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Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
Vail’s bruisers
For the first time in more than a decade, hard-hitting semi-pro hockey finds a home in Eagle County with the Vail Yeti Hockey Club
Dan Weiland’s wild ride
How the SSCV Nordic director brought cross-country culture to Vail
The story of my life An interview with legendary composer, lyricist and workaholic Burt Bacharach
Change in the air
With a new flight from Toronto, the ECO Airport is poised for a promising winter
Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
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$5 off the ticket price by entering Sneakpeak through Jan. 15
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Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
FREE, WEEKLY, LOCAL... Only the good stuff!
COVER STORIES
When the quality of service matters...
cover, uncut Photo: Anthony Thornton inside 4 | Mango’s music preview 5 | The Brewer’s Journal 6 | Burt Bacharach interview just four games, the Vail Yeti Hockey P10 | After Club is making waves in the semi-pro world
8 | Black Tie Ski Rentals 9 | Top 5 last-minute gifts 15 | Holiday brews and drinks 16 | Doggie Style Grooming 18 | Snowshoe 5K/10K 19 | World Winter Uni Games 20 | Red Ribbon Project 21 | 52 Weeks 22 | SneakSPORTS
future of P14 | The international travel world of P12 | The Nordic coach
for ECO Airport and Vail Resorts
23 | Calendar of events 26 | Dining guide (Vail) SneakPEAK Vail is a locally owned arts, entertainment and lifestyle magazine, published weekly throughout the year for the Colorado mountain communities of Eagle County.
Dan Weiland
{ the boss }
{ the words }
{ the glue }
{ the look }
Erinn Hoban publisher
phil lindeman editor
Shana larsen office manager
kristina johnson marketing & design
THE CREW Contributors Writers John O’Neill | Laura Lieff | Michael Suleiman | Patrick Whitehurst Felicia Kalaluhi | Andy Jessen | Chris McDonnell | Elizabeth Escobar Photographers Kent Pettit | Anthony Thornton | Katie Anderson | Ryan McCombs | Charles Townsend Bessent
YOUR LOCAL SOURCE FOR AT&T EDWARDS CORNER 56 Edwards Village Blvd. #127 Mon-Sat 9-6 | Sun 11-5 970.926.3811 www.visitactive.com
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Douglas Landin, Realtor® 2011 Past Chair, Vail Board of Realtors® 2014 CO Association of Realtors® Vice President Mountain District 25 years Real Estate excellence www.LandinVail.com
Let’s face it there are many Realtors® in the Vail Valley. Choosing the right one DOES make a difference. Choose a Realtor® that listens and understands your particular needs and knows the market. One who provides uniquely customized services, whether buying or selling, based on each clients needs. 970.479.0242 - dir | 970.376.1299 - cell dlandin@slifer.net www.LandinVail.com
© 2013 AT&T Intellectual Property. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
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Brian Parton at Mango’s in Red Cliff 12.19.2013
TUNES One-man show
Brian Parton will share his love for music at a free show this Thursday in Red Cliff. By Elizabeth Escobar. were as tough and stubborn as I was. I learned how Brian Parton is the kind of person who has a story – and a really to manage everything – myself and a band. good one at that – for every situaSP: How did the group come to be? tion. BP: I’d been playing around Tulsa as a side The same goes for his songs, which reflect the zest he has for life and the constantly evolving world of music. In conversation, Parton will unabashedly reflect on the pre-WWII country music he listened to as a kid and in the same sentence confess his love for Pink. Both of which, he insists, play an important role in his style of rock-meetscountry-meets-big-band. On Thursday Parton, along with his steel guitar and affable nature, will play at Mango’s Mountain Grill as part of their free Thursday night music. Before his show, SneakPEAK caught up with Parton to hear what’s on his mind about his own sound, along with many others.
SneakPEAK: I read that you were raised listening to some interesting music... Brian Parton: I was raised listening to my parents’ record collection – jazz, big band, pre-WWII country. Other music was being force-fed to us through the media – The Eagles, Rush. So I shut my mouth and waited until rock and new wave took a bigger hold on things. If I had any instinct about anything in this world, I was like: “there is a time coming...at some point there will be a new thing that’s going to think about this stuff like I do.” And it happened. SP: So you always kind of felt like you were waiting for your type of music to come onto the scene. BP: Yes. Thank you. SP: You fronted Brian Parton and the Nashville Rebels before going solo. How did that experience prepare you for setting out on your own? BP: I have – like everyone – this whole social anxiety thing. I don’t like talking to people I don’t know so much, and it really helped me with that because when we put that band together those guys
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IF YOU GO Who: Rockabilly guitarist and singer Brian Parton When: Thursday, Dec. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Mango’s Mountain Grill, Red Cliff Cost: Free To listen to Parton’s music before the show, visit reverbnation. com/brianparton1. Check out upcoming shows at Mango’s and what specials they’ll be having at mangosmountaingrill.com
four years from Santa Monica. My dad played and sang too, but he didn’t do it as a job even though he could have if he’d had the opportunity.
Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
SP: How would you like your own music to be described? BP: I want to be described as somewhat pop, but I wish people would redefine what pop means. SP: How so? BP: So that if I want to go out and do a Hank Williams cover, I’d still like that to be included in what I think the new definition of pop should be – exciting, fiery, and it can have a steel guitar in it. SP: If you, like your dad, hadn’t have gone into music, what’s another job you’d like to have? BP: I’d like to be a safety engineer – an ergonomics kind of person. Save your back and be productive. But I’m glad I’m in music (laughs). SneakPEAK writer Elizabeth Escobar can be reached at info@sneakpeakvail.com
SP: So did your dad play a part in why you chose to go into music? BP: Yeah, he did. He had all the great country
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classic records around the house – Jimmy Rogers, Merle Travis – but I thought he was better than all of them, and I still do. He didn’t want to make a job out of it but I was like, ‘man, imagine if one of us gave it a shot’. And I loved it. I took him to every man and then also fronting my own band. It was big show we had – I wanted people to meet my dad one of those deals where you had bass players and since he’s “the one that should have been.” drummers that kind of knew your stuff and whoever could do it that night would work the gig. It SP: We’ve talked about your early influences, was okay, but I always wanted that band where we but who do you draw from currently? looked like a band, you know? When Bill Pageant BP: I like this whole...I don’t know what they’re and David White became available, that was it. calling it – power pop? But that whole pedaling Even though they were working with other bands base kind of thing that’s on the radio. Like Pink. at the time, I busted my behind to make sure that my gig was the most attractive for them. SP: Hah - really? BP: Yeah! They seem to be kickin’ out the best SP: Are you from Tulsa originally? songs right now. That sound has a certain drive to BP: No – my dad moved us to Tennessee for it that country music and rockabilly have always had, but this is in a pop setting.
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THE BREWER’S JOURNAL
Perspectives on small business branding
Consistency breeds predictability and repeatability, the baby-makers of customers
Andy Jessen Andy Jessen pursued a career in law for 15 percent of his life before delving into a business he’d spent 50 percent of it supporting: beer. Now coowner of Eagle’s Bonfire Brewing with partner Matt Wirtz, Andy pairs personal and small business insights with a hefty dose of humor. Contact him at
andy@bonfirebrewing.com.
Living in an area with a population density that allows you to see at least one person you know every time you go for groceries has perks: safety, a strong sense of community, knowing someone will arrive to help you get out of the ditch shortly, etc.
day. Our unique combination of manufacturing/retail facility often forced us into limited operating hours while we installed new equipment or finished up a brew day. It took us about three months to establish hours that wouldn’t change for the next eighteen, but still customers thought we were “never open,� and it clearly frustrated them. We finally began opening at the same time every single day of the week, and the frustration slowly faded. Whatever you decide on for operating hours, make your best effort to figure them out up front, and stick to them. If you change them, do it because its a business decision (e.g. no one buy donuts at 2 a.m., so it’s OK to close the donut shop) not because you just feel like it. Remembering to carry the concept of consistency through to all the other facets of your business can be done more readily if you hold the image of the frustrated customer in your mind from time to time, even when it comes to the concept of branding. Ask yourself: How many versions of your logo are out there? How many different people have designed advertisements for you? How many people are posting social media updates, or writing content for your website? Is it the voice of your business in all public representations of your business? Consistent branding begins with your business plan, comes to life via your graphic designer, and is maintained by your responsible management of it every single day. While a different version of your logo, or an ad that doesn’t fit with your brand may not anger a customer, it certainly will confuse them, and confusion makes it that much harder for them to remember you. Similar to your customers, your employees survive and thrive on consistency. Consistent duties, roles, and expectations allow most employees to develop expertise at their assigned tasks, while remaining open to new and more challenging ones. Many of us hire out of absolute necessity, without considering what specific role an employee will fill. We make up “policies� on the fly to address problems already entrenched. It’s one of the realities of wearing so many hats. Becoming a consistent boss is tough, but listening to the things that
There are, however, also a few drawbacks – including small businesses struggling for consistency. Whether its a sole proprietor with no one to ring the till while he or she takes a vacation or a seasonal business that has decided being open in the shoulder season simply isn’t worth it, at some point we all encounter the CLOSED sign when we fully expect an open door and an available product. Many of us shrug and accept it, because we understand on some level. But for visitors and those that already had a bad day, the sight of that sign can set loose a steady stream of four-letter words and frustration. For the small-business owner, especially in this valley, consistency across the board is something to strive toward the moment you unlock the door for the first time. There aren’t many of us, and word travels fast and deep. While it may begin with consistent operating hours, the principle encompasses every aspect of your business, every decision you make, every employee you hire or fire, and every customer you make or break. Beyond your hours, consistent products -- both tangible and intangible, branding, and message are the keys to producing an experience that people will want to return for. Consistency breeds predictability and repeatability: the babymakers of customers. Making it happen, much like anything that leads to success in business, is a never-ending mission that demands bigpicture thinking from you, the owners/ managers, your employees, and most importantly, your customers. In our case, the most obvious inconsistency for our customers early on was driven by necessity. Our hours were all over the map, mostly because one of us was still behind a desk and had a dog to walk before the bar could open, and one of us had to make and deliver beer during the [See BREWER’S JOURNAL, page 24]
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Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
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America’s songwriter
After six decades in the music industry, Burt Bacharach continues to work tirelessly on just about everything. Interview by Phil Lindeman.
q
At 85 years old, Burt Bacharach can hardly stop working. It’s not as though the legendary composer and songwriter quite sees his day job as work, even when it requires non-stop travel, concert appearances and phone interviews with star-struck journalists. I first heard Bacharach’s music on a record player nearly 20 years ago – even then he’d been writing and recording for nearly 40 years – and still remember the lilting melodies and sparse, slightly melancholy lyrics. When I pair that inimitable sound with 48 Top 10 songs, a Library of Congress Gershwin Prize and the score to a James Bond film, Bacharach’s name is cemented on my short list of nearly infallible pop artists, right next to Frank Sinatra and Paul Simon. For Bacharach, though, his career is much more than the sum of awards, record sales, or earworms like “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head.” It’s defined by the relationships he built along the way: During our interview, he mentions everyone from longtime collaborator Hal David to singer/muse Dionne Warwick to hip-hop mastermind Dr. Dre, who worked with Bacharach on his most recent solo album: 2005’s “At This Time.”
Legendary singer and songwriter Burt Bacharach. Photo: Olaf Heine.
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Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
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Although he laments the decline of the traditional record industry, Bacharach’s range and Broadway ties have kept his career unpredictable. He recently finished a stint conducting the San Francisco Symphony – a call-back to classical training in his youth – and is juggling several musicals, including an Austin Powers prequel penned by Mike Myers. Oddly enough, he played little part in the most recent show, “What’s It All About?,” a thoughtful and powerful piece at the New York Theatre Workshop. It’s the latest in a long string of productions, albums and other tributes dedicated to David and Bacharach’s most beloved tunes. Accolades aside, work must go on for Bacharach. He comes to the Vilar Center before making a rare retreat to his Aspen home for the holidays. A day before leaving the heat of L.A. for the chill of the Rockies, Bacharach spoke with SneakPEAK about the songwriting process and why all Christmas songs are a bit heartbreaking. SneakPEAK: My first memory of a Burt Bacharach song isn’t “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” or “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” – it’s “The Bell That Couldn’t Jingle.” Is it a requirement for all songwriters to do a Christmas tune at some point? Burt Bacharach: No requirement. That song was a long time ago with a writer named Larry Kusik – it was a time when the record business was healthier and there were more people around to work with. You could get a guy like Johnny Mathis to sing on that song. SP: Will you work “Jingle” or other holiday favorites into the Vilar Center concert? BB: I always try to pair those Christmas shows with Christmas songs. I just conducted the San Francisco Symphony this past weekend and managed to fit some Christmas-themed songs, and one was “The Bell That Couldn’t Jingle.” I really like “The Christmas Wish.” It’s a bit newer – they just wrote it 10 years ago, something like that – but it’s a great song, just a wonderful song. I love the old Nat Cole record, with “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.” I also think “Have Yourself
Want more?
To read an extended version of the interview with Burt Bacharach, go to SneakPeakVail.com and find Burt Bacharach under “SneakBEATS.”
liant show – I love what he’s done. I came to it as a civilian and sat in the audience, but I did get a chance to head on-stage and play “Raindrops” with the cast. They did it with a Merry Little Christmas” is wonderful, even if ukuleles and it was a lot of fun. it’s heartbreaking. Any good Christmas song can bring you to the point of tears, really. SP: Is it odd to be at a point in your career when musicals and other shows are made with SP: I was a bit surprised to see your name on your work, but you aren’t directly involved? the Vilar roster, simply because you’ve been inBB: It’s not odd at all. In this case, it’s a high, credibly busy the past few years between a biog- high compliment. The last time my songs were raphy, new musicals and the job in general. When on Broadway, maybe 10 years ago, it was the sort do you rest? of thing I wanted to get away and just hide from. BB: Well, I just got done doing those concerts They butchered it. with the Symphony and they are near the top of the greatest things I’ve done in my life. A lot of SP: Does it make you nervous when you hear energy goes into conducting a symphony. someone is doing a show with your music? BB: The blessing really came because he (RiSP: Musicians often claim their art is an escape abko) was working on it for two years. As he from the ordinary and everyday. After decades was, he’d come over to my house a few times in the business, is performing still an escape for and show me the mock-up of each song on the you, or are there days when you’d like to retire computer, just to show me what he’d done with and just play for yourself? the arrangements. I knew right away it was damn BB: The writing process is the thing I do for good – it’s a great take on my music, with a great, myself. The record business now is just so bad, so young cast that has lots of energy. It’s kind of the idea of writing a song for an artist or an album beautiful. I loved it. isn’t as appealing anymore. Where my energy is going when I’m not on the road is the musicals and the shows. The album “Painted from Memory” I did with Elvis Costello has really become a cult favorite and we’re working on turning it into What: Legendary singer, songwriter and composer Burt a show. I’m very proud of that record, so what Bacharach we’ve done is take it to the next step with (sitcom When: Sunday, Dec. 22 at 7:30 writer) Chuck Lorre and (Tony award-winner) p.m. Stephen Sater, who wrote the first draft of this Where: Vilar Center, Beaver musical-play we have in mind, and we’ll pair a Creek few songs with it. That’s on our plate and very Cost: $105 to $135 (based on much alive, and we’re also doing “Austin Powseating) ers” with Elvis and myself.
IF YOU GO
SP: “What’s It All About?,” the new OffBroadway show by Kyle Riabko based on tunes you wrote with David, has won rave reviews. Did you have a hand in that show? BB: No, not at all, but I gave it my blessing. That actually made The New York Times list of best Off-Broadway shows for the year. It’s a bril-
To purchase tickets or find out more, see vilarpac.org.
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Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
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The nearly painfree world of ski rental deliveries
FEATURES The mobile ski shop
Local delivery outfits like Black Tie Ski Rentals bring skis, boards, boots and tech know-how direct to living rooms. By Phil Lindeman. Christmas came early for the Boyt family this year.
Within a few hours of landing in Denver on Dec. 14, the brood from Midland, Texas arrived at a rental home in the hills just south of Vail Cascade. It was already prepped for the family’s annual vacation: An enormous pine tree dominated the open living room, decorated from bough to bough with golden ornaments, strands of white lights and sparkling, festive ribbons. Oddly enough, the only thing missing from the picturesque scene were gifts around the trunk. Then came Santa – so to speak. A two-person crew from the Vail/Beaver Creek branch of Black Tie Ski Rentals knocked on the door and was greeted by Valerie Boyt. The mother of three was busy sautéing onions for homemade spaghetti and meatballs, a far cry from the scent of shaved wax and foot funk at most rental shops. Valerie invited the crew inside and across the wood floor. “Are you sure? We can do it in the garage,” said Adam Bristow, owner of the local Black Tie branch since 2009. “It might be easier.” “No, no, we’ll do it inside,” said Valerie, then called for her three girls. “It’s warm in there.” Bristow nodded and was joined at the front door by general manager Nick Leonard. The two hauled a massive black bag filled with pre-sized boots and skis, enough for the family of five. They also brought a bag of soft good – goggles, socks, gloves and the like – just in case. The majority of ski-delivery clients come from out of state, so once they arrive in Vail or Beaver Creek, buying brand-new accessories is the only option. “Usually it’s the parents who end up needing socks or something,” said Katie Graeff, who’s in charge of the company’s marketing and tagged along to take photos. “They get so caught up try-
Nick Leonard loads the truck with gear in preparation for an afternoon delivery at the Black Tie headquarters in Avon. Photo: Anthony Thornton.
cery delivery, Black Tie was a godsend. “It was awesome,” Valerie said as the first girl, 16-year-old Rachael, sat at a plush dining room chair to try boots with Bristow. “I’m used to going to the crowded ski shop where everyone is busy and cranky. This is perfect when you have kids, because they can just bring everything right to our door without worrying about leaving.” For Bristow and Graeff, this kind of feedback is invaluable. The two work diligently to highlight the customer-service aspect of ski delivery. It’s not enough to simply arrive at someone’s door and adjust a pair of skis – techs can’t be intimidated by lavish mansions or vacationing families from South America, the Middle East and beyond. It shows. “The easy part is teaching someone to put together skis and adjust bindings and all of that,” Graeff said as the techs moved to 14-year-old Lauren. “The hard part is finding that person with a strong guest-services background, the sort of person who can go into the Ritz and really give our clients the best experience possible.” [See BLACK TIE, page 24]
ing to get the kids ready for a trip that they forget their own gear.” As the three girls excitedly put on socks for the fitting, their father, Eric, returned from the grocery store. On the family’s first holiday trip to Vail last year, Valerie used a grocery delivery service and was disappointed. The family decided to rent a car instead and shop on their own. But Black Tie was a different story. Valerie had bought a pair of ski boots in Texas Black Tie is one of several ski delivery services in the Vail area. before that first trip, but For casual skiers and snowboarders, they’re a time-saving within two days of skiing her alternative to brick-and-mortar rental shops. Most also offer discounts for online orders. shins were worn raw. The fit was off, so she called Black - Black Tie Ski Delivery, vail.blacktieskis.com or 970.748.8552 Tie and the techs found her - Ski Butlers, skibutlers.com or 970.845.2268 a brand-new Salomon boot. - Premier Ski Delivery, chartersports.com or 970.476.0202 She skied the remaining few - Rentskis Delivery, rentskis.com or 877.754.7999 days without any problems, and unlike the ho-hum gro-
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Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
Last-minute gift ideas from Vail to Eagle
TOP 5 last-minute gifts
Save the holidays – and your bank account – with fast, thoughtful goodies for everyone on your list. By Phil Lindeman. You checked the list once, you checked it twice, but inevitably a name in the middle slipped through the holiday cracks. Without a brood of cheery elves to help buy, wrap and ship presents, things look hopeless. Don’t succumb to an eggnog bender yet. Even a few days (or hours) before Christmas, plenty of local stores carry near-perfect gifts for the last-minute shopper. The trick is finding an item that’s still thoughtful yet not too expensive – chances are a Playstation 4 won’t drop from the sky at the stroke of midnight on Dec. 25. Santa Claus may have a way with magic, but that’s a bona fide miracle. To ease the frantic rushing of an eleventh-hour shopping spree, SneakPEAK rounded up a handful of the Vail area’s most eclectic and affordable stores. Each has a little something for anyone this holiday, including you. After all – Santa’s most dedicated helpers are typically the ones who fall through the cracks. Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory in Vail Good for: Sugar junkies, parents Claim to fame: Fuzziwig’s is nothing short of a year-round holiday wonderland. It’s filled to the brim with every sort of sweet imaginable, from giant Hershey’s Kisses to chocolate ornaments to handmade candy canes by Hammond’s in Denver. Unlike other shops like Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, part of Fuzziwig’s appeal is makeyour-own bags and boxes. You can’t stuff that experience in a stocking, but youngesters will love it when wandering through Vail Village. Local’s tip: Owner Matt Cardille doesn’t just carry candy at his store. He says Rainbow Looms – a toy contraption used to make bracelets and necklaces from multi-colored rubber bands – are wildly popular and he keeps a few in stock at all times. Even adults have options: Before heading to a holiday party, put together a box of truffles or chocolates for as low as $6. Phone: 970.476.4401
Any Occasion Cards and Gifts in Edwards Good for: Party hosts, home decorators Claim to fame: Any Occasion is the sort of gift store made for the mountains, where all-in-one hobby and craft stores don’t exist. Owner Daryl James knows the difference between thoughtful gifts and chintzy knick-knacks: She carries hundreds of holiday-themed items, including wind-up snowmen, light-up Santas, party poppers, holiday candles and the like. Even if you need last-minute holiday cards or dining room placeholders – those little things hosts occasionally forget – the store has plenty, all in a slew of holiday themes. Local’s tip: Not only is Any Occasion teeming with stocking stuffers, it’s a perfect place to pick up stockings themselves. James carries stockings for kids and adults, plus mantle-ready holders. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 – don’t be afraid to rush over. Phone: 970.926.4438 Kitchen Collage in Edwards Good for: Foodies, New Year’s dieters Claim to fame: Although Kitchen Collage carries thousands of items reaching into the hundreds of dollars, it’s still an ideal stop for smaller, more affordable gifts. Sales associate Beckah Stough recommends soaps, candles and diffusers in the “Frasier fur” scent, which makes a high-country holiday seem even homier. She also recommends the Gefu spiral slicer ($36.99), a compact, easyto-use device favored by gluten-free converts to make veggie noodles. No one will know the gift hardly made it under the tree, and it could be the gentle prod needed to follow through on lofty New Year’s resolutions. Local’s tip: Along with kitchen tools and utensils, the store also carries dozens of gourmet sauces, rubs and spices sized just for stockings or gift bags. Most are less than $10 and will perfectly compliment those veggie noodles. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 24. Phone: 970.926.0400
Mountain Man Nut and Fruit Co. in Avon Good for: Partygoers, bosses, in-laws Claim to fame: As a Colorado original, Mountain Man takes the edible gift basket idea and gives it a signature alpine spin. Regulars like chocolate, hard candy and gummy worms are paired with Denver-made trail mixes and roasted nuts. The Avon location caters to just about any gift-giver, with premade baskets for $10 to custom concoctions reaching into the $250 range. Mountain Man also carries a number of sugar-free items to mix and match in personalized baskets. Local’s tip: Sometimes wild popularity isn’t a bad thing. The Rocky Mountain Delight basket ($50) is easily the store’s best-selling product thanks to a must-have combination of chocolates, trail mixes and yogurt-covered confections. Give it a try – you (and your loved ones) won’t be disappointed. The Avon branch is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 24. Phone: 970.949.9080 The Bookworm or Yeti’s Grind in Vail, Edwards and Eagle Good for: Coffee fiends, teenagers, co-workers Claim to fame: The Bookworm in Edwards and Yeti’s Grind in Vail and Eagle aren’t the only coffee shops in town, but when it comes to goodies beyond java, they’re tough to beat. Yeti’s sells custom mugs made by local artisans, while the Bookworm has hundreds of, well, books to go along with Hammond’s chocolate bars and bags of Novo Coffee. Of course, both stores offer gift cards for just about anything. Local’s tip: Even if the Bookworm or Yeti’s don’t cater to your list, drop by to rest your legs for a bit. Give yourself the gift that keeps giving with a travel mug from the Bookworm: For $20, you get the mug and 50-percent off all future espresso, coffee or tea purchases. You smart shopper, you. Phone: 970.926.7323 (the Bookworm) and 970.328.9384 (Yeti’s Grind in Eagle)
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Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
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Ice Beasts After two home-stands, the brand-new Vail Yeti Hockey Club is undefeated and hungry for more semi-pro action – not to mention newfound fans. By Phil Lindeman.
Hockey fans know a thing or two about heckling. Vail hockey fans – well, they treat it as a kind of diabolical art form. Just before the first-period buzzer at a recent match against the Park City Pioneers, the Vail Yeti Hockey Club was already up 6-0. At the time, fans were relatively sober and the freewheeling insults were tame. “Where’d you learn to play?” an older man yelled from his perch on the second floor of Dobson Arena, the new semi-pro team’s home ice. “Grandma’s,” his friend answered. The two laughed and clinked plastic cups, adding freshly spilled beer to the sickly sweet smell of sweat and hockey pads from the nearby locker room. The two continued to trade insults, more for personal amusement than any kind of competitive edge. The hometown squad – a mix of Vail natives, transplants and a few Denver-based guys – already had Pioneers pinned down. When a white-and-green Yeti forward broke from the fray to face a woefully outgunned Park City goalie, the two men stopped jabbering and held their collective breath. The Vail player deked left, deked right, then gracefully slipped the puck past the outstretched goalie. “That’s not something you see everyday,” one of the men commented, and the two let out whoops of laughter before taking swigs. Just a few steps away, a small group of junior hockey players cheered in unison. They wore bright-red Vail Mountaineer gear, a name their team shares with Vail’s first semi-pro hockey club from the ‘80s and ‘90s. That team went belly-up long before the kids were even born, but their excitement for a new team was palpable. They donned Santa hats, fake mustaches and other oddities, running from spot to spot for the best glimpse of the action. One fumbled with an oversized Viking/buffalo hat that kept slipping over his eyes.
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Shortly after the 7-0 goal, the buzzer blared and both teams left the ice for intermission. The Pioneers – winners of the Mountain West Hockey League championship last year – looked dejected and defeated. As players passed beneath the hecklers, insults and grandma jokes were drowned by cheers from the rapidly growing crowd. In the span of a single period the arena had filled with a sizeable number of Yeti fans, making it a much different sight than early in the game: When the puck was dropped around 8 p.m., barely 30 or 40 people huddled for warmth on the wooden bleachers, while a few stragglers stood near the concession booth at the front entrance. Before the drop, Yeti announcer/founder/ assistant general manager John Donovan had eyed the near-empty bleachers nervously. The team’s first game against Aspen on Nov. 29 had been a relative success, drawing roughly 300 people with barebones promoting. It was a shell of the Vail Mountaineer days – Donovan and others claim those games saw packed houses throughout the season – but the Aspen home-stand was promising, even though the next game only drew 150 or so. Vail won both games in near-shutout fashion. Still, Donovan had shrugged away any unease with the buzzer. For him, Vail hockey is Vail hockey, no matter the crowd. “There’s no protocol here,” Donovan said. “If you want to yell and scream, go for it. Just don’t throw a tampon on the ice – have some class, OK? – but this is Vail’s f***ing team to do what we want with it.” A true grassroots club Before the yelling and screaming seem cruel, think on it: Fighting in hockey isn’t just tolerated – it’s nearly encouraged. Guys like Dave Semenko, Tiger Williams and Marty McSorley built entire careers on solid right jabs, while even Colorado Avalanche legend Patrick Roy was known to
leave the net and duke it out with opposing goalies. (He often won.) S***-talking and jersey-pulling are inherent parts of the game, and with semi-pro hockey, they’re occasionally more pronounced than in the NHL. Oddly enough, though, this wasn’t the case at Dobson. Despite the first-period shellacking, Park City is a well-respected team around the league, going 6-2 this season before the blowout in Vail. That game saw only one brief (albeit nasty) fight, other goodhearted verbal abuse notwithstanding. For team owner and general manager Chris Huntington, his fledgling team demands respect for one simple reason: It’s damn good. “There are quite a few players in the Vail area who moved here and have a great hockey background,” Huntington said. “They come from places like Minnesota, Illinois, the East Coast – basically all over the country. There’s a lot of talent in this area, and with a bit of recruiting for those players with college or even pro experience, you can find guys capable of playing at this level.” And Huntington knows hockey. Along with playing for the Vail Mountaineer squad before it went under, he has coached stateside college
OPPOSITE PAGE Top: Mike Schenfeld of Littleton scores the Yetis’ sixth goal against the Park City Pioneers during the Vail squad’s second homestand since forming. inset: Young fans congratulate the Yeti team from the upper level at Dobson Arena.
VAIL YETI HOME SCHEDULE Dec. 20 – Breckenridge, 7:20 p.m. Dec. 21 – Breckenridge, 7:20 p.m. Jan. 10 – Breckenridge, 8:05 p.m. Jan. 11 – Breckenridge 7:20 p.m. Jan. 31 – Las Vegas, 8:05 p.m. Feb. 1 – Las Vegas, 5:35 p.m. Feb. 21 – Denver, 8:05 p.m. Feb. 22 – Denver, 7:20 p.m. March 14 – Salt Lake City, 8:05 p.m. March 15 – Salt Lake City, 7:20 p.m. March 21 – Aspen, 7:20 p.m. March 22 – Aspen, 7:20 p.m.
hockey and a pro team in Munich, Germany. He always thought there was a market for semi-pro play in vail, but he didn’t start seriously seeking options All home games are played on Fridays until last summer. A few and Saturdays at Dobson Arena. Entry is $9 for adults and $5 for children (12 months ago, he secured and under). Discounts are available for sponsorships with local Vail Resorts employees. For a comoutfits like Pazzo’s Pizza, plete schedule or more team info, see Garfinkel’s and Charter vailyetihockey.com. Sports, then soon began recruiting those soughtafter players. Eagle County natives like goalie Karl Eklund and former University of Oklahoma player Keith Denton are standouts, while guys like defender Kyle Pert and winger Stuart Brown already played together for the semi-pro Richmond Renegades. (Vail-born winger Derek Byron even designed the eye-catching logo, plastered on hats, beanies, t-shirts and more by his dad, Jeff Byron of JB T-Shirts in Eagle.) The 29-man roster was whittled down during open tryouts just before winter. In grassroots style, coaching duties are split between head coach Dick Hoene and player/assistant coach Bill Foster. Foster is easily one of the team’s stars, a former forward for Neumann College who led the team to an NCAA Division III championship in 2009. He’d dabbled in semi-pro play and coaching after graduation, but he was nearly ready to give up on hopes of competing seriously – until he found Vail. “I’d been a skier since I was a little kid and hadn’t done it in a long time, so when I thought I wouldn’t have a chance to play hockey, it seemed like a good idea to head out to Colorado and see something new,” said Foster, who moved to Vail a week before the slopes opened. “It’s the best of both worlds to ski and play hockey.” Foster believes he, Huntington and Hoene have built the best team possible,
THIS PAGE Vail fans heckling the opposing team. Photos: Anthony Thornton.
even for the inaugural year. When the club heads out for its first away game against the Las Vegas Wolf Pack in early January, players will arrive with momentum – and a stacked roster – on their side. “One thing that makes a huge difference is having an actual league and opponents in places like Park City, Aspen, Sun Valley – it can only grow,” Huntington said. “When there are other teams at the same level, Vail becomes a perfect spot.” But excitement doesn’t make money grow. Enter Donovan’s nervousness at the beginning of the Park City game: Even with a handful of dedicated sponsors, funds for travel, uniforms and coaching stipends come almost solely from ticket sales and concessions. Yet Huntington is optimistic. “I think this team will do more than survive – it will thrive,” Huntington said. “I imagine we can attract new sponsors and new fans, and when you look at other organizations, like Jackson Hole and Sun Valley, they work on the same business model. I don’t see any reason why we can’t have a successful team in Vail.” Yeti domination If early success is gauged in wins, the Yeti club will more than reach Huntington’s goals. Fatalism aside – or as far aside as it can be – the game against Park City was decided long before that first buzzer. The final score was 15-1, with one Park City goal coming from a Vail player who filled in for the shorthanded away team. The heckling didn’t stop, but Donovan kindly asked the crew behind the goalie to lay off a bit. (They did.) Shortly after Vail lost the shutout, a group of people behind the players’ bench let out sighs of feigned disappointment. In front of them, a Yeti mascot decked in white fur, fat-toed shoes and a hometown jersey clutched his toothed head. “It’s alright, guys,” one fan began, pausing briefly before yelling the punchline. “We’ll get it back.”
Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
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A
TraditionofSuccess
In 10 years, SSCV and Team Homegrown’s Dan Weiland has created one of of the most successful Nordic programs in the country. By John O’Neill.
Team Homegrown seems to be at the Nordic Center in Vail. Today, one of the best - if not the best - profesgrowing, and in a very positive sional and junior developmental programs in the manner no less. country stake their training on Vail snow.
Top: Athletes from SSCV pick their way through the pack at a Nordic race held by the club last year. Photo: John O’Neill. Above: Coach Dan Weiland. Photo: Katie Anderson.
Under the baton of Dan Weiland – the team’s founder – and Coach Eric Pepper, athletes like Sylvan Ellefson of Vail, Noah Hoffman of Aspen, Tad Elliot of Durango and Ryan Scott of Boulder – all of whom train in Vail – are seeing success in the Olympic leadup. Last week Ellefson finished second in a 15k classic race and fourth overall in a skate sprint at a NorAm in British Columbia. Earlier in the season Noah Hoffman won a world cup. Of the four elite skiers in Team Homegrown, three stand a good-to-great chance of making the Sochi Olympics with the fourth being of the same caliber but unfortunately suffering a bout of mono. While local Nordic fans skim the headlines in expectation of success from this talented bunch, this culture of success was not of virgin birth. Behind the athletes and making their recent success possible is a web of support weaved by the team’s founder, Dan Weiland. The Wizard of Oz, so to speak, Weiland pulls at the levers that has positioned Team Homegrown and the Ski and Snowboard Club Vail’s development Nordic programs where they are today. Sitting at Northside Coffee and Kitchen in Avon, sipping coffee and busying himself with the weekend’s results, training plans, future logistics and qualification, Weiland is received by local skiers as a name synonymous with Nordic skiing success. Building excellence Ten years ago there wasn’t a Nordic club program in the Vail Valley. Before 2003, Nordic skiing was run casually out of the valley’s high schools and as a winter fitness interest from locals
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“I never imagined it,” Weiland said. “We have our own ski facility in Maloy Park. We have 7k of trail. We have our own cat. Three days ago we set our own track for the athletes to do intervals on. It is astounding to me. In 10 years we have created one of the best Nordic programs in the country.” Of the 10 years that Nordic skiing has grown as an elite sport, sent kids to college on scholarship and rose in all-around participation, Weiland has been there for all of it. Weiland grew up in Vail. He attended Red Sandstone Elementary, Minturn Middle School and then Battle Mountain High School. He started skiing Nordic for Battle Mountain and won the junior national championship his second year in. He recalls following his older brother around the Nordic center trying to learn the sport. Weiland went on to ski in college at the University of Colorado in Boulder. There he had a rough relationship with a business-minded coach and resigned back into skiing on his own. After graduation, he returned to the Valley. He explored other endurance sport and competed as a Nike athlete and adventure racer for seven years. But he would ultimately end up back on his skis over the winter. “When I came back and got into it, the Nordic culture was myself, Kevin and Karl Höchtl. We did it because we loved it,” Weiland says. “We still love it. But now we also do it because we’re very good at it.” Slowly and methodically, and with much help from SSCV, he has built that Nordic culture enjoyed today. Weiland sends younger athletes from SSCV off to college on athletic scholarship annually. As those athletes return seeking an extended career, they now have Team Homegrown. As the years have passed, so the team has grown.
His 10-year efforts started with juniors and have culminated, thus far, with probably Olympians. Stream of athletes Not only a builder, but also an architect, Weiland has organized his programs to feed into and off of one another. Pairing Team Homegrown’s elite athletes like Hoffman and Ellefson with the younger SSCV athletes, Weiland finds an interloop of inspiration and success. “Our club program basically supports what we do and the professional and development programs only help one another,” Weiland said. “We have young guys on any given day training with a professional and you know they’re thinking ‘I’m training with this guy and we won a World Cup last week.’” This cuts down the barriers of success and one of the reasons SSCV Executive Director Aldo Radamus was quick to absorb Weiland’s first and ever evolving plans for Nordic in the Valley. “I think it takes vision to create a program like we now have,” Weiland says. “Luckily Aldo has all of those capabilities to turn some the visions into realities. He has to be one of the best Executive Directors in the country.” While Ellefson, Hoffman, Elliott and Scott rally for medals on an international stage, younger athletes like Cal Deline, Ian Boucher, Parker McDonald and Hannah Hardenbergh are ranked as the best junior Nordic skiers in the country. “These younger guys are skiing so well,” said Ellefson. “They stand a good chance of going to college and coming back ready to ski professionally. Now we have established this professional team. They have something to reach for.” While Weiland has created a vertical plan for
success in feeding athletes from one program into another, he also diversified his team’s skill set. Nordic skiing can essentially be split into four segments: classic and skate, sprint and distance. In seeing the Team Homegrown roster, it shows that Weiland has also expanded the team’s talents horizontally as well. Ellefson and Hoffman are great all-around skiers leaning toward distance events. Scott is a sprint specialist and Elliot is a distance specialist. “It’s great having a team of Colorado athletes who get to train together and compete at such a level that gains national attention,” Ellefson said. “Having all the different types of teammates and seeing everyone succeed is an inspiration.” Bumpy road In terms of professional Nordic skiing, there are few contracts and the livelihood disconnect can be likened to a Ramen payment with prime-rib need. One of the reasons Weiland stepped in to create Team Homegrown was to create an avenue where skiers could train and race at a professional level in the sport of Nordic. Ellefson, for instance, left Vail for a collegiate skiing scholarship. With the ability to ski professionally at graduation, the financial frustrations and training load were nearly too much to succeed at the professional level. He couldn’t be working full time and training full time. Where Weiland was once out on the course coaching the athletes up and down local hills, he now spends time behind the computer working on ways to make it logistically possible to ski at a competitive level without national funding. “We are a self-funded club program,” Weiland said. “Luckily we have communities like Vail and
a club like we have (SSCV). We live in a place where 200 people will show up to a fundraiser to support us. These guys aren’t making salaries.” Weiland went on to explain that this is one of the biggest misconceptions in the sport. He compared Nordic skiing to halfpipe skiing saying that while local halfpipe skier Aaron Blunck will make more money from Monster energy drinks in one season than any of the Nordic skiers will make in their careers. “There are $0 coming in for these guys,” Weiland says. “One thing that we do is try and create the support so these guys don’t come to the end of the season a $25,000 debt to pay off. It is a tough road.” Keeping in mind the rocky relationship he had with his coach at CU, and the business mind that coach employed, Weiland says that influence has led him to create the program as he has - with full intention of having the best interests of the athletes in mind at all time. Since Weiland has created the web of support from the community and SSCV, guys like Ellefson have been able to recommit themselves to being the best in the world. The team also gained the attention of Hoffman, Elliott and Scott - the nation’s best Nordic skiers - as being a professional team that is completely committed to its athletes. “Dan has played an enormous role in getting this whole team set up,” Ellefson said. “From the beginning it was his brainchild to start a team in Vail. He knew from the beginning that he wanted to grow the program from a Nordic tradition at a young age to a professional team. Now, here we are.” SneakPEAK writer John O’Neill can be reached at info@sneakpeakvail.com
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Airborne:
From afar
With the introduction of nonstop service from Toronto, the EGE Airport and partner Vail Valley Jet Center could become alluring sites for international travelers. By Phil Lindeman.
The first direct international flight from Toronto arrives at Eagle County Regional Airport. Photo: Dan Davis.
Editor’s note: This is last in a four-part series on the Eagle County Regional Airport. While the airline industry as a whole undergoes seismic shifts, the airport and its various partners remain invaluable economic engines for the entire county, from small businesses and second-home owners to Vail and Beaver Creek.
It’s not everyday passengers are greeted with fresh-baked cookies after leaving a plane, but Flight 1051 from Toronto to the Eagle County Regional Airport was something special. On Dec. 14, the commercial jet became the first nonstop international flight in airport. It was delayed about 15 minutes due to nasty weather in Canada, but when the Airbus A319 touched down with a full cabin, 120 passengers paired bluebird skies with the gooey treats served by Beaver Creek’s Cookie Time chefs. “Mother nature came to our rescue after two weeks of bitter cold,” EGE Airport Aviation Director Greg Phillips says. “It was a very festive affair – it really couldn’t have gone better.” The Toronto service comes just months after the introduction of direct summer-only service from Houston, and together, the two flights mark the beginning of what Phillips, Vail Resorts and other local officials hope will be a new era for the airport. Operated by Air Canada, the Toronto flight is the airline’s only regular Coloradobased service beyond Denver International Airport. It runs every Saturday until April 5, bringing a new and potentially lucrative market to Eagle County. “I think Air Canada wanted to tap into the resorts and the great skiing out here, giving Canadians great access to the area,” says Robert Lawler, manager of the airline’s Denver station. “Canadians are naturally wintersports enthusiasts, and even though they have great
skiing throughout the country, this opens a new opportunity for easy access to the great mountain around here.” For Lawler and Air Canada, bringing new service to the EGE Airport is a can’t-miss proposition. Toronto is the airline’s main hub, with connecting flights to major Canadian metros like Halifax, Montreal and Quebec City. While the Houston flight through United Airlines took several years and a $400,000 revenue guarantee fronted through the nonprofit EGE Air Alliance, the Toronto flight came together at a comparatively breakneck pace. Air Canada pegged Eagle County as a potential stop in early August, and within a few weeks gears were turning to make it a reality. The process brought a handful Air Canada flight and ground-crew trainers to the airport – they won’t remain beyond the training process – and involved TSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents already stationed in Eagle County. “It’s a very busy process, and it’s actually been a very long time since Air Canada added a new city in the United States,” Lawler say. “It takes a lot of coordination.” As with everything at a small, regional airport near major ski resorts, service is all about convenience: The flight lands in time for passengers to disembark, head to the resorts and be on the mountain in less than and hour or two. “I hope they expand to add a few more days to the operation,” Lawler says of future plans. “It may not be daily service, but we might be able to add more days next season depending on bookings. Now that we’ve done all the groundwork, it will be much easier next year.” The jet center element A short walk from the commercial terminal is the Vail Valley Jet Center (VVJC), the EGE Airport’s general aviation hub for privately owned planes. Without VVTC, however, a flight like the Toronto nonstop would’ve been nearly impossible. In 2003, the center signed an agreement
with the airport to bring customs agents to the airport for private international flights. Because those agents were already in place, it made logistics for Lawler and Air Canada much easier. But VVTC’s reach is much broader than making life easy for airline officials. With five separate hangers and 156,000 square feet of heated hanger space, it can handle more than 170 individual flights in the middle of holiday high-season, including Gulfstream 650’s that can’t land at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Even on an average day, the center greets 50 to 70 flights. “It’s often been said the airport is an economic engine for the valley,” VVTC President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Gordon says. “The way we see it, the jet center maintains, fuels and feeds that engine.” In terms of clientele, nearly 90-percent of VVTC users come to Eagle County for recreation or to visit second homes, flying from as far as Brazil, Switzerland and Russia. But that high-end focus comes with downsides. Over the past few years, VVTC has seen a 44-percent drop in flights due to global economic turmoil. Yet the VVTC’s international reach continues to grow, from 50 business jets in 2003 to 389 in 2012. “Even in down years, we still saw sizeable growth in the international market,” Gordon says. “It hasn’t suffered a loss. So much of that is word-of-mouth, from corporations to jet owners. They tell their friends they had no problem getting from Zurich to Vail and that does as much as anything.” For aviation director Phillips, VVTC is home to a potential booster for international commercial travel. The EGE airport’s original terminal is connected to the jet center, but it has sat empty since the airport expanded in 1996. Officials have already looked at converting it to a commercial international terminal. Although a completion date has yet to be set, it would cost an estimated $2.6 million and could attract flights from Australia and New Zealand.
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Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
APPETITE
Warm up with holiday beers, punches and cocktails
Spirits of the season
Liven up a holiday party with winter-ready beers and party punches from Vail’s top bartenders. By Laura Lieff. Forget the eggnog and candy cane-flavored martinis. This holiday season features creative cocktails and out-of-the-box beers that are perfect for serving at parties or worth going down to the bar to taste.
While there are certain holiday traditions that are always fun to honor – spending time with friends and family, playing in the snow or taking a vacation to somewhere warm – it’s always nice to spice things up. Whether you are looking for innovative drinks to serve at your holiday party or beers that The Cabernet Barrel-Aged Farmhouse Ale from Gore Range Brewery in Edwards. will warm up your loved ones, this year holiday drinks are the best way to try Photo: Kent Pettit. something new. Although some think that heavy traditional drinks are the best way to celebrate the holidays or that dark beers are the best winter choices, there are a few new concoctions in the Vail Valley that will invigorate the holiday season The Rosette in a different way. Picked by: Anders Willis, bartender at Vin 48 In an effort to seek out new ways to delight this holiday season, SneakPEAK Expert remarks: “Light and easy to make, the Rosette is a nice greeter spoke to a few local experts to find out what they are serving and recommend- drink at holiday parties because it’s a refreshing and fun drink that guests will ing to celebrate and close out 2013. enjoy.” The bottom line: Featuring just three simple components, the Rosette alThe Winter Blanket lows you to host your guests without spending the entire night behind the bar Picked by: Anders Willis, bartender at Vin 48 in Avon making complicated drinks. It’s a much more creative substitute for serving Expert remarks: “‘Punchbowl’-type drinks, which include different types regular champagne and everyone will enjoy the clean, fresh taste. You can of ingredients one may not necessarily think to put together, are very popular also make it ahead of time and pour the Prosecco as people are arriving. The for holiday parties this year and the Winter Blanket is a great example. It is Rosette is definitely a drink that gets everyone in a festive mood and starts the a great choice for larger groups of people because it tastes great and is really night off right. fun to make.” Ingredients: The bottom line: Mezcals continue to gain popularity because they provide 0.5 ounces of St. Germain flavor without the sawdust feeling you get from making cocktails with scotch. 0.25 ounces of fresh squeezed lemon juice The smokiness of the Winter Blanket is mellowed out by the honey and the Top it off with 3.5 ounces of Prosecco acidity from the lemon juice and the drink definitely warms you up as you sip. Method: Pour all the ingredients together in a wine or champagne glass and Ingredients: garnish with a lemon twist. 1.5 ounces of Alipus Mezcal 0.5 ounces of Amaro Nonino Cabernet Barrel-Aged Farmhouse Ale Two drops of homemade chili tincture (high proof rum) Picked by: Greg Harvey, assistant manager of Gore Range Brewery in Ed0.75 ounces of homemade Cardamom honey syrup wards 0.5 fresh squeezed lemon juice Expert remarks: “The Farmhouse Ale is an unusual beer because it’s aged Method: Mix together and shake for about a minute. Use a double strainer six weeks in a Hess cabernet barrel and it’s only available for a limited time to get rid of the ice cubes and serve in a coupe glass. which makes it special for the holidays. We built on something we already had that was popular and the taste at the end brings a new flavor to the beer that Accumulation White IPA lingers like the holiday spirit.” Picked by: Lynne Krnacik, bartender at Main Street Grill in Edwards The bottom line: Using a wine barrel to age beer isn’t a brand new idea but Expert remarks: “It’s nice to give people a beer option that’s full-bodied it is inventive and this is a beverage that both beer drinkers and wine drinkers but not so heavy. It has a bitter taste to it but it’s a wheat beer with hops that can agree on. An unusual variant of Saison style, the Farmhouse Ale starts off will warm you up after a day on the mountain. It also tastes great with dinner.” somewhat malty, followed by hints of plum, spice and crisp apple. At the same The bottom line: Created in October 2013 by New Belgium, Accumulation time, the cabernet barrel aging contributes to its smooth, mellow finish and salutes the winter season but steps away from the traditional idea that our cold- adds tones of red wine grape and oak. est season is only for dark beers. Featuring a medium-light body, the strong SneakPEAK writer Laura Lieff can be reached at info@sneakpeakvail.com hop aroma betrays flavors of tropical fruits, bright citrus, herbs and spices. Although it is bitter, the addition of wheat smoothes out the rough edge.
Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
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New grooming and supply shop opens for valley dogs
PROGRESS
Pretty poocheS, friendly faces
A glimpse at the Valley’s newest dog grooming shop and what it has to offer your four-legged companion. By Nicholas Van Dyke. With a name like Doggie Style Grooming, you might wonder just exactly what kind of business it is. Take one step through the door, however, and all of those dirty thoughts will quickly fade away. The valley’s newest grooming shop, Doggie Style Pet Grooming LLC, is open for business with a convenient location in Edwards. When owner Carolyn Stratton decided that she was over working in the restaurant and bar business she did what anyone would do – she went to grooming school. All right, maybe not what everyone would do. In her time at school, Carolyn learned how to properly groom and care for dogs, no matter what breed they might be. Don’t be fooled into thinking that this little shop is just another standard grooming business; Doggie Style Grooming takes pride in being one of a kind. “I think what really sets us apart from other places is customer service,” says Stratton. “Most people get into the dog grooming business because they don’t like people and just want to work with dogs all day. But every dog has an owner, and I love my people just as much as I love the dogs.” Carolyn’s love for her customers isn’t something she hides. As soon as you step through the shop’s doors you’re blasted with smiles, even from the dogs. One such dog is the shop’s mascot: a black French bulldog that casually strolls through the shop to make sure business is going swimmingly.
Sammie the cocker spaniel enjoys the deluxe treatment after an early winter bath. Photo: Katie Anderson.
Want more? To see exclusive images, go to Facebook.com/sneakpeakvail Even the products carried by Doggie Style Grooming are unique, from the coats made specially for dogs to the treats and toys. The shop carries elk antler bones – pieces of elk antlers cut and sanded down so that dogs can safely gnaw on them. Not only do the dogs love these antlers, but since they’re naturally coated in calcium they’re great for their teeth. Another one-of-a-kind product is the shop’s Brewski Bones – all natural dog treats made of grains used in beers from the valley’s own Crazy Mountain Brewery. Whenever they can, owners Carolyn and Andy Stratton try to support other companies in the valley, showing once again that they care for not only dogs, but people as well. The care for the dogs, however, goes much farther than just the grooming. “We try to make sure that everything we carry is safe for the dogs here,” says Stratton. That means customers can feel confi[See DOGGIE STYLE, page 25]
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Doggie Style details Duvet dog bed cover -Small, medium and large available -Priced from $26 to $48 depending on size -Plenty of different colors and designs to choose from Brewski Bones -Small, medium and large packs available -Priced at $5, $9 and $15 depending on size -Made with grains from the valley’s own Crazy Mountain Brewery Elk Antler dog bones -Different sizes available to suit different dogs -Priced from $10 to $30 depending on size -All natural and great for your dog’s teeth Shop Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Monday and Sunday. Location: The Riverwalk, Edwards Phone: 970.331.9888
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Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
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EagleVail snowshoe race 5K and 10K 12.21.2013
ATHLETICS Off the beaten course
A versatile track and friendly competition headline the 18th EagleVail Snowshoe race. By John O’Neill.
Josiah Middaugh charges uphill ahead of the pack during a Pedal Power snowshoe race in 2011. Photo: John O’Neill.
Snowshoe racing returns to the valley floor this weekend with the annual Pedal Power EagleVail 10K and 5K races. The Pedal Power series has already been underway in Leadville and atop Tennessee pass. The EagleVail race, which will happen on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m., is the longest continuous venue in the series’ history. It is also one of the most popular. “This, I believe is the 18th year we’ll be at the EagleVail venue,” says Bruce Kelly, owner of Pedal Power and race organizer. “The course changes slightly every year. Now, with the EagleVail trail and what we can use off of that, I think this is the most versatile course of the series.” Unlike other on-mountain snowshoe races, Kelly’s courses are notorious for mixing faster running on groomed trail with off-track segments where racers must break trail. Kelly has spent much of last week out on the golf course and on the EagleVail trail scouting out a challenging track with the latest snow conditions. “Sort of what we’re known for is that
nobody knows what the course is going to be,” says Kelly. “What we’ll try to do is get a good flow to the course between the uphill, downhill, off track and faster packed-out sections.” Kelly says he will pick the course that best showcases a snowshoe race, not a running race. This works at challenging the frustrations that snowshoeing often causes – deep snow, poor footing, heavy feet – over the ease of strong running economy. “Part of what we think snowshoe racing is about is being able to deal with the challenges of deep snow or places where you might be slipping or tripping,” says Kelly. “There will be portions where you’ll have to think about slowing down a bit to get your footing before you can open it back up.” That said, Kelly acknowledges that it won’t be a complete slog. He says he will find a balance that has racers going uphill, downhill, flat, fast and slow. 5K and 10K The 10K course will be the premier event when it comes to competitive snowshoe racing during the year. Sources confirm that Josiah Middaugh has won the event one thousand times despite the race’s 18-year history. He is expected to toe the line again this year. “Josiah has been here a lot of years,” says Kelly. “He is a good demonstration of being able to do everything from on track to off track, uphills and downhill technical descents.” For those looking for a fun race on a beautiful course that is slightly more manageable, Kelly says the 5K should serve just that purpose. “We will make the 5K less demanding,” says Kelly. “We encourage the less competitive to still come out and support the event and get a good workout in.” Kelly added that the 5K course still
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won’t be a slouch. He said that it will incorporate all previously mentioned elements, just on a smaller scale. Afterparty The race, while starting at the 18th hole on the golf course, will first gather at the EagleVail pavilion. It will also conclude there with Pedal Power’s famous pottery awards being handed out to the top three male and top three female competitors in the 5K and 10K. “We’ve been doing the pottery awards for probably the last 12 or 13 years,” says Kelly. “It’s become a tradition.” Pazzo’s is sponsoring the race this year and there will be ample pizza to refuel after the race. Additionally, there will be a drawing for prizes donated from select gear manufacturers. Everything from socks and booties to headlamps and gift certificates. “It is one of the best local winter events of the year,” says Kelly. “There is something there for everyone to come and enjoy.”
SneakPEAK writer John O’Neill can be reached at info@sneakpeakvail.com
IF YOU GO What: Pedal Power EagleVail 5K and 10K Snowshoe races When: Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. Where: EagleVail Golf Course Cost: $20 pre-register, $25 day-of To register for either race, see pedalpowerbike.com and look for the race series link or drop by the shop in EagleVail.
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Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
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CU Freestyle Ski Team struggles to gain ground in Italy
ATHLETICS Culture shock
Local athletes compete in skier cross at the Winter World University Games in Italy. By Michael Suleiman. Editor’s note: Writer Michael Suleiman is the park and halfpipe coach for the University of Colorado Freestyle Ski Team.
The Dolomites towered in the distance. The iridescent goggles of our straight-faced competitors reflected the jagged peaks. No smiles – hardly a nod. They take it very seriously. Our U.S. team felt the full brunt of the glares. Maybe it was the overzealous patriotism and excessive use of American flags at the top of the Italian skiercross course. Regardless of the looming pressure, we were determined to diffuse the seriousness of the competition to relax our own nerves. At least that was my goal for the team at the Winter World University Games. We arrived Dec. 11 and immediately went to the opening ceremony, where 2,800 athletes from more than 50 countries paraded down the streets of Trento, Italy. The torch was run in, the president of the organization spoke, there was an impressive light show and the games begun. “Opening ceremony was really cool. It felt like we were starting a small Olympics. It was fun walking down the streets and hearing people cheer U.S.A.,” said U.S. competitor Jessica Webb. As a coach for the U.S. World’s team my main objective has been to gently encourage in the right direction. Then again, it’s easy to steer a self-navigating ship. Generally the small errors I point out are met with comments of, “oh yeah I knew that,” or more often a simple look of recognition. We are here in Italy to compete in skier cross and slopestyle. The team is predominantly composed of slopestyle athletes in addition to a few athletes with alpine experience. In Europe, skiercross has grown much quicker than in the U.S. – and it shows. The sport is categorized in the freestyle family, but there is little “freestyle” about it. Skiercross on Dec. 15 marked the first official competition
CU skier cross racer Grayson Tamberi waits at the starting gate in Italy during the World Winter University Games. Photo: Michael Suleiman. for the U.S. University World’s Freestyle Team. We had our work cut out for us. Little rocks were strewn throughout the course and some of the best World Cup skiercross competitors were present. The skiers from the U.S. team who did well had backgrounds in racing. “I raced when I was little and competed in bumps throughout high school and then began competing in big mountain comps in college. This was my second ever skiercross competition, but I have been training for this specific event for months now. Skiing back country in places like East Vail and Berthoud pass as quickly as possible is good training for events like these,” said U.S. competitor Andre Landau. “My attitude coming into this competition was that I was newer than everyone else and I was an underdog of sorts so I couldn’t take it too seriously. At the same time I wanted to put in a solid effort and do the best I could.” After an impressive few runs, Landau ended in 16th place. The single competition now gives Landau a 10th place overall in the U.S. skiercross standings for the season. Seasoned skiercross competitor Grayson Tamberi had an unfortunate run and was slightly boxed out against two other competitors going into the first turn. After an impressive time trial, Tamberi ended in 24th, making him 9th in the U.S. for the season. “I like skiercross because there is always something new. You can’t predict what is going to happen,” said Tamberi. “There are a lot of good skiers here. Skiercross in America really hasn’t caught on quite yet and in Europe it is their football. They put a lot of money into it and these kids have a lot of opportunity with it through school.” When race day came for skier cross on Sunday, former long time alpine racer [See CU FREESTYLE, page 25]
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Join the project
PROGRESS Tough talk
Red Ribbon Project’s reach runs deep with HIV and sexual health education. By Laura Lieff. Established in 1996 as a nonprofit organization in response to the growing need for HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, education and support, the Red Ribbon Project (RRP) now focuses on providing awareness and education for the youth of Eagle County. This youth-oriented effort began in 1998 with one “HIV 101” class that is now used as part of the curriculum for 16 classes on a variety of subjects like puberty, sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), interpersonal relationships, bullying and gender bias in the media. “RRP has enhanced its mission statement based on community feedback,” says Executive Director Denise Kipp. “RRP’s new mission is to promote healthier lives by empowering the community to reduce teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.” In 2010 RRP secured the largest grant in the organization’s history: $8,000 from the Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation. With this grant came the inception of a teen pregnancy prevention program in Eagle County high schools for local youth called ¡CUÍDATE!, which means “Take Care of Yourself” in Spanish. “Since receiving this grant, we have mobilized necessary resources, disseminated information to stakeholders, generated support and fostered cooperation across sectors of the community,” Kipp said. “RRP, along with community partners, has built awareness about the link between teen pregnancy and social determinants of health. We have also ensured access to culturally and linguistically appropriate programs and reproductive health care services for youth.” Youth Skills Building program In addition to RRP’s ¡CUÍDATE! teenage pregnancy prevention program, the organization offers a free Youth Skills Building (YSB) program to all fifth through 12th grade students. In existence since 2002, the YSB program provides young people with the tools they need to promote healthy development, realize
their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Not all students in Eagle County schools currently have access to a school counselor, so RRP ensures that comprehensive health education is available to them for free if needed. “We strive to strengthen our local youth by building resilience and skills to improve behaviors,” said Kipp. “We utilize our classes as an opportunity to promote and support positive behaviors, to teach coping skills and to target behaviors that can affect adolescents’ emotional health. We want to help raise kids who are responsible and productive members of our community.” Comprised of 16 classes that are developmentally appropriate, the YSB program allows teachers, administrators and counselors to choose from a variety of classes that are not covered in a regular classroom setting. These classes fall under three categories: human sexuality, prevention and social and emotional development. Affordable help In addition to providing educational tools, RRP also offers free HIV testing through the Western Slope Collaborative HIV Clinic, which is funded by a Ryan White Title III Grant. Located in Grand Junction, the clinic provides primary care, HIV specialty care, case management, mental health, dental and peer adherence counseling. Alicia Guttierez, an HIV Case Manager at the clinic, visits Eagle County six days a year and provides residents with the opportunity to receive a free HIV test, along with pre- and post-test counseling. If residents call outside of RRP’s six free testing days, the organization refers them to either Doctors on Call or The Title X Family Planning clinic and pays for the cost of the HIV test. By offering and promoting free HIV testing days, says Kipp, RRP is raising the level of awareness in people’s minds, which gives them a chance to “check” behavior that puts them at risk for HIV/AIDS. There is no other agency in Eagle County that provides barrierfree, rapid HIV testing which involves a finger prick with results available in 10 minutes. Since RRP’s inception, the organization has provided financial support for those in the Eagle County commu-
The Red Ribbon Project is one of Eagle County’s smallest nonprofits and relies almost solely on volunteer help. For more information or to help, see redribbonproject.org or call 970.827.5900.
nity who are affected and/or infected with HIV/AIDS. Over the years, the organization has provided financial support ranging from $800 to $5,000 annually. Busy season Red Ribbon Project recently hosted the third annual World AIDS Day Awareness Fundraiser in Eagle County which is honored globally on December 1 each year. “We use this as an opportunity to build awareness surrounding the important work that we do in the community,” Kipp said. “For the past three years the events included a cupcake campaign, a silent auction fundraiser, YSB Health Education at Battle Mountain High School and two free HIV testing days. In addition, this year RRP hosted a documentary at the Avon Library called Positive Women: Exposing Injustice.” Red Ribbon Project bakes over 1,000 cupcakes and “flags” them with information about World AIDS Day, free testing and the logos from participating sponsors. Flagged cupcakes were distributed throughout the Vail Valley at key locations such as banks, schools and Colorado Mountain College. What’s next? RRP has come a long way since its inception in 1996 and there have been numerous enhancements to the organization in the past three years. “We will continue to provide education on adolescent pregnancy prevention and sexual health and will analyze and assure these programs are based on community needs assessment and best practices,” Kipp noted. “RRP will continue to deliver the highest quality of teaching and will align our classes with K-12 Sexual Health Education Standards. We also hope to continue to increase linkages between teen pregnancy/STI prevention education and community based services.” RRP relies on volunteers for various administrative tasks, at our HIV testing sites and assistance in the schools. Community members are welcome to attend bi-monthly board meetings to learn more about the organization and see how they can best support the important work RRP does in the community. SneakPEAK writer Laura Lieff can be reached at info@sneakpeakvail.com
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CAPTION A photo by local high school student Ella Dose, Teen Category winner for the Bookworm’s first community photo contest. Bookworm proprietor Nicole Magistro says the photos “captured friendship and the innocence of youth beautifully.” We agree. PHOTO Ella Dose.
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Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
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Perspectives on holiday match-ups from resident sports expert
SNEAKSPORTS The gift of sports For sports fans, the holiday season represents increased intensity while offering opportunities to share games and experiences with the ones we love.
Patrick Whitehurst Minturn-based sports lover Patrick Whitehurst writes for fanrag.com. Tune in weekly for his musings on the wild and complicated love affair between American fans and their most cherished pastimes. He can be contacted through fanrag.com.
Nothing says “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” better than tickets to see your favorite team play a pivotal game or unwrapping a jersey directly from the team store. Everyone can become a fan of someone or something. In the most crucial weeks of the NFL regular season, wishes are not only encouraged, they can come true. The NBA treats viewers and fans to a quintuple-header on a Christmas Day, while the success of the NHL’s Winter Classic means five games will be played outdoors in the elements over the next few weeks. Sports can unite people and communities, so get together and watch a televised game with family and friends or attend in person if possible. Go outside and throw the ball around, find a pickup game to join and wear those jerseys with pride when you spend a day on the slopes. Join the fan community and be seen, be heard, be a fan! That’s FanRag.com’s motto, and something we try to embrace and portray wherever the sports world takes us. Everyone could use a little hope and good cheer, as well as some extra spending money this time of year. FanRag.com is encouraging fans and readers to find the spirit of giving this season by participating in our Free College Bowl Pick ‘Em Challenge. For every participant who registers, FanRag.com will donate $1 to Operation Warrior Wishes, a father-and-son nonprofit organization that benefits the Wounded Warriors Fund. Help us reach our goal of donating $10,000! Entry is absolutely free, it only takes a few minutes to make your picks and the prize is a cool $1,000.
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The wish list My wishes this holiday season include saying “thank you” to the countless veterans who have served our incredible country and help those in need. Together as fans and community members, we can make a difference in people’s lives by giving back. An intriguing end to the NFL regular season has football fans extremely excited. The remarkable turnaround for the Kansas City Chiefs has resulted in a playoff be rth. The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos have their sights set on trips to the Super Bowl, and several teams are positioned for a shot at a championship once the playoffs begin in two short weeks. Of course, my NFL wish is that the Green Bay Packers get a healthy Aaron Rodgers back, win the NFC North and bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown. If that doesn’t happen, I hope Peyton Manning can find a way to go into little brother Eli’s home stadium and emerge victorious. Bowl Season in college football is the main reason so many fans have tolerated the BCS for as long as we have. Bowl season offers us a final chance to see our alma maters and favorite programs play, and that’s reason enough to cheer. The Wisconsin Badgers aren’t playing in their third consecutive Rose Bowl (now in it’s 100th year and still the best bowl game around), but the team will get the chance to face off against a proven SEC powerhouse in South Carolina. My college football wish is simple and attainable: Enjoy the games and hope players and fans do the same while staying healthy. Last week I had the opportunity to spend some time in Sacramento covering the Kings and their fabulously dedicated fans. My wish for that fan community is that the team gels around Demarcus Cousins, Isaiah Thomas and the newly acquired Rudy Gay while making a run at the playoffs. The city and passionate fan-base deserve a winner (and a new downtown arena). As the holidays approach and conference play in college basketball draws near, my wish is that for every buzzer beater and close finish, we remember as fans that these are student-athletes. Too much pressure is placed on winning at the collegiate level; the best coaches and teachers will always help their players and pupils grow through the experiences that shape their lives. Give the gift of sports and the joy of being a fan this holiday season. It never gets old.
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The view of Vail’s Back Bowls from Two Elk. Head to Vail on Christmas Day for a once-a-year holiday pin through Epix Mix. Talk about a nice gift. Photo: Meghan Gruszynski.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Tricia’s Top 8
Have an event for the SneakPEAK calendar? Email your blurb to info@sneakpeakvail.com
Thursday, Dec. 19 Family Fireside Party in Vail
Before heading to the adult-only holiday parties, visit the Vail Public Library for a free (yes, free) shindig just for youngsters. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the library staff hosts crafts, caroling, holiday games and St. Nic himself – or at least one of his doppelgangers. Children must be accompanied by an adult, but the afternoon provides plenty of photo ops for the entire brood. Librarians will also collect canned food donations at the door for the local Salvation Army branch. The library is found across the street from Dobson Arena in Vail. To find out more, see vaillibrary.com.
Thursday, Nov. 19 “Seeds of Change” fundraiser in Edwards
Join students from Avon Elementary School and Berry Creek Middles School for a rousing performance of “Seeds of Change,” a show inspired by Dr. Seuss’ environmental fable “The Lorax.” Held at the Battle Mountain High School theater, it begins at 7 p.m. and is a fundraiser for the student-only dance program Celebrate the Beat. The Thursday performance is free, but donations will be taken at the door to support the program, which reaches students at local elementary and middle schools through The Youth Foundation’s Girl PowHER program. A $100 VIP ticket is available and includes a gift, pre-show reception at Old Forge Pizza in Edwards and priority seating. To order tickets, call Martha Brassel at 970.748.5907.
Friday, Dec. 20 Hardscrabble at Bonfire Brewing Taproom
Local favorite Hardscrabble brings high-energy bluegrass to the Bonfire Brewing Taproom for the latest installment in Bonfire’s free Friday music series. Things kick off around 8 p.m. at the brewery’s Eagle taproom, but swing by earlier in the day for $3 pints from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Music ends at 11 p.m. – just in time for the beer to stop flowing. For more info on the band or to hear free music before the show, see reverbnation.com/hardscrabble.
Friday, Dec. 20 Blackalicious at Agave
West Coast hip-hop dup Blackalicious comes to Agave, bringing along eccentric rhymes and beats in the vein of Jurassic 5 and Pharcyde. Rapper Gift of Gab and DJ/producer Chief Xcel have visited Agave several times before with their take on old-school hiphop. Music begins at 9:30 p.m. with tickets available for $20 at the door or online. Sorry, younguns – entry is 21 and older only. For more info or to buy tickets, see agaveavon.com.
Tricia Swenson
1. Want to improve your emotional and social intelligence? International speaker and author Neil Nedley will speak on the topic at a free Community Veggie Dinner, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 19 in the Grandview Room of the Lionshead parking structure. 2. Attend the Vail Christian Academy’s Christmas musical, “Nothing is Impossible,” held at the Vilar Center on Dec. 19. 3. The Winter Solstice on Ice returns to Solaris in Vail Vilalge with an ice skating show (and plenty of holiday cheer) on Dec. 20 and 21 at 5 p.m. 4. Learn how to make paper lanterns with local artist Helen Hiebert on Dec. 22. Bring them to the tree lighting in Vail later that night. Reservations are required, so call ahead to 970.479.2344 to get your spot and find out more. 5. It’s time to light the tree in Vail! Come on down to Slifer Plaza in Vail Village at 5 p.m. on Dec. 22 to join this local tradition. Be ready for music, Santa and lots of lights! 6. Hear the sounds of Christmas by attending Handel’s Messiah, performed by the Boulder Philharmonic on Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Vilar Center. 7. Beyond Christmas tunes, we have the classics, too! Don’t miss songwriter and singing legend Burt Bacharach at the Vilar on Dec. 22. 8. Vail and Beaver Creek recently opened more terrain! Get out there to add vertical feet to your Epic Mix stats, earn pins and take Epic Mix photos!
favorites – “Smoke Two Joints,” “Date Rape” and the like – along with a few lesser-known tunes, all performed faithfully by dudes raised near Sublime’s stomping grounds. Tickets are $10 online or $12 at the Few things evoke the majesty and wonder of Christdoor. Music begins at 9:30 p.m. and entry is 21 and mas like the Baroque strains of Handel’s Messiah. Just over only. To buy tickets, see agaveavon.com. in time for the holiday season, the Boulder Philharmonic comes to the Vilar Center in Beaver Creek for a one-night performance of the German composer’s most Monday, Dec. 23 memorable piece. The concert begins with several hol- “A Christmas Carol” at Vilar Center Touring theater troupe the Nebraska Theatre Caraiday selections, including “Fantasia on Greensleeves” van brings Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the three by Vaughn Williams, before ending with the HalleluChristmas Ghosts to life (so to speak) with a live adjah Chorus. Music begins at 6:30 p.m., with tickets aptation of Charles Dickens’ classic. This traditional priced at $60 for adults and $15 for students with an show stays true to the original, with 24 actors playing ID. To purchase tickets, see visit the Beaver Creek box the various roles as miserly Scrooge finds redemption office or see vilarpac.org. through the spirit of Christmas. Despite a few frightening moments – who can forget the ominous Ghost of Saturday, Dec. 21 Christmas Yet to Come? – it’s made for all ages. The Winter Solstice Celebration with performance begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 to $55 Shanti Sadhana in Vail for adults and $35 for children. To purchase tickets or When the holidays get chaotic, relief is hard to find. find out more, see vilarpac.org. The Vail Vitality Center’s Karen Anderson and Julia Clarke are offering a brief respite on Dec. 21 from 5 Monday, Dec. 23 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., featuring a Bhava yoga and Metta meditation session called Shanti Sadhana. The session Pat Hamilton and Peter Vavra in is designed to cultivate space in the body, mind and Beaver Creek New holiday traditions are hard to come by, but local heart through a guided Bhava yoga practice of flow singer Pat Hamilton and pianist Peter Vavra have made and restorative yoga. This special practice is followed their intimate Christmas concert a must-see event. by a collective “loving kindness” Metta meditation to Each December the duo takes to Beaver Creek Chapel free long-held patterns and belief systems that are not for an evening of holiday classics, adorned with little anchored in love. Cost is $25 in advance or $35 at the more than Hamilton’s captivating voice and Vavra’s door for all participants. To register or find out more, expert playing. The two are so synonymous with the call the Vitality Center at 970.476.7221. holidays that they released an album, “Christmas in Vail,” and have won a legion of fans. Music begins at Saturday, Dec. 21 7:30 p.m. and entry is a minimum $20 donation, with 40 Oz. to Freedom at Agave proceeds going to the Vail Valley Salvation Army and Need your holiday Sublime fix? We thought so. San Adopt-A-Family. Seating is open. Diego-based tribute group 40 Oz. to Freedom brings the So Cal ska/punk/reggae group back to life with a concert at Agave on Saturday. Head over for your
Saturday, Dec. 21 The Boulder Philharmonic Christmas Celebration at Vilar Center
Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
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BREWER’S JOURNAL bug your employees is the first step to getting there. You don’t have to let them name a beer “Breast Milk Stout”, but you can find a way to let concerns flow easily, ask rather than tell and explain the decisions that affect them. Employee handbooks, formal reviews processes, detailed job descriptions, and benefit programs are all tools the consistent employer will develop in time. If the newbie employer can at least offer a meaningful line of communication, however, the groundwork is already in place. Finally, consider the less immediately noticeable pieces of whatever product or service you’re providing. The parts that round out the experience for your customer. The look and feel of your space, or your vehicle, or even you personally -- yes, you should shower
BLACK TIE
today. The message on your phone, the music in the background, the paint on the walls, the magazines on the waiting room table, the entrance, the vibe, even the answers you and your employees give to the dreaded “FAQ.” Think about what you’d want to experience as a consumer of your product, and make sure your customer can receive that experience in the same shape or form as frequently as possible. None of this is intended to imply that we should all create rigid environments without change. Part of any successful business is also adaptability, but adaptation should come in a predictable manner. Whether it’s out of customer, market, or employee urging, or some combination of those factors, you must have a reason to change and guide that change with purpose. Also re-
call that some inconsistency is desirable for many businesses (think of Moe’s running out of pulled pork on a busy day). We accept inconsistency that is predictable, or that we as customers have some modicum of control over (you could have gone earlier if you wanted the delicious meat that badly). Identify the areas you can improve upon -- the things you regularly hear complaints about are probably a good place to start -- and ask yourself if inconsistency is part of the problem. If so, gather intelligence from your customers, your employees, and the Internet, find a way to eliminate that inconsistency, and you’re likely to eliminate the problem, as well as some insomnia.
Goodbye, brick-and-mortar In terms of reach, Black Tie and other local delivery services are no different than brick-and-mortar shops. Black Tie fit roughly 5,000 clients last year, and the company’s Avon warehouse carries basic and demo packages by popular brands like K2, Salomon, Burton, Atomic and a few more. One highlight – and Valerie’s saving grace last year – is a boot upgrade: Add $9 per day to the $54 premium (aka demo) package and get a brand-new, top-of-the-line boot. Child rates range from $27 to $40.50 per day and discounts are available for skiers or riders with their own boots. But the true appeal is in-home service. Even when things go wrong, Bristow and his crew have a solution. At any moment during the height of ski season, a handful of trucks roam the valley to mend last-minute issues. Sometimes it’s not even necessary: When Bristow fit 12-year-old Kaleigh, mom warned him she’d gone through a growth spurt over the summer. Her boots from last year didn’t fit – Black Tie reservationist used last year’s order to streamline the process and had a rough
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idea of what the Boyt’s needed a week before they left Texas – but Bristow and Leonard had packed two extra pairs. The next pair fit perfectly. “The other girls are excited (to ski), but she’s the one who really loves it,” Eric said and nodded at his youngest daughter. “She wanted to get on the mountain today.” Then came the compliment any business waits to hear. Shortly before leaving, Eric told Bristow they’d recommended Black Tie to family friends who planned to visit Breckenridge. “Adam and I have really been trying to put a personalized, family feel on the business,” Graeff said after leaving the Boyt’s. “Sometimes our techs will come back to the warehouse with food or a case of wine from clients. People really like being able to take care of everything in a comfortable space.”
New Winter Dinner Menu! Devoted To The Craft
White Trash Wednesday’: 10pm. $3 Beer & Shot specials. DJ P-Rock spins Vails favorite dance music.
Thursday night: FREE Live Music w/ Jake Wolf & Friends featuring Patrick Latella & Howard Montgomery of White Water Ramble and Rob Eaton Jr. Saturday & Sunday Football: Brunch starting at 10am. Saturday Night: Live Music w/ Rocky Mountain Grateful Dead Review featuring Rob Eaton of Dark Star Orchestra. 10pm. Sunday Night: Industry Night. 1/2 OFF BAR TAB after 10pm and FREE pool. NFL Football on 16 hdtv’s and two 10 ft projection screens. $2.50 Bud & Bud Light Drafts, $4 Mimosas and $5 Kettle One Bloody Marys. Monday Night: $10 Burger & Craft Beer 5pm-10pm Tuesday Night Social Hour till 10pm featuring Craft Beer, Wine, Cocktail and Food Specials.
Check out www.VailAleHouse.com for upcoming evnets 2161 N.Frontage Rd. West Vail • 970-476-4314 24
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Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
DOGGIE STYLE
dent that their dog is in good hands and will come out looking and feeling even better than when they came in. The toys and treats are all natural and void of chemicals so the dogs can enjoy them without any risk to their health. When asked about where the shop got its name, Carolyn didn’t skip beat. “My mother in law,” says Carolyn. “We were trying to do a play on words, and then she said it and I was like, that’s it. Of course my dad was like, you can’t name your business that! But it was done, and I did.” Whether you want your dog to be groomed or just want to buy them something
CU FREESTYLE Webb shed her lighthearted smile and got aggressive. In the end she landed in 6th place overall after three fast runs. “I picked up freestyle skiing about a year ago to try something different and skier cross is a nice blend of the two divisions,” said Webb. “I’m a little nervous for slopestyle but we will see what happens. Skiercross is much more similar to what I grew up competing in. Going fast is more in my comfort zone. The scene was really intense today.” Webb had an incredible performance against a field full of women looking to qualify for the upcoming Olympics. Three Russian girls she raced against in the competition were in fact competing against each other for an Olympic spot in Sochi this coming February. Webb was planning on competing in slopestyle but had an unfortunate crash in training on Monday that resulted in a broken vertebra. She will be undergoing surgery in Italy or back in the U.S. in the upcoming days. During the skier cross race Keeli Zigich had a bind-
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to keep them in style, Doggie Style Grooming has you covered. With a staff that’s nothing but smiles and laughs and still as professional as can be, you’ll be sure to be satisfied and keep coming back. Your dog is sure to be satisfied too. Show your canine you care this holiday season by stopping by Doggie Style Pet Grooming, you’ll be glad you did. SneakPEAK writer Nicholas Van Dyke can be reached at info@sneakpeakvail.com
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ing malfunction that caused her to release mid turn at schedule go to universiadetrentino.org/it. To donate to the end of the course when she was in second place the U.S. team go to cufst.com. in her heat. “Skier cross went better than I thought it SneakPEAK writer Michael Suleiman can be would today. You can’t hold back in this sport. The reached at info@sneakpeakvail.com mentality in skier cross is different than alpine. It is hard having three other people in your line and in your spatial awareness while flying down a course with jumps, rollers and tight turns. I could have done better overall but I had a blast,” said Zigich. The medal count stands at Russia in first with 32 medals, Poland in second with 14 medals and Italy in third with eight medals. The lack of support for the U.S. team at this event has been one of the biggest challenges. At this event we are seen as the underdogs. We had to raise $50,000 in order to compete, while traditionally most teams have national financial backing from their countries. Regardless of the challenges and injuries along the way, we are confident that medals for the U.S. will be earned in slopestyle this coming week. For more information on the event including a CBS
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TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN DOGMA ATHLETICA IN DECEMBER 1. Your Health and well being start your New Years resolution early 2. Unlimited Computrainer classes 3. Unlimited Yoga classes 4. Unlimited fitness classes and mat pilates classes 5. Full access to Dogma’s cardio and weight room 6. Initiation fee waived (join by 12/24) 7. Two Complimentary personal training sessions 8. 25% off private yoga sessions 9. 10% off in Dogma’s proshop 10. 10% off all In Your Face Skin Fitness studio facials and products
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970-688-4433 Riverwalk, Edwards DogmaAthletica.com Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
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DINING GUIDE VAIL
Gohan Ya West Vail Mall 970.476.7570 Asian cuisine L|D|$
Ludwig’s Sonnenalp Resort 970.479.5429 Contemporary American B|$
Red Lion Top of Bridge St. 970.476.7676 American L | D | $$
Up The Creek Bar & Grill 223 Gore Creek Dr. 970.476.8141 Contemporary Cuisine D | $$
Joe’s Famous Deli 288 Bridge St. 970.479.7580 Deli B|L|D|$
May Palace Next to City Market West Vail 970.476.1657 Chinese L|D|$
Russell’s By the Covered Bridge 970.476.6700 Steakhouse D | $$
Vendetta’s 291 Bridge St. 970.476.5070 Bar/Pizza/Pasta L| |$
Kelly Liken Gateway Building 12 Vail Rd. 970.479.0175 D | $$$
Matsuhisa Located in the Solaris 970.476.6682 Japanese/Peruvian L | D | $$
Subway West Vail 2161 N. Frontage Rd. Village Blvd. 970.926.2400 Sandwiches B|L|D|$
Vail Chophouse 675 West Lionshead Place 970.477.0555 Steak & Seafood L | D | $$
La Bottega 100 E. Meadow Dr. 970.476.0280 Northern Italian L | D | $$
Montauk Seafood Grill Lionshead Village 970.476.3601 Creative Seafood/Meat L | D | $$
Sushi Oka Hibachi 100 East Meadow Drive. Suite #4 970.476.1588 Sushi/Japanese D | $$
Westside Cafe & Market 2211 N. Frontage Rd. 970.476.7890 American B|L|D|$
Lancelot Next to Children’s Fountain 970.476.5828 Prime Rib/Steak/Seafood D | $$
Nozawa Holiday Inn, WestVail 970.476.9355 Sushi L | D | $$
Sweet Basil 193 E. Gore Creek Dr. 970.476.0125 Contemporary American L | D | $$$
Yama Sushi 168 Gore Creek Dr. 970.476.7332 Sushi | D | $$
Larkspur Restaurant Golden Peak 970.754.8050 Creative American D | $$$
Ore House 232 Bridge St. 970.476.5100 Steaks/Seafood L | D | $$
Swiss Chalet 20 Vail Road 970.476.5429 Fondue D | $$$
Yeti’s Grind Located in the Solaris 970.476.1515 Coffee and snacks B|L|D|$
La Tour 122 E. Meadow Dr. 970.476.4403 French & American D | $$$
Osaki’s 100 E. Meadow Dr. 970.476.0977 Sushi D|$
The Tavern On The Square 675 Lionshead Place 970.754.7400 Bar, American L|D|$
The Little Diner West Lionshead Plaza 970.476.4279 Calssic Diner/Traditional Favorites B|L|$
Pazzo’s Pizzeria 122 E. Meadow Dr. 970.476.9026 Pizza/Pasta/Salads L|D|$
Terra Bistro| 352 Meadow Dr., Vail Mountain Lodge& Spa 970.476.6836 Contemporary American D | $$
Lord Gore & the Fitz Lounge Manor Vail at the base of Golden Peak 970.476.4959 Contemporary American D | $$
Pepi’s By the Covered Bridge 970.476.4671 German D | $$
The George 292 Meadow Dr. 970.476.2656 Bar/American D|$
Los Amigos Top of Bridge St. 970.476.5847 Mexican L|D|$
Qdoba 2161 N. Frontage Rd. 970.476.7539 Mexican L|D|$
$ = $10-$20 $$ = $20-$40 $$$ = $40+ B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
To see more dining options, please review next week’s issue, November 28 26
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Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
GROUP HIKING 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Give your doGs what they need!
• Healthy exercise for your dog • 16 years of professional pet care. • Offering daycare at the best facility in the Valley • Largest outdoor play yard in the Valley. • Daycare Monday - Friday
- Available for private parties and group functions -
Open for Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner Breakfast served ALL DAY! Lunch 11am - 3pm Dinner 5pm - close Mon - Sat
281 Metcalf Rd., Avon, Co 970.476.8197 WalkingTheDogVail.com
Open nightly 5pm - close Breakfast: Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 8 - 11am
Monday: Happy Hour all Night | 20 off all Appetizers Wednesday: Gyro Night | $5.95 Gyro & Fries Thursday: All Night Happy Hour | Watch Thursday Night Football %
Good Food Affordable Prices 476-3113
Across from the Post Office in Edwards | 970.926.1163
Vail Racquet Club in east Vail
HAVE YOU EVER FELT RUG LOVE? Come to Ruggs Benedict & fall in love with a rug.
Check out rugs like library books - Come to our store and choose some rugs you like. If needed we will deliver them to your home in the Vail Valley for free. See how they look in your home, then keep the ones you love. 1000 beautiful area rugs in stock - Our selection of imported, hand made rugs is unmatched. Over the past 25 years, we have built relationships with the best rug makers around the world. We buy direct and sell directly to you at wholesale prices. 200 choices under $200 - We have area rugs to fit any room and any budget. Stop by and check them out!
“The right rug can make the room.” Mandy & Roger Benedict
Serving the Vail Valley since 1972 Ruggs Benedict - Voted 2009 Business of the Year
810 Nottingham Road, Avon • 970-949-5390 • www.ruggsbenedict.com Thursday, December 19 - December 25, 2013
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