh

+ Restaurant Spotlight: The Assembly, Eagle

+ Restaurant Spotlight: Slope Room, Vail

+ Local Column: Eat with Your Hands

+ Fill & Refill Revolution

22 WELLNESS + FITNESS + Howard Head Sports Medicine

+ High-Altitude Training During Pregnancy

28 ATHLETE PROFILE Kim Dobson Keeps Going Up

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+ Family Harmony with The Turntable Revue

66 STYLE FOR THE SEASON + Local Boutiques Share Mountain Style

+ A Second Look at Secondhand

72 ROAD TRIP Shoulder Season with Wilderness + Wine

44 NOURISH + High-Altitude Baking

14 MOUNTAIN LIVING + How to Hygge Your Mountain Home

70 MAKER Wolf People

+ Beaver Creek Opens McCoy Park Expansion

+ Community Wellness at The Vitality Collective

60 ART + MUSIC + Colors of the Community

42 FAMILY Don’t Stop When the Temps Drop

With the Vail Pedicab Team

54 CHEERS + Cocktail Feature: Ruby Soho from Craftsman

+ Winter Whites by Brett Zimmerman, Master Sommelier

58 BOOK CLUB + Read Island

74 OFF-SEASON GETAWAY Santa Barbara, California 98 LIVE LIKE A LOCAL Casey Głowacki, Owner of Drunken Goat and Cut 100 DINING GUIDE Eat Local 102 EVENTS Winter + Spring 2021-22 104 PARTING SHOT Poem + Illustration by Sandy Ferguson Fuller

contributors 1

1. Townsend Bessent Photographer

charlestownsendphotography.com

2. MacKennea Broyles Writer @mackennea

3. Julia Clarke Writer

juliaclarkeyoga.com

4. Chelsea Connolly Creative Director @thechelseaconnolly

5. Kaitlin Emig Writer @sunflower_lion

6. Lauren Farrauto Assistant Editor + Writer @laurenfarrauto

7. Sandy Ferguson Fuller Writer, Editor, Illustrator + Photographer alparts.com

8. Courtney Holden Writer courtney-holden.com

9. Shannon Kennedy Designer

shannonkennedydesign.com

10. Jenna Kretchman Writer jennakret.com

11. Olivia Lyda Writer @olivia.lyda

12. Cameron Martindell Writer @offyonder

13. Kitty Nicholason Designer 14. Kimberly Nicoletti Writer kimberlynicoletti.com

15. Lexi Reich Managing Editor + Writer lexireich.com

16. Becca Saulsberry Illustrator @bex_berry_art

17. Jennifer Weintraub Writer @the.outdoorista

18. Brett Zimmerman Writer + Master Sommelier

@boulderwinemerchant

c o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

Locally-owned Bookstore Delicious Cafe Serving the Vail Valley since 1997

Creating a communal space where local, whole, seasonal ingredients are used to craft good food that harmonizes with planet & community.

0056 Edwards Village Boulevard 970.446.6830

•

Unit 120, Edwards CO 81632

hello@hoveyandharrison.com

•

www.hoveyandharrison.com

about the

cover

About The Cover with Townsend Bessent

By kim fuller

or the inaugural issue of Covered Bridge, we had to give a nod to our namesake. This unique photo of the Covered Bridge in Vail Village, captured by local photographer Townsend Bessent, highlights the vibrant and active nature of the Vail Valley. “The cover image is a composite of several long exposure images of skiers walking across the Covered Bridge in Vail Village,” shares Bessent. “Each image was roughly a second and a half in order to create motion, accentuate color and remove focus on any individual person.” Bessent also shot a more traditional, side image of the Covered Bridge (pictured on this page). This image was taken from Gore Creek around midnight. Bessent says a 15-second exposure allowed the water to blur and smooth while accentuating the current lighting display's color that was on the bridge and its surroundings. Here at Covered Bridge, we’re dedicated to bringing something new to the

valley. The more traditional photo would have made a beautiful cover, yet we believe the image Bessent captured for this inaugural issue is more of a catalyst for conversation; therefore more aligned with what we hope to bring our readers in every issue of the magazine. Bessent grew up in Louisiana, but he says his heart has always been in the mountains. He has called the Vail Valley home for the past 13 years, working as a full-time freelance photographer. “I spend around half the year shooting for various companies globally while picking away at passion projects like recording oral histories of the elderly and large scale prints of natural patterns,” shares Bessent. “Photography has introduced me to people, places and experiences that have shaped who I am as a human. I feel super fortunate to be able to dedicate my life to documenting this planet and the people that call it home.” + charlestownsendphotography.com

THE MORE TRADITIONAL PHOTO WOULD HAVE MADE A BEAUTIFUL COVER, YET WE BELIEVE THE IMAGE BESSENT CAPTURED FOR THIS INAUGURAL ISSUE IS MORE OF A CATALYST FOR CONVERSATION; THEREFORE MORE ALIGNED WITH WHAT WE HOPE TO BRING OUR READERS IN EVERY ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE. c o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

c h ec k t h e w e bs i t e fo r u pco m i n g

b u e n a vi sta

a n n o u n c e m e n ts

voices of

the valley

Thoughts On

community Jim Cotter

what Christian Alvarez

“Having lived in the same area for over 50 years, I’ve seen the area grow and adapt. To me, community means working together. I am here, because we all are here. We share our success by supporting each other, whether it’s business or personal. As an artist, I get to visually communicate these ideas, thoughts and feelings to the community. Our differences make us better, and by banding together we’ve created a stronger community. The number of interests in the Vail Valley is so varied, yet we can all agree that we love the area we live. We are grateful for every day we get to spend here.”

“When I think about community, the images that come to mind are family, friends and a place/town filled with them. I think of people with things in common that come together to create a place where they can enjoy life to the fullest by supporting each other’s purposes, dreams, passions and desires for the common good. When this happens, we can see how businesses, schools, the arts and entertainment, and places for leisure (parks, trails, etc.) prosper, and we can all enjoy it and take advantage of it. I’m glad to be part of what makes my community better by having a business dedicated to the well-being of my community!”

are your Founder of FitnessNT in Avon thoughts?

Artist + Gallery Owner of J. Cotter Gallery in Vail

Meghan Cahill

Community Member + Teacher “In order to have a strong community, I believe we need compassion and connection. Compassion within our community means that we find common humanity and know that each and every one of us play a fundamental role in making everything work well here in this beautiful valley we live in. I also believe that in order to have a healthy community, we need to feel connected. Whether it be connection to your hobbies, your job, your people, your environment or yourself. Helping others, helping our environment and helping ourselves all play a major role in creating a healthy, happy and productive community. I am incredibly grateful I have been able to serve our community as a local teacher for 10 years. Helping children find their own passions and gratitude with the abundance of beauty that surrounds us might be my most rewarding contribution yet.”

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valley happenings

The Hythe Unveils New Haven in Vail Luxury hotels in Vail draw international visitors, of course, but The Hythe is a vibrant and sophisticated property that locals will also love to enjoy. The Lionshead property you may be familiar with as the Marriot has been completely transformed. Old English for “The Haven,” The Hythe recently completed a $40 million renovation that includes a revamped lobby and four brand-new culinary concepts. The interiors of The Hythe are inspired by the origins of Vail, those who built it in the 1960s and the beautiful surrounding nature that drove people here. A pioneering spirit, hospitality and a shared love of skiing can be felt in each custom design element, all curated thoughtfully by Wilson Ishihara Design. Locals will enjoy spending time in The Hythe’s lobby bar, 10th Mountain, a partnership with 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company. Upstairs from the lobby, Revel Lounge has a notable design and an exciting craft cocktail menu. The Hythe’s modern alpine dinner concept, Margie’s Haas, is a tribute to the World War II local home cook, Margie Haas. The restaurant offers contemporary mountain cuisine with a fresh approach to classic recipes and ingredients. Helmed by executive chef Patrick Dahms, the menu brings a modernized concept of his 35 years of experience in Alpine cuisine, inspired by his upbringing in Germany and his travels in South Tyrol in Italy and the Austrian Alps. Well & Being Spa is also worth a visit, where guests can achieve wellness through the oxygen bar, a Himalayan salt lounge and plenty of treatment options. thehythevail.com

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valley happenings

McCoy Park Expansion at Beaver Creek Resort

Beaver Creek Resort has opened a new 250-acre expansion — McCoy Park. This welcoming terrain serves beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders of all ages. Offerings 17 new trails and two new lifts, this elevates everyone’s mountain experience. McCoy Park features natural, groomable glades in a dedicated family-friendly zone for beginner and low-intermediate skiers. It’s a place for the entire family to connect with nature and each other in an accessible bowl setting. McCoy Park is the third installment of the Signature Parks Collection at Beaver Creek, a set of terrain built specifically for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders to expand their skills and advance their abilities, mimicking the setting of advanced trails, such as mountain-top vistas, groomed glades, adventure zones and more.

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Town of Vail Upgrades Transit Technology with RideVail

The Town of Vail has implemented a new transit operations management system called RideVail. Real time bus information is now hosted at ride.vailgov.com. All buses are equipped with two monitors that display upcoming stop information. There are also automated interior and exterior audible announcement systems that can announce upcoming stops as well as public service announcements. In addition, each bus has free public Wi-Fi and automatic passenger counters. RideVail includes bus locations, arrival predictions, crowding levels and service alerts. New bus stop signs with QR codes along outlying routes have been produced to direct passengers to the RideVail website page. In addition, the town has integrated its real time transit information to Google Maps and is in the process of integrating with other third-party trip planning apps to enable easy access to information for guests and locals already familiar with those platforms. New LCD displays in the Vail Transportation Center and Lionshead Transit Center will display departure times for both Vail Transit and ECO Transit buses. Other improvements include the installation of new larger LED signs at the Covered Bridge eastbound, Covered Bridge westbound and Lionshead Village eastbound stops. Two of the Intown LED signs that have been replaced will be reinstalled in the two West Vail Mall bus shelters. This project was funded in part by a $350,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Community Wellness at The Vitality Collective

If a dose of wellness is calling this season, head over to The Vitality Collective in Eagle. The space opened in the spring of 2021 and has been providing offerings that support transformation and growth. “Physical and emotional pain is inevitable. How we choose to transform and learn from that pain is what matters,” shares co-founder Hannah Knauer. “Each challenge we face is an opportunity to discover freedom in our bodies and our minds.” Knauer and Sofia Lindroth opened The Vitality Collective to provide a space for people to shift their well-being through functional movement, breathwork, meditation, yoga, MELT, workshops, events and retreats. “We acknowledge that there is never one way to enhance mental clarity, develop your physical well-being and commit to your emotional health,” shares Knauer. “We prioritize having a variety of offerings and environments for our community and clients to build a stronger connection with themselves and each other. We believe that wellness is for everyone. This is why our offerings are accessible and inviting.” The Vitality Collective offers classes and workshops for all ages from small children to older adults. “This variety will only grow as we grow,” adds Knauer. “Our intention is to be here for you at any moment along your journey, in any phase of life. Let us be a part of your support system.” To connect, start by exploring their website for a full schedule or sign up for a workshop. If you are a wellness practitioner looking to host something special for the community, Knauer and Lindroth encourage you to reach out. thevitalitycollective.com

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mountain living

How to Hygge Your Mountain Home 5 Tips from Hygge Life’s Alex Gove

PHOTOS BY ALISON VAGNINI

By Julia Clarke

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f you’ve been anywhere in the last couple of years, you’ll have noticed that hygge is everywhere. The Danish concept, pronounced “hoo-ga” and denoting a warm and cozy lifestyle, has actually been a key part of Danish culture since the early 1800s. Though at first glance hygge might seem like an interior design style, it’s really a whole way of living centered around creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with people you care about. “Hygge is owning things you truly love and choosing authenticity over practicality. It is about adding that extra sparkle to moments, big or small,” explains Alex Gove, co-owner of the Hygge Life store in Eagle-Vail. The Colorado native discovered hygge when she and her husband Koen, who met in Vail, moved to his hometown of Amsterdam. The word hygge comes from a Norwegian word meaning “well-being,” but it doesn’t really have a direct translation in English; rather, it describes a way of life that pursues everyday happiness. Gove, who is also the author of the book Dwell, Gather, Be, describes hygge as “the euphoric feeling when you are completely content in the present moment, when you can’t help but smile and let out a happy sigh.” “Life in the Netherlands was my first encounter with the northern European way of slowing down, being present and genuinely enjoying everyday moments,” she recalls, adding, “As you walk the narrow streets of Holland, the brown cafés are dimly lit, the decor is charming yet down to earth and the people are real. I was hooked.”

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SO, GO AHEAD — grab a cozy blanket, light a candle and enjoy these tips from Gove for how to hygge your mountain home:

In 2013, Gove traveled to Copenhagen in search of Danish design and inspiration, which she discovered was a paradise for this cozy vibe she was falling in love with. “It was as if I had found my life match. There were candles everywhere — in windows, cafés and on every table; nooks with comfy pillows, timeless chairs, plenty of good food and wine and happy people,” says Gove. A few years and a van trip around Europe later, life brought the couple back to the mountains, which Gove felt was the perfect backdrop for hygge, which also involves spending time in nature.

In 2019, the pair opened Hygge Life on Highway 6 where valley locals and guests can browse handcrafted dinnerware, soft throws and scented candles that help hygge their home, or chat with a friend in the cafe over a delicious cup of coffee. Gove is keen to explain that hygge is not a style of interior design, but about creating special moments out of daily routines and rituals, whether that means lighting a candle before you curl up in your reading nook, buying fresh flowers at the market, posting handwritten invitations for your backyard summer party or breaking out the good wine when your friends are over for dinner. +

Hygge is not about decorating your home to perfection. Instead, it’s about finding things that speak to you, inspire you and remind you of wonderful moments that you can share with all the people you love in your life. A hygge home is about finding the home décor that speaks to you personally and creating a space that cultivates coziness. Make your home a hygge haven. Think about the moments you enjoy in your everyday life and design with those moments in mind, rather than pursuing a particular style or look. If you love to read and there is a spot in your home that gets the perfect evening glow, then set up a reading nook in that spot with a comfortable chair, reading light and a small table to set a glass of wine or cup of tea. If you love music, then dedicate a portion of your living room to your record player and display your favorite albums in a bookcase. If you and your family love connecting around the dinner table, then invest in a long wooden table and comfortable chairs that make the dinner table conversations linger even longer.

Bring the outside in. In the summer, open the windows and let the fresh breeze into your space. Create a special haven where your children can slow down. If you have children, consider making a cozy fort in their room or in the family room with pillows, twinkle lights and a sheepskin throw.

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PHOTOS BY ROB PRECHTL, ALISON VAGNINI

Light candles any time of day. Yes, even with your morning coffee or tea. If you have a fireplace, light it often.

sponsored content

Avid Design

Celebrates 25 Years Supporting Vail Valley Businesses

vid Design planted roots in the Vail Valley when Brad Farans answered the call of the mountains and set up his Apple Macintosh in a closet “office” in 1996 to build websites for some of The Valley’s most iconic businesses. It didn’t take long before he realized that building those websites involved branding development and discussions regarding ways to bring awareness to those websites. This sparked an idea that bolstered Avid into something bigger. “After recognizing the need for ongoing supportive services post-web launch, I spent the next 25-plus years cultivating a dynamic team of designers and marketers to join forces with our developers — forming the full-service, boutique marketing and design agency that supports local businesses across the board today,” shares Farans. The Avid team is deeply connected to this mountain community and the aspects that make it so unique. That fervor, combined with decades of firsthand experience in web and marketing with a knack for staying on cutting-edge trends and ideas, means they bring a proactive edge and proven solutions to the table for their clients. “There is no easy button to doing things the right way in this industry,” explains Farans, “and navigating these technical projects is both tedious and time consuming c o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

if you haven’t been in the thick of it as long as we have. It’s our privilege to take that off our clients’ shoulders — crafting branding and designs that perfectly capture the essence of their businesses, building user-friendly websites on a foundation that can scale, and planning and executing strategic marketing that supports their goals.”

“Our goal is to be the Ace of Marketing up your sleeve so you can focus on running your business.” AVID COMPANY CULTURE Partnering with the Avid team means businesses get to interact with the two most standout characteristics of the company culture: Team Cohesion + Personality. “The dynamic here is amazing because there’s zero competition within the office — we all genuinely want to see each other

succeed,” says Farans. “This shows in our work because we share information and project progress with each other, which means we fine tune content along the way by applying our combined decades of experience and varied backgrounds during our collaborative town hall sessions. This communal approach inevitably impacts client relationships because the team “can’t help but feel the stoke” about new projects and then welcome new clients into the Avid Fam with open arms. “We genuinely love the Vail Valley and spend our free time tackling the next outdoor adventure,” Farans shares. “Being so enveloped in the local culture means we’re in-tune with trends and what works for businesses throughout the seasons.” 25 YEARS OF LOCALS HELPING LOCALS For going on three decades, Avid Design has developed a keen sense for patterns in tourism activity and communication channels so they can position clients strategically. “This attention to patterns heightened around the pandemic, especially, as we saw the traditional extremes of seasonal tourism shift into a steadier year-round flow of business,” says Farans. “We promptly developed and shared updated year-round marketing strategies with clients so they’d be on the apex of this new rhythm.” The most impactful evolution of Avid over the past 25 years has been the ongoing cultivation of “the A-team.” “We accomplish this through our never-ending search for the right players with the ‘right stuff’ to make what we can do for clients bigger, better and bolder,” Farans explains. “We wouldn’t be where we are today if we didn’t place immense value in recruiting talent that comes equipped with their own results-yielding techniques across web, design and marketing projects.” In lieu of a candy apple red convertible to mark how far they have come, Avid built a brand new website (check it out at avidonline.com) to share the work and results they’ve accomplished thanks to the trust of so many local businesses. “We’re most excited about what the future holds,” Farans says, “keeping our eyes focused on the horizon in anticipation of the next big leap forward and putting that to work for our clients.”

wellness +

fitness

Howard Head Sports Medicine Here for Us By Sandy Ferguson Fuller

Howard + Marty Head

“

Life can turn on a dime.” Like mine. A familiar quote without impact, until it happens. For me it was last June while on a local hike with my dog, Piney, to enjoy some wildflowers. One hour later, a trail rescue (hats off to locals Barry Davis and Kady Warble for being first on the scene and to Vail Fire Department for getting me out safely), followed by emergency surgery. A freak, severe injury to my leg required four-and-a-half hours of skilled repair (thank you, Dr. Max Seiter of Vail Summit Orthopedics) and a 10-day hospital stay (kudos, Vail Health). My mountain summer plans evaporated; instead, I faced months of physical rehab and a revised goal — to get back to what I love to do most. That’s precisely the mission of Howard Head Sports Medicine (HHSM) — “To return people to their previous activity levels using the most advanced care, comprehensive education and latest research.” I fit right in! I joined countless patients who have benefitted from the outstanding care and services offered by this valuable organization. As a Vail local, I knew about HHSM; I actually knew Howard and Marty Head as a kid in the 1960s. But until I landed prone in their P.T. room totally by accident, I had no clue what a valuable resource this facility provides our community. I need to share their story. Howard Head was foremost an inventor, an aeronautical engineer who revolutionized both skiing and tennis equipment. The clinic that bears his name celebrates this: “The Spirit of Innovation.” He believed that anyone can achieve sporting goals and that “the best inventions come from people who are deeply involved in solving a problem.” Driven by Howard and Marty’s vision and funding, the first facility opened in 1987 with a few therapists and an experimental practice, followed in 1990 by the grand opening of a full clinic in a new location. For over 30 years, HHSM has continued to expand its expertise, technology, research and professional staff. A part of Vail Health, currently they support 10 mountain locations in Summit and Eagle Counties. Their international reputation attracts patients worldwide.

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Connect with the YOGA + Life® community!

yogalifelive.com YOGA + Life® creates connection and conversation about all things movement, wellness, travel, food, outdoors, gear, sustainable living, arts, culture and more. We are an international community containing regional yoga and lifestyle magazines — print and digital publications showcasing content that truly informs + inspires.

What so many don’t know about HHSM is the broad array of their therapeutic services and community support. Every patron, regardless of condition or need, receives equal care and attention. It’s not limited to skiers or boarders or bikers or climbers or rafters or dancers or world-class athletes — or any sport. It’s not limited to physical injury. It’s inclusive for any age, circumstance, nationality, etc. I’m astonished at its variety of specializations, as well as related community programs and outreach. Is your passion gardening and you’ve never set foot on a mountain trail? Tending a garden isn’t enjoyable with an arthritic hand or back, so seek help. Cancer patients, HHSM partners with Shaw Cancer Center and other leading oncology treatment centers. Pregnant? Consider pelvic relief or aquatic therapy. Hit your head and dealing with a concussion? Make an appointment with the Brain & Balance Care Team. Is a fear of heights limiting your climbing performance? Explore the power of mind in sport. “SUCH A POSITIVE PLACE” I am extremely privileged to have Mark DelVecchio as my physical therapist. He inspires me to “put in the work.” Both Mark and his wife, Brooke, reflect the amazing staff at HHSM. Both earned their DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy), requiring six to seven years of undergrad/graduate study and serious commitment. A North Dakota native, arriving Vail in 2005, Brooke began at HHSM as an aide, shadowing daily routines and patient care; she also worked in whitewater rafting and bartending before entering to grad school to earn her DPT. Returning to HHSM in 2010, she earned her Orthopedic Board Certification in 2015. Currently Brooke is Lead Physical Therapist and P.T. Coordinator. “Watching a patient overcome physically … also regain confidence in their abilities as they continue to rehabilitate and resume what they love or need to do and to be part of that process… this warms my heart,” shares Brooke. Arriving from Massachusetts in

fitness

2007, Mark joined the Vail Ski Patrol for seven years (he remains part-time), met/married Brooke and then returned to Maine to complete his DPT. He joined HHMS in 2017. Recently completing his Masters in Sports Psychology, he hopes to explore “a missing piece that we haven’t offered before.” “Most of us moved here to be active in the mountains we love,” he adds. “Many associate their ability to do a sport or activity with their identity. When that is taken away, some don’t know who they are. Trying to give that back, seeing them regain confidence in whatever it is … really, it’s a cool feeling. Whenever anyone is excited to get back or do something they couldn’t do previously, whether playing with their grandkids or in the NHL, it’s rewarding.” “The specialists here are always expanding their knowledge with a focus on research,” shares Mark. “Everyone keeps reading, trying to learn and teach each other,” he says. “We’re always evolving. What worked 20 years ago might not apply today.” Mark also heads up the Vail Valley Mountain Bike Club for HHSM. It’s a free weekly activity sponsored by the clinic, designed for riders of all abilities, which encourages them to get out, gain fitness, have fun and meet others. The Vail Valley Running Club (HHSM) has a similar focus, offering options for parents jogging with kids in a stroller or for marathon trainees, again free and open to the community. Brooke and Mark love to play in the Vail Valley. In summer, look for them mountain biking Cougar Ridge or navigating a river; in winter, spot Mark tackling Rasputin’s and Brooke jumping off the rollers on Pickeroon! The gym is also a regular hangout. “Everyone here pushes each other professionally and supports each other personally,” shares Brooke. “Everyone cares about one another; our staff shines. It’s such a positive place.” I’ve seen it for myself. HHSM is a priceless community resource and ever-expanding. Your life needn’t turn on a dime in order to engage and benefit. For me? I plan to ride my mountain bike with Mark’s group next summer. Can’t wait! +

Howard Head Services + Clubs: Physical Therapy Sports & Orthopedic Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Hand Therapy Oncology and Lymphedema Therapy Total Joint Therapy Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapy Brain & Balance Care Men’s and Women’s Pelvic Health Dry Needling Aquatic Therapy Pilates Workers’ Compensation Sports Psychology Performance Training Nutrition Vail Valley Mountain Bike Club Vail Valley Running Club Community Presentations; Online Continuing Education

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF VAIL HEALTH FOUNDATION

wellness +

BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY STARTS OFF THE MOUNTAIN

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BIG HEART BIG HANDS IS A COLORADO NONPROFIT THAT RAISES MONEY FOR MOUNTAIN RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS, SUPPORTS THE AWARENESS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MOUNTAIN SAFETY EDUCATION, AND PROVIDES FREE TRAUMA HELP FOR THOSE IN NEED. WHEN BACKCOUNTRY ACCIDENTS HAPPEN AND RESCUES OCCUR, IT IS OFTEN THE EMOTIONAL TRAUMA THAT IS THE LONGEST LASTING IMPACT TO INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES. BIG HEART BIG HANDS OFFERS FREE COUNSELING TO THOSE IMPACTED BY BACKCOUNTRY RESCUE.

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wellness +

fitness

Should You Still Train at High Altitude During Pregnancy? By Julia Clarke

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xercise, high altitude and pregnancy: three things that disrupt your body’s homeostasis. So, what happens if you do all three at once? A common question when you become pregnant is whether or not you can keep doing the activities you were doing before. After all, it’s normal to want to keep healthy and moving during pregnancy, and doing so is now recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. But, does doing so at high altitude carry unique risks? While it’s true that exercise, altitude and pregnancy all increase your heart rate, it’s not otherwise clear from a clinical standpoint that there are any real contraindications for exercising at high altitude during pregnancy – but this is mainly down to the fact that there hasn’t been much research done. Besides a 2004 article in the journal High Altitude Medicine & Biology, which suggests that exercising at high altitude during pregnancy might decrease the flow of oxygen getting to your baby and advises a more conservative approach to exercise, research on the topic remains scant. So, what do locals who have been through the process have to say? Dr. Diane Voytko, MD at Colorado Mountain Medical and mother of two says that most advice on exercising during pregnancy at altitude is to make sure you take care of hydration, which is harder to maintain at altitude but more important during pregnancy, and simply to not do it if you are not accustomed to it. “Travelers should rest for three to four days after arriving, and then should not do anything too strenuous. The maximum heart rate of 150 still applies, though athletes at altitude who are pregnant may get up to 160 unsustained, but I felt lousy when I did and naturally backed off.” Okay, so travelers to the valley should relax and enjoy creekside walks, mountain views from the deck and our

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“FOR ME, TAKING IT DOWN A NOTCH AND FOCUSING ON SWIMMING, EARLY MORNING HIKES AND A REGULAR YOGA CLASS HAS BEEN CRUCIAL. YOU HAVE TO HAVE A LOT OF GRACE FOR YOURSELF AND THE WAYS THAT YOUR BODY IS CHANGING TO GROW A LIFE – WHICH I FOUND BOTH CHALLENGING AND ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.” Carrie Eckenhoff phenomenal restaurants, but what about those of us that live here year-round? It turns out that the risks of exercising at high altitude during pregnancy might have more to do with the types of activities we like to do, rather than the altitude itself. If you live in the mountains, you might want to keep doing activities like mountain biking and skiing – all things that increase your risk of falling and causing placental injury. So, while exercising on its own is okay, it's generally not recommended to continue these high momentum sports as your pregnancy progresses. You might find, however, that down leveling your activity comes pretty naturally, at least that’s what happened with Carrie Eckenhoff, founder of Equilibrium Physical Therapy in Avon and avid runner and mountain biker. “For me, taking it down a notch and focusing on swimming, early morning hikes and a regular yoga class has been crucial. You have to have a lot of grace for yourself and the ways that your body is changing to grow a life – which I found both challenging and absolutely amaz-

ing,” reflects Eckenhoff. In fact, most active valley mamas agree that the activity you choose will end up having less to do with fitness and more to do with stress-management. Laura Seelig, mother and co-founder of GOAT in Edwards said that, at her gym, they don’t make a big change in training protocols for their pregnant members; rather, they try to keep them moving and breathing and work closely with their doctors. “Manage your stress, manage your intensity, keep moving, give yourself grace. Your pregnancy is your unique journey; don’t compare yourself to others,” advises Seelig. The stress management component also explains why so many women seek out yoga when they become pregnant. Georgina Baker, founder of Mountain Soul Yoga in Edwards and mother of two, found the benefits of a regular yoga practice to be a lifeline during her pregnancies. “You don’t need to walk on eggshells while you’re growing your human. Don’t overthink it and just do what you’re comfortable with,” says Baker, advising you use whatever props you can get your hands on to modify poses. She says she instinctively gravitated towards hip openers during her two pregnancies here: “Those shapes felt nourishing and created downward pressure to get everything ready to open up for birth.” And if you’re still looking for encouragement, Sarah Ellefson, founder of Altius Physical Therapy in Avon and mountain athlete extraordinaire, kept up her running regimen during her pregnancies and found that it served her once her little ones came along and not just because she was in good physical shape. “Training through my pregnancies taught me important lessons that carried over into motherhood. I learned to appreciate a coexistence of intensity and tranquility. It is perfectly acceptable to applaud your strength in one moment and respect the necessity to slow down in the next,” remarks Ellefson. +

athlete profile

Kim Dobson

Only Up(hill) From Here

n the early dark of a frigid winter morning, when the bleary-eyed are fighting sleep and I-70 traffic for a day on the slopes, Kim Dobson is already there. Instead of skis on her feet, she’s donned microspikes, small silver webs of chains and barbs attached to her shoes to help her keep traction on her morning run up the icy slope. When she reaches the top, she’ll ride the gondola down and, likely, run up again. “It’s a really fun way to get hill repeats in!” she exclaims, as if this isn't an activity that sounds like it might belong to a superhero in a Marvel movie. This training regimen, however, is put in perspective when compared to Dobson’s numerous mountain running accomplishments.

Recently, Dobson took on the Leadville 100 — a 100-mile race notorious for its grueling climbs and rocky descents. Spots in the August race are limited and thus, highly coveted, sought by ultrarunners worldwide. Despite the limited numbers, Dobson proudly points out that four Vail Valley residents were present at this year’s race. Dobson entered the race with no real expectations other than “to experience the distance and see if I felt good in it.” A stubborn glute injury stopped by to rain on the parade, and by mile 62, Dobson couldn’t run at all. “I’ve pushed over pain to get to a finish line before,'' she shares. “And then I didn’t get to another finish line for months and months after. I kind of said, ‘This isn’t gonna happen and

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIM DOBSON

By MacKennea Broyles

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that’s okay. I’m not gonna completely destroy myself.’” Despite undertaking Herculean endeavors, Dobson is a believer in listening to your body and putting longevity first. “I love running so much that I want it to be a part of my daily life,” she says. “I can’t do that if I’m really injured.” Dobson came out of the experience 62 miles wiser and still a fan of the “relaxed environment and Kim Dobson camaraderie of ultrarunning.” “It was a really, really neat experience. I just don’t think my body is meant for that long,” she laughs. When she’s not nursing an injury, a favorite race of Dobson’s is Pikes Peak, a weekend event with two race options. On Saturday, it’s a steep 13.1-mile ascent that climbs 7,800 feet. On Sunday, it’s a marathon that involves the same 13.1-mile ascent, but then casually tosses in those same 13.1 miles as a descent. (Are your quads burning in sympathy yet?) Of course, Dobson is modest and does not mention that, in 2012, she set the record for the Pikes Peak Ascent. Then, in 2017, she finished 11 minutes ahead of the competition in the Ascent, only to turn around the next day and run the Marathon, finishing third, with the fastest combined time of the two races, as a new mother. But, the uphill runner is just as partial (if not more so) to her home trails. “It’s a great place to run,” she says. “Eagle is really the secret gem of Colorado trail running.” More than the trails and paths, Eagle is a thriving community for athletes of all kinds and abilities. “There are lots of great athletes and runners here, especially women,” says Dobson. There’s a Thursday evening run club that meets in Eagle at Color Coffee Roasters, and recently, an Eagle chapter of Trail Sisters (a women’s running community) was started. “Lots of people are excited about it,” Dobson adds. Even if she’s not be-bopping her way up a ski slope, Dobson can be found running “pretty much year-round.” “They’re really good about plowing the bike paths here, which is really nice,” she shares. Although she does warn that once things get dark, the paths can get slippery and freeze up at night. Even though no concrete plans are in place for upcoming races, Dobson plans to break out the microspikes this upcoming winter to train for the Vail Mountain Winter Uphill where she’ll take on both other runners in microspikes, as well as skiers in slope-gripping skins, and to vary her training to be ready for whatever endeavor she decides to pursue next. “I’m trying to balance the new things with the old things I love,” Dobson explains. “I’m always tempted to do a road marathon and some other shorter trail races.” All else aside, “My heart belongs to the uphill,” she says. “So, I’ll definitely keep doing that.” +

12/23/20

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“EAGLE IS REALLY THE SECRET GEM OF COLORADO TRAIL RUNNING.”

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Empowering

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The Cycle Effect is a 501c3 non-profit on the Western Slope, Colorado

gear

Gear

for the Season Winter + Spring

21-22

Tested + Compiled by Covered Bridge Staff

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1. BAFFIN CHLOE Winter boots are an important investment when you live and play in the mountains, and this extra-grippy option provides full traction and great warmth when you’re out in really cold temps. Shoveling snow and venturing out for groceries during a blizzard doesn’t seem so bad when you get to sport a pair of these boots. $186 baffin.com

2. POC DEVOUR GLACIAL Save your eyes on the snow by shielding them across the brow and at the sides with these full-coverage shades from POC. The Devour Glacial sunglasses provide a very large field of view and offer adjustable temples and nosepiece. $250 na.pocsports.com 3. RUFFWEAR DIRTBAG SEAT COVER Road trips with your best furry friend just got a little more comfortable for everyone. This durable and waterproof cover shields your vehicle’s backseat area, and the convertible design allows you to install the cover as a hammock configuration or just as a traditional cover. The non-slip (and machine-washable) fabric keeps dogs stable during the ride, and access to seatbelts stays available to keep human passengers secure. $79.95 ruffwear.com 4. OUTDOOR RESEARCH JUNEAU SHERPA FLEECE JACKET This cozy fleece is a perfect match with a favorite pair of leggings and boots. The Sherpa

exterior, which is bonded to a flat-face fleece inside, gives this jacket a retro look but also keeps you warm on chilly days. With a relaxed fit, this fleece can accompany your afternoon during errands or wear it in the village on your way to happy hour. $129 outdoorresearch.com 5. ATHLETIC BREWING N/A BEER Quench your thirst post-adventure with a beer that’s not boozy. Athletic Brewing has a number of options, and we’ve loved the Run Wild: a sessionable IPA with a nice balance of hops and malt. At only 70 calories, you’ll still feel nice and light after one of these tasty brews. $12.99 per six-pack athleticbrewing.com 6. GNARLY SPORTS NUTRITION HYDRATE This everyday hydration solution is formulated to optimally replace the fluid and electrolytes you lose when you sweat while also keeping you properly hydrated with all of the electrolytes (like sodium and magnesium) and B vitamins you need for active adventures. $25.95 per bag gognarly.com 7. LEATHERMAN RAPTOR RESPONSE Ski patrollers and mountain rescue volunteers will want to have this with them always. The compact, portable shears cut through materials while the micro-serrations on the inner blade keep fabrics from slipping and binding. This multi-tool also features a ring cutter, ruler, oxygen tank wrench and pocket clip, so you’re ready to get to work in any situation. $69.95 leatherman.com 8. HIBEAR ALL-ADVENTURE FLASK This “Swiss Army tool of insulated bottles” can be used as an everyday water bottle, but it’s also designed to carry all your favorite beverages — from cold brew to cocktails. Every bottle also supports a local artist, is Climate Neutral Certified and gives 1% for the Planet. $85 hibearoutdoors.com 9. KLYMIT HOMESTEAD BLANKET This durable and cozy blanket is perfect to keep in the car for camping or to wrap up for après-ski on the back deck. With the Homestead, Klymit holds up their mission of high-quality, value-driven and comfortable gear for the outdoors. $180 klymit.com 10. SOLO STOVE FIRE PIT COOKING SYSTEM Sit outside and around the fire with friends and family to grill food together with this modular cast iron grill system for Solo Stove firepits. Now your Solo Stove isn’t just for warmth and smoke-free ambiance, and if you don’t have one yet, you can get it with the cooking system as a bundle. $215-$400 solostove.com

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1. MEIER SKIS CROSSCUT BC Designed for backcountry travel, go uphill faster to earn your turns with these touring skis from Colorado-based Meier. The flat-torocker profile on these is built to tour more efficiently on the ascent and, then, carve through whatever you encounter on the ski down. $899 meierskis.com 2. SCARPA GEA + MAESTRALE RS The men's and women's versions of these backcountry ski boots from Scarpa both use the Evo V Frame cuff, which now utilizes Grilamid Bio — a planet friendly, renewable resource. The cuff increases torsional rigidity while also providing a 60-degree range of motion for long efficient strides. $800 scarpa.com

3. AIRBLASTER MERINO NINJA SUIT The unique fabric blend on this functional base layer is four-way stretch and dries faster than just wool on its own. The 350-degree waist zip makes bathroom breaks more accessible and a waistband drawstring allows for a tight or looser fit as desired. $109.95 myairblaster.com 4. KRIMSON KLOVER SUNRISE BASELAYER + LEGGING It’s the knitted compression of this seamless kit that helps you stay stylish with all the benefits of high-performance base layer technology. The fabric is four-way stretch and can be used as a first-layer while on the slopes or as an active outfit for yoga or hiking. Base Layer $149; Legging $99 krimsonklover.com 5. DÆHLIE CHALLENGE JACKET This softshell jacket repels wind and water, paired with a brushed interior for warmth when you’re out in the elements this winter. The front of the jacket is padded with Thermore Ecodown fiber, a 100% recycled fiber with highly effective insulation properties, which stays clump-free after washing. Fleece material lines the neck to provide extra warmth and comfort, and elastic panels under the arms and in the upper back allow for ideal mobility and ventilation when your running in the snow or cross-country skiing. $190 dahlie.com 6. LIGHT TOURS OF COLORADO BY LOU DAWSON This guidebook provides very helpful insight into a number of mellow, backcountry ski routes in Colorado to minimize avalanche exposure. Put together by renowned Colorado ski mountaineer Lou Dawson, it’s a resource to assist you with smart ski choices when you’re in the Vail area and many other locations throughout the state. $29.95 beaconguidebooks.com 7. DARN TOUGH MERINO WOOL RUN SOCKS These soft and temperature-regulating socks have truly been redesigned from the bottom up to create a better fitting, more comfortable and durable sock. We’ve tested them for running, hiking and sporting around town and can confirm these will stay a top-drawer choice with Covered Bridge staff. $16-$33 darntough.com 8. RAB CUBIT STRETCH DOWN HOODY Look no further for a versatile down jacket for all your mountain adventures. This hoody is made durable and comfortable with a wind-resistant stretch fabric, filled with 700 fill-power recycled down. Keep it by the door to throw on for everyday wear or use the included stuff sack to bring with you for your next trip to the backcountry. $300 rab.equipment/us/

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9. SWEET PROTECTION TROOPER 2VI MIPS HELMET This strong and light helmet features an advanced integration system of helmet shell, shock absorbing liner and Mips brain protection technology. It’s also supplied with a removable Slalom Chin Guard in powder coated steel. $329.95 sweetprotection.com 10. MOUNTAIN HARDWARE POWABUNGA 32 PACK Whether you’re heading up the ski resort lift or into the backcountry, this durable backpack has ergonomic suspension and unique pivoting hip-belt to handle heavy loads and keep you balanced when you’re skinning uphill or shredding down the mountain. Multiple access points and a swing-around mode make is possible to grab your things without fully taking off the pack. $200 mountainhardwear.com 11. HILLSOUND TRAIL CRAMPON ULTRA Clock miles on packed snow this winter by turning your trail running shoes, hiking shoes and insulated boots into snow grips. These trail crampons have 18 stainless steel spikes and a steel toe bail with an elastomer harness around the foot and optional Velcro strap to keep the fit secure. We’ve found these more durable than other brands, and the puncture-proof carry bag makes storing and transporting your spikes safe and convenient. $75 hillsound.com 12. SPEKTRUM ÖSTRA BIO RAW GOGGLES Spektrum has taken another big step on their mission to be the most sustainable eyewear brand in the world by introducing this new concept called Östra Bio RAW. In this version, the main ingredients of the Östra frame are presented in undyed, raw versions. Renewable materials make up to 90% of these goggles, and their style also won’t go unnoticed. $250 spektrumsports.com 13. PEARL IZUMI THERMAL TIGHT A thermal fleece fabric insulates these tights, while the water-shedding outer layer keeps you dry from splashes and light rain. Wear these for cold weather running or cycling, and while they don’t have a built-in chamois, you can pull them over your favorite pair or just wear them on their own. $125 pearlizumi.com 14. PICTURE EXPEDITION LINE Picture’s entire Expedition Line is now made with BIO-SOURCED polyester. The shell fabric, which is derived from sugarcane waste and blended with recycled PET, reduces carbon emissions by 25% while providing the same level of durability and performance as traditional polyester. Purchase for less environmental impact while staying warm and dry on the slopes. Shown here is the Stone Jacket ($300) and Track Pant ($220). picture-organic-clothing.com

gear 2

Gear

For Lil’ Rippers

Winter + Spring 21-22

Compiled by Cameron Martindell

Kids thrive outside, but to keep them out there and happy the right gear can play a key role, especially in the mountains. Here are some tested favorites from a mountain-loving, adventure-focused family.

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1. NORDICA SPEEDMACHINE J3 AND J2 JUNIOR SKI BOOTS The Speedmachine J3 and J2 junior ski boot features a new adjustable flex system for more control and confidence, especially as little rippers gain experience and want to push the envelope. The anatomical shell uses a blend of lighter weight plastics, including softer plastic in the in-step, making it easier to slide the boot on and off. The three-position flex adjustment is based on a child’s weight, either softening or stiffening fore and aft flex. Size range: J3 (20 – 26.5), J2 (16.5 – 23.5). $175-$200 nordica.com

2. ATOMIC SAVOR VISOR JR HELMET Having one less thing to manage or lose while getting ready for a ski day is gold. Enter the kid’s ski helmet with a built-in visor to make it easy for them to protect their little peepers from the harsh glare of the sun or blowing snow. Even at two years old, my boy could easily move the visor up or down to suit his needs. $150 atomic.com 3. PHUNKSHUN WEAR YOUTH PH FACE COVERING Phunkshun Wear is a Colorado-based company committed to sustainably manufacturing outdoor gear that delivers uncompromising performance and protection. These PH (Personal Hygiene) masks use the same great ActiPH fabric as the adult masks but in youth sizes. The outer layer is a mock-mesh featuring its Anti-Phunk odor control and is lined with MAX Wicking mesh to provide comfort. Available in over a dozen fun prints. $13 phunkshunwear.com 4. BOGS NEO-CLASSIC KID’S BOOTS From apres ski to play all day, warm, dry feet are key to happy kids playing in the snow for hours on end. These 100% waterproof boots from Bogs are easy for kiddos to put on themselves thanks to Bogs’ signature handle cutout at the top of the boots. The boots are full of features from reflective hits on the heels to a BLOOM eco-friendly, algae-based EVA foot bed. $90 bogsfootwear.com 5. CONTOUR KIDS SKI TOUR STARTER SET This kit converts any kid’s alpine skis into a ski touring setup. The adapter clicks right into the alpine binding for the tour, and then pops out for the descent. The kit also comes with trimmable 95 mm hybrid adhesive skins, which my seven-year-old was able to manage on her own. Minimum compatible boot sole length is 245 mm. $240 camp-usa.com 6. GARMIN VÍVOFIT JR. 3 Sure, not all parents are into putting tech pieces on their kiddos, and I’m mostly in that camp, but this watch has wooed me. First, my daughter had to be able to tell time on an

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analog face, and that’s the face I have her use on this watch. Second, the app and little world travel adventure game that goes with it are pretty clever. The watch has to log 60 active minutes to unlock the next chapter of the game on the app. I brush her hair while she learns about geography on my phone. Finally, the internal battery lasts for a year — no charging, no hassle. Brilliant. $80 garmin.com 7. WOOM BIKES Those beautiful, sunny Colorado days often melt the snow right off the roads leaving them clear and dry — ideal for biking! Woom has put together some great bikes spanning the full size range from 12-inch beginner balance bikes to 26-inch mountain bikes. They’re lightweight and get kids familiar with hand brakes instead of coaster brakes. They even have e-bikes for bigger kids! $200-$3,749 woombikes.com 8. PETZL MACCHU CLIMBING HARNESS & PICCHU HELMET This combo is perfect for parents looking to get their littles out climbing — in the gym or out on real rock. The Macchu sit harness is for kids under 40kg (88 lbs.) and has a padded waist with double buckle adjustment to keep the belay loop centered and adjustable leg loops to grow with the child. An optional chest harness (called the Body; $30) is great for smaller children needing full body support. The Picchu helmet is light enough for little necks to support it, yet strong enough to be rated for top and side impact by American and European standards as both a climbing and a cycling helmet. Realistically, it could be used for skiing, as well, but does not have warm ear flaps. The helmet harness can be tightened to fit various head sizes with just a squeeze; it fits both my four and seven-year-olds (they each have one)! $50 & $60 petzl.com 9. HYDRO FLASK 12 OZ KID’S WIDE MOUTH These water bottles are some of the most kid friendly and damage resistant we have ever used. The hard, flip straw is key to preventing new teeth from gnawing it apart, and it is totally leak proof (when completely closed). The little loop handle is easy to hold, and the insulated walls keep drinks warm or cold depending on the season. $30 hydroflask.com 10. ELAN KID’S U-FLEX SKIS The problem with short kid’s skis and a lightweight body is it makes it very difficult to get any flex out of a ski. Elan discovered that engineering a series of grooves crossing the width of the ski helped kids get that flex for more powerful turns and helped them progress faster. Available in 70-150 cm lengths and comes with a 4.5-7.5 GW Shift binding. $220 elanskis.com

adventure

Beyond Skiing + Snowboarding By Courtney Holden

ail is almost synonymous with downhill skiing. And rightly so, given our mountain community boasts the third-largest ski resort in the U.S. with world-class facilities, plenty of other resorts close by and a wide range of accommodation and dining options to accompany all the expansive terrain. But, there are more ways to play in our annual 108 inches of snow than just shredding through the trees on a powder day or carving the corduroy when the sky’s painted blue. Read on to discover four less traditional but equally enjoyable options for taking advantage of the snow.

Experience the Iditarod with Mountain Musher Starting point: Wolcott After watching (okay, crying at) movies like Iron Will and Togo, most of us have dreamed about leading a team of steadfast huskies across a winter white landscape. Then again, tackling miles of brutal terrain in sub-zero-degree temperatures sounds a bit intimidating. A tour with the pros at Mountain Musher provides the delight of a dog sled experience in a much more palatable package. On their approachable 1.5-hour sled rides, a trained driver steers the sled behind two guests, although it’s of course the team of huskies at the helm doing the lion’s share of the work. The dogs guide the sled through aspen glades and pine forests to a mid-mush stop for homemade pumpkin bread and hot cocoa before returning to the starting point. Tours cost $225 per person with two people per sled. mountainmusher.com

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Rev Your Engine on a Snowmobile Tour Through Uncharted Society Starting point: Vail For those with a thirst for thrills and a taste for speed and power, a snowmobile tour through Vail’s backcountry is the perfect adrenaline-fueled adventure. Uncharted Society, a recently launched expedition program, connects participants with Nova Guides and their collection of half-day and full-day, guided and unguided, groomed and ungroomed tour options. All, however, allow riders to experience the muscle of their supercharged Ski-Doo motor sleds and the beauty of snow-covered alpine terrain. Prices start at $150 and include a helmet, map, safety/operating instructions and (of course) a snowmobile.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNCHARTED SOCIETY

unchartedsociety.com

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adventure

Glide Across the Backcountry on a Cross-Country Ski Tour with Paragon Guides Beautiful terrain, experienced instructors and great customer service are the hallmarks of a cross-country ski tour with Paragon Guides. Their beginner- and intermediate-friendly cross country ski outings traverse ungroomed, backcountry terrain throughout the Vail Valley. The best part: there’s no need to stress about the details. Guides can pick you up, outfit you with skis, boots, poles, gaiters and food, and (of course) provide tips on your cross-country skiing technique as they lead you and your crew along the trail. Tours generally last between four and six hours (including drive time to the trailhead), but ultimately, “We cater our trips to peoples’ timeframe, experience, fitness and the weather,” says Don Shefchik, Paragon’s head guide and field director. Prices range from $325 for one person to $145 per person for groups of four or more. paragonguides.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF PARAGON GUIDES

Starting point: Edwards + Vail

Learn About Colorado’s Winter Wonderland on a Guided Snowshoe Tour with Walking Mountains Science Center Starting point: Vail Mountain at the Nature Discovery Center How does wildlife survive in the winter on and below the snow? Why is each snowflake unique? And, why is snow so important in the West? Join one of Walking Mountains Science Center’s naturalists on a free snowshoe tour to get answers to those questions and more. Their hour-long mini expeditions head out from the Nature Discovery Center (next to the Eagle Bahn gondola at 10,000 feet) Wednesdays through Saturdays. Three tours leave each day, but Walking Mountains community programs coordinator Scott Dunn suggests hitting the 5 p.m. option if you can. “By then, the mountain is closed for skiing, and at the right time of year, you can catch the sunset up there,” he shares. “You get to experience solitude on what’s normally a very busy mountain.” Snowshoes are provided, but you’ll need a valid ski pass or scenic gondola ticket to get to the starting point. Advance registration is required.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALKING MOUNTAINS SCIENCE CENTER

walkingmountains.org

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seasonal sustainable seafood and so much more

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grand outdoors

Clean Air, Sustainable Community, Bright Future

How Walking Mountains Science Center Plans to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 50%

ou may have wondered about those steaming sidewalks in the village that keep the ground snow-free in winter. Sure, it makes it easier to cruise down Bridge Street in ski boots, but can it be good for the environment? The short answer is no, according to Kim Schlaepfer, project manager of the Climate Action Collaborative at Walking Mountains Science Center. She says that greenhouse gas emissions per capita in Eagle County are higher than anywhere else in the state and country.

“The biggest issue that we are faced with is the snowmelt systems in Beaver Creek and Vail. They run off natural gas using enormous boilers that don't have a good clean replacement option, and there is no stopping new development from putting snowmelt in,” says Schaepfler. Though talks are in place to make the systems more environmentally friendly, this otherworldly luxury, our high inventory of second homes and tourism traffic were the chief culprits contributing to a whopping 1.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent released into the

environment in 2014. This prompted the county to contract Walking Mountains to draft the Climate Action Plan, which aims to revamp our buildings, transportation, energy supply and materials management, and provides education with the goal of cutting our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. A tall order, but one that will improve all of our lives. “When you build a community with sustainability as the lens, you end up building a community that’s more resilient to the future impact of climate change,” Schaepfler explains. While we

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PHOTO COURTESY OF WALKING MOUNTAINS SCIENCE CENTER

By Julia Clarke

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALKING MOUNTAINS SCIENCE CENTER

can’t stop climate change, we can slow its progress. Most greenhouse gas emissions are carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels like natural gas, coal and oil. These warm the atmosphere and the surface of the Earth, which has a devastating impact on the environment, wildlife and human health. Here in Eagle County, it means we now experience more than 50 90-degree days each year, as well as forest fires, mudslides and water shortages. In short, things nobody wants. It’s time to roll our sleeves up and get to work. According to the plan, every year between now and 2030 we’ll need to get 1,100 new electric vehicles on the road; we have to be willing to skip the drive to work twice a week and bike, take the bus or work from home. On an even bigger scale, we’ve got to electrify 10% of our commercial buildings and 1,641 residential homes each year. Though it’s a daunting task, Schaepfler and her colleagues believe that we have several unique advantages at our disposal. “We’ve built this wonderful collaboration with our water district, energy utilities, all of the towns, our big business, event producers and media channels who are all working together now. We have a very strong culture around climate action here and a lot of people care,” says Schaepfler. Another major advantage is having Holy Cross Energy as our electricity provider, who are striving for 100% renewable electricity by 2030, which allows Walking Mountains to focus on electrifying our buildings and transportation, knowing that within nine years those energy sources will be carbon neutral. Needless to say, locals also need to step up to the plate, but the financial implications of electrifying our homes and switching over to electric vehicles are understandably daunting, never mind the lack of green transportation options like widespread buses and bike lanes here. However, there is a zero-cost way you can help today. “One of the biggest ways an individual can help push forward action on climate is to show up at a town council meeting and show your elected leaders

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how much you care about this issue. Our elected officials are not going to pass policy that their community doesn’t support, and policy is one of the biggest opportunities to bring down emissions,” emphasizes Schaepfler. Examples of policy change include updating building codes to stop gas use and changing land use codes to require bus stops and bike lanes. In addition to the obvious benefits of the plan, Schaepfler pointed to the increased equity involved with better public transportation and bike routes: “Having a bikeable, walkable community which is clean and pollution-free improves quality of life for everybody. Every single person in this community being able to get where they need to go without owning a car grows equity amongst our population.” There are also economic incentives — by bringing in local workforce expertise to support the systems we need to implement, we create more jobs that are community-based rather than tourism-based. According to modeling in the plan, if the county became 10% more energy efficient, $24 million could stay in the local economy each year. We have everything at stake, the world to gain and no time to lose. +

“WE’VE BUILT THIS WONDERFUL COLLABORATION WITH OUR WATER DISTRICT, ENERGY UTILITIES, ALL OF THE TOWNS, OUR BIG BUSINESS, EVENT PRODUCERS AND MEDIA CHANNELS WHO ARE ALL WORKING TOGETHER NOW. WE HAVE A VERY STRONG CULTURE AROUND CLIMATE ACTION HERE AND A LOT OF PEOPLE CARE.” Kim Schlaepfer

ACCORDING TO THE PLAN, every year between now and 2030 we’ll need to get 1,100 new electric vehicles on the road; we have to be willing to skip the drive to work twice a week and bike, take the bus or work from home.

family

GEAR Stay cozy: Make sure your little one stays warm in a full down bunting or snowsuit. Several companies, such as Patagonia, North Face and Columbia, make good quality pieces. Check the weather outside and layer underneath accordingly. A lightweight or heavy onesie, socks and a beanie will keep them toasty. Pack: Find a pack that’s comfortable for both you and your baby. Whether you’re still in a front carrier in those early

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PHOTO BY NATALE RETZLAFF

by Jennifer Weintraub

A Guide to Venturing Outside with Your Little Ones

Don’t Stop When the Temps Drop

etting out on the trail with a young family during Colorado’s colder months can be intimidating. All the extra gear, working around their schedules and motivating yourself to get out in the cold is tough, but it’s not impossible. With the right gear, planning and patience, there are plenty of activities from hiking to cross country skiing that your family can take advantage of this winter.

months, have transitioned to a frame backpack or are using a kids trailer on skis, such as the Burley or the Thule Chariot, there are a lot of options on the market. It’s also helpful to attach a pacifier and/or a toy to your pack so it doesn’t get lost on the trail. Got milk? An insulated thermos is a must have for any cold weather adventure. Whether you are keeping milk warm, need hot water to mix with formula or want a hot chocolate for yourself, a good thermos will keep your beverage to temperature for hours. Blankets: Blankets are lightweight and versatile. A lightweight muslin blanket blocks the wind when draped over a backpack, and a packable down blanket adds extra warmth when wrapped around their little bodies. Bring the heat: Kids stay warmer next to you in a front pack, but if you’ve transitioned to a trailer, a hot water bottle adds extra heat when tucked in the blankets.

All the extras: Arm your pack with diapers, wipes, an extra outfit and snacks. Snacks are key for you and your kids — bonus points if you bring some to share with your friends. PLANNING Set yourself up for success: Before you leave the house, test out your gear to make sure you have all the necessary pieces and everything is accounted for when you load up the car. Start your day off right and change them into a fresh diaper at the trailhead just before you stuff them into a snowsuit and set off on the trail. Scheduling: You know your baby best, so schedule your activity around their nap or awake times. Planning your adventure around what works for their sleep schedules, whether on the trail or at home, will help your day go smoothly. With a newborn, walking guaranteed us a nap. As they get older, taking a hike while they’re awake seems to work out better since there’s so

much stimulation being outside. Morning outings are usually best, as most kids tend to be less cranky and more flexible earlier in the day. Feeding: Bring more than enough food with you; you can always leave a cooler in the car. Plan to either feed at the trailhead and/or at your destination. Or, snack the whole way, whatever works for your family. PATIENCE Give yourself some grace. It may not always be perfect. You may not be able to strictly adhere to your schedule. They may break down, have a blowout or you forget something essential. It’s okay; we’re all human. You’ll all survive. The key to success is to be patient and flexible with your day and your family. It may not always go as planned, but if you can maintain a positive attitude, being outside is healthy and beneficial to both you and your little ones. Get out there and enjoy! +

WIND DOWN

WA K E U P 225 Wall Street #103A • Vail • 970-763-5101

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288 Bridge Street #C4 • Vail • 970-470-4189

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The Sweet Rewards of High-Altitude Baking

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MEGAN JOY

By Julia Clarke

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iving at high-altitude requires a bit of adjustment, especially when it comes to measuring out flour, sugar and eggs in the kitchen. Baking at high altitudes can be a bit of a deflating experience, often returning crumpled-looking cakes in place of the fluffy sponge on the cover of the recipe book. However, with a few refinements and a bit of practice and precision, you can soon be pulling a batch of moist, yummy banana bread out of the oven, even at 8,000 feet. As you probably know, increased altitude means decreased air pressure. When it comes to baking, this means that your cakes and breads will rise more easily, lose moisture faster and often form gas bubbles that can leave your sponge coarse instead of velvety. Pastry chef Megan Clark, founder of the bespoke cake studio Megan Joy Cakes in Eagle, has mastered the art of high-altitude baking. Though she trained at Chicago’s prestigious French Pastry School, she found she still had some learning to do when she moved to the mountains. “I've always loved baking and was intimidated that everything I knew would be lost when I moved to Vail. So, I just kept trying recipes and making notes until I got the results I wanted,” says Clark. She was forced to uncover the secrets of high-altitude baking in a trial-by-fire when she was commissioned to prepare a variety of desserts for a world-renowned pastry chef at a cooking class in Beaver Creek. “Some of the recipes came out fine, while others were definitely affected by the altitude,” she recalls. Following this experience, she persevered in pursuit of the perfect cake and her trial-and-error approach proved to be the winning formula; she has since had her work featured in world-renowned publications such as Martha Stewart Weddings, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. If you’re keen to get your apron on and

give it a try, her advice for starting out with high-altitude baking involves two key adjustments that make up for the loss of moisture loss by changing your proportions and a pinch of courage. Clark’s first tip is to reduce your chemical leaveners, which in this case means baking soda and baking powder. These, she explains, create tiny bubbles that give structure and crumb to your baked goods. “At altitude, because of the air pressure, they can create a lot of rapid bubbling and rise before the structure is fully baked, which is why things can collapse. If those are reduced, it can help with preventing that dreaded collapse,” explains Clark. She suggests you start by making your favorite recipe and reduce the amount of chemical leavener called for by a quarter of a teaspoon. Don’t get too attached to the results, just see what happens when it comes out of the oven. “Make notes and, if you want more rise, reduce it another quarter teaspoon the next time until you get your desired results,” recommends Clark. Second, you should increase your liquids, which can help counteract the dry ingredients, such as flour. “Not always, but generally, dry ingredients like flour have much less moisture because our air is also a lot drier. If I'm mixing something and it seems to be struggling to come together, I'll add an extra egg or a little more liquid to help with that,” explains Clark. The secret ingredient however, is a little tenacity. Don’t be afraid to roll your sleeves up and give high-altitude baking a go, even if initial results are less than desirable. “I would tell anyone who is nervous about baking at high-altitude to just get in the kitchen and try. That's how I learned. The results may surprise you,” encourages Clark. And, if you still need motivation, just think about that sweet reward when you finally get it right. +

High-Altitude Banana Bread from Megan Joy 2.5 very ripe bananas, mashed 3/4 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp salt 1.5 tsp vanilla extract 1/3 cup canola or sunflower oil 1.5 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp baking soda 3 ounces water 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Grease a 9” x 5" loaf pan, and line the bottom with a strip of parchment paper. 3. In a large bowl, whisk together the banana puree, sugar, eggs, salt, vanilla and oil until smooth. 4. Add the flour, baking powder and baking soda, stirring until just combined. 5. Whisk in the water until the mixture is smooth. Pour into the prepared baking pan. 6. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, the center is peaked and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. 7. Cool in the pan for five minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack.

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Braised Pork Cheeks with Roasted Pumpkin Mole BRAISED PORK CHEEKS

ROASTED PUMPKIN MOLE

5 pounds Berkshire pork cheeks

6 Mulato chiles

2 medium white onions, diced into large chunks

3 Morita chiles

8 garlic cloves 4 Guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed 2 Pasilla chiles, stems and seeds removed Fresh thyme sprigs 1 bottle Mexican coke 64 ounces water Salt and black pepper Grapeseed oil, for searing 1. Heavily season pork cheeks with salt and black pepper. Heat oil in a large, thick-bottom pan until almost smoking. Carefully place cheeks in pan and sear until they turn dark brown in color. 2. After searing remove pork and set aside. Keep pan on the stove and reduce heat to medium.

MATT LIMBAUGH Chef + Part-Owner of Root & Flower

3. Next, add onions and garlic, and sauté until soft. Add dried chilies and lightly toast for 30 seconds. Add the pork back into the pan and add remaining ingredients. Cover and bring to a simmer. Place into preheated 300 degree oven, and cook for 3 hours until pork is fork tender.

6 Pasilla chiles 4 Guajillo chiles 1. For the dried chiles, remove the seeds and stems, reserving the seeds for later. Toast all the seedless, dried chiles in a dry pan, then put into bowl and cover with water to soak. (This step can be performed up to three days in advance.) 7 ounces chipotle peppers 4 garlic cloves, toasted in dry pan and then peeled 3 tomatillos, cut into quarters 1 cup pumpkin, roasted and peeled 1 small, white onion, cut into rings 1/4 cup white sesame seeds 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds 1/4 cup almonds 4 corn tortillas Reserved chile seeds 1. Roast all in 420 degree oven until almost burnt. 2 quarts chicken stock 1/2 tsp ground clove 1 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 4 ounces Mexican chocolate 3 Tbsp salt 1 cup oil 1. Puree all ingredients other than dried spices, chocolate, stock and oil, and combine in large bowl. 2. On the stove top, heat a large stock pot with oil until smoking. 3. Add the bowl of puree to the hot oil and carefully stir the puree for three to five minutes until “fried.” Turn heat down to a low simmer and add the remaining dried spices, chocolate, salt and chicken stock. 4. Cook on a low simmer for two hours while stirring every few minutes, so the sauce won't burn on the bottom.

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PHOTO BY JOE NEWTON; PHOTO BY CHARLES TOWNSEND BESSENT

1 tsp dry oregano

Ricotta Gnudi

with Roasted Garlic Salvitxada, Spring Onions, English Pea, Asparagus and Mint Brown Butter

RICOTTA GNUDI 1 pound ricotta cheese, pressed overnight in coffee filter with a weight on top 1/4 cup flour (I use “00” finely ground Italian flour) 3 egg yolks 1 tsp salt 1.5 cups semolina flour 1-2 Tbsp butter 4 medium spring onions, halved 1 bunch asparagus, blanched 1 cup shelled English peas, blanched Mint, for garnish

PHOTO BY JOE NEWTON

1. After the cheese has been pressed to remove excess liquid, put the drained ricotta in a large bowl and stir in the egg yolks, flour and salt with a wooden spoon. Let rest for one hour. 2. Coat cheese mixture in semolina, so the dough doesn’t stick to your hands, and one at a time form little “football” dumplings — about one ounce each in size. Place onto sheet pan until all dumplings are formed. 3. Bring a pot of salted water to a simmer and poach the cheese dumplings for around

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one minute or until they float to the top. Remove with a slotted spoon and return to the sheet pan to cool. 4. Once gnudi is cooled, in a non-stick pan on medium heat, start to melt butter with halved spring onions until browned. 5. Once butter starts to brown and gets a a nutty aroma, add blanched vegetables and mix all ingredients in the pan. 6. Once butter is fully browned, plate dish and finish with mint and salt and pepper to taste. Serve alongside the salvitxada. SALVITXADA 1/3 cup red wine vinegar 2 roasted red bell pepper 1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds 8 roasted garlic cloves 1 ripe tomato, seeded 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp smoked paprika 1/4 tsp black pepper 1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.

Originally from North Carolina, Matt Limbaugh fell in love with cooking at a young age and has been cooking professionally since he was 16 years old. After moving to Vail in 2006, Limbaugh worked as a sous chef for a couple of years before meeting his beautiful wife to-be and work friends that would soon become his Vail family. While working as chef de cuisine for Restaurant Kelly Liken, Limbaugh was able develop lasting relationships with local famers, cook for many celebrities, travel and be on TV for the filming of Iron Chef America. Now as executive chef and part-owner of Root & Flower, he likes to create a changing menu of bold flavors that pair wonderfully with the beverage program. When Limbaugh is not in the kitchen, find him snowboarding, riding his Harley-Davidson, camping and cooking outdoors.

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The Assembly Restaurant spotlight

Eagle

theassemblyeagle.com

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PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE RICE, SHERRI INNIS, SUSI THURMAN

By kim fuller

very evening, two walls of large picture windows allow soft light to shine into The Assembly. Guests gather at the long bar and high-top tables adjacent to the kitchen while Caleb Mackey stands to expedite food tickets, shuffle plated dishes and pass them to hands heading toward the dining room. If you ask locals, The Assembly stands out as one of the valley’s best restaurants. This isn’t because it’s the new kid in town or because some might say Eagle has slim pickings when it comes to culinary gems. It’s because Caleb and his wife Jaimie have created something truly special. The refreshing space, dynamic menu and carefully curated wine list, all paired with the happy and helpful staff, is successfully delighting diners night after night. “We opened The Assembly because we wanted to create a gathering place for our community,” shares Jaimie, “where people can come together over fresh, seasonal, globally-inspired food, thoughtfully

produced wine and hand-crafted cocktails paired with exceptional hospitality.” Now having established this solid foundation and securing a notable reputation, The Assembly has some room to play. Cocktails like “Take Your Medicine” are a nod to the classics (a Penicillin, in this case), and even while testing their innovative mixology methods, bartenders here successfully display an impressive understanding of what makes a damn good drink. It’s a good thing Jaimie loves Chablis. It’s her refined taste for wine that has inspired a list to raise the eyebrows of any sommelier. A full spectrum of regions and varietals are represented, from the Loire Valley of France to the central coast of California. Louis de Grenelle Corail Saumur Brut Rosé is a perfect way to start any meal, paired with a Colorado Charcuterie board for the table or a Harvest Salad of mixed greens, arugula, roasted chickpeas, delicate squash, crispy red cabbage, vanilla-lime vinaigrette and pomegranate molasses. The menu is small enough to offer approachability while still integrat-

ing a dynamic range of ethnic styles. Entrees keep it fresh, like the Blackened Halibut with dirty rice congee, Cajun holy trinity, okra, caramelized shallot and fried parsley. “It’s kind of cool that we do some of the classic stuff, but we put our own twist on it,” shares chef Brandon Utley. Utley says he was getting burnt out on cooking before he started at The Assembly, but he’s back to feeling inspired. Caleb and Jaimie, he adds, have provided the support he needs to thrive. Utley started as a line cook and quickly proved himself into a main chef role. For The Assembly and everyone who experiences or is a part of it, it’s all about community. If you go, you’ll likely settle in and stay for a while, especially if you finish your meal with the delectable White Chocolate Cashew Cheesecake. “We are passionate about creating memories and caring for our community above all,” says Jaimie, “and have built this welcoming, inclusive environment to be an extension of our home and our family.” +

Spoke+Blossom is a lifestyle print and digital magazine based in Western Colorado — an incredible place to live, work + play. S+B builds community by creating thought-provoking content and stunning photography that highlight a truly vibrant way of living. SPOKEANDBLOSSOM.COM

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Slope Room Restaurant spotlight

Vail

PHOTOS BY ABBY DYKES AND RIC STOVALL

By kim fuller

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ail has made way for many traditional restaurants over the decades, but as the appetite for more inspired concepts has been growing only a handful of establishments have fulfilled the craving. Enter Slope Room, the stunning and delectable darling of Gravity Haus Vail. We’re so glad you’re here. The boutique hotel in Vail Village has just completed an impressive renovation, yet Slope Room set the tone early last year. Contemporary style is woven through the warm colors and plush furnishings. Settle in at the large right-angle bar or dine in an indigo velvet banquet. Slope Room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and as the light in the dining room changes throughout the day, each meal time has its own inviting vibe. The allure feels a little edgy and unexpected, like the best back alley bistro one might uncover on a night out in Paris. Most striking might be photographer David

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Yarrow’s piece Last Orders that hangs as playful folklore and serves up a dreamlike interpretation of the Wild West. The craft cocktail menu plays to saloon-style roots with lots of added flair. Try the Corn Old Fashioned, made with whiskey, elote liqueur and charred corn. Both executive chef Alberto Soto and chef de cuisine Frank Blea bring something to the table that makes Slope Room's menu special. Chef Blea has a talent of creating menu items that are both familiar and fun, while Chef Soto executes his vision of cuisine that is intentional and cohesive. Soto shares how the innovation of the Slope Room’s contemporary alpine fare starts with sourcing many of their products locally. “We are letting our ingredients speak for themselves and highlighting partnerships with farms and ranches,” says Soto. “The inspiration for the menu comes from our experiences and our story, all while high-

lighting thoughtfully sourced ingredients.” To start, pick some sharable items so everyone can have a taste. Don’t miss the Colorado Wagyu Hot Stone, a signature appetizer at Slope Room. Local Wagyu comes raw and ready to sear with accouterments of shiso chimichurri, shishitos, ahi amarillo and pickled red onions. A glass of Pray Tell Chardonnay is an ideal accompaniment to the Sesame Crusted Scottish Salmon entree, plated with nori dumplings, miso and bok choy. Many more dishes are waiting to be explored, but be sure to save room for dessert. Executive pastry chef Sara Figueroa is developing new delicacies for Unravel, the coffee and café arm of Gravity Haus, and for all the Gravity Haus properties in Colorado. Order the Raspberry Cremeux, an orange flax cake with chia seed brittle and beets for a unique and elevated sweet finale. + sloperoom.com

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Eat With Your Hands By Russel Reuben + William Montecristo

ach issue of Covered Bridge we, your brave culinary explorers Russel Reuben and William Montecristo, search the valley for inspiring burgers, sandwiches, tacos, snacks on a stick, second breakfasts and finger foods. For the inaugural issue of Covered Bridge, we wanted to take a deep dive into the unsung hero, the Fight Club, the no-hitter you can’t talk about even though it’s happening before your very eyes…

The Danimal, Rocky Mountain Taco. Minturn. Reuben: How many people stumble into their local taqueria and discover a perfectly cultivated, all-American, double cheeseburger served on a brioche bun flakier than my roommate Steve? I knew from first bite this delicious mystery would ultimately take gold in our burger bro challenge. This very well could be the World’s Best Taco Burger. Montecristo: So maybe I’ve been sneaking around on my burger bro Russel eating this masterpiece again and again. Two or three times a week. Probably because when I come home smelling of Danimal sauce and onions my wife embraces the enchanting pheromone cocktail and can’t stay away from her own beefcake. I recommend pairing the burger that saved my marriage with their “Flying V” fries and house-made ranch.

Double cheeseburgers made by taco shops. Disclaimer: These rankings are absolutely anecdotal samplings of some of the food we ate with our hands and is by no stretch of the imagination an all-inclusive or accurate encapsulation of the valley’s cornucopia of offerings. If you have a suggestion of where we should eat next please email us at

eatwithyourhandsvail@gmail.com

Silver:

Alacrana Doble, Taqueria No Se Hagan Bolas. Avon. Reuben: The most complex burger build in the lineup, this hole-in-the-wall’s pineapple topped creation transcends

Bronze:

El Diablo, El Sabor. Vail. Reuben: Legend has it after a record snowfall in 1986, Charlie Daniels skied right up to the bar in El Sabor. Fiddle in hand, ripping hot fire licks, singing of a burger that could steal your soul. Subsequently, this burger from hell was born. RIP to the Uneasy Rider, but the El Diablo lives on. Montecristo: My cool dude neighbor told me I had to put El Diablo on my list, because it was “that flame flame.” I think he was talking about their spicy five pepper relish that took me right up to that euphoric zen state of pain that hovers just before miserable. Or maybe, he was talking about something the kids say on TikTok these days. Anyway, if the rankings factored in ski-in/ski out-ability, this burger would have scored even higher. + +

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ILLUSTRATIONS BY BECCA SAULSBERRY

Gold:

culture between two sesame seed buns. I’m not sure if my taste buds were vacationing in Maui or Michoacán, but those cheesy, double beef patties brought me back home to America with several spicy stamps in my hamburger passport. Montecristo: Did you know that song “Macarena” is considered important because it was the first Spanish language song to hit number one back in 1996 and has since gone on to be the most viewed music video in YouTube’s history? Don’t even try and tell me about the pop culture firestorm that went down when Justin Bieber lent his voice to “Despacito” in 2017 or whatever that Santana song with the whiney guy was. For my money, this "Que Chido” burger is indisputably the greatest Spanish language crossover artist of all time.

With over 40 years of business in Boulder, this is Colorado’s only Master Sommelier-owned wine, beer and spirits store. Offering cellar consulting and organization services in the Front Range as well as the Vail Valley. Join the Somm’s Locker group — an exclusive monthly wine club chosen by Master Sommelier Brett Zimmerman offering 20% off allocated and specialty items. Delivery available from Boulder to Vail for Somm’s Locker.

2690 Broadway | Boulder CO 80304 303.443.6761 | boulderwine.com

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Ruby Soho

Created by Christopher Schmidt, Chef-Owner of Craftsman in Edwards

Cocktail feature

2 ounces Mi Campo Reposado Tequila ¼ ounce Aperol ¾ ounce lime juice 2 ounces grapefruit juice ½ ounce rock syrup Pinch of salt Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker. Add ice. Shake rigorously and restrain into fresh cocktail glass over new ice. Garnish with a salted rim and a wedge of lime.

PHOTOS BY SUSI THURMAN, E.C. HOFFMAN

hristopher Schmidt, chef-owner of Craftsman, started his career early and humbly. Following in his parents’ footsteps as a son of two restaurant veterans, Schmidt rose from The Waffle House to Per Se and onto college here in Colorado, then revisited his roots back in Georgia at Bacchanalia with his soon-to-be bride. His passion for his career brought him back to Colorado, and he worked his way through the Denver culinary scene before relocating to Vail where he would lay down his roots and start his family. Their love of creation would be realized in what would become Craftsman — a carefully constructed “sandwich shop” accompanied by the finest craft beer and whiskey to the tune of classic rock with the edge of punk. +

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U PLEVE LE D MOU NTAI N CU ISI N E & COCKTAI LS

falllinevail.com

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Winter Whites

It’s Not Just Red Wine That Pairs with Cold Weather + Hearty Food

he winter months and cooler weather often call for white wines with more texture, body and wood influence. Textured white varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier, to name a few. Of course, the weight and power of these grapes and wines depends greatly on

the region, producer and vintage. White wines with oak influence are generally found in Burgundy, Bordeaux, Northern Rhône, Rioja, Friuli, Australia and the United States. Certainly there are more, but these suggestions will offer plenty of new white wine discoveries endowed with the toasty vanillin aromas and mouth-filling texture of oak. The winter seasonal cuisine is gen-

erally influenced by vegetables such as squash, carrots, parsnips, potatoes and cooking preparations that often include roasting and braising. Winter weather also inspires richer and heavier sauces to accompany proteins or pastas. When looking for a wine to pair with a winter weather dish, a properly selected white wine can be the perfect complement for these dishes. White wine grapes are often thought of in warmer months for the refreshing qualities associated with bright acidity, lack of oak and lighter texture. However, white grapes are also capable of offering richness, body and depth similar to full-bodied red wines but with specific flavors and structure that can be even better for pairing with savory foods. White Burgundy (Chardonnay from the region of Burgundy, France) is always a winter wine favorite, especially from the villages of Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet. These luscious wines offer rich flavors of apples, pears and quince, with dried citrus, mineral and dressed in oak flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, toast and caramel. For something more adventurous, the wines of Alsace are brilliant in the winter months with loads of texture and flavor that can be enjoyed with or without food. The wines of Alsace will rarely see new oak influence, so their flavors are driven by grape variety and terroir. Often these wines include a touch of sugar richness, but this can be elegantly balanced with the fat and sumptuousness of a roasted pork or chicken dish. Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley is another great wine to rely on in the winter. These wines can be dry and intense or sweet and luscious — both styles offering a bright kick of acidity on the finish. The

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PHOTO BY KIM FULLER

by Brett Zimmerman

Bründlmayer and the all-purpose Zalto or a general white wine glass from Riedel for the Chidaine Montlouis.

richer or sweeter styles are perhaps the better wines to rely upon in the colder winter months. The wines of Vouvray are always reliable, but also look for Montlouis, Savennières, Saumur and Anjou for outstanding examples and value. Finally, consider the wines of Austria for another winter white wine possibility. Grüner Veltliner is the most widely planted and most important white grape in Austrian wine production. This typically dry, melon and pear scented wine shows hints of savory tones like lentil and white pepper. However, this grape is capable of greatness and can range is style from light and lean to rich, intense and exotic. It all depends on the region and the style of the producer. Other Austrian white varieties of note would include Riesling which is generally dry, minerally and delicious or grapes like Welschriesling, Weissburgunder, Neuberger, Roter Veltliner, Rotgipfler and Zierfandler. All delicious in their own right but less known in the U.S. For producers, here are three of my favorite white wines to enjoy during the winter season. A great White Burgundy from Marc Colin in Chassagne-Montrachet, a classic Grüner Veltlier from Bründlmayr in the Kamptal and a remarkable Chenin Blanc produced by François Chidaine in Montlouis. For suggested Glassware, Zalto and Riedel are some of the finest glasses on the market and offer many styles for specific wines. The Zalto Burgundy glass would be perfect for the Marc Colin, the Riedel Sommelier Series Grüner Veltliner glass for the

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MARC COLIN CHASSAGNEMONTRACHET ‘MARGOT’ The Marc Colin Domaine was established in 1970 and produces wine from 15 hectare situated in 26 different appellations including St. Aubin, Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet and Santenay. Colin and his family produce mostly Chardonnay wines from the finest parcels in the Côtes de Beaune, but also produce a few delicious village level wines from Pinot Noir as well. Even though the Domaine has only been producing wine since 1970, there are vines that have been in the family for over 100 years. Today, Colin’s son, Joseph, is the chief winemaker and responsible for maintaining the traditional family style that includes organic production, judicious oak use and optimum freshness. The result in the glass is wine that is characterized by a silky texture, roundness and a subtle hint of cinnamon and vanilla from time in spent in French oak. Each separate plot of land shows the differences and intricacies of Burgundy terroir, giving each wine a unique and distinct character. Like many of the great producers of Burgundy, Colin’s vineyard practices are the focus to creating worldclass wines. He does not use herbicides, grapes are handpicked earlier and less new oak is used, looking to produce high-toned, expressive wines. This Chassagne-Montrachet pairs especially well with roasted fowl, mushroom risotto and Époisses cheese. The current vintage is delicious right now and offers all of the lush, roasted apple and pear fruit flavors one might expect from young, vibrant White Burgundy. BRÜNDLMAYER GRÜNER VELTLINER ‘LAMM,’ KAMPTAL The Weingut Bründlmayer is situated in Langenlois, some 70 kilometers northwest of Vienna, upstream along the Danube in the Lower Austrian Kamp Valley. The wooded hills of the Waldviertel protect the vineyards from the cold, north-westerly winds leaving this envi-

ronment warm and ideal for producing wines with richness and weight. During the day, the sun warms the stony terraces, while at night the fresh, fragrant forest air drifts through the Kamp Valley into the Langenlois area. The wines are characterized by a combination of hot days and cool nights, the meeting of the Danube and Kamp valleys and the geological and climatic diversity of the vineyards. The Bründlmayer winery and cellar is equipped with the best available technology and a traditional heuriger (family run restaurant), which is open almost all year round and where all wines can be tasted in a convivial atmosphere. Similar to many small wineries in the area, the family is responsible for all viticulture and wine making. Lamm is considered one of the finest sites in the Kamp area. It sits a bit lower on the hillside with deep loess soils that are perfect for producing top quality Grüner Veltliner wines. Beautiful flavors of yellow plum, white peach and Honeycrisp apple find balance with the stony mineral and field flower aromas. FRANÇOIS CHIDAINE LES CHOISILLES, MONTLOUIS SUR LOIRE Montlouis is an appellation of 400 hectares located directly across the river from Vouvray. The soil types in both sites are quite similar, consisting of sandy clay over a base of Tuffeau. However, many say the style of wine coming from Montlouis is slightly leaner and crisper than the wines of Vouvray. François Chidaine’s estate is divided into eight distinct plots, with many of the vineyards between 40 and 80 years old. Chidaine practices biodynamic farming and his wines are marked with vibrancy, gracefulness and an ability to age for many years. Les Choisilles cuvee is named after a type of black flint found in the region called Choisille. This Chenin Blanc is a concentrated, powerful, dry wine that is breathtakingly beautiful — characterized by a lively and refined nose of pineapple, sweet tangerine, chalky soil tones and a hint of lanolin. On the palate, tropical fruit flavors run through the wine, with perfectly balanced acidity and a stunning, complex finish. +

book club

“Read Island”

A Picture Book for All Ages By Sandy Ferguson Fuller

READ ISLAND is available at The Bookworm of Edwards or wherever books are sold. Hardcover $18.99.

MY READ ISLAND 1. Title. Got it. Perfect. 2. Theme and plot: Somewhere out there lies an island made of books. A little girl sets sails with her crew of two — fox and mouse — to find it. 3. They discover it, along with a menagerie of native wild animal friends who share an enjoyment of reading and storytelling. Together they reveal the most important secret on Read Island: “This world of stories, safe and true, is always here to welcome you.”

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICOLE MAGISTRO

o you have a magical place in your life? A real destination that you try to visit often? It speaks to you, and that’s why you always return. For debut local author, Nicole Magistro, Read Island is her favorite spot in the world. It’s a wild and rural landscape located in the Discovery Islands region of the South Coast of British Columbia. Magistro’s family keeps a cabin there, accessible only by a small plane hop or boat crossing from Vancouver Island. The ocean straits and lush forests are home to bald eagles, sea lions, wolves, seals, migrating salmon, cougars, whales and rare, elusive spirit bears. No wonder she returns every summer to share new adventures and traditions with her son, Silas, and husband, Zach. When Magistro sold The Bookworm of Edwards in 2020, she took a relaxing break from her hectic life as former pro-

prietor (15 years) of Vail Valley’s popular independent bookstore and delicious café. Everyone wondered, “What will come next for this talented, motivated, smart and successful young woman who always dreamed privately of publishing her own books?” As a journalism undergrad and graduate student at Northwestern University, she had cultivated a strong foundation for her writing skills, but her professional focus hadn’t yet granted her the time and space to create, except to write prolific reviews for other authors. Breathe in, breathe out, Magistro … and rise up Read Island. A children’s picture book takes shape in her imagination. At first, only a potpourri of personal passions and images, then a storyline celebrating reading, literacy, nature, children, community and a real, magical habitat. Most authors will agree that their best work often “writes itself,” straight from the heart. Once Magistro determines her new direction, then in her inimitable style, she composes her list to make it happen:

4. Author: Nicole Magistro! Finally, my window opens! 5. Illustrator: Alice Feagan, without a doubt. A popular U.S. children’s illustrator, Vail Valley local and top choice to bring my words to life. 6. Publisher: Read Island, LLC., Edwards, CO (est. April 2021). Years as a book professional have gifted me valuable knowledge about the nuts and bolts of indie publishing. Plus, isn’t it more fun to steer the boat yourself? 7. Product lines: Think big. Spring/Summer 2021. 8. Book launch date: Can’t wait! Fall 2021. Never one to miss a beat, given her expertise in the current retail market, Magistro strategically developed appeal-

ing companion merchandise to support bookstores and gift outlet sales. First, she introduced greeting cards, socks, puzzles, etc. all showcasing Alice’s signature artwork. The book followed, right on schedule. I invite you to explore the world of Read Island. Magistro’s rhythmic, thoughtful text is perfect for reading aloud to kids or reflection for all ages. Feagan’s unique illustrations layer contemporary digital techniques atop traditional hand-drawn originals, reminiscent of classic fables, songs and maps. Feagan is a master of color, shadowing, texture and character detail. This author/illustrator team shares more than their delightful collaboration. Both live in the Vail Valley and enjoy outdoor adventure. Both are avid readers. Both are moms, with boys who are bookworms. Both are now, best friends. Read Island (released October 5, 2021) has already earned top reviews from industry pros, teachers, librarians,

booksellers, parents and friends. One favorite endorsement comes from Wendy Hudson of Nantucket Book Partners in Nantucket, MA, who writes, “an instant classic.” So climb aboard and sail into this delightful story for book lovers of all ages. +

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art +

music

Colors of the Community Town of Vail’s Art in Public Places Program

PHOTO BY DOMINIQUE TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

by Mackennea Broyles

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etween the magnificent mountain views, palatial architecture and striking ski slopes, it seems impossible to make the Town of Vail any more breathtaking or beautiful. Molly Eppard’s job, however, is to do just that. Eppard, an art history major and former art dealer, is the Art in Public Places Coordinator for the Town of Vail, and — via the work of a coterie of talented artists — she aims to not only beautify the town but cultivate a sense of community by representing its broad audience, from longtime locals to international visitors. “Part of the success of the project is its diversity,” Eppard says. “Everyone might not like everything, but the hope is that everyone will like something.” From concrete walls to smokestacks that, to Eppard, “looked like ugly paper towel tubes,” the Art in Public Places program is helping to color the Vail community. Among the contributing artists are Olive Moya, Pedro Barrios and Kelsey Montague. Although these artists differ in their styles and approaches, they share common themes of color, community and charisma. For Moya, when it came to art, the only logical choice was murals. “I love making work big,” she admits. “I’m not a delicate person.” Moya’s interest in murals began in college, where she confronted the traditional ideas that dictated what counted as “fine art.” “I wanted to make something that I wasn’t necessarily selling,” she explains. “I wanted people who wouldn’t normally wander into an art space to be confronted by art.” Enter murals. And not just any murals, either. Moya often creates her works in wheat paste. Once a way to cheaply and quickly adhere posters to walls with a flour and water mixture, the process now involves a wallpaper paste mixed with an acrylic medium to adhere pictures to a structure or wall.

KELSEY MONTAGUE

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art +

art. Even the weather brings a different experience to a piece.” Montague’s Vail piece, a prismatic scene of butterflies, flowers and interactive swings, is designed to evoke a sense of joy, even when Vail is its wintry, monochromatic white. “Even when it's snowing, there’s this beautiful pop of color,” Montague adds. “I wanted to bring these beautiful Colorado colors and give them a place year-round.” Montague is lifelong artist, the creator behind the popular #whatliftsyou wings that are the backdrop of many Instagram

posts, and a fourth generation Coloradan. “I’ve traveled the world and drawn all over the place, but being able to draw in my home state is a point of pride for me,” she shares. Pedro Barrios also graces Vail with his artistic vision. Together with Jaime Molina, the two form “The Worst

OLIVE MOYA

PHOTO BY DOMINIQUE TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Moya’s piece in the Vail Transportation Center features a collage of historic Vail ski and snowboard pictures in cheerful coexistence with her signature swoops and splashes of resplendent color. The piece is also covered with a tough, transparent coating as insurance against the elements, which, in this case, means splashes of cantina salsa. Although artist Kelsey Montague’s piece in Vail also contends with the elements, she sees this as an opportunity. “It’s constantly changing,” she says. “That’s what I love so much about public

music

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PHOTO BY DOMINIQUE TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

PEDRO BARRIOS + JAIME MOLINA

Crew,” a name taken from the early stages of working together where under-preparedness led to designs drawn on napkins with a borrowed pen. This quickly shifted into a symbiosis where the two would separately pick out swatches for a piece and reconvene holding the same samples. Color is one of the signature elements of the pieces Barrios and Molina create, which makes for a vibrant through-line in their pieces at Lionshead and the smokestacks outside Dobson Ice Arena. For Barrios, whose Colorado journey started in Vail, the opportunity to create there was a special one. “We wanted the work to become a part of the landscape, the community as a whole,” he explains. “I feel honored to have worked in Vail. That place is so important to me and my life story.” In “public art,” one half of the phrase is just as significant as the other — where the piece is just as important

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as the place and people it represents. “[The art] is always something that I want the community to be really proud of,” Montague says. Barrios shares a similar sentiment: “The great thing about public art is that, once it’s finished, it’s not really ours anymore; it’s for the community to make theirs.” But, what about during the painting process? Whether it’s encouragement, like the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ from kids Barrios experienced as he painted the smokestacks, or less inspiring comments from passers-by, people are always contributing to a work-in-progress. “The ‘you missed a spot’ joke isn’t really funny anymore,” deadpans Moya. Bad jokes aside, the public interaction is what shapes the murals and, ultimately, the community. “Stirring up something in somebody is what art is intended to do,” Barrios points out. Moya puts it this way: “Art is what makes us human. It’s what makes us special, you know?” +

“IT’S CONSTANTLY CHANGING. THAT’S WHAT I LOVE SO MUCH ABOUT PUBLIC ART. EVEN THE WEATHER BRINGS A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE TO A PIECE.” Kelsey Montague

art +

music

The Turntable Revue

Hear the Harmony of Music + Family

he Turntable Revue’s sister and brother team, Terry Armistead and Joe Bianchi, grew up in the mountains of Vermont. An antenna could rarely pick up a television station there, so they spent every night jamming with their musical parents. As they describe it: daddy was a guitar playing, beer drinking folk singer, and mama was a piano playing, church singer with a voice like an angel. “We grew up in a family that stays together and likes to be around each other, so that carries over to the music,” Armistead says.

And, in an interesting turn of events, the tightly-knit siblings ended up having much more in common than just music. They married siblings (Bianchi married Armistead’s husband’s sister), and both had triplets. PUTTING THE BAND TOGETHER Armistead moved to the Vail Valley in 1992. She met her husband, Jeff Armistead, in a local band they both played in, “until I fired him,” she shares. Turns out it was more of an “I love you, but you’re fired.” The two were best friends at the time, but Jeff’s gigs with Little Hercules

— a nationally touring band — conflicted at times with her local band, Loud Mouth Soup. The Armistead’s ultimately got married and had triplets and one other child. Bianchi moved to Minturn in 2000, and the trio formed The Turntable Revue. These days, Jeff finds a way to play keyboards with both Bonfire Dub and The Turntable Revue, without getting fired by his wife. THE TURNTABLE EXPERIENCE Jeff came up with the band’s name, based on the railroad turntable in the town they all live in and love: Minturn.

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PHOTO BY ZACH MAHONE

By Kimberly Nicoletti

PHOTO COURTESY OF TURNTABLE REVUE

“The name also conveys that we play a lot of different songs,” Armistead explains. “You name it, we play it.” Over the last 21 years, they’ve learned upwards of 500 covers, in addition to several originals they’ve penned. When they play their regular gigs at the Westin or Ritz Carlton, it’s 100% covers, though those may range — from rockin’ Zeppelin to quieter songs their parents loved, like Simon and Garfunkel or Peter, Paul and Mary to Terry’s favorites, like the old mistresses of country music, Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton. “I do think the ‘70s was the best era of music that ever was — other than the ‘90s — so we play a lot of that,” Armistead says. “We play what we like to listen to, but a lot of people tell us, ‘You just played every song off my favorite playlist.’” The band generates an intimate feel, one that ushers in a sense of emotion and completeness, she added. “I like people to feel drawn in, to get what I’m putting down … and give them something they can take away.” Turntable differs from typical cover bands in their song choice and variety, Bianchi said, adding that they often bring in three- and four-part harmonies. “I think that’s a strong aspect of the band: big vocals and big harmonies,” he says. While just Bianchi and Armistead perform weekly at the Westin (4-7 p.m. Mondays) and the Ritz Carlton (TBD), their full band takes the stage at private events, like weddings and corporate gigs. THE PLAYERS Turntable Revue’s musicians take their craft seriously. When they attend concerts, they’re more likely to be listening carefully near the soundboard, rather than “partying it up and dancing like crazy,” Armistead adds. Having grown up in Detroit and blending in the sounds of New Orleans, Jeff is one of the most unique keyboard players around. Though Bianchi is a classically trained rock guitarist, his humility prevents him from taking over and laying out everything he knows in a self-centered solo.

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“He’s a less-is-more kind of guy,” Armistead shares. “He’s got a clean tone. He’s a perfectionist in his notes. He’s more interested in contributing to the music (than showboating).” Bob Masters is a ripping guitar player, but in Turntable, he holds down the rhythm section with the bass. Mark Levy is an incredible drummer who recently played with Phil Lesh and Friends and has been in Circles Around the Sun since 2015. And, Armistead shines as a singer, whether she’s sweetly singing the national anthem at World Cup races in Beaver Creek or soulfully delivering tunes like “Take My Time” at GoPro Mountain Games. Though the band hasn’t recorded a full album yet (they’ve been kind of busy raising two sets of triplets), they have been working on one in their studio, where Bianchi also records other musicians. Even though a Turntable Revue album hasn’t emerged from the studio yet, plenty of good times have; equipped with a couple pianos and drum sets and tons of guitars, the families have continued their parent’s tradition of bringing up their kids with music. “A lot of times people call us the family band, and we’re passing it down to our kids,” Armistead says. “When you’re con-

DADDY WAS A GUITAR PLAYING, BEER DRINKING FOLK SINGER, AND MAMA WAS A PIANO PLAYING, CHURCH SINGER WITH A VOICE LIKE AN ANGEL. WE GREW UP IN A FAMILY THAT STAYS TOGETHER AND LIKES TO BE AROUND EACH OTHER, SO THAT CARRIES OVER TO THE MUSIC.

stantly exposed to music, it seeps into the soul of your kids.” And so, the music plays on, because, as Armistead points out: “There is music to be found in every aspect of life.” + theturntablerevue.com

style for

the season

Mountain Style by Kimberly Nicoletti + Kim Fuller

ust because we live in the mountains doesn’t mean we can’t be fashionable. Our mountain wear should be not only stylish, but also comfortable and functional. Here are just a few picks from the wide variety of boutiques in the Vail Valley. We hope it inspires you to get out there and find your own creative flair.

Fabulous Faux

Dress up this Herno Mea Faux Mink Short Jacket, or go out for a casual evening stroll in the Village. The faux fur is animal friendly and comes in black, champagne, dark brown (pictured), red and royal blue. $675 Gorsuch, 263 Gore Creek Drive, Vail gorsuch.com

Natural Accessories

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOCAL RETAILERS

Hats are a stylish way to protect yourself from the intense sun, which is why this is one of their mountain-style must-haves. Alara in Dark Sand by Janessa Leoné is made from sustainable and cruelty-free wool. From shearing the wool to hand polishing a finished body, each of these hats passes through 50 skilled artisan’s hands. $270 Hygge Life, 41149 US-HWY 6, Avon hyggelife.com

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Handcrafted + Rugged

Inspired by an alpine deerskin barn coat, this embre-washed jean jacket fuses luxury with rugged styling. It's crafted by Meindl, German makers of fine leather goods since 1683. Horn buttons complement the half-lined jacket. As the suede naturally ages, it develops a patina, which emphasizes the characteristics of this unique material. The longer you wear the leather, the more personality it develops. $2,885 Axel's, 201 Gore Creek Drive, Vail axelsltd.com

Cozy Mitts

Astis displays magnificent, hand-sewn beadwork on the gauntlet of these Kaasen long-cuff mittens. The leather mittens are made in the USA. The length and cut of the design allow for a jacket to slide fully inside without bunching, while providing a close fit to protect you from snow on powder days. $238 Valbruna, 100 E. Meadow Drive, Vail valbrunavail.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOCAL RETAILERS

Custom Utility

Minturn Mercantile opened in the summer of 2020. Thad Hooper inherited his great uncle’s leather working tools ten years ago. Now as his full-time job, Hooper makes all the leather inventory by hand. Each wallet is one of a kind and can be customized with a unique leather color, size, stitch color, etc. $60-$125 Minturn Mercantile, 102 Main Street, Minturn minturnmercantile.com

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style for

the season

Dress Up The Day

This Tri-color Cowhide Daytime Tote from Minturn Mercantile adds some flare to whatever your day brings. All items are crafted by hand at this cozy store on Main Street in Minturn. Every piece is one-of-akind and can be uniquely customized just for you. $225 Minturn Mercantile, 102 Main Street, Minturn minturnmercantile.com

Earth-Inspired Treasures

Lounge In Style

The Utility Set has generated elevated loungewear made to go out in. The Tencel blend sweat set features gold button details and a comfortable fit. $128, shirt; $128 pants Lady Jones, 172 E. Gore Ck Drive, Vail shopladyjones.com

Mountain Love

This best-selling mountain range necklace at Wild Heart in Edwards is a must have in your jewelry collection. It's a simple yet eye catching necklace that is always a conversation starter for the mountain lovers. The mountain range necklace is 16 inches in length and is plated in silver, gold or rose gold. $12 Wild Heart, 56 Edwards Village Blvd., Edwards wildheartcolorado.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOCAL RETAILERS

Three distinct pieces from Colorado-based jeweler Todd Reed: Ring — tapered eternity band with white diamonds in 18k yellow gold, $11,000. Top Cuff — 18k yellow gold with sterling silver with white brilliant cut diamonds, $18,900. Bottom Cuff — one- of-a-kind palladium cuff with a macle diamond with 3.03 carat total weight and white brilliants diamonds 2.135 carat total weight, $24,900. Squash Blossom 198 Gore Creek Drive, Vail squashblossomvail.com

A Second Look at Secondhand by Mackennea Broyles

PHOTO COURTESY HEATHER SCHULTZ

t first glance, the building planted at the intersection of Main and Toledo in Minturn appears to be a church. With its peaked, Louis-Vuitton-sole-red roof and tracery-style windows rimmed in the same color, even the name on the front — Holy Toledo — could lead one to believe that it’s just a particularly hip place of worship. Down the road, a modest storefront on the Edwards Riverwalk is identified by a clean sign reading “Remix,” with the dot over the “I” replaced by a small recycling symbol. Open the doors to either of these places, however, and it’s a whole different story. Thanks to the brilliance of Heather Schultz, owner of Holy Toledo Consignment, and Christina Zito, owner of Remix Consignment, the Vail Valley is home to several premiere consignment boutiques that boast reviews like: “I will never shop for clothes anywhere else again, and I don’t even live in Colorado!” and “First class place with top brands at great prices. Well worth the trip!” Schultz was a long-time resident of the Vail Valley and a seasonal ski instructor before she and her husband decided in 2002 that they were ready to transition to a full-time job. “I’d worked part-time at a consignment store down the valley, and I had a little bit of experience in sales, but I just kept thinking, ‘I think I can do this,’” Schultz recalls. Now, Holy Toledo sees up to 400 pieces a day from around the world and is looking at celebrating 20 years in 2022. Even though Zito, who grew up in Avon, earned her degree in fashion design and merchandising, Remix, formerly

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Rouge Boutique until Zito came along, wasn’t originally part of the plan. “I’d worked for Vail resorts for 17 years and was looking for something else to do,” she explains. “At first I was like ‘Resale? I don’t know about that.’ But then I realized that I’m a thrift store junkie, and I love doing that anyway.” For both Schultz and Zito, consignment embodies both fashion and sustainability. “I started the business because I couldn’t afford shopping in Vail or Beaver Creek, and I was a local girl!” Schultz explains. “Now, the biggest pride and joy of my business is the sustainability of reusing and recycling things.” Zito will often repair good clothes that come to the store in bad condition. “Sometimes a piece is just so fabulous,” she says, “that even if it’s not in good condition, it needs a good home. So, I try to get those things repaired if I can.” Most notably, Zito works with a Denver-based designer who specializes in repairing jackets using items sourced from thrift stores. “The jackets end up being really cool pieces that come back with a whole new life and style,” Zito explains. Both Schultz and Zito hope to see a shift away from fast fashion, and Zito is optimistic that Gen Z is already ushering this in. “I think we’re going to continue to see a trend of smaller, capsule wardrobes where you invest in a few, high-quality pieces,” she predicts. A capsule wardrobe involves selecting a few classic, durable clothing pieces that are interchangeable with each other. Schultz agrees, “I’ve seen a huge shift with social media and the pressure to

not be seen wearing the same outfit twice. That increases the demand for disposable clothing, and it’s so bad for the environment.” Both stores receive an abundance of pieces each day and must decide what to say yes or no to. “It comes down to the labels, first and foremost,'' Schultz says. “Shoppers are savvy and want quality pieces and quality materials.” When it comes to current trends, Zito believes that beauty is in the eye of the buyer. “I hate when people ask me if an item is ‘trendy,’” she laughs. “It’s true that some high-fashion items and looks never go out of style, but ultimately, you should wear what you like. Who cares if a dress you like is too ‘bling-y’ for Vail? Fashion should be about you.” Schultz has no clear predictions or desires on what trends may make a return next, but she’s always ready to kick a few trends out in the cold. “I’d like to see fur go away forever,” she says. “I want to see companies stop using fox and mink. I would rather see that stop than any trend come back.” For Zito, the unknown is the best part. “We get so many unique things,” she says. “Especially where we are. It could be a one-of-a-kind jewelry piece from Bali or silk scarves from the South of France. You never know what’s going to walk through the door each day.” +

maker

Wolf People

“Jewelry is more than just a fashion statement.” By Kimberly Nicoletti

and winter seasons she loves equally. Her designs also reflect a love of travel, history, nature and, overall, kindness. In fact, her one-of-a-kind pieces not only contribute to women feeling empowered; they also help save lives. SUPPORTING AFRICAN FAMILIES + BEYOND Hearn and Nthabiseng Dibakoane met in 2015, the same year Hearn launched her jewelry business. They began working together designing beaded and roped jew-

EMPOWERING WOMEN Hearn believes jewelry is more than just a fashion statement. She asserts that it’s an expression of love and connection, which conveys a story. When women wear an arrow pendant or gold anchor earrings from Wolf People’s Shield Maiden Collection, Hearn hopes women feel empowered; the Shield Maiden Collection reflects the story of the Viking culture’s strong and

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PHOTO COURTESY OF WOLF PEOPLE

emma Hearn spent her childhood soaking in South Africa’s fertile landscape. Now, she designs her jewelry brand, Wolf People, based on South Africa’s rich, colorful sunsets, the feeling of its salty fresh ocean and the melting pot of its unique cultures. She incorporates her love of the Vail Valley — her home since 2005 — into her Colorado “Snowflower,” a combination of the Columbine flower and a snowflake, designed to represent both the summer

elry that Dibakoane would make. A year later, Dibakoane got in a car accident. “I lost everything — my car and almost my business” Dibakoane shares. “But Gemma’s support was always giving me strength.” When COVID hit, Dibakoane’s situation became even more dire. “Things were bad in a way that I couldn’t cope. I couldn’t manage to feed my son, since there was no business during COVID, but through her support I managed to survive,” Dibakoane says. “Her orders all the time helped me to put a plate on my table.” Their work together has also provided work to other artists in Dibakoane’s community in Mabopane; half of sales proceeds go to Dibakoane and her community, providing higher pay than women could typically receive in the region. “They are very grateful when I tell them about Gemma’s orders,” she adds. “We want to do more like this so we can provide more opportunities for my community.” In addition, Hearn supports artisans in India, whom she met through her world travels. They employ traditional practices, handed down through generations, to set gemstones. Hearn is also a huge animal lover, so a portion of proceeds from Wolf People supports animals through donations to ASPCA and WWF.

IBA DESIGN PROUDLY SUPPORTS LOCAL MEDIA Welcome to the valley Covered Bridge Magazine! IBA DESIGN ASSOCIATES 303 390 1648 contact@ibadesignassociates.com ibadesignassociates.com DENVER 1421 Oneida Street • Suite 11 Denver CO 80220 VAIL 434 Gore Creek Drive • Suite B2B Vail CO 81657

PHOTO COURTESY OF WOLF PEOPLE

fierce women warriors. “The Wolf People meaning is to be fiercely passionate, brave and powerful, kind and respectful, adorers of Mother earth and all her beings,” Hearn says. “The jewelry makes you feel connected to yourself … and gemstones are a piece of the earth that you can wear close to your skin, close to your heart.” Hearn encourages women to find their own personal expression by layering pieces to create their own look. She designs her pieces with the goal of providing quality jewelry at an accessible price range, which she accomplishes by keeping her own costs down. One way she does this is by keeping gemstones as raw as

Gemma Hearn offers Wolf People jewelry at Vail and Minturn markets. The following retail stores also showcase her pieces.

possible, rather than highly polished. “Her love for creativity and nature comes to life in each of her pieces, and she never ceases to amaze me with her ongoing devotion to creating meaningful, beautiful jewelry,” says Madi Bennett, one of Hearn’s most loyal and repeat customers. “They each tell a story of their own through their intricate designs, and it’s evident that Gemma’s amazing attention to detail makes sure this is true in every design she creates. Her stunning jewelry is a reflection of her own gorgeous, loving personality, and it serves as a reminder of the wonderful person Gemma is, inside and out.” +

Blitz Boutique 242 E. Meadow Dr., Ste B, Vail, CO Ruby Jane | Valley Girl Boutique 232 S. Main Street, Breckenridge, CO

Revival Vail Valley 175 Main St Unit C-107, Edwards, CO

Vela Apparel 41149 US-6, Eagle-Vail, CO

The Landing Mercantile 45 W. Thomas Pl. Number C23, Beaver Creek, CO

Hygge Life 41149 US Hwy 6, Avon, CO

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NEW YORK 45 Carmine Street • Suite 3D New York NY 10014

road trip

Shoulder Season Road Trip Wilderness + Wine By Julia Clarke

This Four-Night Road Trip Takes in Two National Parks and Culminates With a Relaxing Stopover in Wine Country

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIA CLARKE; PALISADE PHOTO BY CHELSEA CONNOLLY

e all know Vail locals love to hop on a plane and head for warmer climes come shoulder season, but there’s plenty of opportunity for adventure to be found in our own backyard. If you’re seeking a short but satisfying Colorado getaway, look no further than this circular road trip that showcases two national parks, lots of scenic driving and culminates with a relaxing stop-over in wine country. Our itinerary takes place over four nights, but you can extend this trip any way you want to enjoy more special sights. From Vail, hop on 91 South, soaking in the majestic views of the Sawatch range on your way to Buena Vista, where you can stop for lunch and stretch your legs in this laid-back mountain town. Then, it’s onwards to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, which is just over three hours from Vail but offers a whole different type of mountain from the ones we’re used to. This national park is often overlooked because it sounds, well, like a giant sandbox. In reality, here you’ll find virtual mountains made of sand, some up to 750 feet high, making up the tallest sand dunes in North America over an area

of about 30 square miles. The otherworldly dunes were formed by sediment from the surrounding mountain ranges after lakes receded from the San Luis Valley and are a must-see in Colorado. The best time to see the sand dunes is at dusk, so book your spot at Piñon Flats Campground ahead of time and plan to arrive in the late afternoon to set up camp. Around 5 p.m., once it’s cooled off a little, grab your headlamp and start your hike. Pick any path, just head upwards, and expect a real calf-burner as you sink, barefoot, into soft, deep sand on the ascent. Watch the sun set and transform the dunes into a mesmerizing interplay of rose gold hues and deep shadows as you wiggle your toes into the cooling sand. It’s an experience like no other. In the morning, it’s worth another sunrise jaunt up the dunes if you’re up early; then, it’s time to pack up and hit the road. This time, you’re heading north and west, hooking up with 50 West towards Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park — about three and a half hours away. Stop for lunch in Gunnison, another slightly underrated Colorado destination that tends to be overshadowed by nearby Crested Butte, but is well worth a glance. This well-preserved mining town is right out of a Wild West movie set with a backdrop of beautiful high mesas. After lunch, head to Black Canyon, described by the National Parks Service as “big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time.” This canyon is in many ways like the Grand Canyon on a smaller scale, but don’t let that description make you underestimate it. Here you’ll find dramatic canyon walls, deep gorges and steep spires showcasing millions of years of geological history. There are several campgrounds in the park that require advance booking. Our pick is the East Portal Campground, located in the bottom of the canyon where you can camp by the river and enjoy the shade of the box elder trees. Relax here at camp in the afternoon and in the morning tackle the North Vista Trail, which treats you to stunning panoramas of the area from the canyon’s north rim. This can be a three-mile trip to Exclamation Point or a more strenuous seven-miler to take in Green Mountain. Spend another night at your riverside camp spot and pack up in the morning; then, head to the beautiful town of Montrose for a well-cooked breakfast. From Montrose, it’s only an hour and a half drive north and west to Palisade, otherwise known as Colorado’s wine country. There should be time to hike the Mount Garfield Trail, a short but steep climb offering the best of alpine desert landscape. After a few nights sleeping on rough ground, you might just want to check into one of Palisade’s hotels and treat yourself to a long, hot shower and a siesta before heading out to tour some of the town’s 20-plus local wineries on foot. Though it may not carry the prestige of Napa and Sonoma, Palisade’s cool nights and low humidity make for a robust wine-making territory. Pick a few wineries and sample varietal wines, ports and meads. Then, consider enjoying the five-course winemaker’s dinner at DeBeque Canyon Winery. Sleep tight, and in the morning, you can be home to Vail in two hours with plenty of time to air out your camping gear and pack it away until the next road trip. +

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The Vail Valley’s favorite destinations for healthy, happy dogs and cats! 56 Edwards Village Blvd / 107 Edwards, CO 81632 970.855.2383

41199 Highway 6 Eagle Vail, CO 81620 970.470.4072

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PHOTO BY THE KIMPTON GOODLAND, COURTESY OF VISIT SANTA BARBARA

off season getaway

KIMPTON GOODLAND HOTEL

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Get Away to the America Riviera Santa Barbara, California By Kim Fuller

hile European coastlines may feel far away, the central California haven known as the “American Riviera” is now a direct Southwest flight from Denver. Santa Barbara Airport greets guest with a Mediterranean-style terminal illustrated with colorful tiles, rustic lanterns, modern art and beautiful Spanish murals. A visit to Santa Barbara during Colorado’s winter season eventuates the contrast of climates — leave a snow-covered Denver and arrive to rich sea-kissed air breezing through tall palm trees. STAY New to the hotel scene in Santa Barbara is the Kimpton Goodland Hotel. Located in Goleta, just a short drive from downtown Santa Barbara, Goodland gave an old property a fresh new look that boasts a beachy aesthetic. Every room has a vintage-style record player with vinyl on loan, and a yoga mat comes with every room to borrow during your stay. The ground-level rooms surround a pool and several shared fire pits, making it easy to grab a refreshment from Good Bar and relax on-property. For those who want to stay within walking distance of Santa Barbara’s beaches and scenic harbor, Brisas del Mar, Inn At The Beach is a Mediterranean-inspired hotel with welcoming rooms and suites. Complimentary beach cruiser rentals are available so you can pedal your way around own. PLAY Bike rentals are also available through Wheel Fun Rentals if you’d rather plan a road bike route or spend your afternoon with a partner on a tandem. Bring a lock and you can ride over to the Gaviota Coast for a kayak through Santa Barbara Adventure Company. The Gaviota Coast is one of the few remaining sections of undeveloped, open coastline in California, and is home to more than 1,500 species of plant and animal life. Guides provide wetsuits, life jackets and kayaks before introducing an onshore kayak lesson before heading to the water. This trip takes paddlers through

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off season getaway

EAT Santa Barbara County is known for its many farmers’ markets that offer fresh local produce from the area. On Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m., downtown Santa Barbara hosts 50 to 60 certified agricultural producers lined up on both sides of the 600 and 700 blocks of State Street. Opened in 1992, this farmers’ market is a very popular weekly spot for some of Santa Barbara’s finest local chefs and caterers, who can be spotted pulling their wagons up and down the street. The area’s year-round growing season and access to sustainable seafood makes for some very memorable culinary experiences. Scarlett Begonia on West Victoria Street serves up a thoughtful and innovative farm-to-table menu. Tuesday is an extra special evening to enjoy dinner at Scarlett Begonia, as they have a “Farmers’ Market Menu” this day only. Chef Jonathan Ramirez shops the farmers’ market, comes back to the restaurant and designs a unique menu of

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT SANTA BARBARA

kelp beds while the guides share information on marine ecology in the area and the Santa Barbara Channel. For some mindful movement in the afternoon, Santa Barbara Beach Yoga has open-air classes looking out over the ocean. Enjoy the scenery from Cabrillo Pavilion rooftop with the sound of the waves lapping along the shore in front of you, and Santa Ynez mountain range as a backdrop.

three courses plus a craft cocktail. For anyone looking to spice up their dinner with some ethnic flare, Bibi Ji offers a modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine. ames Beard award-winning sommelier Rajat Parr has put together quite an impressive wine list, along with tasty bythe-glass house selections that change daily. Chef KK Bheemarao has created a menu that highlights local seafood with traditional, authentic Indian curries, all alongside a bounty of fresh produce harvested from the region and cooked in-house with roasted Indian spices. Head east of State Street to Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone for even more dynamic dining options. Once a manufacturing hub in the 19th century, the 13-block mixed-use area near Santa Barbara’s waterfront has spots like Lucky Penny. This quaint, stand-along eatery specialized in wood-fire pizza, salads and sandwiches and is in a building that’s covered with 164,456 real copper pennies. Go at lunch to sit in the sun on the restaurant’s inviting courtyard. DRINK A visit to central California not be complete without wine tasting in one of the world’s most diverse wine-growing regions. One of the easiest ways to get to know regional wines is through the tasting rooms of Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail, most of which are located in walkable downtown Santa Barbara. Head down to the Funk Zone to stop by Kunin Wine, a tasting room you visit that is so good (and hospitable) that you end up joining the wine club before you leave. The tasting room pours some of the winery’s best, including the prized area varietals of Syrah, Zinfandel and Viognier. Santa Barbara County may be known for its wine, but that’s not the only locally produced libation receiving raves. The region’s rapidly proliferating craft breweries have given beer lovers a tasting trail of their own. Visit Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. (which has a new partnership with Flying Embers, a hard kombucha maker, in 2020) in the Funk Zone to have a taste. +

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PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT SANTA BARBARA

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PHOTO BY SANDY FERGUSON FULLER; EARLY BRIDGE STREET IMAGE FROM VAIL 50

If you’re a first-time or frequent visitor to Vail Village or a full-time local resident, there’s no doubt you’ve crossed the familiar Covered Bridge more times than you’d remember, passing over Gore Creek to the legendary Bridge Street. A lode of local history surrounds this famous landscape. In 1962 at age 11, I first skipped across the open bridge floorboards. Recently at age 70, I strolled in the shadows beneath its peaked roof and admired Vail Mountain. For this debut issue of Covered Bridge Magazine, which celebrates Vail lifestyle both past and present, we thought it fitting and fun to delve into the story of the first street in Vail and its famous landmarks. Piecing that together proved a challenge and more fascinating than expected. Most folks involved in the original conception and construction of the early town are no longer here

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to share their experiences. But, those who remain fondly reminisce about the wisdom, vision, grit and with that built a place “like nothing on Earth.” In the beginning, there was a pristine creek. On its north side, a two-lane highway and a new gravel parking lot. On its south side, a dirt roadway that led up to a magnificent mountain showcasing few fresh-cut trails. In 1961, before skiing began, early Vail resident and Milwaukee architect, Fitzhugh Scott, built the first single-family home on Mill Creek Circle — nearly a suburb! Scott also designed the famous curved layout for the length of the Bridge Street roadway, forever lending curiosity about what one might discover around the corner. Maybe the movie Psycho playing on a sheet inside the Gondola Building? True! December 15, 1962. Vail Mountain Opening Day. A simple, uncovered bridge provided access from parking to the primitive street. Vail had one gondola, two chairlifts, three lodges and two retail shops (Blanche Ski Shop and a second ski rental shop). It was impossible to schlep skis from car to gondola in ski boots without tracking mud. And where is the restroom? Is there any coffee? Blink … and change begins along the street. During the first two years, a few buildings rose up. Most notable, the signature Clock Tower. In 1962, John McBride bought the future Gorsuch site, with his vision to build a clock tower in the center of town. The original two-story structure (1963) stood smaller than the current tower, but became an obvious village icon. In May 1962, Rod Slifer arrived from Aspen at the encouragement of colleague and friend, Morrie Shepard, to explore the fledgling ski town. (Shepard had directed the Aspen Ski School; by 1964, he gathered 42 instructors to form Vail’s own). Slifer became an early employee of Vail Associates in 1962, hired as “clerk in the works” when the Bridge Chalet, Vail’s first building, housed

Vail:

An "Abridged" History

1961 In 1961, before skiing began, early Vail resident and Milwaukee architect, Fitzhugh Scott, built the first single-family home on Mill Creek Circle. He also designed the famous curved layout for the length of the Bridge Street roadway.

1962 December 15, 1962. Vail Mountain Opening Day. A simple, uncovered bridge provided access from parking to the primitive street. In 1962, John McBride bought the future Gorsuch site, with his vision to build a clock tower in the center of town. The original two-story structure (1963) stood smaller than the current tower, but became an obvious village icon. In May 1962, Rod Slifer arrived to explore the fledgling ski town and became an early employee of Vail Associates. He scraped together the resources to purchase a lot on Bridge Street next to McBride’s. His office at Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate remains in that location today.

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1963 Welcome The Red Lion, February 1963.

1964 In December 1964, directly across from the Clock Tower, The Gasthof Gramshammer, owned by world-class ski racer, Pepi Gramshammer, and his glamorous wife, Sheika, offered comfortable rooms and tasty cuisine. Luckily, a proper liquor license soon followed. Pepi’s Bar, “Dahling” — Sheika’s nightclub, the gourmet Antlers Room and Pepi’s Sports all comprise the history of this famous hotel.

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The Casino arrived in 1964. Owner/ builder, Bill Whiteford modeled the unique venue after his favorite casino in Kitzbuehl, the Austrian village next to Pepi’s native Kufstein! Ironically, raucous Saturday nights were followed by Sunday church services hosted in the hall. Vail Interfaith Chapel wasn’t built until 1968, and no other community venue was spacious enough to serve devout locals. Vermonters John and Cissy Dobson pioneered a general souvenir store and clothing boutique beside the bridge in 1964-65. They sought a unique name for their business and christened it The Covered Bridge Store to add a hint of New England to their Colorado home. They convinced fellow New Englander, Pete Seibert, that the adjacent bridge should share the name — but first, it needed a top. Pete agreed “to put a lid on it.”

the company’s headquarters. He scraped together the resources to purchase a lot on Bridge Street next to McBride’s. Construction for the first phase of his building began the following year. His office at Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate remains in that location today. Slifer remembers the “gap” between his property and his neighbor’s, a small triangular open space where he sold Christmas trees for several seasons. “That was a good business!” he laughs. Bridge Street quickly grew into a busy street where Alpine village ambiance prevailed, completely by design! The “funny-talking” people who arrived in early Vail from Austria, Switzerland, Germany and other classic ski destinations were set on creating a European prototype as their new home. Welcome The Red Lion, February 1963. Larry and Marge Burdick, owners and operators of the downstairs restaurant/bar, moved in upstairs with their family of seven kids. Finding suitable housing was a difficult priority in early Vail, too! Maximizing space was the rule. But now, skiers returning from the slopes had a place to stop for refreshment, including coffee! Across the street, Dick Hauserman introduced his two-story Plaza Building with retail shops on the street-level and simple hotel rooms and apartments above. Hauserman provided upstairs living space for himself and wife, Blanche (aka Christie Hill). Christie was responsible for a second adjacent building with a residence on top, opening her Blanche Ski Shop retail space below — the future Christy Sports. In December 1964, directly across from the Clock Tower, an authentic Austrian-style lodge opened with Bavarian music, goulash and dumplings, sauerkraut and strudel. (I remember opening night!) The Gasthof Gramshammer, owned by world-class ski racer, Pepi

1966

1965 1965-1966. More shops, services and spaces appeared along the street. Olympic skiers, Rene and Dave Gorsuch moved from Gunnison, Colorado and opened their retail store in the Clock Tower Building. Gorsuch. Ltd. introduced mountain elegance and fashion.

The Town of Vail also incorporated in 1966. Pete Seibert realized that a ski area growing so fast needed to be developed as a real town.

1968

In 1968, a fire broke out in the Covered Bridge Store, but Vail’s new volunteer fire department responded to its first test in time to prevent irreparable damage.

1969

In 1969, the first town zoning ordinances passed based on a masterplan which included covenants for mixed commercial and residential usage on the street.

1970

In 1970, the first Fourth of July Parade marched past Pepi’s to the top of Bridge Street, then disappeared around Fitzhugh’s curiosity corner.

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Gramshammer, and his glamorous wife, Sheika, offered comfortable rooms and tasty cuisine. Luckily, a proper liquor license soon followed. Pepi’s Bar, “Dahling” — Sheika’s nightclub, the gourmet Antlers Room and Pepi’s Sports all comprise the history of this famous hotel. Vail wouldn’t be the same if Bob Parker, Dick Hauserman and Morrie Shepard hadn’t lured Pepi from Sun Valley, and if Sheika hadn’t joined her new husband from Aspen. Today, poke into the Gasthof to enjoy photos of the many rich and famous who have bellied up to the Bar or hobnobbed on the Porch. Also in 1964, The Casino arrived. Owner/builder, Bill Whiteford (an early Vail investor), modeled the unique venue after his favorite casino in Kitzbuehl, the Austrian village next to Pepi’s native Kufstein! Ironically, Whiteford’s garish mecca landed directly across from the Gasthof, offering dancing, discotheque, drinking and a little debauchery. Dizzy Gillespie and other famous singers debuted there. During the holidays, a tall tree hung upside-down in the dance hall. Many a patron shimmied up to ring the cowbell on top and somehow returned to earth. Ironically, raucous Saturday nights were followed by Sunday church services hosted in the hall. Vail Interfaith Chapel wasn’t built until 1968, and no other community venue was spacious enough to serve devout locals. Although European style dominated Bridge Street, the original bridge was destined for a different look. As retail opportunities grew, Vermonters John and Cissy Dobson pioneered a general souvenir store and clothing boutique beside the bridge in 1964-65. They sought a unique name for their business and christened it The Covered Bridge Store to add a hint of New England to their Colorado home. They convinced fellow New Englander, Pete Seibert, that the adjacent bridge should share the name — but first, it needed a top. Pete (with Vail Associates) agreed

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“to put a lid on it.” Dobson paid for the modest roof, and the bridge acquired its lasting identity. 1965-1966. More shops, services and spaces appeared along the street. Olympic skiers, Rene and Dave Gorsuch moved from Gunnison, Colorado and opened their retail store in the Clock Tower Building. Gorsuch. Ltd. introduced mountain elegance and fashion. The Town of Vail also incorporated in 1966. Pete Seibert realized that a ski area growing so fast needed to be developed as a real town, similar to Aspen and others. No one disagreed. Vail Associates just needed to gather enough eligible voters/residents to pass it. Improvements and conveniences escalated. Need a toothbrush? Visit the drugstore. Want a chicken sandwich to-go for lunch? Try the deli. Crave beer, wine, scotch or schnapps? Welcome to the liquor store. Pick up your groceries next door. Fancy a Viennese pastry and hot chocolate? No one seems to recall the name of the corner bakery across from the Red Lion, but their Sachertorte was wunderbar. In 1967, one-half of Vail town’s muddy streets were paved, but it wasn’t until years later that Bridge Street benefitted from heated pavers to eliminate ice in the winter. The decorative central fountain also needed ice mitigation to flow all year long. In 1968, a fire broke out in the Covered Bridge Store, but Vail’s new volunteer fire department responded to its first test in time to prevent irreparable damage. In 1969, the first town zoning ordinances passed based on a masterplan which included covenants for mixed commercial and residential usage on the street. And in 1970, the first Fourth of July Parade marched past Pepi’s to the top of Bridge Street, then disappeared around Fitzhugh’s curiosity corner. Horses stole the show!

Other legendary locales appeared, then disappeared along the street, leaving their mark. The Clock Tower Restaurant (John Kaemmer’s great place for steak), The Slope, New Gnu in the Clock Tower Building, Donovan’s Copper Bar, The General Store, La Cave, Pinocchio’s, The Mug Shop, Ore House. A few like Los Amigos (1972), Vendetta’s (1983) and Russell’s (1989) still remain to entertain. What about the future? Fifty years from now, what will be the view if one is lucky enough to visit the Covered Bridge? For everyone who treasures this town, how should Vail look? “It will probably be about what you see today,” muses Rod Slifer. “The zoning is so restrictive, particularly height. If anything, it may become more restrictive to make sure that the general character will stay. Bridge Street was the first main street. It will never be wider. The buildings on it aren’t ever going to be much bigger than now; they might be improved, but not taller. I think the Town Government has been very careful about preserving the character and the Austrian/European flavor. It’s still pretty much as they wanted.” I hope Rod is right. I won’t be here to see it, but I dream that my kids, grandkids and others will be able to skip or stroll across the Covered Bridge, perhaps stopping to spot a trout, then head up the same street to the same magnificent mountain to carve out more memories. + Thanks so much to Rod Slifer (and his dog, Ouzo) for spending a few hours sharing stories of early Bridge Street. Rod served as Mayor of Vail 1977-85, as well as 200307 and has contributed to the community in countless ways. Also, to Terry Minger (Vail Town Manager 1970-79), Suzanne Silverthorn (Communications Director, Town of Vail, Current) and Bill Wilto (Town Council, 1974-77; Mayor pro tem 1978-81) for more special details.

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Eagle V alley Outdoor M ovement Creating a More Inclusive Environment

By Jenna Kretschman

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Movement coordinator, says Spanish speakers in the valley are less likely to participate in outdoor activities due to a number of barriers. Araujo is tasked with tracking down those who face barriers to the outdoors and inviting them to join EVOM programs – something she accomplishes through hours of outreach at community service events, food banks and knocking door-to-door. “Renata is the perfect fit for this type of role, because she’s really warm and welcoming and has a keen ability to build relationships, even with complete strangers, so she’s really been the face of Eagle Valley Outdoor Movement. She’s brought a lot more people into the fold as far as participating in outdoor activities,” Van Hekken says. Other barriers to the outdoors may include lack of time, gear, transportation, costs or perceptions of risk. Feedback from participants is collected and discussed among EVOM’s partner organizations monthly so barriers can be addressed. If transportation is an issue, one organization will provide a shuttle. If gear is an issue, another will provide equipment. All EVOM trips are free. “We started offering programs directly

in neighborhoods, so that certainly does address the issue of time if you can just walk out your front door and walk five minutes to your community center to participate in an engaging outdoor activity,” Van Hekken explains. “That also really helped address barriers such as transportation, not feeling welcome and just having the information accessible and knowing what to do, because everything is so close to home.” EVOM’s goal is to bring participants further away from their neighborhoods for recreation through a concept called “backyard to backcountry,” starting with activities close to home, then venturing to a local park or trail and, eventually, building enough confidence and experience for people to be comfortable camping in a state park over the weekend. To encourage families to spend time outdoors close to home, EVOM has created six outdoor spaces in local neighborhoods, including play structures, gathering areas and trails. EVOM partner organizations also provide outdoor-related school and summer programs for youth. Walking Mountains Science center offers field-based natural science programs where students learn

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PHOTO COURTESY OF EVOM

After 20 years living in the Eagle Valley, Jocelyn Solis experienced the area’s natural beauty for the first time this year thanks to the Eagle Valley Outdoor Movement. The Eagle Valley Outdoor Movement (EVOM) is a coalition of 19 organizations, led by Walking Mountains Science Center, that strives to break down physical and cultural barriers to outdoor recreation and invite underrepresented groups to connect with nature through hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, biking, horseback riding, rafting, biking, climbing and other outdoor activities year-round. “We recognize that within our community, there is a great degree of environmental privilege as far as who’s able to access and participate in outdoor activities, and we want to make sure it’s a more inclusive environment for everyone in this community,” says Gina Van Hekken, director of grants and strategic initiatives at Walking Mountains Science Center. EVOM launched in 2015 as one of 15 projects created by the Great Outdoors Colorado’s Generation Wild Initiative, which is funded by proceeds from the Colorado Lottery and aims to connect children to the outdoor world. Solis, a mother of three young children, joined EVOM last year on a rafting trip, and she’s participated in many outings since. “It’s all new to me. Before EVOM, I never had the motivation or courage that I could do any of these things on my own,” Solis says. “I have participated in several hikes, paddle boarding, mountain biking, rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, flyfishing, Nordic skiing, fat bike snow riding and snowshoeing.” Solis moved to the valley from Mexico when she was 10 years old and wasn’t fully comfortable speaking English until her teenage years. “The majority of what we do is geared toward our Spanish-speaking population, so everything we promote is Spanish-first,” Van Hekken says. Each program has a Spanish-speaking staff member present to provide translation and comfort. Renata Araujo, Eagle Valley Outdoor

about topics like geology, aquatic ecology and snow science. Another EVOM partner, SOS Outreach, offers a program called Learn to Ride in which youth grades four through 12 can learn to ski or snowboard. High school students at Battle Mountain High School in Edwards can join EVOM’s Pathways internship program that allows students to learn hands-on about environmental and outdoor-related organizations in a high school class followed by an 80-hour internship at one of those organizations over the summer. “As a kid, I always wanted to go to the outdoors, but in Brazil that’s not very accessible,” Araujo explains. “When I was going to school, I would always try to take classes in the outdoors or do outdoor internships, and it helped me a lot with my mental and physical health and just feeling better about myself and the things I can accomplish.” Araujo is not alone in this feeling — according to Generation Wild, outdoor

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recreation decreases stress and anxiety, promotes creativity and self-reliance, and improves physical fitness and immune health. “I was having depression and going through a hard time,” Solis shares. “I really needed to get out of my routine and out of my house, and EVOM was like a light for me. It has definitely impacted a lot in my family life. My children and husband can participate too, so it has been very impactful and helped me a lot personally. I am very grateful that I get to do those things with my family. It’s changed my life.” Connecting people to the outdoors isn’t just beneficial for human well-being; it’s also beneficial for the health of our natural spaces. “Through the lens of our natural landscape, especially in Colorado, if people don’t experience or connect with nature, they’re not very likely to appreciate and see the importance or value in protecting it,” Van Hekken says. “It’s that

environmental stewardship piece – really getting people to connect to nature so they value our environment and see why we need to take care of it into the future. Everyone should have access to our one common ground across cultures and geographic locations.” + Visit walkingmountains.org/EVOM to learn more about Eagle Valley Outdoor Movement or to sign up for an upcoming winter event.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AVANTI CHALET

Kitchen and Open Floor Plan (Cuvée opened up space during gut renovation, placing 2 x 2 ton beams in ceiling panels). Custom chandeliers designed and imported from Portugal. c o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

Avanti Chalet Rebirth of a Mountain Masterpiece By Courtney Holden

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similarly whimsical aesthetic. Charles E. “Ted” Kindel built the home in 1964 after leaving Grand Rapids, Michigan and his family’s furniture business to pursue powder in the fledgling ski town. But, he was far from the average ski bum. Though he was one of 25 part-time ski instructors and took part in town ski races, he more notably took on the role of Vail’s first mayor in 1966 in addition to serving on multiple local boards. Historical documents about Kindel suggest he loved the town of Vail — a love he ignited in many others, including 38th president, Gerald Ford. Kindel had known “Gerry,” as he called him, since their days together in Michigan where Kindel’s father was the scoutmaster who oversaw the future president’s pursuit of

his Eagle Scout badge. A 2016 story in the Vail Daily reports President Ford only came to know Vail through Kindel, who hosted the president in that same home on Hanson Ranch Road. Since Kindel, the property has changed hands a few different times until it was bought in 2015 by George Solich, an affluent family man who’s loved Vail since he began skiing there as a kid. The Kindel home caught Solich’s eye, but there was one notable issue: The $33,000,000 property was out of date with closed-off rooms and compartmentalized living areas popular in the 1960s but out of touch with today’s architectural trends. Undeterred, the owner enlisted Cuvée — which owns and manages high-end, luxury real estate and guest experiences around the world — to

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF AVANTI CHALET

You’ve likely had the joy of skiing or snowboarding on Vail Resort’s 5,317 acres. And if that’s the case, then you’ve certainly experienced the thrill of anticipation for the day’s first turns as you ride up Gondola One. And maybe, just maybe, as you were settling in for the 15-minute gondy ride and taking in the sweeping views of Vail Valley you noticed a warm gray and soft white colored home in an enviable location a stone’s-throw from the base of Gondola One. That house is the newly christened Avanti Chalet, a recently revitalized mountain property that once housed a mayor, played host to a president and is now available to guests for $4,900 to $16,500 per night, depending on the season. It’s subtle Austrian-esque exterior fits well with the town’s now-famous Bavarian charm — and given the home was built back when Vail was more of an up-and-coming “sheep meadow” (as described by The New York Times in 1974), it’s possible the exterior was, in part, inspiration for future buildings to adopt a

Wet Bar and Stairwell Entry with Sky Lights

Great Room

manage a major revitalization project on the 8,922-square-foot home. Together, the owner and Cuvée team decided to “completely rebuild the interior space,” says Larry Mueller, Cuvée’s CEO and founder. “We were able to create a very open floor plan to allow larger groups to gather and really enjoy the beauty of where this home is located. It’s ski-in, ski-out with full views of the mountain.” Indeed, the $3 million redesign, with its clean lines and warm, natural hues captures the mountain contemporary aesthetic perfectly. When guests need alone time, they can retire to one of eight guest suites (all but the kids bunk room includes an en-suite bathroom), sweat it out in the exercise room or set out on a hike from the back door.

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Second Master En Suite Bath with Deep Soaking Tub

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AVANTI CHALET

Alligator Leather Swivel Chairs designed by Cuvée

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Master Suite

Quintessential Mountain Bunk Room

Entryway (and custom paint wall with Aspen patches and metallics)

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Really though, the formerly sectioned-off interior is now designed to be a memory-making gathering space. Groups can relax in the media room with a movie on the 60-inch flatscreen TV, enjoy a gourmet meal in the formal dining room with seating for 12 or rest legs weary from skiing in the eight-person Jacuzzi. Groups will also love the 30-foot ceilings in the great room, which features a two-story, moss rock fireplace (original to the home) that’s ready to set the mood for family game night or a cozy evening of adult conversation over hot toddies and mulled wine. There’s also the kitchen, a masterpiece that truly lives up to the “commercial kitchen” term that too often, Mueller notes, is just a buzzword. With custom cabinetry, a pizza oven that cooks Neapolitan-style pies in less than five minutes and a Miele coffee machine, guests will love the ambiance and amenities in this room. However, with a chef on-hand to use the dual Wolf-brand ranges and stove top, visitors won’t have to use those appliances unless they want to. Instead, they can enjoy a menu of Ōra king salmon and caviar, Maine lobster bisque and butter lettuce salad for starters, followed by an herb-crusted lamb rack for the main course and a decadent white chocolate bread pudding for dessert. Although Mueller says there are still plans to “really play up the Austrian aesthetic” on the exterior with flower boxes and an intricately-carved railing, the lion’s share of the estate’s rebirth is finished. Impressively, the emphasis on custom finishes and a state-of-theart interior didn’t prevent Cuvée from completing the remodel in a short five months, just in time for the first guests to enjoy the new renovation, perhaps fittingly, over New Years. Given the high nightly rental fee, “we had to make sure we met that date,” Mueller says. When they did, the guests and owner “were just blown away by the work.” Clearly, it’s not the average Joe that can afford a multi-thousand-dollar nightly rental. But, the average Joe isn’t Cuvée’s clientele. With more than 80 luxury rental properties across the globe in their portfolio (including 32 in Colorado) —

with prices averaging $8,500 per night and soaring up to $25,000 per night — Cuvée caters to the likes of John Elway, Stevie Nicks and more than 2,000 other high-end clients with specific tastes and little concern for the price tag. Cuvée excels at knowing exactly what their guests want in a stay; that’s what sets them apart. “The real value of luxury is that it’s personalized,” Mueller explains. “And, we deliver that. What makes Stevie happy is very different from what makes John and Paige Elway happy.” The desire for that kind of personalized and privatized experience has only grown in the past year, points out Cuvée’s Vice President of Marketing, Christa Weaving. “COVID has definitely increased the demand for our product,” she says. Mueller adds that their clients have been especially interested in retreats away from their urban homes. “There’s a huge demand … to get out of the city and really go someplace where you can have your own sanctuary,” he says. And Avanti Chalet, with its multiple bedroom suites, exercise facilities, libraries, offices and advanced audio/visual equipment “offers that opportunity. Its location and the finishes and function really appeal to this larger, multigenerational family that wants to be together in these trying times.” And importantly, the benefits of properties like Avanti Chalet extend beyond the lucky individuals who can afford to stay there. When deep-pocketed individuals like DeMar DeRozan, a guard-forward for the Chicago Bulls who visited Avanti Chalet this past year, come to town, it can positively impact us all. “What it does for the town of Vail is it brings in very high net-worth families that use this [property] and then enjoy shopping in Vail and enjoy the restaurants in Vail,” Mueller points out. (And read the magazines in Vail, we’d like to add.) Looking back to the dream Kindel had for his home and the growing town around it, Avanti Chalet is doing exactly what our first mayor wanted: helping locals and visitors alike fall in love with our one-of-a-kind mountain town. +

PHOTOS BY ZACH MAHONE

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Ride Along with the Vail Pedicab Team

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By Kaitlin Emig

Taking to the cobblestone streets of Vail, the team of pedicab drivers assist pedestrians in need of a three-wheeled chariot ride and whisk them safely to the hotels, restaurants and venues. The drivers are charming, athletic and outgoing, plus unmatched with customer service. From Ford Park to the Grand Hyatt, they roam ready to be at any service call. Many locals agree Vail Pedicab offers an impressive door-to-door service in the village with their brightly colored tricycles year-round. “We are often times the absolute best solution for people with trouble walking — elderly, kids, disabled, injured or people wearing heels,” owner Ben Donnelly remarks. Sometimes more convenient than the public bus, drivers offer a fresh breeze and adventurous ride for their passengers going from village to village or restaurant to hotel. Donnelly, an Adaptive Ski Coach at

Vail Resort and owner of Vail Pedicab since 2015, oversees the special use permits and business operations of the four pedicabs. “We are a valuable resource to the community and a green business,” Donnelly says. A truly pedal powered tricycle driven at 8,500 feet makes Vail Pedicab unlike any other pedicabs in the country. “We are doing something that has never been done before,” Donnelly says. No electronic assist for the drivers who haul a 400-pound pedicab along with the passengers around Vail and Lionshead village. Truly thighs of steel and lungs to match. “Beyond being fun, environmentally friendly and a socially positive presence, our services are symbolic of the lifestyle Vail represents,” adds Donnelly. “Our valuable service is a great way to show guests the town or provide suitable transportation needs.” Vail Pedicab offers guided tours within the village and wedding services for the newlyweds to be carried away in style. These services are prearranged through the Vail Pedicab website. Rates vary for private reservations and wedding packages. In town services are

THE PEDICAB CAPTAINS Andy Hamilton is one of the longest running pedicab drivers who started nearly 10 years ago. Hamilton believes pedicabbing provides a lot of independence and flexibility as a job. “You have the ability to grow your own business,” he says. Hamilton believes being a good pedicab driver takes resilience and the ability to be a self-starter, as well as the general desire to work independently. Besides his pedicab employment, Hamilton also teaches skiing at Vail Resort and works construction. You may see him showing off his other talents of dancing and juggling while waiting for rides on the Bridge Street corner. “I’m a great mushroom hunter, I’ve been a paid comedian in Denver and I’m the best skier on the mountain,” Hamilton jokes about his other pursuits. Ethan Levine has pedicabbed in the village for eight consecutive seasons — summer and winter — since 2017. This dedication of hustling on a tricycle during the hot, cold, wet and busy times of year require strength and endurance. He’s used this conditioning to bike across the country two times. “I’m into bike touring, snowboarding and making people laugh,” he says of his other hobbies. He can be seen doing unpaid comedy on the Bridge Street corner alongside Hamilton. Mariah Schab joined the team this summer, boosting the female members to equal standing, and plans to ride this winter. Schab loves socializing with people from around the world whom she meets on the pedicab. “It’s a great way to stay in shape,” she says, “and everyone who gets a ride from us says this too.” Like the other team members, Schab preforms other side hustles in the valley. “I’m a barista, vocalist, seasoned yogi

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PHOTO BY ZACH MAHONE

hailed like a traditional taxi cab and are gratuity based. “Most importantly, our drivers provide customer service that is equal to what the town of Vail provides,” Donnelly adds. He believes a pedicab driver needs to be self-motivated, fit, charismatic and have a friendly smile. “They should eat, breath and sleep customer service,” he remarks.

For me, the job offers flexibility to balance between my guiding work with SOS Outreach, a local non-profit providing outdoor education to at-risk youth and the incentive to be paid to work out. As a female driver, I know I can never keep up with the male drivers and am not afraid to ask for a push going uphill, but I also know I’m feeling the strongest within my body when riding my pedicab. PROFESSIONAL, SAFE + FUN RIDE The Vail Pedicab team includes other outstanding athletes like these drivers who all have a knack for the freedom of a three-wheeled taxicab, plus the personality to win. “We are honest and good representatives of Vail,” Donnelly remarks about the general personality of

the drivers. Guests often mention that the pedicab is better than the alpine coaster, as we wind through the bike path late at night. Similarly, many guests say their pedicab ride home was the best part, since they can take pictures from the cab showing off another fun memory on their Vail visit. These experiences, like when passengers feel like royalty sitting in the cab as they practice their princess waves or loudly sing a popular Queen song as they are bicycled through the village, make the pedicab ride enjoyable and entertaining. So, next time you are in the village, let us burn the calories for you while you relax in style through the streets of Vail Village. +

PHOTO BY ZACH MAHONE

and yoga instructor, and I enjoy trail running.” Schab loves giving compliments to everyone dressed their finest for weddings and events in Vail. It’s this friendly attitude that makes our drivers sociable and welcoming to visitors. I joined the team in 2015 just as Donnelly bought four new rainbow-colored cabs. For three summers, I commuted over Vail pass from Summit County every weekend and some weekdays to ride my yellow pedicab. Now, on my fourth season and residing in the Vail Valley, I’ve enjoyed showing guests the beauty of our community through the back of my tricycle. I developed lifelong friendships with the fellow drivers who share the same charisma and dedication to living an adventurous mountain life.

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a local

Casey Glowacki

Owner of Drunken Goat and Cut Artisan Meats + Seafood in Edwards by lexi reich

n the morning, Casey Glowacki likes to wake up and walk his dogs along Eagle River in Edwards, Colorado, soaking in the mountain backdrop. Depending on the day, he might drop his two sons off at Battle Mountain High School. But from there, Glowacki splits his day between the two businesses he owns in Vail Valley: Drunken Goat and Cut. Both serve as hubs of connection and community across the valley.

While Glowacki is Denver-born, he spent many years living out of state. After several family vacations to Colorado to show off the old stomping grounds to his wife and kids, Glowacki and his family moved to Edwards in January 2019. Over the past three years, he has transformed Edwards Village Boulevard into a hotspot for locals to get their wine, cheese and meats. “I saw the location and the town as an opportunity for me and my family to live

our lives to the fullest,” Glowacki says. Glowacki is a restauranteur to his core, which is why he made Drunken Goat a full-service dining spot built upon the principal of “living for the moment.” Cut is a butcher shop located right next door, filled with what he likes to call “protein for the soul.” As the chef-owner, Glowacki serves as the “day saver” and helps where needed. Some days he’ll be cooking soup and running orders, while the next he could be helping with training in the kitchen and reviewing pricing and marketing for the businesses. Whatever the day brings him, Glowacki credits his wife Rachel, local yoga teacher and writer, for being his biggest supporter. Together, they both value the life they’ve built in Colorado. “I love the four seasons; I complain about the weather maybe three days a year, there’s a lack of traffic and congestion, and there’s friendly people and a hard-working atmosphere,” he shares. “I love the fact that it seems like everyone is here for the same reason — to enjoy life, get outdoors, be healthy and connect with friends.” As the winter and spring seasons take over, Glowacki says he is reminded yet again why he loves what he does. “During the winter I’ll bring my snowboard to work and sneak out a few runs when I can to Beaver Creek,” he says, adding he’s been snowboarding since the age of 12. “We’ve recently closed on Sundays, which will allow me to get a full day uninterrupted on the mountain with my entire family.” + Keep up with Glowacki at drunkengoatco.com and cutvail.com.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CASEY GLOWACKI

live like

dining guide VAIL

EDWARDS

DECA+BOL

Craftsman

Sophisticated bowling alley with lounge-style seating and a restaurant with global fare. 141 East Meadow Drive #113, Vail 970.476.5300 decabolvail.com

Fall Line Kitchen & Cocktails Globally accented new American cuisine and cocktails served in a ski lodge inspired setting. 232 Bridge Street, Vail 970.470.4803 falllinevail.com

The Grazing Fox + Picnic Vail

Antipasto platters, grazing tables and luxury lunch boxes; mountain-inspired picnics. Delivering East Vail to Edwards. 970.279.1342 thegrazingfox.com picnicvail.com

Pazzo’s Pizzeria

Local pizzeria chain serving pies, pasta and sandwiches, plus beer and wine, in a casual atmosphere. 122 East Meadow Drive, Vail 970.476.9026 pazzospizza.com

Root & Flower

Modern bar offering craft cocktails and a curated selection of wines by the glass, plus a changing menu of New American bites. 288 Bridge Street, Vail 970.470.4189 rootandflowervail.com

Two Arrows Coffee | Bar

Craft coffee and cocktails with fresh local provisions in the heart of Vail Village. 225 Wall Street, Vail 970.763.5101 twoarrowscoffee.com

EAGLE-VAIL + AVON Hygge Life Shop & Café

Home décor shop with a cozy craft coffee bar and a collection of Scandinavian home goods, accessories and gifts. 41149 US-6, Avon 970.331.5745 hyggelife.com

Pazzo’s Pizzeria

Local pizzeria chain serving pies, pasta and sandwiches, plus beer and wine, in a casual atmosphere. 82 East Beaver Creek Blvd., Avon 970.949.9900 pazzospizza.com

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Gourmet sandwiches and snacks, plus an array of craft beers and whiskeys in a mod counter-serve setting. 56 Edwards Village Blvd. #112, Edwards 970.926.5833 craftsmanvail.com

Drunken Goat

A cheese shop, wine bar and gathering place for delicious charcuterie, bruschetta, paninis, salads and soups, along with gourmet market offerings and an amazing patio. 56 Edwards Village Blvd. #104, Edwards 970.926.1393 drunkengoatco.com

Hovey & Harrison

Local market, café and bakery offering sourdough breads, pastries, pre-made and to-go food/meals, local produce, bar and cafe. 56 Edwards Village Blvd. #120, Edwards 970.446.6830 hoveyandharrison.com

Riverwalk Theater + Edwards Supply Company

Locally owned movie theater featuring craft beer, BBQ sandwiches, coffee, pizza, soft serve ice cream, milkshakes, popcorn, candy and snacks. 34253 US-6, Edwards 970.855.2182 riverwalktheater.com

The Bookworm

Locally flavored, community minded, independently owned. Local gathering spot serving up crêpes, coffee, smoothies and more. 295 Main Street, Edwards 970.926.7323 bookwormofedwards.com

Village Bagel

Fresh, hand-rolled bagels made the old fashioned way. Schmears, savory bagel sandwiches and homemade pizza available. 34500 US-6 B7, Edwards 970.855.2940 villagebagel.co

EAGLE Pazzo’s Pizzeria

Local pizzeria chain serving pies, pasta and sandwiches, plus beer and wine, in a casual atmosphere. 50 Chambers Ave., Unit C, Eagle 970.337.9900 pazzospizza.com

The Assembly

Fresh, seasonal and globally inspired dining featuring a shared plates menu. 1143 Capitol Street #104A, Eagle 970.328.2828 theassemblyeagle.com c o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

events winter

+ spring 21-22 Thunderbird Ski Club Vail

Vail, CO January 8-15, 2022 Want to ski all day and then enjoy a relaxing spa trip during the night? Then the Thunderbird Ski Club Vail trip is the perfect chance to get a little R&R right in the middle of Vail. Make new friends skiing with the club! tbirdskiclub.com

Beaver Creek Wonder Celebration

Beaver Creek, CO January 14-16, 2022 Explore the beautiful winter sculpture display and snap some timeless photos with your loved ones. Beaver Creek Wonder Celebration art installations will bring to life a sense of adventure and discovery in the heart of the village. vailresorts.com

Dance Theatre of Harlem

Avon, CO January 18, 2022 Enrich your mind with this dance-education event. Dance Theatre of Harlem has achieved unprecedented success, bringing innovative and bold new forms of artistic expression to audiences. vaildaily.com

Winter Culinary Weekend

Powabunga Music Festival

Vail, CO December 9-12, 2021 Experience an epic mountain music festival weekend at Ford Park. Featured artists include Rufus De Sol, Bob Mosses, Vintage Culture and others. Doors open at 4 p.m. on both festival nights, so make sure to get there early. Continue to check their site for future artist line-up releases and planned activities for the highly anticipated return of Powabunga. powabungafestival.com

Vail Holidays

Vail, CO December 16, 2021- January 1, 2022 Vail’s beautiful mountain village is the ideal backdrop for many celebratory holiday events, which will ignite holiday spirit for visitors and locals alike. Stay tuned for highly anticipated events, such as the holiday market, tree lighting and many more! discovervail.com

Winterfest

Vail, CO December 19, 2021 Wander through an illuminated ice installation throughout the Vail Village area! The 15th Annual Vail Winterfest returns with 20 ice structures for the public eye. Make sure to check out this free community event! discovervail.com

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Magic of Lights

Vail, CO Through January 2, 2022 This family-friendly winter lighting walkthrough experience offers locals and destination guests alike a memorable activity by creating a winter wonderland and underlining the natural beauty of the surrounding area. magicoflightsvail.com

Vail Snow Days

Vail, CO December 2-5, 2021 This free concert series in Ford Park is sure to have you jamming out to great music. Various performances and artists come together to put on incredible live music for the community. vailsnowdays.com

JANUARY Christmas Tree Bonfire

Minturn, CO January 8, 2022 Enjoy the cozy and intimate atmosphere of this small-town event. Residents may leave their undecorated trees at the end of their driveway on designated dates for free pick-up by the Minturn Public Works Dept, and enjoy free hot cocoa and smores around the bonfire. Dates for January 2022 TBA. minturn.org

Arrowhead Uphill and Skimo

Edwards, CO January 22, 2022 Participants will ascend approximately 1,700 vertical feet and just under two miles from the base of Arrowhead Village to the top of Arrow Bahn Express Lift. The event will conclude with breakfast and awards at Broken Arrow Restaurant at the base of Arrowhead. Online registration is available prior to race day at the Vail Recreations’ website. vailrec.com

Vail Jazz Winter Series 2022

January 2022 Vail, CO Listen to Vail’s best jazz musicians collaborate either online or in person! A wide variety of jazz instrumental groups, vocalists and soloists will perform, so there is a little something for everyone. Dates for January 2022 TBA. vailjazz.org

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PHOTO BY KIM FULLER

DECEMBER

Beaver Creek, CO January 20-23, 2022 This food-centric weekend will leave you full — full of food and full of knowledge. The Winter Culinary Weekend offers interactive cooking demonstrations, unique cocktails tastings and so much more! vailresorts.com

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

Snowshoe for Peru 5K

Project Funway

Live Music at En Prosit

Eagle, CO February 5, 2022 This 5K snowshoe run works to support Corazón de Esperanza, a non-profit that provides hope to orphaned children, at-risk teens and impoverished women of Northern Peru. Take part in this event to help give back to communities in need. corazondeesperanza.org

Rocky Mountain Ski Fest

Beaver Creek, CO February 8-9, 2022 The Rocky Mountain Ski Fest includes an exclusive concert with headliner Old Dominion and an on-mountain activity, all raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer. Learn more and reserve tickets online! rockymtnskifest.com

Beaver Creek Extraordinaire Presents Spangled

Beaver Creek, CO February 18-21, 2022 Join in on a fun-filled, patriotic celebration! Beaver Creek Extraordinaire presents Spangled draws you into a weekend full of events inspired by American heritage, from ski legends to the cornucopia of American music to a gallery of professional snow sculptures of US history. beavercreek.com

Winter Mountain Games

Vail, CO February 25-27, 2022 After almost a decade of waiting in the wings, the Winter Mountain Games are officially back with a 2022 Preview Event. Highlights include Bootlegger Hill Climb, Snowshoe events, Fat Tire Bike Challenge, Skimo events and more! mountaingames.com

Talons Challenge Presented by Hally Hansen

Beaver Creek, CO February 26-27, 2022 Challenge yourself with this vertical feet challenge! For the first time in its 20 year history, guests will have the option of two days that weekend to challenge themselves to complete fourteen runs with 26,226 vertical feet. vailresorts.com

Queer Climbing Night

Eagle, CO February 27, 2022 The last Sunday of every month is a great time to be a part of an inclusive environment at the Eagle Climbing and Fitness Gym! Visit this event from 5-7 p.m. eagleclimbing.com

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Edwards, CO March 5, 2022 This signature fundraiser is one of the most well-attended and entertaining evenings of the year, raising money to support the Education Foundation of Eagle County. Check out the website for updated information on the event. efec.org

Snowshoe Races Series

Beaver Creek, CO March 13, 2022 This series of races returns with multiple races to choose from, December through March. Compete in a 3, 5 or 10k race and post-race activities. Whether you're running for a medal or for fun, come out and enjoy the beauty of snowshoeing through an incredible setting. vailresorts.com

Beaver Creek Extraordinaire Presents Bloom

Beaver Creek, CO March 18-21, 2022 Spring into the new season with the Bloom celebration! Beaver Creek Extraordinaire presents Bloom features multiple colorful and vibrant events to get everyone excited for the blossoming of the flowers. Check back online for more information on specific events. beavercreek.com

Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Beaver Creek, CO March 19, 2022 Watch dancers move through graceful choreography to music. The STAR DUST From Bach to David Bowie ballet performance highlights incredibly professional, precise and technical dancing that you won’t want to miss. vilarpac.org

Spring Taste of Vail

Vail, CO March 30-April 2, 2022 Kick April off right at a high-quality food festival. The four-day event hosts over 5,000 people as they eat and drink their way through Vail’s finest restaurants and wineries. Enjoy the view or visit a seminar. Don’t forget the lamb sauce! The American Lamb Cook-Off also lets you sample lamb dishes from the kitchens of the finest chefs around. tasteofvail.com

Shamrock Shuffle Snowshoe Race

Vail, CO March 12, 2022 Join this community event and race in a 5 or 10k! The Shamrock Shuffle includes these two races along with a raffle and opportunity to win fantastic prizes. vailrec.com

Avon, CO April 30, 2022 Visit En Prosit for live music every Friday and Saturday Night! vaildaily.com

Spring Back to Vail

Vail, CO April 7-10, 2022 Celebrate all of the activities living in the Rocky Mountains has to offer with the Spring Back to Vail festival! With various activities ranging from a free live concert to the famous World Pond Skimming Championships, there is no reason not to stop by. springbacktovail.com

Vail Easter Egg Hunt

Vail, CO April 2022 Gather your little ones for this wholesome holiday event. The Vail Easter Egg Hunt will have everyone in your family excited for the Easter Bunny’s arrival with special prizes and special eggs! Dates for April 2022 TBA. vailrec.com

MAY Dynafit Vail Trail Running Series

Vail, CO May 2022 Colorado's most iconic trail running series, The Dynafit Vail Trail Running Race Series, has become a must-do. Expect well-marked routes, fully-stocked aid stations, experienced volunteers and courses that are challenging for the elites and enjoyed by the beginner trail runner. Register for the entire series or choose from individual races. Dates for May 2022 TBA. vailrec.com

SunsetLIVE!

Avon, CO May 2022 SunsetLIVE! is uniquely Avon and the perfect venue to wind down your weekend, so gather your friends and family, bring a lawn chair and picnic basket, and prepare to enjoy a relaxing Rocky Mountain sunset. Enjoy great music and relax with loved ones. Dates for May 2022 TBA. avon.org

Blues, Brews & BBQ

Beaver Creek, CO Memorial Day Weekend, 2022 This signature event features all of the best music, beverages and barbeque! Blues, Brews & BBQ offers fun for the whole family with live music performances, fantastic food vendors and of course the Backyard BBQ competition! Dates for May 2022 TBA. beavercreek.com

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parting shot

Welcome To my open doors To my worn and wooden floors. Sunrise, sunset, every hour I stand below the white clock tower. Join travelers from far and wide Crossing over either side, Any age and every station Any race and every nation. Some will visit for a day, Others will decide to stay. Your walk will lead you into town, Up the mountain, then back down. So often busy on this street With hurrying crowds and scurrying feet… But quiet moments are sublime. Pause here … if you can find the time. Listen to the creek below. A crystal, clear melodic flow. Toss some sticks, count the trout, Simply stand and look about. My roof gives shelter from the snow, Thunder, sun or winds that blow. This space is perfect for reflection. A bridge to beauty and connection. So as you leave through open doors, Please come back … return for more.

poem + illustration by Sandy Ferguson Fuller

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c o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

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#1 Tye Stockton #1 Real Estate Broker in Vail - 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021* Real Estate Team in Vail Valley - 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021* *Data from Vail Board of Realtors, ranked by sales volume in 2020. The Stockton Group is a team of real estate brokers associated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker in Colorado and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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Covered Bridge Magazine | Winter + Spring 2021-22 | Issue #1

Articles inside