Mountain Town Magazine - Summer/Fall 2020

MOUNTAIN town C O L O R A D O ’ S M O U N TA I N T O W N M A G A Z I N E

Summer-Fall 2020

Reclaiming our Homes Glenwood Springs

+ Let’s Go! +

Mountain Homes

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YOUR MOUNTAIN SPIRIT BOURBON

PORT CASK FINISH

PX SHERRY CASK FINISH

PX SHERRY CASK FINISH

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TELLURIDE

Free workshops Mesmerizing fire performances Spectacular fire art

December 4-6

telluridefirefestival.org 501 c3 nonprofit organization

publisher’s greeting

What a long strange trip it has been. We’re back and it feels Good! While we hunkered down in our homes we kept news and information coming our on our website and social media feeds. There was a lot but printing a magazine was out of the questions as there was no place to distribute them. We saw no good in printing a ton of publications without any place to distribute them, until now, and the future although uncertain feels bright.

We open the new Fall magazine with our story on Glenwood Springs. I love this wonderful town of water and wellness. Glenwood Springs is so diverse and packs a big punch of fun along with delicious dining options. The town’s shopping options are unique too. Between COVID and the Fires this town has been hit hard so make a plan to visit and soak it all in.

We have some trip ideas within the pages of the magazine. These stories are here to help you find new ways to explore our mountain towns and their surrounding environments. It will make you want to pack your bags, backpacks or vehicles to head out and explore.

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We spent a lot of time in our homes over the past six months and rediscovered all of its nooks and crannies, some of which may need some upgrading before we head into winter. Our Real Estate section covers the gambit; New homes, decorating, financial planning, and ways to keep your home healthy.

Oh! We have a new department, Pets. If you live in a mountain town, then most likely you have a pet. My pup goes everywhere with me, and we want to make sure all of our fur babies are well taken care of. We see a lot of poo bags along the trail and we think it is high time to end that trend. Pack it out easily without the smell and yuck with our suggestions.

As always we have some great articles on where to eat so read, enjoy and get out, it’s still summer but the glory of fall is returning! Check the calendar too.

There are some events popping up to discover.

Cheers! ~ Holly Battista-Resignolo, Publisher

Featuring the new Z Lounge collection!

Locals' Choice

BEST SHOPPING Featuring Z SUPPLY FREE PEOPLE VINTAGE HAVANA GENTLE FAWN KUT FROM THE KLOTH TAI JEWELRY and many more!

Denver • Breckenridge • Avon • Edwards • Steamboat Springs RUBYJANE.COM

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contents

12 PLACE 16 FAVS 18 VIEWS 20 ARTISTRY 22 ENTREPRENEUR 24 PETS 26 WELLNESS 28 TRAIL 30 FAMILY 32 Let’s Go! 34 Reclaiming Our Homes 58 DINE LOCAL 56 COCKTAILS 58 EAT 71 GO!GUIDE 74 CALENDAR 81 LAST LIFT

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12 Magazine Cover Image ‘Cozier Times in Crested Butte’ photo by Tara Noelle Photography

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Guiding Mountain Retirement Strategies

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town EVERY CANCER. EVERY COLOR. C

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published by

MTN Town Magazines

Get on the RightPath to Financial Well Being

publisher

Holly Battista-Resignolo

associate publisher Joy Elizabeth Martin

communications Gaynia Battista

contributors

Scott Rappold, Karin Gamba, Steve Snyder, Alex Derr, Holly Resignolo, Pepper Hamilton, Brooke Johnson, Scott Pugsley, Gaynia Battista, Steven Smith, David R Koons, Steven Callaway Brown, Lauren Glendenning

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Linda Rokos Watts, Mark Battista, Noelle Resignolo

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Supporting Your Retirement Planning With An Array Of Fee-Only Services: Risk Management

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SAVE THE DATE > MARCH 28, 2020 S k i D ay, C o s t u m e C o n t e s t a n d L i v e M u s i c B E N E F I T i n g E V E R Y PAT I E N T at S H AW C A N C E R C E N T E R

www.RightPathInvestments.com

Contact Steven R. Smith, JD, CFP Your Mountain Retirement ResourceExpert 970-668-5525 presented by

Please visit us at MTNTownMagazine.com to subscribe to our publication released quarterly

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Contact our corporate office or request a Media Kit: Email: MTNTownMagazine@gmail.com Office Phone: 970 485 0269

features

If you would like us to consider you for a feature, please contact us at 970 485 0269 or email us at mtntownmagazine@gmail.com 2018 MTN Town 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 assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. MTN Town Magazine cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine.

P I N K VA I L . C O M

Barbara Schneeman Broker | Owner

Call Barbara today 970-513-0654 www.BarbaraSchneeman.com

The River Course, Keystone

One of the last opportunities to own land in Keystone. The adjacent homesites at 120 Elk Circle and 140 Elk Circle are offered together. Build on one of the sites or both sites combined, don’t miss this opportunity to enter the market at Keystone Resort. Priced at $ $685,000

Sage Creek Canyon, Silverthorne

On the banks of the Blue River in Silverthorne, this updated 3 bedroom/2 bathroom home, located in a mature forest offers access to world class skiing, boating, fishing, and all of the activities Summit County has to offer. $1,395,000.

www.BarbaraSchneeman.com

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place

Glenwood Springs

Adventure, Healing Waters, the Finest Dining and More!

by Karin Gamba & Holly Resignolo

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Prior to the arrival of Europeans, this area was inhabited by nomadic Ute Indian tribes who knew the healing power of the area waters, referring to it as Yampah or Big Medicine. Most are unaware that Glenwood Springs was originally known to early settlers as “Defiance” and at this moment in time the name seems apprepo. Pandemic, fires, and rock slides can’t keep people away from this town.

A destination and mountain town community filled with adventure, healing waters, some exceptional dining, a ton of history and so much more.

The town has always attracted a crowd but now more than ever you will want to consider planning a getaway or day trip in this beautiful region. We have some fantastic itinerary suggestions to keep you relaxed, entertained, and ready for adventure. Families, Friends, Lovers, pack your bags because as that tv guy Billy Mays says, “but wait... there’s more”.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs has the distinction of being America’s only mountain-top theme park. The Park recently launched the Glenwood Gondola—a high-tech, high-efficiency new transport system to take visitors to the Park entrance and back down to the base with minimal wait times. In addition to cave tours that showcase stunning formations, Glenwood Caverns is also known for its adrenalinepumping thrill rides that include the Haunted Mine Drop, the Alpine Coaster, and the Giant Canyon Swing to name just a few.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, the venerated Colorado landmark resort, celebrated its 135th anniversary and it’s newly redesigned water attractions are a must-visit. They are open from 9 am to 9 pm daily. Rent a Cabana for your crew or grab a lounge chair and get ready to soak away a full day in the pool or hit the Shoshone Chutes, a whitewater river open-air tube ride that plunges you downhill with plenty of twisty turns and screams.

You’ll feel like you’re tubing down a mountain creek in Colorado—with lush landscaping, cascading tiers, and boulders.

Your kids will enjoy the Sopris Splash Zone, a new children’s play area with three mini-water slides, waterfalls modeled after the popular Hanging Lake hike in Glenwood Canyon, interactive water features, shallow play areas, and shade structures for sun protection. You can enjoy the Grand Fountain with your little ones. This water feature acts as a kid-friendly splash pad by day and by night it becomes a lighted fountain that can be seen by pool-goers and Glenwood Springs visitors strolling across the pedestrian bridge.

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Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs is Colorado’s newest hot springs. Nestled along the Colorado River, the geothermal attraction features 16 chemicalfree soaking pools and a freshwater family pool. The water in the soaking pools is chock full of minerals that go to work relaxing both body and mind. The Sopris Café, an on-site restaurant, serves delicious meals, cold drinks, and adult beverages. For the most relaxing soak, plan to visit Iron Mountain Hot Springs during the less crowded daytime hours or on weekdays. Evening and weekends, while busier, are a great time to meet new people and enjoy the camaraderie of communal soaking.

How about heading to a Cave?

There’s nothing else like it in North America! The Yampah Spa and 14

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Vapor Caves is a naturally formed underground cavern filled with mineral-rich steam to help to relax and detoxify the body. For even more body bliss you can book a spa treatment or mineral mud bath.

Some down(town) time. You won’t have to look far to find great food and shopping in Glenwood Springs. Stroll along Seventh Street, known locally as Glenwood’s Restaurant Row, for delicious eats that range from craft beer and tacos to made-to-perfection burgers and juicy seared scallops.

Enjoy the season with an alfresco meal at many of your favorite spots in town or dine inside at a safe distance from others. Along with a plethora of places to dine, are plenty of opportunities to shop and browse through unique stores and

THE SCHLEGEL & HART REAL ESTATE TEAM

boutiques. Poke around for the fun of it; you might just find a one-of-a-kind treasure to take home.

Need a place to stay? There are pillows galore in this town from chain owned lodging, Bed & Breakfasts, and historic hotels the options are plenty. Have kids stay right at the base of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park at The Hotel Glenwood Springs. Looking for history, you can’t beat the Hotel Colorado established in 1893.

The biking scene is huge and with the leaves changing color and cooler temp this is the time to rent or bring a bike along. Fast becoming a state-wide destination for mountain bikers, Glenwood Springs has been busy constructing new trails—Wulfsohn, Grandstaff, South Canyon—and improving the interconnectivity between them. The result is a range of rides, from quick workouts to satisfying treks. Checkout Sunlight Ski & Bike Shop for Rentals and plenty of insider intel.

Miles of paved trails can bring you through Glenwood Canyon along the banks of the Colorado River or up to Aspen along the Roaring Fork River. Other options for a ride includes some smooth black-top on County Road 114 to the Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley Campus or Four-Mile Road to Sunlight Ski Resort.

Yes, we said ski resort! When the snow starts to fly head up County Road 114 to Sunlight Mountain Resort where more than 680 skiable acres and 2,000 vertical feet awaits. Sunlight offers big skiing at an affordable price. This destination is smaller but mighty fun. Make a plan to hit the slopes and then stay to soak.

Since we are in the midst of combating COVID-19 the town has been busy implementing strategies to enhance hygiene in stores, restaurants, guest rooms, and common areas. Face coverings are required in downtown, within businesses, and at restaurants before seated by the state of Colorado and town ordinance. This rule applies to all visitors 3 years and older in Glenwood Springs. Keep in mind that restaurants have lower capacities to allow for social distancing and group sizes may be limited to 6 or 8 people per table. Overall, your experience in Glenwood Springs will be more enjoyable if you travel as a small group, allowing you to share e.g. the Glenwood Gondola, Rafting Boats, Tables, etc.

There is so much to do, this list will launch your Glenwood Springs vacation off to a fun-filled start. With a fifth-place finish in Outside magazine’s contest to identify the 16 Best Places to Live in America, you might want to live here! Learn more about all the things to do and see in Glenwood Springs. Check out the Glenwood Springs’ new Reschedule Campaign too, it will lift your spirits. : www.visitglenwood.com

“We would be honored to show you how the power of two of Breckenridge’s top producing real estate agents, coupled with Slifer Smith & Frampton’s unrivaled marketing program, can make the difference for you.”

Please call us today to discuss the Breckenridge real estate market and how we can help you buy or sell your dream home

JIM SCHLEGEL & MICHELE HART

970.389.3582 | 970.376.7799 micheleandjim@slifersummit.com JimSchlegel.com | MicheleHartRealEstate.com

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60 Hikes within 60 Miles As we head out of the mountains and into the Front Range you can still find great hikes to Get Outdoors. Local authors and hiking experts Mindy Sink and Kim Lipker released a new full-color edition of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Denver and Boulder. A perfect blend of popular trails and hidden gems, the selected hikes transport you to scenic overlooks, wildlife hot spots, and historical settings.

Each hike description features key at-a-glance information on distance, difficulty, scenery, traffic, hiking time, and more, so you can quickly and easily learn about each trail.

Detailed directions, GPS-based trail maps, and elevation profiles help to ensure that you know where you are and where you’re going.

www.menasharidge.com

Crested Butte Music Festival

OPEN SUMMIT

Need live music? Come to the Crested Butte Music Festival and hear live, socially-distances performances throughout the Fall or stream online.

Crested Butte Music Festival is sharing their incredible performances with you. Enjoy the splendor of Beethoven and the joy of bluegrass with streaming live concerts in high-quality video and audio with their StreamPass. You’ll be able to watch select Livestream performances during our 2020 season and have access to special videos from previous seasons that aren’t available anywhere else.

www.crestedbuttemusicfestival.org

Plan your next adventure with expert-level weather data that’s easy to use with the Open Summit app. With OpenSummit, you’ll receive hourly forecasts for your mountain location (and elevation). with precipitation, lightning, temperature, and wind forecasts when planning your next mountain objective.

Choose the safest day and time for your adventure with colorcode detailed hourly data so you can quickly find your best weather window. 5-day hourly forecasts include the chance of precipitation, chance of lightning, temperature, wind speed & direction, and cloud cover.

www.opensummit.com

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN RAFTS Rocky Mountain Rafts started in Crested Butte, Colorado on the banks of the Taylor River. with a mission to produce and distribute the best value rafts and inflatable products in the industry and to deliver consistent, outstanding customer service. Their goal is to give everyone the opportunity to own a quality inflatable at a price they can afford so they can enjoy the great outdoors. Check out their rafts, catarafts, tubes and crash pads here:

www.rockymountainrafts.com

INDEPENDENCE PASS FOUNDATION

RMU SEVEN4 SOCIETY Get new RMU skis every season at a monthly payment rate.

Simply choose between a monthly or yearly rate when you sign up for RMU’s new membership and your skis will ship by the time the snow flies this fall. Ski them all year round with whatever binding you want until the snow melts, then return your skis and receive the updated model the following season. If you would like to keep your skis you can buy them out at the end of the season and continue on with your membership. A great deal cause skiing is too f@#$ing expensive!

The mission of the Independence Pass Foundation is to restore and protect the ecological, historical, and aesthetic integrity of the Independence Pass corridor and to encourage stewardship, safety, and appreciation of the Pass. This amazing organization has a variety of projects to keep the area pristine with tree plantings, trail restorations, historical area protection, noxious weed eradication, trail maintnence as well as ecology studies. Follow them on social media and learn more here

www.independencepass.org

www.rmuoutdoors.com

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CAIC 2019/20 Season Roundup A recap of the 2019/2020 Avalanche Season

by CAIC Deputy Director, Brian Lazar

There were 3900 avalanches reported to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) during the 2019-2020 avalanche season. We documented 85 incidents, with 96 people caught in avalanches. Six people were killed, which matches the 10-year average. The number of involvements exceeds what we have recorded in recent years. For comparison, CAIC recorded an average of 58 incidents and 80 people caught in avalanches per season going back to 2012.

Snow began to accumulate in the second week of October, and several more storms through the end of the month created “excellent for October ” conditions. The CAIC recorded six small natural avalanches in the Northern and Central Mountains before we got to November. Then the snow spigot shut off.

November began with almost three weeks of dry, mild weather.

The snow that lasted through the dry spell on high-elevation north and east-facing slopes changed into well-developed depth hoar.

This became the poor foundation upon which we would build the rest of the season’s snowpack. Snowpack characteristics were similar statewide, other than more melting in the San Juan Mountains.

Snowfall starting November 20 brought an end to the dry weather and a corresponding uptick in avalanche activity across the state. Most avalanches ran on higher-elevation north and eastfacing slopes and most broke into the depth hoar. With a shallow snowpack, most avalanches were small, but the pattern was a sign of things to come. Our first recorded incident of the season occurred on November 22, when a backcountry tourer was caught and partially buried near Jones Pass. A few more close calls, including one in-bounds, closed out the month.

Five healthy storms during December pushed the Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) to over 100% of the long-term median across all of Colorado’s river basins. Each storm event spurred avalanche activity breaking on persistent weak layers, with many avalanches triggered remotely. On December 8, a backcountry skier was caught, buried, and unfortunately killed on the Diamond Peaks near Cameron Pass. The basal weak layers in thin snowpack areas continued to plague us every time we got big storms.

January had light and fairly continuous snowfall, characterized by small to medium-sized snowstorms, interspersed with short dry spells. Crusts and weak layers formed in the upper snowpack during these dry spells. Each loading event with more than a few inches of snow spurred some avalanche activity. The month also saw several very strong wind events, that dramatically altered the alpine landscape and redistributed snow in many areas.

Twenty-three people were caught in avalanches during the month, including 11 people in one week between January 18 and January 25. Five people were partially buried, three were injured, and tragically, one person lost their life when they were hit with a mix of falling ice and snow. This was the second avalanche fatality in Colorado for the 2019-2020 season.

Persistent northwest flow brought consistent snowfall to the Northern Mountains and parts of the Central Mountains in February. Each loading event again spurred an avalanche cycle. An atmospheric river took aim at Colorado on February 6. This storm was one of the most intense 48-hour periods in recent memory with 18

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almost a three-inches of SWE in 24 hours at favored locations in the Northern Mountains.

The next big storm arrived for Valentine’s Day. On February 15, three motorized snowbikers, north of Vail, triggered a hard slab avalanche. All three riders were caught in the avalanche and two were fully buried and killed. These were the third and fourth avalanche fatalities in Colorado for the season and the third and fourth snowbiker deaths in Colorado since 2016.

For the second year in a row, March turned into an exceptional month in Colorado. The COVID-19 pandemic had little impact on avalanches but did have a huge impact on Colorado communities and outdoor recreation. The human impacts of the pandemic arrived as avalanche conditions changed, and the confluence led to an interesting series of avalanche involvements and discussions about backcountry travel and rescuer’s risk.

The CAIC documented 25 people caught in 23 separate avalanches throughout the month. This included two backcountry snowboarders that triggered a small avalanche above the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels. As the avalanche ran downhill, it broke into deeper weak layers and eventually to the ground. This left debris piled 20 feet deep over the tunnel access roads. This was a sobering illustration of the increased risk of other parties recreating around and above people and infrastructure. Two backcountry riders were seriously injured in separate incidents in the San Juan Mountains requiring Search and Rescue assistance against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic. The rescues highlighted the need for SAR volunteers to take additional precautions to minimize coronavirus exposure. The incidents also highlighted the increased need for backcountry travelers to consider their potential impacts on others. The CAIC focuses on avalanches and encourages backcountry tourers to consider the consequences of an avalanche. But with increased backcountry use and a rapidly changing societal response to the coronavirus, avalanches were just a portion of a larger discussion of risk and exposure.

Temperatures and strong spring solar radiation played a major role in the number and type of avalanches in April. As people clamored for outside activity, backcountry areas continued to see heavy use, including many people engaging in backcountry travel in avalanche terrain for the first time with newly purchased gear.

The CAIC documented 12 people caught in 83 human-triggered avalanches throughout the month.

Unfortunately, there were also two fatal accidents involving experienced backcountry skiers. On April 15, riders unintentionally triggered a relatively small avalanche on Red Peak in the Gore Range that swept one rider down a long, rocky, narrow couloir. On April 28, a backcountry skier was caught and killed in a wet slab avalanche on a steep slope northwest of Crested Butte.

Warm spring conditions lasted through May. We saw continued heavy use in the backcountry, but generally stable avalanche conditions meant only a few incidents in steep terrain, including a hiker who was partially buried and injured in a glissading accident in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The CAIC ended daily backcountry avalanche forecasts on May 31.

Please use caution this season and learn about daily forecasts at www.avalanche.state.co.us

VAIL RESORTS OPENING PLANS & DATES Vail Resorts has released their plan for opening the 2021 Ski and Ride Season.

Rob Katz says “For the vast majority of days during the season, we believe everyone who wants to get on our mountains will be able to. However, we are not planning for the majority of days, we are planning for every day of the season,” said Katz. “We want to provide assurance to our guests that we will do our very best to minimize crowds at all times – be it a holiday weekend or the unpredictable powder day. We believe this approach will help ensure a safe experience for everyone, while prioritizing access for our pass holders.” · Guests will be required to wear face coverings to get on the mountain and in all parts of resort operations, including in lift lines and riding in lifts and gondolas. · To maintain physical distancing on our chairlifts and gondolas, we will only be seating related parties (guests skiing or riding together) or: two singles on opposite sides of a four-person lift; two singles or two doubles on opposite sides of a six-person lift; or two singles on opposite sides of our larger gondola cabins. · Ski and ride school will be offered and on-mountain dining will be open, but with changes to help keep guests safe. · Mountain access will be managed to ensure guests have the space they need. As such, the Company announced a mountain access reservation system and limits on lift tickets to prioritize its pass holders.

2020-21 Opening & Closing Dates - Colorado Beaver Creek | Wednesday, November 25, 2020 – Sunday, April 4, 2021 Breckenridge | Friday, November 13, 2020 – Monday, May 31, 2021 Crested Butte | Wednesday, November 25, 2020 – Sunday, April 4, 2021 Keystone | Friday, November 6, 2020 – Sunday, April 4, 2021 Vail | Friday, November 20, 2020 – Sunday, April 11, 2021

PROTECTING YOUR HOME FROM WILDFIRE Every summer and fall we need to be concerned about wildfire and our homes. Here Are Some Tips To Protect Your Home From Wildfire: •

Actively manage your roof.

Clean roof and gutters of pine needles and leaves at least twice a year to eliminate an ignition source for potential fires. This eliminates an ignition source for firebrands, especially during hot, dry weather.

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Stack firewood away from your house. Locate firewood at least 15 feet uphill from your home. Do not stack firewood under the deck.

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Remove unhealthy vegetation.

Trees and shrubs that are stressed, diseased, dead or dying should be removed so that they do not become a fuel source for potential fires.

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Create defensible space on flat ground a minimum of 75 feet around a home. Increase this diameter if the structure is located on a slope.

Thin out continuous tree and brush (shrub) cover around structures.

Remove flammable vegetation from within the initial 15 feet around structures.

Beyond the initial 15 feet, thin trees to achieve 10-12 foot crown spacing. Occasionally, clumps of two or three trees are acceptable for a more natural appearance, if additional space surrounds them.

Mow grasses and weeds to a height of six inches or less for a distance of 30 feet from all structures.

Prune tree branches within the defensible space up to a height of 10 feet above ground.

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Dispose of all slash and debris left from thinning by either chipping, hauling away or piling and burning if allowed. Contact your local fire department or local Colorado State Forest Service forester for burning restrictions and/or assistance.

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Remove shrubs and small trees or other potential ladder fuels from beneath large trees. Left in place, these fuels can carry a ground fire into tree crowns.

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Trim any branches extending over roofs, and remove branches within 15 feet of chimneys.

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Place liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) containers at least 30 feet from structures. Clear anything flammable, including vegetation, from within 10 feet of all tanks.

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artistry

White Magic

by Coleen Graybill

“Photography isn’t art unless it’s intent is to be.”

I am always looking for new ways to express the beauty I find in nature; thus I have developed a “digital art” line, tweaking my photographic images into more of an abstract than normal realism.

This beautiful white Buffalo was photographed in Hartsel, Colorado and set into a background image of Ponderosa in Buena Vista. www.mtnspiritphoto.com Coleen is a Master Photographer and Certified Professional Photographer through the Professional Photographers of America and has won national awards for both her portrait and landscape work.

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entrepreneurs

41 NORTH

It’s the slope of their roof and a slant on growing a business in the Yampa Valley

BY JUDI LAPOINT 41Nor th is all about growing. Growing organic greens, growing clients, growing its capacity, growing employees.

But what happens when growth comes to a hard stop and 100% of your clients are no longer buying? Well, if you are Jay Hirschfeld, co-founder of 41North and his team, you panic – but just for a moment. Then you pivot Jay and his partner Todd Chapman created a most amazing aquaponics greenhouse in Hayden where the freshest greens and microgreens are grown in a totally enclosed system that allows for organic greens to be farm-to-table delivered to the best restaurants in the Yampa Valley – all year round. They were thriving and the residents in and around Steamboat Springs enjoyed their products whenever they dined out. According to Hirschfeld they were “…sold out all the time.” But that all changed – practically overnight. Within the blink of an eye, all restaurants shut their doors. No one was buying fresh produce, and 41North- like many other businesses in the country – came to a grinding halt.

The partners, having built their business model on serving restaurant clients only, were momentarily stymied – worried they would have to lay off employees, close the business and hunker down. Then the shareholders got together and created a plan. They pivoted to a new business model – that of selling subscription farm shares to local Yampa Valley residents. Jay, who has a digital marketing background, created a website selling shares to folks who wanted farm22

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fresh produce, delivered to their doorstep, twice a week – even in the winter. Using the power of social media, and a few strategically placed posts by a power influencer, they sold 100% of the shares they could handle at the time, and now have a waiting list of people eager to be included.

According to Jay, they have needed to hire additional employees to plant the facility to maximum capacity. They’ve ramped up the tools necessary to determine the highest value crops, and they are expanding their services by offering farm design consulting, live-streamed, intimate dining workshops with one of Steamboat’s Top Chefs, 16-24 person private dining experiences, hosted in private residences and catered by some of Yampa Valley’s most renowned chefs as well as engaging special events.

Jay remarked in a recent interview, “We’re really excited with our new model. It allows us to continue to give back to the community with bigger, better, fresher produce; we’re hiring people, we’ve got a great team, and we’re doing what we love to do. Growing food, growing our team, and growing our community.”

The Northwest Loan Fund nwccog.org was proud to have played a role with an expansion loan to 41North. 41North is delighted as they continue to grow and hire new employees – especially in these challenging times. Be sure to check them out.

41northfood.com

Teal / Associate of Applied Science in Professional Photography

REINVENT YOURSELF

IN THE MOUNTAINS CAMPUS LOCATIONS: 4Aspen 4Glenwood Springs 4Spring Valley 4Breckenridge 4Leadville 4Steamboat Springs 4Carbondale 4Rifle 4Vail Valley 4Dillon 4Salida

ColoradoMtn.edu

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Pets

You have seen them we are sure.

Bright little blobs of pink, green, and teal, littered alongside a trail. Some are smushed and dried out others are puffy, condensing in the sun. We all know what I am talking about – PoopBags! Yuck.

I have a few ideas on how to help you Pack out the Poop!

GO BAG

The Outward Hound GoBag carries the load so you don’t have to. This easy to use pet waste storage solution has a compartment for poop bags and a separate compartment with a unique roll bottom design that adjusts to accommodate large or multiple poopy loads. www.outwardhound.com

DooDoo Tubes

Mayor Parker the Snow Dog @officialsnowdog says, “If you can take the time to bag the poop, than most likely you can figure a way to pack it out.”

We are on a mission! Dog Poop Bags left on the trail by folks is unsightly, unsanitary, and unnecessary!

Leave No Trace says 9 out of 10 people in the outdoors are uninformed about their impacts. Here are several different products you can use to place your poop bags in to Pack It Out and Leave No Trace!

Check the MountainTownMagazine.com Pet Page for more suggestions.

PACK OUT BAG

The Pack Out Bag is a convenient solution for carrying full pick-up bags (read: poop) hands-free between drop points. A water-resistant shell fabric and waterproof lining work in tandem with a waterproof zipper for easy-to-clean odor containment. Includes an adjustable belt to carry it around the waist. Or, directly attach it to a pack or your waist with the integrated clip. The Pack Out Bag makes it a little easier for all of us to doo-doo our part to keep our trails clean.

www.ruffwear.com

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The Doo Doo Tube Carries filled dog poo bags while walking and hiking with your dog. Their plastic “can” seals in the odor and the germs and includes a carabiner to easily attach to any leash, belt loop or backpack. The tube holds filled bags from dogs weighing up to 110 pounds or 4 dogs weighing 40 pounds each. The best part, it is easy to keep clean and does not retain odor.

www.doodootubes.com

By a lake. With a charming Main Street.

And its own marina with rentals, tours, lessons and waterside dining.

TownofFrisco.com

Main Street Of The Rockies

MTN

wellness

SOAK IT UP

...Treat Yourself While Making Mental and Physical Health a Priority

BY GAYNIA BATTISTA

There is so much variety; from intimate private baths, to the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. Each of the nineteen facilities offers unique features like vapor caves, hot pots, terraced pools, enormous travertine formations, and fun-filled aquatic centers.

“These hot springs facilities continuously enhance their unique features so that guests have a highquality experience,” says Vicky Nash, project manager for the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop.

There is nothing like a road trip with Hot Springs all along the way.

Disconnect and go www.colorado.com/hotspringsloop 26

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Glenwood Springs

Best known for its geothermal amenities, Glenwood Springs is also a favorite destination for hiking, biking, rafting and fishing. Its mountaintop theme park and proximity to Hanging Lake are big draws for this little mountain town that was once the home of gambler-gunslinger Doc Holliday.

GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS RESORT. This resort is home to the world’s largest hot springs pool, as well as a lodge, spa and an aquatic adventure zone opening in June 2019.

IRON MOUNTAIN HOT SPRINGS. Boasting 16 soaking pools and a freshwater family pool, Iron Mountain is located on the bank of the Colorado River, with stunning mountain views.

YAMPAH SPA & VAPOR CAVES. These vapor caves are a rare setting for a natural, geothermal steam bath with detoxifying benefits. An onsite spa provides further wellness opportunities.

Dramatic landscapes are the calling card of this part of Colorado. Stunning mountain backdrops, crystalline lakes

and wide-open spaces are a magnate for outdoor enthusiasts. Thanks to the generous geology of the region, you can soak in five different hot springs. A family-owned brewery in Ouray serves up brews with views.

OURAY HOT SPRINGS POOL. This recently renovated oval-shaped pool has incredible mountain backdrop views, in addition to a mix of fun and relaxing features, such as an activity pool, an overlook infinity-style waterfall, and a hotter soaking pool.

WIESBADEN HOT SPRINGS SPA AND LODGINGS. Wiesbaden is home to hot springs and rare vapor caves tucked deep inside the mountain, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and private outdoor spa—all heated with geothermal water.

TWIN PEAKS LODGE & HOT SPRINGS. There are both indoor and outdoor soaking opportunities at this Ouray hot springs lodge.

ORVIS HOT SPRINGS. Located in Ridgway, Orvis Hot Springs is a beautifully landscaped facility with both indoor and outdoor soaking options, famous for their au naturel,

PHOTO CR ED ITS: IRON MOUNTA IN HOT SPRINGS

Jump in your Car, Saddleup the motorcycle or even prep your road bike, five premier hot springs destinations in western Colorado — Chaffee County, Pagosa Springs, Ouray County, Glenwood Springs, and Steamboat Springs — have come together to form the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop. This 720-mile loop showcases some of the most popular hot springs attractions in the country and is one way to relax and unwind.

clothing-optional policy.

Pagosa Springs The next stop is Pagosa Springs, about a 150-minute drive from Salida. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful Wolf Creek Pass on the way— stopping at the scenic overlook, Continental Divide, and the gushing Treasure Falls. Once you’ve arrived in town, the “Pah gosah” Mother Spring aquifer, which translates to “healing waters,” awaits, filling three different hot springs facilities.

THE SPRINGS RESORT & SPA. is open to lodge guests 24 hours a day and features 23 therapeutic mineral hot spring pools overlooking the San Juan River.

OVERLOOK HOTSPRINGS. has rooftop soaking tubs with unimpeded views of the San Juan Mountains, the river and downtown Pagosa Springs!

HEALING WATERS RESORT & SPA welcomes visitors to relax and soak in its therapeutic warm springs that are 100 percent natural mineral water with nothing else added.

Chafee County

This is Colorado 14er country where the majestic Collegiate Range— home to Mounts Princeton, Yale and Harvard—top out at over 14,000 feet and delineate the landscape. Tucked in amid the mountains are the towns of Salida, Nathrop and Buena Vista, places where experiencing the quintessential Colorado lifestyle is at its peak.

SALIDA HOT SPRINGS AQUATIC CENTER This community center facility is the largest indoor hot springs in North America, with its lap, soaking, and private pools.

MOUNT PRINCETON HOT SPRINGS. Known as a scenic overnight or day retreat, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is packed with amenities, like a historic bathhouse, creekside hot springs, a waterslide, and a spa and health club.

COTTONWOOD HOT SPRINGS. With a relaxed and back-to-nature vibe, Cottonwood Hot Springs is a peaceful stop with a quiet-zone and alcohol-free pools, as well as various lodging options.

Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Steamboat is famous for its authentic Western roots and genuine hospitality. It is home to vast ranch lands and dude ranches with rodeos held every weekend in the summer months. Surrounded by wilderness and a river that runs through it, Steamboat is an outdoor recreation paradise.

OLD TOWN HOT SPRINGS. Old Town is a recreational, multi-use complex with family-friendly fun packed into its geothermal waters.

STRAWBERRY PARK HOT SPRINGS. Strawberry Park is located outside of town, in a rustic and smaller venue, nestled against the banks of Strawberry Creek. There are lodging and camping options

WORK, PLAY, & STAY

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Get more with a Gravity Haus Membership!

Mountainside Hotels

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Guided Adventures

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trail

COLORADO GHOST TOWNS

BY ALEX DERR

Most ghost towns in Colorado share a common common history in the early mining years of the state.

During the silver and gold booms between 1850 and 1900, hundreds of mining camps and towns developed in the Rockies as deposits of minerals were discovered. Some towns remain today, like Telluride and Breckenridge, while many others faded as soon as the deposits were depleted.

Here are some of my favorite Colorado mountain ghost towns you can still visit today.

Animas Forks

Of the dozens of ghost towns in Colorado, Animas Forks has among the best preserved structures and buildings.

Founded in 1873, the town had more than 450 residents at its peak in 1883. Despite a revival of mining in the early 20th century, the town was eventually abandoned. The most famous structure on the site is the two-story Duncan House built in 1876. Its large bay windows overlook the town remains, a reminder of the fleeting nature of success in the grand scheme of things.

Winfield & Vicksburg

If you plan to climb Huron Peak or Mt Belford, it’s impossible to miss Vicksburg. This mining camp from the 1860’s features a main street line with balsam pine trees.

The plantings were hauled in by the miners and planted by hand 140 years ago, and are watered by irrigation ditches they dug. Winfield lies 4 miles up the road, and features a museum in what was once the town’s schoolhouse. They’re both worth a bit of your time to explore their mining past.

St. Elmo

Without a doubt, St. Elmo is the best preserved Ghost Town in the state of Colorado. Dozens of buildings from the late 19th century still stand, including the town hall and jail, general store and numerous residences. The store still opens during the summer months, and there are still a few inhabitants, so some argue if it’s technically a ghost town or not. Regardless, it’s 100% worth a day to visit and explore.

Carson

When you first visit Carson high in the mountains, it feels like you’re the first person to step foot in this camp in a century or more. You’ll need a 4WD vehicle with good clearance to make it to this isolated community at nearly 11,600 feet. However thanks to that distance, you’ll be treated to a much quieter experience than some of the other Colorado mountain ghost towns.

Learn more about other great Ghost Towns here: www.alexmderr.com/colorado-mountain-ghost-towns

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u o Y h Wis e r e H e r e W

Experience the Breck Film Fest Wherever You Are

DRIVE-IN FESTIVAL SEPT 17-20

2 0 2 0

VIRTUAL FESTIVAL SEPT 17-OCT 4

An Event Dedicated to Phyllis Martinez BreckFilmFest.org

MTN

family

CSCUSA Passport Program Colorado Ski Country USA’s (CSCUSA) popular children’s and adult ski passes, including the discount Gems card, are now on sale for the 2020-21 winter season.

The industry leading CSCUSA 5th and 6th Grade Passports are returning for their 25th year in the 202021 season. Since its creation in 1995, the Passport Program has served nearly half a million families and children, providing free and significantly discounted access to the slopes and the opportunity for families to experience skiing and snowboarding.

In order to direct skiers and riders to non-peak periods so that physical distancing can be maintained, the 5th and 6th Grade Passports will be different this year.

The programs will offer up to 63 days on the slopes for 5th graders and up to 84 days on the slopes for 6th graders at 21 ski areas across the state.

These passes provide incredible value for experienced skiing and riding families, those brand new to the sport and everyone in between looking to access Colorado Ski Country ski areas this winter.

Both 5th and 6th Grade Passports will be valid on weekdays (Monday-Friday) only this winter with holiday restrictions.

6th Grade Passport: 6th Grade Passports start at $99.

This price is guaranteed through Oct. 8, 2020.

5th Grade Passport: 5th Grade Passports will require a $40 processing fee.

Registration for the Passport programs will remain open through January 31, 2021. To register for the Passport programs, parents can visit www.ColoradoSki.com/ passport. The CSCUSA Passport Program enjoys the support of presenting sponsor Christy Sports, which

provides one (1) free equipment rental to all Passport holders per season redeemable at any Christy Sports location.

Participating resorts in the 2020-21 Passport program include: Arapahoe Basin, Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Cooper, Copper Mountain, Echo Mountain, Eldora, Granby Ranch, Howelsen Hill, Hesperus, Kendall Mountain, Loveland, Monarch, Powderhorn, Purgatory, Snowmass, Steamboat, Sunlight, Telluride and Winter Park. www.coloradoski.com/passport

The WeeklyPause

Times are interesting right now and if you are like many of us they are quite stressful too. We dicovered the Weekly Pause, a resource that offers parents simple tips and tools to navigate the challenges of raising children and teens... especially in these uncertain times. Evidence shows that the daily practice of taking care of our own mental, emotional and physical health helps us manage stress in our bodies and minds so our kids can feel calmer too.

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Well-being is a skill that can be strengthened, just like a muscle. Each week UB.U in the Vail Valley delivers easy-to-use resources rooted in self-awareness and emotional regulation that can be shared with your children, friends and other family members.

Our hope and theirs is that these five minute, science based tools, will bring greater ease and connection to your home and family.

Subscribe to The WeeklyPause here: www.ubunity.com

Socially-Distant by Nature www.sunlightmtn.com

CAMP, GLAMP, GET OUT

Telluride Blues and Brews

LET’S GO! Cool dry weather makes Fall a refreshing time to plan a getaway.

Whether it is learning to Backpack, treating yourself to a Glamping experience, RV’ing, or checking into a new hotel, we have some suggestions and ways to enjoy Colorado’s mountain towns and beyond.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Colorado

BY R SCOTT RAPPOLD

I remember very clearly the first time I ever went backpacking...

I was 14 and living in Pennsylvania. My Boy Scout troop leaders had planned a week-long excursion on the Appalachian Trail, a 40-mile trek through the rolling hills and deep green forests that make up this pretty part of the East Coast.

It was a nightmare...

I remember well the external-frame backpack that I suspect permanently altered the shape of my spine; the foam sleeping mattress that never quite provided cushion from the rocks; the drinking water that tasted like a swimming pool from the acrid purification tablets; the backpacking meals we all suspected were leftovers from World War II; the 10-pound canvas tent that neither dried nor kept out the rain.

Naturally, I was hooked. The freedom of the trail, sleeping in a new place every night, the camaraderie of isolation with my fellow Scouts, having campfires deep in the wilderness where no cars could venture - I never looked at camping the same way again.

Fortunately, 30 years later, nearly everything about the gear has improved. Tents are lighter. Air mattresses have replaced bulky foam pads. Delicious water can be filtered directly from lakes and streams. Dehydrated backpacking meals are made by actual chefs, not Army quartermasters.

And there’s no better way to experience the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. So whether you’re new to the sport or, like I did, rediscovering it after a long break, this is your guide to backpacking Colorado.

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The gear Online shopping may be cheaper, but I believe an overnight pack should always be bought in person. Stores like REI employ experts to help fit you and your camping style with the right pack, and you’ll never know if it fits your body comfortably at a cheap gear website.

In deciding on a pack, you need to decide what level of luxury you want in the backcountry. If you’re interested in covering 10+ miles a day and sleeping where you collapse, go with an ultralight pack. On the other hand, if you plan to haul luxuries like a hammock or pillow and spend ample time relaxing at camp, go with a larger-volume pack.

The same goes with your shelter. Minimalists might go with a bivouac shelter. I go a different direction, with a tent sized for one person more than I have; my wife and I used a threeperson tent. Generally, the more expensive the tent, the less it will weigh. It’s money well-spent.

Your water system should also match your hiking style.

Going to be filling from creeks while on the go? Get a hand pump water filter that can be used in the tiniest babbling brooks. Plan to establish a base camp for a couple days? A gravity-powered filter (essentially a bag you hang on a tree that filters as it drips) may be a better bet.

Other essentials include hiking boots, a flashlight, matches or lighter, first aid kit, camp stove and fuel if you want hot meals, sunscreen, insect repellent and rain gear.

Know before you go

Where to go

A backpacker shouldn’t just step into the wilderness without planning.

Colorado has nearly 24 million acres of public land, including 3.5 million acres of wilderness, where only hikers and horse-riders are allowed, so deciding where to go backpacking can seem overwhelming.

Research your trip on the Internet. Talk to local gear shop employees about good backpacking options. Buy a detailed map such as the National Geographic Trails Illustrated series.

Most maps published by the U.S. Forest Service are too largescale to be much use on a hiking trip.

Check the weather forecast. If it’s July or August, you can count on afternoon thunderstorms to be your daily companion, so it’s a good idea to not be hiking above timberline after noon if you can help it. If it’s early spring or late fall, it might snow on you.

And speaking of snow, many high-alpine locations can hold snow well into July and begin falling just as early, so it’s a good idea to bring some kind of boot traction, such as crampons, just in case.

Other considerations you should check in advance: Are bear canisters (to protect food from the wildlife) required, as they are in many national parks? Are permits required, like in the Indian Peaks Wilderness? Is there a campfire ban? Is the road to the trailhead open (many mountain roads are closed for snow and mud into June)? Many websites allow users to write reviews of individual trails, which can also be a great resource.

Decide what kind of trip you’re looking for. If you want a more relaxing experience, find a mountain lake where you can establish a base camp and go fishing or take day hikes, or visit a backcountry hot springs.

If you’re looking to explore a larger chunk of Colorado, plan a loop. If you have multiple vehicles, you can do a shuttle loop so everything you see is new to you.

If you’re interested in a truly epic adventure, try hiking the entire Colorado Trail, which runs from Durango to the outskirts of Denver, or sections of the Continental Divide Trail. In Colorado, the opportunities are limitless. You can spend a weekend exploring the wilderness, a week or a lifetime.

When you go And finally, tell someone where you’re going and when you’re going there, just in case.

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Glamping 7 Ways to Experience America’s Hottest Travel Trend

BY STEVE SNYDERS

River Run “Glamping” – the portmanteau of “glamour” and “camping” – brings together luxurious accommodations and the beauty of the natural world. While luxurious tents often first come to mind, accommodations in a variety of styles are now available at glamping destinations around the world, ranging from domes to yurts to tiny homes and tree houses.

Imagine being surrounded by nature and tranquility with all the comforts of luxury accommodations of a 5-star resort – comfortable beds, flat screen TVs, built-in kitchens, gourmet cuisine, AC, hot tubs, and saunas. Sounds amazing doesn’t it?

While it is trendy, glamping is not a fleeting trend. The number of camping households recently reached 80 million in the US market, with relaxation and de-stressing being the primary motivators behind this travel craze. A new report

by KOA shows that 30 percent of North American travelers have taken a glamping trip over the past two years. In fact, studies project the glamping market in the US to reach revenue of $1 billion by 2024.

Like camping, younger and more diverse people glamp more than other groups. Sixty percent of leisure travelers who reported that they had glamped in the past two years are from the millennial or Gen Z generations, meaning they were born after approximately 1980. Millennials make up the largest group of glampers at 48 percent.

Travelers in states such as California, New York, Colorado, Washington, and Texas are leading the glamping charge, and new glamping operations are popping up all across the globe. The options are seemingly endless, so we’ve put together a list of 8 of the finest examples of glamping options for you and your significant others.

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The new River Run Resort in Granby, Colorado offers furnished yurts and conestoga wagons for an unforgettable glamping experience. Guests can also bring their own tents to sleep under the stars or rent one of River Run’s tents to make life even easier. The resort also offers three distinct vacation rentals featuring open-concept spaces to make guests feel at home. www.sunrvresorts.com/river-run/

High Lonesome Ranch High Lonesome Ranch in Western Colorado is home to diverse wildlife and provides a vast playground for sports and wilderness activities. It also offers glamping in safaristyle tents. Thermostatically controlled heaters take the chill off the night air. Fire pits make good gathering spots to watch starry skies. Private, locked marble baths are close by for each of the tents. The 1,200-square-foot log pavilion with a roaring stone fireplace nearby provides a great space for festive group meals, happy hours, gatherings and more. www.frontierstravel.com/the-high-lonesome-ranch-birdshootin Fireside Resort By combining the amenities of a luxury boutique hotel with the atmosphere of a wooded campground, Fireside Resort offers Wyoming’s best glamping experience. The lodging options ref lect the heritage of the valley’s original homesteader cabins, with cozy fireplaces, full kitchens, private furnished decks, and outdoor fire pits. Situated on wildlife-filled acres where moose, elk, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles and deer roam, Fireside Resort is a mere seven miles from Jackson’s bustling town square. www.firesidejacksonhole.com

Glamping Around Colorado and Beyond Glamping locations clockwise top left to right: Bar W Guest Ranch, Fireside Resort, Kestrel Camp, River Run, Sossus Under Canvas, Ryabaga Camp,

High Lonesome Ranch Kachi Lodge

Kestrel Camp

On Adventure Life’s High Deserts of Bolivia & Chile tour, explore the extreme geography of Lake Titicaca, mountains, canyons, lagoons and the largest salt desert in the world, Salar de Uyuni. Upgrade your trip and stay in a Kachi Lodge dome, offering the comfort of a luxury hotel room and authentic, inventive dining on the salt f lats at the foot of Tunupa Volcano, at an altitude of 11,800 feet. www.adventure-life.com/bolivia/tours/9296/highdeserts-of-bolivia-chile

The American Prairie Reserve in Montana is piecing together what will be the largest nature reserve in the lower 48 states, totaling 3.5 million acres, and restoring habitat and species in the process.

APR’s Kestrel Camp offers five yurt-style luxury suites set around a central lounge and dining room serving chef-prepared meals, as well as a safari-style experience with special access to tour the reserve’s ecosystem with personal naturalists. www.americanprairie.org/kestrel-camp

Ryabaga Camp

Sossus Under Canvas

The Ponoi River in Russia offers some of the world’s best Atlantic salmon fishing. At Ryabaga Camp, guests enjoy their own cabin with queen beds and en suite bathroom with hot water, electricity and internet. Gourmet, chef-prepared meals are served in the “Big Tent,” the camp’s social hub. For a true wilderness location, Ryabaga Camp stands alone with its level of service and accommodations. www.frontierstravel.com/ryabaga-camp-the-ponoiriver

On Adventure Life’s Namibia Under Canvas tour, climb the sand dunes of Sossusvlei, explore the coastal city of Swakopmund, marvel at the natural wonders of Damaraland and search for wildlife in Etosha National Park. Return each night to a camp like Sossus Under Canvas, where tents are protected from the elements by natural stone walls and roofs built from recycled oil drums, and furnishings are made of recycled metal and wood. The camp is virtually invisible from any distance has a low environmental footprint. www.adventure-life.com/namibia/tours/13231/ namibia-under-canvas

Bar W Guest Ranch Glamping in Montana at the Bar W offers guests a luxury camping resort experience combined with a true cowboy vacation at a ranch 23 miles from Glacier National Park. Nestled by a pasture full of wildf lowers, guests can wake up, make a cup of coffee, and sit on the deck of their glamping tent and watch the Ranch come alive all around them. www.thebarw.com/montana-guest-ranch-lodging

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These glamping destinations here in Colorado and around the world are ready to welcome you while following all protocols and procedures to keep you safe during our time dealing with COVID-19. Cleaning, sanitizing and the industry’s best practices are being taken very seriously to ensure a healthy stay and adventure you will want experience again.

PHOTO CREDITS: WILLIAM GEORGE

UNTAPPED. UNTAMED

www.KremmlingChamber.com

ROAD TRIPPING The Benefits of Traveling in an RV or Camper Taking a trip in an RV is all the rage these days. State and National Parks are seeing a big uptick of visitors taking an interest in their sights and campgrounds. There are many travel options, road tripping in an RV is one of them and Brooke Johnson, Founder and Owner of Tumbleweed Travel has provided a few benefits of traveling in an RV, Camper or Van for you to discover.

All-in-one Space

Usually when you are traveling, your mode of transportation, place to stay, place to eat, storage space, place to shower, and places to see are all separate. But, with an RV, you have all of the necessities + added luxuries in one place! The convenience is unbeatable.

Views

Aside from the actual destinations you will be visiting in your RV, the views you get from the driver’s seat along the way are insane. No matter how big the RV, most have pretty epic panoramic views through the larger windshield + side windows. Take all the scenic drives, and see them clearly too! Even better? Wake up next to your new favorite view out the back of your van or down the steps of your RV.

Flexibility

Speaking of those views, you can stop as many times as you want and stay wherever you’d like (for the most part) on your trip. Sometimes a place you didn’t even know about catches your eye along the way. With an RV, you have the time and the means to actually explore it! Being in total control of your schedule and your route perfectly showcases the freedom of the open road.

Unlimited Access

When you provide your own roof over your head, the possibilities of places to stay are endless. Allow yourself to get creative with them. RV park by the beach? Sure!

How about parked ON the beach? Or secluded in the trees under the stars. Maybe even overlooking a lake or canyon.

Winery more your style? Whatever your scene is, there’s a place to park within it. All you have to do is find it.

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Unplug, If You Want To

How connected do you want to be with the world? Whether you absolutely need your wifi or you are craving a totally remote weekend – the choice is yours. There are plenty of RV parks that have full hookups, access to wifi, cell service, and more. But there are just as many secluded spots where it’s just you and the great outdoors (and your favorite new home on wheels of course!)

Saves You Money

Because it’s an all-in-one travel companion, traveling in an RV starts to save you serious bucks. Your biggest expense will probably be gas. You can nix the expensive hotel rooms out of the plans, as most of the spots you’d be parking and staying in your RV will be pretty cheap. We’re talking $0 – $50/night on average! Also, you don’t have to resort to eating out for every meal since you have a mini kitchen handy (cost conscious + healthy!) Just think, all the money you aren’t blowing on these “extras,” you can put towards the experiences of your choosing.

Authenticity

The people you choose as your co-pilot(s), camping set-up, pull-off spots you take last minute, how close (or how little) you follow your initial route, laughs you share, sunsets you see, trails you hit, experiences you have, and memories you make are completely unique to you and your RV crew.

There will never be a road trip exactly like yours. How exciting is that?

These are just a few of the benefits of traveling in an RV, but we can promise you there’s more. The best thing about this type of travel is that it’s what you make of it. Whether you are looking for luxury or a low-key, bare-necessities trip – there’s an RV out there.

We can even assist you with all of your travel plans and logistics to make it happen. www.tumbleweedtravelco.com

Tougher than the trail rhinorack.com

XTray Pro Cargo Basket

Discreet inbuilt Thru Axle.

The XTray Pro is a luggage carrying accessory that will definitely turn heads wherever you go.

Black powder-coated steel construction and a sleek design match quality manufacturing and style perfectly. A sleek, aerodynamic wind deflector is positioned at the front of the tray to make your travels quieter, deflect bugs, dirt and grime from your cargo. The XTray Pro features two discreet inbuilt Thru Axle Bike Carriers for you to safely carry your bikes and other gear on your tray.

Learn more at rhinorack.com

@ rhinorackusa

Gravity Haus

Not just any slopeside lodging facility

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Gravity Haus is not just any slopeside lodging facility, it is a community of outdoor enthusiasts looking to maximize their time getting out and getting at it in our mountain town communities.

The location brings together solo travelers, groms young and old, families, and area locals seeking to enjoy all of our mountain community’s best attributes.

I just got the full tour and opportunity to experience first hand this unique, new lodging property that opened in Breckenridge, Colorado. I loved it and think it is a game-changer for the lodging industry. Gravity Haus is a super cool hotel that feels like a basecamp set in the mountain valley of Breckenridge, Colorado where you can settle in and stay, fuel the body with exceptionally crafted food, train the body with professionals and athletes, and learn new outdoor skills with experienced guides all while making new friends.

Sounds a little like stay-away camp for adults? Yes, I would say it is, but a sophisticated stay away camp where you can mingle with like-minded people and enjoy pretty exceptional amenities in an unpretensious atmoshpere. Rooms range from hostel-style spaces with a multitude of beds and bunks to plush single King-sized berths with pullout sleeper sofas and queen bunkbed rooms all to lay your head down and get much-needed rest after adrenaline-filled days (or lazy days strolling through Breck’s shops).

Gravity Haus’s public spaces are comfortable places to mix and mingle with repurposed ski lift chairs, fireplaces, comfy couches and garage doors that pull up on nice days (quick note: they are fully setup for COVID-19 compliancy and take your safety seriously with hand sanitizing stations and masks in well placed areas as well as plexiglass partitions for areas you will interact with their staff.

I felt very safe). The vibe is rustic meets industrial modern with a professional staff ready to assist your getaway needs.

Before you head off to the land of Wynken, Blynken and Nod you’ll probably want a little Aprés time which there is a whole lot of both at Cabin Juice Restaurant and Bar and Unravel an all-day coffee bar one level down from the restaurant in the lobby area. The food is exceptional and I implore you, eat the pastries. Chef Oliver is a genius. This modern meets rustic facility is unique in the fact that it offers more than just a room for the night. It is more like a social club that allows you to join in with a variety of membership opportunities that allow for lodging discounts, event participation, access to their recovery spas, working spaces, and Dryland classes as well as discounts on food & beverage with individual and family membership packages.

But wait there’s more and I mean that in the most joyful communiqué! Gravity Haus has an add on in their memberships that allow you to demo current stand up paddleboards, skis and snowboards from their Haus Quiver. If you need to get work done Gravity Haus has a spacious coworking space – Starterhaus – complete with internet, printer, 10 person conference room, phone booth for privacy, printer, Unravel coffee, and kitchen. The remote workspace is Dog-friendly too, just like the lodging facility. So many perks but the best part? The giant onsite Flybed Trampoline!

My friend and I screamed and laughed as we sky’ed one another, jumped around and attempted fun tricks for 45 minutes outside in the courtyard.

Gravity Haus is an exceptional new way to enjoy mountain town activities, dining, and more. We won’t give away all of the hotel’s experiences, you gotta check it out yourself to see that this it is more than a hotel, it is an adventure! www.gravityhaus.com

FALL IN LOVE WITH GRAND PARK ELK CREEK

These dynamic units range from 1 to 3 bedrooms with 1 to 3 bathrooms and a study.

Units offer 10 foot high ceilings and decks built for hot tubs.

Simply because it is a family-centered neighborhood surrounded by great parks and outdoor recreation!

These exquisite townhomes vary from 3 to 4 bedroom homes, with 2 to 3 bathrooms, and 2 to 3 family rooms.

These modern farmhouse inspired Villas range from 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2 living spaces and a 2 car garage.

ELK CREEK CONDOS STARTING IN THE HIGH 300’S CONTRACT TODAY! Villas will be Only 21 custom

built in the Meadows adjacent to open space.

Multiple Villa home plans available to view online now!

Visit our website for info, availability and more details of our neighborhoods

www.grandparkco.com • 970.726.8700

Reclaiming our Homes

home comforts Puzzle & Game Tables

Here’s the perfect table to play games and build your puzzles. The Bedoni Game Table features a reversible and removable tabletop with chess game board, pull out stainless cup holders and a recessed interior with backgammon hand crafted by Colorado artisan Ryan Schlaefer Fine Furniture..

Enjoy the colder days with family and a competitiive game or relaxing puzzle. rtsfurnituredesign.com

Pet Portraits

H

Humidify your dry high altitude home while infusing your air with the healing power of plants and release negative ions to elevate your well being with a Saje diffuser.

Hang a meticulously handpaint pet portraits to capture the spirit and character of your furry friend. Send your favorite photo of your BFF and a bit about his/her personality, and Colorado artist David Kennett of BFF Pet Paintings will create a custom oil painting you’ll enjoy for years to come. bffpetpaintings.com

saje.com

Outdoor Fireplaces Breck Ironworks ™ is a custom metal fabrication facility in Breckenridge, Colorado. Our timeless handcrafted fire pits take inspiration from Mother Nature, with realistic logs, branches and pinecones made from recycled steel. Breck Ironworks’ American-made fire pits are the centerpiece for outdoor living at homes and businesses in the Rocky Mountains and around the world. We also offer other steelwork services, with an emphasis on architectural and decorative elements. breckironworks.com

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real estate

H A SSLE FR EE HOMES

No Hassle, Beautifully Built Homes are on the Rise in

Colorado’s Mountain Towns ef Building the luxury home of your dreams may seem overly complicated now more than ever in this time of high stress, social distancing and sheltering in place.

But at two Colorado mountain communities, new real estate offerings allow for hassle-free construction and serene, comfortable living.

At the exclusive Alpine Mountain Ranch & Club in Steamboat Springs, the Hygge Haus brings together minimalism and luxury in homage to Scandinavian style.

And The Ranches at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash is a private, intimate enclave with an award-winning luxury guest ranch and spa next door.

Both offer an array of resort-style amenities and concierge services that make life even easier.

Scandinavian Style in Steamboat The new Hygge Haus at Alpine Mountain Ranch & Club takes its name from the Danish term encompassing comfort, contentment, well-being and luxury.

“Hygge has really gained traction over the past five years as its own kind of design style,” says Sarah Tiedeken O’Brien, the home’s interior

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Alpine Mountain Ranch

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Hygge Haus

designer and partner at Vertical Arts Architecture.

“There isn’t a direct translation for Hygge (pronounced hoo-guh) in English, but it’s best summed up as offering a feeling of comfort and an atmosphere promoting serenity and well-being.”

The Hygge Haus’ architecture and design embrace clean, simple lines, minimalism and functionality without sacrificing beauty. Interior spaces, free of clutter and ornamentation, feature open floor plans, with flexible spaces that can accommodate a variety of activities, furthering their practicality.

“Floor-to-ceiling windows frame 270-degree views spanning from Emerald Mountain clear across the South Valley to Walton Peak, with the Steamboat Ski Resort as the focal point,” said Architect Ian Wagner. “A modern and sophisticated kitchen and multiple dining areas, including a unique breakfast nook, encompassed by glass that opens completely to the outdoors, highlights the entry level, and at sunset invites in pink light from Steamboat Springs’ famous Alpenglow.”

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The 4,500-square-foot home features four bedrooms and six bathrooms, with master suites on each of its two levels. The lower level includes a walkout area with a hot tub. Outside, materials such as stone, wood and metal accents complement the surrounding aspen grove and wildlife habitat.

“The home offers an airy, inviting environment with a lot of rich, tactile materials. And it’s got a soothing color palette, but within that is a lot of depth and texture,” says O’Brien. “The goal is to create a vibe that easy for families to come in and feel like they can put their feet up.”

AMRC is a 1,200-acre ranch community with 63, five-acre homesites from $1.5 million and more than 900 acres dedicated to wildlife preservation.

Owners have access to the ranch’s trail system for hiking and horseback riding, a lake for canoeing and paddleboarding, private waters for fly-fishing and concierge services for an abundance of other activities on and off site, with Champagne Powder skiing just minutes away. www.alpine mountainranch.com

The Ranches at an Award-Winning Retreat

Fans of the award-winning Devil’s Thumb outside Winter Park can now book a permanent stay as owners Bob and Suzanne Fanch are adding homesites to the ranch resort’s offerings.

The Ranches will be a private enclave of 24 custom homes being built in harmony with its woodland-and-meadow setting. Sites range from 11 to 35 acres and are spread across 550 acres.

“We’ve always felt that we’re merely stewards of this land, and we’re looking for people who share that mindset, who appreciate the openness and wildness of the land and want to enjoy it now, but also preserve it for future generations,” said Bob Fanch.

The Ranches at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Residents of The Ranches will enjoy resort amenities that include an elegant lodge, acclaimed restaurants, renowned spa and concierge services. Activities like fly

fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, zip lining and cross-country skiing are available on site, and Winter Park is just down the road.

The homesites are located on a ridge just northwest of the base area of the resort and have 360-degree views. Several sites

overlook national forest land, while others are tucked into the valley, close to a trout-filled river.

Established design guidelines allow for a unique vision while maintaining cohesiveness within the community and with the environment of the Ranch Creek Valley. And home size is dependent upon the location and terrain, with most sites allowing up to 8,000 square feet and a handful up to 10,000 square feet.

“I think families who appreciate what the ranch is about and what it offers, as well as preservation, solitude and also conveniences easily in reach, will find a home here,” says Rob Cyman, president of The Ranches. “It’s a place where you can feel removed, but easily connected.”

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COZ Y & C OM F ORTA BL E IN FRISCO When entering the town of Frisco, Colorado in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains there is one thought going through one’s mind, “How can I spend all my time looking at these mountains?”. Creating an interior that matches the beauty of the exterior landscape can be quite challenging, but Wendy Yates at AE Design Studio is always looking for a challenge.

This mountain modern interior embodies the beauty of the surrounding landscape with the elegance of luxury designs.

There is an element to design that not every designer is aware of, let alone able to apply. It’s not solely visual, tactile, or even part of the five basic

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senses, although it does incorporate all of those. It’s the feeling you get when you encounter something or someplace so pleasant that it leaves you wanting more!

Wendy Yates at Abigail-Elise Design Studio is a master at creating interiors that give people this type of feeling and it’s highlighted in a cozy and comfortable way within this featured Frisco, Colorado home.

Wendy’s Tips for Creating a Cozy & Comfortable Home

Choose a Color Palette with warm, soft earth tones that neutralize the environment so that it is calming and peaceful.

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Add plant accents and the combination of textures and patterns that mimic the surrounding scenery. Use greenery and flowers to add a quality of biophilic design. Use pillows and wall coverings that add to the mountainous view scapes vs distracting from them. Furniture and seating options like an oversized sofa that can second as a daybed in the entertainment room give function and fashion in a versatile way. Use warm light and add some whimsy with color.

Include geometric shapes to add an optical illusion of space within a room that has an irregular vaulted ceiling and/or oddities in the architecture.

FASHIONABLE AFFORDABLE FURNITURE Since ifurnish is locally owned, we personally choose the brands that are represented in the store.

We look for affordability, quality, aesthetics as well as function. We deliver furniture to Summit, Park, Lake and Grand county’s as well as throughout the state of Colorado. featured: Abbott Cigar Sofa, Crank End Table, Folding Table Lamp, Charcoal and Chevron Throw Pillows

F R I S C O | 7 2 5 T E N M I L E D R I V E | 9 7 0 - 6 6 8 - 1 0 0 0 | W W W. I F U R N I S H . C O M

Our additional 13,000 sq/ft Showroom will be Opening Soon in Kremmling, Colorado

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mountain life

Dreaming of Mountain Retirement

BY STEVEN SMITH Growing old is compulsory. Retirement from work is discretionary.

— Anonymous wise person

Do the mountains call you for your dream retirement? Many people aspire to retire to the active lifestyle and natural beauty of the Colorado mountains. How will you achieve that dream? Here is the RightPath guide to Mountain Retirement: Follow Your Dream What about mountain living is so appealing? Skiing during the week? Miles of trails? Fishing, golfing, biking, music, and culture? Which mountain towns offer amenities that align with your dreams? Check out Mountain Town Magazine’s Town Guide for more ideas.

Retirement Goals Many retirees take the drive that made them successful in their professional life and diverts that energy to a “retirement career.” Do you have a retirement goal aligned with the mountain lifestyle?

Stay Healthy, Stay Fit Mountain living demands an active lifestyle. If your retirement dream is to enjoy more time outside, the mountains are for you. And the bonus? Exercise, fresh air, and a connection to nature provide significant health benefits.

Healthy Communities Staying healthy and fit in retirement requires a team to support you. When choosing your ideal mountain retirement community, consider the local health care system: personal trainers and physical therapists, doctors and health care providers, specialists, and hospitals. And what public programs are available to support seniors?

Finding Community A sense of belonging, friends, and play partners contributes immensely to your well-being. The best advice for making new friends comes from mountain retirees: “get involved.”

Volunteering is a great way to connect with people who share your interests.

Along with volunteering is philanthropy. Giving to those local non-profits and community programs that make your mountain town thrive provides a return on your investment.

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you with other donors, volunteers, and board members who share your passions.

Community can also be found in a spiritual home. Research your opportunities for churches, synagogues, and other houses of worship before choosing your mountain community.

Financial Planning – It will be Expensive Everything is expensive in the mountains, from housing to groceries to gas. Life’s daily demands also demand a solid financial cushion. Dining out, new skis and boots, theater and music tickets, entertaining, dedication to your retirement goals, or travel during mud season can quickly draw down a retirement fund, if not managed prudently.

The Financial Planning Basics Still Apply· • • • • • •

Do you have reasonable spending goals, aligned with your resources, savings, and plans?· Have you investigated your Social Security claiming strategies?

How much and what kinds of investment risk to take to achieve your goals?

What is the strength of your asset allocation? Stocks, bonds, cash, annuities, IRAs? Does your portfolio align with your personal values, such as sustainability?

What are your strategies when you can no longer stay in the mountains due to health issues or other concerns?

Make the Most of Your Years in the Mountains.

While the inevitable sneaks up on all of us, retiring to the mountains can make for the best years of your life. Skiing powder, cruising groomers, fishing mountain creeks, hiking with friends, surrounding yourself with nature are memories to cherish for a lifetime. With sound advice and a good financial plan, retirement in the mountains can be an achievable goal to realize your dreams.

Steven Smith, JD, CFP, is the founder and principle at RightPath Investments and has been working with professionals, families, and business owners to plan successfully for their future for more than two decades. RightPathInvestments.com

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Limon, Costa Rica • www.PuertoViejoClub.com

Two Words

Me Time

IT’S ON

Our 2020 festival has gone virtual so you can bring Original Thinkers into your home and watch our highly curated shows whenever you want from October 1-11th Buy your Big Idea Pass at

originalthinkers.com

Massage Body Treatments | Tanning Waxing | Tinting Laser Hair Removal Facials | Injectables | IPL Manicure/Pedicure Packages | Products

224 South Main Street Breckenridge, CO 80424 970-453-7676 Open 7 Days a Week

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Healthy Homes

Ventilation as a Prophylaxis for Allergens, Mold & Covid-19

BY DAVID R. KOONS

Here in the high alpine, residents and visitors of our mountain communities enjoy outdoor activities and the freshest air available, adjacent to our national forests (albeit thin and sometimes smoky!). But the truth is, we still spend a lot of our time indoors at home, especially during our long winter seasons, mostly with the windows closed, and more so since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Per the EPA, indoor air is often 9x more polluted than outdoor air. There are myriad pollutants found indoors, including concentrations of Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Radon, and Formaldehyde. Finishes, textiles, and plastics are “off-gassing” Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) and Synthetic Chemicals. Sewers and septic systems are burping Hydrogen Sulfide. There is also PM. PM stands for particulate matter (also called particle pollution): the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. And while particulate matter smaller than 10 microns (PM10) such as molds, pollen and dust can be a health irritant, smaller particles such as those from combustion, organic compounds, metals, bacteria, and viruses, which are 2.5 microns and less (PM2.5) are widely considered hazardous to your health, because they can pass through your lung tissue and into your bloodstream. The SARS-Cov2 virus is around 0.1 microns. PM2.5 and smaller particles are carried by aerosols or liquid droplets in the air.

Does this sound familiar? There is much debate about the size of water droplets in the air, what they may carry with them and how they behave

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indoors, but there is zero debate about minimum levels of air exchange for indoor spaces. This information has been codified for many years, originating in 1989 with ASHRAE 62.2.

While filtration and other methods of air purification such as ozone, ultraviolet, and ionic, etc. may be effective at cleaning indoor air, no technology is as effective as the dilution of indoor air by measured, continuous, and filtered outdoor air exchange. Along with source control of pollutants, a fresh-air-system is necessary for a healthy home. It wasn’t until recently that residential building codes mandated “continuous mechanical ventilation” at prescribed levels.

As of 2009, continuous mechanical ventilation is required by the widely adopted International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Energy Conservation Code. Most mountain communities adopted the 2012 version in 2014.

But, even in nearly all new mountain homes today, built tighter to save energy, improve durability, and enhance comfort, fresh air is only passively added, by an open window or door, and stale air is exhausted at the discretion of the occupant, by a bath vent or kitchen hood. This is not nearly enough fresh air, and meanwhile, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems for homes are wildly misunderstood by the general public. Slightly older mountain homes, such as those built before 2014, have almost zero fresh air exchange. Radiant heating systems, top-of-the-line in providing temperature comfort in fall, winter, and spring, provide no opportunity for ventilation. Forced-air systems

HRV units provide balanced, filtered ventilation air, where heat energy is recovered with efficiencies of up to 80%.

include no allowances for air-exchange to outdoors (unless specifically requested), and only provide the recirculation of conditioned air indoors, possibly increasing the potential for infection. Tight construction offers the control of comfort, efficiency, and durability, but without offering filtered, distributed, and measured ventilation air to the indoor environment, these homes are not at all healthy, and especially in the high alpine.

www.coloradotaxcoach.com

As we mountain residents all consider the prospect of spending even more time at home this coming fall, winter, and spring, and our homes increase in both emotional and financial value, while also becoming our offices and schoolhouses, too, we should all consider making our residences as healthy as they can be by adding fresh-air-systems installed by an expert.

Residential Balanced Ventilation systems provide a continuous supply of fresh, filtered outside air.

These energy-efficient units remove airborne pollutants and reduce humidity by exhausting stale indoor air to the exterior, enhancing air quality and comfort for a healthier home. These ventilation systems are not only prophylaxis for Covid-19, but also a buffer against other ailments such as cold & flu, and even more dangerous ailments, such as cancer.

Thanks for reading. I wish you all a happy and healthy home environment!

David R Koons is a Building Analyst Professional, and the principal of Comfort by Kodiak, a high alpine home performance contracting company.

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Dine Local

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southwest colorado dining

“A quiet mountain town escape, with the luxury you deserve” Our elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites have all of the historic details that embrace our heritage complete with all of the modern amenities you desire. Experience The Dining Room’s elegant yet comfortable fine dining with old west f lair. We proudly host weddings, special events and business meetings. Whether it’s f ly fishing the Rio Grande River, mountain biking our numerous all terrain trails, golfing on our championship golf courses, or simply enjoying the Colorado mountain lifestyle, we have something for everyone.

605 Grand Avenue, DelNorte Colorado - www. windsorhoteldelnorte.com

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cocktails

CABIN CREEK BREWING GEORGETOWN

The Town of Georgetown is experiencing big change with new residential units, commercial space, lodging, and the addition of a new establishment, Cabin Creek Brewing. A group of passionate beer makers has nestled into the upper end of the Clear Creek Valley, right next to Georgetown lake where the partners have turned their blood, sweat in tears into some sweet brews with savory accompaniments.

The Clear Creek Brewing Company started as a dream 3 years ago. In the fall of 2011, team members Patrick Towland, Amit Patel, Evan Jeffries and Craig Abrahamson sat down and began to turn their dream into reality. Clear Creek Brewing began to take shape as they put deposits down on equipment 60

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and threw caution to the wind to erect their new Lake House brewing company.

Truly a passion project, they designed and built Cabin Creek Brewing with their own hands, from the ground up with a vision to pair innovation with tradition; paying homage to the past through rustic touches while brewing classic beers in a state of the art brewhouse.

lovely salad selections. Pair your selections with their Czech PilsnerPounder Foeder Pils or Slinger House Lager. Other daily house-brewed selections like the Trail Tag Hazy IPA and Cheaters Mocha Oatmeal Stout are available year-round in addition to seasonal and creatively crafted brew selections.

Take in the view of beautiful Georgetown and the surrounding mountains on their lakehouse outdoor patio or sit inside the open, airy dining room. The menu offers a plethora of classic and hearty dishes to enhance your beer-drinking session.

The group’s mission is for you to feel a part of the community where the Spirit of the West runs strong, so stop in for a delicious time and be sure to grab a growler and some cans to go. Perfect for Apres anything.

Try the Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich, Proscuitto Pizza, Sandwiches, Burgers, and Cheesesteaks along with some

577 22nd Street Georgetown, CO www.cabincreekbrewing.com

chaffee county dining

Our ideal customer is hungry, and the rest should take care of itself. We aim to provide elevated comfort food on the heart of Main Street, Buena Vista.

BURGERS . MELTS . TOTS . LIL�L VIKINGS 321 E. Main St. Buena Vista, Colorado www.buenaviking.com

steamboat dining

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EXPERIENCE STEAMBOAT WHISKEY COMPANY ...Steamboat's ffst aft distillly

CRAFT COCKTAILS * TOURS

TASTINGS * BOTTLE SALES

WE’RE OPEN: Weekdays @ 2PM Weekends @12PM 1103 Lincoln Ave. (11th St @ Lincoln Ave) Downtown Steamboat www.SteamboatWhiskeyCo.com steamboatwhiskey@gmail.com 970-846-3534

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dine local

Distilling An Experience

The Breckenridge Distillery

BY LAUREN GLENDENNING

From touring the award-winning spirit’s production facility to indulging in world-class cuisine, Breckenridge Distillery is truly an adventure for the senses.

Whether you have time for the full experience at the Distillery on Airport Road, or you’re simply curious about tasting its award-winning spirits while strolling Main Street, Breckenridge, the Distillery makes it easy, fun and delicious to discover what it’s all about. Here are 9 ways you can experience the Breckenridge Distillery.

1. COCKTAILS If it’s edible, chances are Liquid Chef Billie Keithley has made a cocktail out of it. And that’s one of the reasons she loves working for the Distillery so much.

“They never put a cap on my creativity,” Keithley said. “I’m thinking about cocktails all the time — my inspiration comes from everywhere.”

Because of the Distillery’s special liquor license, Keithley can’t go out and buy spirits and cordials elsewhere, so she creates them herself.

Products like amaros, bitters, vermouth and liqueurs are all made inhouse. “Which means we can put our own twists on them,” she said.

Keithley and Bar Manager Connor Bovich are creating schnapps, shrubs, syrups and juices, among other fresh products, for every specialty cocktail. Popular menu staples include the Obi Wan Old Fashioned, made with Breckenridge Port Cask Whiskey.

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BY

2. KC-STYLE BBQ LUNCH The Distillery’s daily Kansas City-style BBQ lunch features baby back ribs, pulled pork, the Diablo sandwich (with burnt ends and bulgogi sauce on Texas toast), beef brisket and more. Classic sides include coleslaw, potato salad, house-seasoned fries and baked beans.

Served daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

3. DINNER BY CHEF DAVID BURKE Internationally acclaimed chef David Burke remains a creative consultant for the menu at Breckenridge Distillery. His style combines sophistication with playfulness and continues to innovate the Distillery’s menu and elevate its dishes. Executive Chef Richard Calton and his team use the whole animal to strive toward zero food waste, and they also try to incorporate the Distillery’s spirits into dishes through sauces and marinades.

As always, the menu revolves around local produce, comfort foods with a twist and shareable dishes meant to encourage interaction and conviviality. “Things that may sound simple on the menu arrive with a lot of unexpected flare,” Calton said. “You see people taking pictures of the food a lot.”

Look for custom processes at the Distillery in the future, such as a future Himalayan sea salt room for dry-aging meats, a patented process by Burke.

Due to the new COVID regulations, lunch and dinner reservations are highly recommended. Book a reservation here. For a private dining experience, email restaurant@breckdistillery.com.

4. FREE SHUTTLE RIDES There’s no need to drink and drive when you can drink and ride. The Breckenridge Distillery wants its guests to drink responsibly, which is why it offers a free shuttle for customers with pick-ups and drop-offs anywhere within town limits. The shuttle fits up to 12 people — all you have to do is call the Distillery at (970) 445 8613 to book your ride.

5. TASTINGS The Breckenridge Distillery offers one of the most highly awarded craft bourbons on the market and you can try it for free. Guests are offered two complimentary samples from a limited menu and have the option to upgrade their tasting to try their high-end spirits. A great way to explore their award-winning line of hooch.

6. TOURS [CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE] Did you know that one of the most common myths about bourbon is that it has to be made in Kentucky? Bourbon can actually be made anywhere in the United States, as long as the process follows specific regulations. These are the kind of fun factoids you’ll learn during a Breckenridge Distillery tour.

Smell hundreds of aging barrels as you walk through the production facility and learn how Breckenridge Distillery creates its awardwinning spirits. Use your senses to experience the inner workings of how these hand-crafted spirits go from grain to bottle. Free tours happen daily on the hour and half-hour, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

7. PATIO AND GAMES [GAMES CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE] On the patio at Breckenridge Distillery, kids can be kids, and adults can be kids. There are picnic tables and yard games, as well as a relaxed, intimate dining area. “It’s a unique atmosphere — you’re surrounded by barrels and you can hear the production roaring as you soak in Colorado views and fresh air,” Unruh said. “It’s full of energy and excitement, and you’re enjoying it with hand-crafted cocktails.”

8. PRIVATE DINNERS IN DARK ARTS SOCIETY This intimate dining experience in the Distillery’s exclusive whiskey club is an experience like none other. Parties of up to 12 people can reserve the Dark Arts Society private room featuring old barn wood, leather couches, and a view of the bottling production area of the Distillery. This exclusive, private dining area comes with a personal wait staff and can be used for families, micro-conferences, executive meetings or small parties.

9. MAIN STREET TASTING ROOM IN DOWNTOWN BRECKENRIDGE In the heart of downtown Breckenridge, get a taste of not only the Distillery’s spirits but also a taste of what the Breckenridge Distillery is all about. From merchandise to personable, knowledgeable staff, this small tasting room is a glimpse of what you can experience at their main location on Airport Rd. breckenridgedistillery.com.

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dine local

YA MPA VA L L E Y KITCHEN S T E A M B O A T

S P R I N G S

BY HOLLY RESIGNOLO If I had to describe a restaurant in one word the Yampa Valley Kitchen’s would be Beautiful.

Beautiful food, beautiful decor, beautiful surroundings, beautiful service. As you pull up to their front door a full garden of flowers, vegetables and herbs engulf you as you enter their outdoor patio seating. The interior is just a welcoming filled with greenery and a vibrant bar area that pops with the floral wallpaper that was chosen to accent the room.

This newly opened eatery in Steamboat Springs is a meeting spot where you will want to sip, nosh, and linger with friends and family.Hannah Hopkins and co-owner Jeremy MacGray,

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Executive Chef Joe Campbell, Manager Kenra McQuarrie, Sous Chef Ryan Allen-Parrot, Cocktail Curator Rena Day and Gardener Pat Tormey have crafted a soulful and delicious experience for those looking for Breakfast and Lunch in Downtown Steamboat Springs.

They pride themselves in fulfilling a mission to serve uncompromised food. The team states, Yampa Valley Kitchen is uncompromising in its selection and sourcing of ingredients. We only use local, organic, or sustainable foods of the highest quality. This includes everything, down to the salts, oils, and spices we use. Instead of the commitment to use organic or local foods “ when available ”, YVK will

dillon dining

not serve it when it’s not available. BOOM! As you’ll see, our menu changes as we strictly adhere to this principle.

Yampa Valley Kitchen- UNCOMPROMISED FOOD - “.Open 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily their menus consist of hardy, light, and classic breakfast selections of eggs, crepes, toasts, bowls, and waffles. Lunch offers salads, sandwiches, small-plate snacks, soups, and hardier plates for carnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike. We adored the carrot Vegan Dog, Rosti, and colorful 9th Street Salad. The drink menu has so many delicious options from specialty lattes, organic loose leaf tea, delicious smoothies, and juices to zero proof + proof cocktails, it was hard to choose what to consume.

We watched a garden mary pass by garnished to the hilt with beautiful findings from the garden outside. Sparkling water, sparkling wine and mimosas all lent to the dreamy atmosphere. Take in the experience and the fabulous food by making the reservation and enjoy everything this seasoned food and beverage team has to offer.

207 9th Street, Steamboat Springs CO www.yampavalleykitchen.com

Be In the Know!

DINE LOCAL

Access all of our restaurant reviews

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frisco dining

Bar & Grill

Happy Hour Daily Live Music 7 - 9 pm in the Bar The Finest Seafood, Steaks and Entrees Casually Elegant, Moderately Priced with Great Specials 601 Main Street, Frisco 970-668-0345

“Doin’ Good, Havin’ Fun”

Come enjoy incredible views, weekly live music and delicious house-made food. We’re dog-friendly and open from 11am-11pm, Monday-Sunday

720 Main Street . Frisco . Highsidebrewing.com 68

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605 Main Street, Frisco CO 970-668-2100 www.KemosabeSushi.com

DINNER MENU . SALOON MENU and HAPPY HOUR At Frisco Prime our food is made with all-natural ingredients.

And as long as we can get it (and usually do), everything is also organically grown; free of antibiotics, chemicals, and preservatives, locally sourced; humanely raised, and hormone-free.

Steak . Seafood . Pasta . Farm Fresh Vegetables 20 Main Street, Frisco www.friscoprime.com

Vinny’s New location Opening Soon on Main Street Vinny’s and Frisco Prime are operating out of the Frisco Prime location at 20 W Main St in Frisco!

breckenridge dining

Open for Aprés Ski & Dinner MENU BY DAVID BURKE

MODERN AMERICAN CUISINE WITH ALTITUDE 1925 Airport Road | (970) 547-9759 (ext. 9)

BRECKENRIDGEDISTILLERY.COM/RESTAURANT ©2019 Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant, Breckenridge, Colorado.

Hidden Gem, cozy tavern for food and cocktails after a long day on the mountain.

We deliver our full restaurant menu in Breckenridge!

*mention this ad for a free appetizer

42 Snowflake Drive Breckenridge, Colorado 80424 970-547-8507 • cutavern.com Located inside BlueSky at the base of the Snowflake lift

La Cima Mall, 520 S Main Street, Breckenridge

www.sanchotaco.com

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Dine Local Directory

ASPEN

Mawa’s Kitchen 305 Aspen Airport Business Center #F Aspen, CO (970) 710-7096 mawaskitchen.com

BRECKENRIDGE

B reckenridge Distillery 1925 Airport Road Breckenridge, CO (970) 925-9788 breckenridgedistillery.com

Briar Rose 199 Lincoln Avenue Breckenridge, CO (970) 925-9788 briarrosechophouse.com

Goldenhorseshoe Tour Co. Breckenridge, CO (970) 453-2005 coloradosleighrides.com

Hearthstone Restaurant 130 South Ridge Street Breckenridge, CO (970) 453-1148 hearthstonebreck.com

Mi Casa Restaurant 600 South Park Avenue Breckenridge, CO (970) 453-2071 micasabreck.com Quandry Grille Main Street Station 505 South Main Street Breckenridge, CO (970) 547-5969 quandrygrille.com

Sancho’s Tacos & Tequila La Cima Mall 500 South Main Street Breckenridge, CO (970)453-9343 www.sanchotaco.com

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Sauce on the Maggie Village at Breckenridge 655 South Park Avenue Breckenridge, CO (970) 547-5959 sauceontheblue.com

Spencer’s Peak 9 at Beaver Run Resort Breckenridge, CO (970) 453-6000 beaverrun.com

BUENA VISTA

Wesley & Rose Surf Hotel Buena Vista, CO (719) 966-7048 surfhotel.com

CRESTED BUTTE

Montanya Distillers 212 Elk Avenue Crested Butte , CO (970) 799-3206 montanyarum.com

Dogwood Cocktail Cabin 309 3rd Street Crested Butte (970) 453-9802 thedogwoodcb.com

DURANGO

Cyprus Cafe 725 East Second Avenue Durango, CO (970) 385-6884 cypruscafe.com

Eno Cocktail Lounge & Wine Bar 723 East Second Avenue Durango, CO (970) 385-0105 enodurango.com

Ore House 147 East College Drive Durango, CO (970) 247-5707 orehousedurango.com

FRISCO

Silverheels Bar & Grill 601 Main Street Frisco, CO (970)668-0345 silverheelsrestaurant.com Frisco Prime & Vinny’s Restaurant 20 Main Street Frisco, CO (970) 668-5900 friscoprime.com Highside Brewery 720 Main Street Frisco, CO (970) 668-2337 highsidebrewing.com The Uptown on Main 304 Main Street Frisco, CO (970) 668-4728 theuptownfrisco.com

GEORGETOWN

The Alpine 1106 Rose Street Georgetown, CO (303) 569-0200 alpinerestaurantgeorgetown. com

SALIDA

Woods Distillery 144 W 1st St Salida, CO (719) 207-4315 woodsdistillery.com

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Steamboat Whiskey Company 55 11th Street Steamboat Springs,CO (970) 761-2467 steamboatwhiskeyco.com Besame 818 Lincoln Avenue Steamboat Springs,CO (970) 761-5681 besamesteamboat.com Mambo 521 Lincoln Ave Steamboat Springs,CO (970) 879-9500 mambos.com

Kemosabe Sushi 605 Main Street Frisco, CO (970) 668-2100 kemosabesushi.com www.MountainTownMagazine.com

Gguide!

MTN

town

Get active F e s t i va l N o t e s High Country Events Calendar

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G !

MTN

VA N L I F E !

North American Van Show September 25 - 27, 2020 www.facebook.com/NorthAmericanVanShow In a nod to the incredible makers and craftsmen (and women!) who make up the van culture, the North American Van Show is taking a page from the North American Handbuilt Bicycle Show and creating categories to single out and showcase different categories of Van builders, fabricators and manufacturers. Winners are selected by the show’s jury and receive recognition on site, online and in print! You’ll pick up some great tips and ideas to build out your dreams as well.

town town

SHO O T!

Fall Photo Train Ride Weekends September 5 - 27, 2020

www.leadville-train.com This Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad tour goes all the way up our line, an additional mile and a half longer than our regular daily rides. This way, you can see the sweeping vistas of the Arkansas River Valley. This train ride is 2 3/4 hours long. Reservations are required; please book in advance. Get that special shot framed

by Colorado’s autumn beauty, make sure to bring your camera and your jacket!

T OU R!

T H I N K!

Original Thinkers

originalthinkers.com After hosting a smashing line-up two years in a row, Original Thinkers is gearing up for the second annual Art/Ideas/Film Festival in Telluride, CO. Save the date: October 1-4, 2020. Original Thinkers is a new festival of art, ideas, and documentaries that will create change by bringing together a rad collective of creators, innovators and most of all, doers. Each highly curated show features riveting speakers, unforgettable films, mind-expanding art and performance providing a multi-dimensional look at these individual big ideas. Hear stories, share stories and bring new thoughts and awareness to your life through this gathering both in person and online.

VOLUNTEERING is a really great way to get and stay active.

Caring for Colorado’s Outdoors has never been easier!

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado has a new app: #YourCO that allows you to complete more than 50 DIY stewardship tasks anywhere, anytime. Download it and check it out!

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Hôtel de Paris Georgetown www.hoteldeparismuseum.org Explore the most unique and complete historic parcel in Colorado. Docents guide groups of 25 or fewer through Louis Dupuy’s legendary Hotel de Paris, which contains 90% of its original furnishings. A Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

GREAT ACTIVITIES Extreme Family Fun - MTN Style!

Throw Axe's and have some Fun! 105 S. Main Street Breckenridge, CO 80424 +855.880.0099

MTNAXE.com

Brecken r idge Outf it ters is a n O r vis endorsed f ul l ser vice f ly f ish i ng pro shop a nd outf it ter located i n beauti f ul downtown Brecken r idge Colorado. We offer numerous g uide t r ip options 365 days a yea r. W het her you a re a world class a ngler or just wa nti ng to lea r n, we offer a wonder f ul exper ience a nd is a g reat activit y for t he enti re fa m i ly.

101 N.Ma i n Street #B Brecken r idge, CO 970 - 4 53 - 4135 wwwbreckenridgeoutfitters.com

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events calendar SUMMER/FALL 2020 PLE ASE NOTE THAT ALL LISTED E VENT S ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. WE SUGGEST FOLLOWING THE LINK TO THEIR INFORMATION TO CONFIRM.

August

September

August 28, 2020

September 1 – 2, 2020

Snowmass Artisan Market, Snowmass Snowmass Base Village hosts its Artisan and Farmers’ Market on Fridays throughout July and August from 4pm8pm. The market showcases a variety of locally owned businesses selling specialty food items, beverages, clothing, handcrafted goods including art, jewelry and accessories and Colorado-sourced vegetables. www.TheCollectiveSnowmass.com August 29, 2020

Thirsty 13 Half Marathon, Durango

The Thirsty 13 Half Marathon is a fun race from Hesperus Church to Ska Brewing.

When you finish the half marathon, there will be 50 breweries waiting to congratulate you at the San Juan Brewfest. The course is beautiful and has a lot of downhill. www.durango.com/event/thirsty-13-halfmarathon/ August 29, 2020

Happy Together Tour, Grand Junction “Happy Together” Tour 2020! Lineup: The Turtles, The Association, Mark Lindsay Former Lead Singer of Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Buckinghams, The Vogues, The Cowsills

www.visitgrandjunction.com/events/happytogether-tour August 29 – 30, 2020

Hot Air Balloon Festival, Steamboat Springs

Covid-19 Update. The event organizers are carefully monitoring the evolving Coronavirus situation and are taking steps to ensure the wellbeing of everyone involved.

The Hot Air Balloon Rodeo offers guests a spectacle like no other www. steamboatchamber.com/events/annualevents/hot-air-balloon-rodeo/

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EastWest Hospitality Mountain Bike Race Series, Vail

The 2020 VRD EastWest Hospitality Mountain Bike Race Series returns for its 37th year to offer fun and exciting racing to mountain bikers of all ages and experience levels. Whether competing in an individual race or signing up for the entire series, racers have the chance to win prizes and personal glory! 202 races will take place over two days in order to adhere to gathering size and social distancing protocols. www.vailrec.com/sports-activities/vailrace/mountain-bike-racing/mtb-race-series September 2, 2020

Possibilities in Avon: Weekly Art Expo, Avon A fine weekly art show featuring juried works in several mediums to include printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry, wood, fiber, and photography.

Main Street Mall | Possibilities Plaza

www.avon.org/481/Events-at-a-Glance September 3, 2020

Brews, Bands, & Bingo, Aspen/ Snowmass

Spend Thursday evenings in Snowmass with Brews, Bands, & Bingo. From 5:00pm7:00pm every Thursday, businesses around Snowmass feature food & drink specials and extended business hours.

Enjoy bites, libations, and at least two live bands on stages throughout Snowmass Village. From 6:00pm-7:00pm guests can take part in a weekly bingo series at The Collective Snowmass. www.gosnowmass.com/events September 3, 2020

Downtown Rhythm + Brews, Grand Junction

Come to Downtown GJ for the late-night event – the Rhythm + Brews Concert Series, presented by Rockslide Brew Pub

and Restaurant, and support from ANB Bank. Rhythm + Brews will take place on 4th and Main during four select dates – July 9, August 6, September 3, and September 24. During the nights of Rhythm & Brews, the Market will be an open beer garden from 3rd-7th Street on Main, giving you the ability to wander around the market with a cold Rockslide brew in your hand. www.visitgrandjunction.com/events/ downtown-rhythm-brews September 4, 2020

First Friday! Silverthorne

The Town of Silverthorne is celebrating the First Friday in September with another Stroll Along the Blue. After a successful Stroll Along the Blue in August, the town has decided to continue celebrating local artists and musicians with a walking event that follows public health guidelines while providing an artful evening for the community. www.silverthorne.org September 4, 2020

First Friday Creative District Art Walk & Running of the Balls , Carbondale Stroll Main Street, in the heart of Carbondale’s Creative District, and check out the many gallery openings, familyfriendly fun with balloons & face painting, And don’t forget the Running of the Balls! www.carbondale.com/event/first-fridaycreative-district-art-walk/ September 4 – 6, 2020

Four Corners Motorcycle Rally, Durango

Save the date and join us in 2020! Friday, September 4 – Sunday, September 6.

The Four Corners Motorcycle Rally is in Durango, Colorado! Enjoy the best riding rally in the United States with a weekend full of bikes, live music, motorcycle giveaways. stunt shows, racing, bike shows, great food, drinks and more! www.durango.com/event/four-cornersmotorcycle-rally/

September 4, 2020

First Friday! Art Groove, Estes Park

Enjoy some pre-holiday shopping! Come out and do the Free tour from 5 – 8pm – see what’s happening in the Fine Art world here in Estes Park. Different locations will be serving food and refreshments, hosting artist meet & greets, demonstrations, show openings or hosting live music. Ride the FREE Estes Park Trolley to keep you warm between galleries. It promises to be a fun evening!! www.estesartsdistrict.org/first-friday-artgroove.html September 4 – 7, 2020

OHV Rally & Festival, Lake City

The OHV Rally & Festival is an annual Labor Day weekend event designed to make access easier for our off-road enthusiasts. www.lakecity.com/calendar-of-events/ohvrally-festival September 4 , 2020

Devils Tail BBQ Special Train Ride, Leadville

Ride the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad and enjoy delicious BBQ! The Devils Tail BBQ Special is an evening train ride. Relax with beautiful scenery and tasty food on this 2.5 hour trip!

Please call 1-866-386-3936 to make reservations; limited seating is available. Or reserve online! www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/ calendar/2020-09/ September 4, 2020

September First Friday, Silverthorne Rainbow Park

www.silverthorne.org/Home/Components/ Calendar September 4 – 7, 2020

Trestle Gravity Series – Air Downhill, Winter Park Resort

This race typically takes place down a bike park’s flow, jump trails, like Rain Maker.

This is a timed event and one of the most attended races. If you’re wanting fast, flow and fun, Air Downhill is where it’s at. www.winterparkresort.com/things-to-do/ events/trestle-gravity-series-air-downhill September 5 - 6, 2020

Eagle Outside Festival, Eagle

Launched over 11 years ago, the Eagle Outside Festival was created to showcase

Eagle’s great weather, incredible quality of life, and its sprawling trail network. The trails are the star of the show at the event.

This event is on! Stay tuned for details www.eofestival.wpengine.com September 5 – 6, 2020

Avon Art Festival, Avon

We welcome a brand new opportunity to enjoy art in Avon this summer at the first annual Avon Art Festival. A celebration of fine visual arts and hand crafted goods.

Featuring the works of more than 80 juried artists from across the nation representing a wide range of mediums to include printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry, wood, fiber and photography. www.avon.org/2221/Avon-Art-Festival September 5, 2020

The Kentucky Derby, Estes Park

Join us for the most exciting two minutes in sports – the one and only Kentucky Derby! Hats are greatly encouraged and we will be hosting a Best Hat Competition.

Mint Juleps and Kentucky Bourbon Flight specials. Heff’s Cowboy Kitchen Food Truck will be onsite serving up fingerlicking fried chicken, collard greens, red beans & rice, carrot cake and more! www.visitestespark.com/event/kentuckyderby!/8751 September 5, 2020

Wild Horse Gravel Bicycle Ride, Grand Junction

Be Wild, Be Free! A secret stash of high desert gravel. Wild Horse Gravel showcases the unique high desertscape of the Western Slope. Hosted on the luxury High Lonesome Ranch, riders will be treated to a country cook-out, campfire, cabins, camping – or glamping – and the best local music. There will be a Colorado country party to accompany the ride. www.visitgrandjunction.com/events/wildhorse-gravel-bicycle-ride-0

see the sweeping vistas of the Arkansas River Valley. This train ride is 2 3/4 hours long. Reservations are required; please book in advance. Get that special shot framed by Colorado’s autumn beauty, make sure to bring your camera and your jacket! www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/event/ fall-photo-weekends-special-trainride/2020-09-05 September 9, 2020

Possibilities in Avon: Weekly Art Expo, Avon

CCM Events is so excited to host the Possibilities in Avon: Weekly Art Expo from June 17th thru August 19th this summer of 2020. Held on The Town Of Avon’s “Possibilities Plaza”, this weekly art expo will provide a consistent art showcase for homeowners to look forward to and visitors to happily discover great artists. A fine weekly art show featuring juried works in several mediums to include printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry, wood, fiber, and photography. Main Street Mall | Possibilities Plaza www.avon.org/481/Events-at-a-Glance September 9, 2020

Colorado Symphony Beethoven 2020, Grand Junction

Our musical concerts only partially define us-the Colorado Symphony offers many events and activities for people of all ages. From education concerts (kids in grades 3 – 12) and performances by noted musicians, to unique donor and sponsor opportunities and behind-the-scenes activities, we always offer innumerable things to do and see. As a vibrant and vital part of the Denver community, your Colorado Symphony offers the place where friends, family, and music collide. www.visitgrandjunction.com/events/ colorado-symphony-beethoven-2020 September 10, 2020

Brews, Bands, & Bingo, Aspen

September 5, 2020

Gunni High Tri, Gunnison

www.gunnisonco.gov/departments/parks_ and_recreation/gunni_high_triathlon.php September 5 & 6, 2020

Fall Photo Weekends Special Train Ride, Leadville

This Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad tour goes all the way up our line, an additional mile and a half longer than our regular daily rides. This way, you can

Spend Thursday evenings in Snowmass with Brews, Bands, & Bingo. From 5:00pm7:00pm every Thursday, businesses around Snowmass feature food & drink specials and extended business hours.

Enjoy bites, libations, and at least two live bands on stages throughout Snowmass Village. From 6:00pm-7:00pm guests can take part in a weekly bingo series at The Collective Snowmass. www.gosnowmass.com/events

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events calendar September 11 – 13, 2020

September 11, 2020

September 12 – 13, 2020

The Snowmass Balloon Festival celebrates its 45th anniversary a little differently in 2020. Instead of featuring a festival in Snowmass Town Park, guests are encouraged to watch the eclectic display of balloons from afar. Guests can watch in their cars from parking lots and streets around Snowmass Village or to take a morning stroll to view the display from Snowmass’ hiking and biking trails, many of which offer stunning views. The longstanding Rocky Mountain tradition will still feature three days of festive balloons and pilot games with a night glow on Friday evening to be announced.

Ride the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad and enjoy delicious BBQ! The Devils Tail BBQ Special is an evening train ride. Relax with beautiful scenery and tasty food on this 2.5 hour trip!

Gus Darien Rodeo Arena

45th Annual Snowmass Balloon Festival, Snowmass

www.gosnowmass.com/events September 11 – 13, 2020

Avon Arts Celebration, Avon

We welcome a brand new opportunity to enjoy Avon this summer at the first annual Avon Arts Celebration! A fine art show featuring juried works in several mediums to include printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry, wood, fiber and photography. Main Street Mall | Possibilities Plaza www.avon.org/ September11, 2020

Artwalk on Broadway, Eagle

The Galleries, Restaurants, and Shops of Broadway Street will be Open for Business for the monthly 2nd Friday Art Walk, hosting artists & musicians and running specials & sales for your shopping and entertainment enjoyment. www.eagleoutside.com/events/artwalk-onbroadway-3/ September 11 – 12, 2020

Flaming Foliage Relay, Idaho Springs Idaho Springs to Buena Vista over Guanella, Georgia, and Fremont Passes.

30 Legs, 3 Passes, 165 miles

Roads Less Traveled Relays is thrilled to announce Flaming Foliage Relay and the return of Georgia Pass to the Colorado relay race scene. This is a reintroduction of the best part of the original relay in Colorado that Outward Bound created back in 1998. It has been missed by many Colorado runners. https://clearcreekcounty.org/events/ flaming-foliage-relay/

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Devils Tail BBQ Special Train Ride, Leadville

Please call 1-866-386-3936 to make reservations; limited seating is available. Or reserve online!

Roaring Fork Ranch Roping, Carbondale Sanctioned by Rocky Mountain Ranch Roping & Stockhorse https://www.carbondale.com/event/ roaring-fork-ranch-roping/ September 12 – 13, 2020

www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/ calendar/2020-09/

Western Slope Pickleball Tournament, Carbondale

September 11 – 12, 2020

www.carbondale.com/event/westernslope-pickleball-tournament-2/

Octoborwest 2020, Steamboat Springs

Visit Steamboat Springs this fall for the 12th annual OktoberWest…BEER, BEEF and Steamboat! The weekend kicks off on Friday with a stroll to Steamboat restaurants, tasting beers at your leisure while you walk historic downtown.

Saturday’s festival at the Steamboat Mountain Village includes the Beer Garden, featuring over 40 Rocky Mountain craft brewers. The infamous Beef Cook-off is where our local chefs vie for your vote of the best beef brisket in town. Enjoy live music, concert is free to attend. www.steamboatoktoberwest.com/ September 12 – 13, 2020

CU in Snowmass Collegiate Bike Races, Snowmass

The University of Colorado takes over Snowmass Ski Area for a weekend of elite collegiate mountain biking amidst the stunning backdrop of changing aspen leaves. Events and competitions include short track, downhill, cross-country, and enduro. www.gosnowmass.com/events September 12, 2020

Snowmass Cidermass, Snowmass

Cidermass returns for its third year to the Snowmass Mall, featuring hard cider tastings from more than 30 hard cider vendors from all over the country. www.Cidermass.com September 12, 2020

Septemberfest, Snowmass

The 4th annual Septemberfest returns to Snowmass Base Village with wine, sake tastings, food vendors, children’s activities, music, and more. www.gosnowmass.com/events

Young-Callaway PB Courts4:00pm

September 12 – 20. 2020

Grand Junction Wine Week, Grand Junction

Discover all the ways to dive into wine in Colorado’s Grand Valley during Wine Week. www.visitgrandjunction.com/events/grandjunction-wine-week-0 September 12, 2020

Devil of the Divide Ultra 50k/50m, Idaho Springs

We are pleased to present a virtual one of the most beautiful and challenging trail racing events in the state of Colorado with breathtaking (literally and figuratively) views of Clear Creek County and the Continental Divide. Participants will reach a top altitude over 13,000 feet. www.clearcreekcounty.org/events/devil-ofthe-divide-ultra-50k50m/ September 12 & 13, 2020

Fall Photo Weekends Special Train Ride, Leadville

This Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad tour goes all the way up our line, an additional mile and a half longer than our regular daily rides. This way, you can see the sweeping vistas of the Arkansas River Valley. This train ride is 2 3/4 hours long. Reservations are required; please book in advance. Get that special shot framed by Colorado’s autumn beauty, make sure to bring your camera and your jacket! www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/event/ fall-photo-weekends-special-trainride/2020-09-05/

September 12, 2020

September 19 – 20, 2020

The 22nd Annual Mt Crested Butte Chili and Beer Festival will kick off the fall season in Mt Crested Butte on Saturday, September 12, 2020. With locally made chili, tasty craft beer, and live music, it’s the not-to-be-missed party of the season!

Join us September 19-20 in beautiful, historic downtown Durango to celebrate the Annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival.

A regional destination event held on quaint Second Avenue, the festival is just one block away from Main Avenue, surrounded by hotels, shops, and locally owned restaurants.

22nd Annual Mt Crested Butte Chili and Beer Festival, Mt Crested Butte

https://gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/ event/21st-annual-mt-crested-butte-chiliand-beer-festival/ September 12, 2020

Imogene Pass Run, Telluride

What began as a way to train for the Pike’s Peak marathon in 1974 is now a full-fledged race. The race from Ouray to Telluride over the 13,114 foot Imogene Pass is now virtual. www.runsignup.com/Race/CO/Telluride/45 thAnnualImogenePassRun

Autumn Arts Festival, Durango

Organized as a benefit event by and for the Durango Arts Center, the region’s premiere non-profit arts organization serving Durango and the Four Corners, the festival is a well-loved and attended community event attracting upwards of 7600 visitors to stroll the 100 fine arts & fine craft booths, enjoy live entertainment on the mainstage, local food booths and a children’s Creation Station for family friendly activities. The Durango Autumn Arts Festival is a juried show, with the top artists selected out of a pool of over 200 applicants.

September 13, 2020

https://www.durango.com/event/autumnarts-festival/

Sopris Park Gazebo 3:90 pm – 7:30 pm

September 19, 2020

Summer Park Concert Series, Carbondale

https://www.carbondale.com/event/ summer-park-concert-series/ September 17, 2020

Brews, Bands, & Bingo, Aspen/ Snowmass

Spend Thursday evenings in Snowmass with Brews, Bands, & Bingo. From 5:00pm7:00pm every Thursday, businesses around Snowmass feature food & drink specials and extended business hours.

Enjoy bites, libations, and at least two live bands on stages throughout Snowmass Village. From 6:00pm-7:00pm guests can take part in a weekly bingo series at The Collective Snowmass. www.gosnowmass.com/events September 17 – 19, 2020

Film Festival, Breckenridge

The Breck Film Fest celebrates its 40th year this September 17-19 2020! The festival is now virtual, check the website for details. www.breckfilmfest.org September 18 – 19, 2020

Wine Classic at Vail, Vail www.vailwineclassic.com

Gunni Grinder, Gunnison

The Gunni Grinder is a 110 +/- race/ride starting in and finishing near downtown Gunnison, CO and follows some of Gunnison County’s most challenging, remote and scenic gravel and dirt roads.

If you don’t have the miles or prefer a challenging fun ride instead, The Gunni 30 is a 30 +/- mile ride that will give riders a taste of what gravel riding in Gunnison County is all about. https://gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/event/ gunni-grinder/ September 19, 2020

Lake City Uncorked Wine & Music Festival, Lake City

Good wine, good music, good friends …. come and celebrate the fall colors in historic downtown Lake City. This event is held every September – the third weekend. Featuring unique artisan and food vendors, seven musical acts, various wines for tasting, and a beer booth sponsored by San Luis Valley Brewing, proceeds from this event support community projects for Lake City DIRT. Enjoy a spectacular weekend of hiking, fly fishing, and this family-friendly Festival.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. No dogs are allowed in the venue. https://lakecityfestival.org/

September 19 & 20, 2020

Fall Photo Weekends Special Train Ride, Leadville

This Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad tour goes all the way up our line, an additional mile and a half longer than our regular daily rides. This way, you can see the sweeping vistas of the Arkansas River Valley. This train ride is 2 3/4 hours long. Reservations are required; please book in advance. Get that special shot framed by Colorado’s autumn beauty, make sure to bring your camera and your jacket! https://www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/ event/fall-photo-weekends-special-trainride/2020-09-05/ September 19, 2020

Race Rendezvous, Winter Park Resort Come ride the scenic trails in the Rendezvous trail system & National Forest. New for 2020, this event begins and ends at Mary’s Pond at the Rendezvous Sales Center in Fraser and takes riders through 17.5 miles of scenic Grand County.

https://www.winterparkresort.com/thingsto-do/events/winter-park-classics-racerendezvous September 24, 2020

Crested Butte Film Festival, Crested Butte

Now Virtual! Every year, the last weekend in September, Crested Butte Film Festival screens over 90 international films complete with hikes, bikes and magical mountain scenery. You’ll be sure to discover an intimate setting of quality film screenings, stimulating discussions, and authentic connections during this four-day experience. Films span from narrative, documentary, outdoor adventure, and shorts. We’ve even got a Youth Film Program. Additional programming sprinkled throughout the festival includes free visiting director talks, panel discussions, lively parties and other social events. Plan your getaway to experience the Fall colors, and the walkable venues set in the middle of a majestic town and remember to pack your hiking shoes, bring your bike, and don’t forget that camera! Festival dates – September 24 – 27, 2020 Full film and event schedule released online September 1. www.cbfilmfest.org

events calendar September 25 – 27, 2020

North American Van Show, Vail

The North American Van Show (or Van Show) is a consumer facing expo that features the best vendors, fabricators and brands from every facet of the van world. www.facebook.com/NorthAmericanVanShow September 26 – 27, 2020

Western Colorado Outdoor Sportsman’s Expo, Eagle

The Western Slope of Colorado is home to a myriad of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, rafting, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, camping, ATV riding, hiking, biking and more! Those of us that live here recognize that these activities help to create the fabric of our amazing mountain lifestyles. We also recognize that visitors travel from all over the world to experience the beauty of our Western Colorado backcountry.

Featuring exhibitors, vendors, seminars and more, the event’s focus will be on Colorado’s hunting and other outdoor activities, as well as showcasing education, gear, equipment, guide services and more. Attendees coming to this unique event will learn how to take advantage of all the Colorado backcountry has to offer. www.vailvalleypartnership.com/event/westerncolorado-outdoor-sportsmans-expo September 26, 2020

Lake City Oktoberfest And Fall Festival, Lake City

Lake City Town Park. Come Enjoy Local Music, Food, And Beer www.lakecity.com/calendar-of-events/ oktoberfest September 26, 2020

2020 Quilt Raffle, Lake City

We draw a winner September 26th at 5:00pm in the Lake City Town Park during Oktoberfest – Need not be present to win, but must have valid ID and matching stub. Winner must pick-up and pay fees.

Tickets are $5 each, or 5 for $20 Online Sales end September 14th www.lakecity.com/calendar-of-events/ eventdetail/1214/-/2020-quilt-raffle September 26 & 27, 2020

Fall Photo Weekends Special Train Ride, Leadville

This Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad tour goes all the way up our line, an additional mile and a half longer than our regular daily

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rides. This way, you can see the sweeping vistas of the Arkansas River Valley. This train ride is 2 3/4 hours long. Reservations are required; please book in advance. Get that special shot framed by Colorado’s autumn beauty, make sure to bring your camera and your jacket!

not eating or drinking. www.gobreck.com/event/breckenridgeoktoberfest/ October 2, 2020

Fall First Friday & Homecoming, Carbondale

www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/event/fall-photoweekends-special-train-ride/2020-09-05

Stroll Main Street, in the heart of Carbondale’s Creative District, and check out the many gallery openings, live music, and much more!

September 26, 2020

www.carbondale.com/event/first-fridayhomecoming-harvest-fest/

Mountain Marmot Trail Run, Purgatory Resort

For all you trail runners out there, the Mercy Foot & Ankle Center Mountain Marmot Trail Run presented by Durango Running Company is the race for you.

Have you ever stood at the bottom of a mountain, staring up at the top, thinking to yourself: “I wonder if I could run all the way up there?” Well, now you’re going to find out! www.purgatoryresort.com/events

October October 1 -4, 2020 Original Thinkers

This year, our shows will be available from the comfort of your homealong with a small in-person gathering at the Telluride Transfer Warehouse so please reach out if you have any questions. www.originalthinkers.com October 2 – 4, 2020

Oktober - Feast, Breckenridge

While Breckenridge’s traditional Oktoberfest celebration is postponed until 2021, the newly announced oktober-FEAST is a nod toward the beloved beer festival and the historically sold out Brewmaster’s Dinner.

Over two back-to-back weekends, September 25-27 and October 2-4, oktober-FEAST will consist of local restaurant chefs choreographing memorable Bavarian-style mountain dining experiences by pairing several-course meals with imaginative libations sure to showcase their unique and playful take on traditional German dishes. The first weekend of oktober-FEAST will run simultaneously with the newly extended, pedestrian-friendly, Walkable Main allowing for ample outdoor dining opportunities. oktober-FEAST will adhere to all public health and safety regulations required for Colorado restaurants. Reservations will be limited to eight per table and facial coverings are required when

October 3, 2020

Ross Montessori 5k & Marmot Mile, Carbondale

www.carbondale.com/event/ross-montessori-5kmarmot-mile/ October 3, 2020

111th Annual Potato Day Parade & Celebration, Carbondale

Come join the fun! Parade entries will be judged on relevance to theme, originality, workmanship and crowd appeal. Prizes will be awarded, and the more entries in the parade, the larger the prizes! So, grab your friends and enter a float!

The winner in the commercial category of entries will receive a traveling trophy to be kept until next year’s Potato Day celebration!

The parade forms along Second Street and will travel west down Main to take a left on 7th street and into Sopris Park. You will be assigned your position as you check in with parade officials at the corner of Main and Second St. Check-in time is 9:30 a.m. You must be in line by 9:45 a.m. to be eligible for prizes.

The parade judges will walk the parade line-up for a sneak peek before the parade begins, and will judge entries as they pass the judges’ stand.

The parade begins promptly at 10:30 a.m. www.carbondale.com/event/potato-day-paradecelebration/ October 3 – 4, 2020

Weekend Tours, Georgetown

Explore the most unique and complete historic parcel in Colorado. Docents guide groups of 25 or fewer through Louis Dupuy’s legendary Hotel de Paris, which contains 90% of its original furnishings. A Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. www.colorado.com/events/weekend-tours October 9 – 10, 2020

Celtic Fest & Oktoberfest, Carbondale

Celebrate the Irish by enjoying authentic beers

events calendar and wines, Celtic dancing and music. Switch gears the next day with an atmosphere jampacked with German food and spirits, root beer, music, children’s activities, friends, and fun! Sponsored by the Carbondale Recreation Department. *New this year: Whiskey Tasting with Carbondale Beer Works *no root beer *kid activities: Rosybelle Bus, face painter, balloon animal making *Cornhole tournament Saturday at 1pm *German and Irish Cuisine *Best legs in a kilt contest & Liter holding Contest www.carbondale.com/event/celtic-festoktoberfest/ October 9, 2020

Artwalk on Broadway, Eagle

The Galleries, Restaurants, and Shops of Broadway Street will be Open for Business for the monthly 2nd Friday Art Walk, hosting artists & musicians and running specials & sales for your shopping and entertainment enjoyment. www.eagleoutside.com/events/artwalk-on-broadway-4

October 10 – 11, 2020

Man of the Cliff, Avon

Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Beards! Trade in your ties and blouses for flannel and get ready to celebrate your inner lumberjack! Man of the Cliff returns to Nottingham Park in Avon, CO, this October for a weekend of axe throwing, keg tossing, speed chopping, spear throwing, beer drinking (thanks to Bonfire Brewing), and more!

All competitions have been modified to allow men and women - ages 18 and over - of all sizes and abilities to compete. 100% of all funds raised directly benefit families living with multiple sclerosis. https://www.manofthecliff.com October 11, 2020

Indigenous Peoples Day, Carbondale www.carbondale.com/event/indigenouspeoples-day October 10 – 11, 2020

Weekend Tours, Georgetown

Explore the most unique and complete historic parcel in Colorado. Docents guide groups of 25

or fewer through Louis Dupuy’s legendary Hotel de Paris, which contains 90% of its original furnishings. A Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. www.colorado.com/events/weekend-tours October 14 – 18, 2020

5 Point Film Festival, Carbondale

Colorado’s leading adventure film event 5Point Film Festival announces dates for its 13th season, which kicks off online! The sell-out flagship festival, which was founded by former Climbing Magazine owner, Julie Kennedy in 2007, offers the audience a taste of adventure through the lens, with a compelling program of more than 50 short films, panel discussions, community events, parties, and more during the four-day event. The festival has become a highlight on the adventure film industry calendar, featuring many world premieres and award-winning films. www.carbondale.com/event/5-point-film-festival October 16, 2020 Durango Balloon Glow, Durango Head down to the 500 Block of Main Avenue for the Durango Downtown Balloon Glow and see

#gettheforecast Avalanche information in the palm of your glove Daily updated avalanche and weather forecasts for EVERY backcountry user.

Submit observations via geotagged photos.

It's the new CAIC app, available on iPhone and Android devices. Search "CAIC" in the app store before you go in the backcountry.

Funded by your donations to Friends of CAIC. Visit www.friendsofcaic.org to donate today.

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events calendar the October sky lit up during the night.

This event is sponsored by the Durango Business Improvement District and is weather permitting.

Note: Due to COVID-19 and in order to protect visitors and locals, this will be a drive-thru event in 2020. Details will be available soon. www.durango.com/event/balloon-glow

October 31 – November 1, 2020 Weekend Tours, Georgetown

Explore the most unique and complete historic parcel in Colorado. Docents guide groups of 25 or fewer through Louis Dupuy’s legendary Hotel de Paris, which contains 90% of its original furnishings.

A Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. www.colorado.com/events/weekend-tours

October 17 – 18, 2020

Weekend Tours, Georgetown

Explore the most unique and complete historic parcel in Colorado. Docents guide groups of 25 or fewer through Louis Dupuy’s legendary Hotel de Paris, which contains 90% of its original furnishings.

A Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. www.colorado.com/events/weekend-tours October 17, 2020

Historical Society of Idaho Springs Gala, Idaho Springs

Save the Date for the Annual Historical Society of Idaho Springs Gala!! Location Blackstone Rivers Ranch 3673 Chicago Creek Road | Idaho Springs, www.clearcreekcounty.org/events/ historical-society-of-idaho-springs-gala October 24 – 25, 2020

Weekend Tours, Georgetown

Explore the most unique and complete historic parcel in Colorado. Docents guide groups of 25 or fewer through Louis Dupuy’s legendary Hotel de Paris, which contains 90% of its original furnishings.

A Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. www.colorado.com/events/weekend-tours October 31, 2020

Children’s Halloween Trick-or-Treat, Durango

The annual Children’s Halloween Trickor-Treat in Downtown Durango provides a safe trick-or-treat opportunity for children 10 and younger. All merchants are encouraged to distribute candy to the costumed little ghosts and goblins who (with an adult/parent) visit their stores between 4:00 and 6:00 pm on Halloween.

Look for the orange pumpkin signs on Downtown businesses for trick-or-treating. www.durango.com/event/childrenshalloween-trick-treat

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November 6, 2020

First Friday “Dia De los Muertos”, Carbondale

Carbondale Arts brings the community together on First Friday, November 1st for the annual celebration of Dia De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Festivities start at 5pm at the Third Street Center (TSC) for altar viewing, face painting, Mexican hot chocolate, and traditional treats. An Afro-Latin Dance Performance and Que Viva will be held before the procession begins at 6:30pm. Bring your flashlights, candles, or glow sticks for the procession as it will be dark!

Two viewings of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklorico take place at 7pm and again at 7:45pm at the Thunder River Theatre Company. Dance of the Sacred Fire will finish the evening off with a fire and aerial silk performance at 4th and Main. All these events are free to the public. This event is a collaboration between Carbondale Arts, Valley Settlement, Thunder River Theatre Company, SoL Theatre, The Third Street Center, Mezcla Socials and Aspen-SantaFe Ballet Folklorico. www.carbondale.com/event/first-fridaydia-de-los-muertos November 7 – 8, 2020

Weekend Tours, Georgetown

Explore the most unique and complete historic parcel in Colorado. Docents guide groups of 25 or fewer through Louis Dupuy’s legendary Hotel de Paris, which contains 90% of its original furnishings.

A Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

entertaining– it is about raising money to educate our youth in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Green is the New Black sells out every year at 550 seated tickets plus standing room each night. Local and national designers and artists come together to create a dynamic, alluring, and thought-provoking event featuring fashion that sparks the imagination and is created from recycled and/or sustainable materials. Twww. carbondale.com/event/10th-annual-greennew-black-fashion-extravaganza/ November 13, 2020

Artwalk on Broadway, Eagle

The Galleries, Restaurants, and Shops of Broadway Street will be Open for Business for the monthly 2nd Friday Art Walk, hosting artists & musicians and running specials & sales for your shopping and entertainment enjoyment. www.eagleoutside.com/events/artwalk-onbroadway-5/ November 14 – 15, 2020

Weekend Tours, Georgetown

Explore the most unique and complete historic parcel in Colorado. Docents guide groups of 25 or fewer through Louis Dupuy’s legendary Hotel de Paris, which contains 90% of its original furnishings.

A Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. www.colorado.com/events/weekend-tours November 21, 2020

Thanksgiving Farmers Market, Durango

The Thanksgiving Market will feature locally grown veggies, meats, cheeses and more for your Thanksgiving dinner! Plus, get a jump on your holiday shopping with unique and useful items from our local artisans. www.durango.com/event/thanksgivingfarmers-market/

www.colorado.com/events/weekend-tours November 12 – 14, 2020

12th Annual Green is the New Black Fashion Extravaganza, Carbondale

Full of locals, performance art, multimedia, inspiring sustainable fashion and a storyline to boot, this show isn’t just

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the last lift (cont’d from page 82) and anything else. I told him that he didn’t need to buy a thing. I have many rods sitting around and happen to own half of a fly-tying company, Guide Flies, that makes the best flies on the river, an actual unfair advantage I was eager to share. Guide Flies are designed to crush rivers like the Colorado and I was stuck home with piles of them.

This was my chance to fish through the fireman and Kyla.

Between my wife and I, we have a couple of dozen fly rods at the house, but most of them are broken, too much traveling and chaos with the kids to even send them back for repair.

Even still, we had a few and I put a 5-weight together for Joe. I scavenged our fly fishing accessories for some tippet, indicator, fly-floatant, hemostats, and then did the really fun part, picked out the Guide Flies he would need as the The Colorado River turned on for its Spring glory.

Mid-March on the Colorado is midge madness, with prolific midge hatches and fish feeding frenzy just below the surface. So I packed a container with our Guide Midges size 16 in all of our colors. I added some Guide Chernobyls and Guide Floaters to float the midges. I threw in our caddis nymphs anticipating the next hatch, along with some dries in case he really learned to cast.

I gave my first casting lesson over the phone and told him all the mistakes he’d make before he made them. Within hours I received videos of both Joe and Kyla hucking some line, it made my heart sing.

I then explained how to tie on a dry dropper with an improved clinch knot, and how to add tippet with a double surgeons knot. Within a few more hours I had a fishing report from them of several eats but no catches, their journey had begun. The excitement and enthusiasm in his communication reminded me of why I guided for so long. Clearly not the money, experiencing the joy of learning to fly-fish through other people every day is a life of joy, simple as that. ​ efore Joe landed his first fish, he was called back to Denver as B COVID emergency ensued and the city of Denver experienced problems like it’s never seen. Problems only firemen can solve.

Besides being on the front lines during a dangerous pandemic with two small children at home, Joe had to come face to face with Denver’s worst. People punching elders for toilet paper, meth heads ravaging insides of hospitals, emergency after emergency. Joe’s attitude has been and remains unbelievably positive but the reports speak for themselves.

“All I think about is getting home to fly-fish with my family, I can’t thank you enough,” Is what he said over and over

again. I’m thinking, bro, we all ought to be thanking you, don’t mention it again, truly my pleasure.

During his visit home, the river warmed a little to perfection and the midge fishing was river wide. The next message was Joe’s first fish, then Kyla’s. Kyla is a photographer so even with her phone, she was able to capture some priceless images of pure childhood joy shining from Joe. The smile that makes everything worth it, no matter what.

The pandemic continued but the emergencies started to level off, the New World, no matter how frustrating it is, was starting to take shape and the panic was dissipating.

Snow started to melt and the river started to rise. Fishing remained good into a caddis hatch while Joe and Kyla continued their fly-fishing journey together.

Then the river continued to rise even more, along with the blood of our country.

COVID was driving the country crazy, everyone on edge, strange violent outlashes started springing up, then it got much worse.

The water hit its highest levels just as the world was violently shaken by the brutal murder of George Floyd, and the country literally caught on fire. Joe’s job got unimaginably harder. He’s been volunteering on top of his 4 days because his team desperately needs all he can give, and the river is blown out anyway.

His last shift in Denver during the riots left him a bit deflated for the first time. People shouted at him, cursed at him, called him a [expletive] cop several times, threw a water bottle at him that led to an arrest, shouted all night at him so he couldn’t sleep. All the while relying on him to keep them alive. Joe is being victimized by the worst of our society, in the worst of times, yet he refuses to be a victim and does his job with kindness.

They’ve since bought a fly rod and are waiting for rivers and people to calm down so they can get back to the magical journey of learning to fly-fish in Colorado.

It’s not enough to call these guys heroes, they don’t even want to hear that. Let’s all speak up for the ones that are keeping us safe during the strangest times of our lives. It turns out the outdoors are a safer place than we thought, as far as catching the virus. Fly-fishing is therapy for everything.

Get out there and get some, and if you get a chance, let a Fireman know how important they are with something more than words.especially thankful now.

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the last lift

How A Fireman Finds Peace on the River Through Pandemic, Riots and Fires

BY STEVEN CALLAWAY BROWN Friendship with Joe and Kyla sprouted naturally at the ski mountain this Winter. We both brought our 4-year-old sons on their first ski program at Sunlight Mountain near Glenwood Springs. As a native Colorado skier, bringing my first son to his first ski lesson was a lifelong dream. No matter how many mountains or races my son William will ski, that first day will remain a lifelong highlight.

Joe and Kyla felt the same way bringing their Brock to his first lesson and our inevitable friendship started the moment we both looked out the lodge window to see if our kids made it out of the ski school to their first little hill. I had my concerns considering the fit my son threw about his long underwear on the way to the mountain, it was touch and go there for a while.

Turns out they travel to Costa Rica with their kids, we travel to Guanaja with ours. They also have a little girl, we also have a little girl. They just moved to New Castle, we just moved to New Castle. They love rivers, we love rivers. Joe is a fireman, I am a fisherman. Kyla is a professional put on hold with children, my wife Beckie is a professional put on hold by children. As you can see, from the first day of the best part of my skiing career, we were friends.

We met every Tuesday to watch our boys ski, and little girls play. We ran into each other at the hot springs. We made the first visit over their house on the Colorado River and the kids played like they’d grown up together. I learned that Joe and Kyla are river people with vast experience in whitewater rafting, multi-day floats, and kayaking. Our family is driven to the river by fish, we are always fishing. Joe told me how he’d always wanted to learn to fly fish, and he unknowingly bought a house on some of the best trout water on the Colorado 82

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River. His house sits right above a stretch that I love to guide, absolutely full of big wild trout. I told him I could have him casting in 1 hour and catching fish in 2.

Then the world changed, dramatically, almost overnight.

COVID shut everything down and sent most people home to quarantine. Not the case for Joe. He’s on a 4-on-4-off schedule with the Fire Department in Denver. My job seemed to disappear, while Joe braved the front lines in Denver. Our inconveniences seemed heavy with stock-piling groceries, staying healthy, and dealing with 3 young ones at home.

Joe’s inconvenience was seeing his job completely change into something even more dangerous that he never saw coming.

We live in New Castle, maybe the best place to live through all this. Quiet, mellow, no central gathering places. Life is spread out. Joe goes back to work to find a new Denver. The pandemic brought out the worst in a lot of people, and Joe’s team has to play clean up, save the day, rescue all. Not a small burden. ​ n top of it all, my wife reasonably questions if I can keep O bringing the kids over to Joe’s house, he’s on the front lines after all. Hard to argue. Although we’ve yet to reunite, turns out Joe has the right antibodies not to get the virus, plus frequent testing, he’s kept his family safe.

As my Spring guide season evaporates in a pandemic, I realize Joe and Kyla have the opportunity to fish all they want, from their back yard. 4 days on, 4 days off, 50% perfect which is not bad at all. I’ve taught fly-fishing for 20 years, but never over the phone, I was up for the challenge.

He told me he needs to buy a rod, reel, flies, (cont’d page 81)

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