Covered Bridge Magazine | Winter + Spring 2023-24 | Issue #5 by CoveredBridgeVail

WINTER + SPRING 2023-24

TIPS FOR M O U N TA I N AT H L E T E S

Max Rowe

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

SPECIALIZING IN INTERIOR DESIGN, GENERAL CONTRACTING, AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN RESORT MARKETS www.ocgdesignmanage.com

970.470.9139

info@ocgdesignmanage.com

YOUR PREMIER FAMILY FLORIST & BOUTIQUE LOCATED IN THE HEART OF VAIL VILLAGE

970.476.2241 • 100 E. Meadow Dr. # 3, Vail, CO • secretgardenvail.com

sponsored content

Chasing Rabbits

PHOTOS BY JONI SCHRANTZ + PHOTOS BY MICHAEL STAVARIDIS FOR ROCKWELL GROUP

hasing Rabbits is the ultimate après ski and nightlife destination in the heart of Vail Village. Created by Solaris Group and designed by Rockwell Group, the venue offers an approachable destination for the entire family after a day on the slopes, or a trendy dinner and nightlife experience for those who are looking for a delightful distraction of bespoke dining, sipping and playing. Each space within Chasing Rabbits evokes a different experience, guided by impeccable detail and individualized menus. The 13,000-square-foot venue was inspired by the whimsical nature of Alice in Wonderland; similar to how Alice may have experienced Wonderland, Chasing Rabbits guests enjoy the venue’s unexpected twists and turns. The expression chasing rabbits implies “doing something totally irrelevant or being distracted from what you intend to do.” Chasing Rabbits is comprised of four spaces — The Restaurant, The Library, Rabbit Hole and Moon Rabbit — offering a myriad of experiences within each room. From live music, DJs, bingo nights, the Opera, karaoke, film festivals and more, the options are endless. Chasing Rabbits invites guests to choose their own adventure every time they visit. Plus, it can host events of any size —

from weddings, celebrations and friends and family gatherings to corporate events. The Restaurant menu features Mediterranean influences utilizing light, bright and citrusy flavors, perfect for the active lifestyle of Vail. The cocktail program focuses on classic cocktails with a Mediterranean influence, using spirits from Greece, Sicily and Sardinia. Guests who are looking for a more intimate dining experience can make their way to The Library — an eclectic, quirky lounge with surprise halo lighting interwoven throughout. Nestled between towering walls of books, The Library offers pre-dinner cocktails, full-service dinner, late-night libations and everything in between. A journey through a hallway of reflective red marquee lighting will lead guests to a richly textured immersive room draped in velvet called Moon Rabbit. The speakeasy bar, inspired by the Chinese tale of the Moon Rabbit creating the elixir of life, offers worldclass service and a laid-back atmosphere. The menu focuses on artistic cocktails in elaborate presentations. As guests enter Rabbit Hole, they are welcomed by classic and modern-day arcade games such as Pacman, Skee-Ball

and Twister, as well as a full bar, two LED wall screens and a photo booth. Within the playful space guests can choose from a menu of elevated childhood favorites and 80’s- and Tiki-influenced cocktails. Membership perks include early access to reservations, a 10% discount on food and beverage purchases, secret menu items, access to exclusive member only events, waived cover fees, discounts on ticketed events and more. For guests who are looking to dance the night away, the weekend starts with Lucky Fridays in Rabbit Hole which will feature a rotating list of DJs. Saturday nights guests get the full Rabbit Hole experience, playing Arcade games while DJs curate the perfect soundtrack. Special Saturdays will even have unique theme nights like Taylor Swift and 80s rock night. Every other Saturday guests will also experience magic up-close as a world-class magician performs personalized shows in Moon Rabbit. On Sunday night, by popular demand, the Cottontail Club will now be hosted in Moon Rabbit with LANDO as the resident DJ. Every Monday, families can join local favorite Matt Gianetti for a fun-filled night with great entertainment and amazing prizes at Chasing Rabbits’ BINGO Nights. Guests can also look forward to singing their hearts out with free Karaoke Nights hosted by Sandman on Tuesdays in the Rabbit Hole. Thursdays will bring live music to a new level as guests enjoy jazz in the Moon Rabbit. This year, Chasing Rabbits will host a Studio 54-themed celebration, Studio CR, to ring in the New Year, complete with entertainment, live music, incredible food and more. Attendees can expect a night of 70s glitz and glam featuring DJ Sunnfors, ETHNO - Jeff Franca of Thievery Corporation, disco dancers, magicians, a red carpet, drag queens and more.

CHASING RABBITS 141 E Meadow Dr, Ste 104 Vail, CO 81657 Make a reservation at chasingrabbitsvail.com

hello from our publisher

Abundance

Publisher Jaunt Media Collective Editor-In-Chief Kim Fuller Managing Editor Lexi Reich Assistant Editor Lauren Farrauto

Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into. Wayne Dyer

ONCE YOU’VE CARVED down a slope of knee-deep featherlight snow, you’ve felt the feeling of abundance. If you’ve strolled through Vail Village under its twinkle lights at night, or watched the sunrise while driving eastbound in the morning, the feeling is there too. With this fresh issue of Covered Bridge, it brings us great joy to share this theme that resonates deeply with the spirit of this publication. In a world often characterized by its challenges and uncertainties, we believe it is crucial to pause and celebrate the abundance that surrounds us — the richness of nature, the depth of community connection, the wealth of diverse experiences. It’s easy to feel abundance on a powder day, cheering at the Vail Yeti game, or in any moment basking under the Colorado blue sky. Yet sometimes life’s blessings hide under the surface of tough situations, so let this be a reminder to lift up your head and take a deep breath. Once your head is back down and you’re reading again, take in some of the resources we’ve shared in this issue. From tips to survive a 9-to-5 in a ski town (page 24) and planning a winter hut trip (page 44), to indoor ideas for family

In Gratitude,

Creative Consultants Kitty Nicholason Partnerships Bobby L’Heureux Community Engagement Laura Mills Digital Editor Kristen Grace Interns Chloe Wasserstrom + Amalia Manning Contributors Amalia Manning, Becca Saulsberry, Cameron Martindell, Chloe Wasserstrom, Jennifer Weintraub, Julia Clarke, Julie Bielenberg, Kaitlin Emig, Kim Fuller, Kimberly Nicoletti, Laura Lieff, Laura Mills, Lexi Reich, Lisa Blake, Madison Leigh Creative, Marianne Kipp, Max Rowe, Rachel Martin, Sandy Fuller, Sara Henley, Susi Thurman, T.J. Voboril, Tom Cohen, Townsend Bessent, Whitney Rae Photography Cover Artist Max Rowe Website + Social coveredbridgevail.com @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 N. Frontage Road Suite D Vail, CO 81657 SCAN + SIGN UP

Kim Fuller with Bobby L’Heureux Jaunt Media Collective jauntmediacollective.com

To receive emails highlighting information + inspiration from Covered Bridge ® 2023 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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PHOTO BY MADISON LEIGH CREATIVE

Dear Readers,

fun throughout the Valley (page 47) and recipes for the season (page 52), along with mountain style highlights (page 69) and travel inspiration that spans from Utah to Europe (page 74). Dedicate some reading time to our feature well (starting on page 84); it’s full of in-depth journalism on local businesses, community service and homegrown generosity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our readers and partners, for being an integral part of the Covered Bridge community. Your support and engagement amplify the abundance of creativity and connection that defines this publication. Wishing you a season of abundance in every sense — of love, laughter and the countless blessings that color your world.

Creative Director Chelsea Connolly

table of contents

winter + spring

contents 2023-24

26 TENNESSEE PASS

58 10

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

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Abundance

CONTRIBUTORS

14 ABOUT THE COVER Q&A with Max Rowe 16

VOICES OF THE VALLEY Thoughts on “Abundance”

VALLEY HAPPENINGS + SKEA Celebrates 50 Years of Luxury Activewear + 25 Years of the Vilar Performing Arts Center + Bhava Beauty and Wellness + Vail Veterans Hits Their 20-Year Mark 22 VALLEY BUSINESS Graze & Torreys 24 MOUNTAIN LIVING Surviving 9-to-5 in a Ski Town

BIRD ISLAND BUNGALOW

26 WELLNESS + FITNESS + Abundance Through Acupuncture + Boost Bone Heath with Ayurveda 30 ATHLETE PROFILE + William “Bill” Foster of Vail Yeti Hockey

62 CHEERS Cocktail Feature with Gracie Moody of Two Arrows Coffee & Bar

+ There’s No “I” in Athlete

64 BOOK CLUB + Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy

34 GEAR FOR THE SEASON + Winter + Spring 2023-24 + Gear for Lil’ Rippers 40 ADVENTURE + Appetite for Adventure on Tennessee Pass + AspectAvy for Backcountry Safety + Top Tips for Winter Hut Trips

+ Wookie Is Not His Real Name 66 ART + MUSIC + Max Rowe on Finding Flow Through Art + Skiing + Bravo! Vail: Bridging Gaps in Music Education 69 STYLE FOR THE SEASON Classic + Cool Style for Men

46 GRAND OUTDOORS Colorado’s Ermine

72 MAKER Tessa Clogs

47 FAMILY + COMMUNITY + Top 20 Ideas for Indoor Play

74 ROAD TRIP Utah National Parks Road Trip

+ Local Program: Learn to Ski + Speech Pathologist Gretchen Stich 52 NOURISH + Recipes from Vin48, chef Tim McCaw + All About Bone Broth + Restaurant Spotlight: Pickled Kitchen + Pantry, Eagle + Restaurant Spotlight: Splendido at the Chateau, Beaver Creek + Local Column: Eat With Your Hands

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features 84

Ice Baths, Cryotherapy + Where to Dive In 90

104 LIVE LIKE A LOCAL Marci + Larry Leith 106 EVENTS Winter + Spring 2023-24

FROM LOCAL TO TOURIST A Former Local Visits Vail as a Tourist

EVOLUTION OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF VAIL Placing Community + Service Above Self

78 GETAWAY + Fly South to Panama + Family-Friendly European Vacation

TAKE THE PLUNGE

GENEROSITY IN ABUNDANCE Vail Valley Cares — The Thrifty Store

108 DINING GUIDE Eat Local 110 PARTING SHOT Illustration by Sandy Ferguson Fuller

winter + spring 2024 12

contributors 1

1. Chloe Wasserstrom Intern + Writer @chlowass 2. Jennifer Weintraub Writer + Photographer @the.outdoorista 3. Sandy Ferguson Fuller Writer, Editor, Illustrator + Photographer alparts.com

4. Chelsea Connolly Creative Director @thechelseaconnolly 5. Kaitlin Emig Writer @sunflower_lion 6. Laura Mills Writer + Community Engagement @l.millsy

7. Julia Clarke Writer juliaclarkeyoga.com

8. Marianne Kipp Writer @mariannekippwrites 9. Kristen Grace Writer + Digital Editor @kristengraceyoga

10. Laura Lieff Writer @lieff_ink 11. Rachel Martin Writer @rmartyyy 12. T.J. Voboril Writer @tjvobo 13. Cameron Martindell Writer @offyonder 14. Kimberly Nicoletti Writer kimberlynicoletti.com 15. Lexi Reich Managing Editor + Writer lexireich.com 16. Lisa Blake Writer @lisablakecreative.com 17. Madison Rahhal Photographer @madisonleighcreative

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MOUNTAIN INSPIRED APPAREL + GIFTS NOW WITH 2 LOCATIONS: BEAVER CREEK + MINTURN

@alpinekindco

www.alpinekind.com

about the cover

"Red Shred" Q&A with Max Rowe

Having taught skiing in Vail and guiding backcountry skiing in Japan, my art is influenced by a global perspective. I infuse my work with a sense of community, inviting viewers to share in the excitement and camaraderie of the ski culture I cherish.

ax Rowe, painting under the moniker of Max Flow Art, is an acrylic painter whose art captures the exhilaration of skiing while embracing the serene focus of being in the moment. When the Covered Bridge editors first came across his vibrant paintings (check out more on page 66), we knew we found our cover artist. Hailing from Denver, Rowe studied studio art at the University of Colorado and is now based in Avon. He describes his canvas as a playground of vibrant colors, brought to life through a playful blend of his illustrative drawing style and the dynamic texture achieved with a palette knife and splatter techniques. “The result is an art form that mirrors the dynamic movement of skiing itself,” Rowe explains. Rowe’s artwork not only celebrates the joy of skiing but also advocates for sustainability, a cause he says is deeply intertwined with his passion. His pieces resonate with the urgent need to preserve the environment that nurtures the ski culture he loves. “Having taught skiing for many years in Vail and guiding backcountry skiing in Japan, my art is influenced by a global perspective,” Rowe says. “I infuse my work with a sense of community, inviting viewers to share in the excitement and camaraderie of the ski culture I cherish.”

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Tell us about the inspiration behind the cover art. The inspiration for this piece was an amazing photo of Taylor Godber (@taylorgodber), taken by Guy Fattal (@guyfattalphoto). Shots where skiers and snowboarders are coming right at you are always a bit dangerous for the photographer, so this was a skilled shot. Taylor is also in a perfect tucked position to convey she’s coming in with a lot of speed. The title for this piece is “Red Shred.” I liked the contrast of the red jacket against the white snow and blue sky and tried to accentuate that while giving the snow a playful and gestural feel using a palate knife. I usually work from a photograph, and I like how the cycle of inspiration continues to spiral out. Taylor’s actions inspire Guy, who inspires me. I hope my paintings will then inspire others to send it, be it on the slopes or in a studio. The theme of this issue is “abundance.” As a local artist, what does abundance mean to you? Abundance to me means having your needs met and exceeded. This comes to me in the form of unconditional love from my wife, Charlotte Lin. That, and 12 inches of fresh snow. What projects are you currently most excited about? I’ve recently partnered with the Royal Street Fine Art Gallery in Aspen and am excited to be showing my original work there. I’m interested in continuing the exploration of representing powder and gravity through paint and will be focused on creating new work that captures the peak moments of elation and flow. I like to think about how my work affects people in their homes. My aim is to motivate people to continue their search for a perfect moment and grow appreciation for the ones they’ve had. I want my paintings to contribute inspiration to a community of people who appreciate winter and make efforts to preserve this amazing sport and culture amidst a shrinking winter season due to climate change. + maxflowart.com

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voices of the valley

What does

Abundance mean to you?

Keith Carrieri

Co-owner of Inner Light Juice “Abundance, for me, is the natural flow of life and stems from being content and present. A manifestation of an endless stream that can be tapped into at any given moment. Not an accumulation of wealth or possessions but the contentment with what has come and what is on the way. Centering in gratitude allows abundance to flow in all areas of my life. Being in the abundant mindset allows the flow to come naturally and uninterrupted, guiding me to practice patience and gather a deeper understanding that I am always taken care of and never need more but only desire.”

Pam Shifrin

Owner of Local Revival + founder of Runs For ALS “I believe abundance is a truly special word. Society, as a whole, does not overuse it, which only brings more power and truth to its meaning. It could be seen as a large quantity of something, but I think it’s so much more than that. To be complete. To have more than you need. Nothing can diminish its value. These are such strong statements that we strive for in our lives. Maybe it is to live in an abundant state, in which whatever we do have is all that we need. That is what we focus on and not the scarcity of what we think we lack.”

Kyle Forte

Owner of Vail Yeti “The literal definition of abundance is ‘a very large quantity of something.’ This definition is something that only touches the tip of the iceberg of being a local business owner in the Vail Valley. The abundance of incredible experiences, people, impact created or friendships that you experience living here is unmatched by any other place I have ever lived. I believe that we all seek abundance in life, and when you live, work and play in a place with so much abundance around you, the opportunities are endless. The old saying that ‘you become your surroundings’ really is true, and because of our community in the Vail Valley, we all have an abundance of opportunities to thrive together.”

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valley happenings

SKEA Celebrates 50 Years of Luxury Activewear

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SKEA

By Lisa Blake

COMBINING SKI AND SEA, Colorado-based SKEA is designed by women who ski, for women who ski. Founders Georges and Jocelyn Boyer grew up skiing in France and Canada, adopting cultural notes and fashion cues and bringing them back to the states. Jocelyn Boyer was one of the first downhillers to don a one-piece ski suit in the late 1960s, turning heads at Stratton Mountain in Vermont and sparking the idea that launched SKEA in 1972. Today, her daughter Diane Boyer continues the active outerwear legacy, residing in Vail and proudly shaping the SKEA Limited 50th Anniversary Collection beyond its iconic, form-flattering, fur-hooded onesies. “It’s amazing to realize that I have been with SKEA for more than three-quarters of my days on this earth,” Diane Boyer says. “I am passionate about SKEA and providing women with beautiful, fashionable and functional skiwear, outerwear, activewear and golf and pickleball wear.” The SKEA 50th Anniversary Collec-

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tion celebrates confident women leading the fashion narrative and staying ahead of the curve, she explains. The limited edition retrospective anniversary capsule collection hits this fall and features a retro logo collection and classic sport collection. Look for champagne and gold metallics and original art prints in vibrant colors. “The aesthetic is feminine and fun,” Diane Boyer shares. “There is truly something for everyone.” As the first female chairperson of SIA (Snowsports Industries America), Diane Boyer gives back to the ski industry by forwarding snow sports as a lifestyle choice. She encourages everyone to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of being on snow and says her time on skis is pure zen — when she feels truly happy and mentally relaxed. Next up: Watch for SKEA’s upcoming international presence at exclusive resorts in the Alps and Asia. +

We need to feel good and look good while we ski and play in the mountains. If health and wellness are the new wealth, then we who enjoy skiing must be the wealthiest and luckiest people in the world! SKEA Limited president Diane Boyer

skealimited.com

valley happenings

Colorado Symphony conductor Eun Sun Kim

Vilar Performing Arts Center Celebrates 25 Years of Abundance, Inclusivity + Accessibility By Lexi Reich LOCATED IN BEAVER CREEK, the Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC) stands as a beacon of culture in the mountains. Since its founding, the venue has committed to offering a rich tapestry of artistic genres that are accessible to everyone. “Like Beaver Creek itself, the Vilar Performing Arts Center is both luxurious and accessible,” says executive director Owen Hutchinson. “It’s an intimate theater where you’re up close and personal with the artists, which results in a sense of connection between the performer and the audience that a major stadium or a large theater doesn’t offer.” As VPAC celebrates its 25th year, the importance of preserving the performing arts in mountain communities is underscored. Hutchinson believes that the arts serve as a unifying force that transcends generations and brings communities together. “The 25th anniversary celebrates artistic excellence across genres and art forms, arts education and the role it plays for students, and the role the arts play in our community,” he says. This winter season promises a stellar lineup, showcasing a diverse range of performances. Among the highlights is

the dance company BODYTRAFFIC's reimagining of “Bolero,” by Fernando Hernando Magadan, a bold and enigmatic interpretation of Ravel’s orchestral work commissioned in part by the VPAC. Broadway enthusiasts can look forward to the return of the beloved STOMP, featuring new surprises and routines that promise entertainment for the whole family. Renowned organist Cameron Carpenter will grace the stage, breathing new life into Bach’s classic organ works. The Colorado Symphony, under the baton of conductor Eun Sun Kim and featuring pianist Inon Barnatan, is set to return. “Packing an entire symphony onto the VPAC stage is always a highlight of our season when the Colorado Symphony returns,” Hutchinson says. “And, we can’t forget Penn and Teller, set for March 12, 2024, which brings a legendary duo performing jaw-dropping magic and Marx Brothers-style comedy to our stage.” CURATING AN INCLUSIVE, ACCESSIBLE ARTS ENVIRONMENT VPAC has also undergone significant upgrades, including a cutting-edge

sound system that ensures a custom immersive experience for every seat. The auditorium's fresh color scheme, completed this past fall, further enhances the ambiance. “The venue is committed to maintaining a low-ticket fee for patrons while delivering exceptional service, from ticket purchase to on-site theater experience,” Hutchinson shares. The commitment to inclusivity and accessibility is palpable, with programs like Support The Arts Reaching Students (STARS) providing free matinee experiences for Eagle County students. This initiative, running for over 25 years, impacts over 8,000 students annually with approximately 20 shows a year, exposing them to a diverse range of performing arts genres. “Imagine growing up in a culture and community where, from the earliest age, every single kid without exception from all of our local schools can enjoy the performing arts and share in the lessons and ideas generated by those performances,” says Tom Boyd, director of PR and communications for the Vail Valley Foundation, the nonprofit that operates the VPAC. “The positive, long-term ripple effects of this long-standing program are staggering.” Hutchinson emphasizes the best way to honor the VPAC’s legacy is to continue the steady, upward trajectory, bringing some of the greatest artists in the world to its stage for locals and visitors alike. “Our vision is to strive for diversity and excellence in providing abundant artistic, entertainment and educational activities,” he shares. “It’s something we take very seriously here and strive for every day.” + For more information and ticket purchases, visit vilarpac.org or call 970.845.8497.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF VILAR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Dance group BODYTRAFFIC

Bhava Beauty and Wellness Now Open in Avon

PHOTOS BY WHITNEY RAE PHOTOGRAPHY

By Kim Fuller TO STEP INTO Bhava Beauty and Wellness is to step away from the bustling energy of a busy day. The fresh and welcoming space is bright with pleasant accents of muted rose, plush pillows and playful chandeliers, offering a tone of uplifting softness that’s ideal for a wellness visit. Owner Madalyn Hethcote’s passion for well-being is the breath of Bhava. She was born and raised in the Vail Valley, and was inspired to open the space to integrate and share many layers of whole-body health. “I knew there are so many people in this valley who really value their health and wellness, just like I do,” says Hethcote. “I wanted to bring this sanctuary to the place that I call home.” Organic facials, rejuvenating massages, acupuncture and infrared sauna are just a handful of many menu items available at Bhava. Recovery treatments are available as well, including a sport recovery IV and deep tissue massage. Over 360 non-toxic makeup and skincare products are available for purchase at Bhava if you’re looking for a refresh. + bhavabeautyandwellness.com

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valley happenings

Vail Veterans Hits Its 20-Year Mark

We help them find something in their soul and feed their passion again. We’re providing that avenue for them to realize they can do anything. Cheryl Jensen

VAIL VETERANS PROGRAM has taught approximately 3,600 wounded warriors and their families to ski and snowboard since its inception in 2004, and in March, it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Its innovative programs, provided free of charge thanks mostly to private donors and sponsors, build confidence, life-

long bonds and a sense of life purpose. Cheryl Jensen, who was inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame last August, launched the national nonprofit in Vail. It all began after founding Sharing the Warmth Around the Globe — a coat program that has distributed 365,000 gently used ski resort uniform components from 90 resorts to 27 countries — and meeting a woman at the Pentagon in 2003 who told her about the life-altering injuries American soldiers sustained in Iraq. “Imagine an 18-year-old woman or man who has suffered a horrific physical injury and lost one, or even four, limbs — wondering what to do in their life,” Jensen says. “We help them find something in their soul and feed their passion again. We’re providing that avenue for them to realize they can do anything.” The first year, Vail Veterans Program assisted seven soldiers. The second year, they doubled their impact. Soon, they realized partners and children of soldiers also needed help.

Jensen tells the story of an 8-yearold girl learning how to ski and saying, “My favorite thing is to see my daddy smile again.” “We watch families reconnect and really transform,” Jensen shares. “We bring them here, and they see that life can be very normal.” Now, the program offers both winter adaptive and summer sports programs, the latter of which includes rock climbing, rafting, horseback riding, zip-lining, mountain biking and fly-fishing. The nonprofit furthers its impact with caregiver retreats, family support groups, online programs and alumni activities, which range from CU Buffs games and golf tournaments to American Airlines’ Skyball Gala in Dallas. “We realize that their demons don’t go away,” Jensen says about the need for ongoing support. “It’s how they manage them, and outdoor programs like ours help them manage them.” + vailveteransprogram.org

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF VAIL VETERANS PROGRAM

By Kimberly Nicoletti

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valley business

Graze & Torreys A Journey of Culinary Passion + Local Abundance By Rachel Martin

n the bustling food scene of today, it’s notable when you come across a culinary venture that intertwines local sourcing and personalized experiences as well as Graze & Torreys has. The brainchild of a passionate chef who once wielded a paintbrush before a spatula, this catering company has blossomed into a testament of creativity, community and culinary quality. About a decade ago, the story of Graze & Torreys began in Columbus, Ohio. With dreams of being a chef, Alyssa Block veered off to art school instead. After graduating, she decided to pursue her dreams, as the culinary world beckoned. A small, simple food truck named Native Eats was created in 2012. Block’s first food truck focused on organic, vegan and vegetarian options. After realizing she needed more experience, her journey led her to California, where jobs in various restaurants bettered her skills and desires. She then moved to Summit County, Colorado, marking a turning point. Working at 10 Mile Music Hall served as the cornerstone where she offered more local and organic options, focusing on sandwiches and even catering services later on. One key realization emerged during this phase — the allure of crafting her own schedule and menu. This discovery led to the transition into becoming a private chef, a realm where creativity and individuality could flourish. An opportunity at Shadow Creek Ranch near Kremmling propelled her into the world of being a private chef exclusively for over 20 families, a role that offered not just sustenance but an intimate culinary connection. A passion for intimate dining experiences birthed the idea of “pop-up restaurants” in people’s homes. The term “Graze & Torreys” was coined, a nod to Silverthorne’s 14ers

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and a playful wordplay reflecting the brand’s beginnings. Since 2020, Graze & Torreys has evolved: “Native Eats grew up into a bigger brand that has more of an understanding of business and cooking techniques,” shares Block. Personalization and connection define the Graze & Torreys approach to menu creation. Each personalized menu is born from a thoughtful conversation, offering a glimpse into the guests’ preferences and personalities. From offering ceviche

been instrumental in bringing the flavors of Palisade, and lower elevations in Colorado, to tables here in the mountains, including those that Block serves. Her commitment to local sourcing extends to smaller meat purveyors, and even Block’s very own greenhouse, ensuring every dish reflects the bounties of the region. Local farms always find their place on Graze & Torreys menus, emphasizing a dedication to seasonality and supporting the community.

Her commitment to local sourcing extends to smaller meat purveyors, and even Block’s very own greenhouse, ensuring every dish reflects the bounties of the region. Local farms always find their place on Graze & Torreys menus, emphasizing a dedication to seasonality and supporting the community. cups with Leche de Tigre to al pastor marinated grilled cauliflower, and even Mexican street corn from Olathe, Colorado, Block’s menu creations are nothing short of diverse. Understanding what draws them to the brand and tailoring the menu accordingly is a hallmark of the Graze & Torreys experience. The vision for Block’s future includes the transformation of the original food cart into a full-fledged food truck. This move is strategic, with a built-in commissary planned to facilitate more extensive culinary endeavors, especially during the winter season. This innovation aligns with Graze & Torreys’ core philosophy of using locally sourced ingredients, as the brand’s commitment to supporting local farmers is unwavering. Chris Brower, one of the driving forces behind Uncle John’s Farm in Frisco, has

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On her own property in Eagle, dreams are taking shape. Along with her food truck and greenhouse, the concept of repurposing her space is at its forefront. Block envisions using her property for both culinary and residential endeavors. She is currently building a rustic, cabin-like space, that will be complete with historical elements, such as an original wood fire stove from the 1800s, solar panels, amazing views and multiple rooms. She hopes to host elopements and other small events where she can share her creativity on a more personal level. The driving force behind Graze & Torreys radiates an abundance mindset. Beyond the culinary realm, the brand feels fortunate to give back to the local community, ensuring that those with limited access to fresh produce can sa-

vor a taste of abundance. “Abundance is meant to be shared,” Block says, “it is everywhere, you can find it in any sector, let’s notice it and share it.” This philosophy echoes through every vegetable, dish and experience that Graze & Torreys creates. In the words of the creative herself, “Working in a kitchen just made me a ‘chef,’ but I am a lot of different things, so having this company allows me to be all of those things at once,” she shares as an artist, a chef, a stepmom, a yoga teacher and even a farmer. This journey from art school to culinary innovator paints a vibrant portrait of an individual who embodies culinary creativity, community connections and the spirit of giving back. + grazeandtorreys.com

mountain living

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Surviving a 9-to-5 in a Ski Town Achieving Work Life Balance with a Regular Job By Julia Clarke

ife in a ski town is a carefree existence of high-altitude hijinks and fast-paced thrills. Work is something you fit in between last chair and first, slinging beers just to earn enough dough to keep you in ski gear, and sleep is something mostly enjoyed by the dead. Right? For many, that’s true, but in order to keep this whole crazy machine running smoothly, there are also plenty of mountain folk who work a good old fashioned 9-to-5 — teachers, bank tellers, accountants and librarians just to name a few. Out in the real world, there’s nothing wrong with a job that’s 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, but in a ski town, it can feel like a death sentence for all the fun and games you moved here for. You miss out on midweek powder dumps and have to ski on the weekends with 20,000 weekend warriors. Choosing between freedom and stability can be a real source of conflict for locals. “There were moments when the call of the powder days and serene slopes pulled me in one direction while the 9-to-5 routine tugged in another,” recalls former Valley resident Irene Emma, who worked at Bravo as finance and administrative director for 13 years. These days, she’s working on a book about reshaping the workplace paradigm, leveraging her experience in a ski town. If you’re torn between the call of the mountain and the security of a regular job, Emma, along with several other current and former locals, have some practical advice for surviving a 9-to-5 in a ski town. EMBRACE CREATIVITY So you don’t miss out on every powder day, Emma recommends pushing for more flexibility and coming up with cre-

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ative approaches to staffing. “Don't be afraid to explore unconventional avenues. For instance, my colleagues and I championed 'powder days,' where a minimum staff count allowed us to relish those fresh snow moments guilt-free. It transformed the workplace dynamic and enriched our lives.” Melissa Bartoletta, former marketing manager for the Vail Valley Foundation, suggests you communicate your values to your boss and explain how more flexibility could benefit the entire organization. “Make a case as to why getting the freshies will make you show up better for your job.” ENJOY THE NIGHT Liz Koskinen, a teacher at Berry Creek Middle School, can’t take off every time it snows, so she focuses on all the fun she can have after 5 p.m. when most hospitality workers are clocking in for their shift. “Working a 9-to-5 job offers plenty of opportunity to never miss a show at Ford Amphitheater and the Vilar. I like working during the day and having various activities to do at night. Full moon snowshoe outings are also very peaceful.” REMEMBER YOUR WHY Bartoletta says she found it helpful to remember why she had chosen her job at the VVF, which involved enhancing the life of other Valley residents and visitors. “I was very much connected to the work I was doing, because I felt like I was more deeply involved with the local community.” In the spring, having to stick around while her friends disappeared for six weeks turned out to be a blessing in disguise. “Being around during the off-season helped me to connect even more with

the local community, which was another value of mine.” TAKE SKI SNACKS You might not be able to ski for hours, but if you can catch an hour at lunch, grab it by the horns, and be grateful, advises Bartoletta. “Don’t be greedy! Enjoy an early morning session rather than being bummed you can’t be out for the whole day.” At the end of the season, you’re still bound to have chalked up a lot more vertical feet than any Front Ranger. EARN YOUR TURNS If your greatest fear about accepting a 9-to-5 is that it means you’re stuck indoors while the lifts are turning, locals like Ellen Miller have just found different ways to get some runs in, like skinning uphill. The former outdoor fitness coach and mountaineer has turned to a more stable profession as a caretaker in recent years, but says it hasn’t hampered her ski time. “Many of us enjoy human powered skiing before or after work; the resort mountains are much nicer then. I haven't had a ski pass in years, and I get to ski a lot!” ENJOY THE BENEFITS Job, housing and financial insecurity are issues that plague many ski town residents. A 9-to-5 may afford you a stable income and benefits like health insurance and PTO that Bartoletta says she found grounding. Emma concludes that it might allow you to enjoy life here more consistently. “Health insurance and a pension plan became my safety nets. A steady income stream proved to be golden in a world that embraced both adventure and responsibility.” +

wellness + fitness

Abundance Through Acupuncture Nurture Fullness in Your Mind + Body By Chloe Wasserstrom

he term "abundance" typically evokes thoughts of quantity, suggesting a significant amount of something. However, it is worth considering that, in order for individuals to experience a state where nothing is absent, they may need to embrace less quantity and more quality time … with themselves. Acupuncture fosters this self-discovery — providing a space for us to feel replenished and refreshed. Acupuncture is a traditional form of Chinese medicine, originally used to treat pain. Now, the practice is being used for wellness disciplines, including stress management, digestion regulation, hormone health, fertility enhancement, allergy aid, muscle relaxation, pain relief, immunity support and more. An acupuncturist strategically places slender needles into the individual’s body to stimulate the flow of Qi, the bioelectric energy of the body.

The Qi flows through meridians, or channels, just as water flows through a river. Each meridian corresponds to an internal organ and heals the body by stimulating points along the channels. Meridian knowledge allows acupuncturists to position needles to effectively address individual needs. Here are three local acupuncture clinics that can help you foster more abundant wellness:

LA FEMME WELLNESS Michele LaVire is the mind, eyes and hands behind this functional wellness approach. The acupuncturist, herbalist and Pilates instructor currently treats clients at Revolution Power Yoga in Avon and Alpenglow Holistic Healing in Eagle. She says her practice is unique because no two treatments are alike. She specializes in women’s health and fertility, back pain

relief, skin care and reverse aging. Along with conventional acupuncture, LaVire also provides cosmetic acupuncture and microneedling, driven by her commitment to help her clients find confidence in their own skin and lives. This wellness warrior loves how acupuncture can regulate the nervous system, bringing the body out of fight or flight and into rest and digest. “The body [in acupuncture treatment] is in a state where it can heal itself as opposed to taking something out of the body or putting something foreign in,” LaVire explains. “The body is its own ecosystem, and when you give it what it needs to balance, it heals.”

VAIL VALLEY WELLNESS Vail Valley Wellness, located in Avon, offers a layered approach to healthcare. Dr. Becky Burgess, doctor of

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acupuncture and Chinese medicine, says her clinic is designed to combine multiple modalities. Patients begin by meeting with Dr. Burgess to discuss their health history, symptoms and treatment goals. Beyond acupuncture, treatment plans involve herbal medicine, detox and oxygen therapies, red light therapy and bioenergetic healing. Patients get to work with many esteemed members of Dr. Burgess’ team to ensure personal results. This is no ordinary doctor’s visit; it is infused with spa-like elements. Expect amenities, such as complementary loose-leaf tea, infrared heat lamps, luxurious ergonomic massage tables with heated PEMF rainbow crystal mats on top, eye masks and a warm, weighted abdominal compress. Dr. Burgess strives to reduce stress, improve sleep and stimulate the body’s natural healing responses. “When I insert this tiny needle into your body, it sends a signal to the brain that you have been attacked,” Dr. Burgess details. “The brain responds by sending white blood cells and fibroblasts to the area of injury. These troops promote blood circulation, reduce inflammation and help speed up recovery of this area, allowing you to reap the benefits.”

needles into trigger points or tight knots in muscles, releasing tension and alleviating pain." This method proves particularly effective for addressing sports-related injuries and muscular concerns, enhancing muscle functionality and reducing discomfort. In addition to dry needling, Howell and Tarantino provide services such as cupping, electrostimulation, soft tissue massage, Kinesio taping, infrared therapy, stretching, herbal formulas and skincare treatments. In light of these offerings, it's essential to adequately prepare your body for

physical activities. Howell highlights the significance of receiving treatment before engaging in demanding mountain sports seasons, establishing a robust foundation to build upon while minimizing the risk of potential injuries. This approach not only facilitates peak performance but also enables enthusiasts to relish their passions throughout the season. “Acupuncture masterfully embodies [the] concept of free flow — a limitless, harmonious state of abundance — by restoring the body to its innate free flow state,” Howell explains. +

La Femme Wellness

All Mountain Sports

PHOTOS BY SUSI THURMAN/NEW ROOTS PHOTOGRAPHY

ALL MOUNTAIN SPORTS ACUPUNCTURE This Edwards one-stop-shop is for athletes and chronic pain suffers. All Mountain Sports Acupuncture has a dedicated focus on sports medicine acupuncture, combining contemporary understandings of anatomy with ancient Chinese medicine. Integrating various techniques alongside meridian-based treatments, acupuncturists John Howell and Marty Tarantino utilize dry needling as part of their approach. According to Howell, dry needling involves "the insertion of fine

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Vail Valley Wellness

wellness + fitness

Boost Bone Health with Ayurveda Maintain Strong Bones for Mountain Living By Julia Clarke

hen you’re hurtling down Riva or climbing Davos, it’s easy to feel indestructible, but while living in the moment can be great for mental health, it’s not always best for your physical body. When it comes to bone health, the earlier you start thinking about maintaining it as you age, the longer you’ll be able to continue enjoying the mountain activities you love. This preventative health philosophy is at the heart of a traditional style of medicine called Ayurveda, which calls the bone tissue Asthi Dhatu, meaning “stability,” and in its ancient texts, describes a person with healthy bones as enthusiastic, active and enduring — all qualities we hope will keep us on the mountain for years to come. Your bones provide your body with structure and strength, protecting your organs and facilitating movement. And while it seems like they finish forming around adolescence and remain that

way for the rest of your life, they actually require a bit more nurturing than you may realize. “At a cellular level, the human skeleton is in a constant state of flux between new bone formation and old bone resorption,” explains Dr. Zoe Watson, founder of Wellgood Wellbeing based in London, England. Watson reveals that cells called osteoblasts are constantly building bone while osteoclasts tear old tissue down and reabsorb the minerals. Basically, bones are rebuilding themselves all the time, and when they don’t have the materials they need to do so, it’s like leaving a half-built house out in winter without any protective sheeting; things are going to deteriorate, fast. Bone density naturally declines as you age, reducing your strength and potentially leaving you exposed to conditions like osteopenia or even osteoporosis, a so-called “silent disease” that occurs without symptoms, that is, until you fall skiing and fracture your hip or

suddenly experience severe back pain as a result of a collapsed vertebrae. Though there are genetic factors involved in low bone density, environmental influences also play a role. Research into exactly how your lifestyle and environment might affect bone health have produced conflicting results. Exposure to sunlight is thought to contribute to higher bone density, which should put Colorado residents at a significant advantage, but other studies suggest that high altitude living could lead to a loss of bone mineral content. What’s for sure is that you want to keep your bones as strong as possible. Modern medicine proposes a diet rich in calcium and vegetables to aid bone health, as well as regular weight-bearing exercise, from working out at the gym to hiking and running where you’re carrying your own body weight. In addition, Ayurveda recommends specific therapies that you can introduce into your routine starting today to maintain that all important stability. +

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AVOID DEPLETION Excessive cold, stress, exercise, processed foods and travel can all deplete Asthi Dhatu. Though you probably experience some of these factors some of the time, take care not to overindulge in cold, processed foods, working out or non-stop travel, and practice stress reduction techniques such as meditation. For local meditation guidance, Karen Anderson leads classes at Gravity Haus in Vail Village.

ENLIVEN YOUR DIGESTIVE POWER Digestion is at the root of all health in Ayurveda, including bone health, and certain procedures are recommended to ensure your digestion functions optimally. This includes simple but effective practices, like sipping hot water during the day, eating a little grated fresh ginger mixed with lemon juice, honey and salt before meals, and only eating until you are satisfied, but not stuffed. In addition, focus on regular, warm meals like soups and stews cooked with spices such as ginger, cumin, coriander, fennel, turmeric and black pepper. Take oil, ghee, nuts and seeds, especially almonds. +

WARM MILK Rather than pouring cold milk over your Cheerios in the morning, drink a cup of boiled milk with a pinch of turmeric before bed. You can add a little raw honey to taste if you like.

SELF-MASSAGE One morning or evening a week, massage warm (noncured) sesame oil into your skin for 10 minutes then take a shower.

PERSONALIZED EXERCISE Watson explains that exercise is thought to suppress osteoclast activity and increase osteoblast activity. Though weight-bearing exercise is universally indicated as important for your bones, overdoing it could lead to depletion and injury, which in the end will work against you. Ayurveda recommends you exercise to about 50% of your capacity, where you just break a sweat and are breathing harder, but still able to hold a conversation. Less robust or ailing bodies should prefer walking and yoga, while sturdier readers can enjoy trail running and weight lifting. Finally, exercise should be performed in the morning sunlight when possible, which modern science is discovering may have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.

the ultimate dining experience

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970.845.8808 17 Chateau Lane Beaver Creek, CO Splendidorestaurant.com

athlete PROFILE

William "Bill" Foster Vail Yeti Hockey by Laura Mills

variety of motives bring us all to the Vail Valley if we aren’t lucky enough to be born here. It’s often making the decision on a whim or only to move for a season. Then, the next thing you know, it’s 10 years later and your whim of a decision has helped mold your life. That experience definitely rings true for Vail Yeti hockey player William “Bill” Foster. Foster grew up in Pennsylvania with skates laced to his feet starting at the age

of 3, played Division III hockey for Numan University, dabbled in semi-pro and then found himself looking for something to build his future when he found the listing for player coach of the Vail Yeti. Foster had his initial phone call securing the job on a Tuesday and was packed up and moving to Colorado on that Thursday; it was a no brainer to relocate. For the first eight seasons, Foster filled the role of player coach well — day-to-day operations, scheduling bus trips, planning

MAKING THE VAIL VALLEY HOME When talking with Foster about what motivated him to stay here after his initial season, all roads point to the camaraderie of Yeti hockey — and the fact he met his wife here during the 2013 season. “The team aspect of it is bigger than anything for me. When I moved here, I had no place to live, no job. The first place I went to was practice. By the time I left practice, I had a job lined up and a place to live. That says a lot.” Foster is humble to his core, especially when talking about his ability among the team. Proud of the growth the team has seen, he not-so-nostalgically looks back on the days Friday night games barely drew 500 attendees and Saturday nights were mainly girlfriends and wives. “It’s grown a lot since the first year,” says Foster with a smirk. “The fact that now it’s a consistent part of everyone’s Friday and Saturday night and the place is crazy packed all the time, that growth has gone a long way.” Every player on the Yeti carries a normal job, attending one Tuesday morning practice a week during the season. They all know the reality of hard work in this and love the ability to put on a show for the people that make this town what it is. “I’d say 90% of the people that go to games are local people. We’ll get some tourist traffic in there in the height of our seasons.” Foster says. “It's an entertain-

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILL FOSTER

line ups, recruiting players and ordering jerseys. Since Kyle Forte purchased the Yeti last season, Foster has had the ability to step back a bit and immerse himself in the joy being a player, when not working his full-time job as an electrician for Eagle River Water & Sanitation. “For me it’s the camaraderie of the team and kind of always has been. I genuinely enjoy competing; that’s half the fun, going out there and playing in a game and trying to win. Ultimately if we win or lose that doesn’t really matter to me,” Foster explains.

ment thing for the people that work here, live here and are actually part of the community. It’s a really great community event, and you get to see all the people you know that you might not see all the time.” When friends back home question why Foster still plays, it usually takes a ski trip visit and one Yeti game for it to click, and they all understand why he made the Valley home. RECENT YEARS Since Forte took ownership of Vail Yeti hockey back in fall of 2022, it seems the awareness and hype around the games has continued to grow. Forte not only crushes advertising and sponsorship goals, but he is also really focused on giving back to the community that makes Yeti hockey thrive. The players of the team see the importance of that, too. “I think Kyle has done a really good job since taking over of inserting a giveback mentality with the team,” Foster explains. “That was one of my qualms with the old owner; we had this team that operated and made a bunch of money, but it didn’t give back to the community that we live in. Kyle has done a really good job of making sure that’s a big part of it. If we can sponsor one charity a weekend or make a difference, that’s awesome. Use the team for what it should be used for — to bolster the community and make it a better place for everybody.” Not only has Vail Yeti had the ability to give back in recent seasons, but they’ve built an incredibly capable team. “We’re going to be really good this year,” Foster says confidently. “We’ve got a bunch of younger players that are really talented. We’ve got an even more competitive schedule this year than in the past, and that will make for some very entertaining games.” If you find yourself with a free Friday or Saturday night this season, make sure to grab a ticket and enjoy the show at Dobson Arena. +

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athlete PROFILE

There’s No “I” in Athlete

From Coach to Couch, Get Support in Your Training by Kim Fuller

here are a few short word bursts that I practice as motivating thoughts adjacent to Tuesday morning intervals training.

“SUIT UP.” Set your alarm and get dressed according to the weather. Hydrate. Pay attention to temperature, gear details (is it a waterproof shoe day?). Fuel up with some sips of coffee, maybe a light bite. Don’t overthink it, just suit up and get out the door.

“SHOW UP.” Set a time to hold yourself accountable. Meet your people. It could be one buddy or alongside a whole tribe — the support given is mutual. If you’re solo this time, don’t give yourself an excuse to bail. Notice your resistance to commit, to follow through, and show up anyway. “TRAIN UP.” Do the work. Maybe it’s up a mountain or on a track, holding plank, stacking weights or pushing sleds. You can do

hard things. You made it this far, so lean into the efforts and train with focus to up-level your results. I’m an athlete. My whole life has included sports and fitness in some way or another; from a childhood of organized and recreational sports to an adulthood filled with outdoor adventures, my body, mind and spirit are happiest when in motion. Success in these endeavors is relative, and while I do want to feel strong at my efforts and achieve personal bests, the biggest wins I’ve had are the communities I’ve found. Being a part of a team, with a coach, was always a positive environment for my improvement as a young athlete, so it’s no surprise that the same sort of systems would work well for me as an adult. I’ve always maintained a lot of group fitness habits, from class-style consistency to reliable running and biking buddies to meet at the trail, but until this year I hadn’t had a coach in going on two decades. Brett and Tamara Donelson have over 30 years of combined experience in coaching athletes through endurance and strength training programs. The Edwards-based couple are also founders of The Cycle Effect, a local nonprofit that empowers young women through mountain biking. I started working with Donelson Training this past year to get stronger, fitter, faster; I had a mentally of “why not?” more than an ultra-specific “why?” Why not try to dig into the depths of my physical fortitude, mental resilience, spiritual potential? “Coaches can offer a wide variety of purposes,” Brett Donelson shares. “Some athletes need very specific things and some have a broad range of needs. Some of the needs we have been able to help our clients with are skill development, accountability, injury prevention and rehab, race strategies, goal setting, and mental and emotional support.”

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Coaches can help guide an athlete through the very saturated world of health, wellness and athletic information out there, he adds. “Whether you're a novice or an elite athlete, a coach can help you achieve your athletic goals and reach your full potential,” he says. “Whether someone has four or 14 hours a week to commit to training, they can be highly productive if it is customized and structured to them.” My training plan this past summer was focused on mountain biking and trail running, paired with strength and mobility work as well. Workouts were uploaded into my Training Peaks profile (accessed easily via phone app) every week, along with chosen races throughout the summer and fall that became my goals for peak effort and performance. “It's hard to look at ourselves objectively,” explains Tamara Donelson. “A coach can customize a training plan that fits your work, family and social schedules. A coach accelerates your progress by helping you make the best use of your time — we’re here for a good time not a long time; let's work on things that are going to make the most gains!” And yes, great gains were made. I stood on podiums and shaved off bundles of minutes to mark many new “personal bests” throughout the summer. I certainly felt like I was training smarter, and yes harder too, but I didn’t have to overthink anything — just suit up, show up, train up. REST UP For anyone like me who may have a hard time resting and allowing for recovery, coaches can help greatly with that too. Rest days are marked in my training program just like workouts. “Sleep (my favorite) is the most powerful recovery tool,” Tamara Donelson shares. “If you commit to improving

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It's hard to look at ourselves objectively. A coach can customize a training plan that fits your work, family and social schedules. A coach accelerates your progress by helping you make the best use of your time — we’re here for a good time not a long time; let's work on things that are going to make the most gains!” Tamara Donelson your performance, you must commit to prioritizing sleep.” Pamela Shifrin is a massage therapist and founder of Local Revival in Eagle-Vail. She played competitive softball growing up and into college at the Division I level. Shifrin maintains that massage kept her going for years after injuries that included shoulder operation and a herniated disc in her low back. “Athletes push the body’s limit every day,” explains Shifrin. “Every day muscles are broken down and need to be rebuilt to stay healthy. Massage assists in the healing, rebuilding process. While the benefit list is large, circulation is the biggest benefit massage has to offer our bodies.” I see Shifrin for a massage once every three months or so, but each time I visit we decide I should go more often. "Literally every time we move, we are causing micro trauma to our muscles,” she adds. “Elongating or stretching the muscles, providing protein and providing circulation is how our muscles rebuild and leave us feeling good, strong and healthy.” Shifrin says she has always wanted to support other athletes in the same way she was supported. “Pay it forward, if you will,” says Shifrin. “Massage therapy was an option for me and I have been facilitating a positive change in people’s lives for the past 13 years.” As much as I choose to remain engaged in my training and recovery efforts, there’s a full sideline of support

that helps to keep me on track. And on those days when I’m the one blowing the whistle for intervals or meeting a buddy at the trailhead, I’m there to lift up and cheer on those athletes right back. + Visit donelsoncoaching.com and and learn more about your own potential training and recovery plan.

gear

Gear

for the Season Winter + Spring 2023-24

Tested + Compiled by Covered Bridge Staff

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1. MOONBIKES We got the chance to check out these fully electric snow bikes on Vail Pass, and they are awesome. Colorado-based MoonBikes blends the freedom of an e-bike with the power of a motorcycle. With a sleek front ski and rear track, this innovative vehicle offers a unique and sustainable solution for winter exploration. $8,900 moonbikes.com

2. BAFFIN CLOUD BOOTS The featherlight design of these boots offers comfort and safety for the to-and-from on winter days. They are easy to pack for travels to other cold climates, and they feature anti-slip technology for ensured grip and stability. $175 baffin.com

3. GREGORY VERTE 18 SKI PACK Crafted from recycled materials, this pack features an innovative design tailored for the perfect day on the hill. Along with a body-hugging hip belt, the pack also offers easy access to gear and boasts thoughtful details like an insulated hydration harness sleeve, snow-shedding molded back panel and various secure storage pockets. $149.95 gregory.com 4. YAKIMA SKYBOX NX 18 This car roof storage option is perfect for an adventurer who just needs more room for gear. It’s incredibly easy to install, has sturdy locking mechanisms and hinges and even fits a pair of 182 cm powder skis. We love the high quality and sleek design. $799 yakima.com 5. ORTOVOX ROCK'N'WOOL BASELAYERS Available in long pants, cropped pants, longsleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, undershorts, sports bras and more, this merino wool line of baselayers is everything you need for winter outings. The soft wool is moisture and temperature regulating (while also being odor neutralizing), so you’ll stay warm on cold days, and you won’t overheat when you’re on the move. $55-$110 ortovox.com 6. K2 MINDBENDER 120 BOA SKI BOOTS These boots feature a heat-moldable Powerlite Shell, integrated tech fittings and a Powerlock Spyne offering an impressive 50-degree range of motion. Coupled with the advanced PowerFit Pro Tour BOA liner, these boots ensure top-level ski performance both uphill and downhill. $799.95 k2snow.com

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7. ARTILECT DIVIDE FUSION STRETCH JACKET This innovative jacket showcases Artilect's commitment to performance and sustainability by introducing new materials that elevate moisture management and thermoregulation. It utilizes Allied Feather + Down ExpeDRY Ultra Dry Down with FUZE technology, integrating gold nanoparticles for active drying without chemicals. Wear this as a mid-layer on extra cold days or as your go-to three-season down jacket. $370 artilect.studio/us/ 8. SKIDA FLURRIES POM Made of 30% cashmere and 70% wool, this patterned knit hat with a fun pom will brighten up any wintry day. $70 skida.com 9. HEST DOG BED Tailored for dogs of all sizes, this bed is crafted with the same memory foam used in the brand’s human mattress pads. The bed is available in three sizes and constructed with outdoor-tested materials. $149-$249 hest.com 10. DRIPDROP With an impressive three times the electrolytes found in typical sports drinks, DripDrop offers rapid and effective relief from dehydration, along with essential vitamins. We love the zero-sugar varieties. $35.99 for 32 8-ounce packets dripdrop.com 11. WHITESPACE HIGH WAISTED 3L SOFTSHELL RIDING BIB Olympic gold medalist Shaun White continues his partnership with Backcountry on this all-new Whitespace women’s collection. It’s developed by an all-female team and blends tech innovation with style for on-and-off mountain wear. This bib has a stretchy design, and articulated knees eliminate constraints, allowing effortless bending and twisting. The waterproof membrane prevents spray and fluff from seeping in, ensuring a dry and comfortable ride. $349 backcountry.com 12. CAMP NATIONAL PARKS EYEWEAR COLLECTION 5% of sales from these sunglasses are donated to local park nonprofits. The limited-edition capsule showcases iconic U.S. National Parks like Arches, pictured here, and others, in eco-friendly frames made from plant-based bio-plastic. Each pair comes with a color-coordinated sleeping bag pouch. $79 shwoodshop.com

gear

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2. ZEAL OPTICS CLOUDFALL GOGGLES These goggles combine Zeal's Rail Lock System lens interchange with the distortion-free Observation Deck Technology, offering an ideal spherical lens experience on the slopes. Its semi-rimless frame, triple-layer face foam and helmet compatibility ensure a comfortable fit, while the customizable dual-strap adjustment with “No Slip Grip” strap makes it perfect for all-day adventures. $199-$319, depending on the lens choice zealoptics.com 3. HESTRA ERGO ACTIVE GRIP WOOL TERRY GLOVES Wear these versatile five-finger gloves for all types of outdoor activities. Constructed with pre-curved fit and strategically placed seams, they offer great mobility and fingertip sensitivity. These gloves are crafted with hardwearing goatskin leather and a thin wool terry liner to keep hands warm and dry, making them ideal for hiking, hunting, fishing and winter sports like ski touring and backcountry skiing. $125 hestragloves.us

4. MOUNTAINFLOW INFRARED (IR) WAXER This is a must-have for at-home waxing enthusiasts. Not only is it sustainable, using minimal wax and leaving no mess, but it's also incredibly user-friendly, eliminating the need for scraping. It's the tuning tool you never knew you needed! $249.95 mountainflow.com 5. PATAGONIA NANO-AIR LIGHT VEST Don’t worry about having to ditch this vest once you warm up. The stretchy and breathable insulation fends off chill and also releases heat when you’re on the move. $199 patagonia.com 6. ROSSIGNOL EVADER SKI JACKET Designed with a relaxed fit for optimal comfort and mobility, this jacket has a breathable and waterproof membrane to ensure you stay dry and comfortable in heavy snow or rain. Featuring fully taped seams, ventilated underarm zips for temperature regulation and on-snow details like an integrated powder skirt and a helmet-compatible hood, this jacket is packed with ski-day essentials. Additionally, it offers convenient storage on the go, as it easily packs down small, and its PFC-free water-repellency adds an eco-friendly touch. Check out the Evader pants and bibs from Rossi to round out your kit. $425 rossignol.com

1. NORDICA UNLEASHED OUTREACH In collaboration with Nordica and SOS Outreach, Christy Sports has the exclusive Nordica Unleashed Outreach skis. Limited to just 40 pairs, every sale contributes 100% directly to SOS Outreach. This program focuses on mentorship and social-emotional learning, offering life-changing outdoor experiences to over 80,000 youths in 15 locations across nine states. $1,000 christysports.com

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7. LA SPORTIVA CYKLON CROSS GTX We think these are the ultimate on-snow running shoes. Featuring GORE-TEX technology, they keep your feet dry and warm, even in the snow. With solid traction, these shoes provide impressive grip without the need for spikes, making steep slopes a breeze. The innovative BOA Fit System offers lightweight support and mobility. Available in men’s and women’s styles, remember to size up by half for the perfect fit. $245 lasportivausa.com

8. OUTDOOR RESEARCH DEVIATOR MITTS These mitts are ideal for cold-weather aerobic activities. They feature recycled, low-bulk insulation with exceptional breathability, so you get eco-friendly warmth without compromising on performance. Pair them with the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie for winter running and hiking. $69 outdoorresearch.com 9. KUHL ESKAPE 50 DUFFEL This bag combines the convenience of a backpack with the greater capacity of a duffel and with better organization options. Its large main compartment includes numerous pockets and pouches to neatly separate and organize all your gear. With stowable, heavily padded shoulder straps, it ensures effortless carrying and is made from rugged laminated nylon, providing unmatched weatherproofing that’s perfect for adventure travel. $299 kuhl.com 10. TRACKSMITH TURNOVER TIGHTS Keep running throughout the winter with these full-length, cold-weather running tights. They are made with a flexible fabric blend, and you can choose between lined and unlined. $128-$138 tracksmith.com 11. PAKA THE HOODIE This alpaca fiber unisex hoodie is a testament to Peruvian craftsmanship, made entirely in Peru from start to finish. It’s perfect for various activities like hiking, camping, lounging and traveling, offering casual style, comfort and functional versatility. $149 pakaapparel.com 12. KRIMSON KLOVER CHALET CASHMERE BLEND HOODIE + JOGGER Après never felt so cozy. The luxuriously soft hoodie is a winter-to-spring essential crafted from a sumptuous blend of Merino wool and cashmere. Pair it with the Chalet Jogger for a chic, textured ensemble that effortlessly transitions through the seasons. Hoodie: $259; Jogger: $219 krimsonklover.com 13. HELINOX X PENDLETON CHAIR ONE HBD Inspired by the desert regions of the American southwest, the chair features the geometric “Moonlight Mesa” pattern, combining deep blue night sky hues with contrasting sand tones. Crafted with lightweight black aluminum alloy frames and luxurious yet durable fabric, it incorporates stylish elements, such as embossed vegan leather patches, including the iconic Pendleton navy and gold logo. $160 helinox.com

gear 2

Gear

For Lil’ Rippers

Winter + Spring 2023-24

Mountain kids love being outside! Here are some tested favorites from a mountain-loving, adventurefocused family. Compiled by Cameron Martindell

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3. OPTIC NERVE TAG KIDS SUNGLASSES My kids go back and forth if they want to wear sunglasses, but I know their little eyes need protection, and I want to have something available for them when they are ready. Optic Nerve has a nice range of options, but my 9-year-old daughter has taken to the bright and fun Tag model in orange. My 6-year-old likes the Homerun style. But at this price, I got a few extra pairs since kids are pretty good at losing or scratching things. $20 opticnerve.com 4. REIMA WETTER BOOTS We had an oddly wet spring and early summer this year, and these boots were great for those soggy days. The easy cinch laces minimized grumbles when getting them on, and the mid-ankle height kept water from shallow puddles out — especially when paired with a good pair of rain pants (we have the Reima Kaura). And, like most of Reima’s gear, we love having the reflective hits in the design. $90 us.reima.com 5. GREGORY ICARUS 30 KIDS BACKPACK This pack holds about 20 pounds of gear and is best suited for 9 to 13-year-olds. We tested it on a 6-year-old, and it was pretty big, so we just filled it with lightweight things like pillows and stuffed animals. But for older kids, it can work as an overnight pack, or it cinches down to be a good, albeit large, day pack — great for true full-day hikes where the weather is variable and you want to bring a few extra items. The kids found it (relatively) comfortable, and it has a built-in emergency whistle. $130 gregory.com

1. SEIRUS JUNIOR HEATTOUCH ATLAS GLOVE Little hands mean little gloves, which means not much insulation to ward off super cold days. To keep my crew going, we only use these gloves on the coldest days. But, the kids have learned they can be comfortable even though it looks nasty outside. In fact, they love it. The gloves have three levels of heat and offer enough dexterity for them to wear these while riding bikes to school mid-winter. $200 seirus.com 2. OWALA KIDS FREE SIP 16 OZ. Despite the spring-loaded moving parts, this insulated bottle has withstood being bonked around over the last few months of use. The unique feature of the Free Sip line is the sip or chug spout. My kids only use the sip feature, but the option to chug or dump without removing the lid is nice. The spring-loaded top pops right out of the way and is easy to put back to keep the bottle spill and leak proof. The powder coated exterior has resisted the bumps of life, and we don’t have any dents (yet). $23 owalalife.com c o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

6. IKSPLOR KID IKSPLORER SET Parents and kids often shy away from wool base layers. The parents because they aren’t very durable and the kids because they’re itchy. Both of those concerns are assuaged with the super soft, comfortable yet durable merino wool used by Iksplor. Our kids used this set all winter, and even after après ski and hut trips playing in these base layers, the knees have not developed holes (yet). Also, they come in a wide range of fun colors! $109 iksplor.com 7. FISCHER RANGER JR. SKIS These skis were released last season, and our 6-year-old put them through the paces both in-bounds and on backcountry hut trips. The Air Core and Fiber Tech construction keeps the core strong but less dense, so it’s lighter weight. It also helps soften the flex, so our little guy could take advantage of the On-Piste Rocker for easier turn initiation. Float was only marginally sacrificed, but we recognize most kids this age are sticking to groomers. 70-150 cm. $299.99 fischersports.com

8. FISCHER ONE & TWO KIDS SKI BOOTS With the big pull handles, a hook-and-loop power strap and zippered front, my 6-yearold was able to get these boots on and off himself. Fisher realized these little skiers don’t need a bunch of buckles and hard shells to ski. In fact, comfort is king when getting kids started with skiing, and this boot delivers from the pliable ankle to the cozy toe box which isn’t so tight it cuts off circulation and helps keep toes warm. 15.5-20.5 mondo. $220$230 fischersports.com 9. TOWN HALL ABOUT TOWN ANORAK With a scouting background, I’m a fan of being prepared, and that includes keeping some sort of extra layer handy. While this jacket is not totally waterproof, it does have a DWR finish and is windproof, so it will certainly help on a quick dash home in an after-school rain shower. Also, it packs down into its own pocket, so it doesn’t get unruly at the bottom of the kids’ school packs. $100 townhallco.com 10. ALL BETTER CO. DON'T SCRATCH THAT PATCHES The wet spring this year brought a pretty sizable hatch, but that didn’t stop us from getting outside. Fortunately, we were able to manage the itches nicely with these tea tree oil-based patches. The patches are clear, so they blend into any skin tone, and the tea tree oil soothed as promised. The self-adhesive hydrocolloid polymer material is easy to apply and proved to last through continued adventures. Starting at $17 allbetterco.com 11. GARMIN BOUNCE Ah, kids and technology, a constant conundrum, but that’s a different story. After a few years with the Garmin Vivofit Jr., we’ve swapped that out for the Bounce for our 9-year-old. The Bounce has built-in GPS for activity tracking and optional LTE cellular service for messaging and tracking the watch itself. The messaging is through pre-set text messages or audio messages through the Garmin Jr. App and is restricted to parent approved contacts. $149 + $10/month or $99/year garmin.com 12. SIERRA DESIGNS PIKA YOUTH SLEEPING BAG Our 6-year-old has taken this bag on ski-in hut trips in Colorado and to summer sleep away camp in Maine. It easily stuffs into the included stuff sack and can be compressed down even further if space is at a premium. The synthetic fill, cozy interior fabric and durable nylon shell are all machine washable for easy care. The internal pocket is great, and the cinch hood is perfect for those slightly cooler nights. $50 sierradesigns.com

adventure

Appetite for Adventure on Tennessee Pass

A Rustic Yurt Serves Elevated Food in the San Isabel Forest

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TENNESSEE PASS COOKHOUSE

by Jennifer Weintraub

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dventure — and fantastic food — await if you’re willing to work for it. Tucked in the woods at 10,800 feet, Tennessee Pass Cookhouse is an off-the-grid backcountry yurt — accessed by foot, fat bike or cross-country skis — serving home cooked food for lunch and dinner while surrounded by stunning mountain views. The Tennessee Pass Nordic Center shares a parking lot with Ski Cooper, one of the oldest ski resorts in the state, outside of Leadville. The old school ski area and Nordic basecamp provide a laid-back and authentic atmosphere free from crowds or high-rise buildings. It’s far from flashy, filled instead with friendly staff and cozy lodges. The Nordic Center, a simple log building with a snow-covered A-frame roof, greets guests before they head out to explore the trail system, over 15 miles of set track and wide skate lanes that extend in every direction. Explore the full trail system, or head straight for the food with an easy groomed trail that leads directly to the Cookhouse. A one-mile walk on a Forest Service road gently climbs 300 feet. The wide trail is lined with dense trees that provide shelter from the fierce winter wind and solitude from the outside world. It’s a quiet walk through the woods, other than the chatter of groups as they go by.

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Eventually, the thick trees clear into an open alpine field as you approach the Cookhouse, a solar-powered yurt with impressive views of 14,000-foot snow-covered peaks in the Sawatch Mountain Range. Picnic tables line the south-facing deck in front of the circular yurt, providing a great spot to savor the views and sip on a warm welcome drink until the table is ready. The yurt, which seats about 40 people, is heated by a vintage potbelly stove from nearby Camp Hale, the training grounds for the famed 10th Mountain Division. Simple wooden tables and chairs fill the space. Everything inside the 30-foot yurt — including food, water, propane and spring water — was hauled in. A meal tastes better if you’ve worked for it, but at Tennessee Pass Cookhouse, the food is a standout on its own. Digging into decadent duck confit tacos topped with bright radish, crisp arugula and pickled vegetables, it’s not the meal one expects at an off-the-grid backcountry yurt. Lunch is not a fancy affair, but every item on the limited menu is carefully curated and perfectly prepared. A big, juicy bison cheeseburger is piled high with bacon, lettuce, tomato and onion, accompanied with a side of garlic potatoes and a garden salad. A steaming bowl of hearty homemade

soup served with a seasonal salad and toasty bread hits the spot on a cold winter day. For dessert, don’t miss the oversized Roxanne’s cookies, which are stuffed with oats and chocolate and delivered warm to your table with fresh whipped cream. Lunch at the Cookhouse is casual, tables filled with large groups and families as the air is brimming with boisterous chatter. But when the sun sets, the atmosphere changes. Nighttime is a more elaborate, and romantic, affair. Diners walk to the yurt by the glow of headlamps (or moonlight on clear night) to find a cozy candlelight yurt and decadent dinner waiting. The multi-course meal includes a set starter, salad, appetizer and dessert. A wild game menu is fitting for a backcountry restaurant — choice of entrée includes a tender grilled elk rack paired with potatoes au gratin, a perfectly cooked bison tenderloin topped with herb compound butter or a delicate Peruvian spiced Mahi Mahi garnished with a coconut lemongrass sauce. All the ingredients are handled with care and sourced from local purveyors — from organic vegetables grown on local farms to wild game meat raised at a multi-generational ranch in Wyoming. An extensive beverage list offers wine, beer and cocktails. The Cookhouse may feel rustic and remote, but their handmade food and friendly, attentive service rivals any fine dining experience. No matter when you visit Tennessee Pass Cookhouse, it’s sure to fill your stomach and your adventurous soul. + NEED TO KNOW: Reservations are required. During the winter season, there are two lunch seatings on Saturdays and Sundays, at noon and 1:30 p.m. Dinner is served daily. Plan to arrive at the Nordic Center 30-60 minutes before your reservation time.

adventure

AspectAvy Revolutionizing Backcountry Safety with Preventative Avalanche Technology by Lexi Reich

eff Banks, an internationally certified mountain guide and the co-founder of AspectAvy, brings a wealth of experience to the table. With two decades of teaching avalanche courses to a diverse range of individuals, including mountain guides, U.S. Special Forces and recreational enthusiasts, Banks’ expertise is unmatched. His personal connection to backcountry skiing runs deep, marked by a North American ski mountaineering championship and a harrowing avalanche survival story in Italy that served as a catalyst for change. While on a ski tour across the Ital-

ian slopes, Banks was leading a group through well-trodden terrain. “My former examiner in the guide program was five minutes ahead of me with the other clients when the slope fractured at my feet. I thought we were dead,” Banks recalls. It was 1,800 feet of heart-stopping descent. Miraculously unharmed, they sought solace in a mountain hut, beers in hand. Banks pondered the collective error, realizing current methods were inadequate. This revelation ignited a mission: to revolutionize backcountry safety. The inspiration behind AspectAvy is rooted in a sobering reality — the loss of friends and colleagues to avalanch-

es. Banks’ extensive network of mountain guides and avalanche forecasters attest to the frequency of near-death experiences in their line of work. In 2021, 37 lives were lost by avalanches in the United States, marking the highest fatality rate in the history of backcountry recreation. “The Vail Valley has lost its share of friends and loved ones,” Banks says. “AspectAvy is listening.” Understanding the fear and confusion that plague backcountry travelers, AspectAvy was born out of a deep empathy for their plight. Launched in November 2023, this user-centered app seeks to

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By overlaying real-time avalanche conditions onto precision laser maps and running it through a proprietary algorithm, AspectAvy provides users with clear, data-driven guardrails. The result is a highly effective preventative tool that can increase survival odds. simplify the process of staying safe in the backcountry, offering a lifeline to those who venture into avalanche-prone terrain. The app shifts the focus from reactive avalanche gear to preventative measures. By overlaying real-time avalanche conditions onto precision laser maps and running it through a proprietary algorithm, AspectAvy provides users with clear, data-driven guardrails. The result is a highly effective preventative tool that can increase survival odds. But, AspectAvy isn't just for seasoned skiers and snowboarders; it's for everyone who desires to explore the winter backcountry safely, even dog walkers. In fact, Banks says dog walkers accounted for half of avalanche deaths two winters ago. AspectAvy ensures that even the most vulnerable members of mountain communities can enjoy the outdoors without unnecessary risk. “When my daughter looks at AspectAvy, it shows high risk avalanche terrain 500 feet from our house by the kid’s sledding hill,” Banks shares. “Many of the local kids have been lucky to survive avalanches there. Now, my 10-year-old daughter can see where it’s safe to play with her friends.” To bring this concept to life, Banks collaborated with a team of experts. Co-founder JB Leach, an award-winning product designer with over 25 years of experience, spearheaded the technology team. Angela Hawse, president of the American Mountain Guides Association, is the voice of AspectAvy in the video tutorials. The U.S. Special Forces Mountain Guide Team out of Fort Carson in Colorado Springs conducted extensive field testing, underscoring the app's effectiveness in high-risk conditions. Joel Gratz of opensnow.com, another staunch supporter of the project, recognizes the app's potential to address a complex problem in the ski community. “[Gratz] saw a complex problem we all share in the ski community and created a simple solution to show us where the good snow is. AspectAvy shows us where the safe snow is. It’s the perfect combo,” Banks explains. + aspectavy.com

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adventure

Top Tips for Winter Hut Trips by Kaitlin Emig

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PHOTOS BY SARA HENLEY

considered myself a seasoned expeditionary participant before gathering a group of women to join me on a winter hut trip two years ago. However, on this trip, I learned many lessons about planning and preparing for a winter backcountry expedition. As I look forward to another winter of earning your turns through backcountry ski touring, I thought I should sit down with an expert to dig a little deeper. No one better than Don Shefchik of Paragon Guides, who estimates he’s been on around 500 hut trips in his lifetime. Shefchik’s advice goes beyond the “five Ps” — prior planning leads to proper performance — as he shares with us years of experience guiding and participating in winter hut trips. Shefchik started his 35-year guiding career as a shadow guide and, over time, moved up the ranks to field director for Paragon Guides. Now, he is semi-retired. He’s seen the evolution of ski touring gear and the expansion of huts built within the Colorado hut system. He enjoys winter hut trips because of the physical and mental challenge associated with preparing for backcountry travel. He commented on his favorite hut being Peter Estin Hut, because he grew into his guiding career going there and enjoys skiing at that location. There are 12 huts in the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association and another 22 available through the Summit Huts, Braun and Friends Huts and privately-owned huts. The popularity of visiting the huts has grown immensely over the years, and making reservations in advance is necessary. Reservations have returned to being able to book individual spots instead of booking out a whole cabin during the post-COVID years. Although, the hut association does recommend booking a whole cabin if parties are using the huts to celebrate a special occasion. Shefchik doesn’t believe in calling huts beginner-friendly, because in

adverse conditions, something easy can become difficult. However, he does recommend Shrine Mountain Inn, Continental Divide Cabin, Francie’s Cabin, Vance’s Cabin and 10th Mountain Division Hut as huts with good access and good skiing. “Choosing an appropriate hut is super important as a novice backcountry user,” Shefchik emphasizes. Other advice he lists for novice backcountry participants: don’t carry too much stuff, get an early start, stay together, make sure you are following the right trail and don’t go on a hut-tohut trip for your first hut experience. Most importantly, go with someone experienced, such as a guide or well-seasoned backcountry skier. Making sure everyone in the group has avalanche safety knowledge and tools is also the most vital skill for going on a winter backcountry trip. Paragon Guides offers a pre-trip shakedown tour as a good way for people who have never gone backcountry skiing to get used to using their equipment before going on one of their guided hut trips. When preparing for a hut trip, Shefchik advises practicing transitions between touring mode to ski mode to become more efficient. “It’s one thing to learn something new and another thing to apply that education in real life situations,” he says. “Something you want to avoid is your energy leveling going up and down,” Shefchik explains. “Going from hot and cold is wasting physical and mental energy.” Shefchik sees this in his participants and instructs them on proper ski touring techniques so that their uphill travel doesn’t become an uphill slog (he warned me on using such a phrase). “Deal with the situation, so that you don’t end up losing energy,” he says as a general rule in backcountry travel. We both recommend using touring pants or ski bibs, as they provide warmth to the upper body, ventilation

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The phrase “be bold, start cold” is usually a good call when starting the ski tour to avoid overheating while going uphill.

to the legs and are made of lightweight, waterproof yet breathable material. Also, bring multiple upper body layers for the changing conditions and downhill skiing. The phrase “be bold, start cold” is usually a good call when starting the ski tour to avoid overheating while going uphill. Some of Shefchik’s personal packing essentials go from a head-to-toe check list, such as bringing ski googles, because you never know when conditions will change. He also recommends lighter ski gloves, wearing base layers for two days and always having a pair of dry socks. “It’s okay to smell a little bit,” he says. “The nice thing about hut trips is clothes dry out quicker.” A packing list is available on the 10th Mountain Division Huts website (huts.org) to help people prepare for their hut trips.

Managing food is the next step in planning a hut trip, with multiple ways to budget and resource the weight of bringing minimal supplies into the backcountry. Shefchik advises eating breakfast and dinner together and divvying up responsibilities for cooking and cleaning. He recommends boiling water on wood fire stoves, since turning snow into drinkable water takes a while. “Hut trips offer a celebration of friendship and food,” Shefchik remarks about planning meals. “Be careful, because you need less than you think.” He suggests three ounces of rice and a nickel diameter of spaghetti per person. As a guide, his job is to project the amount of food participants will consume. “I’ve never lost a Paragon participant to starvation,” he laughs. +

grand outdoors

Colorado’s Ermine Exploring the Abundant Lives of High Country Mustelids By Amalia Manning

magine this … You are riding up the chairlift on a snowy winter morning. The crisp mountain air fills your lungs as you sit back to appreciate the beautiful backdrop of the Colorado Rockies. And, suddenly, out of the corner of your eye, you see a flash of movement in the snow below. In this split second, the creature may have appeared to be a white blur — a sprinting snowball. And yet, it is more likely you caught a glimpse of the ermine, a term specifically referring to the white winter coat phase of the short-tailed weasel. “In this part of Colorado, most people who use the term ermine are referring to either long-tailed weasels or shorttailed weasels, the smallest Mustelids in the state,” explains Hannah Rumble, community programs director at Walking Mountains Science Center. The similarly shaped long-tailed weasel and short-tailed weasel both belong to the Mustelidae family, along with other carnivorous mammals such as badgers, martins, otters and other members of the weasel family. “Each of the two weasels turns white in the winter in order to camouflage with snow, except for the black tips of their tails. It is thought that the black tip distracts predators from the rest of their bodies if they're being chased in the snow,” explains Rumble. In the longer summer months, the coat of both weasel species becomes a light brown color,

with the long-tailed weasel having a more yellow belly compared to the white belly of the short-tailed weasel. The key to this transformation can be found in the amount of daylight and its change over time. As days approach winter, the decreasing amount of daylight triggers hormone reactions, which, in turn, cause a decrease in the production of natural melanin-containing pigments. As new fur grows and daylight continues to decrease, the weasels’ brown summer coat will shift to a bright white instead. Likewise, once days become longer and temperatures rise, dark pigment levels will increase, and brown fur will reappear. In addition to aided camouflage and stealth, the winter white color change also serves to improve the insulative properties of the fur. “The air pocket left by the lack of melanin in each hair also provides more insulation in the winter,” explains Rumble. Such a trait is vital for survival in a snowy environment such as the Vail Valley and helps to explain why these animals can be so difficult to spot. In fact, many small mammals, including the ermine, may not be above the snow much at all in the winter months and prefer to spend their time under the surface in what is known as the subnivean. “Essentially, subnivean means below the snow,” explains Cal Orlowski, wildlife biologist and mountain sports ranger with White River National Forest Service. “There’s

kind of a whole other world of activity that’s going on below the snowpack,” he continues. “For example, all the small rodents — mice, rats, voles — are still active; they don’t necessarily hibernate in the winter. And, they are able to survive by creating tunnels and channels through the snowpack under the upper layers of the snowpack.” And, the ermine will use these subnivean tunnels, too, following the trails of their prey. In addition to providing a source of travel and hunting, the network of snow tunnels protects the ermine from the harsh winter weather. “The snow actually provides some insulation, so that the temperatures below the snowpack are quite a bit warmer than the temperatures on the surface of the snowpack where you have wind and big temperature fluctuations,” explains Orlowski. Due to their elongated body plan, these weasel species must find methods to retain body heat, including using such tunnels, as well as supporting an incredibly high metabolic rate. “Their long body shapes help them navigate subnivean tunnels more easily, but this shape also causes a lot of heat loss in the winter, so they must eat a lot each day to stay warm,” explains Rumble. “As a result, weasels are known to kill in ‘excess’ and sometimes pile up carcasses for lean times,” she adds. Their hunting ability is unique in that both short-tailed and long-tailed weasels frequently kill animals larger than themselves, a trait rarely observed in the animal kingdom. “They can kill animals up to three times their size!” Rumble exclaims. As far as interacting with these ferocious furballs, observing from afar and sharing the area is the best way to go. “Being respectful and keeping safe distances is a good rule of thumb for observing any wildlife,” Orlowski shares, especially for species that may not be used to human interaction. “And, [make] an attempt to avoid unnecessary snow compaction,” he adds. As adaptive and intriguing as underground snow tunnels are, they are still susceptible to collapse and extremely important to keep in mind. +

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family + COMMUNITY

Family Fun Inside Top 20 Ideas for Indoor Play in Vail Valley By Jennifer Weintraub EDWARDS Mountain Recreation Edwards Field House

A multi-use space for indoor soccer, volleyball, basketball and gymnastics. Daily Tumble Tots programs encourage little ones to safely run, jump and play in the heavily padded gymnastics facility. mountainrec.org

utside, the winter morning is cold and quiet, but inside, it’s utter chaos. I carefully step over cars, trains, books and blocks which clutter every corner of the house. A shriek pierces my ears, and tiny feet quickly run by. We need a change of scenery. Normally, our young family heads outside to play, but there are days in the winter and spring when it’s too cold or rainy to tolerate. Don’t worry; we got you. For the days when you need to get out but stay inside, here are the top 20 ideas for indoor play in the Vail Valley. VAIL Imagination Station

This hands-on children’s museum incorporates science and art with play. Explore interactive light walls, wind tunnels, virtual reality experiences, pottery painting, puzzles, board games and more. vailrec.com

Vail Public Library

With sunny, floor to ceiling windows overlooking Gore Creek, the kid’s room at the Vail Public Library is filled with a large selection of books and cozy nooks, an extensive train table, oversized stacking blocks, games and story hours. vaillibrary.com

Ice Bumper Cars

Spin, scoot and bump around the Dobson Ice Arena in Bumper Cars for kids 48 inches and taller. vailrec.com

Ice Skating

Ice skating is open to the public at Dobson Ice Arena. Little ones can sign up for Toddler Time, tailored for ages 2-5, which includes both skates and instruction. vailrec.com

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Vail Gymnastics Center

Open gym sessions are offered to walking tots through teenagers in the 9,000 square foot facility filled with trampolines, tumbling mats, foam pits and gymnastics equipment. vailrec.com

Bol Vail

Let the good times roll at this swanky bowling alley with funky vibes, fun music and elevated food. decabolvail.com

Alpine Arts Center

Drop in and get creative with drawing, arts and crafts activities, paint your own pottery or create your own masterpiece on the pottery wheel. alpineartscenter.org

The Museum at Dinosaur Junction

If you dig dinosaurs, head to The Museum at Dinosaur Junction for educational exhibits and tours about the ancient world, specifically prehistoric Colorado. dinosaurjunction.org

Chasing Rabbits

EAGLE Jen’s Place

Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame

Eagle Climbing + Fitness

Head down the Rabbit Hole to discover old school arcade games that everyone can enjoy. chasingrabbitsvail.com

A unique collection of skiing and snowboarding memorabilia tells the story of the sports’ rise to popularity. Exhibits include Hall of Fame Ski Industry Icons, the 10th Mountain Division troopers of World War II and the history of ski industry fashion. snowsportsmuseum.org

AVON Walking Mountains Science Center

A bright and colorful sensory gym offers onehour sessions where kids can learn fine and gross motor skills through play. jensplacellc.com Eagle Climbing + Fitness is a large indoor climbing facility with routes for climbers of all levels, including equipment for tiny tikes starting at age 3. eagleclimbing.com

Eagle Public Library

Filled with books, crafts and activities, the Eagle Public Library is a clean and bright space to spend some time inside. evld.org

Walking Mountains Science Center is a contemporary natural science learning center. The sustainable building boasts an innovative design and houses interactive educational displays and group play spaces. walkingmountains.org

The Back Bowl

Avon Recreation Center

Splash in the 10,000 square foot aquatics area, scale a bouldering wall or wear your little ones out during a weekly Tumble Tots class in the gymnastics area. mountainrec.org

Swim and splash in the 15,000 square foot aquatics facility with a shallow kids’ pool and play area, a lazy river, a 140-foot twisting water slide and an Aquaclimb climbing wall. avon.org

Avon Public Library

Play with puzzles and trains, choose from an extensive selection of children’s books or take part in weekly interactive story time. evld.org

The extensive bowling alley boasts 20 bowling lanes and a well-stocked game arcade. thebackbowl.com

GYPSUM Gypsum Recreation Center

Gypsum Public Library

With separated sections catering to adults, teens and children, the Gypsum Public Library offers a large space for reading and play, including a silo story time room and crafts area for little ones. evld.org

family + COMMUNITY

Learn to Ski

Local Program Introduces Eagle County Students to Snow Sports by Amalia Manning

or many of those who grew up in the mountains, ski days were no foreign matter and often gifted students with unforgettable moments. What could be better than a day off school for some fun snow? Perhaps some lessons to go along with that snow. In the Vail Valley, Eagle County public schools have partnered with Vail Resorts to create Learn to Ski, an incredible tradition for local students. Every year, kindergarten through eighth-grade students in the Eagle County public schools are invited to join Vail Resorts instructors for two days of professionally taught ski or snowboard lessons. “The Learn to Ski program is a program that started decades ago that was really developed to make sure that youth in the Valley had the opportunity to learn to ski and snowboard at an affordable rate,” explains Jason Schetrompf, senior manager of the Vail Ski & Snowboard School. The program includes two full days of instruction, equipment rentals and specialized resources for those who may need it, all for around $60, with financial assistance options available. The program is truly designed to provide Vail Valley children with an accessible way to connect with the mountain and surrounding community. “From us in the ski school, it’s probably one of the most rewarding lessons we offer,” shares Schetrompf. The experience provides students with a chance to connect in a new environment and have fun in a safe, supportive space. “And, the kids get so excited, because they are getting to miss school to go skiing,” shares Justin Miller, who has been a ski instructor for this program for close to 18 years now. After all, it’s not every day that students get to take their classes from the snow-covered mountains of Colorado. Yet, even with these beckoning mountains at our doorsteps, many in the Valley

do not have the opportunities or resources to connect with them. “There is actually a pretty big population in the Valley that doesn’t [ski],” Miller acknowledges. With ski prices continuing to rise, snow sports can be inaccessible to some. Plus, in an area where the mountains have become so closely tied to the Valley’s identity, those with little to no relationship with the mountains may feel left behind or even isolated. Such was the case with Hannah Nelson, former Vail Valley student and resident, who found the Learn to Ski program to be very meaningful to her own connection with the Valley. “I really enjoyed [the program], because my family couldn’t get out to ski much, since my parents worked so much and ski passes are so expensive. So, for me, Learn to Ski was pretty much the only time in the year that I actually got to go up on the mountain,” Nelson shares. “And that was really nice, because I feel

like skiing is such a huge part of the culture in Vail, and it was a part that I felt like I was missing out on a lot of the time. And, Learn to Ski kinda gave that back a little bit,” Nelson explains. With the mountain being such a prominent aspect of the Vail Valley lifestyle, presenting local students and families with opportunities to better understand snow sports and their influence can be monumental. “[Learn to Ski] brings the community together for the sake of the mountain, to enjoy it all together,” explains Cindy Cassidy, longtime local and special education teacher with Eagle County Schools. “[The mountain] is a very important part of our community, why we’re here,” Cassidy shares. “So, I think it really does get populations that don’t have exposure to skiing and snowboarding a chance to do that,” she adds. While the program may seem few and far between, the influence it has upon the younger generation and the local community as a whole is remarkable and well worth the effort. “Most students don’t have that kind of opportunity at their schools,” Nelson explains. “And, it just made me appreciate the education that I got in the Valley more and the emphasis it placed on physical activity and the outdoors, those kind of learning experiences that weren’t just lecture or classroom-based.” With support for the program coming from many directions, Vail Resorts and Eagle County Schools hope to continue offering this resource for many more years to come. “We are committed to this,” explains Schetrompf. “[It’s] close to our heart, and we are fortunate to be involved in the program.” “It’s a little chaotic, but once you get through that chaos, it’s really cool. It’s a lot of work, but very rewarding,” Miller shares. + eagleschools.net.

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sponsored content

Access Unbound Celebrating 8 Seasons of Snowsports for All

PHOTOS COURTESY ACCESS UNBOUND

ountain living and snowsports go hand in hand, with the breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping terrain giving outdoor enthusiasts a rush of endorphins. However, for individuals with disabilities, the traditional image of exploring snow-covered peaks might seem inaccessible. This is where Access Unbound comes in, playing a crucial role in encouraging snowsport participation for people with disabilities and promoting inclusivity in the Vail Valley. Now in its 8th season, Access Unbound removes financial barriers so people with disabilities can have access to professional snowsport instruction. The nonprofit operates with a strong belief in the mental and physical benefits of skiing and riding, and the desire to encourage people to push past their own expectations. Nearly 90% of Access Unbound scholarship recipients have reported significant positive changes, including enhanced mental well-being, increased willingness to try new activities, and improved skiing or snowboarding skills. It’s clear that the benefits of a great day on the hill translate into other areas of a person’s life.

For Peter, having access to adaptive lessons allowed him to ski with his friends and feel a sense of normalcy and camaraderie. He reflected on his ski experience saying, “For years after my injury, I struggled to participate in activities I once loved like snow skiing. The weekend of skiing was spent with friends I’ve known since childhood and it reminded me just how important our personal relationships are to our overall health and wellbeing. My friends and I grew up playing ice hockey together and it was very impactful for me to ski alongside them on the slopes. I know it had a profound effect on them, too.” For Abbey’s parents, they were thrilled to see their daughter’s skills progress. “Skiing is a great sport for kids with disabilities. It has helped to build Abbey’s muscle tone and balance. Both of which are underdeveloped for someone her age. In addition, it’s something that she can do with their typically developing peers. It’s the great equalizer. With every turn, I saw Abbey get better and better and her confidence in her abilities soared.” Access Unbound welcomes new participants and it’s equally thrilling to see previous program participants return to build on

their previous successes. In addition to encouraging snowsport participation, Access Unbound also supports instructors who want to receive adaptive certifications. Over the last few years, 30 instructors have received adaptive ski or snowboard certifications with the support of Access Unbound, strengthening the adaptive instructor ecosystem. Now that the 2023-2024 ski and ride season is underway, we are reminded that the joy of snowsports knows no bounds — it’s an experience that should be shared by all.

Donate to Access Unbound and help provide snowsports for people with disabilities — regardless of age, disability type, or background. AccessUnbound.org Instagram: @access_unbound Facebook: accessunbound

family + COMMUNITY

For The Love of Conversation Speech Pathologist Gretchen Stich by Laura Lieff

remembers Stich. She did some research and quickly found out that she needed to earn a second bachelor’s degree (her first is in communication disorders) which she got in animal science. Stich was then accepted into a master’s program where she earned her degree in communication disorders. Next, she completed her clinical fellowship and began working as a licensed pathologist in 2006. Stich’s expertise covers a wide range of speech-related concerns, including articulation (how someone sounds), receptive language (understanding language), expressive language (verbal communication), dysfluency (stuttering), cognitive issues and eating and swallowing issues.

ALASKAN BUSH When Stich is not helping Eagle County kids, she is in Alaska — sleeping on floors inside of schools. It’s rugged and hardcore, but she loves it. “My school district job in the Alaskan bush is like no other,” she says. “I live in the schools, sleep on air mattresses, bring my food and materials with me and jump in six-seater planes

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PHOTO COURTESY GRETCHEN STICH

ome people get into their professions by accident, while others are attracted to a specific job from an early age. Then, there are professions people are drawn to because of a life-changing event. The latter is what got longtime local Gretchen Stich MS, CCC-SLP into speech-language pathology (aka speech therapy). In 1997, Stich’s best friend’s mother had an aneurysm in her brain, suffered three subsequent strokes and lived in the ICU for months. Unable to chew, swallow or talk, Stich’s “second mother” had to relearn everything from a speech-language pathologist. “As I watched this person work with my friend’s mother, I knew that’s what I wanted to do, too,”

PLAY-BASED THERAPY At the beginning of her career, she assisted the Eagle County School District for a few months and worked in hospitals but eventually moved over to private practice, so she could spend time with her clients both at their preschools and their homes. Although she can work with people of any age, she primarily works with early intervention clients, which encompasses birth to 22 years old. “When someone with, for example, a 2-year-old contacts me, I immediately direct them to Mountain Valley Developmental Services, because it’s a free birth to 3-year-old program,” Stich explains. “Unfortunately, the waitlist is long, so if people want to start immediately, that’s where I come in.” Bringing 17 years of experience, Stich is a “play-based therapist” which means that, instead of drill work, she helps her clients reach language goals by playing games. “When their hands are busy their mouths are busy talking, which is what we want,” she says. Stich incorporates the kids’ areas of support into each session and then shares what was worked on (as well as strategies to try at home) with teachers, parents and caregivers. By working with clients both at their schools and homes, Stich “enters their world” and can then tailor her therapy to the child. She adds, “I like going to their turf, because then it’s more client led. Seeing the changes in the kiddos from week to week is so rewarding.”

on the regular. These villages have 200 people in them, so there are houses and a school, and that’s it.” Because the areas she serves in Alaska are so rugged, and therefore don’t have roads, she has to fly in small airplanes to get in and out of every village. Before Stich and her husband Micah had their daughter Violet 10 years ago, Stich went to Alaska two weeks every month. Now, she takes five trips per school year, and each trip is approximately 12 days long. Her Alaskan connection started in 2006 when she was just finishing graduate school. A college friend had worked in Alaska and told Stich that the school district was looking for speech therapists, so she signed up. Stich completed her clinical fellowship there and “fell madly in love” with the people. While there are challenges — such as having to sleep on an air mattress when she has had multiple back surgeries — Stich says she loves her work too

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much to let “classroom camping” get in the way. “I never want to give it up,” she says. “The kids I work with and the people I have met are rare and amazing.” WHEN TO REACH OUT When asked how parents know when it’s time to reach out for speech therapy help, Stich explains that sometimes a parent doesn’t realize or hear that their child is difficult to understand, because they are so familiar with the way they speak. Therefore, that information sometimes comes from an outside source. “Maybe a teacher or family member gently brings it up, and then the parents can’t unhear it,” she says. “When a child comes in, I use standardized tools that provide a percentage and standardized score. That information helps determine exactly where they are and what we will do next. For example, a 2-year-old kid should be using a minimum of 50 words, but ideally, it’s 200 words.”

Because there are so few speech pathologists in the Vail Valley, Stich is in demand, which makes logistics the most challenging aspect of her occupation. “My day is usually done by 1 p.m., because these kids are young and need a nap and lunch, which means I see them in the morning,” she explains. “It’s rare for me to meet clients after school, because they are busy. Additionally, I want to spend time with my daughter and husband.” All that being said, Stich strongly believes that she has “the best job ever and that having a knack for this is something special.” She adds, “I’m always saying that the profession needs more people. Not necessarily because kids have more stuff going on — it’s just that we know more now and have better ways to support. I don’t see myself ever retiring; what I do is tailor-made for me.” + For more information, contact Stich at slpstich@gmail.com.

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Recipes for the Season Scallop + Pork Belly Serves 6-8 PARSNIP PURÉE 6 parsnips, peeled and chopped 1 quart heavy cream Salt, to taste 1.

Vin48 Executive chef Tim McCaw started his culinary journey in 1985 at the age of 15. “I knew at an early age that this was going to be my profession; my passion has always been food,” McCaw says. Originally from Denver, McCaw moved to the Vail Valley in 1998 working in the private club world. He spent 16 years at Zach’s Cabin, nine of which included Red Sky Ranch, before moving to The 10th on Vail Mountain. McCaw took over culinary operations at Vin48, a restaurant and wine bar in Avon, on Dec. 23, 2021. This winter, Vin48 is offering a four- to five-course tasting menu experience in its two yurts. “Each yurt will have one seating, so our guests can book anytime and have the space for the night,” explains Vin48 co-owner Greg Eynon. “The menu will be dynamic, but we plan on featuring a few dishes as a consistent through line.”

Strain the parsnips and reserve the cream.

Use a blender to purée the parsnips, adding some more cream, and blend until smooth. Add salt to taste.

Hold for service, or chill to reheat at a later time.

TRUFFLE HOLLANDAISE 2 oz pasteurized egg yolks 2 oz white wine, reduced 8 oz butter, melted Lemon juice, to taste Salt, to taste White truffle oil, to taste (Tip: use real truffle oil without additives or flavoring, like the Urbani Truffle Unico line.) Hot water, if needed 1.

Place pasteurized egg yolks in the blender.

Turn on medium-low speed and add hot wine reduction.

Turn the speed up and slowly add the hot butter until the sauce thickens. If the purée is too thick, add a little hot water to thin for desired consistency.

Add lemon juice, salt and your favorite truffle oil.

Turn off the blender and taste. Make any flavor adjustment to your taste.

Keep in a warm place.

SEARED SCALLOP + MT. VIEW RANCH PORK BELLY 6-8 U/10 dry pack fresh scallops 6-8 pork belly strips, 1-inch wide, 3-inches long, ¼-inch thick 1.

Grill or sear the pork belly. Cut the length in half and keep it hot.

Season scallops with salt, and pan sear until golden brown on each side.

Remove the scallops and place on a resting rack.

Place a dollop of hot parsnip purée in the center of your dish. Repeat for as many servings as you’re plating.

Place one piece of pork belly on the purée and push it down to set.

Place a scallop on each pork belly, then place the other half of the pork belly on top of the scallop.

Top with truffle hollandaise sauce, and garnish with micro radish, chive or parsley and serve. Bon appetit!

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PHOTOS BY MADISON LEIGH CREATIVE

TIM MCCAW

Slow cook the parsnips in heavy cream until tender. Set aside to cool for 30 minutes.

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All About Bone Broth by Chloe Wasserstrom

Homemade Chicken Bone Broth 1 whole chicken 2 cups water 1 onion, cut into 4-6 pieces 2 stalks of celery 4 carrots, cut in thirds 2 bay leaves 2-4 garlic cloves 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (to help pull calcium from the bones) 2 Tbsp olive oil Salt, pepper and turmeric to taste

t first glance, a cup of broth may seem bland and uninspiring. But, what if I told you this broth is a nutrient-dense elixir called bone broth made from water and any animal, or plant, protein of your choice? Think chicken, beef, fish, including scales and tails, and other proteins. Every sip is savored with magnesium, calcium, potassium, electrolytes, gut healing properties and, for the main attraction, collagen — the ideal ingredients to support your active snow season lifestyle. Not so bland anymore. Local health coach and wellness consultant Laura Nowicki believes everyone can reap the benefits of broth’s natural healing properties. Particularly here in the Valley, maintaining adequate collagen intake is essential to our bodies, she emphasizes. The sun depletes our bodies’ natural collagen production, which we often can see as “aging” on the outside. However, this prominent protein “is more than just skin deep,” the wellness consultant adds. 30% of the protein in our body is collagen, and there are 28 known types of collagens, Nowicki says.

“It is not only in the hair, skin and nails; it makes up our connective tissue, like our ligaments and joints,” Nowicki explains. “Collagen makes up our blood vessels and our central nervous system, our brain and spinal cord. Other vital organs are encased in tissues made up of collagen. Your bones have more collagen than calcium.” Bone broth allows us to nourish our muscles from the inside out. Up to 10% of muscle is made of collagen, “so drinking bone broth and providing that supplemental collagen helps with muscle development and recovery,” Nowicki adds. She clarifies that there is not an optimal amount of bone broth to consume but rather to prioritize the quality of the product. She believes homemade is the optimal choice. Nowicki shares a pro tip: the best test to a bountiful batch is if the elixir gels after refrigeration. If it does gel, that is a sign you cooked the protein long enough to derive gelatin, a specific collagen protein, from the bones. Once your broth is made, there are unlimited ways to pair and partake in your comforting medicine. Nowicki notes she often uses her broth instead of water to

Place chicken in a stock pot, breast side down.

Fill the bottom of the pot with at least 2 cups of water.

Add chopped onion, celery and carrots, bay leaves, garlic cloves, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper and turmeric, and drizzle with olive oil.

Place pot in the oven and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours.

Remove the chicken from the stock, and separate the meat from the bones.

Put the skin and bones back in the pot, and save the meat to eat on its own.

Add 2 cups of water to the pot, and return it to the oven, cooking an additional two hours or more. The longer it cooks, the more nutritious.

cook rice, quinoa and risotto. You could also add your broth, or a store-bought powdered version, to smoothies or baked goods for added protein. However, Nowicki’s go to is to make chicken soup. After getting her degree in nutrition, she says she has been preparing homemade chicken broths for her family to combat cold and flu season. Bring Nowicki’s homemade chicken bone broth recipe into your culinary repertoire and fuel your body all season long. +

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115 E 2nd St. Eagle, CO 81631 (970) 705-4188

Cold-Pressed Juice Super-Food Smoothies Smoothie Bowls Plant-Based Snacks Elixirs & Coffee Juice Cleanses

100% ORGANIC

@innerlightjuice

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Pickled. Kitchen + Pantry Restaurant spotlight

Eagle

our years ago, Micheal Joersz was parked in front of Boone’s Wine and Spirits on Market Street in Eagle. He was cooking up cheesesteaks, Chicago-style hot dogs, crispy chicken sliders and honed-in classics from his food truck. Joersz had refined his kitchen chops with lengthy stints in the Vail Valley: Golden Eagle for over a decade, Balata at the Sonnenalp Golf Club in Edwards, Two Guys Catering, Customfoodworks and the Wolcott Yacht Club. However, during the height of COVID, a brickand-mortar opportunity presented itself during one of the most challenging times for an eatery, especially one that hoped to serve shared plates in a bistro-style seating area with shared tables. Nonetheless, with zero marketing and

COVID restrictions, which meant only one or two groups of people could eat inside at a time, the European-style deli thrived. “I had to really focus on what people needed and could easily accommodate during the pandemic,” explains Joersz. “I knew success was going to depend on having seasoned and dedicated support — reaching out to long-time friends and co-workers including David Strazan, whose operations expertise has been essential to the shop.” Chef started with a staple menu of two soups — oven-roasted tomato purée and a daily special — a half-dozen salads, nearly a dozen hot and cold sandwiches, including the best-selling Don Vito, Joersz’s version of the classic Italian stallion of sandwiches, the Chi-Town, a take on Italian Beef, the Mountain Christo and more.

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PHOTOS BY BY JULIE BIELENBERG

By Julie Bielenberg

As the world began to emerge and Joersz’s deli began to build banter and business, he expanded to include evening items such as tacos and sliders. The packaged goods section also added more items to include cookbooks, rare sauces, pickled vegetables, oils, cookware and other eccentricities from around the world. There is even a dedicated shelf to Joersz’s girlfriend’s pottery for sale. The coolers in front of the open kitchen are stocked with Italian pastas and sauces, selected cheeses from around the globe, numerous canned fish varieties, rare deli meats such as Bresaola, Speck and Mortadella, and dozens more items. An entire deli case is dedicated to vintage American sodas and rare international beverages. From the get-go, chef Joersz intended patrons to be able to come and get the humble sandwich and side or take a meal to-go or to a friend. This meant stocking two double freezers with frozen soups such as asparagus truffle, butternut squash coconut puree, black bean tequila and more, changing weekly depending on seasonal produce and the whims of the chef. For to-go, family-style meals, Joersz offers spicy Polidori sausage and spinach lasagna, a rotisserie chicken pot pie and beef bourguignon, an example of prime winter selection. Nearly three years into business, Joersz is still evolving with his own signature dressings, slow-braised proteins, smallbatch sauces and house-made stocks. +

Brunch Recommendation: Honey Smoked Salmon + Avo Club with Quick-Pickled English Cucumber Side Baby Spinach + Warm Goat Cheese Salad Dram Apothecary Cardamum and Black Tea Sparkling Water

Lunch Recommendation: The Mayflower with Moroccan-style Tabbouleh The Greek Salad Old Fashioned Soda

Post-Ski Nosh Recommendation: Soup of the Day Korean-style Short Rib Tacos Mini BLTs Chef’s Original Homemade Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich

Vegetarian Recommendation: Oven-Roasted Tomato Purée Garden Veg Sandwich with Scallion + Yukon Gold Potato Salad Roasted Beets + Buttermilk Bleu Salad

Open: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday - Friday

11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday

pickledkitchenpantry.com

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Splendido at the Chateau Restaurant spotlight

Beaver Creek

olorado gourmands were holding their breath as the Michelin Guide announced its first-ever picks for the state this past September. For anyone who has had the absolute pleasure of dining at Splendido at the Chateau, it was no surprise that this legacy establishment in Beaver Creek was honored as a recommended restaurant in the prestigious guide. “As a team, we are grateful and honored to be recognized by Michelin Guide," shares

chef Cory Melanson. “Everyone has been working hard, honing skills and points of service over the years, and continues to do so. It feels great to be recognized.” From the kitchen to each table, positive energy from the Splendido staff is all-time right now. The food has never been better, and authentic hospitality sets a tone of inviting elegance from the moment of arrival at the Chateau Beaver Creek. Chef-owner Brian Ackerman says the Michelin honor is a responsibility to keep the culinary bar elevated in Beaver Creek.

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PHOTOS BY TOWNSEND BESSENT

By Kim Fuller

“I’m a firm believer that a rising tide lifts all ships,” says Ackerman. “We hope this makes everyone strive to want a little more. We want everyone to crush; we want every restaurant here sold out.” Chef Scott Ofsanko agrees that the recognition makes everyone want to step it up a little more. “For me, it’s trying to produce the best food, every single night, whether it’s my dish or Cory’s dish, or the Dover sole that’s been on the menu forever,” Ofsanko says. “I try to cook it the best I

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can, every single time.” Beyond top ingredients and undeniable talent making its way from these chef’s hands to plated art, what is delivered night after night at Splendido is a magical combination of quality, consistency and heart. “I’m proud to be a part of this team,” shares Matthew McConnell, Splendido dining room director. “Collectively we all really work hard for it. We constantly and consciously try to do better, always, and are looking to do things in new, creative ways.” The Splendido team calls eachother “family,” so it’s no surprise that love and respect comes through for every guest in the dining room. “Everybody has been here for a long time,” says line cook Wade Thomas, “and it’s cool coming into work and seeing the same faces, and being around people who care. Since I’ve moved out here, Splendido has become my home.” “I think it’s respect, and love, to me,” adds line cook Juan Contreras. “And I try

to do everything perfectly, every time.” Innovative cocktails from bar manager Ian Mackler and sweet finales from pastry chef Kristen Conway perfectly round out a full evening at Splendido. Michelin recommends ordering an “airy soufflé,” and that’s never a bad choice, but Conway’s passion for her work means nothing on the dessert menu will disappoint. “Everybody just cares so much and just wants to do it the best way every day. I really do love these guys,” Conway says of the Splendido team. “It’s so great to work together. It really is the best.” Splendido’s menu is inspired by seasonality and local purveyors. While guests get to try the kitchen staff’s more curated offerings, like an incredible lobster coconut soup created by Thomas, or house-aged meats from Melanson, they also can count on staple menu highlights like caviar and raw oysters, rack of lamb and sea bass. “Gearing up for a busy winter season is always exciting,” says Melanson. “Scotty and I have been taking trips to Hotchkiss to Zimmerman Farm and Osito Farm this fall, harvesting peppers, grapes, apples and other produce pickling and preserving for our winter menus.” Melanson says they have processed a couple whole pigs to use in different and creative variations across the winter menus as well. “Continuing to let quality ingredients and culinary creativity shine is at the heart of what we are trying to accomplish here at Splendido,” he adds. +

During the December holidays, Splendido is open seven nights a week. After the first of the year, Splendido is open six nights a week, closed on Tuesdays. 17 Chateau Ln., Beaver Creek 970.845.8808 splendidorestaurant.com

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Gold

Swiss Dog. The Blü Cow

By Russel Reuben + William Montecristo With each 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 issue five of Covered Bridge, we humbly tackled our most ambitious and dangerous challenge yet. In today’s ultra-competitive, quickbite world, no culinary treat seems to be having a bigger “68 comeback special” moment more than the humble hot dog. From street corner carts to eclectic gastropub menus — fancy frankfurters, dressed-up dogs and wild wienies are getting their day in the spotlight. We scoured the Valley, eating more digglers than Kobayashi. We tried the $1.50 big box store combo. We forked out $30 for a buffalo brät beer dinner. Kielbasa sweats, mustard stains, raw dogged by day old bread … it was the best of times, it was the würst of times.

Hot Dogs Internationally Inspired Encased Meats

Reuben: After a few cold ones and my first ever Swiss Dog, I tucked in for a cold winter's eve slumber on William's comfy leather couch. I dreamt I was backpacking across Europe and met a Swiss miss on a bullet train through the mountains. We fell instantly in love and ran away to start our lives together in a cozy cabin on a snowy peak. She made stone ground mustard to sell at the market, and I gave yodeling lessons. We raised our seven children on hot cocoa and Swiss dogs. I’ve been chasing that vibe ever since. Montecristo: During one especially wild aprés afternoon, I was lucky enough to score a coveted front-row seat at the bar and order my favorite late lunch delicacy. My Swiss Dog arrived quickly, but before I could even sneak a bite, a girl dancing on the bar smashed my Swiss Dog under her ski boot. My fresh new jacket was covered in beer, mustard, arugula and curry dust. Five stars!

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.

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ILLUSTRATIONS BY BECCA SAULSBERRY

Eat With Your Hands

Vail Village

Are you experiencing altitude sickness? Feeling Hungover? Are your legs burning after a long day of Skiing or Snowboarding? Feeling tired or fatigued?

Silver

Bronze

Sonora Dog. Rime

Riverwalk Dog. Riverwalk Theater

West Vail

Edwards

Reuben: West Vail’s newest watering hole gives us hope for the future, while satisfying those late-night cravings and guaranteeing a short stumble home courtesy of our beer-powered navigational systems. We’d just settled in for a cerveza when, to our surprise, we discovered a Sonora-inspired street dog on the menu. Upon our first bites, the whole world seemed to slow down. The crispy bacon, the juicy doggo, the soft bun, holy frijoles refried beans! The explosion of flavors was nothing short of a mariachi symphony in our mouths.

Reuben: As Martha Stewart once said, “I always look for a hotdog wherever I go, and the theater is no exception.” This blockbuster beef missile is a hot take on a cult classic. The butterflied glizzy is perched on a perfectly toasted pretzel bun, topped with jalapeño pepper relish, ketchup and mustard. This is not a dog for the anti-condimentalist. This experience turned a rotten tomato into a heart-pounding adventure. A love story for the ages. The feel-good hit of the summer! Next time you catch a flick with your bro, make it a rom-com with the sizzling saga of the Riverwalk Dog.

Montecristo: One time on a surf trip in Mexico, we got pulled over by some federales at a full-on roadblock. When the camouflaged commander came to the window yelling for our “papeles,” my buddy Jason, the driver, rolled his window down, steadily looked him in the eye, and replied, “Me llamo Nacho. Me gusta la biblioteca.” Everyone at the checkpoint burst out in laughter, and they just waved us through. No search. No hassle. Just smiles and laughter. A few miles down the road, we stopped for bacon-wrapped fully dressed dogs just like these. We laughed until it hurt, telling the story over and over again. Rumor has it, that if conditions are right, you just might see Ol’ Nacho himself sitting at the bar in Rime.

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Montecristo: Have you heard the one about the Colorado senator, a hot dog and a dark theater? All jokes aside, this concession counter home wrecker delivers a cosmopolitan collaboration of flavor. Colorado beef, a fluffy Bavarian-style pretzel bun, slathered in jalapeño, this super sausage goes way beyond international and onward to a galaxy far, far away.

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cheers

Gracie Moody

Two Arrows Coffee & Bar By Lexi Reich

Cocktail feature

Maizarita 1 oz reposado tequila 1 oz mezcal 1 ¼ oz Olathe corn purée (two part corn to one part water, blended and strained) ½ oz lime juice ¼ oz ancho reyes ¼ oz creme de cacao ¼ oz simple ¼ oz fernet

trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, Moody came to truly understand the meaning of mezcal. Traditionally, mezcal is remembered by the celebration and who it was shared with, as opposed to specific tasting notes. The Maizarita drink was created with the intention of cultivating a memorable experience. The Maizarita and zero-proof Stone Fruit Spritz are two favorites at Two Arrows this season, inspired by talented friends in the kitchen and local ingredients. +

In a mixing tin, combine the tequila, mezcal, corn purée, lime, ancho reyes, crème de cacao, simple syrup and fernet.

Add ice, shake well and strain into a chilled glass over new ice.

Garnish with lime wedge.

Stone Fruit Spritz Zero-Proof Cocktail 1 ½ oz stone fruit puree (peach and nectarine) ¾ oz lime juice ⅔ can of coconut condensed milk Top with Dram lemongrass CBD soda 1.

To create the stone fruit purée, dice, blend and strain peaches and nectarines.

In a mixing tin, combine the purée, lime juice and coconut condensed milk.

Add ice, shake well and strain into a chilled glass over new ice.

Top with CBD soda.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF TWO ARROWS

racie Moody, a Pittsburgh native, moved to Vail in 2020 looking for a better ski season. She started her career in the service industry at a country club in 2013 and has since worked her way from a high-volume, riverside bar to a craft cocktail bar in the heart of Vail Village. Since working at Two Arrows, she has expanded her knowledge of spirits, amaro and the craft of creating cocktails. In a recent research and development

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book club

Simple Abundance A Daybook of Comfort and Joy review By Sandy Ferguson Fuller

t’s a privilege to feature a classic bestseller which has become an essential touchstone read for women. Much of the content also resonates with men — in fact, with anyone who is curious and open to life enrichment and cultivating wisdom. Simple Abundance topped the New York Times list for over two years and introduced two enduring concepts — the gratitude journal and the authentic self. The book is organized as a walk through the year with daily reflections, essays and activities. Open it any day, any season, any moment that invites. You’ll discover or be reminded how your daily living expresses your authentic self through thoughts, choices and actions. Originally, author Sarah Ban Breathnach envisioned writing a book about eliminating clutter. As Simple Abundance bloomed, she embarked on an unexpected personal safari. “I proposed a downshifting lifestyle book for women who want, as I do, to live by their own lights. My idea evolved from ‘creating a manageable lifestyle’ into ‘living in a state of grace.’” Six principles — gratitude, simplicity, order, harmony, beauty and joy — set her foundation to build an authentic life. She leads us into a month, shares daily entries, then ends each chapter with practical ‘joyful simplicity’ suggestions. Wisdom from Thoreau, Rilke, Goethe, Coco Chanel, Austen, the Talmud, Dinesen, Shakespeare, Frost, Picasso, Winfrey and more. Ban Breathnach blends their guidance with her own creative insights. To share a sampling for this review, I turned to the November chapter, then circled back around into May. NOVEMBER silently sneaks up on us, catching our senses by surprise. Suddenly there’s “no shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, no fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds.” But behind closed

doors, fires shed light. November’s beauty radiates from within. Joyful simplicity: Write your own personal grace and offer it on Thanksgiving. Fill a basket with food and deliver it to a local shelter. On Black Friday, instead of shopping, stay home and make a pot of turkey vegetable soup. Start listening to holiday music. Make your own dream catcher. DECEMBER … gifts of custom, ceremony, celebration. Where there is love, there are miracles. And where there are miracles, there is joy, the sixth principle of simple abundance. Joyful simplicity: Celebrate the Winter Solstice on the longest night of the year, Dec. 21. In the deep midwinter, here comes the light! Create beauty in your home. Deck the halls with natural, seasonal decorations, no matter what holiday you celebrate. Cook your favorite foods, or maybe buy the eggnog and cookies. Chill something bubbly or warm up wassail to welcome the New Year. JANUARY … new beginnings. Let winter weave her wondrous spell: cold, crisp days, long dark evenings of savory suppers, lively conversations or solitary joys. All of nature is at peace. Draw hearthside. Joyful simplicity: Lounge about in your pajamas. If you have a fireplace, have a fire all day. Build a snowman or go sledding. Have tomato soup and toasted cheese sandwiches. Take a nap. FEBRUARY arrives cold, wet and gray. Take a gentle path. Create a sacred space. Joyful simplicity: Try red lipstick. Light candles and bask in the glow. Make a batch of old-fashioned chocolate fudge for Valentine’s Day. Treat yourself to one long-stemmed rose. MARCH … last hurrah of winter and first whisper of spring. Stirrings. Slowly our spirits awaken, along with the natural world. Joyful simplicity: Begin to sow flower and vegetable seeds indoors. Gather pussy

willows or early daffodils from a florist. Observe the spring equinox on March 21 with salmon cakes, fresh asparagus and new potatoes. Go on a creative excursion that doesn’t cost a dime. APRIL is filled with dazzling sunlight and the earth seems greener. The season of darkness diminishes as the season of light increases. Is this why our spirits start to soar? Joyful simplicity: Have fun on April 1, All Fool’s Day … something clever, comical and surprising. Take a long walk and smell the earth. Buy a new hat or revive an old one. Explore aromatherapy and essential oils. MAY casts a magic spell as spring’s promise is fulfilled. As we savor everyday epiphanies, we encounter the sacred in the ordinary. Joyful simplicity: On May 1 (May Day), hang a basket of flowers on your door and a friend or neighbor’s, too. Tackle one junk drawer with spring cleaning. Putter to your favorite music, and rearrange some personal mementos and pictures. Sarah concludes, “Indeed, the search for authenticity is a personal odyssey.” Simple Abundance provides a clear path to follow, with joyful simplicities waiting to be experienced in small moments. Find your own pace. Savor the stops along the way. You’re headed for someplace you’ve never been before. I encourage everyone to keep a copy on a bedside table or library shelf. Set out on your own safari. Create your own “simple abundance.” +

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Wookie Is Not His Real Name Q&A with Author Laura Lieff

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAURA LIEFF

he journey to writing Wookie Is Not His Real Name was a labor of love that began in 2014. Author Laura Lieff is a writer by nature, having served the roles of reporter, editor, all the way to business owner over the years. But, sharing the story of professional snowboarder and longtime Vail Valley local Brian ‘Wookie’ Fleming was no easy feat. For one thing, Wookie is her husband, and she wanted to make sure the book held nothing back reliving how a local snowboard kid became a local legend. But after Wookie’s season pass was suspended for organizing an unauthorized event on Beaver Creek and seeing the community’s uproar over it, Lieff knew she had to document his story. Wookie Is Not His Real Name was published in 2021 as an inside account of the life and struggle of a truly unique individual. “Writing and publishing this book was the second hardest thing I’ve ever done (the first was giving birth to our son, Fleet), but it is also one of my most significant professional accomplishments,” Lieff shares. “Although parts of Wookie Is Not His Real Name were tough for him to read and relive, Wookie sat down with me repeatedly to make sure all the facts and storylines were accurately portrayed. I’m so glad we took the time to finish what we started. Wookie’s story is my story, is Fleet’s story.” Covered Bridge asked Lieff to share more about the creation of Wookie Is Not His Real Name and its support across the Valley. Tell us about the journey to writing Wookie Is Not His Real Name. Why did you feel the story was important to share? Most people know Brian ‘Wookie’ Fleming as a professional snowboarder and longtime Vail Valley local who created the most notorious invite-only snowboard event in Colorado history — Log Masters. I started writing Wookie Is Not His Real Name in 2014, because I was

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

Interview by Lexi Reich

inspired by what people did for Wookie when his season pass was suspended for organizing an unauthorized event on Beaver Creek. It was exciting to see our community, along with people from all over the country, extend to him such abundant and unwavering support after he was there for them for so many years in a variety of capacities. But, there is much more to his story, and I wanted to tell it. Following a career-ending injury, after which he was told he would never walk again, Wookie endured brutal physical, mental and emotional lows that changed the trajectory of his life. Exemplifying his abundance of strength and determination, he pushed through to make it back on his feet and back on a snowboard. Although I’ve known Wookie for 20 years — he’s my husband, co-wrangler of our pups and the father of our 4-year-old son, Fleet — I approached this book from a journalistic standpoint. When I initially discussed the idea of writing it with Wookie, I said that I was only doing it if we held nothing back. He agreed, and I went to work. Over the course of six years, I spent countless hours interviewing 21 people (who serve as the book’s “cast of characters”), tracking down photos (slides, actual prints and digital images) and magazine articles. Next, I had to organize

the chapters and make sure my writing would be both understood and appreciated by those outside of the snowboard industry. That’s where Carly Fields (aka my second set of eyes) came in. Every writer needs an editor, and this book would not have happened without her. Following the editing process, I needed help with the publishing process, and I was lucky to have former Bookworm owner Nicole Magistro as my book consultant. The other integral person was Jena Skinner — my friend and graphic designer who sat with me for innumerable hours going over layout and photos. My hope is that those who graciously take the time to read Wookie Is Not His Real Name enjoy gaining insight into the local guy who continues to make an impact on everyone he comes in contact with, who became the unofficial ambassador of Beaver Creek and who changed my life. What does “abundance” mean to you? Abundance means having so much of something it’s undeniable. Wookie exudes abundance in a variety of ways, including his ability to get along with people from all types of backgrounds, his athletic prowess, creativity and going out of his way for others. He’s a friend, a son, a brother, a significant other and a father. He brings an abundance of courage, love and strength to every aspect of his life. I’ve had a front row seat for the last two decades and still find it remarkable. +

Where to find Wookie Is Not His Real Name in Eagle County: ArtSpace Workshop + Gallery The Bookworm of Edwards Buzz’s Boards Colorado Snowsports Museum Fancy Pansy and R Farmers Market The Scarab Transition Sports

art + music

Max Rowe

Finding Flow Through Art + Skiing

M Read more about our cover artist on page 14!

ax Rowe takes skiing to the next level in his fun, poppy art collections. Rowe describes himself as “in search of flow.” He does this through skiing and art; for him, finding flow is a release into a state of presence with his mind and body by letting go and accepting what’s coming his way. Rowe relates and contextualizes a lot of his reality through skiing and illustrates this through his paintings. “I like to depict that specific moment of action when the skier is really focused, but there is a lot of action around,” he says. For him, this is a great representation of flow. He does this through bold colors and dark lines similarly found in his influ-

ences of graphic art and comics. He also admits to painting very impressionistically based on his influences of the natural beauty around him. “I’m painting the way I see these things,” Rowe comments. Having grown up in Colorado, Rowe believes nature naturally gets conveyed through his artwork and is his biggest muse. Rowe’s series of work has included paintings of mountain tops, animals, yoga poses, skiers and riders. “I’m really interested in ski art currently, but I will continue evolving,” he shares. “That’s the fun thing about art,” he adds. “As I continue to grow and learn more about the world and myself, my art changes as well. It’s something that always keeps me invested in doing it for myself.”

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PHOTOS BY MAX ROWE

by Kaitlin Emig

Rowe also finds influences in professional skiers, because they are masters of their craft. “Skiing has always been a way for me to understand the world and interpret my surroundings,” Rowe says. Rowe grew up skiing Vail on the weekends, and after graduating from the University of Colorado, he returned to the mountains to teach skiing at Vail for many years. Skiing became deeply rooted in his identity just as much as painting. Rowe also grew up taking painting lessons from a neighbor and went on to earn a studio art degree in college. “I’ve always seen myself as an artist,” he says, “not just through my drawing and painting but the way that I approach skiing has always been a natural way for me to express myself.” Even though Rowe isn’t skiing 100 days of the year like he used to, he still finds it shapes his view of everything he does. “When I paint a skier or snowboarder, I feel a different sort of connection to the culture and lifestyle than when actually doing it,” he explains. “Skiing can be a very individualized sport, but by painting skiing, I can connect with

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many people through my art, and that is very meaningful, too,” he adds. He enjoys seeing people’s reactions to his art — especially children who seem to enjoy the bright colors. He hopes to inspire them to share the same passion and to keep skiing alive in an era where we are slowly seeing the effects of climate change. “If my work inspires young people to care about skiing, then they will in turn also care about sustainability and the environment, because skiing is instinctively linked to that,” he says. In 2017, Rowe journeyed to Japan to guide skiing trips and search for flow within their renowned powder. He enjoyed observing their ski culture and worked on building a ski guiding business. After a couple winters there, he returned to Colorado and married his wife, Charlotte, who he met while abroad. They currently live in Avon where Rowe can be spotted painting at the AvonLive summer concert series and the local art festivals, as well as at the Royal Street Fine Art Gallery in Aspen. +

Skiing can be a very individualized sport, but by painting skiing, I can connect with many people through my art, and that is very meaningful, too.

Rowe’s work can be found online at maxflowart.com or Instagram @maxflowart.

art + music

Bravo! Vail Bridging Gaps in Music Education By Lexi Reich

A SYMPHONY OF DIVERSITY Beginning June 20, 2024, the 37th Bravo! Vail Festival promises an array of performances that celebrate the diversity of classical music. The festival kicks off with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería residency, presenting a lineup that spans traditional classical compositions to vibrant Mexican-inspired works. Mark your calendars now! Highlights of the festival include the following Orchestral Series Concertsat Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater:

bravovail.org

s the 2024 Bravo! Vail Music Festival gears up for its 37th year, it continues to celebrate the power of music to inspire, educate and bring communities together. This year's festivities are set to kick off with a season announcement concert and celebration event on Jan. 30, 2024 at Donovan Pavilion in Vail. SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT Bravo! Vail executive director Caitlin Murray and artistic director Anne-Marie McDermott will be on hand to unveil the lineup for the upcoming festival, set to run from June 20 to Aug. 1, 2024. Highlighting the event will be a performance by members of Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería, who are in town for a winter residency. Christy Pierce, Bravo! Vail communication and grants specialist, says that this is not just a concert, but a testament to Bravo! Vail's commitment to making music accessible to all. Following the season announcement concert, these musicians will embark on a mission to inspire the next generation through outreach performances at local schools on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2024. MUSIC MAKERS HACIENDO MÚSICA Bravo! Vail's dedication to music education is further exemplified by the Music Makers Haciendo Música program. Catering to

students in grades 2-12 in the Eagle and Lake County school districts, this after-school program offers instruction in violin, piano and ensemble playing. “Music is the only subject that stimulates all parts of the brain, creating and establishing important pathways that will allow a student to access them their entire lives,” Bravo! Vail director of education and engagement Aileen Pagán-Rohwer says. “It is a known and researched fact that students who are consistently involved in music perform better on academic requirements as well as function at a higher level in group activities.” With a focus on accessibility, the program provides full scholarships and low-cost instrument rentals, ensuring that economic circumstances never hinder a student's ability to pursue their musical passions. Piere emphasizes this initiative addresses a significant gap in music education, particularly at the elementary school level, where fewer than half of the participating schools have a full-time music teacher. Through Music Makers Haciendo Música, approximately 300 students are given the opportunity to explore their musical talents and develop lifelong skills. “Our ensembles provide the only extracurricular music ensembles offered to advanced students in the entire county,” Pierce says.

June 20, 2024, 6 p.m. Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería performs Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, Eroica and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, featuring Anne-Marie McDermott on piano and led by Carlos Miguel Prieto. June 22, 2024, 6 p.m. Guitarist Pablo Sainz Villegas, cantaora Esperanza Fernández and flamenco dancer Isaac Tovar join Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería under the direction of Carlos Miguel Prieto in a Spanish and French-inspired program, including works by Ravel, Radrigo and de Fallas. June 24, 2024, 6 p.m. Carlos Miguel Prieto and the Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería present a Mexican-inspired program featuring renowned trumpeter Pacho Flores performing Paquito De Rivera and his own Cantos y Revueltas, alongside works by Gabriela Ortiz, Ginastera and Arturo Márquez. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra residency will follow, taking place from June 26 to July 1, 2024, and rooted in ensuring that every concertgoer experiences a diverse and memorable musical journey. The Bravo! Vail team explains that this year’s festival is not only a celebration of music but also a testament to the power of education and accessibility in the world of classical music. And, with educational initiatives like Music Makers Haciendo Música, Bravo! Vail says it will continue its mission to inspire and nurture the next generation of music enthusiasts in the Valley. +

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style for the season

Classic + Cool Style for Men Versatile, Euro-Inspired Fashion for Voyages of All Types by T.J. Voboril

Aigle x Centre Pompidou Long Hooded Fishtail MTD Two arbiters of French culture unite in a capsule collection featuring the instantly recognizable Mondrian print. This long coat with a fishtail hem will not only keep you protected from the elements but will no doubt turn heads. $285 aigle.com

Johnnie-O Andre Knit Shacket A super versatile and sleek knit piece that will gracefully transition from winter into spring. The weight makes it perfect for traveling, while its mix of classic bones and modern circular pockets elevates it to a wardrobe staple. $198 Ptarmigan Sports

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOCAL RETAILERS

Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Crew This layer gives fisherman’s sweater vibes but with the technical features and reliability for which Patagonia has long been known. The oat tan color matches everything; it would not be surprising if you wore this multiple times a week. $99 Ptarmigan Sports

A.P.C. Dundee Sweater Chic Parisians have long turned to A.P.C. for its understated grace and exemplary craftsmanship. To charm that special someone, cop this turtleneck sweater to stand out from the crowd of flannels. $335 apc-us.com

style for the season Denham Razor Dark Soft Wash Slim Fit Every man needs one great pair of jeans; turn to the Dutch masters of effortless cool for high-quality denim that keeps getting better with age, just like you. If you want to splurge, check out their Italian and Japanese-made offerings. $185 denham.com

Kemo Sabe 1.5” Wax Comanche Belt Located in the heart of Vail Village, Kemo Sabe is renowned for its Western wear, but belts like their goat skin Comanche model can anchor any style outfit, melding seamlessly with preppy, skater, Euro and other aesthetics. $125

Oveja Negra Portero Roll-Top Backpack Homegrown in Salida, Oveja Negra makes excellent biking bags, but this colorful Serape roll-top is an essential statement piece to carry gear of any sort, whether voyaging, commuting or heading to the climbing gym. $165

Kemo Sabe Vail

ovejanegrabikepacking.com

Vans Half-Cab Gore-Tex MTE-3 Shoe

Ridge Wallet The Platonic ideal of a wallet: slim, protective with RFIDblocking, indestructible, easy to use and stylish. The plethora of material and color choices make it easy to find the right combination to fit your life. $125

These kicks exude that inimitable Vans style and possess critical weatherproof and traction features for your wintertime needs. Or, if you want a truly unique pair of après-ski shoes, consider customizing a pair of similarly weatherproof Sk8-Hi MTE-1s using Vans’ Customs program. $170 vans.com

Ptarmigan Sports

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Scotch & Soda Slim Tapered Yarn-Dyed Check Chino From the funky minds at Amsterdam-based Scotch and Soda come these flattering and bold pants that will pair just as well with a navy cardigan as they will with a t-shirt and blazer for that hot date or big meeting. $148 scotchandsoda.com

Featured Local Retailers Ptarmigan Sports 137 Main St. #C-104 Edwards ptarmigansports.com Kemo Sabe Vail 227 Bridge St. Vail kemosabe.com

Pullin Men’s Trunk Fashion 2 Vinio Keep a reminder of the important things close to your skin with these printed undies from French purveyor Pullin. Even if you aren’t able to make it to Paris this year, you will still have these to inspire your future wine adventures. $50 pull-in.com

Lafaurie Eluard Jacket Fumee and Club Polo Shirt Arctique Cut a dashing figure in this unstructured, smoky-colored blazer layered over this icy-blue long-sleeved polo with the rakish collar from French artisans Lafaurie. You probably need a cool scarf to complete the ensemble; maybe pick one up at a market on your travels. $375/$95 us.lafaurieparis.com

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maker

Tessa Clogs

A Daughter’s Tribute to Her Mother’s Homegrown Art Business by Amalia Manning

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

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TESSA CLOGS

Being the middle daughter of Tessa rom early on in her life, Tessa Manning, I have had my share of colorManning knew she wanted to ful clogs from as early as I can remembe an artist when she grew up. ber and consider myself to be an expe“An artist, a skier and a milrienced clog wearer, whether that be lionaire,” she laughs. while hiking, after skiing or anywhere While she hasn’t exactly achieved around the town. Based out of the Vail all her childhood dreams, Manning has Valley, Tessa Clogs offers distinctive come close, with years of telemark shoes, clothing and other gifts from the skiing under her belt along with her heart of Minturn. own artistic business, Tessa Clogs. The However, clog-making was not the company combines Manning’s pasfirst thing on her mind when coming sion for creating and painting with her to the area. As with most people who Swedish heritage to provide carefully moved to Vail, Manning left her home in crafted, one-of-a-kind clogs to all her WolfSweden People to visit and explore Colorado’s customers, myself included.

ski culture and mountain adventures. It wasn’t until years later she realized there might be a place for her here in the business of clog painting and making. “I had just started painting my own clogs, and people always commented on them, so then I thought I better start doing it to sell,” Manning explains. Thus, with the help of her husband Chris Manning, Swedish Clog Cabin was born. “At this point, all the clogs were imported from Sweden, and I just hand painted them,” she recalls of her earlier days with the Swedish Clog Cabin and Tessa Clogs business. Many of these painted clogs would include intricate flowers, animals and traditional Swedish designs. As the business continued to grow, Manning kept on creating things, from sewing clothing and painting gifts to much more. “I had started making my own sandals by hand without machines,” Manning shares. “I started teaching myself, figuring it out by knowing how to sew clothes. I learned how to make clogs just with my hands and some hammers, and it kind of progressed from there.” Soon after, Manning bought a collection of clog-making machines and opened a small factory in the Meadow Mountain Business Park. Just before the COVID pandemic hit, Swedish Clog Cabin had lost its storefront, and the Tessa Clogs business made a full transition into the factory with an accompanying showroom. With help from the prior factory owners and her personal dedication, Manning learned how to produce clogs from scratch. “Having my own factory to actually make the clogs myself has enabled me to start making a lot of different styles,” she shares. “It has also allowed me to do all kinds of color combinations which I hadn’t been able to do when we imported them from Sweden,” she adds. “Our clogs have become a lot more customizable as a result,” Manning explains. She works very closely with her customers to provide them with personalized products. “A lot of people come in and specifically choose what

they want — leather, shearling, paint design, colors, edge bands — so then I can make up exactly what they ask for,” she says. “And that’s the part that I really love, being able to bring my ideas and my customers’ ideas and creativity to life,” Manning shares. However, with such a limited crowd of people to ask regarding this specialized market, Manning has had to learn a lot on her own. “I’ve always been creative, but making clogs forces me to be especially creative, because sometimes there are no good solutions, and I have to come up with my own,” Manning shares. “Clog-making isn’t that common. You can’t just look up how to do something, because there’s not many people that make clogs,” she continues. “I learn new things every day, all the

time. There is never a dull moment.” Between the planning, cutting, molding and so forth, the process can be quite time-consuming. Despite the mental and physical demands of the clog-making process, the equipment has enabled Manning to produce tons of new styles and explore hundreds of different concepts. “To be able to create new things and new styles is my favorite. And, it never gets boring, because there are always challenges and so many new things I can create,” says Manning. + To learn more about her business, explore styles and more, visit Manning’s factory showroom in the Meadow Mountain Business Park in Minturn, or view her website at tessaclogs.com.

road trip

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIA CLARKE

Bryce Canyon

The Narrows

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

Utah National Parks Road Trip

A 3-Stop Visit to Red Rock Country by Julia Clarke

owering sandstone cliffs provide welcome shade from the late afternoon sun as we stroll along the wash, our boots kicking up dust deep in the desert canyon. We pass by ancient petroglyphs and precarious red rock arches that provide a striking contrast against the unbroken blue sky. Capitol Reef is the first stop on our Utah National Parks road trip. Though it’s technically possible to see all of the state’s five National Parks in a day, we’ve opted to enjoy three over a week. We leave Vail at 9 a.m. and drive without stopping to Green River where we stretch our legs and fuel up before continuing south on 24, making a beeline for the three jewels of southern Utah: Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion.

Capitol Reef

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STOP 1: CAPITOL REEF Capitol Reef is best known for The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile geological feature that essentially looks like a massive wrinkle in the earth. There is no ancient coral reef here leftover from some distant age when Utah was an ocean; it was named for the white domes of Navajo Sandstone that resemble those found on state capitol buildings, while “reef” refers to the rocky cliffs which form a barrier to travel, like those in the ocean. We arrive at 3 p.m., and the sandstone still radiates a ferocious heat

that’s built up over the course of the day. With plenty of daylight left to explore, we hit the Capitol Gorge Trail to stretch out our legs from the long drive. The trailhead is reached by way of an eight-mile scenic drive, where millenia of geological history reveals itself in complex layers. In minutes, we arrive at ancient messages carved into the rock by historic residents of the area before continuing on to scramble around The Tanks, hollowed out pockets of rock formed by water erosion. Afterwards, we head to Fruita Campground, the only developed campground in the park and, in the morning, take a more adventurous trek on the Chimney Rock Loop for 360-degree views of the Fold. STOP 2: BRYCE CANYON After another night at Capitol Reef, we head south on 12, skirting the edge of the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument and reaching Bryce Canyon a little less than three hours later. Bryce Canyon is famous for being home to the world’s largest collection of hoodoos — tall, thin rock spires. For those on a schedule, Bryce lends itself to a shorter day trip, and we do just that, enjoying an easy mile-long saunter from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point and back. The trail meanders along the rim of the Amphitheater, and if you squint your eyes, the view down at the rock forma-

road trip Kucu

tions is almost like gazing down at the remnants of the Roman Forum. These structures, however, are entirely crafted by Mother Nature.

The Subway

Angel's Landing

STOP 3: ZION After lunch, it’s time for the main attraction of this trip: Zion National Park. Zion is Utah’s first and most-visited National Park, meaning that the best way to enjoy it these days is to secure permits and reservations in advance. Only 70 miles from Bryce, the park centers around mesmerizing Zion Canyon, a 15-mile chasm carved by the Virgin River that cuts up to 2,640 feet deep into the earth, leaving sheer sandstone walls and surprising sparkling waterfalls, emerald rock pools and hanging gardens. We feast on Tex Mex at Oscar’s Café in Springdale before heading to Watchman Campground to set up our home for the next three nights. On our first full day, we’ve secured permits to hike Angel’s Landing, a 1,488foot tall rock formation occupying the Big Bend of Zion Canyon that is the park’s most popular and most dangerous hike. A precarious trail to the top takes you up a hair-raising narrow rock fin, gaining 1,500 feet in elevation in only 2.5 miles. The strenuous hike is single file and requires the use of chains in parts, and at the top, we are treated to spectacular views of the Canyon. On day two, we’d hoped to hike The Narrows from the top down, but we missed out on permits. However, you can explore this narrowest section of the gorge from the bottom up without permits, so we start at the bottom and wade through the frigid currents of the Virgin River, gaping at the striped rock walls that tower over a thousand feet high. On our final day, we pull on our harnesses and lower ourselves into the Subway, a semi-technical slot canyon. This otherworldly underground canyon involves nearly 10 miles of exhilarating hiking, scrambling, rappelling and swimming. Emerging above ground, grinning like a maniac, I’m convinced of one thing: Utah is the most underrated state in the union. +

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stay f o r t h e u n e x p e c t e d

225 Wall Street #103A • Vail • 970-763-5101

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

getaway

Make Like a Bird and Fly South

Recover from Ski Season in a Jungle Hideaway Off the Coast of Panama

olitude helps when you want to portray your resort as a jungle hideaway, and Bird Island Bungalow is about as secluded as you can get. Tucked away on the north shore of Isla Colón, the main island in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago of Panama, this tropical gem promises to soothe all that ails you after a long ski season. We’ve taken the leisurely route from Denver, stopping off for a few days in Panama City to explore the capital city’s historic Casco Viejo district, sampling ceviche in the seafood market and mar-

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF BIRD ISLAND BUNGALOWS + TR CREATIVE

by Julia Clarke

veling at the feat of engineering that is the Panama Canal. After a few days sweating it out in the crowds, we’re ready to feel the Caribbean breeze. Leaving the high rises and thumping rooftop nightclubs behind, we board the 30-minute flight to Bocas Del Toro airport and soon touch down on a short landing strip surrounded by jungle in the middle of the sea. Alex Paulson, co-owner of Bird Island Bungalows, picks us up, and soon we’re driving on a dirt track through dense jungle. Howler monkeys herald our arrival from the thick canopy of ficus and nutmeg trees, and there’s a lengthy stop to allow a sloth time to cross the road. While we wait, Paulson describes the herculean effort of buying the abandoned property with his partner Kath Boehlke and spending the past couple of years transforming the half-built shell into an island oasis. The couple worked by hand with help from locals to construct the eco-resort, which now comprises nine suites, three bungalows and a yoga shala that all run entirely off rainwater and solar energy. When the sloth completes its glacial crossing, we’re off again and soon pull up outside a mint green two-story building with an open corridor through the center that lets in a constant sea breeze. We kick off our shoes, no longer required, and pad up the terracotta-tiled steps from where we can see straight through to the turquoise water and Bird Island, a natural habitat for the rarely-seen redbilled Tropicbird, frigates, brown pelicans

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and many other avian treasures. Boehlke materializes with glasses of bubbly, and we set off to explore the resort. The rooms, which have fitting names like the Toucan and Pelican suite, are devastatingly minimalistic, all floaty white linen and reclaimed driftwood, practically begging you to forget you’ve ever worn a pair of ski boots. For a little more money, you can bag yourself a casita and enjoy an outdoor shower and a private patio to cool off at the end of the day. Expansive ocean-view decks are big enough for yoga classes, and the rainwater pool is outfitted with submerged bar stools where you can sip a cocktail when the surf below is too high for swimming. For quietude, head to a smaller deck hidden among the palm trees where you can read a book, swing in a hammock or watch the waves rolling in. We quickly unpack and head down a set of steps to the resort’s small private beach, where kayaks and surfboards are set up for guests to enjoy. We opt for snorkeling and wade into the warm water to swim among tropical fish, crabs and orange starfish. Feeling peckish after our aquatic adventures, we soon join the handful of other guests at the open-air bar where mellow reggae music drifts from the speakers and palm trees sway in time. The vibe is communal but low-key. Paulson and Boehlke, who seem to materialize from nowhere whenever you feel thirsty, get to work blitzing rum and ice with bananas picked from the garden. As we sip, they explain with pride how all of their food and drinks are made with ingredients from the lush, 12-acre jungle garden and local meat and seafood. Stomachs growling, we head up to the dining deck, where options like fish tacos, ahi tuna bowls and Vietnamese summer rolls are written on a chalkboard. We try it all and discover giant, colorful portions made with astonishingly fresh ingredients — the type of mouth-watering food it

would be a crime not to photograph. Bellies full, we climb higher to the sunset deck and watch the sun plunge into the sea with a sizzle. Then, it’s back to the bar for some late-night camaraderie before collapsing in our breezy rooms to be lulled to sleep by the waves below. In the morning, we’re spoilt for choice — do we kayak out to Bird Island? Take a bus to Starfish Beach and sip beer on the white sands? Hike through the jungle? Take a private boat out on Dolphin Bay to look for dolphins leaping through the crystal-clear waters? After a little consideration, we decide to take the resort’s official advice: put off today what can be left till tomorrow, and enjoy another day in paradise. + BIRD ISLAND BUNGALOWS Where: Bocas del Toro, Panama Getting there: Daily flights to Bocas del Toro from Panama City, Panama and San Jose, Costa Rica Nightly rate: $85-$150 per night, includes breakfast and shuttle

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Exploring the Abundance of the Old Country A Family-Friendly European Vacation

hen your home life is a constant outdoor-focused vacation, when your kids have been born into a community fueled by tourism, it makes leaving the Valley to gain perspective that much more of an imperative. This winter or spring break, you have many options, but for the balance of accessibility, depth and fun with kids, it is hard to beat the triumvirate of France, Belgium and the Netherlands and, specifically, their respective capital cities. Linked together by the high-speed Thalys rail, Paris (Gare du Nord), Brussels

(Bruxelles Midi) and Amsterdam (Schipol or Centraal) are easy to approach no matter your preferred airport/airline of entry. With only three hours between Paris and Amsterdam, with Brussels halfway in between, you can adventure in this region in any order. For our purposes though, let’s begin in Amsterdam and work our way south to Paris.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS Amsterdam, crisscrossed by canals, awash in flowers and possessing incredible bicycle infrastructure, is often

described as a large village, not quite a city. To Valley residents, it is still big, but navigating the city is very manageable. The Dutch will ride bikes no matter the weather, as the coastal climate begets not a small amount of rain, but the excellent tram network is also a good choice when the skies have opened. In terms of attractions, the city center is the common draw, with the big art museums (Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum will both blow young minds, but make sure to book in advance), Anne Frank House (generally suitable for children 10 and above, reservations required), canal tours (an interesting way to see the city)

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF T.J. VOBORIL

by T.J. Voboril

and heaps of boutiques, restaurants and cafés. To get a little more of a local flavor, consider staying in the Vondelpark area. This large park, still a short distance from the bustle of Museumplein, is a great place to have a picnic, soak in the rare sun or visit the multiple playgrounds with attached dining establishments like Melkhaus. The kids can run out their museum-fueled energy while parents enjoy a restoring coffee drink, refreshing mint tea or a craft beer. Amsterdam’s dining scene is a fun mashup of European, Caribbean and Asian influences. Foodhallen is a flexible option for the whole family to try both Dutch classics (bitterballen) and world cuisines in a lively environment, with choices for appetites fickle and daring. For a more upscale choice that is still welcoming to children, try Ron Gastrobar or any of their affiliated restaurants, including an Indonesian spot located on one of the city’s outer canals. A stop at Winkel 43 for decadent apple pie is sure to delight visitors of all ages, with the same result at Van Wonderen Stroopwaffels or the poffertjes stand at the Saturday Noordemarkt.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM Hold off on the fritjes in Amsterdam to save room for frites in Brussels. Also, prepare yourselves for a cavalcade of chocolate (Laurent Gerbaud is a master) and gaufres (ideally of the Liegeois variety). And, for the merely young at heart, the Brussels beer culture will warm on a cold day or satiate on a warm one. From the classic Trappist ales that pack a big punch to more modern beer styles, imbibing is a good way to take the edge off the stress of traveling with kids. Moeder Lambic is a choice spot to sample the beer spectrum, À la Bécasse for a more intimate, local vibe. The Grand Place is the most famous attraction of the city, proximate to that oddly captivating statue of Mannek-

en Pis. It is a worthy visit just to take in the scene and let the age of the buildings soak into the kids’ consciousness. Sometimes subtle exposure to history is more effective. Museums are great, but if you think that your kids’ eyes glaze over now, wait until you have dragged them through hours of (to them) interminable and inscrutable exhibits. That said, Mini-Europe is surprisingly enjoyable and the Atomium holds a nostalgic place in my heart. The Sablon is an ideal place to stay. Not only do these blocks house every purveyor of fine chocolates and speculoos to jumpstart the kids’ sugar high (Leonidas, Pierre Marcolini, Mary’s, Maison Dandoy, just to begin) but this area has a central location with a slight remove from the mayhem of the main drag. There is a beautiful old church anchoring the space, and the walk to Parc Bruxelles, or almost anywhere, is super pleasant, assuming that it is not raining.

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3. PARIS, FRANCE Paris is singular, complex, a dream even as it confounds. It is a city of lore and for extremely good reason; it has a story to tell every visitor, a message that will remain far after one departs. All of the arrondissements have their charms, but the safest bet for a quick hop is the 5th or 6th. These two adjacent neighborhoods have the right mix of charm, proximity to main sites and excellent shopping, dining, drinking and café vibes. Despite being cliché, you should visit at least one art museum. Centre Pompidou usually takes second fiddle to the Louvre, but I prefer the former, and maybe Musee d’Orsay and Musee de l’Orangerie as well, particularly with children. They are more compact, more

logical, less crowded and still house works of art that will stop you straight in your tracks. Le Petit Palais is free and also impressive. This is not a time to watch your kids’ diets or your own. Eat many croissants and a comical amount of other pastries, breads, cheeses, cornichons, forcemeats and those other delicacies over which the French obsess and in which you should delight. Try Mamiche for baked goods if you make it to the right side of the river; go to Hectar if you can leave the kids on their own or with a babysitter. Paris is as much about being still as it is about moving. Sit at a café with your family, and play cards while you watch humanity in all its glory and ignominy. Go to the Tuileries or Parc Buttes Chaumont and sit and talk, just like you will see the Parisians doing. It is a culture based on

collectivity, on communion over wine, on passionate discussion. Getting away from normal hierarchies (let your kids do a lot of planning with you, their decisions are important!), stepping outside of a routine, enjoying the presence of each other, these are the reasons that one travels, and Paris is an ideal place to capture this ethos. There is an understandable impulse, given how much there is to see in just these three cities, to be constantly on the move. I have suggested a loose itinerary in that vein. Packing a lot in is one form of appreciating abundance, but there is a countervailing impetus to perhaps pick one city and give it more attention. To begin to feel the rhythm of a place is to impart some special wisdom, knowledge useful to both you and your children. +

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I ce Bath s, C ryoth erap y + Wh ere to D ive In

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By Marianne Kipp

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Last winter, my husband tried to get me to do a cold plunge. I lasted 30 seconds, and there’s a video of me climbing out of the tub at Gravity Haus Vail saying, “This is terrible. Why would anyone do this?” Many months later, I understand a bit more why people do it — thanks to my favorite podcast The Deep Dive with Jessica St. Clair and June Diane Raphael for challenging listeners to do a single cold plunge. Since then, I’ve been cold plunging three to four times a week for three to four minutes at a time. “Really,” a friend asked me, “you?” Yes. Even me. CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ICE BATHS + COLD PLUNGING Winter swimming and ice bathing have a long, cross-cultural history. Although Scandinavian community ice baths became popular in the 1800s, it’s believed that the tradition began centuries before, and even as far back as the Finnish stone age. Ancient Greeks and Romans were known to use cold baths, as were ancient Japanese Samurai warriors. Cold plunging has roots in traditional healing practices across the world, and it is often viewed as part of a larger, sacred practice. Where one could see cold plunging as a social media trend (TikTok’s Jordan Ferrone has over 1.6 million followers watching his daily ice bath, and the platform’s #coldplunge tag has over 500 million views) or a fleeting movement in the wellness space, cold water immersion has a long history with devoted followers to the practice. From winter swimming being touted as a way to combat the winter blues to cold plunging being a method for invigorating the senses to achieve a natural high, there’s definitely something in the (cold) water. HEALTH BENEFITS TO COLD WATER IMMERSION Athletes have long used cold water immersion, or ice baths, as a way to recover following strenuous activity or helping to return to sport after an injury. Ice baths are believed to aid in muscle soreness and reduce inflammation. Targeted icing, like ice packs and

ice machines, are a proven tool to aid in recovery from injury or surgery. Because there have not been many studies related to the impacts of cold-water immersion and cold therapy, some of the presumed benefits — increasing metabolism, relieving stress — are theoretical. But these are based in science, nonetheless. WHAT IS BROWN FAT? While you’d expect something called brown fat to have a bad reputation in health and wellness discourse, it’s actually the opposite. According to Cleveland Clinic, brown fat — also referred to as brown adipose tissue — is “a type of body fat that regulates your body temperature in cold conditions.” This type of adipose tissue stores energy, and it activates in cold temperatures. Brown fat burns calories by creating heat right before the body begins to shiver. Because cold water immersion triggers one’s brown fat to activate, it is believed that regular cold-water immersion can increase metabolism. Moreover, researchers hypothesize that the practice of cold plunging can increase one’s brown fat, which allows for more tissue to help regulate glucose and fat metabolism. COOLING STRESS AWAY Cold plunging has a reputation for helping relieve stress and improve mood. Just look at Scandinavians who hype winter swimming as a way to cure the blues of long, dark winters by shocking the body into a happier state. But, how does that work? Cold exposure triggers the body into fight-or-flight mode. And, when the body is in that state, it releases stress hormones, elevating levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. That’s why many people describe the effects of cold plunge as a natural high. A scientific article from the International Journal of Circumpolar Health entitled “Winter Swimming Improves General Well-Being” demonstrated that, after a four-month period, swimmers who participated in the study had a decrease in tension, negative moods and fatigue.

The swimmers felt more energetic and active than control participants when the study was completed. Swimmers who had diagnoses of painful conditions like rheumatism reported that winter swimming had reduced their pain. Because winter swimming and cold therapy reduce inflammation, it makes sense that individuals would experience pain reduction from regular cold therapy. But, inflammation isn’t explicitly tied to physical health; it also promotes brain health. The combination of the fight-orflight response and inflammation reduction helps participants in the practice feel a reduction in stress. HOW-TO COLD PLUNGE The idea of cold plunging can be daunting — just watching videos of people plunging in icy water can send second-hand shivers through you. In my first attempt, the 30 seconds I lasted were painful. What I didn’t know at the time was that that first part of a plunge — the shock — is temporary. Once I attempted a three-minute plunge and got through those first painful seconds, it was really meditative. My timer went off, and that was it. The recommended temperature for a cold plunge is 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit) to achieve the presumed health benefits. While it’s up to the plunger on what temperature to soak in — many prefer icier water closer to freezing — there isn’t evidence of more health benefits from being in colder water. (This was great news for me.) My bathtub tap runs at 54 degrees, making my cold plunging something I can do right in my bathtub, without the need for extra equipment or ice. To achieve prolonged benefits from cold plunging, it’s recommended to accumulate 11 to 12 minutes during the course of a week. Four days of three-minute plunges each week hits a sweet spot for reaching cumulative benefits. OTHER TIPS Remember brown fat and how it activates just before the body starts to shiver? Shivering is a great marker for one’s longevity in a plunge; once the

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ACHIEVE PROLONGED BENEFITS It’s recommended to accumulate 11 to 12 minutes during the course of a week. Four days of three-minute plunges each week hits a sweet spot for reaching cumulative benefits.

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body begins to shiver (typically two to three minutes), the health benefits are reached. Staying in the plunge longer is not necessary, and experts don’t recommend staying in very cold water longer than 10 to 15 minutes. Plunge up to the chin. Submerging the neck in cold water stimulates the vagus nerve, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Air dry and get active! Although it may feel comforting reaching for a fluffy towel post-plunge, letting the body come back to its normal temperature on its own prolongs the effect of the plunge. Doing something active right away, like squats or jumping jacks, increases blood flow and furthers the benefits of the cold soak. It’s recommended to plunge early in the day because of its energizing benefits. SAFETY TIPS Because cold water immersion shocks the system, it can have dangerous effects on individuals with heart conditions. It is recommended that people with heart conditions or diabetes do not attempt cold therapy. The closer to freezing temperatures,

the riskier a plunge can be. Wearing protective hand and feet coverings is recommended in very, very cold water. Prolonged exposure in the extremities can lead to extreme sensitivity to cold, so it’s important to take precautions. WHAT IS CRYOTHERAPY? Cold plunging isn’t the only cold therapy game in town. Cryotherapy is the medical term for using cold temperatures for a health benefit. It can include everything from freezing away warts to removing diseased tissue inside the body. Where cold plunging involves full-body immersion, cryotherapy is often used for more localized treatments. A COLD YOU WANT TO CATCH If you told me a year ago that I would be writing this article from the perspective of a person who has embraced cold plunging, I wouldn’t have believed you. But, I’ve found that regular cold plunging has given me energy and clarity. Whether you’re looking for a (literally) immersive experience or something more targeted, it might be time for you to catch the cold. +

Recovery Lab Vail, located in the Ritz Carlton in Lionshead, offers a variety of recovery treatments, including cryotherapy. Kordi Brown shared that where cold plunging is often linked to longterm lifestyle changes, visitors to the lab are looking for something more immediate. “Most people who do cryotherapy are looking for quick recovery,” she shares. “We work with a lot of people who have experienced an acute trauma on the mountain or are recovering from surgery and looking to accelerate their healing process.” Cryotherapy is used locally to reduce inflammation. It’s similar to icing or ice machines, but it’s more targeted and quicker. Kordi gave me a treatment, applying the cryo device to my wrist for about eight minutes. It was very cold — reaching -8 degrees — but not unbearable. A soothing ultrasound liquid provided a nice buffer to the skin while she moved the device around the wrist and forearm. The treatment was cold but soothing. Depending on the injury, visitors to Recovery Lab Vail may do several treatments or one or two. People often include the lab’s hyperbaric chamber as part of their treatment plan, accelerating the healing timeline. Recovery Lab also has IV therapy, an oxygen bar, compression treatments and more; it offers patrons an expansive line of services with the goal of quick, accelerated recoveries.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF RECOVERY LAB

LOCAL CRYOTHERAPY AT RECOVERY LAB VAIL

From

Local to

Tourist A Former Local Visits Vail as a Tourist, and Discovers a Magical New World By Julia Clarke

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIA CLARKE

Most people visit Vail as a tourist then move here; I did things the other way around. It’s April 2022, and my boyfriend and I are walking through Vail Village while fat, fluffy flakes drift down around us. Still recovering from lockdown and a lackluster snow season, town feels deserted, and we seem to be the only ones heading up despite five inches of overnight snow. The gondola whisks us through low clouds and out the other side where the Gore Range suddenly bursts into view, resplendent in the morning sunlight. For two days, it’s been obscured from view by the storm, and this is our first glimpse. I squeal and Jim’s jaw drops in amazement. It’s his first time in Colorado, so it’s natural for him to be impressed, but why am I acting like I’ve never seen it before? I did, after all, call this place home for over a decade. Because, after years of being a local, I’m finally experiencing the place as a tourist, and it’s a whole new adventure. As a “local,” I lived where most locals do — in that far flung outpost on the distant edge of civilization known as Edwards. Skiing Vail on a powder day meant a white-knuckle encounter with I-70, endlessly circling the chaotic parking structure, battling my way past throngs of tourists and getting clocked in the head by someone’s skis on the way to the gondola. I’d squeeze as many laps in as I could in two hours before the costly parking shutter slammed down. For me, the Village was a place to avoid if possible, brace against when work required it and extricate myself from quickly. Today, it's a wonderland of fun and adventure, and I covet the short, dreamy stroll from our temporary home, the Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer. Then there’s the skiing; I’ll be honest,

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After a full day of skiing — another thing I haven’t entertained in years — we shuffle back to the hotel, grinning widely. Shopkeepers call out as we pass, wanting to know how our day was, and the hotel concierge insists on lighting the fire for us. We’re easily the poorest tourists ever to have come to Vail, but we feel like royalty.

though I lived here until 2020, I haven’t held a ski pass for years. Long ago, I traded the crowds and expense of resort skiing for skinning, powering myself uphill in exchange for a single, quiet run down. I loved the peace of backcountry skiing, but somewhere along the way, I formed the impression that resort skiing really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Now, I’m seriously starting to wonder if those chemtrails I always heard about in Vail were real and if they were dusting us with some kind of delusion drug. From the top of Avanti, we start cruising along Eagle’s Nest Ridge, a little rusty from two years of lockdown. It’s just a catwalk, but with wide open Rocky Mountain vistas and sweeping runs in all directions, it’s crystal clear to me why people drop a small mortgage to come here. After a few runs to get our legs back, we start ex-

ploring the back bowls, and without any sense of urgency, it’s utterly magical. After a full day of skiing — another thing I haven’t entertained in years — we shuffle back to the hotel, grinning widely. Shopkeepers call out as we pass, wanting to know how our day was, and the hotel concierge insists on lighting the fire for us. We’re easily the poorest tourists ever to have come to Vail, but we feel like royalty. A ski holiday in Vail isn’t something I ever thought I’d do, and even on a tight budget, it’s seriously stretching us, but by the end of the week, we’re excitedly planning our next visit, talking about bringing the kids and indulging in fantasies about coming out for a season. Fortunately, for the kids and our wallets, there are enough ludicrous elements to keep us tethered to reality, the exis-

tence of fur coats for starters. The ungodly price of a meal means our evenings consist of sharing a sandwich from Joe’s Deli and walking around town playing a game we call “Spot the Most Absurdly-Priced Menu Item” (the Red Lion wins, with $12 chips and salsa — bold). Then, there's the mystery of finding any fresh fruit anywhere, even at breakfast. One rogue staff member does smuggle some orange slices from the bar on our first morning, but the following day he’s disappeared from service, and we’re informed this loophole was an unfortunate oversight and has now been secured. Nearing the end of the week, as the scurvy is setting in, we discover bananas in a café. Snatching up four, I hand over nearly $15. I’m pretty sure that included two hot chocolates, but to this day, Jim still

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PHOTO COURTESY OF HOTEL GASTHOF GRAMSHAMMER

Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer

tells people that bananas cost $3 each in Vail, Colorado. The place will never live it down. As the days wear on, it’s difficult to ignore another inescapable truth: most of the guests aren’t having much fun. At breakfast, a young couple sits solemnly across from each other with their earbuds firmly embedded, resisting all eye contact, while a nearby family spends the entire meal bickering. We quietly balk at a grown woman throwing a world-class tantrum on Lower Lion’s Way over her husband skiing black diamonds while her bemused toddler looks on quizzically. The truth, it seems, is that no vacation can hold up to the staggering weight of expectation that a Vail vacation costs. At these prices, the food should make you immortal, the lift ticket should give you wings, the airport shuttle should take seconds. Us though? We suspend disbelief and have the time of our lives. Vail might not exactly be like no place on earth — when you’re jet lagged, it’s confusingly like a lot of alpine ski resorts — but the skiing is sublime, the Village positively enchanting in the alpenglow and the (mostly) friendly local workers make us feel like we belong. One day, too tired to ski anymore, we visit the Colorado Snowsports Museum, something I’ve embarrassingly managed to overlook until now. Discovering the 10th Mountain Division and the brilliant masterminds behind the resort is fascinating, so much so that we stay and watch the film a second time, marinating in their enthusiasm. Meanwhile, the resort, much reviled for its “corporate greed mentality,” is happy to refund our tickets for the day. I moved here from New York in 2009, seeking the mountains and their reputed good tidings. I thought I was doing it right living like a local, but instead, by the time I left, I was so burned out I could barely see what makes the place special. Seeing it through new eyes, I finally get it. Growing up, my family and I would vacation in a seaside resort in Spain. Every summer, a group of school kids were brought down from Madrid as part of a government initiative to see the sea for the first time. It occurs to me now that Vail might want to try something similar but for locals. Ferry us in from our distant outposts in Avon, Edwards and Eagle to spend a night or two in the Village. We could tax tourists to pay for the program, and locals could finally see what it’s really like to sleep at the base of the gondola, saunter over to the chair and ski as long as you want. I know it’s a pipe dream, but I bet it would make for an even happier valley. +

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Evolution of the

Rotary Club of Vail Placing Community + Service Above Self

By Kimberly Nicoletti

HISTORY OF VAIL’S ROTARY CLUB On July 29, 1970, locals chartered the Rotary Club of Vail; Chicago attorney Paul P. Harris originally founded the international organization in 1905 as one of the world’s first service organizations. Rotary now stands at 1.4 million people strong, within 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. Throughout the decades, Rotary Club of Vail has evolved; it’s about half the size of its original count but much more diverse, and its substantial impact has remained. Back when Vail was a

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF VAIL ROTARY CLUB

For more than 53 years, the Rotary Club of Vail has promoted a sense of community among members and, more importantly, has served the community, making it a strong and vibrant place to live and work. And now, there’s a new way to participate in Rotary locally. Impact by Rotary Club of Vail launched in March 2023 and has drawn more than 20 members who wouldn’t have otherwise become involved in the traditional Rotary club due to expenses ($225 a quarter) and weekly meetings. Impact by Rotary Club Vail allows members to pay a reduced

fee of $40 a quarter and focus more on service projects. “It’s for people who just want to do service work and not sit in meetings,” says former president Penny Wilson, who launched the initiative — the first in Colorado — after hearing about a Rotary club in South Carolina that offered the alternative. As legit members of Rotary Club of Vail, Impact members can attend weekly meetings at 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Manor Vail Hotel whenever they desire, and if they want to stay for breakfast, they simply pay for the meal. “If you aren’t sure about Rotary, come along and check it out.” Impact members may also gather every so often to plan projects or simply to socialize. “It makes it easy to enter into Rotary without a huge financial or time commitment,” says longtime Vail Rotary member Bill Wilto. “It’s a good option for young people to help with different activities. Anyone who wants to help out is encouraged to join.”

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fledging ski town, Rotary drew about a hundred professionals, because no other clubs existed. But in those days, the international organization mandated that only one high-level representative from each profession could belong to a local charter, because Harris didn’t want it to become a breakfast club for attorneys, as Wilto describes it. And, women weren’t allowed. Rotary Club of Vail set out to change that last sexist barrier immediately. At a 1970s conference in Crested Butte, attendees booed then-president Jan Strauch for advocating for female club members, he says. Only Vail, Aspen and Glenwood Springs supported allowing women. “We were very vocal in getting women involved at regional events,” Strauch says. “Without the women, the club would have died. They volunteer and help the social mechanism.” Or, as Wilto puts it, “If anything, it should be all women in the club; they get more things done.” Vail’s local chapter couldn’t officially allow women until 1989 when Rotary’s Council on Legislation voted to admit them. Since then, several women have served as president of Rotary Club of Vail, including Wilson, who joined the local chapter when she moved to Vail nine years ago.

“It gave us instant community and instant connection. The Valley can be a hard place to move to. You’ve really got to get involved,” she says. “If you’re looking for local community connection, it definitely gives you that. When I’m out and about, I see Rotary members all the time.” BENEFITS OF ROTARY Rotary connects people locally, nationally and internationally; any member can attend meetings anywhere worldwide. In fact, sometimes Wilson contacts a local Rotarian president whenever she’s visiting a new town. “You become part of a worldwide community,” she says. “They’ll tell me about the best restaurants and what to see. I [experience] things I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.” Those strong connections, both locally and internationally, extend to fulfill Rotary’s overall mission, summed up in three words: Service over self. “Personally, it’s allowed me to do more as an individual than I could possibly do myself,” Wilto says, explaining how Vail’s local chapter may raise $2,000 for a water project in Guatemala, then ask the district to match that and then obtain a match of $4,000 from the national level. “Suddenly, it has a multiplying effect.” Vail’s main fundraiser occurs during

the Labor Day weekend Duck Race, where about 80% of the money benefits local projects and the remaining 20% supports international efforts. Locally, the club has supported The Cycle Effect, Community Market, SOS Outreach, Access Unbound, Foresight Ski Guides, Habitat for Humanity, Bright Future Foundation, highway cleanup and much more. It has provided dictionaries and other books to third graders, distributed anti-bullying materials to local kindergartens and annually offers $20,000-$25,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors. International projects primarily focus on water and sanitation projects in Central and South America and Africa, educating youth in South Sudan and helping doctors in other countries utilize an innovative treatment for clubfoot. It also participates in Rotary Youth Exchange, which sends local students overseas and brings foreign students to the Vail Valley for a school year. “We get behind anything we can that will promote international understanding and international peace,” Wilto says. For decades, Rotarians have sponsored PolioPlus, a commitment to eradicate polio worldwide. From 1988 to 2012, countries suffering from the polio epidemic decreased from 125 to only three, and now only two remain affected: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Locally, Rotarians still address it through fundraisers on World Polio Day, Oct. 24. From the very start, Rotary Club of Vail made huge strides. It provided one of the first scholarships to local students, facilitated installation of an emergency phone atop Vail Pass, supported the first safehouse in Gypsum, built the first bus shelter and helped fund the hospital, including financing a Chevy Suburban to act as an ambulance from Vail Resorts to the hospital. It also installed the flags on the International Bridge in Vail, which has left an enduring mark on the community, Wilto says. Members employed live auctions and eventually televised auctions when the local station started. Strauch was one of the creative minds who dreamed up various fundraising events, including a kids’ carnival in Lionshead.

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“Rotary provides a doorway for people to come with their special charities and needs,” Strauch says. “And, if there’s a fire, a kid with a problem, a family displaced or a need for fundraising in schools, there’s a place for that.” As the Valley continues to grow, so, too, does Rotary. After about 25 years in Rotary Club of Vail, Strauch moved to Wolcott and eventually organized Rotary in Edwards with about a half dozen others in 2004. As Wilson jokes, about the only difference between the Vail and Edwards clubs is Edwards’ includes a song master, so members sing at the beginning of the meeting. “We do not sing, but some have left Vail to join the club to sing,” she says good naturedly. Western Eagle Valley Rotary Club serves Eagle and Gypsum, and in 2022, the district organization honored it as

Small Club of the Year. All of the local clubs contribute to the food bank, offer scholarships, support foreign student exchange and participate in Rotary International projects, which, overall, revolve around promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, assisting mothers and children in need, supporting education, growing local economies and protecting the environment. For example, Western Eagle Valley Rotary Club has provided aid to Ukraine, installed clean water in Sri Lanka and Honduras and furthered Nicaraguan education. Edwards shares in the Duck Race fundraising, and occasionally, the three Rotary clubs hold joint meetings. Throughout the Valley — and worldwide — people of all walks of life join Rotary to build friendships and volunteer to make the world a better place for everyone. +

vailrotary.com

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Generosity in ABUNDANCE Vail Valle y Cares — Th e Th rifty Store By Sandy Ferguson Fuller | Illustrations by Becca Saulsberry

Good stories come from good stuff. Here’s one … Exploring the Vail Valley, it is reassuring to discover so many individuals and private or public organizations giving back to the local community. Generosity in abundance! One outstanding example is Vail Valley Cares (VVC), popularly known as The Thrifty Store. In 2024, VVC celebrates its 30th anniversary. Two store locations in Edwards and Eagle now welcome retail shoppers and a huge daily volume of inventory donations. Both stores have become “destinations” for budget or bargain hunters, eclectic item collectors, lifestyle downsizers or

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responsible recyclers and just about anyone looking for a fun and unique browsing and buying experience. If you visit Thrifty looking for a specific item, chances are you’ll find it … but a better chance that you will purchase several unexpected treasures! Looking for a pair of vintage leather or snow boots? If you’re lucky, you’ll find some your size. Maybe the right-size cooking dish, too. Need a different suitcase to fit under the seat for a single trip? Affordable framed artwork for the office? Some classic DVDs or vinyl? An array of bikes, skis, camping gear? Furniture? Fun jewelry? Clothes for

kids growing up too quick? Extra jeans or a jacket or an even softer sweater? A candle for a romantic evening? Good stuff. The Thrifty Store opened in 1994 in its current Edwards location under the direction of Jerry Milsaps, the blind pastor of Lake Creek Baptist Church, and his friend Pastor Benny Clark. Both gentlemen shared the heart and spirit to help others and began the enterprise without additional employees. The Vail Rotary Club offered a generous grant to guarantee the first year of operation, and the store repaid its initial support money within three months. During the early

days, the Thrifty Store cooperated closely with the local Salvation Army. Gradually, it evolved to assume its own identity as the Vail Valley Cares/Thrifty Store. Benny and Jerry (not to be mistaken for the famous ice cream entrepreneurs!) shared a vision — to give back to their community and to enable others to help others, to create generosity in abundance. Greg Osteen joined VVC in 1998 as executive director and still leads the way. For a decade, he has partnered with general manager Ryan Leingang, and they devote work together to sustain and grow this vital and successful community enterprise. Currently, VVC has about 27 regular staff members and countless volunteers, also open to community service applicants. Young Life Camp attendees often work at Thrifty to earn their way to a rewarding summer experience. The staff is as unique and welcoming as the merchandise, venturing to the Colorado mountains from points around the globe. At least three have stood atop Everest, including Sherpa Lhakpa. Several career employees have served VVC for over 20 years and deserve a nod. Gloria, in Edwards, first arrived at age 16, and now, she is a proud high schooler mom; brothers Saul and Luis are longtime, familiar, friendly faces; Sally, in Eagle, has worked for over two decades; and local veteran “Vailies” have contributed, including Phil Carter, who retired a few years ago. Customer service is superb at VVC/ Thrifty, frequently recognized with local awards. Of course, VVC always welcomes more help — currently looking to hire more drivers for their busy pickup and delivery trucks. Their first small red truck with wood paneling has been replaced by three large, white vehicles, frequently spotted around the Valley servicing residences and businesses. VVC recycles everything with TLC. Just about anything gets consideration, except most TVs or computers, because effectively recycling these items is tricky. In the early days, Osteen remembers that VVC sold and received back one couch five different times over several

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In 2000, Vail Valley Cares began distributing annual grants and scholarships earned from store donations to Eagle County nonprofit organizations and individuals at their annual breakfast. In 2023, VVC will announce $525,000 in 65 grants and $25,000 in scholarships to Colorado Mountain College. Closing 2023, the total amount of grants and scholarships funded since inception will be just under $6 million.

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Dine

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

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years. The asking price remained at $10 for each sale. Bottom line? $50 earned back and a worthy couch put to good use time and again! VVC promotes abundant ethics as a community business leader. Their stated mission includes: “Treating everyone with dignity and respect. Provide the best possible service to our donors and customers. Ensure quality in everything we do. Preserve and improve our environment, however possible.” Donations arrive in every shape and size, and VVC tries hard not to discard. However, they must set limits. About 20% of the goods received “work” to sell in the two Vail Valley store locations. If an item isn’t practical or suitable there, it is often donated to the New Horizon Ministries Mission in Colorado Springs and Canyon City. This organization raises revenue to unite children with parents serving time in jail. VVC may offer gift cards to the Salvation Army and other nonsecular charities. Ultimately, VVC recycles about 68% of the donations received. About 30% ends up in the landfill, but VVC continually works toward reducing those numbers and minimizing waste. They cooperate in local recycling efforts with Waste Management (for all glass) and Trinity Recycling (for all metal). Additional Thrifty perks? Bargains and surprises galore! You might visit one day and discover a table of baked or canned goods. Rather than toss, City Market donates food before expiration dates, and VVC distributes it at no cost to hungry or lucky patrons! If you’re a senior, you qualify for a store discount. And if you’re a local, Wednesdays are regular discount days. Plus, pay attention to the price tag colors — any given day may offer up an even better deal! The most important perk? The signature purpose and spirit of VVC is best reflected by how they give back to our community. In 2000, Vail Valley Cares began dis-

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tributing annual grants and scholarships earned from store donations to Eagle County nonprofit organizations and individuals at their annual breakfast. In 2023, this event will be held for the first time at 4-Eagle Ranch, because popular attendance has outgrown previous venues. VVC will announce $525,000 in 65 grants and $25,000 in scholarships to Colorado Mountain College. Closing 2023, the total amount of grants and scholarships funded since inception will be just under $6 million. Generosity in abundance! For many years, I’ve been a Thrifty Store regular. I love to “shop until I drop” at VVC, never knowing exactly what treasures I will find — almost a joke

among my friends and family! I also find it rewarding to share quality items that I no longer need or use or have space to keep. I was especially thrilled when one favorite teddy bear found a loving new home with a young customer. I’m so inspired by VVC’s active role in our community that I wrote a picture book for all ages entitled The Nifty Thrifty to celebrate this special enterprise. To quote my book, “Just because a thing is used, doesn’t mean it’s done!” Thrifty Store fans love it, so I hope you will too. Caring and sharing in abundance … that’s what VVC/The Thrifty Store is all about. Check it out; there’s so much for everyone in store! +

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live like a local

Vail turns winter into a series of celebrations, so there is always something to look forward to. I love that about living here.

Marci + Larry Leith by Kaitlin Emig

first got to know Marci and Larry Leith by working as a barista at the new Yeti’s Coffee in Edwards. I enjoyed their optimistic attitudes, caring spirit for all their employees and general buzz on life. Literally, as owners of the three coffee shops in the Valley, one might wonder, is it all the espresso that has them jiving, or are they really that cheerful? The power couple describes themselves as entrepreneurs within the restaurant industry. Together, they tackle new business ventures, raising a family and being grateful for their life in the Vail Valley. “We often appreciate how wonderful it is to live where we live,” says Marci Leith. “We have incredible mountains, rivers, forests, the bluest of blue

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skies, amazing places to eat, unique art, a variety of music and concerts that come to the Valley each year, I could go on and on. You name it, Vail has it,” she says. Larry Leith first worked in the Valley as a professional athlete in his 20s. He was a mogul skier and managed Gorsuch Ski Shop. During the late 90s, he founded the Tokyo Joe’s restaurant chain, originally based in Denver, with the last of his savings. “When we got married, we knew we wanted to spend time in Vail, so we bought a little place in East Vail about 22 years ago, and that led to us moving up here full time about 10 years ago,” Marci Leith comments. The Leiths have four children. The oldest three are enjoying their adventurous lives away from home, while the young-

est attends school locally. Together, they enjoy skiing and riding as a family. Marci Leith believes abundance shows up often through small things that happen daily in our lives. “We can appreciate the little coincidences that make life just a bit easier, like pulling up to the roundabout and being able to easily merge in and out,” she says like a true local. She also adds that abundance comes in belly laughs with a coworker or customer over something unexpected that turns into something funny and makes your whole day go easier and brighter. “Also, when your kiddo looks over at you in the car and says they love you, or they just reach over and hold your hand. Abundance is being up early and watching the sunrise over the mountain and feeling the first warm rays of the sunshine gently touching your face. Compound these with amazing hikes, biking and incredible blue sky powder days, and life is about as good as it can get,” she believes. Marci Leith isn’t looking forward to the -15-degree winter days but believes those days make us appreciate all the beautiful days we do have. “Vail turns winter into a series of celebrations, so there is always something to look forward to. I love that about living here,” she adds. +

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCI + LARRY LEITH

Marci Leith

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events WINTER + SPRING 2023-24 Dine with the Dogs at Henry’s Hut

Vail, CO • December 17, 2023- March 31, 2024 Join Helly Hansen for a pre-lunch adventure to mingle with Vail Ski Patrol and their skilled avalanche dogs. Get a glimpse of dog training and engage in Q&A sessions with patrollers. Swing by Henry’s Hut from 10:30-11:30 a.m. every Sunday for this exciting rendezvous! vail.com

Vail Skating Festival’s Ice Spectacular

Vail, CO • December 23, 2023 Enjoy a 70-minute, high-energy ice show with captivating music for family members of all ages. Don't miss the exclusive Colorado performance by Nathan Chen this year! discovervail.com

10th Mountain Legacy Parades

Vail, CO • December 29, 2023; January 12, 2024; February 24, 2024 Presented by Town of Vail and Colorado Snowsports Museum, these parades commemorate the founders of Vail Mountain. Watch the parade from the bottom of Gondola One while enjoying take-out hot chocolate. vail.com

JANURARY Eagle Country Christmas

Eagle, CO • December 2023 'Tis the season to experience an enchanting, festive Eagle. Capture Santa photos, ride a horse-drawn carriage through historic downtown, savor free cocoa and cookies, enjoy live musical performances, watch the Christmas tree light up in Heritage Park, browse holiday gifts and more. cityofeagle.org

Teton Gravity Research: Legend Has it

Beaver Creek, CO • December 1, 2023 Teton Gravity Research unveils its latest action-packed ski and snowboard film Legend Has It. Catch it at VPAC on Dec. 1, with double screenings, giveaways from top brands and a chance to win a Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek edition. Explore ski lore's incredible stories that shape our winter experiences, brought to life by TGR's 28 years of adventure. vilarpac.org

Xfinity Birds of Prey World Cup Race

Beaver Creek, CO • December 1-3, 2023 This renowned race is top ranked among athletes and coaches alike for its legendary, scenic location. The intimidating Birds of Prey course is set to challenge top athletes around the world, featuring Men’s Alpine Super G, Downhill and Giant Slalom competitions. bcworldcup.com

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Home for the Holidays Celebration

Gypsum, CO • December 7, 2023 A joyful, free, family-oriented holiday event awaits. Celebrate the holidays with reindeer, Santa meet-and-greets, carols, crafts, a gingerbread contest, town hall/library park lighting and more. townofgymsum.com

Vail Film Festival

Vail, CO • December 7-10, 2023 The infamous Vail Film Festival is on deck and scheduled to showcase shorts, documentaries, feature films and student films. The event is produced by the nonprofit Colorado Film Institute, which celebrates independent films and filmmakers. Enjoy the shows! vailfilmfestival.com

The Runaway Grooms Concert

Beaver Creek, CO • December 8, 2023 Rock on with the Colorado-based jazz, rock and folk band. Comparable to the Grateful Dead, the Atlanta Rhythm Section and the Allman Brothers, The Runaway Grooms are headed to VPAC to celebrate their new album titled This Road. vilarpac.org

Vail Valley Plant-Based Living Potluck

Edwards, CO • December 8, 2023 The goal of this gathering is to advocate for human health, the well-being of animals and sustainability and to have fun. Bring a dish that serves eight people to support other community members interested in following a whole food dietary routine. vvpbl.org

Rocky Mountain SkiFest

Avon, CO • January 2024 Shred for a cause in collaboration with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The two-day event features an exclusive concert and a ski day with the intention of discovering solutions that will safeguard the lives of children. rrockymtnskifest.com

Winter Culinary Weekend

Beaver Creek, CO • January 2024 Nestled at the foot of a World Cup mountain, enjoy cooking demos, wine events and gourmet dinners, balanced with skiing thrills. Dine and savor the Snowshoe Lunch or Après-Ski Burgers, plus participate in Ski.Eat.Ski's indulgent mountain conquest. Embrace the food-filled weekend without sacrificing your turns. beavercreek.com

Snow Race Series

Beaver Creek, CO • January-March 2024 Embrace the ultimate winter challenge! The Beaver Creek Running Series: Snowshoe Edition welcomes newcomers and pros alike to explore Beaver Creek on snowshoes. Pick from 5K or 10K courses, and race on Sundays from January through March. Registration goes from 8:30-9:30 a.m., and the race starts at 10 a.m. Win prizes and savor a post-race feast! beavercreek.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF VAIL RECREATION DISTRICT + KIM FULLER

DECEMBER

FEBRUARY

APRIL

Talons Challenge

Spring Back to Vail

Beaver Creek, CO • February 24-25, 2024 Conquer the thrill of skiing Beaver Creek's 14 toughest black and double black runs! Enjoy world-class swag bags and collect prizes, patches and even a "master of the mountain" trophy for completing both days. Celebrate and give your legs a break at the Village's post-event party with live music and fabulous giveaways. beavercreek.com

Vail Mountain Winter Uphill

Vail, CO • February 2024 Gear up for the annual Vail Mountain Winter Uphill Race, open to skiers, snowboarders and winter runners. Experience Vail like never before; ascend 2,200 feet from Lionshead Village to the Eagle Bahn Gondola. vailrec.com

Colorado Symphony Featuring Conductor Eun Sun Kim and Pianist Inon Barnatan

Beaver Creek, CO • February 8, 2024 Enjoy an evening of classical music at VPAC. Eun Sun Kim, the music director of the San Francisco Opera, will be there, creating history as the first woman to serve as music director of one of America’s largest opera companies. vilarpac.org

MARCH Vail Yeti Hockey

Vail, CO • March 9, 2024 Finish the Yeti season strong with their final game at Dobson Arena in Vail! Your town. Your team. vailyetihockey.com

Project FUNway

Vail, CO • March 23, 2024 Celebrate the Education Foundation of Eagle County with Project FUNway. Prepare for a mesmerizing fashion spectacle that captivates all generations. Unveil a world of inventive and unparalleled "anything but fabric" designs in this extraordinary fundraising fashion show. Each runway ensemble is an exclusive masterpiece. projectfunway.org

Shamrock Shuffle

Vail, CO • March 2024 Honor the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day by running on the snow while wearing green! The event features two race categories: snowshoes and running (with or without traction devices). Following the race, join the celebration hosted at the Vail Golf & Nordic Clubhouse. vailrec.com

Vail, CO • April 2024 Celebrate the end of the ski season at this annual event. Enjoy the infamous World Pond Skimming competition, a free live concert, après parties through dark and much more. springbacktovail.com

Taste of Vail

Vail, CO • April 3-6, 2024 Over the course of four days, experience the country’s only event that brings in dozens of invited chefs, winemakers and restaurateurs. Awaken your taste buds at seminars and events held throughout town. Sign up today, and celebrate the ever-evolving food and beverage culture of Vail. tasteofvail.com

MAY Blues, Brews & BBQ

Beaver Creek, CO • May 2024 Stay cool at this classic event. Sit back with your favorite brew in one hand and a barbeque dish in the other while enjoying the best music this Valley has to offer. Bask in an evening of fun for the whole family. And, do not forget about the Backyard BBQ competition! beavercreek.com

Dynafit Vail Trail Running Series

Vail Valley, CO • May-September 2024 For 25 years, this iconic competition has taken runners on trails, down streams, up mountains, into forests and throughout our Valley. This running series promises to be enjoyed by the beginner and and to challenge the veteran. Expect experienced volunteers, wellmarked routes and a post-race celebration. vailrec.com

Vail Comedy Festival

Vail, CO • May 2024 Vail Village will brim with laughter and captivating street magic. The festival offers over 20 diverse, dopamine-filled events for all. Enjoy free family entertainment sponsored by RocketFizz, conveniently close to the Covered Bridge. vailcomedyfestival.com

dining guide VAIL

The Grazing Fox + Picnic Vail

An experiential dining and entertainment space created to delight and intrigue a new generation of Vail’s guests and residents. 141 East Meadow Drive, #104, Vail chasingrabbitsvail.com

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

DECA+BOL

Taylor Made Chef Co.

Chasing Rabbits

Unique restaurant featuring a menu of elevated global dishes, plus a bowling alley. 141 East Meadow Drive, #113, Vail decabolvail.com

Bespoke culinary experiences in your home. Private chef services featuring eclectic menus, catering and much more! Servicing the Vail Valley and beyond. 970.401.2731 taylormadechef.com

Eat Dank Food.

Private chef services tailored to foodies. Dank = High Quality. 570.561.4835 eatdankfood.com

El Segundo Vail

Hip restaurant whipping up casual Mexican, Asian and American dishes, plus an extensive tequila list. 223 Gore Creek Drive, Vail 970.763.5470 elsegundovail.com

Graze & Torreys

An elevated and completely customizable private chef and catering company based in the Vail Valley, focusing on locally-sourced, seasonal and organic food with bold flavors. From small gatherings to large wedding parties, chef Alyssa will make it unique, memorable and delicious. 614.570.2836 grazeandtorreys.com

Montauk Seafood Grill

Warm, intimate restaurant and bar offering refined surf 'n' turf and an extensive wine list. 549 E. Lionshead Circle, Vail 970.476.2601 montaukvail.com

Pazzo’s Pizzeria

Local pizzeria chain serving pies, pasta and sandwiches, plus beer and wine, in a casual atmosphere. 122 E. 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 St., Vail 970.470.4189 rootandflowervail.com

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Two Arrows Coffee | Bar

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

EAGLE-VAIL + AVON Foods of Vail

Small food store and catering outfit offering gourmet prepared foods, plus olive oils and cheeses. 82 E. Beaver Creek Blvd., #100, Avon 970.949.0282 foodsofvail.com

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 E. Beaver Creek Blvd., Avon 970.949.9900 pazzospizza.com

Vin48

Stylish spot for wine by the glass or bottle and creative American fare in a cozy setting with patio. 48 E. Beaver Creek Blvd., Avon 970.748.9463 vin48.com

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BEAVER CREEK Splendido at the Chateau

Riverwalk Theater + Edwards Supply Company

Michelin recognized fine dining restaurant nestled in Beaver Creek. Offering wonderful Rocky Mountain dining exquisite service and inspired cuisine. 17 Chateau Lane, Beaver Creek splendidorestaurant.com

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

MINTURN

Village Bagel

Minturn Saloon

Recently renovated, this historic restaurant and bar focuses on friendly service and fresh ingredients. Stop in for ice-cold beer, delicious house margaritas and a menu of inspired Mexican cuisine. 146 Main St., Minturn minturnsaloon.com

Sunrise Minturn

Mountain café with local ingredients, coffee, breakfast and lunch. 132 Main St., Minturn 970.827.5353 sunriseminturn.com

EDWARDS Craftsman Brew Co.

Modern, chef-driven sandwich and beer bar. 0105 Edwards Village Blvd., Edwards 970.855.2718 craftsmanbrewco.com

Drunken Goat

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 El Segundo Eagle

Hip restaurant whipping up casual Mexican, Asian and American dishes, plus an extensive tequila list. 1020 Capitol St., Eagle 970.328.6220 elsegundoeagle.com

Inner Light Juice

Juice bar with a mission to serve organic nourishment that provides healing and balance to body, mind, soul and planet. 115 E. 2nd St., Eagle 970.705.4188 innerlightjuice.com

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

Pazzo’s Pizzeria

Il Mago

Wild Sage

Lauren’s Kitchen

GYPSUM

Artisan pizza and hand-rolled pastas, along with light bites like charcuterie, burrata and oysters. A specially curated wine list features mostly Italian options along with a range of unique varietals. 56 Edwards Village Blvd. #112, Edwards @ilmagopizza

Grab n’ Go & Catering Fresh-made comfort food with dietary-restrictive options available. 275 Main St., C106, Edwards laurenskitchenedwards.com

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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

A healthy approach to casual dining, vegetarian and vegan friendly menu with craft cocktails, local draft beer and an amazing wine list in the heart of Eagle Ranch. 1143 Capitol St., #104A, Eagle 970.705.1689 wildsageeagle.com

Village Bagel

Fresh, hand-rolled bagels made the old fashioned way. Schmears, savory bagel sandwiches and homemade pizza available. 150 Cooley Mesa Rd., Gypsum 970.855.2940 villagebagel.co

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parting shot

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free, 'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be. And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be fair, 'Tis a gift to wake and breathe the morning air. And each day we walk on the path that we choose, 'Tis a gift we pray we never shall lose. “Simple Gifts,” originally written in 1848, Elder Joseph Brackett for his Shaker community in Maine, then popularly introduced by Aaron Copeland in 1944.

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ILLUSTRATION BY SANDY FERGUSON FULLER

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

The Philadelphia Orchestra Yannick Nézet-Séguin

July 10 & 12, 2024

TICKETS ON SALE

JANUARY 31, 2024

BRAVOVAIL.ORG ■ 877.812.5700 ■ @BRAVOVAIL SUPPORTED BY

Covered Bridge Magazine | Winter + Spring 2023-24 | Issue #5

Articles inside

Marci + Larry Leith

ABUNDANCE Generosity in

Evolution of the Rotary Club of Vail Placing Community + Service Above Self

Exploring the Abundance of the Old Country A Family-Friendly European Vacation

Make Like a Bird and Fly South

Utah National Parks Road Trip A 3-Stop Visit to Red Rock Country

Tessa Clogs

style for the season

Classic + Cool Style for Men

Bravo! Vail Bridging Gaps in Music Education

Max Rowe Finding Flow Through Art + Skiing

Wookie Is Not His Real Name

Simple Abundance A Daybook of Comfort and Joy

Gracie Moody

Hot Dogs Internationally Inspired Encased Meats

Eat With Your Hands

Splendido at the Chateau

Pickled. Kitchen + Pantry Eagle

All About Bone Broth

Recipes for the Season Scallop + Pork Belly

For The Love of Conversation

Access Unbound

Learn to Ski Local Program Introduces Eagle County Students to Snow Sports

Family Fun Inside

Mustelids

Top Tips for Winter Hut Trips

AspectAvy Revolutionizing Backcountry Safety with Preventative Avalanche Technology

Appetite for Adventure on Tennessee Pass

There’s No “I” in Athlete From Coach to Couch, Get Support in Your Training

Boost Bone Health with Ayurveda

Abundance Through Acupuncture Nurture Fullness in Your Mind + Body

Surviving a 9-to-5 in a Ski Town Achieving Work Life Balance with a Regular Job

Graze & Torreys A Journey of Culinary Passion + Local Abundance

Vail Veterans Hits Its 20-Year Mark

Bhava Beauty and Wellness Now Open in Avon

SKEA Celebrates 50 Years of Luxury Activewear

Abundance

Chasing Rabbits

Shine Intuitive Beauty