Mountain Town Magazine Issue 46

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CLICK & ENJOY SOME GREAT MUSIC WHILE YOU READ I SSUE 4 6 • SUMMER 20 26

50th ANNUAL COLORADO 500 CHARITY RIDE Estes Park A Stunning Escape

+ COLORADO MOUNTAIN TOWN EVENTS, GREAT EATS, ROAD TRIPS, BIKING, HIKING & MORE

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A NEW REASO N T O VIS IT ES T ES P A R K Led by Michelin-trained Chef Caleb Gafner, Club House Fairway Tavern brings a f resh take on modern American dining to Estes Park. Featuring handcrafted cocktails and sweeping mountain views, this inviting new destination welcomes both golfers and the public. Brought to you from the team behind The Roost, Jefes Tacos & Tequila, Swaylo’s, 99 Bar Saloon, and Ember Restaurant & Bar.

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The Mountain Specialists – Expertise in Winter Park, Granby, and Grand Lake Real Estate Laura Zietz, Global Real Estate Advisor 970.531.6575 • lzietz@livsothebysrealty.com

Start your search at LauraZietz.com

© 2025 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

FIND

YOUR YES

Where you become you.

More than you imagine is only a yes away.

Discover more at MonarchBlackHawk .com Must be 21. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800 GAMBLER (426-2537) or visit betsmart.colorado.gov. Please drink responsibly.

w i n d c l i f f

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Windcliff offers: ● 49 available luxury vacation rental homes ● On-site professional rental management ● 150 private year-round & seasonal luxury homes ● 2 miles from Estes Park shopping & dining ● Bordered by RMNP & National Forest ● Unrivaled panoramic mountain views ● The perfect balance of privacy & community ● 90 minutes from DEN. No I-70 required!

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*Marketing provided by Rich Chiappe, Broker HomeSmart Realty Group, licensed in Colorado. Each HomeSmart brokerage business is independently owned and operated. Square footage is marketing information only. Independent verification recommended.

Greetings W

OW! It’s summer or at least meteorological summer. June 1st marks the beginning of summer for most. It is used by weather scientists to align with whole months in order to track average temperatures and seasonal data. Astrological summer begins on the summer solstice (which falls on June 20, 2026), marking the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

I live at 9,980 feet and our Aspens only have the tiniest leaves at this moment, I am living for the summer solstice.

I am so pleased to present the Summer issue of Mountain Town Magazine! This is another work of art crafted by our Art Director John Kernaghan and myself. We are always pumped to bring together stories from local writers and photographers who are proud of their communities, its people and places.

We open this issue with a feature on Estes Park written by Elizabeth Courtney. She found her way to this spectacular town, highlighted by the magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park, many years ago. She shares her love for the community and the surrounding area which she had become intimately attached to (like most of us who live in a Colorado mountain town).

Our Mountain Dispatch Department covers news you can use from our communities followed by stories about makers, businesses and entrepreneurs. These pages lead to our feature story, written by Daniel Dunn, about an event about to make history, The Colorado 500 Charity Ride. This year they celebrate 50 years of gathering in some of the most beautiful towns and

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ISSUE 46 2026 Summer | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

backcountry. Started in 1976 the group has grown and become a grand fundraiser for so many organizations and people. I am excited for you to read it.

We then delve into beautiful Homes, Realty, and Art followed by lip smacking food reviews. Caren Austin, who is also our Sales Director is a true foodie, and comes up with some fabulous story ideas for you to discover along with Lisa Blake and Shauna Farnell. Be prepared, you’re going to be hungry after reading this section.

We have shopping and lodging suggestions along with road trips, event ideas and our Calendar. Speaking of road trips, I learned something, if you are preparing to cross railroad tracks put your window down and listen if there is no gate. I had a close call on a road trip that I will never forget; just wanted to share that tidbit.

Last but not least is our closing article, Last Lift. The image painted by Joseph McKay is a stunner and reminds me that we should all fall back in love with nature. She is what sustains us.

Xoxo,

Holly Battista-Resignolo

“Kyle did a wonderful job in assisting us with our purchase in Breckenridge. He was very knowledgeable about the local real estate market, which was great as we are from out of town. Additionally, Kyle was able to get us the answers we needed to make the right decisions with prompt and professional communication. Would highly recommend having Kyle as part of your team!” – Jamison Crone “Working with Kyle to sell our Leadville home was a truly wonderful experience. Even while we were traveling and between homes, his communication, organization, and calm guidance kept everything smooth and stressfree. We’re so grateful for his dedication and highly recommend him to anyone buying or selling in the mountains of Colorado!” – Lance & Barbara Hooper

Experience You Can Trust in Colorado Mountain Real Estate KYLE BLEKICKI | 970.420.5743 kyle@slifersummit.com COMountainHomes.com

51 West Ranch Trail | Morrison 4 bd | 5 ba | 7,566 sf | $2,267,000

TEAM BAUMANN | 970.471.6276 teambaumann@slifersummit.com FreeSummitPropertySearch.com

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105 Wheeler Circle #331 | Copper Mountain

2 bd | 3 ba | 2,532 sf | $1,400,000

3 bd | 3 ba | 1,310 sf | $1,500,000

STEWART VOUTOUR | 970.409.7938 svoutour@slifersummit.com StewartVoutour.com

BRENDA HUGO | 970.485.4486 bhugo@slifersummit.com RealtyBreck.com

THE MOUNTAIN LIFE, Live It With Us. No matter your real estate goals our dedicated team of local market experts are at your service. Come stay for good, SummitCountyRealEstate.com

Contents 36

28

14 59

14 PLACE - ESTES PARK 20 MOUNTAIN DISPATCH 24 MOUNTAIN MADE 26 PRIORITIES 28 BUSINESS 30 ENTREPRENEURS 32 PETS 34 FAMILY 36 DIRT DOING GOOD 44 HOME & DESIGN 10

50 ART 54 DINE LOCAL 56 COCKTAILS 58 BREWS 60 VINO 62 BAKED 64 EAT 76 SHOP 78 STAY 80 ROAD TRIP

ISSUE 46 2026 Summer | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

66 84 82 GO GUIDE 84 FESTIVALS & EVENTS 86 CALENDAR 88 LAST LIFT

FRONT COVER Lukas Gojda captured the spirit of the 50th Annual Colorado 500 Charity Ride, our feature story.

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From the Mountains to the Shore... published by

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contributors

Elizabeth Courtney, Lisa Blake, Shauna Farnell, Daniel Dunn, Caren Austin, Julie Bielenberg, Sarah Mock, Holly Battista-Resignolo, Gaynia Battista

advertising sales Caren Austin

visionaries

Noah Wetzel Photography, Linda Rokos-Watts, Holly GoSpritey Media, Elite Focus Studio, Meredith Guinan

cover image

Lukas Gojda captured the spirit of the 50th Annual Colorado 500 Charity Ride, our feature story.

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If you would like us to consider you for a feature, please contact us at MTNTownMagazine at gmail dot com 2026 MTN Town Media Productions. 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.

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ISSUE 46 2026 Summer | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

You deserve a bank that fits your life.

The kind of service only a Colorado community bank can offer.

alpinebank.com • Member FDIC

Place

Estes Park

by Elizabeth Courtney

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The first time I came to Estes Park, something in me shifted in a way I couldn’t ignore. I spent the years after trying to find my way back.

Over time, I’ve come to understand where that feeling came from. I think many of us feel that pull toward the outdoors… the mountains, the woods, the quiet pursuit of something bigger than ourselves. It’s hard to explain, but it’s there.

ISSUE 46 2026 Summer | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

As I began building my career in photography, I realized I didn’t want those parts of my life to exist separately. I wanted my work and my connection to the outdoors to live in the same place, to feel aligned.

Photo Credit: Visit Estes Park

Estes Park is where that finally happened.

The very first thing that people who come to Estes Park notice is the way it makes them pause.

It commands that. It could be mountains rising out of the valley. The way the golden light filters differently through the pines. Maybe it’s the elk grazing roadside like they have always belonged there. Estes Park makes one pause.

Estes Park sits at 7,500 feet and is most known as being the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. What’s most shocking is that every single year, our tiny town hosts five to six million visitors. People come for the views, wildlife and access to the National Park. I would argue that they stay for the pause.

What most visitors don’t see right away is what actually keeps this place alive: the people, the community, and a culture built on choosing to stay.

Estes Park has just under 6,000 fulltime residents and is a small town in every sense. Folks know one another.

They smile and nod amidst the hectic current of tourist season. They show up for one another. There is a quiet, beautiful understanding between locals that when you choose this Estes life, it chooses you right back.

Living here is unpredictable. The weather changes fast. Fire season can be stressful. Tourism comes in huge waves and it can be a lot. There is a certain kind

www.mountaintownmagazine.com | ISSUE 46 2026 Summer

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Photo Credit: Visit Estes Park

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of person who stays. Those who want to be outdoors as much as possible. Those who don’t mind a little unpredictability. People who want to be a part of something more than convenience.

There is a shared spirit in that.

Estes Park is a place people fall in love with. Some come for a weekend and never quite shake it. Others come back year after year until they decide to stay for good. It’s not just the mountains, it’s how life feels when you’re here.

Every photo session feels like an adventure. One minute we are riverside and the next we are chasing light across an open field with elk grazing in the background. I always joke that this is my office, and it never gets old.

And that’s true even outside of work.

If you want a local’s version of Estes Park, it looks a little different.

You can usually find me on a trail in the park around 5:30 in the morning in the summer, when the light is just starting to hit the peaks. I love hiking solo. It’s quiet, it’s grounding, and it’s the closest thing I have to church. There’s something about starting the day in the mountains before the world wakes up that resets everything.

After a hike, I’m usually heading into town. Bird and Jim is one of my go-tos.

Sometimes it’s a hearty meal after a long morning outside, other times it’s a glass

of wine or something more aperitivo style if I’m easing into the afternoon. It’s one of those places that feels like home.

Seven Keys Lodge has my favorite porch in all of Estes. Good people, live music, cocktails…it’s the kind of place you settle into and want to linger.

In the winter, I find myself at the Rock Inn a lot. It’s cozy in the way you want a mountain spot to be, and the live music almost every day of the year gives it this steady, welcoming mountain tavern energy.

Macdonald Book Shop is another place I come back to often. It’s tucked into a small log cabin, and you can lose track of time in there without even trying. There’s a warmth to it, not just in the space but in the people.

And when the weather is good, a walk around Lake Estes is hard to beat. Simple, but one of those things that reminds you how lucky you are to live here.

Even in the colder months, locals stay moving. The recreation center, what we all just call the Rec, becomes a gathering place. It’s where people lift, train, run into each other, and keep that sense of community going when the trails are quieter.

I’m also really proud to be part of the local business community here. Being involved with the Chamber and other

groups has helped build my business, but more importantly it’s introduced me to some incredible people and close friendships.

There’s a spirit to living here. It’s wild, a little unpredictable, and it constantly pulls you outside. And we lean into that as much as we can.

Outdoor access here is endless.

Hiking, trail running, fishing, climbing, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, sledding, kayaking, scenic drives. You can drive Trail Ridge Road and reach over 12,000 feet without ever leaving your car, or you can spend hours deep in the wilderness on foot. Some days people just come to sit and look at the mountains, and honestly, that’s enough.

Wildlife is part of everyday life in Estes.

Elk move through neighborhoods and gather in open spaces around town. You will see them walking downtown or along Lake Estes. It’s not uncommon to see elk scattered across the 18th hole, completely unbothered, like they’ve always belonged there. Bears make the occasional appearance, reminding us to stay aware.

Bighorn sheep move about the high country and there are over 250 species of birds in the area, something I have come to really admire.

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There is a consistent overlap between town and wilderness. It’s not separate here and we like it that way.

What also stands out is how truly local everything feels. So many of the restaurants, shops and places to see are independently owned. There is a pride in that. Estes is not overly polished or curated, it’s real and raw. People care about what they are building here, and you can feel that when you walk into a space or sit down for a meal.

Throughout the year, the town comes alive in its own way. Festivals and events bring both locals and visitors together and somehow still feel rooted in community.

There is always something happening, but it never feels forced.

And then there is the weather.

The weather in Estes is mercurial, exciting and never boring. It is sunny most days, true Colorado style, but it can also snow one day and be 75 the next. Summer afternoon storms roll in quickly and leave just as fast. You learn to adjust. You learn to appreciate what you receive rather than wanting everything to be predictable.

Living here changes you.

There is something about being on a trail, getting above tree line, just sitting in stillness with the mountains around you that shifts perspective in the best way.

I always say it’s my version of church. It grounds me. It reminds me of what truly matters.

I moved here not knowing a soul. And now I have a full community. Friends who feel more like family. People who share that same pull toward adventure, toward connection, toward something a little more than ourselves.

That’s the part visitors don’t see.

Estes Park is not just a destination. It is a shared experience that asks something of you. It asks you to slow down. To be present. To respect the land and the wildlife. To be a steward of both. To embrace some uncertainty. It commands that pause.

And if you do, it gives you a lot in return.

Resources:

Estes Park Chamber- 970-586-0500 Windcliff Vacation Homes- windcliff.com Vertical Co Working - vertcoworking.com The Inspired Living Group-findestesparkhomes.com Clubhouse Fairway Tavern- clubhouseestes.com Ember- emberestespark.com Bird & Jim - birdandjim.com Elizabeth Courtney Photography- elizabetha.co Wildside 4x4- wildside4x4tours.com KMAC Guides- kmacguides.com

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Photo Credit: Visit Estes Park

Elizabeth Courtney (pictured right) is a portrait and wedding photographer and marketing specialist based in Estes Park, Colorado. She spends most of her time outdoors, exploring the trails and landscapes that inspire her work.

LAKEFRONT DINING AND DRINKS 1700 COLORADO PEAKS DR, ESTES PARK | EMBERESTESPARK.COM | (970) 586 6409

Mountain Dispatch

THE MIGHT Y ARGO E XPERIENCE Idaho Springs gets a new high-speed gondola and mountaintop playground.

By Lisa Blake

Slated to open by Memorial Day 2026, the Mighty Argo Cable Car whisks riders 1.2 miles up Idaho Spring’s Rosa Gulch to the newly developed mountaintop Argo Landing. The $71 million development— dubbed the Mighty Argo Experience— rests just 30 minutes west of Denver with its sites set on boosting area tourism.

At the top of the high-speed year-round gondola, guests peruse the preserved historic gold mill’s pedestrian plazas, viewing decks, observation trestle, creative food and beverage options, and new amphitheater.

Adventurous hikers and mountain bikers meander and yee-haw their way across more than 28 miles of trails (15 miles of uphill and downhill paths and tracks will open this summer with planned trail completion by 2027).

To reach the sky-high Virginia Canyon Mountain Park, guests can ride up in North America’s first gondola bike cabins or hike or pedal the 1,250 feet from the base. Specialized cabins can carry up to eight bikes at a time. Opt for a classic gondola cabin or go with a glass-bottom “golden gondola” for stomach-tickling mountain views.

In addition to scenic rides and mountain biking access, the Mighty Argo Experience lends a solid nod to Colorado’s Gold Rush history, as it was built alongside the 1893 Argo Tunnel. The famed tunnel connected the Clear Creek and Gilpin County mining districts—a.k.a. The Richest Square Mile on Earth—during the Colorado Gold Rush.

Snap a photo in the trestle structure’s Instagrammable vantage spot before hiking, biking or soaring back down to the base in a gleaming new gondola. mightyargo.com

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IMBA TRAIL TOWN DESIGNATION Four Colorado Towns were Honored with this New Mountain Biking Designation

By Holly Resignolo The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) announced the inaugural IMBA Trail Town designation. A group of 28 communities received the new national recognition honoring places that have made exceptional commitments to developing, stewarding, and celebrating trail systems that strengthen their community’s life.

The IMBA Trail Town designation recognized towns with trails who are demonstrating strong trail infrastructure, a commitment to trail funding, an active local trail organization, a culture of community engagement, and a sustainable trail stewardship plan. Together these criteria support healthy lifestyles, local economies, and outdoor recreation access.

“IMBA Trail Towns represent communities that understand the powerful role trails play in shaping vibrant places to live, work, and play,” said Jillian Olson, IMBA Community Progress Manager. “These communities have invested in trails not only as recreation opportunities, but as essential infrastructure that supports local economies, attracts visitors, improves quality of life, and builds stronger connections between people and the outdoors.”

Biking and Hiking Trails are increasingly recognized as drivers of outdoor recreation economies. Communities that invest in trail systems often see benefits ranging from increased tourism and small business growth, to improved health outcomes and stronger community identity. The American outdoor recreation economy continues to grow: in 2024 it generated $1.3 trillion in economic output while supporting 5.2 million American jobs. The sector accounts for 2.4% of the nation’s GDP. The IMBA Trail Town designation highlights communities that have demonstrated leadership in these areas and are helping set the standard for how trails can positively shape the future of outdoor communities. This year’s honorees highlighted 28 communities in 20 U.S. states. Four Colorado Towns received this honored recognition: Breckenridge, New Castle, Leadville and Salida To Learn more about these towns and their trails head to: www.imba.com/trail-towns

AMERICA 250 - COLORADO 150

Honoring the 250th Anniversary of American Independence and the 150th Anniversary of Colorado Statehood

This year Colorado will commemorate 150 years of statehood while celebrating 250 years of American independence.

Colorado has great plans to celebrate this dual milestone and is highlighting Colorado’s place within the broader narrative of the United States. “The View From Here,” is the theme that will carry through 2026. Several signature initiatives, educational programs, exhibits and community-led events are being designed to embrace and celebrate connection, community, and statewide pride. These include: Digital Passport Program: available on Colorado.com that encourages participants to explore Colorado’s attractions, businesses and hidden gems to earn rewards. Through the free program, participants can enjoy exclusive offers, discounts and increase their chances with each check-in to win prizes like $500 in United travel credits and 150,000 United MileagePlus® miles.

Drone Shows: Stories in the Sky will bring an estimated 150 awe-inspiring drone shows to communities across the state throughout the commemoration. Set to music, every show will be customized to celebrate the corresponding event and host destination.

Historic Preservation comes to the forefront with a goal to add 150 new or revised historic sites to the state’s register by the end of 2026, perfect for the history-buff’s itinerary.

Statewide Oral History, highlighting more than 150 diverse stories from across Colorado through recorded oral histories.

History Where It Happened, a revitalization effort to update and add 150 historic markers across Colorado, ensuring a more accurate and inclusive representation of the state’s history.

14er Climb, celebrating Colorado’s 58 mountain peaks topping out at over 14,000 feet, outdoor enthusiasts and climbing teams will unite to summit these peaks, creating a once-in-a lifetime challenge this summer.

Statewide Event Calendar, offering a diverse lineup of events— ranging from, skijoring, concerts and festivals to history exhibits, cultural observances, public art, educational programming and more with many taking place in our mountain town communities. www.colorado.com/am250-co150-events

I-70 Mountain Corridor Summer Improvement Projects This summer, travelers on the I-70 Mountain Corridor should expect routine daytime and nighttime lane closures, reduced speed limits, and narrowed lanes stretching from Golden to Glenwood Springs. A full list of active projects is available at: codot.gov/projects/i70mountaincorridor/about The most impactful delays will occur around multi-year projects, such as I-70 Floyd Hill and the West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) advises drivers to plan ahead by downloading the COtrip Planner App or visiting COtrip.org and signing up for real-time text alerts (text “floydhill” or “vailpass” to 21000).

Summer Driving in Colorado

This summer is different. Driving safely is essential to prevent wildfire sparks in drought conditions. Safety starts before you leave home: route planning, vehicle maintenance and knowing the risks are essential this summer. More information at codot.gov/travel/summerdriving www.mountaintownmagazine.com | ISSUE 46 2026 Summer

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Mountain Dispatch

BRECKENRIDGE WILDFLOWER WEEK 2026

By Holly Resignolo

B

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decorated by local shops, and pop into restaurants for floral-themed bites and beverages.

Wildflower cocktail and mocktail experiences will be offered at the World’s Highest Distillery, as Breckenridge Distillery turns ethically foraged blooms into beautiful libations. The celebration will also include voluntourism opportunities to give back to the land and help protect the destination’s wildflowers for all to enjoy. Consider giving back to the environment at the Community Weed Pull.

“The Town’s Open Space and Trails program is excited to collaborate with the Breckenridge Tourism Office to celebrate the incredible wildflowers of our local ecosystem and invites the community to connect with these lands in a more meaningful and educational way,” said Alex Stauch, OST Manager for the Town of Breckenridge. “Wildflower Week for us is about sharing the story of Breckenridge’s biodiversity with our residents and visitors while encouraging responsible recreation in these sensitive habitats.”

ISSUE 46 2026 Summer | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

“I am so excited to share my passion for the wildflowers and for the people who come to be inspired by them,” said Ella Garner, Naturalist for the Town of Breckenridge.

Wildflower season typically peaks in Breckenridge in late July, but due to lower snowpack this year, local experts believe peak wildflower season will be several weeks earlier in the high country.

Visitors can expect to find colorful blooms ranging from blue columbine to pink lupine, red and orange Indian paintbrush, magenta asters, purple elephant heads, yellow daisies and many other types of wildflowers.

Wildflower Week builds on Breckenridge’s growing reputation as a premier summer destination for outdoor adventure, arts and sustainable mountain experiences. A full schedule of events is available HERE on GoBreck.com.

PS – Breckenridge 4th of July celebrations include the Colorado 150 Drone Show guaranteed to continue the ooo’s and ahh’s of this colorful week.

Come fall in love with nature again, it’s our mantra here at Mountain Town Magazine and our partner publications.

The outdoors brings so much Joy!

Photo Credits: GoBreck

e dazzled by mother nature’s summer wildflower display! Colorado’s iconic mountain town will debut its firstever Breckenridge Wildflower Week, a new festival celebrating the height of wildflower blooms July 2 – 12, 2026. The event will feature free guided wildflower hikes, free live music, plein air painting classes, floral cocktails and mocktails, family-friendly bike rides and more – all inspired by Breckenridge’s vibrant alpine wildflower season and the opportunity to involve attendees in environmental education and stewardship.

Wildflower meadows will come alive with guided wildflower hikes hosted by Breckenridge Open Space and Trails (OST), concerts in nature from the National Repertory Orchestra and Breck Create’s wildflower-inspired arts classes taking place in wildflower meadows featuring plein air watercolor painting, glass-blowing and mosaic making.

Other Wildflower Week activities include a craft and art fair, farmers markets, pressed-flower classes, a familyfriendly guided bike ride, free bloomthemed Yoga on the Riverwalk Lawn and forest bathing. Walk through Main Street for delightful “Wildflower Windows”

NONPROFIT NOOK Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

by Lisa Blake

Photo Credit: Colorado 14’ers Initiatvie

Colorado’s 54 ranked 14ers (peaks topping out above 14,000 feet) see a lot of foot traffic—306,800 hikers per year, on average. Some of these majestic mountains, such as Quandary Peak and Mount Bierstadt, welcome weekend conga lines of peak-baggers, stepping their way to the summit, snapping selfies, enjoying picnics in the sky, and taking in rewarding see-forever views.

While other more remote, obscure mountains (hello, San Luis Peak) welcome just a fraction of the elevationhungry population.

Loaded path or quiet climb, any time a hiker steps outside the marked sustainable trail, they’re probably crushing some type of fragile native tundra, says Colorado Fourteeners Initiative Deputy Director Lindsey King.

“If you crunch them with your big ol trail boot, you’re going to do some damage,” King says. “We battle with human footsteps. We’re also battling mother nature; a mud slide or avalanche or a bunch of rain all at once can do significant damage.”

This is where Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) comes in clutch. Protecting and preserving Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks through active stewardship and public education, the Lakewood-based nonprofit saw 1,023 volunteer days (545 individual volunteers) in 2025.

The dirty, sweaty, highly rewarding result is sustainable trails that guide hikers and keep them on designated paths, minimizing impact to these precious high-altitude environments.

CFI typically runs between 20 and 40 volunteer projects each summer, with more than half available to the public and the other portion set aside for corporate volunteer days. Volunteers select from a range of projects, including day trips closer to Denver and twonighter commitments on Capital Peak near Aspen. A typical 8-hour volunteer day can involve moving large rocks, closing braided trails (paths that have naturally widened over the years), moving soil and replanting native vegetation.

“A huge part of our mission is to restore any damaged areas,” King says. “If people start stepping outside of the trail, say to avoid a mud puddle, everything they step on gets trampled.”

This summer, CFI will focus on two major field projects: Mount Shavano and Mount Democrat. Until recent years, the high-traffic peaks have included segments of private land, making it difficult for CFI to execute initiatives. Working with the Forest Service, CFI secured public access on both of these mountains and will continue to improve a sustainable route to Shavano’s summit and stabilize grades and reduce erosion on Democrat.

Want to lend a hand? Head to 14ers.org and click on the volunteer portal to view available projects.

Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, with no age maximum. Check back often as spots open up due to volunteer cancellations. www.14ers.org www.mountaintownmagazine.com | ISSUE 46 2026 Summer

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Mountain Made

Lyons Leather Co.

by Lisa Blake WHERE: Lyons WHAT: Leather Bags

You may have seen these stylish, timeless leather bags slung diagonally over a twirling boho-chic dancer at a Planet Bluegrass festival. Or sprucing up a biz-casual outfit along Denver’s Larimer Square.

The half-moon handstitched, gorgeously crafted bags are the brainchild of Lisa Dannen who, in 2019, decided to solve her selfproclaimed decade-long purse problem. Changing bags between traveling, going to concerts and running errands was getting annoying and time consuming. So she created a versatile artisan leather pouch she could wear everywhere.

After gathering leather working tools and North American deer and elk skin hides, teaching herself a whip stitch, and creating a dozen prototypes, Dannen quickly amassed a 100plus word-of-mouth waitlist. In 2021, she moved to Lyons and launched Lyons Leather Co. from her home workshop. Dannen’s simple, comfortable designs easily transition from crossbody to waist to over the shoulder, making them the ultimate Colorado summer accessory. www.lyonsleatherco.com

Salida Hattery WHERE: Salida WHAT: Custom Hats

Leah Godsey and Emily Boger share a deep love for badass custom hats. The duo of 45-year-old Salida mamas is making fashion statement waves with their fedoras, cowboy hats and wide-brimmed festival styles. They call it “momma magic.” Their fans call it perfectly procured everyday wear they can’t live without.

Women-owned and operated Salida Hattery shapes and makes each hat by hand. Some shops receive hats that are already blocked and sanded and just need shaping. Others have shaped hats for sale and offer more of a hat bar scenario where the customer decorates their hat with bands, feathers and other accoutrements.

“Then there’s the traditional way, which is the way we do it,” Boger says. “We do it all from the ground up.”

Hat bodies come into the Salida Hattery workshop as an ill-fitting giant sombrero. Then Boger and Godsey steam, block, sand, burn, sew a sweatband in, and shape and decorate the hat.

“It’s been a humbling and beautiful process,” Godsey says. “These hats really are works of art.”

Find Salida Hattery’s hats at Rocky Mountain Mercantile in Salida and on Instagram www.salidahattery.

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Rocky Mountain Hound

by Lisa Blake WHERE: Ridgway WHAT: Pet Gear

Rocky Mountain Hound has a sweet backstory. Owner Michelle Karki ran a Silverton candy store when she realized the town lacked any dog products. So she taught herself how to make dog collars, leashes, bandanas and her famous all natural dog treats.

Karki opened Rocky Mountain Hound in Ridgway in 2017 and found that she cherished the creative outlet.

“I was so drawn to the process and fulfillment that it gave me that I closed the candy store and took on dog products full-time,” she says.

Karki’s leash and collar patterns are inspired by Colorado and her southwestern roots. All products are hand-sewn in Ridgway and can be found in boutique shops from Alamosa to the Front Range.

Rocky Mountain Hound also makes custom collars and leashes.

“We strive to create a product line that shows the love we have for these majestic mountains, and the pets who are lucky to live here,” Karki says. www.rockymountainhound.com

SOL Paddleboards

by Holly Resignolo WHERE: Telluride WHAT: Watersports

SOL Paddle Boards of Telluride has been crafting inflatable Paddle Boards since 2011. This past February they were awarded the “Best SUP” award for their SOLrey inflatable SUP in the prestigious 2026 Paddling Magazine Industry Awards. This accolade recognizes the SOLrey as the standout all around standup paddleboard of the year, selected by thousands of paddling enthusiasts and industry experts alike.the SOLrey stood out for its exceptional adaptability on every type of water - from serene flat lakes to technical whitewater. It also comes standard with a patent-pending, cutting-edge Switchblade retractable fin, which delivers confident tracking and stability when deployed, then automatically retracts on impact - allowing paddlers to glide over rocks, logs, and shallow water without sacrificing performance or durability. Find the SOLrey and many other models through their website: www.solpaddle.com

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Priorities

Water.

Precious, pretty and necessary to our towns and communities. Please be aware of current restrictions and treat our waterways with respect.

Location: Minturn, CO

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Business

Small Town Indie Bookstores Are Making a Comeback

By Lisa Blake

From Breckenridge to Telluride, Colorado’s independent mountain town bookstores are not just surviving. They’re evolving, expanding and quietly thriving.

Maybe it’s the way time seems to soften. Or how, in an era defined by constant notifications and incessant scrolling, these spaces feel almost sacred—grounded, human and deeply intentional.

Colorado’s indie bookshops offer a much-needed antidote to digital burnout. Filled with locally penned pages, national bestsellers, journals, colorful children’s sections, and owners who care about spreading a love for literature, these physical domains deliver something we’re all internally craving: stillness and community.

“This is so much more than just a retail business, selling books.

It’s a place where all aspects of our little town intersect,” says Izzy Stringham, owner at White River Books in Carbondale.

“People run into each other, get to catch up. They come in to order a specific title and then find two others on the shelf to get excited about. In a world that is so disconnected and insular, the bookshop is a place that celebrates connection and creativity.”

According to the American Booksellers Association, the number of independent bookstores in the U.S. jumped by 70 percent in the past five years, with 422 new independently owned shops opening in 2025 alone. These modern-day gathering spaces tap into a palpable desire for post-pandemic community rebuilding and the slow culture movement displayed in field-tofork dining, locally owned coffee roasters and the resurgence of vinyl records.

In mountain towns—where nature already invites presence— bookstores extend that ethos indoors. They become places to unplug, linger and reconnect. At Next Page Books in Frisco, author readings, children’s storytimes, and a café-style gathering space with beer, wine and light snacks transcend the retail space into a welcoming third place.

“To own an independent bookstore in a small town is an honor and a joy,” says Next Page Books owner Erik Benson. “We strive to be a place where everyone in our community can gather, connect and learn. In a time when third spaces are becoming fewer and further between, we hope to present ourselves as that cornerstone in our community.”

In towns like Salida and Crested Butte, bookstores are evolving into cultural hubs, hosting writing workshops and poetry nights.

Unlike big-box retailers or online giants, indie bookstore shelves reflect the personality of their communities. At Explore Books in Aspen, shoppers browse Rocky Mountain field guides, local history, and environmental writing—alongside thoughtfully chosen cookbooks and wellness reads.

When so much of life is experienced through screens, Colorado’s indie bookstores remind us how it feels to come back to ourselves—one page at a time.

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A Few of Our Mountain Town Indie Favorites The Bookworm Edwards

9600 Stories Breckenridge

The Next Page Books Frisco

Townie Books Crested Butte

Explore Books Aspen

Between the Covers Bookstore Telluride

All Booked Up Salida

The Book Nook Buena Vista

White River Books Carbondale

Off the Beaten Path Steamboat Springs

Rooted in the Rockies, reimagined for today. Unwind at the base of Peak 9, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and embark on authentic mountain adventures in Breckenridge.

Join us at Breckenridge’s gathering place for exceptional dining. Enjoy unique, open-fire pizzas and creative dishes celebrating local history. Savor modern mountain dining with us.

Find our secret entrance and step into an exclusive lounge where skilled mixologists craft daring cocktails. Immerse yourself in intimate ambiance and engaging conversation for an unforgettable escape.

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Entrepreneurs

Liberty Puzzles

By Caren Austin

I love writing about Colorado companies. If you haven’t heard about Liberty Puzzles in Boulder Colorado, you need to go and check them out. Once I did, my obsession with this company and their beautiful puzzles became something I had to write about.

Liberty Puzzles has two storefronts in Boulder, one on Pearl Street launched in 2014 and an additional showroom about ten minutes away where you can take a tour where you will discover just how extraordinary these wood puzzles are. When you purchase one, you arepurchasing something that supports the local economy, and unique to Colorado.

Liberty Puzzles was born in 2005 started by the Wirth family and is still in the same location today with expansion on the same street they originally started on. There are 130 employees, some who have been with Liberty Puzzles since the start. The puzzles are made with wood from Oregon and use a sustainable poplar core. Every single puzzle from Liberty Puzzles touches at least twelve different sets of hands and starts with a hand drawn template, then moves to a laser for cutting the pieces.

I was completely amazed by the craftsmanship that goes into each individual puzzle, from start to finish.

If you lose a piece to your puzzle or if the pet ate one (thus the wall of shame with pics of the culprits in the showroom store), Liberty Puzzles will remake or replace the lost piece. How cool is that?

Each puzzle features artwork sourced from a collection of more than 100 artists,encompassing both local Colorado talent and international creators.

Each wood piece is carefully thought out with whimsy pieces that reflect each puzzle’s theme. When you open a box from Liberty Puzzles, the aroma is like a wood burning fireplace on a cozy day. It is truly magical. The puzzles all have a signature eagle piece just like their logo in the lower right-hand section of the puzzle. This may be a great way to start your puzzle, hint hint. They come out with fifty new puzzles a year so you might just become a collector after buying one of these Colorado treasures.

If you are a local resident or a visitor, buying a Liberty Puzzle is like taking a true piece (or pieces) of Colorado home with you. Gift to someone special or keep for yourself.

2526 49th Street, Boulder, CO www.LibertyPuzzles.com 30

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Photo Credit: Sage Daly

Fun fact: You can have a custom puzzle made with a photo of your choice. These are great for anniversaries, weddings or just special occasions.

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Pets

Pet Longevity in the Mountains This Aspen regenerative vet is shifting the animal care narrative.

By Lisa Blake

D

r. Scarlett Magdalen arrived in the Aspen area last fall, settling into a peaceful cabin near rural Crawford after 15 stressful years in New York animal hospital emergency rooms.

Eventually, after learning they had an award-winning holistic veterinarian down the road, neighbors came a knockin. “I literally just started lasering animals and seeing incredible results,” Dr. Magdalen says, pointing to her FDA-approved Class II Erchonia laser, which uses red and violet wavelengths for non-thermal, noninvasive cellular energy restoration.

A local dog, Yoda, came to her with a serious ear laceration and, after just three laser treatments, his ear was completely healed, she says. “No painkillers, no surgery. The laser is antimicrobial, so it kills bacteria,” Dr. Magdalen explains.

Coloradans are no strangers to preventative health, diving deep into cryotherapy, functional medicine and peak performance coaching, and now, thanks to Dr. Magdalen’s sharp eye on preventative animal care, local pets are benefitting from a similar mindset.

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“If we go back to nature and the basics of what we need to thrive, we can reverse age and optimize health. It’s the same for our animals,” Dr. Magdalen says. “My clients are looking for solutions to get their animals off of medications and to see a visual transformation.”

Dr. Magdalen has trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Five Elements Theory and Food Therapy at Chi University, and is currently on the path to becoming a clinical animal nutritionist with training from Dr. Ava Frick.

Launching the Regenerative Sanctuary in 2024, Dr. Magdalen’s concierge veterinary practice uses clinical nutrition, stem cell therapy, ozone, and photobiomodulation to address what’s driving disease. She’s treating pets with diabetes, obesity, cancer, arthritis, dental disease, and various skin and autoimmune conditions and is seeing positive results through her root-cause approach.

“I have a cat that’s licking itself incessantly and its hair is falling out,” Dr. Magdalen says. “The first thing we did was change its crunchy kibble to a fresh fish-

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based diet. Her hair grew back and she was asymptomatic within a month. No more itching, no more licking.”

The pet longevity expert leans heavily into whole-food protocols that mirror human functional medicine and hair tissue mineral analysis that can reveal toxicity, adrenal function and metabolic patterns that bloodwork misses.

“We tested the itchy cat’s hair and it has aluminum toxicity, which sets off adrenals,” she says. “So, if you can address the nutritional needs of these organs and give them the minerals they need to thrive, you can prevent most diseases.”

Dr. Magdalen points to ultraprocessed high-carbohydrate kibble, toxic chemicals and microplastics in chew toys, overvaccinating pets, and toxic burden from unfiltered tap water (visit EWG.org to see your water’s rating) as the culprit behind a lot of inflammation and disease seen in today’s pets.

“The answer is prevention,” she says.

“I’m here to arm pet owners with the knowledge they need to give their pets long, healthy lives.”

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Family

Disconnect to Reconnect Family time at Tumbling River Ranch

By Lisa Blake

T

here are Colorado guest ranches. And then there are all-inclusive highcountry adventure basecamps. With an $8 million facelift, Tumbling River Ranch falls under the latter category.

The historic Grant, Colorado property first opened in 1946 and has held firmly onto its luxe ranch resort roots while speaking to modern travelers with allinclusive immersive experiences. Guests enjoy three daily chef-inspired meals, cozy amenity-plumped cabins, and a curated selection of on-property activities and options further afield that include whitewater rafting, rock climbing and fly fishing.

With zero cell service or television and very limited wifi, 23-acre Tumbling River Ranch has an off-grid sensibility that has parents sold on the promise of a screenfree weekend away.

“We are thrilled to see our vision for Tumbling River Ranch come to life,” says owner Jasen Mark, who debuted the renovation to the public in February 2026. “We have taken every measure to 34

ensure that the history of this beloved and magical place has been honored in the renovation while, at the same time, modernizing it for today’s traveler.”

The goal: To reconnect guests with the landscape and each other. Families settle into gorgeously remodeled cabins bathed in soft lighting and plush textiles with wood-burning fireplaces and porches that beg for time to slow.

Meals are served family-style from an open-fire kitchen with ingredients grown by regional farms. And personalized morning coffee service means fresh Denver-roasted coffee, tea and hot cocoa quietly delivered in a Stanley thermos alongside a morning bakery treat.

Perched at 9,200 feet in the 1 million-acre Pike National Forest and Mount Evans Wilderness Area, the tranquil valley just south of Guanella Pass is a natural home for outdoor exploration. Rock climbing happens on Keyes Rock with access to a private climbing area near Cowboy Flats, instruction and equipment provided.

Private trails web out from the ranch into

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the national forest and wilderness area and Square Top Lakes and Abyss Lake trailheads are a swift drive away. Archery and crafts are readily available for those who want to play on property. Looking to go horseback riding or whitewater rafting?

Chat up the onsite activities coordinator and book a tailored itinerary.

The ranch swaps spa time for restorative outdoor spaces and walks along pine and aspen-lined paths lead to riverside al fresco couple’s massages, four wooden hot tubs, a sauna and a river cold plunge. Days wind down with ranch-style hospitality displayed across nightly campfires, acoustic music, square dancing beneath the stars, and signature craft drinks.

“Something special happens at the ranch when families stay with us. There is a nostalgic pull that takes them back to a simpler time,” Mark says. “We intentionally skipped televisions and phones in our cabins and rooms. A campfire with a million stars beats a screen any day.” tumblingriver.com

Inspiring Others to Live their Dream in Estes Park Colorado

scan the QR Code to find your dream home

Alison Gilbert, REALTOR Alison@TheInspiredLivingGroup.com 970.227.0561 www.FindEstesParkHomes.com

THE #1 ADVENTURE ACTIVITY IN ESTES PARK, COLORADO! The Wildside Difference: What Set Us Apart

The Original “I Can’t Believe I Had That Much Fun!” Tour Company TripAdvisor’s #1 ranked activity in Estes Park for 18 years straight

For 18 years WildSide 4x4 Tours has delivered bucket-list adventures right in the heart of beautiful Estes Park, CO. Proud to be TripAdvisor’s #1 ranked activity in Estes Park for 18 years straight.

Whether you want a relaxing, informative and scenic drive or a heart-pounding off-road thrill our professional guides will handle the twists and turns while you make memories to last a lifetime.

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Book Your Ride of a Lifetime

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212 E. Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO

Call: (970) 586-8687

Reserve Online: www.wildside4x4tours.com www.mountaintownmagazine.com | ISSUE 46 2026 Summer

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50 Years of Dirt Doing Good

By Daniel Dunn Photos Courtesy - The Colorado 500

Births, marriages, and deaths are the undeniable giants of experience in life — unforgettable and etched into your soul forever.

But there are experiences that sneak up on you, burning their way into your consciousness like embers refusing to die. I was fortunate enough to experience this emotional epiphany. I was barely home from an assignment covering the Colorado 500 Charity Invitational Ride and roadweary from three brutal days behind the wheel, when it suddenly hit me like a lightning bolt: “I HAVE to go back. Sign me up. I’m ALL in!”

THE COLORADO 500 IS THAT EXPERIENCE. This isn’t just an event — it’s a soul-rattling, life-altering force that grabs you by the throttle and never lets go. It leaves a mark so deep, that you’ll be chasing that high long after the dust has settled. Is it the ultimate rush? The numbers don’t lie — the wave of returning riders flooding back year after year says everything.

This is a must-do.

THIS IS A NEW OBSESSION.

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The Colorado 500 is a dirt bike motorcycle ride through the mountains of Colorado, with an extreme dedication to charity, to put it mildly. You have to be invited by a previous rider, or the organization itself; it’s not for beginners and you have to promise to be a representative of the event. Not hard qualifications really, but they permeate everything you do throughout the week, and probably beyond.

The CO 500 is a charity event, a non-profit 501c3. This is a light-hearted, seriously fun dirt bike ride that has been happening for five days every summer for 49 years. The event was started by the late Wally Dallenbach in the fall of 1975. Dallenbach happened to be a race car driver, so his immediate group of friends consisted of many of those guys, including Al and Bobby Unser. The social gathering of those friends riding dirt bikes through the Colorado hills became a noted event on the calendar, and quickly grew in size over the years as Wally and his wife Peppy dedicated themselves to hosting the event annually.

Today, it has morphed and become the longest running charity invitational ride in the USA. The course winds through some of the most beautiful mountain terrain that exists on the planet. A shared love of the outdoors, camaraderie, and strong commitments to giving back are the bonds that have held everyone involved together. This is a good time for all the right reasons and something a passionate dirt biker would want to be a part of.

Every year, a grand marshall gets the 5 Day ride going from along the roads of Snowmass, CO where the riders make their way up to Aspen to climb the 11,925-foot Taylor Pass- a flowing rocky trail that opens into a breathtaking view of forests and mountain tops.

Here, smaller groups are formed, each led by an experienced guide, and set out on routes of varying difficulty to the mountain town of Crested Butte. The following day these groups head off to Gunnison, Lake City, Ouray, and Telluride before returning to Snowmass for a grand gathering and celebration.

The list of infamous riders is lengthy.

In recent years, these names come from the high profile ranks of dirt bike racing, like Johnny Campbell (Baja 1000 11 time winner and overall moto legend), Ricky Brabec (Paris-Dakar Rally winner), Jeremy McGrath (highly influential King of Supercross during a time of massive growth for that sport), and this year’s GM being Ricky Carmichael (the GOAT, or Greatest of All Time motocross/ supercross race winner). Carmichael is

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excited to get a chance to spend five days riding and hanging with friends. He visits Colorado often for work as a moto/ supercross event announcer and track designer. A love of skiing with family on vacation also brings him here, but he tells me he couldn’t be more pumped to be back for a week of riding what he knows is some of the most beautiful terrain in the country.

Riders come from all over the country and the world to participate in the CO 500. They come from southern California, that area itself being a hotbed of dirt bike riding and racing, some would argue the birthplace of moto/supercross racing.

People like Cameron Steele, who literally grew up in the sport of Baja 1000 truck racing, his Dad being a pro driver. Steele himself is now a trophy truck Baja team owner and truck driver, his wife is a retired racer, and they bring their own family on adventures every chance they get. Steele owns the Desert Assassins race team and media company, his company’s tagline “Share the Stoke”, offers several private and exclusive off-road trips a year with trips to Baja on dirt bikes and trucks with an underlying mission of raising money for orphanages in Baja, Mexico. Giving back to the local communities he plays in is important and a theme that runs strong in his hearty personality. “What brought me here (the Colorado 500) first is a good friend from Colorado, Pete Kelly, but what keeps me coming back is what they’re doing. They give back to the local schools, they give scholarships to young people to help with their next steps, they give to local Search and Rescue and police units, they give to the Trail Preservation Alliance. I think it’s just a good vibe, it has a good stoke.”

We talked many times over the course of the event, with Steele immediately recognizing me and asking how I’m doing, how’s the event treating me? This shows his personality as a solid, good dude. But he gave compliments to the event and all of Colorado. “Why come to Colorado? Because it’s so beautiful.

Everywhere you look, it’s a postcard. On top of that, this event is special, the way they take care of every detail, the way they give back. It’s great people doing great stuff. It’s just spectacular.

And oh, the people of Colorado, they’re all just outside, doing their thing, spreading the stoke, it’s awesome.”

Riders like Frank Mann come from places like Atlanta, Georgia to ride the CO 500. Mann’s story speaks for itself. He has cancer, he has suffered greatly from cancer, and has recovered from cancer. He still has it, saying “yeah, it’s something I have, but it’s not who I am. I decided I wasn’t going to let the cancer define me or what I was or who I was.”

“I’ve always felt that everything I have, has been a blessing to me. Everything we have, it’s just on loan to us. I just want to share what I’ve been blessed with. You know, it’s just my personality.. But you’re coming out to CO to do this ride with me, don’t give me any of your excuses, you’re coming. Hey, I got myself in shape from cancer, to ride this year, you’re coming.”

“Sitting in the infusion chair, at the chemo shack, I can tell you this, There’s not a single person sitting in those chairs that’s wishing they could go to one more meeting, that could close one more deal or build one more company. All they want to do is have more time. And I, and I know the feeling, and when you’re faced with, you may not live long, you want to fill that time with everything you can and you want to fill it with the people that you care about being with. We’re not promised time, you gotta take what you got and you gotta go live it.”

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$3,515,383.00 has been distributed from 1981–2025.

$1,097,783.00 to Schools, to Local Search & Rescue, Emergency Service Organizations, and many other worthy organizations and individuals throughout Western Colorado.

$1,039,000.00 to College Scholarship Grants

$72,000.00 to Disabled Veteran Sports Program

$890,600.00 to Trail Clubs, Trail Advocacy, Trail Preservation Alliance, US Forest Service Grants, and Legal Defense.

$416,000.00 to Ministries, Missions, Churches, and Chaplains.

This guy could write the handbook on how to live life. Mann was headed to the Doc’s office for more testing later in the afternoon when I spoke to him, and I’d not be telling the truth if there wasn’t some moisture in my eye after speaking to this guy. He’s the definition of “get out and do stuff”!

GIVING BACK If you’re feeling good about the riding and the giving back parts of this story, but wondering where does the money go, you’re not alone. The answer, many places, and to people, some in the form of scholarships, to people like Shawn Stevenson, the first ever scholarship recipient and returning super-volunteer of the event. To Davis Manning, one of last year’s scholarship recipients, who will be entering his Sophomore year at University of Colorado Boulder fall 2026. The money goes out as a donation to Pitkin County based Mountain Rescue Aspen; The Silverton School, Silverton, CO where the CO 500 has been donating to since 1981. The event has given away over 3 million dollars since they started their ride based charitable giving. A new plan announced last summer,is a three year partnership with the Trail Preservation Alliance, a trails advocacy group that exists to protect, support, and sustain the future of off-highway motorcycle recreation.

If you hadn’t noticed, public land is disappearing at an alarming rate. If land isn’t protected, it will either be built on or its resources extracted. Those discussion points are not the scope of this article. Protecting that land for public recreation does fit within the article. That’s where the Trail Preservation Alliance comes in. A long mixed history of the CO 500 and TPA exists. They help each other and the rest of us by promoting safe, responsible riding and all types of outdoor recreation. Chad Hixon, President of the TPA, had this to say.

“We appreciate the ongoing donations which of course helps us continue to work on advocacy, legal, user engagement and trail support. The trail crew is a really tangible thing, guys out there doing trail repair work, interaction with all trail users, it’s an easy thing to show that off on social media and create support in that way. Just helping to change the narrative and get people to understand a little bit better about what’s going on out there.”

Colorado is full of multi-sport athletes, we do what we want as the mood strikes us. We hike, bike, run, ski, dog walk, kayak, ride horses, dirt bike, ride off-highway vehicles like side-byside (SxS) and Jeeps. Sometimes we go hunting or boating.

The Colorado 500 is an event simply trying to bring together passionate outdoor folks and highlighting what’s wonderful about the state and the people who inhabit it.

While this year’s edition is sold out, the 500 is always looking for headlining sponsors and partners to support their mission.

If Dirt Biking is your passion, you really should try to do it, or at least make efforts to prepare for next year. Hopefully we’ll see each other out there. Remember, like Frank Mann says, we’re not here for a long time, but we’re definitely here for a good time.

UPDATE For more information or to get involved, visit Colorado-500. org. The Board of Directors as well as Janet Lohman, who has guided the Colorado 500 as President and Executive Director for three decades, is always happy to help.

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By Holly Resignolo

Sweet Homes of Colorado, Inc. presented a newly built home along the shores of the Blue River in Blue River, Colorado, during the 30th Annual Summit County Parade of Homes. With its strong lines and nod to the rustic with the reclaimed wood ceilings, I was enamored the moment I stepped inside.

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This project represents a stunning collaboration between Alan Guerra Architecture, Collective Design, and Sweet Homes of Colorado, Inc. Its form, light, and layout were captivating. This home seamlessly blends with and captures its natural surroundings. The home’s distinctive form complements the curves of the Blue River.

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To combat the shade of the forest surrounding the property, windows were placed high up on the walls, just below the roofline, to respond to the sun’s angles throughout the seasons, ensuring brightly lit interiors throughout the day. The house exterior mimics the surrounding rocks, trees, and the deep woods in which the structure resides.

Photo Credits: Finn Dwyer, 360 Productions

Home & Design

A Open and Airy Home in Blue River, Colorado

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Home & Design

The layout of the great room, facing upstream, captures a pictureperfect view of the river. Expansive decks on the back side of the house seem to embrace these views, connecting interior and exterior spaces with floor-to-ceiling Glass Door Systems. It’s a wonderful way to bring the outside in on beautiful days along the Blue River.

The primary suite is oriented downstream and offers a more secluded space where the sounds of the murmuring river and pinescented forest fill the room. Meticulously designed fireplaces in the great room and primary bedroom create a striking focal point that blends form with function. The downstairs acts as a secondary living space with a walkout to the river, where everyone can gather around a grand firepit. More bedrooms are also found on this level, including a custom bunk room.

The home’s modern, clean lines are subdued by subtle rustic touches that enhance its streamside mountain setting. The interior designer collaborated closely with the homeowners to curate and finalize all finished wood flooring, ceiling treatments, interior door designs, hardware, and wall coverings. Both the cabinetry and tile selections maintain sleek simplicity while adding inviting warmth and texture throughout the spaces.

We loved seeing the custom dog wash station tucked away beneath the stairs in the mud room. This is a beautiful family home that impressed all who were able to tour its spaces.

Photo Credits: Finn Dwyer, 360 Productions.

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frisco | Kremmling | steamboat ifurnishco.com

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Home & Design

Protecting Your Home & Family From Wildfire Protecting Your Home Now and Always

By Holly Resignolo

I

know we have all been thinking about wildfires and preparing our fire plans. There are several steps homeowners can take to protect their property and help prevent the spread of fires. Red, White, and Blue Fire Department in Breckenridge provided this powerful information.

Preventative measures include clearing excess fuel, creating defensible space around your home, and using FireWise practices.

Homeowners should be sensitive to the fact that fire is a natural part of our ecosystem. Due to Colorado’s arid climate and firedependent forests, many homeowners and landowners may be particularly vulnerable to wildfires. Fire is unpredictable, and if there are weaknesses in your home’s fire protection plan, fire can gain the upper hand due to some overlooked or seemingly inconsequential factor. By creating a wildfire defensible zone, homes are less vulnerable from this naturally-occurring phenomenon, and the chance of spreading wildfires is greatly reduced.

Two factors have emerged as the primary determinants of a home’s ability to survive wildfires: choosing fire-resistant roofing material and creating a wildfire defensible zone. From most companies, you can get a roof replacement estimate to tell you how much it would cost you to ensure your roof is safe, which is vital to plan before you start. It is important to choose a fireresistant roofing material that is rated Class C or higher when building a house in or near forests or grasslands. Avoid flammable materials such as wood or shake shingles. One popular kind of non-flammable roofing material is asphalt shingles (https:// roofinginsights.com/best-asphalt-shingles/), which are known for their versatility, ability to resist fire, and are often rated Class C and higher without additions. To further protect your home a fiberglass underlayment, when combined with a minimum Class C material like asphalt, can achieve a Class A fire resistance.

It’s also important to keep your roof maintained, such as hiring an Akron roof repair company every now and then to ensure your roof doesn’t have any weak points or lose tiling that could become an issue when wildfires get close to your house.

Defensible space is an area around a structure where fuels and vegetation are treated, cleared, or reduced to slow the spread of wildfire toward the structure. It also reduces the chance of a structure fire moving from the building to the surrounding forest.

Defensible space also provides room for firefighters to do their jobs. Your house is more likely to withstand a wildfire if grasses, brush, trees, and other common forest fuels are managed to reduce a fire’s intensity.

The following link is a checklist to assist you in defending your home. Be Safe.

www.rwbfire.org/uploads/community/50things1.pdf.

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Protecting Your Belongings In addition to your structure we have compiled some information on how to prepare in case this happens to you. I spent some time with Moody Insurance Agency’s Partner/ Insurance and Risk Consultant Jamie Lummis to discuss protecting your home and its contents.

I will open this article by saying if you are not insured then hurry up, protect your home and your belongings by getting comprehensive home insurance coverage or renters insurance from the mercury insurance agency or similar reputed ones. For those who have coverage, whether it is homeowners or renters insurance, the first thing you need to do is check in with your insurance agent or insurance provider and be sure your policy is in force. Jamie Lummis noted “it is surprising how often a disaster strikes and a lapse in payment results in zero coverage for many people because they were unaware that payments had not been received. The easiest way to avoid this scenario is to get on a monthly electronic funds transfer (EFT) program.”

Once you have clarified that your policy is in force take an inventory of your belongings. As Jamie Lummis said, “Many people have no idea what they have.” A quick video of your home along with photos to document items will assist you in having a record and will stand as a reminder if you have lost them in a disaster. Record images of each room, closets, garage and shed space. Place this information in a safe deposit box or somewhere like a relatives home. Our family recently conducted this exercise and there were items like tennis rackets, fine china and jewelry that I probably would have forgotten about. When I spoke with my insurance agent Maggie Lifland, CEO of Arrow Insurance Management, Inc. in Breckenridge, she asked for all of our images and uploaded them straight into our Insurance file.

I inquired about recording serial numbers from our computers, televisions, new washer, dryer and other big ticket items and was told that it is not necessary as long as you have images. Of course these are images of items that are in your house…

If a disaster strikes Jamie told me “the insurance process will move very quickly. You will see money come in for living expenses and things you need – clothes, shelter, etc. Save your receipts, you will need to prove that you bought replacement items.” The same will apply to items you lost in your home if you are in that position.

Now that you know you are covered and you have documented your belongings. Prep a plan with your family. Where will you meet if you are not home, if you had 20 minutes to evacuate what will you take… if you can take anything? How about your pets? There are volunteers who help evacuate pets in wildfire situations if you are not allowed back to your home. Contact your animal shelter to find out more.

The most IMPORTANT thing to remember – you have to PROTECT YOURSELF first! If someone says, “Get Out” – Do It!!

You and your family cannot be replaced, your things, They Can. Be careful out there everyone.

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. Residential Roofing should be maintained so that it eliminates an ignition source for firebrands, especially during hot, dry weather.

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

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

Dispose of all slash and debris left from thinning by either chipping, hauling away or piling and burning (BURNING IS NOT ALLOWED AT THE MOMENT). Contact your local fire department or local Colorado State Forest Service forester for burning restrictions and/or assistance.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Although there are no guarantees Ben Franklin said it best, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure“. Stay safe friends.

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CATHIE NICHOLSON REALTOR® Mountain Area Specialist c. (303) 946.2332 CathieNicholson.com

www.mountaintownmagazine.com | ISSUE 46 2026 Summer

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Art

Uptripping in Winter Park

By Sarah Morin Mock

If you’re shopping in Grand County, one of its most locally loved shops is in Cooper Creek Square in Winter Park. Uptripping is anything but your typical mountain shop. Equal parts art gallery, boutique, and community hub, it reflects the vibrant energy of owner and artist Shannon Foley Henn—whose journey here was anything but ordinary.

Originally from Philadelphia, Shannon’s path took her across Boston, New York, San Francisco, and even Kenya and Tanzania before she and her husband landed in Winter Park a decade ago. What began as a full-circle return to the place where they were married quickly evolved into something much bigger: a creative life rooted in the Rocky Mountains.

Though she began painting at a young age and studied fine arts alongside business in college, Shannon didn’t fully pursue art as her career path until moving to Colorado. Inspired by her surroundings—and a sharp understanding of what resonates in a mountain town— 50

she began blending her love of pop art with alpine culture. The result? Her nowsignature Après Ski Series: bold, colorful portraits of iconic musicians reimagined in ski goggles. What started with a playful question—would you recognize a rockstar on a ski lift?—has grown into a collection of over 100 works.

In 2017, Shannon and her husband took a leap and opened Uptripping, transforming a former gallery space into something entirely new. “I was so sick of seeing the same cookie-cutter bear and moose art,” she says. Instead, Uptripping became a space shaped by the local community, filled with art and goods that feel fresh, unexpected, and genuinely fun.

Today, her shop features artists from around the world alongside thoughtfully curated finds—from statement pieces to quirky gifts, apparel, and everyday items you didn’t know you needed. The vibe? “A down-to-earth, adventurous, eclectic, fun, happy… sh*t show,” Shannon laughs. It’s a place where teenagers bring their parents,

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strangers bond over music, and everyone feels welcome—whether they’re buying a $5 sticker or a statement piece.

Beyond the shop, Shannon is deeply rooted in the local creative community, hosting free First Friday events that give artists a platform without financial barriers. This summer, Uptripping will host its biggest season yet—paired with free live music filling Cooper Creek Square every Friday and Saturday.

Looking ahead, Shannon continues to expand her Après Ski Series while prioritizing something new: balance.

With fresh works underway, new artists arriving in-store, and her rescue Great Dane, Sarge, greeting visitors, one thing is certain—Uptripping will keep evolving, just like the mountain town it calls home.

For all art inquiries, check out: www.shannonfoleyhenn.com/ To shop the store’s inventory, visit www.uptripping.com/

WHERE ART

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Art

Artisan Rhapsody

By Holly Battista-Resignolo

Artisan Rhapsody offers a unique platform to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural expression in an elevated setting.

The producer of Taste of Vail, the Vail Farmers’ Market, and the Kris Kringle Markets, REN Event Productions, added a brilliant event to its lineup last year, Artisan Rhapsody. This year their visionary experience is back blending high fashion, fine art, and culinary excellence in the heart of the Vail Village. This gathering brings together world-class fashion designers, celebrated artists, and top-tier chefs to redefine modern luxury.

“Artisan Rhapsody unites the finest in fashion, art, and culinary excellence,” said Angela Mueller, executive director of Artisan Rhapsody and REN Events. “Set against Vail’s breathtaking autumn backdrop, this event is an immersive journey into craftsmanship, creativity, and culture, celebrating the artisans shaping today’s luxury landscape.”

Artisan Rhapsody Experience, September 24, 2026 Opening Night Under the Nordic Lights Step into a world of creativity as each artisan showcases one or two signature pieces at an enchanting outdoor event. Wander thoughtfully curated displays of fine art, fashion, and design while live music sets the tone for an unforgettable evening. Enjoy beautifully crafted appetizers from our culinary partners, sip wine from featured wineries, and savor two included specialty 52

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cocktails. Meet the makers, explore their artistry, and be part of the magic as Vail comes alive with light, style, and soul. Get your tickets here.

Friday–Sunday, September 25-27: Artisan Showcase and Daily Workshops The Vail Village transforms into a celebration of creativity amid the stunning fall backdrop. Artisans will demonstrate their craft in real time, painting, sculpting, designing, and more, inviting guests to watch, learn, and connect. Stroll through the Village to discover artisan booths, live music, culinary tastings, and pop-up trunk shows that infuse Vail with vibrant energy. On Sunday, Artisan Rhapsody joins the popular Vail Farmers’ Market for an elevated market-day experience.

“Artisan Rhapsody is about showing that art is everywhere, in fashion, food, wine, design, music, and the way people gather,” said Angela Mueller, Founder of Artisan Rhapsody and Ren Event Productions. “We are building an experience that feels elevated, intimate, and completely unique to Vail.”

For more information visit www.artisanrhapsody.com

DINE LOCAL GUIDE

Colorado Mountain Towns 54

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Scan to read the whole guide

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Cocktails

Deerhammer Distillery Deerhammer aims for distinctive whiskeys, and its fish n’ chips are Colorado’s best

by Shauna Farnell

F

irst of all, every ingredient in all of its products (gin, brandy, single malts, bourbon, rye and corn whiskeys) is actually sourced from Colorado. Also, every step of the process happens in Deerhammer’s distillery and barrel house in Buena Vista.

The taproom and patio space (complete with firepit and blankets) are hard to beat. You will be hard-pressed to find a tastier whiskey sour anywhere and the fish n’ chips from the onsite food truck, made from Alaskan cod and homemade beer batter, is arguably the best in landlocked America.

there are more constraints, but I realized there was so much more we could do.”

“We’re definitely going for different,” says Lenny Eckstein, who co-founded Deerhammer with his wife Amy in 2011. “We started out scrappy, making whiskey our way. We still do that, but the processes are more refined. We’ve gotten more efficient and smarter, but we’re a brand that colors outside the lines.”

When Eckstein detects standout tasting notes in certain batches, he labels the barrels with sticky notes: “biscuits and gravy,” “chocolate licorice,” “butter and bread,” “apricot jam,” and “raisin bread.”

Eckstein’s beverage creation experience began with homebrewing beer. He discovered that “whiskey production was more fun.”

“In brewing, there was rampant experimentation.

You look at the tradition of whiskey or distilled spirits and

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All of Deerhammer’s whiskeys are barrel-aged for at least five years. Made in Scottish-style pot stills, the rye is grown in San Luis Valley, corn and barley from Ute Mountain Farms in southern Colorado, as well as oats, which Eckstein says ramps up the viscosity, flavor and mouthfeel. Whereas many whiskeys are fermented for three or four days, Deerhammer’s go for seven, enhancing the spirits’ flavor and clean, smooth taste.

“If someone has never had our whiskey, my goal is to have minds blown, to have someone say, ‘woah. I was not expecting that.”

While you’re tasting at Deerhammer’s taproom, don’t pass up the whiskey sour. Also, definitely get the fish n’ chips.

321 E Main St, Buena Vista, CO www.deerhammer.com

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Photo Credit: Meredith Guinan

There are several characteristics that set Deerhammer apart from other Colorado distilleries.

Brews

Avery Brewing Company

by Caren Austin Photos by Elite Focus Studio

S

ituated right outside of downtown Boulder, Avery Brewing Company has become a major player in the ever-growing craft beer industry in Colorado. Founded in 1993 by Adam Avery, this awardwinning brewery has some impressive history, fabulous beer, and great food to accompany your craft beer experience.

I have been to Avery many times, but this time I finally got to take a tour of the massive facility where all the magic happens. Over the years, Avery Brewing has experienced significant growth. In 2015, the company transitioned from its original, much smaller brewery to the expansive facility that it operates today.

This move marked a major milestone in Avery’s journey, allowing them to accommodate increased production and welcome more visitors. Despite these changes and expansion, Avery has consistently remained dedicated to quality and authenticity. Throughout its history, the brewery has prioritized maintaining the standards and values that have defined its reputation in the craft beer industry.

Avery packaged the first IPA in Colorado in 1996, and that beer is still around today.

The Avery IPA is something you must try when visiting and let your tastebuds enjoy a big part of Colorado’s craft beer history.

The tour took us by an in-house lab where

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the beer is tested before being launched.

What a fun job! Watching the process of craft beer making at Avery is something that you should not miss as a local or tourist.

At the end of the tour, we got to sample a few of their beers, and I learned that their White Rascal beer is the only beer to ever win gold at The Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup in the same year (in 2023). White Rascal remains their most award-winning beer to date.

All the beer tasting was making me hungry, so after the tour, we headed to the restaurant that is attached to the brewery. This isn’t an ordinary brewpub experience. They take their food seriously here, just like their beer, and every dish we tried was spectacular. The BBQ Wings and Ribs were a standout, as is the Burger. On a Colorado bluebird day, the patio is the place to be and very dog friendly.

In 2019, Mahou USA became the major stakeholder in Avery with plenty of brewery experience across the globe to continue the tradition of Avery’s inventive beer making. This Summer, or any season, head to Avery Brewing Company, and taste a little piece of Colorado history in every sip.

4910 Nautilus Ct N, Boulder, CO 80301 www.averybrewing.com

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There’s nothing better than enjoying award-winning beers with friends.

Come out for all our events, including trivia nights Tuesdays and Wednesdays, One Off releases every Wednesday, Comedy Nights and Monday Night Potlucks! Catch live music, including El Paso Lasso live at our Main Street Taproom the first Friday of every month, all winter long. See our full event schedule at www.brokencompassbrewing.com.

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www.brokencompassbrewing.com

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Vino

Buckel Family Wine Don’t miss Gunnison’s winemaking oasis

by Shauna Farnell

A

n unsung gem among Colorado’s wine offerings, Buckel Family Wine lies outside of the Western Slope’s grape growing hub. Its tasting room in downtown Gunnison contributes to its novelty, as does the expertise of its winemaker, who fell in love with the profession after a first career in chemistry.

A scientist at heart, Joe Buckel worked in Indianapolis doing protein chemistry and research until moving to the Gunnison Valley in 1996. There, he met Shamai, a recent graduate of Western State University. The two relocated to Santa Rosa, Calif., where they married. Joe began working in wineries while pursuing a formal winemaking education at Napa College.

“Working with the vineyard component, the chemistry component, the blending, nothing gets old,” Joe says. “One reason I stopped the protein research, besides not having any immediate satisfaction, it always had a dead end. With winemaking, you have this product you can hold in your hand and enjoy.”

Avid skiers and mountain bikers, the Buckels missed Colorado. They moved back to Gunnison, launching Buckel Family Wine in 2017 and establishing their current location in 2019.

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They produce and sell a thoughtful selection of wines, a few of which have earned 90-plus point Wine Enthusiast ratings. They grow varietals in Palisade and Cortez as well as their 93 point-rated pinot noir from The Hawks Nest at 6,800 feet in Dolores.

In addition to the impressive Wine Enthusiast ratings, the Buckel’s favorite feedback from new customers is genuine surprise to discover such tasty, Sonomacaliber wine in their corner of the world.

“The quality of wine across the board in Colorado has really shifted,” says Shamai, who designs Buckel Family’s labels and does the bookkeeping. “That’s thanks to the producers working hard to make good wine.”

“The way we produce, we try to do as little as possible guiding fermentations along,” Joe adds. “It can be a true expression of the season and soil. Growing up with a science background sets us up for these artistic tweaks – a little oak, changing acid for more mouth feel, clean and crisp if you don’t go through that fermentation. It’s super fun.”

ISSUE 46 2026 Summer | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

www.buckelfamilywine.com

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Baked

Cake

Grand Junction’s Cake comes from decades of baking love

by Shauna Farnell

Growing up in Austin, TX, Kat Coffield’s first job as a teenager was baking at a small grocery store.

“I’ve always been an artist,” she says. “When I started making pastries, I liked the chemistry of it. If you don’t do it correctly, it doesn’t work.”

While earning her culinary degree from the Hyatt organization, the executive chef, an elderly Swissman, gave her a complex pastry recipe as a test.

The recipe deliberately undercut the leavening agent, causing the pastry to collapse. After two failed attempts, Coffield adjusted the recipe. She passed. She circulated through a couple highranking hotel culinary positions before coming to Colorado, where she landed the Executive Pastry Chef at Copper Mountain Resort. There she met her now-husband, Chad Griffith.

The two moved to Georgetown, where Coffield opened her own bakery, Cake. The business thrived for 10 years, Coffield taking on culinary school apprentices, teaching them tricks of the trade.

Business thrived.

“People could not get enough of what I was making,” she says.

Following a brain aneurysm, Coffield closed the business and took a few years off. She and Griffith moved to Palisade in 2019.

They bought a home and a vineyard. Coffield returned to the kitchen, working at a couple of fine-dining haunts before rediscovering her love of baking.

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She opened Cake in Grand Junction this April, a one womanoperation focused solely on special orders.

“You walk in, we sit down and talk about what you want. We paint a picture,” she says.

One week after opening, orders were pouring in.

“All of a sudden, my boards are full,” she says. “I have weddings.

I have birthdays. I have Mother’s Day. I have people from other towns calling in orders.”

Besides their hand-designed beauty, Coffield’s cakes feature unique flavors thoughtfully refined over decades of baking.

“I make things that are different – dark chocolate blackberry romance, earl grey lemon, orange sangria. I do a pineapple purple carrot cake with purple carrots. The pineapple takes on a purple color like gems. The flavor is phenomenal. I just made a chocolate porter cake using a simple syrup made from beer. The combination is unhinged. I took some scraps home. They were gone in 15 minutes.”

Find Cake on Facebook under Cake Kat or call to order at 970-3147831.

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Only 10 Minutes from Winter Park

Eat

The Western Hotel Kitchen & Saloon Ouray

By Holly Battista-Resignolo

Saunter Into a Dining Experience at this Remarkably Renovated Hotel, Restaurant, and Saloon If you have been following today’s fashionable Western trends, then grab your hat, boots, and belt and mosey over to Ouray, Colorado’s Western Hotel Spa & Kitchen for a meal that will live amongst one of your most memorable dining experiences.

Step through their swinging doors and you may feel like you have stepped back in time as you enter their original 1890’s saloon and dining hall. The Western Hotel is an establishment with a rich history, and its kitchen offers a menu that showcases Farm-toFlame preparations that you will want to tip your hat to. This restaurant is a sophisticated tribute to the Old West.

Menu items are as fresh as you can get, sourced from Farm Runners, a regional food distributor specializing in customharvested farm products. Located in Hotchkiss, CO, they serve Ouray, Telluride, North Fork, and the Roaring Fork Valleys with amazing food grown in Western Colorado.

I spoke with Madison Schnatterly, the Saloon & Grill’s Chef De Cuisine, a self-taught Chef who has developed her skills through hands-on experience at some exceptional establishments in Telluride and beyond. She has brought her knowledge and experience to the kitchen’s public-facing, infamous wood-fired hearth, where the majority of the menu’s dishes are prepared. If you’re able to secure a reservation at The Chef’s Counter, you can enjoy an up-close and personal position and space to converse with the Chef as she and her team craft your meal. Seating in The Dining Hall is also an experience with its Western decor and grand atmosphere, where you can enjoy bespoke and vintage cocktails with lovely views from the room’s expansive windows.

The evening menu is a savory array of seasonal fresh fruits, vegetables, pastas, and meats prepared as small sharable plates, 64

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large plates, and an entree for two. Try their Wood Fired Carrots with honey ginger gastrique, shaved fennel, and goat cheese to start; although nothing says summer like the Melon and Cucumber Salad with arugula, compressed melon, shaved Vidalia onion, ½ sour cucumbers, and labneh.

Since the Kitchen is a precursor to the classic steakhouses of today, you should indulge in the 12 Ounce Wood Fired NY Strip with farmer’s market vegetables, skin-on mashed Potatoes enhanced with a molasses demi-glace. Better yet, go for the splurge with your dining partner and order the 42 Ounce Wood Fired Tomahawk cut in-house, complemented with farmer’s market vegetables, skin-on mashed potatoes, buttermilk cornbread, and a zesty peppercorn sauce.

Chef Madison Schnatterly, a South Carolina native, brought many Southern-style recipes with her, including Green Fried Tomatoes and Buttermilk Cornbread, along with a Smoked Peach Compote that brings elements of the hearth’s fire to her dish.

Seating for The Western Saloon & Grill and Dining Hall is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Saloon is open 4 - 10 pm with a Happy Hour from 4 - 6 pm. Reservations are available for dinner service beginning at 5:00 p.m. daily. Oh, and if you’re planning an event, be sure to inquire.

Slow down and enjoy this remarkable space where you can enjoy Chef Schnatterly’s delectable preparations for a memorable moment. Come as you are.

To make, change, or cancel a reservation, please call: 970-4971057 or head to their website: www.thewesternouray.com/grill

Eat

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts A National Center for Innovative Cuisine in Boulder, Colorado Written by Caren Austin Photos by Elite Focus Studios and Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts I have always had a passion that runs deep for cooking and learning new recipes. After moving to Boulder, CO a few months ago, I learned that the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts that was ranked one of the Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America 2026 by Niche.com sits right in the heart of Boulder. Auguste Escoffier (1846-1935) was known as the “King of Chefs and The Chef of kings”. Auguste was a chef, writer and restaurateur that took French cooking methods to the next level with approximately 5000 recipes under his belt. His book, Le Guide Culinarie, that was published in 1903 is still considered the “Bible of French Cuisine” today.

Colorado School of The Rockies was purchased by Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in 2010, and it began affiliation soon thereafter with the Auguste Escoffier Foundation and museum in France. In 2016, the school received approval for a distance learning program, which still is very popular today. To 66

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be able to receive an online diploma is huge for the school, and for the students who cannot reside close by. Whether you are taking classes online or in person, there are so many programs at the school whether it be an associate’s degree, a residential diploma, or a distance learning degree or diploma. There are programs in plant-based cuisine, baking and pastry, culinary arts, holistic nutrition, food entrepreneurship, and many more.

The Austin Texas campus is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), and the Boulder, Colorado campus (including online programs) is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).

I was truly intrigued and wanted to go check out the school and all that it has to offer. I started with taking my husband to partake in the home cooking classes at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. The home cooking classes are given weekly and

are a fun way to learn to bake, basic knife skills, or learn to cook international cuisine. No diploma is given at the end of this class, but the “Taste of Persia” instruction sent me home with the knowledge on how to make an incredible dinner for friends and family. Thanks to instructor Dallas Houle, I am now an avid pita bread maker. I am looking forward to going back again, this time with a bunch of friends for a girl’s night out.

While there, I got the chance to peek inside the classrooms and kitchens at the school, and they truly are top notch. In 2024, the Chef in Residence program began, with Chef Kristen Kish as a mentor. Known as the winner and now host of Top Chef, Chef Kish inspires Escoffier students through exclusive content and other engagement activities. She has visited the Boulder and Austin campuses and was a guest at Escoffier’s The Ultimate Dish podcast before a live audience in Toronto, Canada. One of the core values of the school is “Bring the passion”. I had the

chance to meet a few of the students at the school, and they are beyond happy to be working towards living their culinary dream.

Chef Kirk T Bachmann is the President/Provo of the school. His passion for making the school what it is today trickles down tenfold to every student. Their second physical campus is in Austin TX. Something extraordinary and unique at the school is the farm to table curriculum that is offered at the Boulder as Austin campuses as well as online.

With the programs and attention to every detail given to students at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, I think the future of the culinary world is poised to shine ever so bright. www.escoffier.edu/about/campuses/boulder/

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Eat

Avanti Food & Beverage in Vail

by Lisa Blake

“Where should we go to eat?”

It’s a simple, yet complicated question. Especially when everyone is craving something different. Avanti Food & Beverage seamlessly solves the age-old group dining dilemma. The urban food hall debuted in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood in 2015 and, 10 years later, celebrated its third outpost at the base of Golden Peak in Vail.

Inspired by high-energy European culinary markets and American food truck roundups, Avanti is a modern-day food hall that serves up an eclectic mix of talented chefs and cuisines alongside a playful drink program.

Avanti’s Vail outpost feeds hungry mountain dwellers with five concepts that span ramen to caviar, a full bar, and patio firepits perfect for people watching.

Here’s the summer food stall lineup:

Backyard Burgers

Just like the name implies, beef patties are smash-grilled, stacked with inventive ingredients and served with hand-cut fries. Order a traditional American cheeseburger, get a little fancy with harvarti and truffle aioli, or try the bacon and chipotle barbecue sauced iteration.

Boychik

Natural ingredients meet indulgent Mediterranean cravings at mod and trendy Boychik. Start by sweeping fresh pita through whipped feta and labneh dips. Nibble on marinated olives and turmeric pickled cauliflower. And finish with a chicken shawarma hummus bowl or the lamb gyro-topped Greek salad.

Capriata

This is where Italian cravings come to fruition. Created by Chris and Ariana Teigland, the husband-and-wife team behind Michelin-recognized Glo Noodle House, Capriata’s menu sings with New York–style sourdough pizza, fresh salads and creative house-made sandwiches—don’t sleep on the Italian roast pork with fennel relish and the burrata arugula salad.

Taqueria del Oro

New this summer, Avanti Vail’s Mexican-inspired concept brings authentic street food slopeside. Expect street tacos, ceviches and crudos along with traditional nachos, quesadillas and other fiesta favorites.

Glo

Scratching the itch for generous bowls of Japanese ramen and umami-packed sushi, Glo is known for its daily fresh sliced raw fish and craveable small plates. Watch for Japanese 7/11–inspired pop-ups this summer featuring konbini favorites like onigiri, egg sandwiches, karaage, bento boxes and more. avantifandb.com

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Summertime Happenings Come for the food and drinks and stay for Avanti’s aprés and activity lineup.

Mondays Yappy Hour • 2–5pm Happy hour food and drink specials and pup cups for the dogs.

Tuesdays Hot Summer Nights Pre and Post-Concert Parties Drink specials and free concert parking along with a 5:30pm weekly run club.

Wednesdays Trivia • 7pm Free trivia night with prizes and drink specials.

Thursdays Free Movies on The Lawn • 8:30pm Featuring a 30-foot screen and movie snacks.

Fridays Friday Afternoon Club • 3–6pm Drink specials with live music from 4 to 6pm.

Sundays Free Yoga on The Lawn • 10am Drink specials after class.

Fourth of July Enjoy live music, lawn games, movies on the lawn, and Americana-themed drink and food specials.

Labor Day Weekend Get in on the Corn Hole Tournament (with a big grand prize!)

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Eat

Radicato Radicato, the second restaurant from James Beard Award winner Chef Matt Vawter, is a modern Italian restaurant in the heart of Breckenridge. Opened in June 2022, Radicato celebrates seasonal, technique-driven cuisine inspired by Italy’s culinary traditions while highlighting locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant showcases the best of Breckenridge and Colorado, exploring the connections between farmers and diners and creating an atmosphere built for connection.

Vawter owns and operates Radicato alongside partners Chef Cameron Baker and Director of Operations Patrick Murphy.

The team of hospitality professionals is dedicated to delivering memorable dining experiences and executing Vawter and Baker’s vision for “Mountain Italian” cuisine. Ingredients are carefully sourced and featured on ever-evolving seasonal menus. Open seven days a week, Radicato offers a range of options, from happy hour and an à la carte menu of pastas and entrees to a tasting menu with optional wine pairings.

T he setting changes with the seasons. In winter, the dining room glows with warm light from Blue River Plaza, making it the perfect place to watch the snow fall on a winter evening. In summer, two outdoor seating areas offer fresh air, the sounds of the Blue River, and views of the Ten Mile Range. Inside, the dining room stays intimate, a space where guests can settle in and connect.

Hospitality is the central focus of the entire team, with one goal: creating world-class dining experiences for everyone who chooses to spend an evening with them.

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Rootstalk

breckenridge dining

Rootstalk is a modern American restaurant founded by James Beard Award winner Chef Matt Vawter, built on the idea of connection and coming home. Born and raised in Summit County, Vawter spent the formative years of his culinary career in Keystone and Breckenridge. After time away, he returned with the dream of opening a place of his own and helping grow the region’s culinary landscape. He opened Rootstalk in December 2021, and his commitment to excellence was recognized when he won the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mountain.

Vawter established the restaurant in a historic home on North Main Street. The name reflects the interconnected root systems of the Aspen groves surrounding Breckenridge, a nod to the connections fostered between guests, local producers, and the community. Rootstalk explores that idea through its cuisine, hospitality, and beverage programs, bringing locals and visitors together over shared meals.

The team’s approach is “Elevated, Everyday Dining.” The cuisine is ingredient-focused and technique-driven, working with farms, ranchers, and quality producers from Colorado and beyond. Cocktails are made with intention, and the wine program favors small-scale producers from around the world, classic to esoteric.

Dinner is served nightly, with seven-course tasting menus paired with wine or non-alcoholic cocktails, a chef’s counter experience, and an à la carte menu. Two distinct dining areas complement each other: an airy upstairs with Main Street views, and the more intimate Root Cellar below. In summer, the flower-filled patios offer al fresco dining.

207 North Main Street, Breckenridge, Colorado www.rootstalkbreck.com

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breckenridge dining

VINO Continental Divide Winery Continental Divide Winery Create Your Own Custom Wine at Continental Divide Winery Create Your Own Custom Wine at Continental Divide Winery

taining two-hour program offered daily taining two-hour program “Think offeredof daily (reservations required). this as high school chemistry where required).

“Think ofyou thisplay Continental Divide Winery, Breckenridge’s (reservations with school wine instead of chemicals,” Continental Divide,winery, Breckenridge’s origi- as high chemistry where youexplains play original locally owned gives you winery Maltzman. nal locally owned winery, gives winefounder instead Jeffrey of chemicals,” explains a fun and unique opportunity to beyou a a fun with Verified customer reviews sum up the and unique tothe be aart winemaker winery founder Jeffrey Maltzman. winemaker for aopportunity day! Explore of activity best.

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I cannot recommend it MA. equipment toauthentic custom craft yourequipment own “This was such a unique experience,” custom craft your ownthen personalized wine enough!” wrote Eileen fromcool Boston, MA. personalized wine blend, bottle, cork boasted Brittah from Big Lake, MN. “I thencustom-crafted bottle, cork andwine label as your “This was such a unique cool experience,” and blend, label your a loved Brittah learningfrom and experimenting custom-crafted wine as a souvenir of your boasted Big Lake, MN. with “I souvenir of your experience. how the flavors as we made experience. loved learning andchanged experimenting withour Awarded Best Winery Experience by blends,” wrotechanged Steve from Denver Awarded Bestthe Winery how the flavors as we madeCO. our Lux-Life Magazine, WineExperience Blending by Lux-LifeisMagazine, the Wine Blending blends,” wrote Steve from Denver CO. Experience an interactive and enter Experience is an interactive and enter72 ISSUE 46 2026 Summer | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

nery’s Main Street Station tasting room The winery’s Mainreservations Street Station daily.

Wine Tasting can be made through OpenTable, but walk-ins tasting room is open daily. Wine Tasting are welcome. can be made through reservations OpenTable, walk-ins are welcome.

To book but a Wine Blending Experience

970-771-3443 or book online at Tocall book a Wine Blending Experience cdwinery.com. call 970-771-3443 or book online at cdwinery.com.

Continental Divide Winery Main Street Station Continental Divide Winery 505 Street S. MainStation Street Main Breckenridge, CO 80424 505 S. Main Street 970-771-3443 Breckenridge, CO 80424 www.cdwinery.com 970-771-3443

6 Summer Cocktail Recipes from the Breckenridge Distillery Celebrate the summer sun with these 5 refreshing drinks. Whether you are BBQing, throwing a summer party, or kicking your feet up around the pool, these 5 easy-to make drinks are sure to keep you cool this summer.

WAVES OF WATERMELON

BEACHCOMBERS MARGARITA

SUMMER SERENADE

Muddle watermelon cubes, honey simple, lemon juice and salt into a shaker tin. Add ice and Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey.

Shake and double strain over ice.

Garnish: watermelon

*Li Hing simple syrup. Over medium heat, add 2 cups water, 1cup Agave, 1 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons Li Hing powder. Stir until sugar is dissolved.

Let cool, bottle and refrigerate.

In a shaking tin, muddle strawberries, raspberries, and mint. Add syrup, lemon and Port with ice. Shake and double strain over pebble ice.

Garnish: strawberry, raspberry & mint sprig

‘PAINKILLER’

*Raw Simple Syrup: Over medium heat, add 1 cup water and 1 cup Sugar in the Raw. Stir until sugar dissolves. Let cool, bottle and refrigerate.

1-1/2 Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey 1 oz honey simple syrup* 6 – one inch cubes fresh sliced watermelon 1 oz lemon juice Pinch of Murray River sea salt

*Honey simple syrup: over medium heat, add 1 cup water, 4 oz sugar and 4 oz honey. Stir until sugar is dissolved.

Let cool, bottle and refrigerate.

HUGO SPRITZ & GIGGLES ½ oz Breckenridge Pear Vodka 1-½ oz Elderflower Liqueur 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz soda

Build ingredients in glass with ice, lemon, and lime wheel.

Garnish: Mint sprig

2 oz Casa Breck Blanco Tequila 1 oz Li Hing Mui simple syrup* 1 oz lime juice Shake ingredients with ice. Strain and serve over lava salt rimmed glass.

Garnish: lime wheel

Made with Mock One Non-Alcoholic Rum

1-½ oz Mock-One Non-Alcoholic Rum 1-½ oz pineapple juice 1-½ oz cream of coconut 1 oz orange juice 1 oz lime juice Shake ingredients with ice. Strain over pebble ice.

Garnish: pineapple wedge & cherry

2 oz Breckenridge Port Cask Finish Whiskey 1 oz lemon juice 3/4 oz raw simple syrup* 2 strawberries sliced in half 5 raspberries 4 mint leaves

BEE TEA

1-1/2 oz Breckenridge Honey Whiskey 2 oz chamomile Tea 2 oz lemonade ¾ oz chamomile Tea syrup* 1 dash chamomile bitters Garnish: Lemon wheel with chamomile

In Breckenridge this summer? Swing by the Breckenridge Distillery. From tours and tastings to lunch, happy hour and dinner, they invite you to take a journey through the senses. Visit BreckenridgeDistillery.com to book an experience and to find Breckenridge spirits near you.

keystone dining

Keystone Ranch

Keystone Ranch: Where History, Culinary Excellence, and Mountain Romance Meet Rooted in Colorado’s rich ranching heritage, Keystone Ranch offers guests a rare blend of history, fine dining, and alpine elegance. Once a working cattle ranch, the original homestead buildings, dating back to the 1930s, have been lovingly preserved, whispering stories of the Old West. Surrounded by rolling meadows, towering pines, and sweeping views of the Tenmile Range, the Ranch feels worlds away yet remains just minutes from Keystone Resort.

Inside the historic lodge, the Keystone Ranch Restaurant continues to set the standard for refined mountain dining. A AAA Four Diamond award–winning restaurant, it showcases creative Colorado cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and a thoughtfully curated wine list. Guests can indulge in a selection of hand-cut steaks, perfectly prepared game, and inventive dishes that highlight the best of the Rocky Mountain region. Each plate is a tribute to craftsmanship and culinary artistry, served in a setting that radiates warmth and rustic sophistication. Whether celebrating a special occasion or savoring an intimate dinner by the fire, every meal at Keystone Ranch is a memorable experience steeped in tradition and taste.

Beyond its culinary acclaim, Keystone Ranch is also a breathtaking wedding venue, where couples exchange vows beneath alpine skies and celebrate in rustic elegance.

Keystone Ranch — Where Heritage, Flavor, and Mountain Beauty Unite. www.keystoneresort.com

Ski Tip Lodge Ski Tip Lodge: A Historic Gem of Culinary Romance in the Rockies Once an 1800s stagecoach stop and later the original home of Keystone’s founders, Ski Tip Lodge stands today as one of Colorado’s most charming and historic mountain retreats. Its storybook setting—nestled just beyond Keystone Resort, blends alpine warmth, rustic elegance, and timeless hospitality, creating an experience that feels both nostalgic and refined. Hand-hewn beams, crackling stone fireplaces, and candlelit tables invite guests to slow down and savor every moment.

Renowned for its four-course, fine dining experience, Ski Tip’s menu changes throughout the season showcasing inventive dishes that highlight fresh, regional ingredients. Each course can be paired with exquisite wines, carefully curated to complement every flavor and enhance the evening’s journey. From the first bite to the final sip, it’s a culinary experience that’s as memorable as the mountain landscape surrounding it.

Beyond its reputation as one of Colorado’s most romantic dining destinations, Ski Tip Lodge also shines as a storybook wedding venue. Couples exchange vows in serene mountain meadows, celebrate with family and friends in the cozy lodge, and enjoy the attentive service that has defined Ski Tip for generations.

Whether for a special occasion, an intimate dinner, or the most important day of your life, Ski Tip Lodge offers a timeless escape where history, cuisine, and love beautifully intertwine. www.keystoneresort.com

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Shop Shop Evergreen, Colorado

by Holly Battista-Resignolo

Spend a day exploring Downtown Evergreen shopping, eating and relaxing in this quaint mountain town. Local boutique owners offer unique fashions, homegoods and gifts for everyone. Make a day of it exploring this historic district.

Evergreen’s historic Main Street, bordered between a pink cliff wall of boulders and the rapidly flowing mountain waters of Bear Creek is compact, but full of irresistible fine arts, crafts and gifts worthy of any home, as well as bistros, coffee shops, boutiques, specialty shopping, live music and dining along the creek.

Their downtown also provides a host of personal and business services from health and wellness professionals to property managers, insurance agents, builders and designers. Whether you are a visitor or a local, you are sure to find downtown Evergreen provides everything you may need.

Downtown Evergreen offers a charming, mountain-town shopping experience. Cheerful storefronts and a historic wooden boardwalk run along Highway 74, right between the beautiful boulder walls and the waters of Bear Creek. The district features an eclectic mix of locally owned clothing boutiques, gift shops, artisan galleries, and specialty shops.

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Stroll the boardwalk and the town to enjoy fabulous shopping at the Crystal Cowgirl, EChO Resale Store, Evergreen Crafters, Go Paint! Marmalade, Mountain Home, Shadow Mountain Gallery, Silver Arrow, Sisters & Co., The Evergreen Gallery, Sweetwater Boutique, The Holly Berry, Wild Rabbit Boutique, and more. Be sure to visit Black Fox Provisions located in the cutest little house.

This women-owned gift and gourmet grocery store offers locally sourced produce and more.

If you are hungry Beau Jo’s, Bistro del Lago, Cactus Jack’s, Campfire, Colorado Creamery, Creekside Cellars, Everbean, Kiki’s Fresh Bowls, Murphy’s Mountain Grill, and the Muddy Buck are all steps away. The Little Bear is a must stop for a drink, and if you are there at the right time, live music. www.downtownevergreen.com

SO MUCH TO EXPLORE Rustic Colorado shopping, dining, outdoor activities, events, live music and more. downtownevergreen.com | @downtownevergreen | It’s Cooler Up Here!

She Shed That Designs Hand-crafted wood art, bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside!

Wood Speaks. I Listen.

Art Happens www.sheshedthatdesigns.com

Stay

Kosmos Stargazing Resort

By Lisa Blake

Gamal Zalaquett spent childhood summers welcoming guests to his grandmother’s Chilean boutique hotel. Checking them in at just five years old, hospitality feels ingrained in the entrepreneur’s DNA. Zalaquett’s family moved from Chile to Miami when he was 12 and, when he graduated from the University of Florida and took a job in software sales, he says it felt rebellious to stray from his lineage of real estate professionals.

Now, at 34 years old, the Kosmos Stargazing Resort CEO finds himself fully immersed in his own San Luis Valley hospitality startup.

“I quit my $300,000 a year job to come and do this,” he says, enthusiastically sharing architectural blueprints for his luxury stargazing resort in Mosca, just 15 minutes from Great Sand Dunes National Park.

The resort build-out plan includes 19 luxe Stargazing Villas (three are finished, with the fourth on track for June completion) and 18 hotel-room-style Space Suites. Glass geodesic dome villas with private jacuzzis go for $700 a night, while more modest suites run around $300 nightly during peak summer season.

Sprawling on a parched mountain desert plot beneath some of the continent’s darkest skies, Kosmos taps 78

into the rapidly expanding billion-dollar astrotourism industry. Zalaquett can’t build units fast enough—at the beginning of a booked-solid 2026, villas were already being reserved well into 2027 and 2028.

“I’ve always been a nerd about the sky, the universe, rockets,” he says. “When I saw this piece of land, there was a feeling of peacefulness and connection. Coming here after being in New York and Miami and seeing the stars changed everything for me.”

Zalaquett purchased 40 acres for $11,000 in 2020 with an initial plan to build a couple of cabins and cushion the valley’s lodging gap.

“I saw that there was a national park here with 500,000 visitors a year and nowhere to stay nearby,” he says. “I camped on the land for 45 days with my dog and one other person in 2023 and began building out the idea.”

To bring Kosmos to reality, Zalaquett launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign that became the most successful hospitality campaign in the platform’s history, raising nearly $2 million. Made

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from a breathable, mold-resistant hemp and lime material, the first luxury villas opened earlier this year. Guests are already loving the private high-end telescopes, special binoculars for meteor showers, and guided astronomy sessions.

The property is located in a Bortle Class 2 dark-sky zone, making for sublime galactic viewing and the offgrid experience is perpetuated through renewable energy and natural systems powering electricity, water, heat and waste.

Plans for a public stargazing park, onsite spa and employee housing are in the works.

“People are looking for meaningful connections and true disconnection,” Zalaquett says. “I want to do good for the world. I want to allow people a safe space to reconnect and enjoy luxury in raw nature.” kosmosresort.com

What is your favorite coffee shop in Colorado’s Mountain Towns?

Tell Us About Your Favorite Coffee Shop for our Next Issue!

Scan to Vote or Visit: www.mountaintownmagazine.com | ISSUE 45 2026 Winter/Spring https://mtntownmagazine.com/best-coffee-tea

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Road Trip

Steamboat Mountain Biking Adventures A mecca for nubby tire enthusiasts, the place is teeming with trails for all levels

by Shauna Farnell

Saddles have always been popular seats for exploration in and around Steamboat Springs, dating back to native Americans and the area’s first settlers traveling on horseback. Now, as its moniker, “Bike Town USA” suggests, saddles connected to two wheels are Steamboat’s preferred means of summertime recreation. When it comes to singletrack, the options are bountiful.

Steamboat is home to more than 500 miles of dirt trails. Here are some favorites.

Emerald Mountain – Home to Steamboat’s first web of singletrack, this glorious area, known in winter as Howelsen Hill, boasts 38 miles of trail through wildflower meadows, pine and aspen groves. These trails are mostly geared toward intermediate to advanced cross-country mountain bikers. A standout intermediate trail for its flowy curves and fun berms is NPR (No Pedaling Required), which can be connected to Morning Gloria and Quarry Mountain for

a 10-mile loop that climbs and descends about 1,400 feet each. Bluffs Loop is an easy, smooth, shorter (2.2- mile) option for beginners. There is also a skills park at the base of the mountain next to the famous ski jump.

Spring Creek/Spring Roll – Ideal for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers who enjoy getting their heartrates up, this popular out-and-back dirt trail begins in town and follows Spring Creek, climbing gently for nearly 3 miles on a double track used by hikers, runners and equestrians.

The trail then parts ways with the creek and climbs steadily on singletrack for another two miles to Buffalo Pass. Once here, you’ve earned the joy of swooping and firing back on the downhill-only Spring Roll descent.

Steamboat Resort – The summer identity of the ski resort is a bike park featuring about 50 miles and 2,200 vertical feet of meticulously built bike trails, including smooth, wide dirt tracks that meander

through the pines and aspens (Tenderfoot), fast flow trails with high banks and dir launches (Gunsmoke) and rugged downhill-specific trails for adrenaline junkies who like to test their speed with gravity on their side (Upper and Lower Rawhide). For those who prefer to keep their heart rates low, these trails can be accessed by chairlift with the purchase of a ticket or pass.

Flash of Gold – At its prime in late summer and early fall when the foliage is rich in yellows and reds, this 11.7-mile trail on Buffalo Pass is fantastic in either direction. It winds through wildflower fields, thick ferns and aspen groves. It covers more than 2,000 vertical feet that never feels too taxing when climbing, mostly rising at a steady grade. It’s also pleasantly pedal-y on the descent, although not one to bomb, given that it never gets too steep and that there are riders and hikers coming up who have the right of way.

Photo Credit: Noah Wetzel Photography

Super Bloom, Super Prepared

by Julie Bielenberg

The Art of Going Further into the Backcountry After twenty years in Colorado, I’ve learned a basic truth: if you want to go deep, you must be ready for anything. Whether foraging for piñon pine or scouting wildflowers, I’ve traded dumb luck for hard-won knowledge and quality products. The older I get, the more I realize that surviving the elements is good, but having the right setup to actually enjoy them is the real goal.

Colorado’s ultimate summer show is the Rocky Mountain Columbine super bloom. Finding these purple-and-white fields requires a heavy winter snowpack followed by a slow spring melt. July is usually prime time, but nature often breaks the rules. When things don’t go as planned, the right gear turns a cold mountain scout into a comfortable family escape. Here’s to a great summer of 2026—may the rains keep the fires at bay, and the trails keep us grounded.

The Master Kit Hauling, Storage & Safety: At Hestival at Big B’s, it was great seeing co-sponsors whose gear I already own, like High Country Flasks and PATH Water (partnered with Kühl for a reusable canteen top). The setup also featured the dual-zone Taversa wheeled cooler—which plugs in to skip melting ice entirely—and the DECKED x D-Ruck Sack, a tough, waterproof first aid kit built into your truck bed.

Power & Illumination: Past cell service, the 4Patriots portable power station and solar panels keep cameras and phones charged. For late pack-outs, Nite Ize headlamps and gear ties offer fast utility, while a rugged Fender speaker handles the trail tunes.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE

Airport Shuttle from Denver to Breckenridge, Keystone & Copper Mountain

www.summitexpress.com/breckmag | 970-986-4097

VAIL & BEAVER CREEK SKIER SHUTTLE

Skier Shuttles to Vail & Beaver Creek. Take full advantage of your Epic Pass!

Departing various locations in Summit County, Monday-Thursday

www.summitexpress.com/ski-shuttle | Call to Book: 970-986-4097 ww

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GO! Guide

Crested Butte’s Wildflower Fest Turns 40

A Taste of the Old West at Keystone Stables

From July 10-19, Colorado’s wildflower capital, home to landscapes that resemble blankets of blue lupine, yellow daisies and countless other hues, celebrates a major milestone. The 10-day festival in Crested Butte unfolds with every imaginable way to admire the areas bountiful varieties of native blooms. Artists guide you through plant photography and painting. Naturalists and chefs teach which blooms are edible or beneficially medicinally in cooking and health workshops. There are, of course, also dozens of guided hikes and adventures. The educational opportunities extend to birds, butterflies, geology and the elements forming ecosystems in which wildflowers thrive.

Venturing on horse or wagon beyond the pine trees and into wildflower-strewn meadows, an experience at Keystone Stables feeds the fire of one’s inner cowboy.

by Shauna Farnell

If you love flowers, this week-plus festival was made for you. Families are welcome, too, as the program includes numerous creative workshops for kids.

by Shauna Farnell

Moving refreshingly away from the nose-to-tail format, these rides take you through many landscapes – alpine, meadow, pine and aspen forest and are as short as one hour.

Fantastic for families, the dinner ride travels by wagon to one of the area’s oldest homesteads (dating back to the 1800s), where a barbecue feast ensues, followed by warm apple pie and ice cream around a campfire. There, a modern cowboy strikes a chord with a few fun songs. A condensed version of the experience includes the campfire entertainment and s’mores. www.keystoneresort.com

www.crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org

Paddling Hubs in the Roaring Fork Valley

by Shauna Farnell

After a sad winter of less snow than Colorado has clocked in recorded history, the Roaring Fork River is likely to waiver between more of a low growl and a weak cry for summer and fall 2026. However, cooling off on a raft, kayak or paddleboard float is still an option.

Here are a few calm spots to bring your own floating vessel: North Star Nature Preserve Starting from Wildwood School just off Independence Pass/Highway 82 (which has little parking), this sleepy section of river winds to South Gate (where you can also put in if flows are too low above). From here, The Beach is a great picnic spot before continuing down to the North Star pedestrian bridge. Here, there’s a handful of 15-minute-only parking spots, so plan to take out and load up quickly.

From Wildwood to the takeout, it’s a 2-mile float.

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Ruedi Reservoir Located 15 miles east of Basalt on Frying Pan Road, this peaceful expanse of water is glassy in the morning and surrounded by peaks. There are a few put-in areas, including Dearhamer Campground and the Marina at opposite shores.

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Carbondale to Westbank Comprised mostly of gentle, Class II rapids, this is a go-to section of the Roaring Fork for intermediate paddlers. Putting in at the boat ramp in Carbondale and taking out at the bridge at Westbank wildlife area, about 8 miles. This lengthy float offers amazing views of Mt. Sopris and beautiful bird sightings.

Guided Raft Trips For guided raft trips, kayak and paddleboard rentals, local outfitters include: • Aspen Kayak and SUP • Aspen Whitewater • Blazing Adventures • Elk Mountain Expeditions • Thunder River Adventures • Shaboomee SUP

THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS • FRUITION MOONTRICKS • LINDSAY LOU • MAGOO DANIEL RODRIGUEZ • YASMIN WILLIAMS SLAP DRAGON • LOWDOWN BRASS BAND PICKIN’ ON THE DEAD • LVDY • BONFIRE DUB SILAS HERMAN & THE TONE UNIT • RAMONA MEGAN LETTS • DJ SLEEPY • FLOODGATE OPERATORS GINA CAPUTO • MARY BETH LARUE • STEPH WINSOR TYLER TRAFICANTI • HOST STUDIO : YOGA OLAS

T I C K E T S O N SA L E AT

S M A L LTOW N G AT H E R I N G . C O M

Festivals & Events

Food & Wine Events Food and Wine events spring up far and wide

By Shauna Farnell

The festival lineup is at an all-time high in Colorado’s mountain towns this summer.

Not a weekend goes by between June and September that there isn’t one, if not multiple, curated celebrations of food and wine in the Rockies, each with their own theme and personality.

July 17-19

September 27

One of Keystone’s very first festivals back in 1996 when the resort’s event organizer (Keystone Neighborhood Company) was also brand new, Keystone Wine & Jazz is a must-do for both wine and jazz connoisseurs. Among the world’s most winning pairs, both the wine and jazz offerings run a broad gamut. River Run Village transforms into a thumping labyrinth of booths, sharing 300 wines from around the world as well as gourmet bites – tacos, crepes, pizza, even a handheld charcuterie plate.

Live music is the soundtrack, with stages sprinkled throughout the village. Musicians represent the vast corners of the jazz genre’s umbrella – funk, reggae, soul, rock and blues. Dancing (with glass in hand, of course) is definitely not out of the question.

The 2026 lineup includes mainstays Dotsero as well as Colorado favorites Dee Lucas, Special Blend, Shanaynay Trio, Motown and Classic Soul Revue.

The weekend also delivers a handful of expert-led seminars, topics ranging from bubbly to “The White Lotus Effect.” Young visitors can stay happy and entertained all day in the Kidzone, with free cave adventures and craft projects. Get tickets and learn more at:

Beaver Creek

Keystone Wine & Jazz Festival Beaver Creek Hike, Wine & Dine Keystone

www.keystonefestivals.com

Not your typical festival, this trio of everyone’s most beloved mountain activities (hiking, eating and drinking) has proven itself one of Beaver Creek’s most coveted experiences throughout its 17-year run. To add to its glory, the event takes place during peak foliage time and proceeds benefit the Vail Health Shaw Cancer Center’s Spirit of Survival program.

The day begins with a 5-mile hike from Beaver Creek Village, winding up and around the mountain through lemon yellow and gold aspen trees and fragrant pines. The hike is not arduous and all ages are welcome to participate. Each group is free to move at their own pace. Once back in the village, the après party begins around 11:30 a.m. with live music and an array of gourmet snacks (freshly made soup, salads, steak bites) prepared by Eagle County’s top chefs. There are also several tables serving a curated selection of wine, beer and spirits as well as hot chocolate and snacks (pizza, beignets) that appeal to guests of all ages. The event typically sells out early every year. Last summer, 400 people attended and raised more than $265,000 for the Spirit of Survival program. Get tickets and more information at hikewinedine.com A newer experience that also falls outside of the standard “festival” realm, foodies won’t want to miss out on a seat at The Alpine Table, a multi-course outdoor dinner on Beaver Creek Mountain. Accessed by chairlift, the long table sits amid a secluded aspen grove, where resort chefs deliver one thoughtful course after another paired perfectly with a sommelier-selected wine. The capacity for each evening (July 17 and 18) is only 50 guests. Tickets and more info can be found at: www.beavercreek.com

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All Summer

Ah Haa School Culinary Classroom Telluride

Sip & Slurp: Riesling & Ramen with Trang Pham and Jen Sturchio Tuesday, June 2, 6-8pm Taste firsthand how a variety of Rieslings can cool down the spice and enhance the umami of miso ramen.

like pork ribs, short rib and chicken will be roasting alongside corn on the cob and herb potato stations with toppings galore!

Join us for an elevated outdoor, all-youcan-enjoy, cowboy cookout with drinks for purchase and live music!

Blind Wine Tasting: Somm vs. Maker!

Tuesday, June 16, 6-8pm Don’t miss this battle of the bottles featuring Dustin Clements (Communion Wine Bar), Valerie Worthington (Alpino Vino/RNDC Distributors), Joe Buckel (Buckel Family Wines), and Jen Sturchio (Telluride Wine Merchant). Guests will taste the wines and enjoy chef prepared bites.

Vine & Dine: Gourmet Tacos & Unique Wines with Chef Israel Castro and Jen Sturchio Monday, July 6, 6-8pm Join Chef Israel, expert in open-fire cooking and Mexican cuisine, for duck carnitas, lobster, and lamb birria tacos that will be paired with three different wines.

Kickoff Summer with Sky Deck Brazilian BBQ! June 17th from 5-8 Join Ah Haa for a celebratory kickoff to the summer season on Ah Haa’s Sky Deck!

Chef Israel Castro, an expert in outdoor style cooking, will fire up a Brazilian-Style BBQ on the Sky Deck! Delicious proteins

Wine 101 with Valerie Worthington Tuesday 7/7 - Great Whites (It’s Shark Week!)

Monday 8/17 - Bubbles on Bubbles Monday 8/31 - Don’t Be Scared of Chardonnay Monday 9/21 - Let’s Try Something New! Monday 10/12 - Falling for Beaujolais & Other Fall Friendly Reds

These approachable, hands-on classes will strip away the pretension of wine tasting while focusing on foundational grapes.

Chef’s Table Dinners Experiential, Multi-Course Dining Options Looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience in a unique setting? Check out Ah Haa’s curated Chef’s Table dinners, 7-Course Tasting Dinner with Chef Will Nolan Thursday, June 25, 6pm Caribbean-Style Farm-to-Table Dinner with Chef Kayla Wexelberg Thursday, July 23, 6pm Fine Thai Dinner with Guest Celebrity Chef Arnold Myint Thursday, August 27, 6pm www.ahhaa.org

Colorado’s mountain towns are for Foodies!

Here is the current list of delicious gatherings. For details head to our link below, you won’t want to miss any of them.

June Strawberry Days Festival, June, Glenwood Springs North Fork Uncorked, June, Paonia and Hotchkiss Reds, Whites & Brews, June, Avon

July Keystone Wine & Jazz Festival in Keystone FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen Telluride Food & Vine Crested Butte Wine & Food Festival Breckenridge Food and Wine August Olathe Sweet Corn Festival, Aug., Olathe Eat, Drink, Pick, Keystone Resort Wine & Dine, Snowmass Top Chef and Taste of Telluride, Telluride Bluegrass & Beer Festival, Keystone Resort Estes Park Wine Festival, Telluride Mushroom Festival, Telluride

August Cidermass, Aspen/ Snowmass Vail Wine Classic, Aug., Vail Winter Park Uncorked, Winter Park Vail Valley Brew’Au Breckenridge Wine Classic in Breckenridge San Juan Brewfest Tacos + Margs In The Mountains, Winter Park Resort Mushroom & Wine Dinner, Purgatory Resort Keystone Oktoberfest Oktoberfest, Beaver Creek Resort Hogfest: Bacon & Bourbon, Breckenridge Telluride Reserve in Telluride West Elks Wine Trail in Paonia/Hotchkiss

September CBFOL Wine Tasting Crested Butte Vail Oktoberfest Snowmass Déjà Vu Chili Pepper Fest 26th Annual Mt Crested Butte Chili & Beer Festival Breckenridge Oktoberfest Mactoberfest, Aspen Oktoberfest in Fairplay Chocolate & Wine Tasting, Palisade Rocky Mountain Wine Fest Breckenridge Oktoberfest The Great Colorado versus Texas Tomato War Mountain Harvest Festival Hike Wine & Dine, Beaver Creek Resort Mountain Chile Cha Cha, Pagosa Springs Colorado Mountain Winefest, Palisade Breckenridge, Bluegrass & Beer October Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival Steamboat Food and Wine Festival www.mtntownmagazine.com/eventscalendar

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Calendar of Events

JUNE

June 1 – 5, 2026 Wild West Fest, Telluride

https://www.telluride.com/event/wild-westfest/

June 3, 2026 True Western Roundup, Durango

https://truewesternroundup.com/

June 3, 2026 Fur-ling Fest 2026, Idaho Springs June 4, 2026 Pagosa Night Rodeo, Pagosa Springs

https://visitpagosasprings.com/index. php?section=events&evtid=9629

June 4, 2026 Walkabout Wednesday, Palisade

https://palisadecoc.com/walkaboutwednesday/

June 4, 2026 Telluride Art Walk, Telluride

https://www.telluride.com/event/tellurideart-walk/

June 4 – 7, 2026 GoPro Mountain Games, Vail

https://discovervail.com/event/gopromountain-games/

June 5 – 6, 2026 Ragnar Trail Snowmass, Aspen/Snowmass

https://www.gosnowmass.com/event/ragnartrail-snowmass-2026/

June 5, 2026 June First Friday | Local Pride, Carbondale

https://www.carbondalearts.com/upcomingevents/june-first-friday

June 5, 2026 FIRST FRIDAY! Art Groove, Estes Park, Estes Park

https://www.visitestespark.com/event/firstfriday!-art-groove/4449/

June 5 – 7, 2026 Murph on the Rock, Kremmling

https://www.kremmlingchamber.com/ events/eventscalendar

June 5, 2026 First Friday Art Walk, Lake City

https://www.lakecityarts.org/first-fridays

June 5, 2026 June First Friday, Minturn

https://www.minturn.org/home-page/page/ june-first-friday-0

June 5, 2026 First Friday Art Walk, Silverton

https://www.silvertoncreativedistrict.org/ first-friday

June 5, 2026 Opening Day for Summer Operations, Steamboat Ski & Resort

https://www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/ events/opening-day-for-summer-operations

June 5 – 7, 2026 Telluride Balloon Festival, Telluride

https://www.telluride.com/event/tellurideballoon-festival/

June 6 – 7, 2026 2026 Aspen Psychedelic Symposium, Aspen

https://aspenpsychedelicresourcecenter.org/

June 6, 2026 Crested Butte Bazaar, Crested Butte June 6 – 7, 2026 Durango Summer Arts & Crafts Festival, Durango

https://www.durango.com/event/summerarts-crafts-festival/

June 6, 2026 Steamworks Half Marathon, Durango

https://www.durango.com/event/ steamworks-half-marathon/

June 6, 2026 Cocktails & Canvas, Edwards

https://alpineartscenter.org/event/cocktailscanvas-104/

June 6, 2026 Huck Finn Day, Fairplay

https://exploreparkcounty.com/event/huckfinn-day-fairplay-beach/

June 6, 2026 Montrose Pride Festival 2026, Montrose

https://montroselifestyle.com/event/ montrose-pride-festival-2026/

June 6, 2026 Montrose Pride Festival Afterparty, Montrose https://montroselifestyle.com/event/ montrose-pride-festival-afterparty/

June 7 – 8, 2026 Let’s Go Boating, Dillon

https://www.townofdillon.com/Home/ Components/Calendar/Event/8907/4?utm_ medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

June 11 – 13, 2026 Breck Pride, Breckenridge

https://gobreck.com/event/breck-pride/

June 11 – 13, 2026 47th Annual Crawford Pioneer Days, Crawford

https://www.crawfordpioneerdays.com/

June 11, 2026 Pagosa Night Rodeo, Pagosa Springs

https://visitpagosasprings.com/index. php?section=events&evtid=9630

June 11 – 14, 2026 Telluride Food + Vine, Telluride

https://www.telluride.com/event/telluridefood-vine/

June 12, 2026 2nd Friday ArtWalk, Eagle

https://www.eaglearts.org/events

June 12 – 14, 2026 Rallye Glenwood Springs

https://mgcc.org/rallye-glenwood-springs/

June 12, 2026 2nd Friday Art Walk, Hotchkiss

https://deltacountycolorado.com/series/ hotchkiss-art-walk-2nd-friday/

June 12 – 13, 2026 Lake City Star Fest, Lake City

https://businessdirectory.lakecity.com/ events/Details/lake-city-star-fest1659979?sourceTypeId=Hub

June 12 – 13, 2026 Colorful Colorado Car, Truck and Rod Show, Montrose

https://montroselifestyle.com/event/colorfulcolorado-car-truck-and-rod-show/

June 12 – 13, 2026 17th Annual Car Show, Pagosa Springs

https://visitpagosasprings.com/index. php?section=events&evtid=9168

June 12, 2026 Steamboat Marathon, Steamboat Springs

https://www.steamboatchamber.com/event/ steamboat-marathon/9671/

June 12, 2026 Mountain Bike Town Series/Davos Dash, Vail

https://discovervail.com/event/mountainbike-town-series/

June 12 – 13, 2026 Vail Craft Beer Classic. Vail

June 5 – 7, 2026 2026 Festival of the Arts, Pagosa Springs

June 7, 2026 Durango Cowboy Gathering Barn Dance & Picnic, Durango

June 5, 2026 First Friday Art Walk, Ridgway

June 10, 2026 True Western Roundup, Durango

June 13, 2026 Pride in the Park, Avon June 13, 2026 Lake Dillon Beer Festival, Dillon

June 5, 2026 First Fridays, Salida

June 10, 2026 Purg Sports Group Ride, Durango

June 13, 2026 Cupcakes & Canvas, Edwards

June 5, 2026 June First Friday Summer Kick Off Party, Silverthorne

June 10, 2026 Cocktails & Clay, Edwards

https://visitpagosasprings.com/index. php?section=events&evtid=9977 https://www.ridgwayfuse.org/firstfridays https://salidachamber.org/event/first-fridayin-downtown-salida/2025-03-07/ https://www.silverthorne.org/ Home/Components/Calendar/ Event/5662/166?curm=6&cury=2026

June 5, 2026 South Canyon Shuttle Laps Group Ride, Sunlight Mountain Resort

https://www.durango.com/event/cowboypoetry-barn-dance/ https://truewesternroundup.com/ https://www.purgatory.ski/event/purgsports-group-ride-2/ https://alpineartscenter.org/event/cocktailsclay-66/

June 11 – 13, 2026 Mountainside Music Festival, Aspen/Snowmass https://www.gosnowmass.com/event/ mountainside-music-festival/

https://sunlightmtn.com/event/southcanyon-shuttle-laps-group-ride/

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https://discovervail.com/event/vail-craftbeer-classic/

https://www.townofdillon.com/Home/ Components/Calendar/Event/9243/4?backlist https://alpineartscenter.org/event/cupcakescanvas-60/

June 13 – 14, 2026 Wool Market, Estes Park

https://www.visitestespark.com/event/woolmarket/16777/

June 13, 2026 Kowtown Gravel Race, Kremmling

https://www.kremmlingchamber.com/ events/eventscalendar

June 13, 2026 Winter Park Classics XC Series – The Hill Climb – Double Up, Winter Park

https://www.playwinterpark.com/winterpark/events/things-do/winter-park-classicsxc-series-hill-climb-double

June 14, 2026 Mesa Verde Entrance Fee-Free Day, Durango

https://www.durango.com/event/mesaverde-entrance-fee-free-day/

June 14, 2026 Spirit Polar Plunge, Grand Lake

https://www.takingstepsforcancer.org/spiritpolar-plunge

June 14, 2026 Sunday Art Stroll, Silverthorne

THERE ARE SO MANY EVENTS WE CANNOT FIT THEM ALL

June 17, 2026 Snowmass Rodeo, Aspen/Snowmass

https://www.snowmassrodeo.org/

June 17, 2026 True Western Roundup, Durango

https://truewesternroundup.com/

June 18, 2026 Ouray International Film Festival, Ouray

https://events.ourayridgwayevents.com/ event/ouray-international-film-festival

June 18, 2026 FibArk Whitewater Festival, Salida

https://www.colorfulcolorado.com/events/?_ evDiscoveryPath=/event/3509339-78thannual-fibark-whitewater-festival

scan the QR Code to see july & August EVENTS ON our website:

June 18 - 21, 2026 Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telluride

https://www.silverthorne.org/ Home/Components/Calendar/ Event/5701/166?curm=6&cury=2026

June 16, 2026 Mountain Goat Kids’ Trail Running Series, Frisco

https://www.townoffrisco.com/event/ athletic-events/mountain-goat-kids-trailrunning-series/

June 16 – 18, 2026 Vail Lacrosse Tournament, Vail

https://discovervail.com/event/vail-lacrossetournament-3/

https://www.telluride.com/event/telluridebluegrass-festival/

June 19 - 21, 2026 Food & Wine Classic, Aspen

https://www.gosnowmass.com/event/foodwine-classic-in-aspen/

June 19 , 2026 Cowboays Forever Rodeo Series, Eagle

https://eagleoutside.com/events-calendar-2/

Or www.mtntownmagazine.com/events-calendar/

A SUMMER OF LIVE MUSIC, FESTIVALS & MOUNTAIN FUN IN BRECKENRIDGE! This summer, the mountains come alive at Beaver Run with an unforgettable lineup of live music, festivals, food, drinks, and family-friendly events from June through September. From outdoor concerts and holiday celebrations to beer and wine festivals featuring nationally touring artists, Summer Fest at Beaver Run is your soundtrack to summer in Breckenridge.

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- au g 2 8 620 Village Road | Breckenridge, CO BeaverRun.com | 970.453.6000

SPONSORED BY: Fueled By:

By: Radiate Live Events

Presented by Team Player Productions

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Last Lift

What if we fell in love with Nature Again?

There’s a specific kind of energy that only a Colorado summer can provide—the air is crisp, the wildflowers are defiant, and the peaks seem to glow with a life of their own. Joseph McKay captures that vibration perfectly in his latest oil painting, “Summer Days.” 36 x 24 Oil on Canvas www.breckenridgegallery.com www.joemckayart.com 88

ISSUE 46 2026 Summer | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

TIME TO MAKE FINANCING YOUR DREAM LAND A REALITY. Financing for a bare land loan isn’t easy to find but as the leader in rural lending, we’ve got you covered. We’ll work to find a term and down payment that are right for you so you can start enjoying your dream.

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