Mountain Town Magazine - Fall 2021

MOUNTAIN town FALL 2021

MAGAZINE

Gunnison Getaway

+ TRAVELS +

Mountain DO!

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Free workshops Mesmerizing Fire Performances Spectacular Fire Art

Image: Suchitra Baker

telluridefirefestival.org

Dec. 3-5

YOUR MOUNTAIN SPIRIT m o u n t ai n t own m agaz i ne . c o m | Fa l l 2 0 2 1

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Last season, we lost 12 people in Colorado to avalanches.

Check the forecast before heading into the backcountry.

Download the Friends of CAIC mobile app today!

Search for "CAIC" on your phone's app store

Join or Donate in support of avalanche safety Memberships start at only $35 per year

Locals' Choice

BEST BOUTIQUE Featuring

SHOP IN-STORE & ONLINE Denver Highlands • NEW! Frisco • Breckenridge • Avon • Edwards • Steamboat Springs RUBYJANE.COM | VALLEYGIRLBOUTIQUE.COM

publisher’s greeting

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Summer was warm and smoky, and now we are finally feeling the crisp autumn air along with smoke-free skies.

The Colorado Bluebird day is back, and we are looking forward to Fall with a nice balance of snow and sun as we move towards winter.

Putting the Fall issue of Mountain Town Magazine out after a crazy year and a half of Covid feels good. Our cover image by the amazing Mark Bellncula makes me reflect on how wild the year was, a whirl of beautiful and crazy. Read all about Bellncula’s motion design art on page 40.

We open the magazine with our story on Gunnison.

I love this little mountain town with its western flair and laid-back vibe. The village of Gunnison has secret stashes of fun, incredible vistas, along with delicious dining options and unique shopping.

We center the magazine with thoughts on how we travel in and around our mountain town communities.

Climate Change is more apparent than ever; fires, mudslides, and the thick haze of smoke everywhere, all summer long got us thinking about our fuel consumption and how we can assist our air quality. Train travel is a part of life along the East Coast and abroad. We bring a story from Trinidad by Juan Alberto DelaRoca, who believes trains offer economic spending with a low carbon, low impact footprint. We absolutely agree. In addition, the rise of electric vehicle use is really happening. We give an intro to these cars, and if you own one, locations to find charging stations for a stress-free, smogless road trip.

Check out the Real Estate section; there is a fantastic Steamboat Springs home featured. Carefully planned, this house embraces the site’s tremendous vistas while showcasing the owners’ collection of artwork and furniture.

Oh! Our department, Pets, is a new favorite. If you live in a mountain town, then most likely you have a pet. My pup goes everywhere with me, and we want to make sure all of our fur babies are well taken care of. The Pet page is now a permanent part of our publication.

As always, we have some great suggestions on where to eat, things to do, and what is happening, so read, enjoy and get out; enjoy everything our Colorado mountain towns offer this Autumn.

Cheers! ~ Holly Battista-Resignolo, Publisher

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W W W. J S M B U I L D E R S . C O M

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970.846.3734

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contents

12 PLACE 16 MTN MADE 18 MTN DISPATCH 20 PRIORITIES 22 ENTREPRENEUR 24 PETS 26 FAMILY 28 TRAIL 32 Mountain Travel 38 STAY 40 ART 44 REAL ESTATE 48 EAT + DRINK 50 COCKTAILS 52 DINE LOCAL 64 GO!GUIDE 68 CALENDAR 74 LAST CHAIR

Magazine Cover Image ‘Marbled Sphere’ photo by Marc Bellncula

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GUIDING MOUNTAIN RETIREMENT STRATEGIES published by

MTN Town Media Productions

publisher

Holly Battista-Resignolo

communications Gaynia Battista

contributors

Beth Buehler, Ellen Hollinshead, Juan Alberto DelaRoca, Anna Sitton, Jason Blevins, Jillian Livingston, Allison Battista,

advertising sales Noelle Resignolo

visionaries

Dustin Schaefer, Gillespie Photography, 4 Blades Digital, Mark Bellncula, Ellen Hollinshead, Holly Resignolo, Jillian Livingston,

cover image Mark Bellncula

Get on the RightPath to Financial Well Being

method behind the means

Supporrng Your Reerement Planning with an Array of Fee-Only Services:

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

Income Harvessng Estate and Legacy Investment Planning Wealth Management Sustainable Invessng Philanthropy Contact Steven R. Smith, JD, CFP Your Mountain Reerement Resource Expert

www.RightPathInvestments.com 970-668-5525

design

John Kernaghan Publications Printers

get more

promote you

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

features

If you would like us to consider you for a feature, please contact us at 970 485 0269 or email us at mtntownmagazine@gmail.com 2021 MTN Town Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publishers. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. MTN Town Magazine cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine.

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place

Gunnison Cowboy Hats, Mountain Bikes & Music

by Beth Buehler photos by Gunnison Crested Butte

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A WESTERN MOUNTAIN VIBE There couldn’t be two more different communities on a 28-mile ribbon of highway than Gunnison and Crested Butte. While Crested Butte is known for being funky, free-spirited, and colorful, Gunnison has a ranching, university, and outdoorsy vibe that artfully blends into a place that is perfectly mellow and less expensive.

In Gunnison, you’ll see cowboy hats and boots—the real deal—in a checkout lane at Safeway or City Market (home of the only Starbucks for miles) one minute and a dusty, dirty cyclist fresh off the more than 750 miles of singletrack bike trails in the valley the next. For anyone preferring local java, it’s plentiful with places like Tributary Coffee Roasters, Mochas, Coffee Trader, and Double Shot Cyclery (yep, a bike shop that serves espresso, pastries, cocktails, and beer!).

While the north side of the Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley is my home, it’s like a mini-vacation to spend a day or two playing in Gunnison. For my birthday, we camped near Blue Mesa Reservoir just west of Gunnison, hiked, and enjoyed two days of boating, Stand Up Paddleboarding and beach chilling on Colorado’s largest body of water.

Pure bliss! Farther west, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is an easy day trip.

Here’s a glimpse of what else there is to do in friendly Gunnison.

The Water Just north on Almont, the East and Taylor rivers combine to form the Gunnison River, which traverses all the way to Grand Junction and is Colorado’s second largest river. There is mild to wild rafting and kayaking, stop by Gunnison Whitewater Park to hang out or try some tricks. m o u n t ai n t own m agaz i ne . c o m | Fa l l 2 0 2 1

Photo Credit:Danica Bona

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Rent a boat at Blue Mesa’s Elk Creek Marina, head out earlier in the day,it’s the smoothest time to cruise.

If it’s winter, head to the Gunnison Recreation Center for a nice indoor pool or ice skate outside or inside at Jorgensen Park.

Eat + Drink Dine on the patio at Pappy’s at Elk Creek Marina or book a Float ‘N Dine trip, where Three Rivers Outfitting in Almont provides raft transport to yummy Garlic Mike’s in Gunnison.

Garlic Mike’s recently expanded its dining facilities along the river and has a popular River Bar with live music and an open mic on select nights.

A cold beer after a day of trail wandering always hits the spot, so head to High Alpine Brewing Co. for local brewskies like Gunny Gold Kölsch and Italian Mountain Basil Ale and tasty pizza, sandwiches and 14

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salads. My favorite dish is the burrata with the Sol’s Espresso Stout-infused cherries. For lunch, pack a sandwich from Firebrand Delicatessen.

During Cattlemen’s Days or any time, for delicious burgers and steaks beeline to Ol’ Miner Steakhouse with a second-story patio overlooking Main Street.

If brisket or pulled pork with all the fixings is calling your name, go to 5B’s BBQ. Save room for homemade pie and Texas sheet cake baked by the owner’s mom!

Stop by the iconic Mario’s Pizza & Pasta (any WCU alum is likely to mention) or its sister restaurant next door, The Dive Pub, with garage doors that roll up and overlook the patio. Blackstock Bistro is a great choice for higherend nosh and cocktails.

The Trails Hartman Rocks Recreation Area has campsites and a huge network of trails for biking, hiking, running, dirt biking, cross-country skiing and roads for 4X4, ATV, and ROV excursions. Gunnison Nordic Club volunteers groom the 16 miles of track so it’s free for all to ski in the winter!

Hartman Rocks also is the venue for the well-known Gunnison Growler bike races held on Memorial Day, which officially kicks off the summer season in Gunnison.

The hiking also is sublime on trails off U.S. Highway 50 in Curecanti National Recreation Area, near Almont and up Ohio Creek Road, like Mill Castle Trail.

The Events Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days is the granddaddy of Colorado’s rodeo scene, hitting its 121st anniversary in 2021. It’s a multiday celebration in July that includes the county fair, a parade, rodeos, dances, and more. The town’s Fourth of July festivities also are worthy with the Pup ‘N SUP race, a 5K run, live music, fireworks, and more. Throughout summer and fall, free Sundays@6 concerts at Legion Park and ticketed concerts for national and local music acts at I Bar Ranch fuel the music scene.

Year-round, First Fridays Art Walk & Music are self-guided strolls around the galleries and Gunnison Art Center downtown, and there are fishing contests at Blue Mesa and other sporting events like the Gunnison High Tri Triathlon.

The Culture Gunnison Arts Center offers a sweet array of classes and performances in its Black Box Theatre and outdoor courtyard, and Western Colorado University highlights student and staff talent during concerts and theatre productions. New this year is the Gunnison Valley Theatre Festival. While downtown, you might catch impromptu music being played downtown at Blue Mesa Music Store and Dobrato Resophonic Guitars, where you can see and hear a Dobrato, visit with the owner/inventor Kent Viles, and find out why he has earned a following of A-list musicians.

If your visit falls between Memorial Day and the end of September, stop by the Gunnison Pioneer Museum.

The train “hardware” stationed outside along with indoor exhibits like the wall of local ranchers’ hats and a beautiful collection of cars are my favorites.

If you want to head up to Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte for a quick trip, the free Gunnison Valley RTA bus is an easy way to go. However, there may not be time as there is plenty in Gunnison to stay perfectly occupied!

Lorem Ipsum

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mountain town made

TenMile Blankets Ten Mile Blankets are custom-made pieces, designed and crafted at the base of Mount Royal in Frisco, Colorado.

Colorful as Colorado, they’re named after the surrounding peaks, starting with those in the Ten Mile Range of the Rocky Mountains.

The designs are inspired by traditional Amish patterns, and are made from two layers of 100% recycled USA-made Polartec 200 weight fleece. They are super soft, cushy and machine washable. Perfect year round and easy to tote to restaurants, soccer games, and your favorite camp spot.

www.tenmileblankets.com

Big B’s

BOURBON & BRONCOS

Have you had a big B’s juice yet? Oh my, it is a treat! Big B’s produces small-batch unfiltered apple juices as well as lemonades at their orchard in Hotchkiss, Colorado. They have organic apple juice, ginger apple juice, cherry apple juice, peach apricot apple juice, and pair apple juice. Cold press ciders are available midSeptember through January. We haven’t visited their orchard yet but plan to head that way as we head into the fall. Looks like there are events, music, a Cafe and camping along with great orchard activities too. Check them out here:

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The Denver Broncos and Breckenridge Distillery have released a limited-edition orange and blue Broncos Bourbon Blends in honor of Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey being named the official Hometown Bourbon Whiskey of the Broncos. To make the inaugural batch, a group of Broncos Legends, Broncos Cheerleader alumni and super fans competed in a blending battle, where a blue and orange team faced off. The Champions Blend, the first such release in the series, features the orange and blue blends encased in limited edition Broncosbranded bottles. By scanning a QR code on the back of the label, fans 21 and older can vote for their favorite blend and enter for a chance to win prizes. Breckenridge Distillery Founder and CEO Bryan Nolt said, “We’ve created two limited release Bourbon blends for Broncos fans and can’t wait to see if they pick the orange or blue blend as their favorite. Cheers, Colorado.” Hurry and get yours:

www.breckenridgedistillery.com

LOCKWOOD FOUNDATION

The Lockwood Foundation is a collaboration of professionals, donors, volunteers and like-minded individuals who want to impact the community by making the outdoors more accessible to those less mobile. Their leadership is dedicated to making adventure accessible to people of all abilities.

The Lockwood Foundation facilitates getting individuals and groups with physical or financial limitations on outdoor adventures at no cost whatsoever. Their program is run purely through volunteers, contributions, and donations.

They are a charitable organization dedicated to the accessibility of adventure.

www.lockwoodfoundation.org

EY KUVERS

Instantly transform your everyday prescription glasses into sunglasses with Ey Kuver’s easy to use film that you can apply to your eyeglass lenses. Transform your prescription glasses into sunglasses in a snap to protect your eyes from UVA/B rays and harsh sun glare, Save money on expensive prescription sunglasses, reduce bulk, clutter and the need for additional eyewear. Perfect for outdoor adventures and kicking back.

www.eykuver.com

Slope PRO-180X

This remarkably versatile chest pack is a 4 season goto for outdoor activities. Better, efficient front storage means you can keep going without having to stop, take off, and dig through a backpack. We tested this pack Nordic Skiing, Alpine Skiing, Mountain Biking and on some great hikes. CAme with a great little water bottle and kept everything important safe inside.

www.slopegear.com

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mountain dispatch

BUSTANG OUTRIDER

New Routes Added for Colorado Mountain Town Communities and Beyond Monday, July 13, 2015 marked the official service launch for Bustang, the state’s first-ever, state-owned and operated bus system. Since that time the service has expanded and gained ridership from Grand Junction to Denver, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs with bus service stopping at existing park-and-ride locations along each route.

Bustang Outrider is now offering service connecting Durango to Grand Junction, Gunnison to Denver, Alamosa to Pueblo and Craig to Denver.

Ski and Snowboard aficionados can also access Steamboat Resort, Loveland and Arapahoe Basin with CDOT’s Snowstang as well.

Each coach is equipped with restrooms, bike racks, free WiFi, power outlets and USB ports. Coaches offer a 50-passenger capacity and are handicap accessible. All are currently.

Buy tickets in advance on the Bustang App or head to their website: www.ridebustang.com

PROTECTING YOUR HOME FROM WILDFIRE

Every year we all need to be concerned about wildfire even more so in the Fall as our vegetation dries out. Here are Some Tips To Protect Your Home From Wildfire: •

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Actively manage your roof.

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

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

Remove unhealthy vegetation.

Trees and shrubs that are stressed, diseased, dead/dying should be removed.

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•

•

•

•

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•

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

THE COLORADO SUN IS 3

Three years ago, on September 10, 2018, The Colorado Sun launched to build a trusted news source for Colorado, to tell important stories, hold the powerful accountable and celebrate those who make Colorado such a great place to live, work and play.

In a period of three years an independent audit of The Sun by the Media Enterprise Design Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder declared, “The Colorado Sun is a credible, comprehensive news source that strives to include a diverse range of voices and interests throughout the state while also working to strengthen other media through collaboration.”

Their goal has not been to turn a profit. Instead their focus has been on producing the best possible journalism available to the public and achieve that with the help of their readers, and community backers. The financial support of their members, sponsors and benefactors has allowed The Sun to produce impactful, award-winning journalism every day.

Earlier this year, The Colorado Sun’s public service mission took them in a surprising direction. The Sun, along with their partners at the National Trust for Local News, became owners of Colorado Community Media, which covers two dozen Denver-

area communities. Although The Sun had no plans to get back into the print business, they were eager to step forward to ensure that these community newspapers — some of them among the oldest publications in Colorado — remain in local hands and continue serving their communities with the hyper-local coverage that has distinguished them for decades.

We raise a glass to independence and wish everyone at The Colorado Sun long running success as an informative hub of news and a resource for everyone interested in our state, Colorado. www.thecoloradosun.com

BE GOOD TO THE BEARS

Bear proof your home​​​​​​​​​ (and your life)

Get in the habit of being bear-responsible. It’s like recycling — at first it’s a little extra effort, but soon it becomes a better way to live. You can be proud you’re helping to make Colorado a better place for people and bears.

Do’s & Don’ts Don’t feed bears, and don’t put out food for other wildlife that attracts bears.

Be responsible about trash and bird feeders.Trash bags stored outside— bears can’t resist checking them out.

Burn food off barbeque grills and clean after each use.

Keep all bear-accessible windows and doors closed and locked, including home, garage and vehicle doors.

Don’t leave food, trash, coolers, air fresheners or anything that smells in your vehicle.

Pick fruit before it ripens, and clean up fallen fruit.

Talk to your neighbors about doing their part to be bear responsible.

If You See a bear near your home If a bear comes near your home, do your best to chase it away. Yell, blow a whistle, clap your hands, and make other loud noises. But never approach a bear.

Most conflicts between people and bears can be traced to easy-to-getat human food, garbage, pet food, bird seed or other attractants. When people allow bears to find food, a bear’s natural drive to eat can overcome its wariness of humans. Only people (like you) can prevent problems with bears! www.cpw.state.co.us m o u n t ai n t own m agaz i ne . c o m | Fa l l 2 0 2 1

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priorities

The Harvest Moon Sets Over Loveland Illuminating the Coming Ski Season - Clear Creek County, Colorado by Dustin Schaefer

MTN

entrepreneurs

MARIGOLDS FARMHOUSE FUNK & JUNK 10 Years of Picking the Right Stuff

BY ALLISON BATTISTA

G

enerations of entrepreneurial know-how and getter done spirit lives in the well-stocked walls of Marigolds Farmhouse Funk & Junk in Breckenridge. The story of the four women who operate this lively and unique boutique is just as surprising as the treasures found in Marigold’s itself, all Colorful and Unique.

Lori Maphies, Lisa Norton, Nancy Williams and Danielle Maphies are a family of creatives who have crafted a unique shopping experience for the past ten years that antique junkies and millennial shoppers alike adore. Marigolds Farmhouse Funk & Junk originally started as a pop-up shop in Breckenridge when Lori found a 3-month lease on Main Street. Not surprising, it did very well. They then found a permanent space at 215 S Main Street, where they settled and recently celebrated ten years of success.

The store seems to be the culmination of lessons learned from the matriarch of the store, Nancy Williams. Nancy is both mother and grandmother to the other three women. Hailing from Missouri, Nancy’s crafting knowledge was passed to her daughters Lori and Lisa through a craft shop she owned where she taught macrame, weaving, tole painting, and more. A serial entrepreneur Nancy held a variety of businesses over the years.

Her passion for good junk and antiques is in part what brought Marigolds Farmhouse Funk & Junk to fruition and has kept the store well-stocked with items pulled from antiquing excursions throughout the countryside of the American Midwest.

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But it is not just Nancy’s keen eye that has brought success to the store. Hard work and the talent of her daughters, Lori Maphies and Lisa Norton, and granddaughter Danielle Maphies (daughter of Lori), lend to and complete the allure of Marigold’s unique shopping experience.

These women are crafty creators operating the boutique as a family coop, each curating the store with their own personally selected products. You will find clothing, scarves, jewelry, household goods, notecards, books, hats, candles and a host of treasures. They each have private home studios where they design, paint, make jewelry and create products too. This business arrangement yields a varied and unique selection of walls and aisles.

In early July, after reaching Marigolds Farmhouse Funk & Junk’s ten-year milestone, Nancy unexpectedly passed away in an automobile accident. As anyone would expect, the loss has been a huge blow to these remarkable women and their extended families. They are navigating the way as they rework operations, now bringing in Lori’s son to help with behind-the-scenes needs.

Fiery and fun, these ladies will persevere and continue to find a way forward while letting their mother’s spirit shine through the store and its funky spirit. The store is a must-stop and shop when looking for a gift for yourself, a friend, or your home. Be sure to drop in and enjoy everything Marigolds Farmhouse Funk & Junk has to offer.

215 South Main Street, Breckenridge

Join Aspen Business Connect We are a Professional Social Network comprised of individuals known for excellence in business, customer service and unique products in Aspen, the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond.

Learn more at: aspenbusinessconnect.com

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Hello!

pets

I am Parker the Snow Dog, Loveland Ski Area’s official pup. I am here to help Mountain Town pet owners find great new products and learn useful tips for their Colorado mountain town fur babies enjoyment!

Follow me on Facebook & Instagram

Pet Friendly

Getting away with your favorite fur baby couldn’t get any more fun and friendly than the Limelight Hotel Aspen. It’s the perfect place to kick back and relax after a fun day out on area trails. A good game of fetch at Wagner Park across the street from the hotel will have your dog curled up fast asleep on their own bed.

Treats are included too!

www.limelighthotels.com

PET PORTRAITS BY ANGOSTINA We love our furry children and discovered this lovely Vail artist’s irresistible artwork at the Dillon Farmers Market.

Whether you’re honoring your current pet, loss of a pet, or looking for a unique gift for your friends and family, you’re going to love her beautiful pet portraits. Agostina can capture your dog, cat, bird, and any other pet that speaks to your heart through her highly detailed drawings using a stippling technique.

www.artbyagostina.com

VAPUR EZ LICK

Check out this portable & foldable Dog Water Bottle with Ez Lick water dispenser for thirsty dogs on the trail. This collapsible, leak proof pet water dispenser is great for hiking, biking and skiing with your pup.

www.vapur.us

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FALL IN LOVE WITH GRAND PARK ELK CREEK

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

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

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

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

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

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

built in the Meadows adjacent to open space.

Multiple Villa home plans available to view online now!

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

www.grandparkco.com • 970.726.8700

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family

The Sunny Side Up Studio The Sunny Side Up Studio is a creative experience for EVERYONE! Drop in art and one of a kind shop!! Home of the mountain mama hoodie! located on beautiful main street in Frisco CO! The Sunny Side Up Studio in Frisco is a hub for creative experiences. They host drop-in classes for adults and kids to take on their own projects, toddler creative classes, after-school art programs and summer camps.

The studio has a hippylicious shop, which is the official outfitter for the Be Hippy brand. The shop also features original artworks by owner Ashlie Weisel. The studio offers seasonal, weekly and occasional specials, including a two-for-one project special on Tuesdays during Mud Season, a fall toddler and after-school art program, private parties, birthday packages and holiday gifts in the store. www. thesunnysideupstudio.com

Read Island

Two Vail Valley residents have teamed up to create a unique children’s picture book called Read Island.

Slated for release on October 5, 2021, the story embodies the lifelong passion for books and nature that brought these locals together.

Written by longtime bookstore owner Nicole Magistro and illustrated by acclaimed artist Alice Feagan, the clever and colorful story touches on many themes including outdoor adventure, the joy of reading, environmental stewardship, and the importance of meditation and mindfulness.

Read Island was inspired by the very real and remote place by the same name off the coast of British Columbia, where Magistro’s family has been visiting for more than two decades. In the book, a brave girl sets sail on a reading adventure with her book-loving friends – a studious fox and a stowaway mouse. The trio head out to find a magical island made of books, populated with characters including a moose who loves to cook, an eccentric Kermode bear, a tattooed humpback whale, and a singing sea wolf. www.readisland.com 26

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trail

PREPPING FOR THE BACK COUNTRY SKI & RIDE SEASON

BY ELLEN HOLLINSHEA D

W I N T E R C O M E S E A R LY I N T H E H I G H COUNTRY -SOME SERIOUS TIPS FOR THOSE LOOKING TO ESCAPE INTO T H E B AC KC O U N T RY

W

hen the ski areas closed in March 2020, and skiing was at its prime, almost everyone suddenly became a backcountry skier or rider.

Backcountry ski shops, terrified that their business might have to shut down, actually ended up selling out of backcountry clothing and gear. Winter Trailheads that rarely saw more than a few cars became a parking nightmare. Experienced backcountry skiers and riders grew frustrated with all the newbies out there making basic mistakes on everything from route finding, to avalanche awareness, and even just your basic backcountry etiquette. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) increased their presence on their website with more reports from the backcountry and social media had heated discussions on how crazy the backcountry had become and what to do about it.

I started backcountry skiing thirty years ago on skinny telemark skis when there was no internet and really no one else out there other than weekends on Baldy Mountain, just outside of Breckenridge. I took an avalanche class just after two friends had died backcountry skiing on Mt. Guyot and most of what I remember from that class was to avoid avalanche terrain at all costs. Over the years, and through trial and error I figured out the do’s and don’ts of backcountry skiing mostly on my own. Yes, we triggered small avalanches, but not very often and luckily we never got caught. Our skin tracks back then were poorly constructed, and skiing down on our skinny skis was more about survival than making pretty turns and conserving the powder.

This winter, I am here with some serious tips for those seeking to join the backcountry ski and ride scene. Too often, I want to give someone advice, but I am hesitant to speak up because I don’t want to offend anyone.

So it here goes. I can’t give you a full rundown on everything there is to know about backcountry skiing, but these are a few tips that I feel strongly about and many are not something you might have heard before.

Your day should start and end at home.

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Let’s start at home...

CHECK THE CAIC FORECAST. Even if you’re not thinking of skiing near avalanche terrain, you should have a handle on the weather for that day and the CAIC gives the best weather forecast for the backcountry. It will tell you wind speeds and directions which is critical for deciding where to ski. It rates and describes the avalanche danger, gives new snowfall amounts from various sites other than ski areas, and tells you the temperature for 11,000 feet. I read all the field reports to get a sense of what the skiing could be like in my zone, Vail/Summit County. I look at it every single day.

And once you realize how valuable the CAIC is, please consider donating to Friends of CAIC and taking an avalanche class.

STUDY A MAP. Way too often I meet people who have no idea where they are going which is always shocking to me as someone who loves to explore and is map obsessed. I have four giant boxes in the closet filled with topo maps and I have spent hours looking at them before heading out somewhere new. Up until recently, I always carried a topo map. Nowadays I mostly rely on my Gaia GPS app where I have downloaded topo maps of all of Colorado’s mountains. It has this nifty feature of showing you how steep the terrain is so you can plan ahead of time where you need to be careful, especially if the steep terrain is hidden above you as you skin up a valley floor. I study it before I leave the house so I don’t have to keep pulling my phone or map out to check. It also tells you exactly where you are at that moment which is helpful if you are lost. Sometimes I will carry a paper map as well, in case my iPhone battery dies.

PUT YOUR SKINS ON AT HOME AND TURN ON YOUR BEACON. Usually, it is cold and crowded at trailheads and you just want to get going. We always put our skins on in the warmth of the living room where you can take the time to make sure they are aligned properly and sticking well. If you turn on your beacon at home, it will tell you if it is time to change the batteries which isn’t something you want to find out at a trailhead. Plus, it is good to just get into that routine so that when you are in a hurry at the trailhead you don’t have to remind yourself to turn it on.

I confess, there have been a few times I forgot to turn it on and then realize later I wasn’t transmitting, luckily these were days with low avalanche danger. An experienced skier who died in an avalanche a couple of years ago forgot to turn on his beacon and his partner couldn’t find him. What a horrible situation. Try to get into the routine of doing a beacon check at the trailhead.

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WHAT TO HAVE IN YOUR PACK. There is all the obvious stuff – a puffy, goggles, neck gator, extra warm gloves, first aid kit. But here are a few suggestions that aren’t so obvious.

Two extra-long ski straps - Once at the top of a steep couloir, my important buckle broke on my boot and I used a long Voile ski strap to tighten my boot. I couldn’t believe how well it worked. Also, two ski straps can be used when the glue on your skins fails.

A small penknife - I always carry a small multi-tool with me.

Sometimes ice builds up under your pin bindings and a little knife will clean it out. Once, during an intense storm in the Tetons, the zipper on the goggle pocket of my pack froze but I had 3000 feet of descending ahead of me and I had to wear goggles. So yes, I ripped a hole in the pocket so I could pull them out.

A visor or a ball cap - This is actually more about snow than the sun. If it is snowing hard and you are heading uphill and don’t want to wear goggles or glasses because they fog, you need to have some kind of visor or ball cap that will keep the snow out of your eyes and off your face. I actually prefer just strapping a visor around my wool hat on cold days so that I stay warm and can easily whip it off when I need to put on goggles, but I am not a slave to fashion and this does look a little dorky, so if that isn’t you, just carry a warm ball cap. If you run hot as I do, I also use the visor on warm days and make sure that my first layer is a hoodie so I can pull the hood up for extra sun protection if needed.

A bivy sac – a friend broke his leg out in the middle of nowhere, and the bivy sack saved his life so that he could stay warm while waiting a few hours for help. They weigh almost nothing. Get one. $20 at Mountain Outfitters.

A slope meter – the one guarantee we have with avalanches is that they don’t happen on slopes less than 30 degrees. I carry one in my hip pocket so it is easily accessible and enjoy testing myself to see if I guessed correctly how steep the slope is. You’d be surprised that 30 degrees isn’t that steep of a pitch.

Skin and ski wax – (Picture 1, page 36) when spring arrives, and the temperatures warm up, snow tends to glop onto your skis and skins and it can be a dangerous issue if you are far from the car and you cannot move because of the five inches of snow stuck on your ski. Usually, from mid-February on, I carry these two items in my pack.

ON THE WAY UP. Probably my biggest frustration for many years has been the prevalence of poorly designed skin tracks. Unfortunately, the more popular a location, the worse the skin tracks seem to be these days.

The most common mistake is when the skin track goes right up through the heart of the descending terrain (Picture 2 & 3). I get it.

You look up and see this open slope with ski tracks and figure that’s where you need to go, so you put your head down and head up. But now you have to contend with skiers coming down right at you and who wants to ski over a deep rut of a skin track? Plus, the space your skin track takes up is often the equivalent of three or four ski lines now wasted.

If you are the one breaking trail, look up often and ask yourself, would someone like to ski this area? Am I in the way? Keep your skin track out of the ski terrain even if it isn’t where you were thinking of skiing, or if that isn’t possible then just try to hug the borders of the ski terrain. Skin up through areas where people probably won’t be skiing – like shallow snow, or through dense trees, willows, boulders, ridges.

I also have noticed quite a few skin tracks at popular locations traveling under avalanche paths. Often the danger is low, but when people are accustomed to the skin track going a certain direction, they will return to that spot and go the same way. Please, even if the m o u n t ai n t own m agaz i ne . c o m | Fa l l 2 0 2 1

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avalanche danger is low, put your skin track in a safe location for future users.

Try to keep the skin track mellow. Some people seem to like skinning straight uphill, and yes, it might be faster, but it is hard on your back and hips and personally, I find it incredibly boring because you are forced to look down at your skis rather than, if you kept it just a little more sideways, you could enjoy the scenery. I rarely use my highest heel lift unless I’m in deep snow and maneuvering around trees or rocks. As you skin uphill, occasionally look below to make sure that your skin track footprint is only using a small section of terrain. Avoid kick turns by looking ahead so that you make a gentle turn where the terrain isn’t as steep.

FEEL THE SNOW. Get a routine down for switching to downhill mode. There are some people that take forever to get ready and then there are those who treat it like a race. I fall somewhere in between.

Give yourself a little room from your friends so that when you whip that skin off from the bottom of your board or ski it doesn’t smack them in the face. I won’t go into details here, but it is worth learning how to leave your skis on while taking off your skins. It is faster and also safer if you are standing on a side slope where you might have trouble getting back into your skis.

AT THE TOP. Get a routine down for switching to downhill mode. There are some people that take forever to get ready and then there are those who treat it like a race. I fall somewhere in between.

Give yourself a little room from your friends so that when you whip that skin off from the bottom of your board or ski it doesn’t smack them in the face. I won’t go into details here,

but it is worth learning how to leave your skis on while taking off your skins. It is faster and also safer if you are standing on a side slope where you might have trouble getting back into your skis.

AND THE FUN PART, SKIING DOWN. Take it Slow Probably the number one problem I have had with novice backcountry skiers who are expert ski area riders is that they descend way too fast. Backcountry snow is full of surprises and there are plenty of hidden obstacles and variable snow where speed is not your friend. One moment you could be dancing through the powder and then suddenly it transitions to breakable crust. Take it slow. Finish your turns. Show respect.

Conserve the Powder Especially this busy, low snow season, fresh tracks, a big reason why we are all out there, are becoming harder to find.

When I ski with a couple of friends, we ‘farm’ or ‘spoon’ our turns (Picture 4), keeping our turns close to each other, almost in sync, so that the next person can have a fresh line.

Let’s end at home...

We usually bring our skis inside so the bindings can dry out.

Take your skins out of your pack as soon as you are home and hang them up somewhere to dry. Turn off your beacon.

Download your photos and re-live the amazing day you just had.And here’s one piece of advice mostly just for me, put on some mellow music, roll out the yoga pad, and stretch those quads!

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Trinidad is poised to become a leader in recreation and tourism destination evolution as it emerges from a post pandemic reality. An increase in Colorado’s population led by urban to rural flight, along with the explosive popularity of outdoor recreation and tourism related activities is driving a greater number of residents and visitors to “explore more” of the state.

This is pushing increased activity into the less discovered places, like Trinidad. This is why now is an opportune time to initiate a larger conversation around alternative transportation solutions that combine bicycle tourism and passenger rail service. The future sustainability of our outdoor communities is at stake as outdoor recreation and tourism contribute to the regeneration of rural towns like Trinidad after decades of socio-economic decline. Bicycle travel and Amtrak passenger rail service are positioned to play a lead role in how and where people live, work, and play along the expanding I-25 corridor of Colorado. It will help manage the way people move about the region, while assisting with the preservation of a quality of life that attracts people to

mountain rural towns in the first place.

An increasingly pronounced side effect of our hyper social media aware society is an advancement of an “explore more” mentality that drives people towards the more remote parts of the West. Rural communities, such as Trinidad, are inherently impacted significantly as in and out of state visitors digitally discover new places to spend their time and money. People constantly posting status updates and photos of their outdoor adventures exponentially impacts a town in a short period of time. The influx of tourism traffic profoundly changes the way people experience a community, especially one transitioning towards becoming a “bike destination”.

With the recent opening of Fisher Peak State Park, the southern Front

Photo Credit: Alpenglow Train Tours

An innovative and bold vision around sustainable community development and growth is emerging in a most unlikely place. The southern Front Range, specifically the mountain town of Trinidad, Colorado.

Advocating Passenger Rail Travel & Tourism Trains Offer Economic Spending and Low Carbon, Low Impact Footprints A Story from Trinidad by Juan Alberto DelaRoca

Range is rapidly evolving towards a recreation and tourism based economy.

The chance to create an iconic and sustainable bike destination model of the future requires passenger rail service to be a major component.

Both the Amtrak Southwest Chief line and the Front Range Passenger Rail Initiative plant the southern Front Range region with an ability to pivot in a direction of smart growth and development. Now is the time to address this possibility as socioeconomic trends as a result of the Covid pandemic accelerate.

Advocating and integrating passenger rail bicycle travel policies now will help rural Colorado take advantage of the growing interest in cycling tourism. The economic spending that it generates and low carbon footprint helps balance

the quality of life that comes under duress from the increased visitation.

Trinidad has already started to tap into the fast growing gravel cycling trend.

The town possesses the necessary ingredients for a gravel bike destination to emerge. They include easy access to miles of county roads from downtown, light to no vehicular traffic, and a beautiful landscape.

Gravel bikes are also perfectly suited to attract cycling tourists using passenger rail service. This is why Amtrak should adopt a Southwest Chief bicycle travel policy similar to the one used by their other regional routes, like those on the East coast.

Not only will it boost Southwest Chief ridership, but also impact the distribution of tourism dollars in a

number of rural towns capable of becoming gravel bike destinations along the route. In Trinidad alone, the gravel bike segment represents $50+ million a year in tourism spending.

Imagine how much the economic impact increases for other towns on the route between Chicago to Los Angeles? Places like Lawrence, Kansas, La Plata, Missouri can as easily become attractive to ride a bike like Flagstaff, Arizona.

Today, as state leaders and Amtrak move forward with Front Range passenger rail service initiatives, updating the bicycle travel policy must be a priority. It’s essential for building the sustainable bike destination of the future in Trinidad to be a success. Establishing an Amtrak bicycle travel policy around Trinidad’s m o u n t ai n t own m agaz i ne . c o m | Fa l l 2 0 2 1

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treks & travels efforts provides a blueprint that is exportable to other rural communities seeking to diversify they’re economic base by attracting new residents and visitors through outdoor recreation and tourism. The Colorado-New Mexico portion of the Southwest Chief line represents a nexus point.

Updating the Amtrak bicycle travel policy immediately benefits both Trinidad (Colorado) and Raton (New Mexico), especially with Fisher Peak State Park situated between them.

What if passenger rail even created a means of accessing the park itself? A setting where you could access the trail system at the top of Raton Pass and ride into either town?

Not only does passenger rail service bring recreation based tourism dollars to the southern Front Range, but it also addresses increased automobile traffic on the local road network. Part of the alternative transportation opportunity is to provide a solution for the millions of residents and visitors who pass through Colorado’s second busiest port of entry. Implementing an enhanced bicycle travel policy on the Amtrak Southwest Chief helps ensure Trinidad is able to maintain an old west inspired adventure travel experience. A destination where one still sees the stars in the night sky. Where you are still lucky enough to run into wildlife on a carless bike ride. Future Front Range passenger rail service, starting with the Amtrak Southwest Chief, has the ability to influence how we introduce future generations of outdoor recreation enthusiasts to the wild places quickly disappearing under the intense pressures of growth and development. Updating the Amtrak Southwest Chief bicycle travel policy has a rippling effect beyond the economics of cycling tourism. It can direct and push the urban “explore more” mindset towards sustainable travel behaviors into rural areas. What if we had more people posting photos of themselves riding the train to and from a travel destination?

The current Amtrak policy states travel with a bicycle on the Southwest Chief is allowed, however with limitations.

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You can only embark and disembark with a bicycle at designated stops, which are in no way convenient to those interested in using the service.

Not making every stop accessible to bicycle travel hinders the ability for Amtrak to increase cycling tourist ridership on the Southwest Chief, which in turn hinders the spending of money in the rural places that need it most right now. The demand for passenger rail service for planning a cycling travel experience exists.

A short survey shared with cyclists asked one simple question. “If a train were an option, would you consider using it for traveling to your next destination town?” Out of 100 responses, 95 answered yes. Denying bicycle travel on the train between Trinidad and Raton is holding back the opportunity to create a sustainable bike destination. Modernizing the Amtrak Southwest Chief bicycle travel policy at the Colorado-New Mexico border improves everyone’s bottom line, especially as Amtrak begins to introduce new long distance trains.

There are precedents of integrating bicycle travel into alternative transportation solutions already.

Buses and trains are already available

to cyclists to explore more of the urban Front Range corridor. Many years ago, I was first introduced to the RTD bus between Boulder-Nederland with a mountain bike experience. The idea of loading a bike onto the bus and traveling 30 minutes west and riding back to Boulder changed my personal approach to cycling.

Later, I applied this insight while living in Denver. Light Rail became a resource for accessing the trail networks at Green Mountain, Matthew Winters, and Apex before riding back to my Denver North neighborhood. Proving the point further is the adoption of passenger rail in accessing recreation activities is the Denver Winter Park Express train. It’s popularity demonstrates why an improved Amtrak Southwest Chief bicycle travel policy can work in southern Colorado. Taos Ski Valley founder Ernie Blake also recognized the business benefits of passenger trains. It played a major role in targeting urban Chicago residents interested in the New Mexico ski experience. Now this same visionary thinking is needed as Trinidad and Raton move towards an outdoor recreation and tourism based economy. Passenger rail service helps create the sustainable and iconic bike destination these towns must become as people “explore more” of the west.

Amtrak has threatened to eliminate the Southwest Chief line a number of times in the past. Fortunately, the rural communities of Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico, at the behest of political leaders, came together and saved it’s demise. This is why the Southwest Chief & Front Range Passenger Rail Commission came into existence. Now it can help connect the historically isolated southern Front Range to more people from not only Colorado, but the Midwest and West Coast. Passenger rail from Fort Collins, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo not only enhances where residents travel to live, work, and play in the state, but also expands the reach and impact visitors have on the region’s recreation and tourism economy. Establishing an improved Amtrak bicycle travel policy on the train has a cascading long term

effect on local business because it promotes activity in the downtown core of a community.

Trinidad and Raton are squarely on the path to becoming a popular recreation and tourism destination.

Fishers Peak and the 19,200 acres between them will be one of the most digitally photographed natural landmarks in the years ahead. A bicycle friendly corridor that rivals the distance from Aspen to Crested Butte is going to become a tourism draw in itself. Managing the flow of human traffic seeking to “explore more” needs an improved Amtrak bicycle travel policy before it becomes too late.

Utilizing passenger rail service to create an iconic and sustainable bike destination can be a unique feature to economic development simply because it has never been done anywhere in the world. The closest thing would be the mountain bike and gondola system used in the Sud Tirol region of Austria. The rail that crosses Raton Pass is capable of

delivering the equivalent experience.

Only without the need to install infrastructure like lift towers and service roads. The infrastructure is more or less in place already.

Improving access to the ColoradoNew Mexico region through a bicycle travel policy that makes sense can propel Trinidad and other mountain town communities towards becoming world class bike destinations and serve as a model for other communities to emulate. The intense influx of population of the last twenty years is due largely in part to outdoor recreation and tourism. Throw in social media, the pandemic, and the strong demands of cycling tourism, and the rate of it hastens.

The need for building a southern Front Range bike destination that is iconic and sustainable is born out of the reality that inevitably development and growth out of Denver and Colorado Springs will continue to push further south as well as west in tandem with the urban to rural flight of 2021.

YO U R PERSPECTIVE M e et th e Lo o ko u t .

A simple tweak to the Amtrak Southwest Chief bicycle travel policy will help Trinidad, and inspire other rural towns, to capitalize on these trends. Everyone involved benefits.

Amtrak increases ridership and millions in tourism spending helps revitalize communities after decades of decline, preserving the qualities that make them attractive.

Prioritizing and updating the bicycle train travel policy, starting with the Southwest Chief, is a simple action item for Amtrak and the Front Range Passenger Rail Commission to realize. A sound plan to systematize and promote a forward thinking bicycle train travel policy will result in the creation of a sustainable travel destination like no other done before as the “explore more” mindset takes a stronger hold on the Front Range and mountain regions. Post pandemic life has provided us with a chance to hit the reset button, visualize, and build special travel destinations of the future.

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treks & travels

EV Friendly Byways in Colorado’s Mountain Towns Charging Up For Epic Trips in the Mountains and Beyond by Allison Battista

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It is exciting to know that an Electric Vehicle road trip is becoming a reality. Acknowledging that you will be driving sans tailpipe emissions makes the validity of a getaway feel extra relaxing. After seeing all the smoke and experiencing a significant reduction in air quality this past summer, we are all about it. Road trips in an electric vehicle are pretty similar to those in a gas-powered car, but there are a few considerations to prepare for before starting your road trip.

First some education There are three basic types of EVs: hybrids (HEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and battery-electric vehicles (BEV). BEVs are also known as all-electric vehicles (AEV).

A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) combines an electric motor and a traditional internal combustion engine but does not plug into an electric outlet. The primary source of power is gasoline, with the electric motor supplementing to add fuel efficiency.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) combines an electric motor and a traditional internal combustion engine, and the electric motor is the primary source of power. If the battery range is depleted, the ICE will kick in, so you can get to your destination to charge your battery for your next trip. Some people prefer PHEVs because of this “backup” option that effectively negates range anxiety. PHEVs plug into an electric outlet to charge.

A battery electric vehicle (BEV) runs on electric motors that obtain power from a large battery charged by plugging the car into a power source like a wall outlet in your garage or a public charger. BEVs do not use an internal combustion engine at all.

Road Trip Considerations As you prepare a trip to your favorite ski area or escape to some warm single track in a BEV there are three things to help you avoid the latest term in technology, Range Anxiety. Range Anxiety is a fear that a vehicle may have insufficient energy storage to cover the road distance needed to reach its destination or a charging station.

Range: It is essential to know how far your car can go on a single charge. How far will you be driving, and how often do you want to stop? These are crucial factors in planning your trip.

Route Planning: Depending on your car’s range and your trip length, you will need to plan out your charging stops ahead of time. Charging stations are increasing in numbers and are now conveniently located in areas with shopping centers, restaurants, and bathrooms, making it easy to take a driving break or stop for lunch while your car is charging. You can choose to stop at a Level 2 charger if you’ll be taking a more extended break or can top off quickly at a DC Fast Charger. Many EVs come with built-in navigation that can find charging locations

along your route, but there are other options like Google Maps, PlugShare, and A Better Route Planner that EV drivers also use.

Time: It might take a little longer than you may be used to on your road trip due to charging times. However, some EV drivers find their travel time quite comparable, especially if you stop at scenic locations or quaint downtowns worth taking the time to explore.

In 2018, Colorado released its first electric vehicle (EV) plan setting forth goals, actions, and strategies to develop EV fast-charging corridors across the state and establishing a target of 940,000 EVs by 2030. In the past two years, the state has realized significant achievements in EV fast-charging corridor creation, allowing our visitors and residents to tour our mountain towns more conveniently.

Colorado is meeting their goals to electrify all of its Scenic & Historic Byways. Seven of the Byway itineraries: Lariat Loop, Grand Mesa, Silver Thread, Collegiate Peaks, Flat Tops Trail, Trail Ridge Road, and Top of the Rockies are online to keep EV’s charged and road-trip-ready. www.colorado.com/coloradosscenic-historic-byways is the link to direct you to each of the above byways access to an EV Charging Station.

The Colorado Energy Office now has designated fast-charging electric vehicle corridors. These corridors comprise high-speed charging stations with 34 locations across Colorado state.

I am excited for the day I can forgo oil changes and know my car’s emissions are helping to clear the air while traveling to my favorite ski slope. Having the opportunity to experience a tour in an electric vehicle this past summer during a Drive Electric Colorado event, I can see the light at the end of that smoggy tunnel.

Maps and further information can be found at these links: www.colorado.com/colorados-scenic-historic-byways www.energyoffice.colorado.gov www.driveelectriccolorado.org m o u n t ai n t own m agaz i ne . c o m | Fa l l 2 0 2 1

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stay

THE PAD

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Photo Credit: Gillespie Photography

Have an adventure and then take some time to relax, thoroughly, at this rad new, eco minded boutique hotel located in Colorado’s crossroads mountain town community: Silverthorne, Colorado. The Pad is the first upcycled shipping container accommodation in the region. This lodging and event facility is positioned smack in the middle of eight world class ski areas all within a one hour or less commute time and is an official lodging partner for Arapahoe Basin this winter season.

Step inside and you can begin to unwind at the A-BAR, a place to relax after a long day of exploring countless activities offered in the area. The A-BAR is Silverthorne’s first riverside and rooftop bar. 26 taps include everything from a great selection of local beers to Kombuchas and wines, as well as Summit County’s first draught craft cocktail program. Graze & Torrey’s food truck, will have a permanent store front focusing on locally sourced, organic food with bold “Most people think of a hostel as a flavor profiles for those no-frills, backpacking-type-of place looking for nutritious noshes. Event Space to stay. That’s not what we are at can host social, family, The Pad,” says Lynne. “We’ll welcome and corporate events, backpackers and people seeking a noand co-work offices frills, affordable price point, but we’re will give folks a place to check in with their also catering to the modern traveler colleagues. and adventurer who is looking for a Offering various unique, more plush lodging experience lodging options, they in the heart of the Colorado Rocky can accommodate a traveler’s every desire Mountains.” and pocketbook ~Lynn Baer, Owner size. Shared Dorms feature modern custom-made Twin XL bunk beds, privacy screens, storage lockers, reading lights, and charging station outlets. Micro Rooms offer a smaller footprint to keep the price point low but are ideal for those who want their own space and don’t mind sharing bathrooms. Micro Room + Bath brings an economic take on traditional lodging; this space features a Full XL or Twin XL bunk beds + private bath. Family Room for the perfect space for a small family or group, this room offers both a Queen bed and a Twin XL bunk bed. Occupants of this room utilize our shared bathroom space. Private Rooms are open for the traditionalist, with standard lodging amenities, featuring a Queen bed, private bath, desk workspace & a mini-fridge.

Deluxe Private Room gives the occupant that royal feel with a King bed, private bath, spacious room, private balcony & mountain views. Lastly, their Private Suite is the most luxurious option featuring a spacious floor plan, queen bed + sleeper futon, desk workspace, and an in-room kitchenette.

Modern, hip, convenient and eco minded; book your stay: www.thepadlife.com/silverthorne

Photo Credit: 4 Blades Digital

An Eco Hotel, Hostel, Event Space & More - All From Shipping Containers

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art

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he spells a word, like “argh” or “later.” Sometimes he forms shapes.

He uses a specially coded program made by a friend that converts GPS coordinates into flight patterns for his drone. Many artists deploy drones. Some by the hundreds to shape all sorts of aerial images for major events like Olympic opening ceremonies. Others can recreate a fireworks show with dozens of miniature aircraft. Those displays can cost millions. And Bellncula uses only one drone to draw on both the x-and-y axis, meaning his creations are not flat images but three-dimensional.

Now, with lightweight machines powered by long-lasting batteries and a program to help sculpt flights into art, Bellncula travels around central Colorado capturing his one-of-a-kind images.

“As far as I know, I’m the only person making 3D patterns,” he says.

Mark Bellncula

Live Action, VFX and Motion Design Director

by Jason Blevins, The Colorado Sun

Art in Motion

“Watch for the flip to yellow. There it is,” says Mark Bellncula.

“And action. Here we go.”

It’s a little after 10 p.m. when Bellncula opens the shutter of his camera — a Nikon D810A specifically made for astrophotography — and the LED-strapped drone starts creating his art. The tiny four-prop craft climbs to 400 feet, making loops at about 18 mph. Then it spins downward in widening circles until it’s about 30 feet above the water. Then it rotates, turning the yellow light away from the camera and exposing a blue light as it spins tighter circles to form the bottom of the sphere.

After about 5 minutes, the drone begins its return flight across the Clinton Gulch Reservoir. And the Breckenridge artist finally gets to see his creation on the tiny screen of his camera: a 350foot tall, multi-colored globe — he’s calling it “Marbled Sphere CR” — hovering above reflective waters, crowned by the Milky Way and framed by towering crags.

“The art I’m making isn’t the photograph. It’s a space-time sculpture,” Bellncula says of a process he calls “Lume Machina.”

Bellncula is a 50-year-old artist who spent more than 30 years as a director and stop-animation motion designer for advertising and design studios, including 20 years in New York, before arriving in Breckenridge several years ago. He spends 30 to 40 hours plotting his drone’s flight missions. This spherical flight, for example, travels through 93 different waypoints. Sometimes

Once he selects a dark, mountainous venue and carefully assembles GPS waypoints to build the pattern, he sets up his camera on a tripod and a flight-tracking tablet on another tripod. It’s a meticulous process involving dozens of essential steps. One miscue and the mission fails.

That’s what happened a week earlier, when miscommunication between the drone and the tablet’s software left it unable to fly.

“I learned a lesson last week about being thorough and the need to double check and triple check,” he says. He suspects a career behind a computer, with liberal use of the ctrl-Z undo function has left him less attuned to mistakes away from the computer.

“Out here I don’t have that luxury,” he says.

Bellncula first floated the idea of 3D drone light sculptures while working at a studio in New York in 2013.

Everyone loved the idea, but the technology wasn’t quite there to make it happen. Back then, he had to build his own drone.

“At first I thought maybe this would be a way to make a ton of money because no one else is doing this,” he says. “But that’s really not working so far.”

He processes his high-resolution photographs in such a way that he can print a shot as big as 3 feet by 4 feet.

Watching his process involves a flickering light dancing in the distant dark. After processing the photograph, the creation is finally visible. It’s a long journey from creation to exhibition. He envisions someday displaying his supersized photographs in a gallery. He hasn’t sold a piece yet and he talks, somewhat dreamily, about photographers and artists who sell their work for thousands of dollars.

“There’s no reason I can’t sell a photo at that price considering all the work I put into this,” says Bellncula, m o u n t ai n t own m agaz i ne . c o m | Fa l l 2 0 2 1

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Back at Clinton Gulch Reservoir, a former mining impoundment now owned by Vail Resorts as a water bank for snowmaking, Bellncula rolls through a lengthy checklist as he prepares his drone, tablet and camera. He’s got extra tape on his vintage 35mm lens, making sure it stays locked on the infinity focus setting. He’s got rocks in bags keeping his tripods steady.

the top half of the letter and the water reflecting the other half. This time, for his fifth and final flight of the night, he’s switched up the gel coverings on the DJI Mavic Pro’s lights — replacing blue and yellow with orange and red — to create a globe with different colors. He delays the flight for a minute to let a jet heading east finish its flight through his frame.

He keeps a running narrative of the process, noting every step on the preflight checklist as well as the drone’s flight, not unlike, say, NASA rocket scientists tracking their space shuttle from mission control. He’s happy to see the drone program connected to 16 different GPS satellites as he manually pilots it off the ground and lets the navigation program take over. As soon as the drone reaches its zone in the middle of the lake, some 400 feet away from the camera, it starts painting and Bellncula opens the camera’s shutter.

He worries about a gust of wind that slightly bobbles the drone at the bottom of the globe. A car on Colorado 91 flashes headlights across the water. The wind sends tiny ripples across the surface of the reservoir, dashing his hopes for a mirror-like reflection for the bottom of the “C.” As the drone flies back to its landing pad, Bellncula closes the shutter and gets his first glimpse at his creation.

A giant orb, 350-feet tall, hovers over the lake.

He’s already captured a red and yellow “C,” like the one in the Colorado map logo, with his drone sketching

“Oh look at that. Oh yeah,” he says giddily. “That’s a good one.”

who calls himself a ski bum and whose day job involves converting television shows into a format that can play on mobile devices.

He’s planning drone light sculptures above fracking drill sites and skyscrapers. He’d like to light up skies above the Texas and Oregon coastlines as well as the desert landscapes of Arizona and Utah. He wants to find a wet parking lot that could reflect his work like a mirror.

He aspires for technology that would enable super bright lights so he could sculpt something above, say, the shimmering Strip of Las Vegas. He attends drone conventions, where ever-expanding battery and light power give him all kinds of ideas.

“All I need is time and money,” he says. “Well, mostly money. I have plenty of time.”

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F U R N I T U R E

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M A T T R E S S E S

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I N T E R I O R

D E S I G N

WWW.IFURNISHCO.COM FRISCO FRISCO 725 TEN MILE DRIVE FRISCO, 725 TENCO MILE DRIVE 970- 668-1000

FRISCO, CO KREMMLING 970-668-1000

300 PARK AVENUE KREMMLING, CO 970-724-4000

KREMMLING

300 PARK AVENUE COMING LATE FALL 2021: STEAMBOAT KREMMLING,SPRINGS CO 1855 Shield Drive, 970-724-4000 Steamboat Springs, CO m o u n t ai n t own m agaz i ne . c o m | Fa l l 2 0 2 1

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A F OUR S E A S ON R E T R E AT B O U L D E R R I D G E , S T E A M B OAT S P R I NG S ef

V E R T I CA L A R T S C R A F T S A Y E A R R O U N D R ES PI T E FO R A N AC T I V E O U T D O O R FA M I LY

by Holly Resignolo photos by Gideon Photography

Alpine Mountain Ranch

Colorado has no shortage of stunning homes. It is far easier to find a completed house to settle into than build your own. When a Front Range couple discovered a spectacular property in the view-oriented, Steamboat Springs subdivision of Boulder Ridge, they were smitten.

Their mission began with the search for a firm that would assist in crafting their vision of a home that would accommodate their contemporary active, outdoor-loving lifestyle.

Looking to design more than a structure they searched for a team that would allow the location’s stunning vistas to shine through and be participants in the design of the living space both inside and out They came upon Vertical Arts Architecture in Steamboat’s Marketplace Plaza. With additional offices in Denver and Vail, they didn’t have to travel far to access an extraordinary group of professionals. Vertical Arts’ offers more than a blueprint; the firm consists of a multidisciplinary team of veteran architects, land planners, landscape designers, and interior design services to assist in every phase of a build and design project.

This beautiful property was sighted by Vertical Arts to take advantage of the slope of the lot to showcase the area’s panoramic views of Steamboat Ski Resort and Fish Creek Falls Canyon. Every level of the home was built to access the outdoors and allow movement from each outdoor living space back to the house with a terraced landscape design. Floor-to-ceiling windows and large lift and slide doors on the backside of the home bring the outdoors in

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Warm and cozy with fantastic views

at all times of the year. This mountain home is not yesteryear’s dark and heavy wooded house. The design is modern with a rustic flair, yet open and airy with a simple chic palette creating a canvas to allow

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the couple’s eclectic collection of artwork and personal items take center stage.

Although neighbors are nearby, the team at Vertical arts brought a

sense of privacy. Just 5 minutes from downtown Steamboat Springs this home is an easy retreat yet offers the feeling of being tucked away from it all, a perfect combination for mountain town living. www.vertical-arts.com

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

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Dine Local

Fall 2 0 2 1 | mou nt ai nt ownmagazi ne.c om The Butcher & Baker Cafe, Telluride

southwest colorado dining

“A quiet mountain town escape, with the luxury you deserve” Our elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites have all of the historic details that embrace our heritage complete with all of the modern amenities you desire. Experience The Dining Room’s elegant yet comfortable fine dining with old west f lair. We proudly host weddings, special events and business meetings.

Whether it’s f ly fishing the Rio Grande River, mountain biking our numerous all terrain trails, golfing on our championship golf courses, or simply enjoying the Colorado mountain lifestyle, we have something for everyone.

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

New Location!

Come find us behind the Roastery

chaffee county dining

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

BURGERS . MELTS . TOTS . LIL”L VIKINGS

314 E. Main St. Buena Vista, Colorado www.buenaviking.com

Great adventure calls for great spirits Introducing the lightweight Aluminum “Backcountry Bottle”

Perfect for your outdoor lifestyle

Salida, Colorado

Ta sting Room and Tours Open Daily woodsdi stillery.com @woodsdistillery 719-239-4315

MTN

cocktails

COLLABS IN A COLORADO MOUNTAIN T OWN

BY HOLLY RESIGNOLO

Storm Peak Brewery and Steamboat Whiskey Company announce the launch of Storm Peak “Maestro” Single Malt Whiskey.

It’s finally happened in the Boat, beer and whiskey have united! Storm Peak Brewery and Steamboat Whiskey Company proudly announced the release of Storm Peak “Maestro” Single Malt Whiskey, Routt County’s first single malt Colorado whiskey. This collaboration has, dare we say, been brewing for a while and the result is a whiskey that local beer drinkers and whiskey aficionados can get behind.

Corbin Korsgard, head distiller at Steamboat Whiskey Company says, “It was such a blast to work with another company in the fermentation industry. We brought together the local experts in making whiskey and the local experts in making beer and created a product like nothing else.”

Nathan Newhall, co-owner and head of research and development at Steamboat Whiskey Company noted, “The pandemic hit! Everyone had to close down their tap rooms,

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tasting rooms, restaurants and bars. I’d been thinking of a collaboration for a while and it felt like the right time to try something completely new and very local.”

He reached out to Storm Peak Brewery and the union between beer and whiskey was formed! Storm Peak Brewery created their popular Maestro IPA without the normally added hops, which can add a bitter taste to the whiskey.

The mash bill consists of flaked wheat, Munich and caramel malts, providing a sticky base for this brew. This was then double distilled in Steamboat Whiskey Company’s traditional pot stills and aged in ten gallon barrels for one year. The malts provide a rich, sweet and bold flavor. Reminiscent of a good ale. The traditional pot distillation only enhances this richness. Aging in small new-make oak barrels for one year adds a fresh oaky essence and a beautiful copper hue.

dillon dining

Tasting Notes Nose: dark fruit sweetness with chocolate follow through, soft floral forest, Palette: clean roasted malt, french toast breakfast notes quickly turning to vanilla caramel oak. Reminiscent of a smooth amber ale.

Finish: toasted oak, pleasant and lasting grain hardiness, savory whiskey finish that coats the pallet.

Storm Peak Colorado Single Malt Whiskey Specs 375ml 93.0% ALC/VOL $42.00 Steamboat Whiskey 1103 Lincoln Ave. Steamboat Springs, CO steamboatwhiskey.com

Be In the Know!

DINE LOCAL Access all of our restaurant reviews

Storm Peak Brewing 1885 Elk River Rd, Steamboat Springs, CO stormpeakbrewing.com

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MEET ASPEN RESTAURATEURS CRAIG AND SAMANTHA CORDTS-PEARCE S: But a chef-driven dive bar. It will look the same, but with an updated kitchen and back bar. It will still offer bar favorites and Mexican food but with an emphasis on fresh products.

Q: What attracted you to the Woody Creek Tavern?

C.: What doesn’t attract us? It’s the last watering hole we have in the valley.

S: It’s the last old-school watering hole in the valley, and we wanted to make sure it landed in the hands of locals.

I puff up the steep, wooden stairs leading to CP Restaurant Group on South Galena Street and am a little out of breath by the time I reach the large, lightfilled office of restaurateurs Samantha and Craig Cordts-Pearce. Samantha is seated to my left at one end of the room, and Craig is behind a desk at the other.

Struggling to remove a jacket sleeve inconveniently stuck mid-elbow, and with the other hand unwinding my scarf, I glance at Samantha. She is quick to assess the situation and offers to swap seats, supplies me with a pen, a pad if I need it, and even a glass of water.

Kindness itself. It’s also called being a manager—an essential part of any team.

Well-known restaurateurs and chefs are celebrities these days.

Certainly, in Aspen, Samantha and Craig Cordts-Pearce have made a name for themselves owning six restaurants currently: The Wild Fig; CP Burger; The Monarch, and SteakHouse NO. 316, in Aspen, Woody Creek Tavern about eight miles downvalley, and a second SteakHouse NO. 316, in Boulder.

I say currently because they’ve owned other restaurants including Brexi Brasserie, which became The Monarch and now has a gentleman’s club vibe, 52

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and Lulu Wilson’s situated in a cozy, intimate Victorian house which became SteakHouse NO.316. Aside from profitability, Craig and Samantha have an innate sense of what works. SteakHouse NO. 316 is so popular they opened the other larger steak house in Boulder. It has an elegant atmosphere and until recently was their newest venture. The Wild Fig, their first restaurant, which has a Mediterranean cuisine, is still going strong since it opened in 2003.

Samantha is wearing a black sweater over jeans, while Craig favors a more casual grey hoodie. She has modestly called herself “a worker bee” while referring to her husband as a “visionary.”

Whatever the balance of their yin and yang partnership, their combined dualism spells success.

I ask them first about their most recent acquisition, The Woody Creek Tavern, a former hangout of the late Hunter S. Thompson, about to reopen under their stewardship.

S: It’s brand new for us and we are in the midst of developing it and changing up the menu.

Q: Will you keep it the same?

C: Yes, it’s pretty much a dive bar.

Q: Speaking of living locally, you and Craig have been in Aspen a long time?

S: Thirty years. He’s been here twentyeight years, something like that.

C: She was working at the Smuggler (Smuggler Land Office Bar & Grill) and I was working at the Caribou Club. We met in Aspen, but when working next door to each other, that’s when we really connected.

Q: Craig you were a busser when you first started. Did you ever want to become a chef?

C: No. We’re both front-of-house people.

We know how to taste good food and to taste good wine.

Q: Aside from the Woody Creek Tavern, how do you decide what kind of food you will serve in each restaurant?

C: The building dictates what kind of restaurant it will be. That’s how we do all of our projects, the building speaks to us.

Q: I read you travel the world to find menu ideas.

S: We don’t travel the world looking for new menu items, but we travel and that’s what we love to do and that’s why we work so hard, so we can travel. During our travels, we are inspired by the foods we find.

Q: Where do you like to go?

S: Living in the mountains, we like to go to the beach and we like to go to cities. We like big cities, but not like LA

that is all spread out, but like London, New York, and Paris where the center is humming and you know you’re in a city.

We love Europe and travel extensively there; South Africa, Central Europe, wherever. We have a giant bucket list!

C: That’s the fun part of the job.

We talk about their two teenage children, and Samantha says they like to eat with them at The Wild Fig, which is their first restaurant in Aspen that they refer to as their “baby.”

Q: What about traveling? Do you have a favorite family destination?

C: We go everywhere together. Greece is one of our favorite places.

Craig mentions that their 18-year-old son is going to the University of St. Andrews in Scotland in the fall. (Where Prince William and his wife the Duchess of Cambridge went.)

Their daughter is almost 16 and just finished her high school varsity soccer season.

S: They just made it to the State Championships. Like all Aspen kids they are both into sports, play tennis in the summer, and recently got their scuba certification in Honduras.

Q: What about you and Craig, do you have time for sports?

S: We always say we are going to play tennis! As a family, we ski, hike, bike, surf, and scuba dive. The Belize Barrier Reef continuing down to Honduras is the second largest barrier reef system in the world, and more alive than Australia so it’s amazing to dive there.

Craig and Samantha are playful with each other and have a good sense of humor.

Q: What would people be surprised to learn about both of you?

C: I like to knit.

S: I won a car on The Price is Right.

I almost believe them till Samantha admits they’re joking.

Q: Seriously, what would one be surprised to learn about you?

C: I’m petrified of heights.

S: He used to be a Paraglider years ago and had a scare in the sky. Now

he’s afraid of heights and doesn’t do it anymore.

They banter back and forth about a few other likes and dislikes.

C: Seriously, a good fact is many people out there don’t know we design and build our own restaurants. A lot of people say they do, but we actually use our hands.

S: Craig designs them and does everything on the interior, hammers nails, picks the colors, installs wood floors, does the trim, moldings, kitchen, bar, everything. Craig designed this office and the whole building inside.

C: We could almost have a design firm attached to our business if we wanted to.

This space has such good energy. It’s cool to be in town too.

They are both friendly and open, and clearly happy to work here. Craig remodeled the office and the entire top floor of the building for other tenants, including reclaiming the 150-year-old oak floors, exposing all the original brick, put up moldings, new sheetrock, lighting, and bathrooms.

S: We’ve been in this building for a long time and used to have twice as much office space. It’s a bit of a shambles right now. We went paperless a few months ago and got rid of seven filing cabinets and are down to one —waving her hand at an area that must have been more congested.

I take a moment to look around. Aside from the original 19th-century brick, the walls are painted a deep, deep shade of green, a chic effect given the light from the large waist-high-to-ceiling windows.

There is a huge poster for CP Burger lying against a wall in one corner and several boxes on the floor, which seems like normal stuff to me. All, that is, except a big bright shiny red object in the middle of the room. Craig pats it fondly informing me it is Berkel used for slicing meats like prosciutto, He pats it again as if it were a Ferrari. But then in the food business, the right machine can save a lot of time and money and produce a better product.

Q: I know CP Restaurant Group has over 200 employees, including those at the Woody Creek Tavern. What are the qualities you look for when hiring staff?

S: They have to be passionate about the business. We don’t want someone

just looking for a paycheck. Anyone who doesn’t love food, design, wine hospitality, and people, we pretty much don’t hire.

C: There’s a lot of learning to do also, such as orientation for new and existing staff, tasting of new menus for the upcoming season, and some management excursions.

Q: What about the wine lists Samantha, are you involved?

S: Back in the day, I used to do it at The Wild Fig, but General Manager Teresa Mulvaney is a Certified Sommelier and chooses the wine. As we’ve grown, we have sommeliers in all of our restaurants, who are fantastic.Q: Craig, I’ve heard your grandmother was a big influence in your life?

Craig, who spent his formative years in Cape Town, South Africa, begins to tell a story about his grandmother, which is riveting. He says her name was Norma Harmon and she had a homeopathic practice for 46-years in Durbin. He lived there during his childhood and traveled around with her to different local townships, where she treated people in their homes and counseled them there. She never charged her patients but accepted donations. Other patients would come to their home at 66 Chelsea Drive in Durbin; sometimes they’d bring food such as potatoes in lieu of payment.

“But by Friday, there was always enough money through donations to cover bills.”

After his grandfather passed, his grandmother became a swami –“ like an Indian nun”, even comparing her to Mother Teresa “She was a tiny woman, blonde blue-eyed, who would fit under my arm. She also converted to Hinduism.” He goes on to describe growing up in Ashrams and Indian homes where he would sit on the floor and eat with about 20 people using his hands.

“As a young boy, I grew up in that whole world of gurus and eating Indian food. My grandmother was often surrounded by as many as 200-300 people. She opened three homeopathic clinics in India too and never charged for them. I’ve never been to India but in Johannesburg right now there’s one called Soham Sanctuary.

It’s huge, about 4 blocks by 4 blocks. As well as homeopathy, the clinic provides counseling, reflexology, gardens, and prayer rooms.” Harmon authored several

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C HEE R S

EXPERIENCE STEAMBOAT WHISKEY COMPANY COCKTAILS, BOTTLE SALES & TASTINGS Have You Tried Our New Food Menu?

We Have Dessert!

OPEN Weekdays 3PM , Weekends 12PM VISIT US 1103 Lincoln Ave k DOWNTOWN STEAMBOAT www.SteamboatWhiskeyCo.com 970-846-3534 54

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books and won an Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award. Craig shows me the medallion on a chain around his neck with a symbol engraved on it, which he says is Norma’s personal Om and he wears it all the time to remind him of his grandmother.

While Craig hasn’t been to India, his face lights up when he talks about the Indian food he had growing up in South Africa, especially when cooking using an open fire, which he loves. He is also enthusiastic about a famous Argentine chef, Francis Mallman, who cooks many of his signature dishes using the same method. “I’ve seen Mallman on a Netflix show Chef’s Table. A man who travels globally, but whose home base in Patagonia is so remote it takes a boat and a plane to get to it.”

We tossed around names of other favorite chefs and restaurants and then went back to discussing Indian food. While they both love Indian cuisine, they don’t think they’ll ever open an Indian restaurant. Never say never, I thought recalling, the delectable Moules Frites in a curry sauce I’ve had at The Wild Fig. But their focus, for now, is on The Woody Creek Tavern. A hangout so beloved by locals and steeped in lore it’s become iconic. Owning a restaurant like that with such character and history is like owning something integral to the land and its people, something that never fades, but only grows richer.

Well aware of the pleasures and pitfalls of the restaurant business, Craig and Samantha know what it takes to succeed, and in taking on the mantle from prior owners of The Woody Creek Tavern, want to ensure its legacy continues.

Q: This pandemic year must have been a tough one for restaurants?

S: Having the government decide for you when you can open and how you can open—not being in control of your life has been challenging.

It is evident from our conversation, Craig and Samantha are hardworking people, who are passionate about everything they do in life, but especially conceptualizing, developing, and running their restaurants. It takes a lot of work, drive, and yes, toughness to succeed in the restaurant business but in the end, it’s all about love. And it couldn’t be more obvious in talking with them, they absolutely love what they are doing. Craig likened dinner service in their restaurants to the theatre: “When we open at 5 pm, it’s showtime. As you walk in the door, the curtain goes up, everything is live, and all your hard work as a director pays off.”

In the world of restaurants, the show must go on.

Now, about to reopen The Woody Creek Tavern, Craig and Samantha Cordts-Pearce are at the top of their game, having earned all the accolades they’ve received.

by Jillian Livingston AspenRealLife.com

steamboat dining

ITALIAN INSPIRED CUISINE FRESH PASTAS / PIZZA / STEAK / FISH / SMALL PLATES

SERVING ITALIAN INSPIRED CUISINE IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

open

4pm-close 4 - 5 :3 0 p m

happy hour

i ta l i a n h o t s p o t

s m a l l p l at e s , a n t i pa s t i , p i z z a , pa s ta ,

d e c a d e n t d e s s e r t s , c r a f t c o c k ta i l s , wine list, kids menu

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9 7 0 .8 7 0 .0 5 0 0

4pm-close h a p p y h o u r 4 - 5 :3 0 p m open

a k i s s o f l at i n

ta pa s , e n t r e e s , c r a f t c o c k ta i l s ,

wine list, kids menu

818

l i n c o l n av e . b e s a m e s t e a m b o at . c o m

9 7 0 .7 6 1 .2 5 6 1

open

7 :3 0 a m - c l o s e

local, organic

b r e a k fa s t

&

+

s u s ta i n a b l e f o o d

lunch, espresso bar,

c r a f t c o c k ta i l s , o - p r o o f c o c k ta i l s , wine list, soft serve ice cream, kids menu

207 9th

st.

ya m pava l l e y k i t c h e n . c o m

9 7 0 .8 7 5 .3 9 8 9 find us on:

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Slope Room Vail

BY PEPPER HAMILTON

It’s fun to feel swanky! When you step into Slope Room at the new Gravity Haus in Vail, you will get all the feels as you enter their stylish and posh dining space. Slope Room is more than a beautiful salle a manger, it is a restaurant that offers exceptionally crafted food along with prompt, professional service. This establishment immerses your senses in a satisfying, heady dining experience.

Slope Room, is not a new name. It was previously a legendary Vail bar back in the 60’s. Housed in the new Gravity Haus slopeside lodging facility, the hotel’s guests and members (a group of outdoor enthusiasts who seek to maximize their time getting outdoors) have a nutritious 126 seat mountain bistro offering something for everyone.

Part of the founder’s vision was to bring nutritious food to their members and visitors to fuel up to start the day out or replenish at day’s end. Chef Alberto Rogelio Soto prides himself on sourcing organic and sustainable foods from a variety of local producers like Christensen Ranch. A Colorado ranch where four generations pride themselves in raising cattle naturally. No antibiotics ever is the foundation of Red Bird Farms for raising the chicken that you will find in addition to many other eco-conscious purveyors on Slope Room menus.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all offered at Slope Room. I adored the Seared Scottish Salmon at a recent visit with nori dumplings and miso bok choy for dinner.

My companion chose and delighted over a perfectly seared 8oz Denver Steak complemented with an eggplant caponata. Rather than start with an appetizer, which was very tempting, we decided to save room for dessert instead. I do not know the last time I’ve had Baked Alaska, but Slope Room’s S’More Baked Alaska was sensational.

A carefully curated Slope Room winter menu has officially rolled out, and we look forward to experiencing more of their elevated offerings. Some Apres-ski appetizers and cocktails this winter will be a perfect end to a day out in Vail. www.sloperoom.com 56

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TACOS!

BY PEPPER HAMILTON

Tacos! You know you want them, you know you crave them, but where can you snatch up a few mouth watering Mexican tortillas piled high with your favorite fillings? The list is large but we have three you may want to consider after a day fueled by activities here in our Colorado mountain towns:

Teocalli Tamale CRESTED BUTTE

As Crested Butte local Will Dujardin says, “If you’ve been to Crested Butte and haven’t been to Teocalli Tamale yet, you’re kind of blowing it.” A Crested Butte staple since the early 2000s, “Teo” has been dishing out burritos, tacos, tamales, and margaritas right on Elk Avenue that keep patrons coming back whatever the season.” Step up to the counter and order for sit down or take out. Burritos, Tacos, and Tamales are their specialty! Image bottom left.

311 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte www.teocallitamale.com

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Taco del Gnar RIDGWAY

Please be warned, the taco you are about to experience is addicting, and you will want more, and you will plan your trip around the ability to get in on time to have one, two or five of these gnar’licious menu selections at Taco Del Gnar. With a location in Ridgway plan to stop before you head to Telluride, Ouray or Silverton. Image bottom right 630 Sherman Street, Ridgway

Sancho Tacos & Tequila BRECKENRIDGE

Come in, sit down and select from a large list of authentic Mexican street taco fillings. We love the ala carte selections, Order one or ten and wash it all down with a great margarita.

Tacos and Tequilas are served up in their Breckenridge La Cima Mall location. Image top middle 500 S. Main Street, La Cima Mall, Breckenridge www.sanchotaco.com

breckenridge dining

PARADISE

Quality

Has an Address!

Dining Treat yourself to our family-friendly menu with many steak options and an engaging kid’s menu.

KATHY CHRISTINA

Located Slopeside Peak 9 at Beaver Run Resort 620 Village Road, Breckenridge For reservations call 970.453.8755

MTN METRO REAL ESTATE

www.BeaverRun.com

BROKER/OWNER 970-389-1321 www.mtnmetro.com 411 S. Main Street, Breckenridge

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P

Two Locations Same "Award Winning Beer"

Open everyday 11 AM-10:30 PM for indoor and outdoor seating

#GetLost

at one of our two taprooms in Breckenridge New Main Steet Taproom | 520 S. Main Street Brewery & Taproom | 68 Continental Ct. Unit B-12 www.brokencompassbrewing.com

breckenridge dining

WORK, PLAY, & STAY

IN THE MOUNTAINS GET MORE WITH A GRAVITY HAUS MEMBERSHIP! Slopeside Stays

Fitness + Recovery

Haus Quiver Gear

Member Adventures

Community Events

StarterHaus Co-Working

Locations in BRECKENRIDGE, DENVER, VAIL & WINTER PARK Visit GravityHaus.com to Learn More

La Cima Mall, 520 S Main Street, Breckenridge

www.sanchotaco.com

frisco dining

Bar & Grill

The Finest Seafood, Steaks and Entrees Casually Elegant, Moderately Priced with Great Specials 601 Main Street, Frisco 970-668-0345 Check Our Updated Menu at:

www.silverheelsrestaurant.com

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

DINNER MENU . SALOON MENU & HAPPY HOUR

At Frisco Prime our food is made with all-natural ingredients.

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

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

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

Dine Local Directory ASPEN

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

BRECKENRIDGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CRESTED BUTTE

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

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

DURANGO

Animas Chocolate Company 920 Main Avenue Durango, CO (970) 317-5761 animaschocolatecompany.com

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

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

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

Eat Local Durango, CO local-first.org

FRISCO

Kemosabe Sushi 605 Main Street Frisco, CO (970) 668-2100 Sauce on the Maggie kemosabesushi.com Village at Breckenridge

655 South Park Avenue Silverheels Bar & Grill Breckenridge, CO 601 Main Street (970) 547-5959 Frisco, CO sauceontheblue.com (970)668-0345 silverheelsrestaurant.com

Frisco Prime 20 Main Street Frisco, CO (970) 668-5900 friscoprime.com Highside Brewery 720 Main Street Frisco, CO (970) 668-2337 highsidebrewing.com The Uptown on Main 304 Main Street Frisco, CO (970) 668-4728 theuptownfrisco.com Vinny’s Frisco 310 Main Street Frisco, CO (970) 668-0340 vinnysfriscorestaurant.com

GEORGETOWN

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

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Aurum 811 Yampa Street Steamboat Springs,CO (970) 879-9500 aurumsteamboat.com

Steamboat Whiskey Company 55 11th Street Steamboat Springs,CO (970) 761-2467 steamboatwhiskeyco.com Besame 818 Lincoln Avenue Steamboat Springs,CO (970) 761-5681 besamesteamboat.com Mambo 521 Lincoln Ave Steamboat Springs,CO (970) 879-9500 mambos.com For more restaurant information: www.mountaintownmagazine.com m o u n t ai n t own m agaz i ne . c o m | Fa l l 2 0 2 1

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F I R E! Telluride Fire Festival

breckenridgeyogafest.com Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Telluride Fire Festival is back! The annual gathering of flameinspired art is being reimagined by Rocky Mountain Arts. The fiery events, which will be mostly out of doors will offer art and culture to all safely this December 3-5 in Telluride. Masks will be provided for those that don’t have them at the one indoor theatrical event. “We need to continue to support artists and we can and will do it safely, said Chris Myers,” Board President.

Expect over-the-top fiery art shooting flames high into the night sky at the 7th annual Festival this December. There will be many activities including the family friendly event at the historic Transfer Warehouse, which will enchant all with interactive, flaming sculptures, fire dancers, music and a cash bar. Telluride Fire Festival and Rocky Mountain Arts Rocky Mountain Arts, produces the Telluride Fire Festival, to create and sustain interactive and performing arts.

T H I N K! Original Thinkers

originalthinkers.com After hosting a smashing line-up in its inaugural year, Original Thinkers is gearing up for the second annual Art/Ideas/Film Festival in Telluride, CO. Save the date: October 3-6, 2019. Original Thinkers is a new festival of art, ideas, and documentaries that will create change by bringing together a rad collective of creators, innovators and most of all, doers. Each highly curated show features riveting speakers, unforgettable films, mind-expanding art and performance providing a multi-dimensional look at these individual big ideas. Hear stories, share stories and bring new thoughts and awareness to your life through this gathering.

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

Caring for Colorado’s Outdoors has never been easier!

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

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BE E R!

Oktoberfest, Sunlight Mountain Resort sunlightmtn.com October 16, 2021 10901 Co Rd 117, Glenwood Springs Join Sunlight Mountain Resort for live music, food, drinks, raffles, and fun to support The Kirstie Ennis Foundation! All proceeds and ticket sales will go directly back to TKEF programming!

The resort is excited to share three bands, six of your favorite Colorado breweries, three distilleries, and unique catering from the Roaring Fork Valley with you at one of our favorite places!

General admission tickets ($50) include three food vendor tickets, four drink tickets, and access to all music.

11-1 PM: Shady Lane 130-330: Rodney Rice 4-7: Whiskey Stomp Come enjoy some great beer with a classic fall backdrop before the snow sets in.

SHOP!

Wassail Days

townoffrisco.com Wassail Days in Frisco returns with super fun celebrations of all things winter and the holidays, celebrated by local businesses offering unique wassail recipes to sample. What’s Wassail? Wassail is a hot, spiced cider served over the holidays and shared among friends and neighbors.

From Saturday, November 27 – Sunday, December 5, 2021, local businesses serve up their own secret version of wassail. Guests are encouraged to taste at least 12 different types of wassail at 12 different locations and fill their “12 Sips of Wassail Card.” Once the “12 Sips” card is filled out guests can turn them in at the Frisco/Copper Information Center in exchange for a commemorative Frisco Wassail Days mug, while supplies last.

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MOUNTAIN TOWN PICKIN’S GET READY TO GRAB YOUR PUMPKINS AT ONE OF COLORADO’S U-PICK PUMPKIN FARMS Check the weather forecast so you know what to wear. Plug in one of these farms addressed and prepare to head out for some great friend & Family fun.

Moon Farm’s Pumpkin Patch

1360 18 1/2 Rd, Fruita, CO 81521 Open September 29th - October 31st Hours 10am - 7pm Pricing for October-$7 per person 4 years and older.

The price includes admission to Moon Farm, the petting zoo, straw maze, corn maze, and a hayride. Pumpkins are sold by size.

School Field Trips Haunted Straw Maze Activities Petting Zoo Haunted Castle Creepy Clown House www.moonfarm.net

Studt’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

21 ½ and I ½ Road Grand Junction, CO Studt’s Pumpkin Patch has 12 acres of pumpkins with over 45 different varieties for you to choose from.

Pink, red, brown, yellow, orange, and white create a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

The corn maze is a 12 acres field of fun. Three fun family games for all ages are located in the maze. You can play Farm Scene Tracks, Farm Treasure Hunt, or Farm Scene Investigation. Game cards are available at the ticket booth when you come in. In addition to these, the maze contains two story trails for small children. www.studtspumpkinpatchandcornmaze.com

Flafa Pumpkin Patch

54 County Road 221 Durango, CO Falfa Pumpkin Patch is a family-run, real pumpkin patch where you can pick your pumpkin right off the vine. Yes, we are an authentic pumpkin patch---we grow our own pumpkins here. We have a wide variety of pumpkins that you won’t find in the store and they are very reasonably priced. No admission charge---we want to make this an affordable experience for your family . Pets are welcome. You won’t be swamped by busloads of kids! Our goal is for our customers to come out and enjoy a beautiful day in the pumpkin patch and hopefully leave with some great pumpkins and lasting memories. www.falfapumpkinpatch.com

Punk’s Pumpkin Patch

Delta, CO Punk’s was created with a vision for families of Western Colorado to come together with exciting new adventures and an opportunity to learn about farming and animals. We’ve got all kinds of fun adventures for you and your children to enjoy. At Punks we offer a variety of specialty pumpkins and gourds, hand planted raised right here on the farm. We have also created the ultimate place for a Fall Family Adventure. Slides, obstacle courses, bump and jumps, zip lines, petting zoo, pony rides, games, ninja course, a dedicated area for toddlers, and so much more! Come join us during the month of October daily from 10:00am-6:00pm! www.punkspumpkinpatch.com

Covered Bridge Ranch

17249 6250 (Dave Wood) Rd Montrose, Colorado 81403 September 25 - October 30, 2021 Friday, Saturday and Sundays Hours: 10:00am to 5:30pm No reservation necessary! $10 Admission (under 1 free) includes all activities* 3-day Pass - $25 can be used any three days Please call (970) 249-8333 for details Activities: Pumpkin Patch Hayride with Treasure Hunt - Beautiful ride!

Farm Animal Barrel Train Human Hamster Wheel Hay Bale Maze “Corn” Sand Pit - this popular activity is back!

Face Painting Slide down the Rabbit Hole Snake Pit Challenge Climb the Giant Haystack Farm Animals Crawl the Giant Spider Web Refreshment Cabin Super Slide Campfire Marshmallows to Roast www.coveredbridgeranch.com

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OCTOBER October 1 – 3, 2021 Unique Fall Photography Weekend, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Unique Fall Photography Weekend at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch with Coloradobased Jad Davenport, an awardwinning National Geographic photographer.

Davenport will work with guests to capture photos on smartphones or guest cameras, providing tips on storytelling through photos, share the ideal times to take photographs, lighting, backdrops and much more. There will be activities throughout the weekend such as a photography hike to capture the changing colors and landscape photography as well as a blue hour session at Anderson Cabin.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is an ideal fall location to see the Aspens changing colors. The luxury resort hosts daily guided fall hikes with onsite naturalists who can share why the Aspen trees turn gold, discuss what native plants and animals thrive in the mountains as well as how they prepare for the harsh Colorado winter season. Additionally, guests can soak in the views while relaxing in the year-round, outdoor heated pool located at the base of the mountain, sip drinks or participate in daily art workshops. www.ritzcarlton.com October 1-5, 2021 Vail Beaver Creek Retsaurant Week, Vail Valley This Fall will kick off $20.21 Vail– Beaver Creek Restaurant Week!

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events will feature a wide variety of specials all starting at $20.21 showcasing the incredible culinary offerings available throughout Vail and Beaver Creek. www.diningataltitude.com October 1 – 3, 2021 Downtown Art Fest, Grand Junction The Art Festival will kick-off on Friday, October 1st in various galleries, shops, and select restaurants during First Friday.

On Saturday, October 2nd, the Festival will continue with the Artist Expo on Main Street.

The event will be filled with local artists/vendors and live demonstrations/performances.

Closing out the weekend, the Grand Junction Film Festival will highlight a diverse range of student and professional filmmakers on Sunday, Oct 3rd. www.visitgrandjunction.com October 1, 2021 Vail Valley Art Guild First Friday, Minturn Join the Vail Valley Art Guild the First Friday of every month, for an Exhibition Reception in Minturn!

5-8pm, 291 Main St, Minturn www.minturn.org October 1, 2021 October First Friday – Local’s Appreciation Party, Silverthorne The Town of Silverthorne and Locals’ Liquors celebrates the locals that make our community unique at October’s First Friday!

Join us on the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center Lawn on Friday, October 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. for a free beer and liquor tasting event featuring live music from The Samples and the Chris Bauer Trio. The Locals’ Appreciation Party is a free community event, but donations to community non-profits are strongly encouraged. In 2019, the Locals’ Appreciation Party raised more than $14,000 for area non-profits. www.silverthorne.org

October 2, 2021 112th Annual Potato Day Celebration, Carbondale The 112th Carbondale Annual Potato Day celebration is set for Saturday October 2nd, 2021 in Sopris Park. This year’s theme is “Tuber Renaissance.” The potato is an underground tuber and renaissance means renewal.

This year we celebrate our own renewal as we begin to emerge from the pandemic restrictions, like a potato tuber sending its leaves above ground to absorb the light.

The festival will include a parade down Main Street, booths and family activities in Sopris Park, along with the traditional community meal consisting of bbq’d beef, salad and of course, baked potato.

Potato Day is Carbondale’s oldest community event, originally a way for ranchers and farmers to celebrate the end of harvest season and come together to socialize and have fun. It still holds a special place in the heart of this community and in order to continue to preserve this cherished celebration, it needs the support of people like you. www.carbondale.com/events October 2 – 3, 2021 Women’s Wine Tour, Paonia & Hotchkiss Let’s get together and go tour Colorado’s Wine Country! We’ll enjoy a comfortable (and very scenic) drive to Colorado’s Wine Country, stopping at 3-4 wineries in Paonia and Hotchkiss. We’ll also stop for lunch along the way. Groups are smaller this year so be sure to RSVP early! https://www.gunnisonvalleywn. com/events/2021-gvwn-fall-winetour-saturday Please RSVP by September 24th so we can hold this date/reservation. Payment in advance will be required to hold your spot. www.gunnisonvalleywn.com October 3, 2021 5th Annual City of Fruita Youth Scholarship Golf Tournament, Fruita The City of Fruita Parks &

Recreation Department and the Fruita Rotary Club are partnering again this year to jointly present the 5th Annual Youth Scholarship Golf Tournament.

Through the support of local businesses, funds raised at the 2020 tournament provide recreational opportunities to families of the community. These funds allow the City of Fruita to award passes and program opportunities to kids who are in need. Adobe Creek National Golf Course Shot Gun Start at 1 p.m.

4 Person Scramble Dinner Provided Team Entry – $300 (Registration Code: 155900-4A) Individual Entry – $75 (Registration Code: 155900-3A) www.fruita.org/parksrec/ page/5th-annual-city-fruitaparks-and-recreation-youthscholarship-golf-tournament October 4,2021 Colorado Adventure Guides/ SCOMBA Intro to Mountain Biking Skills Clinic, Frisco This full-day course from Colorado Adventure Guides will focus on the fundamental mountain biking skills and is designed for riders with little or no mountain biking experience, or those who have riding experience and would like to become better technical riders.

Each rider’s current riding level will be assessed, and instructors will teach important skills that will make each rider safer and more efficient on the trail in order to make mountain biking a more fun experience. This course will also include on-trail skills application.

Cost and What’s Included General Public – $200 SCoMBA Members – $150** All courses are sponsored by the All courses are sponsored by the Summit County Mountain Bike Alliance (SCoMBA), and a portion of your fee will be donated to this non-profit.

Course fee includes instruction and lunch but does not include bike rental. www.townoffrisco.com

October 8, 2021 Second Friday Artwalk, Eagle EagleARTS has an amazing line up for the 2nd Friday ARTwalk Series along the Broadway Promenade in Eagle, Colorado 5 to 8pm. www.eagleoutside.com/event/ event-calendar/

Lake. We will have a short hike 1-2 miles, and a longer hike 4 miles.

We will all meet at the Axis clinic in Eagle, CO, for breakfast (provided by Axis), before breaking off into our Adventure groups. www.axis.com

October 8, 2021 Oktoberfest, Gunnison An outdoor community celebration at The Gunnison Bank with complimentary German fare catered by Mario’s, draft beer from High Alpine Brewery (bring your ID; two free drink tickets for 21+ attendees), authentic polka music by The Pete Dunda Band, & kid-friendly activities. Whatever the weather, please come out & enjoy the off season with The Gunnison Bank & Trust Company! Prost!

October 9, 2021 What a Girl Wants Expo, Durango What A Girl Wants is a fun and informational event geared towards all women. It will include a variety of products, services, information, and entertainment.

Vendors include health and beauty, home improvement, sports and outdoors, clothing and accessories, cooking, exercise and weight loss, dermatology, dentistry, chiropractic and more! There will also be a food vendor, wine and cocktails.

The entry fee is $6 for adults.

Kids 12 and under are free.

There will also be door prizes in addition to the many unique items available for purchase. www.durango.com/event/whata-girl-wants/

October 9, 2021 Man of the Cliff. Avon The 11th annual Man of the Cliff returns to Avon for another round of lumber-jack games and outdoor ruggedness! And the best thing about MOTC is 100% of all funds raised benefit local charity, Can Do MS. For more information and a list of events please visit Man of the Cliff. www.avon.org/893/Man-of-theCliff October 9, 2021 Axis Adventure Day, Eagle We have overcome so much in the last year that it is time to celebrate! Join us for a celebration of your successes with your friends, family, and the staff of Axis Sports Medicine in Eagle County.

GOLF: We will be hosting a golf tournament at Eagle Ranch Golf Club. Prizes will be awarded!

Players will need to pay for their own round, and golf cart rental (optional).BIKE: A group will mountain bike on the Haymaker Trail (3-4 miles, easy), with an option to ride the Boneyard Trail (5 miles, more difficult).HIKE: A group will hike 2-3 miles, on the Bear Gulch trail near Sylvan

October 9, 2021 Octoberfest,Glenwood Springs On the first three Saturdays in October, celebrate Octoberfest at Glenwood Caverns! October 2, 9 and 16, enjoy our fall-themed experience with pumpkins, Oompah bands, dirndls, outdoor games, brats and a beer garden. www.glenwoodcaverns.com/ October 9, 2021 Second Annual 1K Rally Thru the Alley!, Ridgway In 2021, we have two exciting options for The Rally Thru The Alley — An in-person event (The Ridgway 1K) AND a Sleepin Event (The Ridgway 0.0k).

PLUS- the event will end at the San Juan Barrel Fest (A festivus of beer, wine and cider tasting!).

AND for those who want to add a serious activity to a silly event, we are offering the 5k warmup loop to the event! www.ridgway1k.com m o u n t ai n t own m agaz i ne . c o m | Fa l l 2 0 2 1

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October 9, 2021 San Juan Barrel Fest, Ridgway San Juan Barrel Fest is a fundraiser for the Sherbino worthy of a cheers! Barrel brewers and vintneres from teh Western Colorado Region gather to share a cask or barrel of something special at this event. Each maker will either create a special brew or winesome with inventive ingredients, others in a more traditional style for sampling at the event. The San Juan Barrel Fest includes live music from the AJ Fullerton Band! Participation in the SJBF is restricted to 21+ with photo ID at the ready, although all ages are welcome to attend and enjoy other music and activities! sherbino.org October 10, 2021 Spartan Challenge, Telluride This fall, the peaceful ski Town of Mountain Village, CO transforms into a brutal battle ground.

The action starts on Saturday at the Telluride Ski Resort as obstacle racers compete on an epic mountain Spartan Beast™ course. Then, on Sunday morning, Elite racers will fight it out during the first Spartan Ultra™ World Championship on American soil. Spartan Ultra is a 50 km, 60 obstacle race built to break your limits over the world’s most difficult terrain. It’s our most intense obstacle course race, but reaching the finish line will leave you with a euphoria that will transform your life.

The Ultra is a Spartan Trifecta eligible even. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic Championship weekend. www.telluride.com October 14 – 17, 2021 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championship, Purgatory Resort The collegiate mountain bike national championship is coming to Purgatory Resort!

Stay tuned for more details, and plan to be here for four days of racing with the best collegiate athletes in the country. www.durango.com 70

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October 15 – 17,2021 Ridgway Spirit Fest, Ridgway The purpose of Ridgway Spirit Fest, Inc. is to advance awareness by offering presentations, speakers, discussion groups, movement, art and music, thereby increasing understanding of the many paths, faiths, cultures, philosophies and wisdom traditions. Ridgway Spirit Fest is not affiliated with a church or religion. www.ridgwayspiritfest.com October 15 – 16, 2021 Telluride Horror Show, Telluride Colorado’s first and longestrunning horror film festival – named one of the Coolest Film Festivals by MovieMaker magazine – attracts the latest and best horror films from all over the world for a goosebump-inducing gathering www.telluride.com/play/ festivals-events/telluride-horrorshow-2020 October 16, 2021 TKEF Oktoberfest, Carbondale The Kirstie Ennis Foundation (TKEF) will be putting on Oktoberfest at Sunlight Mountain Resort featuring three (3) bands, three (3) restaurants, and nine (9) breweries/distilleries. Proceeds benefit TKEF. Watch for more details in the months to come! www.carbondale.com/events October 16, 2021 Octoberfest, Glenwood Springs On the first three Saturdays in October, celebrate Octoberfest at Glenwood Caverns! October 2, 9 and 16, enjoy our fall-themed experience with pumpkins, Oompah bands, dirndls, outdoor games, brats and a beer garden. www.glenwoodcaverns.com October 16, 2021 Town Square Scare 2021, Kremmling Join us for the 2nd Annual Town Square Scare. This is a fun community event, that takes place in the Kremmling Town Square. We will have fun

Halloween games, arts and crafts, movie at dark and good ol’ fashioned family fun! www.kremmlingchamber.com/ events/details/town-squarescare-2021-119 October 23, 2021 Truck-N-Treat, Fruita October means time to go trickor-treating!

10 AM-noon. Civic Center www.fruita.org/parksrec/page/ truck-n-treat October 25, 2021 Outdoor Industry Summit, Salida The Outdoor Industry Summit is an exploration of growth/scale opportunities, stewardship & education for those operating an outdoor recreation business or nonprofit in the Central Mountain region. www.centralsbdc.org October 29 – 31, 2021 Murder in the Mountains: A Thriller Festival, Crested Butte Celebrating murder and mayhem — the fictional kind — at nine thousand feet: A thrilling weekend celebrating all things murder and mystery, including author conversations, panels, mystery writing workshops, true-crime podcast discussions, youth forensics workshop, “Noir in the Bar” events, murder mystery dinner, and more! www.travelcrestedbutte.com October 30, 2021 Western Dance, Silverthorne Enjoy an evening of guided lessons from 7-8 p.m. followed by open dancing and cash bar until 11 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. www.silverthorne.org

NOVEMBER November 5 – 6, 2021 Western Slope Cowboy Gathering, Grand Junction A long-running program of the Museums of Western Colorado,

the gathering hosts a wide range of top local and national cowboy poets and western singers and presents two days and nights of good family fun, featuring great cowboy entertainment. Headlining this year’s gathering will be The Cowboy Way. The Western Slope Cowboy Gathering will be held at the Grand Valley Events Center on November 5 and 6. Ticketing and performer line up will be released soon. Please visit our webpage to learn more. www.visitgrandjunction.com November 5, 2021 First Friday ArtWalk & Music, Gunnison Stroll down Main Street of beautiful, historic Gunnison from 5 – 8 pm on the first Friday of the month, to visit unique galleries, shops, studios, and more, featuring a wide variety of local art, artists, and musicians.

Join us in the Galleries and SHOP of the Gunnison Arts Center for an opening reception with our featured artists, and live music on our Courtyard Stage. www.gunnisonartscenter.org November 5, 2021 Vail Valley Art Guild First Friday, Minturn Join the Vail Valley Art Guild the First Friday of every month, for an Exhibition Reception in Minturn!

5-8pm, 291 Main St, Minturn www.minturn.org November 5, 2021 November First Friday – Dia de los Muertos, Silverthorne Celebrate the heritage and history surrounding Dia de los Muertos at November’s First Friday for an educational, community event. www.silverthorne.org November 5, 2021 First Friday Artwalk, Steamboat Springs Free self-guided tour of local art galleries, museums and alternative venues in downtown Steamboat Springs. These businesses remain open the first Friday of every month for this favorite event of locals and

visitors alike. Many offer changing exhibits, so there is something new to see each month. Free to the public, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Refreshments are served. www.steamboatchamber.com November 6, 2021 Get Stoked Music and Movie Series, Keystone Resort Get ready for the winter season with 2021 2022 premier films from Faction Skis & Matchstick Productions. www.keystoneneighbourhood.com November 9, 2021 Rise and Shine Rando #1, Arapahoe Basin Our Rise and Shine Rando Series returns for the 2021-22 winter season! We are excited to host 6 morning races through January. this season. www.arapahoebasin.com November 9, 2021 – February 28, 2022 Winter on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Kick Off Party, Glenwood Springs The mountain-top Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, CO, is dazzling visitors this winter with thousands of lights, holiday music and much more. www.glenwoodcaverns.com November 10, 2021 Local Appreciation Day, Wolf Creek Everyone is a Local! Lift tickets are $60 for adults and $41 for seniors and $31 children! www.wolfcreekski.com November, 11, 2021 Wake Up Breck, Breckenridge www.breckenridge.com November, 12, 2021 Opening Day, Breckenridge November 11, 2021 Mesa Verde Entrance Fee-Free Day, Durango Mesa Verde waives it’s entry fee several times each year. www.durango.com

November 12 – November 27, 2021 27th Annual Festival of Trees, Steamboat Springs Don’t miss the 27th Annual Festival of Trees from Nov. 12 – Nov. 27 at the Tread of Pioneers Museum.

Yampa Valley Bank and Steamboat www.steamboatchamber.com November 13, 2021 Girls on the Run 5k, Frisco Join us for the 6th Annual Girls on the Run 5k in Frisco! This celebratory, non-competitive event is the culminating experience of a 10 week program that is open to girls in 3rd through 5th grade. You don’t have a family member in the Girls on the Run Program? Don’t fret; this race IS open to the public and offers a relatively flat course with spectacular views of the Dillon Reservoir, Buffalo Mountain, and Mount Royal. www.townoffrisco.com November 13, 2021 Annual Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival, Georgetown The Annual Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival takes place the Second Saturday of November from @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm www.visitclearcreek.com November 13, 2021 Get Stoked Music and Movie Series, Keystone Resort Get ready for the winter season with 2021 2022 premier films from Faction Skis & Matchstick Productions. www.keystoneneighbourhood.com November 14, 2021 College Day, Wolf Creek Lift tickets are just $60 for students with a current class schedule and valid college photo ID! www.wolfcreekski.com November 17, 2021 Local Appreciation Day, Wolf Creek Everyone is a Local! Lift tickets are $60 for adults and $41 for seniors and $31 children! www.wolfcreekski.com/calendarevents

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November 19 – January 1. 2022 The Polar Express Train, Durango Our premier event of the year, The Polar Express Train, is selling fast!

Book now to secure your space for the whole family. www.durango.com/event/polarexpress/ November 19 – 21, 2021 Annual Holiday Fine Art & Craft Fair, Grand Junction The Art Center welcomes everyone to this year’s Holiday Art and Craft Fair the weekend before Thanksgiving. www.visitgrandjunction.com November 20, 2021 Downtown Tree Lighting, Grand Junction Enjoy the spirit of the holidays in Downtown Grand Junction. It all starts with the Downtown Tree Lighting presented by Enstrom Candies! www.visitgrandjunction.com November 20, 2021 Opening Day, Steamboat Springs Resort COpening Day Hooray! www.steamboat.com November 24, 2021 CBMR Opening Day, Crested Butte Mountain Resort We can’t wait for the lifts to start spinning and winter to kick off on mountain. www.travelcrestedbutte.com November 25, 2021 Turkey Trot, Durango One of Durango’s most popular running races for close to 30 years, the Turkey Trot presented by Mercy Sports Medicine is a holiday tradition for the whole family. www.durango.com/event/turkey-trot/ November 25, 2021 Turkey Day, Frisco Join us for the 8th Annual Turkey Day 5k. The run will take place in Frisco on Thanksgiving Day. www.townoffrisco.com November 25, 2021 Snowmass Opening Day, 72

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Snowmass Let it snow let it snow, opening day for the 2021/2022 season will begin early this year at Snowmass on November 25, 2021, and run through www.gosnowmass.com November 26, 2021 Hotel Colorado Annual Lighting Ceremony, Glenwood Springs For more than 30 years Glenwood Springs residents and visitors have gathered at one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks – the Hotel Colorado –for the official start of the holiday season. The free event is held on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

November 27 – December 5, 2021 Wassail Days, Frisco Wassail Days is Frisco’s super fun celebration of all things winter and the holidays, celebrated by local businesses offering unique wassail recipes to sample. www.townoffrisco.com

Telluride Fire Festival’s annual event continues to offer dynamic art performances each evening in a variety of locations. Additional ticketed entertainment, plus an over-the-top Fire Ball with theatrical performances, music, cash bar, and an outdoor fire sculpture garden.

Free and fee-based fire related workshops are also a component of the Telluride Fire Festival. www.telluridefirefestival.org

Scan for More Events!

November 27, 2021 Country Western Dance, Silverthorne Enjoy an evening of guided lessons from 7-8 p.m. followed by open dancing and cash bar until 11 p.m.

Admission is $10 at the door. www.silverthorne.org November 29 – December 2, 2021 Local Appreciation Days, Wolf Creek Everyone is a Local! Lift tickets are $60 for adults and $41 for seniors and $31 children! www.wolfcreekski.com

DECEMBER

December 5, 2021 CAIC Benefit Bash, Breckenridge Saturday, December 4th, at the Breckenridge Riverwalk Center. The biggest fundraiser party of the year is back on the schedule for 2021 with silent/live auction, huge giveaways, and more... www.support.friendsofcaic.org December 3-5, 2021 Telluride Fire Festival, Telluride

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Thinking back on the thoughts of our friend Anna Sitton of the Buena Viking in Buena Vista, “What are the pieces that transform a mountain town into a mountain family? We all put our noses to the grindstone during the hectic seasons. We all sweat together to keep our hearts strong and our muscles able to savor all that the hills have to offer. We all howl in euphoria with hero dirt, high water and powder days. But, at the center of all the work, play, bliss and struggle are feeding mind and body with our friends.”

“First we eat, then we do everything else, rings true in daily lives up at altitude. Feasts become part of the social fabric that make living in a mountain town so special. Often, multiple jobs can keep you around, working long hours during a typical holiday season. Christmas and Thanksgiving with the people who made you can often be hard to pull off. So what if dinner is at midnight after a long shift serving others? Your friends make the experience.”

“As we transition into the holiday season living in a resort community, plans for ‘Friendsgivings’ begin to evolve. Our families-away-from-our-families join together to break bread and attempt to master the infamous Turducken possibly.

Regardless of unique group traditions, Friendsgivings become one of those slices that make our mountain towns our homes - hopefully complete with the buddy who shows up an hour late, the friend who arrives three bottles of wine deep, and the cohort who referees the kitchen to ensure success.”

From us to everyone in our mountain town communities, our deepest hope is that you can spend time with the people you love, whether you are traveling to your hometown or gathering in the living room of your home or a friend’s place.

While things are still feeling odd, we wish you great health, hopes realized, and lots of love among your family, the people you love.

Peace.

74

Fall 2 0 2 1 | mou nt ai nt ownmagazi ne.c om

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