adventure GUIDE t o t he west er n san juans WIN T E R
2017
YEAR-ROUND
EXPLORATION
HIGH-COUNTRY CLOSE CALLS DOWNHILL
ALTERNATIVES
WINTER FISHING
+ ONE PASS, 14 RESORTS … FUN IN THE BACKCOUNTRY … AND A COMPREHENSIVE CALENDAR TO PLAN ALL YOUR WINTER ADVENTURES
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Keeping your
Winter Green 250 250 SOUTH SOUTH FIR FIR 728-7999 728-7999 OPEN OPEN 11 11AM AM TO TO 77PM PM ON ONEE BLOCK BLOCK EEAS ASTT OF OF TH THEE TEL TELLLUURI RIDE DE GGON ONDOL DOLAA SSTATI TATION ON adventureGUIDE | WINTER2017
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adventure
GUIDE
Publisher: Andrew Mirrington
to the western san juans
publisher@telluridenews.com Associate Publisher: Dusty Atherton, ext. 24 dusty@telluridenews.com
————— [ EDITORIAL ] ————— Editor: Andre Salvail, ext. 14
andre@telluridenews.com Senior Staff Writer: Justin Criado, ext. 18 justin@telluridenews.com Reporter: Jessica Kutz, ext. 12 jessica@telluridenews.com Contributors: Amber King, Connor O’Neil, Allison Perry, Dale Strode, Katherine Warren
CONTENTS
masthead
WIN TER
2017
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YEAR-ROUND EXPLORATION
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ONE PASS, 14 SKI RESORTS
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CLOSE CALLS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY
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ALTERNATIVES TO DOWNHILL
28
COLD-WEATHER FISHING
32
BACKCOUNTRY FUN
36
CALENDAR
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PARTING SHOT
By Dale Strode
By Katherine Warren
By Allison Perry
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By Katherine Warren
By Connor O’Neil
By Amber King
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Circulation: Telluride Delivers Adventure Guide is owned and operated by Telluride Newspapers, Inc., P.O. Box 2315, Telluride, Colorado 81435. Phone: 970-728-9788; Fax: 970-728-8061; Editorial fax: 970-728-9793; Online edition: www.telluridenews.com A publication of
[Cover photo by Darin Houtstra] The photo was taken in Yankee Boy Basin. The teal blue color below the milky way is called air glow. It was particularly bright on this night due to the rising moon, which was well below the horizon.
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YEAR-ROUND
EXPLORATION Hiking, climbing, cycling at Colorado National Monument
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Title page: The 450-foot monolith of Independence Monument is the crown jewel of the Colorado National Monument. (Photo by Dale Strode) Above: Dirk Anderson skis on a snowy morning in the Colorado National Monument. (Photo courtesy of Colorado National Monument Association)
By DALE STRODE
T
he name understates the grandeur. Colorado National Monument sits patiently to the immediate west and south of Grand Junction, a unique 32 square miles of geologic history carved into canyons and
plateaus. With elements familiar to Canyonlands and Arches, its paleological cousins, Colorado National Monument also features giant sandstone monoliths — sentinels of the time-tested work of wind and water. The area was nearly designated as the Colorado Monoliths when it was first established in 1911 — a name some feel is more descriptive of the collection of monoliths and formations, including Independence Monument, Kissing Couple, Pipe Organ, Sentinel Spire and Balanced Rock. Accessible to the east from Grand Junction and Fruita on the west, Colorado National Monument serves as a backyard desert getaway for locals and visitors alike — all under the watchful eye of the desert bighorn sheep, who thrive in the rugged, rocky environment. Popular among hikers, climbers, sight-seers and road cyclists, Colorado National Monument is showcased by Rim Rock Drive, a 23-mile winding road that courses from one end of the monument to the other, hugging the sheer canyon walls after a 2,700-foot
climb from the valley floor to a high point of 6,700 feet. With numerous pullouts and overlooks, Rim Rock Drive also offers handicap-accessible viewing areas along the serpentine route. The vantage points include the aptly named Cold Shivers Point, Fallen Rock Overlook, Artists Point and Monument Canyon View, among others. The Visitors Center is located near Independence Monument View as well as the Saddlehorn Campground on the Fruita side. Rim Rock Road itself was first designed by the National Park Service as a means for the public to access the region’s dramatic formations. Construction was started in 1931 with the bulk of the work done by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The project was suspended during World War II and ultimately completed in 1950. First explored and promoted by the legendary John Otto, Colorado National Monument includes hiking opportunities that retrace some of Otto’s own footsteps. “There are … great hiking trails in Ute Canyon, Monument Canyon,” Seth Anderson of Grand Junction, a board member with the nonprofit Colorado National Monument Association, said. “And there are new trail sections in Wedding Canyon and at the Corkscrew (at the Liberty Cap Trail’s lower trailhead).” The newer trails are unimproved trails into more remote areas of Colorado National Monument. Plus, Anderson said, there are hikes for the more
adventuresome that follow pipe routes of the explorer Otto along with game trails and Native American pathways. They include steps carved into sheer sandstone walls and notched hand-holds. OTTO FERRATA
“Like (the trail to) Otto’s Bathtub,” Anderson said. “I call it … Otto Ferrata … kind of like the Via Ferrata in Telluride.” Anderson, also the co-creator of Loki Outerwear, said the adventure hiking includes lots of rock scrambling. “I call it pushing-Class 4,” Anderson said. Additional wild hiking is available in No Thoroughfare Canyon, with the trailhead right at the east entrance to the national monument near Grand Junction (state Highway 340). As always, he said, hikers should follow the desert edicts of “don’t bust the crust” and “leave no trace.” The most popular traditional hiking routes in Colorado National Monument are Liberty Cap and Monument Canyon. The Liberty Cap formation can be reached from the top plateau of the monument on a 5.5mile hike. It’s also reachable from the valley floor with a 2-mile uphill hike, including some scrambling. Monument Canyon Trail also is accessible from below and above. The 2.5-mile route from the valley floor takes hikers to the base of the 450-foot >>> adventureGUIDE | WINTER2017
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An aerial view shows a section of Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction. Rim Rock Drive is visible at left. (Photo courtesy of Colorado National Monument Association)
Independence Monument. The trail also leads past the Kissing Couple and the Coke Ovens formation, which tower overhead. Atop the plateau, the 5.5-mile Black Ridge Trail traces the ridge with an up-and-down route featuring views west to the Utah canyon country and east to the Grand Mesa. Anderson said there are a number of much shorter hikes for people just looking for a taste of the sandstone formations. “Devil’s Kitchen … you can get to a really cool (rock formation) in a quarter-mile,” Anderson said of a picnic area at the east entrance. “And Serpents (Trail) is there if you want to get vertical.” The 1.75-mile Serpents Trail climbs from the east side up to the highway tunnel on the Grand Junction side. There are two more tunnels on the Fruita side of Rim Rock Road.
really cool, four-pitch climb.” The other big names also are tough: Sentinel Spire is 5.10, for example. The climbing opportunities include Super Crack in Red Canyon, he said. “If people like crack climbing, it’s here, too,” Anderson said. “This place (Colorado National Monument) should be on the to-do list for climbers.” Some winters, there also is cross country skiing in the Colorado National Monument, Anderson said. “The last few years, we’ve been able to ski up there probably eight of 10 years,” Anderson said, adding that the skiing is limited with desert hazards. “But that is really cool to ski around the red rocks … I love doing that.” The Liberty Cap Trail is the favored ski route, conditions permitting.
CLIMBING
Cyclists flock to Colorado National Monument much of the year to take advantage of one of the state’s most iconic road rides. The Monument Loop, a 40-mile round trip, includes the 23 miles of Rim Rock Drive and connecting roads in the valley between Fruita and Grand Junction. “The cyclists love the monument, first and foremost, for the views,” T.J. Collins, a service tech at Bicycle
CYCLING
The climbing at Colorado National Monument, on the other hand, is challenging, according to Anderson. “A lot of the climbing is pretty difficult,” Anderson said of the climbs, rated 5.4 to 5.9 and above. He cited the Slabs in Monument Canyon along with the iconic Independence Monument. “It is 5.8-plus,” he said. “That (Independence) is a 10
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Outfitters in Grand Junction, said. “It’s spectacular when you get up there.” He said the ride is challenging, but doable for the average road biker, citing the 2,700 feet of climbing. There’s also a corresponding descent. “I think you get a sense of adventure (riding in the monument),” Collins said. “You can get away from the urban elements in no time at all.” He said the climb up the Fruita side is more gradual, but longer than the steeper climb on the Grand Junction side. The ride through Colorado National Monument was included in the Coors Classic race routes of the 1980s and was featured in the Kevin Costner film “American Flyers.” Collins said the low traffic volumes and low speed limits on the road also make it popular among cyclists. “Be sure to bring your lights,” Collins said. Front and rear lights are required on bicycles because of the three tunnels on Rim Rock Drive. While mountain biking is not allowed in Colorado National Monument, there are popular mountain biking trail complexes outside the monument at the east entrance near Grand Junction and near Fruita. For more information, visit www.coloradonma.org or www.ups.gov.
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ONE PASS
14 SKI
RESORTS Telluride joins Mountain Collective alliance
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Title page: The Mountain Collective alliance, which Telluride Ski Resort recently joined, offers two days of skiing (for those who purchase the pass) at Aspen Skiing Co.’s four ski areas. [Photo courtesy of Aspen Skiing Co.] Above: Skiers often pause on the trails above Telluride to admire the view of the town. [Photo courtesy of Telluride Ski Resort]
By KATHRINE WARREN
A
t a friend’s barbecue this fall, Angie Sells, of Durango, Colo., heard about a new program one of her favorite ski resorts, Telluride Ski Resort, had just joined. For a little more than $400, she could purchase a Mountain Collective pass which would give her two days of skiing at 14 of North America’s most beloved ski resorts, plus a whole host of other lift tickets and lodging offers. Sells loves skiing and decided to buy the Mountain Collective pass in addition to her season pass to Durango’s Purgatory. The major selling points were the days in Telluride and Taos but she was very impressed with the full list of participating resorts. “I’ve never skied Aspen or Jackson,” she said. “Skiing there will make me get out of the Four Corners bubble.” In past years, she’s purchased the Telluride Card offering 20 percent off lift ticket prices, but the way Sells sees it, by skiing just two of the resorts the collective offers, the pass has paid for
itself. “I’m excited,” she said. The Mountain Collective alliance is a collaborative pass program offering passholders two-day lift tickets to each of the collective’s 14 resorts in addition to significant lodging discounts and 50 percent off more ski days. Tucker Vest Burton, public relations manager for Aspen Skiing Company, explained that Aspen was one of the original resorts that helped inaugurate the program in 2011. “It started out as a small program, and we continue to add resorts each year,” Burton said. The original collective was Aspen/Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Squaw Valley and Alta. Five seasons later, Mountain Collective pass holders can enjoy two days at 14 participating ski resorts, including Aspen/Snowmass, Alta/ Snowbird, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Taos, Whistler Blackcomb and more, with no blackout dates. Additional days at each of those destinations are available at a 50 percent discount, and passholders are eligible for Mountain Collective lodging specials. And jetsetting skiers also can enjoy two days
at Valle Nevade in Chile, Hakuba Valley in Japan and Chamonix in France. This summer, Telluride announced it was joining this program. The collective not only exposes Telluride to more skiers, but also allows residents to ski at other top resorts. “We love being able to share Telluride with others,” said Shannon Gibbs, Telluride Ski Resort’s director of communications. “This helps us reach a passionate audience of skiers and snowboarders who have wanted to come to Telluride to experience everything we have to offer.” In Telluride, passholders are offered 10 percent off lodging at The Peaks Resort & Spa with a three-night minimum and a $150 Peaks Resort Credit that can be used at the resort’s newest restaurant, Altezza at the Peaks or The Spa at the Peaks. Telski CEO Bill Jenson said in a release announcing the move, that this is “an outstanding opportunity for passionate skiers and snowboarders to experience Telluride’s extensive terrain and benefit the resort community as >>> adventureGUIDE | WINTER2017
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Above: A skiier finds a nice powder stash below one of Telluride Ski Resort’s four-person-chair lifts. [Photo courtesy of Telski] Right: Buttermilk Ski Area, pictured here, is one of Aspen Skiing Co.’s “Power of Four” mountains for downhill recreation. The others are: Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Ski Area. [Photo courtesy of Aspen Skiing Co.]
Mountain Collective passholders add Telluride to their list of destinations to experience this winter.” Vest Burton explained that the demographic of passholders is quite varied. “Lots of Californians buy it, which makes sense because we have Squaw and Mammoth,” she said. Other purchasers include folks near each of the participating ski resorts. “They are just super die-hard skiers (and snowboarders),” Vest Burton said. “They want to visit all of these resorts. This is a huge bucket list because these resorts are so iconic.” “Longtime Mountain Collective passholders seem really excited that they can now come to Telluride as part of the pass,” Gibbs said. “Locals have the option to upgrade their season pass to the Pass Plus option that gives them 50 percent off the resorts featured on the pass. So they have the option as part of being a Telluride passholder to experience other resorts as well.” The Mountain Collective pass is available online at MountainCollective.com through January. A full list of participating resorts and pass benefits is also available on the website. Mountain Collective passes for 2017-18 ski season will go on sale in March. 16
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CLOSE
CALLS Narrow escapes in the high country
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Title page: The author hauls across an avalanche pass en route from the OPUS Hut on the Silverton side. Debris was as big as cars in some spots. (Photo by Matt Weldon) Above Left: Some backcountry areas are marked with boundary warning signs from San Miguel County Sheriff Bill Masters. (Photo by Nola Svoboda) Above Right: A wet slide triggered in May 2016 by skiers in the Lizard Head area is pictured. No one was caught or hurt. Avalanche conditions that day indicated safe skiing in the backcountry, but often Mother Nature has other plans. (Photo by Allison Perry)
By ALLISON PERRY
B
ackcountry skiers have always had a complex relationship with close calls, especially in Colorado. Do any research about which state in the U.S. has the most dangerous snowpack with regard to avalanche conditions, and you’ll learn that not only do the experts always point to Colorado, but Colorado is home to one-third of the avalanche deaths in the country. Many backcountry skiers, whether experts or not, would not hesitate to agree that being involved in a close call in avalanche terrain is always the result of one or more bad decisions. The only way we can learn from these experiences, however, is to pick apart the decision-making process and learn the anatomy of a “bad decision.” Because the Colorado snowpack is so dangerous, many backcountry skiers experience close calls with avalanches. A close call could mean triggering a slide, getting involved in an avalanche accident — being carried or buried — or almost dying in one. But how are backcountry skiers affected by close calls? Do we really ever learn from them, or does surviving a close call merely lend to a false sense of invincibility and control? My only close call, if you can even call it that, occurred in March 2014. My partner and I were skinning up to the OPUS Hut via Silverton.
We embarked later than we should have, as the weather was warming the 6 to 10 inches of new snow that had fallen for a couple of nights prior. As my partner was about to climb down a 3- to 4-foot ledge into one of the five avalanche paths scarring the road that we would have to cross one at a time, I halted him so I could fix my boot. He waited, his back to the avalanche path, itching to get going. As I straightened up I gasped at what my partner couldn’t yet see and pointed to what he had just been about to cross. “It’s ... it’s sliding,” I sputtered. And indeed it was. A wet, heavy crush of snow was plowing down the gully, bending trees and picking up more volume as it meandered past us. As far as close calls go, this was a best-case scenario. My partner would have been seriously hurt or killed had I not randomly stalled our progress for a few moments, but as it was he never set foot into the path of the onslaught of wet, heavy snow. We discussed the events later that day and realized our mistake was leaving so late in the day, despite the fact the CAIC bulletin listed the danger as “moderate.” We should have known better. And I’ve never made that mistake again. Local skier Joe Dillsworth knows a thing or two about close calls as well. Perhaps more than most. In March 2011 he and his brother, Nick, then living in Ophir, decided to get some fresh turns in the backcountry rising above the town. The area
was enveloped in a three-day storm cycle and the peaks were swaddled in deep, fluffy powder. It was a skier’s paradise. The two brothers had made good on the new snow the day before and figured conditions would be similar during the new day’s mission. In a recent interview, Joe Dillsworth described the harrowing events the day brought. “On the way up, we skinned past where we had skied the day before and our tracks were already covered,” he explained. Dillsworth noted that although new snow had obviously fallen and the previous night had been windy, he didn’t remember any internal voice telling him it was a bad idea not to ski in the same area. Dillsworth picked a line and dropped in, staying high so he could keep an eye on his brother. When his brother dropped in after traversing the slope and cutting it, he made a few turns and set off a massive avalanche which swept him up and carried him down the slope, completely burying him. Dillsworth was swept up in a secondary slide and partially buried. The story from here is well-known local lore: Dillsworth managed to get himself out, remained calm, initiated a beacon search, located his brother and managed to dig him out. It took him 45 minutes. After 15 minutes of being buried, chances of survival are almost nil. “I hit him on the second probe strike,” Joe said, “When I finally dug him out, the hole itself was about >>> adventureGUIDE | WINTER2017
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An idyllic landscape can often be deceptive. In April 2016, three skiers — Jim Howarth, Matt Weldon, Tomer Alpert — survey the scene in Ophir before dropping in. The area boasts some of the best skiing around but also represents a perfect combination of characteristics that can lead to avalanches when the conditions are right. (Photo by Allison Perry)
6 inches taller than him. Nick is over 6 feet tall.” Nick Dillsworth had an Avalung that day and, according to a 2011 article by Katie Klingsporn titled “Buried Alive,” expert Josh Butson, an avalanche educator at San Juan Outdoor School, believes that it was the Avalung — and other equipment that protected him from traumatic injuries — that saved his life. So what do we take away from this? Get an Avalung and make sure your partner is good at beacon searches? Maybe. But there is something deeper we must try to learn through the close calls of others. Why did this happen in the first place? Hindsight is 20/20. Perhaps we can learn from the hindsight of those who almost didn’t make it out, or who almost had to live through the precise moment where the search for a person — their friend, partner, brother or sister — becomes body retrieval. Although Dillsworth noted that nothing set off red alarm bells in his or his brother’s mind the day they suffered their accident, he does point out that only in hindsight did he see the obvious red flags. “For one thing,” he said, “we didn’t have a safety talk that day and we always have a safety talk.” 20
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Dillsworth also admitted that the fact their tracks from the previous day were covered with new or windblown snow and that they knew the conditions at night had been windy should have been huge red flags. “The big problem with us,” Dillsworth mused, “was that we were living in Ophir, skiing there every day and we became complacent.” Complacency, with regards to backcountry skiing, is a four-letter word. When we are complacent our urgency vanishes. Our healthy fear of those forces that are great enough to extinguish us with a mere flick of their wrist and our respect for the unpredictability nature possesses must always stay with us. Complacency erases our respect, the healthy pitter-patter of fear that keeps us on high alert for the red flags and tells us it’s OK to walk away if we need to. When asked what he has done differently since the incident in 2011, Dillsworth doesn’t hesitate: “It took me awhile to ski again,” he said. “And I’ve only just gotten comfortable in the backcountry again in the past two or three seasons. It made me question everything a lot more. I always second-guess everything, make sure to look around and consciously observe everything and I make sure I’m always on my
toes. You have to address every piece of the puzzle.” Perhaps the biggest piece of the puzzle then, to avoid close calls, is an awareness of complacency’s role and an active desire to avoid it. “Those were the scariest moments of my life,” Dillsworth concluded, adding that he simply feels lucky knowing how many more things could have gone wrong — he could have been unable to get himself out; his brother could have lost his grip on his Avalung, which was in his mouth when he came to rest under 6 feet of snow; one or both of them could have suffered massive trauma. Sometimes skiers are aware that there’s danger afoot, but for one reason or another they do not listen to that inner voice warning them that it might be prudent to turn back. Telluride local Matt Weldon had just such an experience in the Gore Range, on an extended weekend at the Eismann Hut with a group of experienced and knowledgeable Summit County locals who are familiar with that area. Weldon and the group skinned out to the hut after a huge February storm cycle had dumped several feet of snow throughout Colorado’s high peaks. One >>>
morning he headed out with one other partner who had skied the area around the hut countless times in all sorts of conditions. “We knew the surface layer of snow was a fresh storm slab,” Weldon said in an email, adding, “We had intended to ski lower angle zone but I ended up skiing down through the trees 100 feet or so and realized we were not where we wanted to be but I couldn’t get out.” Weldon remembers telling his partner he was in too deep and the only way to exit the chute was to ski out of it. He told his partner to “keep your eyes on me” and began skiing to escape. Before he knew it the snow starting cracking all around him and began to slide. Without having time to think, Weldon made a quick right turn which “turned out to be the correct way to get out of the slide.” Unlike Dillsworth, however, Weldon recognized right from the get-go that he and his partner were in a bad situation. “Being in a trip with such experienced skiers made me feel better about skiing in scary conditions,” he explained, “but I learned that it is ultimately your decision and it’s on you to make the right decision. I did not do that. I absorbed the confidence of others and put myself in a sticky situation. Luckily it all turned out okay. I learned a lot about myself and how to make better decisions in the future.” Whether it is ignorance, complacency or false confidence, close calls do function to teach skiers valuable lessons that cannot be learned in books. As a community, backcountry skiers not only learn through their experiences, but can take away from the experiences of others. If there’s one thing myself, Dillsworth and Weldon have in common through our very different close calls it is that we all made mistakes that are extremely common, and due to varying levels of luck, we and our partners all made it out relatively unscathed.
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GETTING OUTSIDE AT YOUR OWN
PACE Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and more offer winter alternatives to downhill skiing
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Title page: Nordic skiing is a popular way to sneak in a full-body workout and take in the stunning scenery. Seen here are skate-skiers on one of Mountain Village’s many groomed Nordic trails. (Photo courtesy of Town of Mountain Village) Above Left: Snowshoers and Nordic skiers without a plan can sometimes find themselves hemmed in by fences or natural obstructions. (Photo by Nola Svoboda) Above Right: Snowshoeing is just one of many options to enjoy the great outdoors on Mountain Village’s multi-use trails. (Photo courtesy of Town of Mountain Village)
By KATHRINE WARREN
“W
hat do you do during the winter if you don’t ski?” That’s a question many incredulous visitors have asked the few locals who are not pass-holders at one of the North America’s most beloved ski resorts. Telluride is known for its renowned downhill skiing, but what’s a person to do if the words “fast” and “steep” aren’t in their wheelhouse? When snow blankets the ground for months at a time, there are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors without having to board a single ski lift, or click into a snowboard or skis. And all it takes is a visit to Telluride Town Park — the summer home of Telluride’s vibrant music festival scene — to get started. By mid-December the park will be buzzing with the sound of snowmobiles grooming its 5 kilometers of Nordic ski track, families ice skating in the outdoor arena, and kids squealing as they fly down Firecracker Hill on sleds and tubes.
“It’s definitely not a ‘summer-only’ park,” Ryan McGovern, recreation supervisor for the Town of Telluride Parks and Recreation Department, said. “And most programming is free. Nothing costs money, unless you need to rent equipment.” And to rent equipment in Town Park, look no further than the Telluride Nordic Center, which takes up shop in Town Park throughout the winter renting out skates, Nordic ski gear and sleds. Nordic skiing offers two options: classic or skate skiing. Classic skiing consists of ski and glide technique usually in pre-groomed tracks. It requires a linear kick and glide motion. Skate skiing consists of a V-stride similar to ice-skating. It also requires a larger lung capacity than classic skiing, as the full body is used in the effort. Classic Nordic skiing also provides a great full-body workout. “People like the aerobic workout of Nordic skiing,” Lance Waring, Telluride Nordic Director, said. “And some people like the slow pace, communing with nature. It’s all at your own pace.” For those looking to venture outside of town, there are groomed, multi-use trails on the Valley Floor and in Mountain Village along the golf course. And with a little bit of driving, Priest Lake and Trout Lake are very popular trails for classic
and skate Nordic skiers. The nonprofit Telluride Nordic Association runs the Nordic Center and grooms trails farther out of town at no charge to the public. “There are little drop boxes at the Trout and Priest Lake trailheads and people can donate what they will,” Waring said. The association also offers a variety of clinics and events throughout the winter. Penelope Gleason said that Nordic skiing seems to be on the rise in the Telluride and Mountain Village areas, especially in recent years. Gleason is the marketing director at BootDoctors, a gear shop with several locations in Telluride and Mountain Village. The Colorado Avenue store location is the place to find Nordic rentals and more. “It’s not just people who don’t want to alpine ski,” she said of Nordic skiing. “It’s a really natural thing for people to add to their fitness buffet. It’s also quiet. You can listen to music or nature. It is a time when you can really shut off the brain.” Another popular way to get outdoors without having to click into skis is snowshoeing. “What’s nice about (snowshoeing) is it gets you out in the woods,” Gleason said. “Places >>> adventureGUIDE | WINTER2017
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The ideal conditions for fat biking are packed-down snow and freezing temperatures. [Photo courtesy of Telluride Ski Resort]
you can’t get to with skis. You really get out into nature and that’s beautiful.” Snowshoeing is easy to master and perfect for people of all ages who are willing and able to go for a walk in the woods. Popular trails for hiking in the summer are excellent avenues for snowshoeing. Snowshoes are available for rent at all BootDoctors and most gear shops in town. Telluride’s Wilkinson Public Library also has them available for checkout to cardholders. Telluride Ski Resort offers an area designated for non-downhill skiers at the top of Lift 10. The TopATen Snowshoe & Nordic Area offers 10 kilometers of groomed rolling trails that offer views of the ski area’s impressive surroundings. For a full trail report and grooming information on the region’s Nordic and multi-use trails, call 970-728-1144 or visit www.telluridetrails.org. Ice skating is another popular pastime and a quintessential way to enjoy winter beyond the slopes. Telluride has three rinks, with an indoor hockey rink, Hanley Pavilion, and outdoor rinks at Town Park and Mountain Village’s Hotel Madeline in the Village core. 26
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McGovern added that hockey fanatics visiting Telluride can participate in Hanley’s adult and youth drop-in hockey programs. The schedule varies throughout the winter and can be seen online at the Parks and Rec section of www. telluride-co.gov. Another way to get out and see the scenery is by renting a fat bike and going for a ride in the snow. Also known as snow bikes, fat bikes have wider tires than the average mountain bike, offering more traction in snow. Tires are four to five inches wide — compared to a traditional mountain bike’s 2.5 inches — and are kept at a low pressure to give the riders a feeling of floating over soft terrain. These bikes are available for rent and sale at BootDoctors’ Colorado Avenue location. Unlike skiing, when a bluebird day and a fresh coat of snow on the ground is considered the ideal, the best conditions for fat biking are packed-down snow and freezing temperatures. Max Cooper, a bike guru for BootDoctors, explained: “When everything is frozen, it’s so much faster and more efficient. You can just have a more fun ride because you aren’t slogging
through soft snow.” Cooper leads guided tours in the winter on the Valley Floor out to Telluride Brewing. He said no specific skill set is required for riding on the Valley Floor except a willingness to try something new. Folks also can rent fat bikes and go out on their own, with Bear Creek providing a more strenuous ride than the Valley Floor. Mountain Village’s Nordic trails are multi-use and open to fat bikers. Cooper said the best rule of thumb for riding on Telluride’s trails is to beware of signs and make sure you aren’t riding on trails strictly groomed for Nordic trails. Adventures can be found all over southwest Colorado, and there simply isn’t enough room to cover all it has to offer. With everything from ice climbing to fly fishing to snowmobiling, it’s almost impossible not to enjoy the great outdoors all year long. For a full list of outfitters, guides and options, visit the Telluride Tourism Board’s website, www. visittelluride.com. Or better yet ask any local on the street, “What do you do during the winter if you don’t ski?”
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UNCROWDED &
GORGEOUS Winter fishing a popular Western Slope pastime
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Title page: Clara Curry of Dunton lands a couple of trout. “If I had some tartar sauce I’d eat ‘em right now,” she said. (Photo courtesy of Clara Curry) Above Left: Evening light and snow patterns across Blue Mesa Reservoir. Unlike summer, ice-fishing season allows the boat-less fishermen to explore the entire reservoir. This means better catches and crazy sunsets. (Photo courtesy of Sport Fish Colorado) Above Right: An angler enjoys solitude near Cheesman Canyon. (Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife)
By CONNOR O’NEIL
T
he serenity of the outdoors during winter is undeniable. Our voices and the ambient noises of nature are muted by fresh snowfall. Barren trees transform our perspective of the forest. Stillness dominates as all activity drops to a fraction of what it was in the warmer months. You stare out from your hot tub, take a sip of tea and wonder what could compel anyone to enter the wilderness. But be sure, every winter there are plenty of fisherman who wouldn’t miss the opportunity to get out to reservoirs across the state — probably with tea in thermos and tub in mind. Winter fishing on the Western Slope comes in two varieties; ice and fly fishing. Ice fishing brings to mind a group of unfortunate Minnesotans sitting on buckets, winter fly fishing doesn’t even sound possible. Yet both have their adherents, and for good reason. “Some days you get a fresh snow on the lake, there’re no prints or anything. It’s a pretty awesome picture,” Robby Richardson, owner of Sport Fish Colorado, said. Richardson’s Gunnison-based business hosts guided fishing tours year-round, mostly on Blue Mesa Reservoir and mostly on ice.
“Looking down into the hole is basically like looking into an aquarium. You can watch the fish come in and react to the bait,” Richardson said. “Most of our customers are sold on just being out on the ice.” Ice fishing is the more passive of the two. Besides the rod, hook and bait, common tools of the sport include a six-inch auger to drill through ice, a kitchen bowl to clear floating slush and a bucket to sit on. For the big-timers, add to the list a sonar device that reveals fish location, and a flag connected to your line called a “tip-up” so you can be relieved of doing anything at all. In some places the sport has been taken to extreme levels of comfort, going beyond lawn chairs to heated huts placed on top of the fishing hole. But on the Western Slope, it’s better to keep it simple. “Out here, people aren’t driving their cars on the ice or building huts and things like in the Upper Midwest.” Joe Lewandowski, spokesperson for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office in Durango, said. “The ice isn’t stable enough because it just doesn’t get as cold down here. Another thing is that in the winter, reservoirs may be taking in water without letting it out ... so the ice may shift.” Provided you have a half-foot of ice to walk on, finding a good spot is as easy as locating the nearest reservoir. Lewandowski offers Miramonte Reservoir outside of Norwood as a favorite.
“Miramonte is probably the best in the area. It’s a big lake, around 400 acres, and it has some really nice size trout in it,” he said. The undemanding nature of ice-fishing hooks plenty of locals and tourists every year, but wading in the tail waters beneath the same reservoirs takes a whole different sportsperson; one who finds the same satisfaction in winter isolation, but finds it waist deep in running water. Fly-fishermen hawk the outflow of reservoirs in winter because this is where the warmest water can be found. “It may feel very cold to you and I, but not to the trout,” John Duncan, co-owner of Telluride Outside, said. “Reservoirs keep an insulative layer of snow on top while the Earth is warming the water from the bottom up. When the water comes out of the bottom of the reservoir it’s between 42 and 45 degrees.” Forty-two degrees may certainly feel cold, but Duncan suggests it’s no worse than skiing. “You dress with about three-fourths of what you’d wear on the mountain. The great thing about waders is that they fit loosely, so you can be as warm as you want,” he said. Additionally, all of winter fly fishing is done at lower elevations. “The weather might be 20 degrees and snowing on the lifts while it’s 35 degrees and clear where we’re fishing,” Duncan said. >>> adventureGUIDE | WINTER2017
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Above: Without an auger, you’d be cutting the ice open with an axe, which is more work than the sport is made for. A friend of Sport Fish Colorado drills into Blue Mesa Reservoir in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Sport Fish Colorado) Right: Drilling auger, a fish detecting sonar unit called a flasher and an upside down bucket. (Photo courtesy of Sport Fish Colorado.)
While the weather is suitable for year-round fishing, Duncan suggests late winter for the best experience. “From about Presidents Day on, I don’t even think of that as winter fishing, that’s spring fishing. You start getting pulses of runoff, temperatures are higher and daylight hours are much longer,” he said. “March is full on, totally uncrowded and gorgeous.” Planning for a day on the river couldn’t be easier. Besides the quality shops that surround Telluride, including Telluride Outside, San Miguel Anglers, Ridgway’s RIGS, Durango’s Durangler’s, an indispensable fishing atlas has been developed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife that can be found on the official website, cpw.state.co.us. The atlas uses geographic information software to map out Colorado’s plentiful fishing spots, annotated with any information the angler needs to know. Simply put, “It’s a tool for people to seek out new places to fish,” said Lewandowski. Try a serene side of nature this season, on the ice or in the river. Remember to buy a fishing license and always practice good handling.
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FLY-FISHING HOT SPOTS
ICE-FISHING SPOTS
• Pa-Co-Chu-Puk, tailwaters of Ridgway Reservoir (Rainbow, brown, cutthroat trout)
• Miramonte Reservoir, outside of Norwood (Rainbow, brown trout)
• Animas River, outside of Durango (Rainbow, brown, cutbow, cutthroat trout)
• McPhee Reservoir (Largemouth and smallmouth bass, carp, crappie, yellow perch, Kokanee salmon, bluegill, brown and rainbow trout, walleye)
• Lower Gunnison River, tail waters of Blue Mesa (Rainbow, brown trout)
• Ridgway Reservoir (Yellow perch, kokanee salmon, sunfish, splake, brown and rainbow trout)
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HIGH STAKES
HIGH REWARDS
Safe backcountry fun in the San Juans
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Title page: Kelly Bastone finds the goods in the white stuff. Above: Jen Murphy on her way down from the OPUS hut in the San Juans. (Photos by Angela Hawse)
By AMBER KING
W
hen winter in the San Juan Mountains comes about, thousands of avid skiers and snowboarders rush to the hills. Most are in search of fun in the snow, a little adrenaline rush and a great time in the mountains. Others come for the aesthetics of the area — sweeping views of majestic and jagged peaks. While most skiers enjoy multiple laps on the local Telluride ski resort, another group of adventurers prefers to go into the backcountry. Instead of riding lifts, they hike uphill, sometimes for hours. The reward? A few laps in deep powdery snow and a sense of accomplishment. For these people, backcountry skiing provides the opportunity to explore, reconnect with nature and build selfconfidence. They also get to avoid crowds and save cash in the process. “There are a few overarching reasons why we go into the backcountry. You get to explore remote terrain and use other hard skills like
navigating over avalanche terrain. You also get a better wilderness experience simply because there are not as many people around. What’s more important for me is the challenge-reward aspect. You set a goal, come up with a plan, and see if it works out,” Dan Zokaites, a local IFMGA and AMGA certified ski guide, said. For Danika Gilbert, a female ski guide and local for the last 20 years, it’s a little more personal. For her, it’s a “time for a moving meditation and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. “You can explore areas with your friends and those experiences are indescribable,” she added. “You build strong bonds with your skiing partners, especially in our mountains because they can be dangerous.” That said, safely getting out into the mountains does require training. Due to a tricky and unique snowpack, one of the biggest threats in the backcountry is avalanches. “The San Juan Mountains are known for their rocky and steep topography,” Zokaites said. “The snow structure is complicated and you
need to apply a variety of techniques to travel safely here. Anybody getting out should have some sort of avalanche training.” In the last five years, there have been 41 deaths in Colorado as a result of avalanches, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Seven of those deaths have taken place here in the San Juans. Backcountry skiing in the mountains has proven to be dangerous, but with good decision making, avalanche training and backcountry knowledge, one can navigate these obstacles and reap the benefits of skiing here. In the San Juans, there are a few programs being offered as an introduction to backcountry skiing and snowboarding. For example, Peak Mountain Guides (a local guiding company based out of Ouray), currently offers an “Introduction to Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding” that caters to a co-ed populace. In a one-day training session, offered on Saturdays throughout the winter, this course teaches the basics of the backcountry; equipment selection, avalanche travel, oversnow techniques and more. In order to be a part of the course, you must have at least >>> adventureGUIDE | WINTER2017
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intermediate experience as a skier or snowboarder. All the courses are taught by a co-ed team of AIARE Qualified Level 1 instructors, certified by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). If you’re looking for a unique “girls only” experience, Chicks Climbing and Skiing is the way to go. This one-of-a-kind guide company offers girls-only trips with AMGA-certified guides. Karen Bockel, owner and guide of Chicks Climbing and Skiing, said her programs are meant to “educate and empower women through mountain sports.” “We help form self-reliant and confident leaders, not just on snow, rock or ice, but who take charge in life, in their communities and in stewardship of the environment,” she said. In an effort to empower women, the Chicks offer many climbing and skiing programs both locally and internationally. On Feb. 1-5, 2017, a new program called “The Alchemist” will be brought to the San Juans. This program offers ladies the opportunity to educate themselves with an introduction to the backcountry, in a women-only environment. The four-day backcountry ski and snowboard training experience starts in Ouray and stays in the Mountain Belle Hut on Red Mountain Pass. During the training, women learn the basics; oversnow travel, avalanche safety, uphill travel and more. Additionally, women have the opportunity to bond, meet new ski partners and empower one another. All the guides on the courses are female, AMGA certified and have 10-plus years of backcountry and guiding experience. Both of these courses are a great way to get ready for the backcountry, and a great introduction for an official avalanche safety course. Keep in mind that these courses do not replace an avalanche safety certification, and an avalanche safety course is highly recommended. Even though many passionate adventurers are self-taught, there are advantages that guiding services offer. In this case, you can expedite the learning process and learn everything you need to know in a condensed version over a few days. So, if you’re somebody who has been thinking about getting into backcountry skiing or snowboarding, get a backcountry setup, check out one of these intro courses and take an introductory avalanche course. Through these courses you will learn the skills you need to safely get outside and become a more conservative decision-maker. These skills are required to ensure safety and fun in the mountains. For more information about these programs, check out chickswithpicks.net or peakmountainguides.com.
A lady posse takes it to the backcountry terrain of the San Juan Mountains. (Photo by Angela Hawse)
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Winter Calendar S = SAN MIGUEL COUNTY
DECEMBER WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14 O Film at the Wright: “Miss Hokusai” – Wright Opera House, 7 p.m.
M Two Rascals Brewery Trivia
Night – At the brewpub, 7-9 p.m.
FRIDAY, DEC. 16 M Santa’s Cabin – Timberline Bank,
4-6 p.m. M Garden of Lights – Montrose Botanic Garden, 5:30-8:30 p.m. S Hot Club of San Francisco: Cool Yule – Palm Theatre, 6 p.m. M Weehawken Dance Presents: “The Polar Express” – Montrose Pavilion, 7 p.m. S Jay and Silent Bob Get Old – Sheridan Opera House, 7 p.m. S An Evening with Kevin Smith – Sheridan Opera House, 10 p.m.
FRIDAY, DEC. 16SATURDAY, DEC. 24 R Polar Express Train – All aboard the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge’s most popular winter ride; trains depart for the North Pole at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:25 p.m. daily.
SATURDAY, DEC. 17 S Curling Demo – Reflection Plaza, 10 a.m.-noon.
M Santa’s Cabin – Uncompahgre
Events Plaza, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. S Ice Skating – Madeline Hotel Ice Rink, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. S Gondola Express to the North Pole – Heritage Plaza, 1-5 p.m. S Santa’s Village – Conference Center, 1-5 p.m. M Weehawken Dance Presents: “The Polar Express” – Montrose Pavilion, 2 p.m. S Sledding – Bottom of Misty Maiden, 4:30-6 p.m. S Tree Lighting and Caroling – Heritage Plaza, 6 p.m. S Ice Skating Show with Local Kids – Hotel Madeline Ice Rink 6:15-7 p.m. S Ice Skating Party with DJ – Hotel Madeline Ice Rink, 7-9 p.m. S “Peter and the Starcatcher” – Telluride Theatre production at the Sheridan Opera House; 7 p.m. O Winterfest Movie: “Gremlins” – Wright Opera House, 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, DEC. 18 S Ice Skating – Hotel Madeline Ice 36
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O = OURAY COUNTY
Rink, 12-4 p.m.
M Santa’s Cabin – Uncompahgre
Events Plaza, 1:30-4:30 p.m. S “Peter and the Starcatcher” – Telluride Theatre production at the Sheridan Opera House; 7 p.m.
MONDAY, DEC. 19 M Santa’s Cabin – Uncompahgre
Events Plaza, 3-6 p.m. S “Peter and the Starcatcher” – Telluride Theatre production at the Sheridan Opera House; 7 p.m. S National Theatre Live: “Three Penny Opera” – A live simulcast, and an on-stage dinner, at the Palm Theatre to benefit SPARKy Productions; 7 p.m., playwrightsfestival.org
TUESDAY, DEC. 20 M Santa’s Cabin – Uncompahgre
Events Plaza, 3-6 p.m. S “Peter and the Starcatcher” – Telluride Theatre production at the Sheridan Opera House; 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21 S “Peter and the Starcatcher” –
Telluride Theatre production at the Sheridan Opera House; 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, DEC. 22 S “Peter and the Starcatcher” –
Telluride Theatre production at the Sheridan Opera House; 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, DEC. 23 S “Peter and the Starcatcher” –
Telluride Theatre production at the Sheridan Opera House; 7 p.m.
MONDAY, DEC. 26 M Garden of Lights – Montrose
Botanic Garden, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
MONDAY, DEC. 26TUESDAY, JAN. 3 R Polar Express Train – All aboard
the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge’s most popular winter ride; trains depart for the North Pole at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:25 p.m. Dec. 26; at 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 27-29; and at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 30-Jan. 3 (train does not run on New Year’s day). Visit durangotrain.com to learn more.
TUESDAY, DEC. 27 M Garden of Lights – Montrose
Botanic Garden, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
M = MONTROSE COUNTY
R = REGION
S In Concert: Shawn Colvin – Sheridan Opera House, 8 p.m.
SATURDAY, JAN. 7 O San Juan Skijoring – Ouray
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28 O Movie at the Wright: “The Space
O Ouray Astronomy Night – Ouray
In Between” – Wright Opera House, 7 p.m. M ARI HEST: An Intimate Holiday Concert – Healthy Rhythm Community Art Gallery, 7-11 p.m. S In Concert: The Doo Wop Project – Sheridan Opera House, 8 p.m.
THURSDAY, DEC. 29 S Live Music: Trout Steak Revival – Sheridan Opera House, 8 p.m.
THURSDAY-SUNDAY, DEC. 29-MAR. 26 R Guided-Only Skiing at Silverton
Mountain – Lift starts running at 9 a.m. More at silvertonmountain.com.
FRIDAY, DEC. 30 S Adam Trent: The Next
Generation of Magic – Cutting-edge magician visits the Palm Theatre; learn more about telluridepalm.com.
SATURDAY, DEC. 31 S Ah Haa New Year’s Eve Gala –
“An extraordinary evening of fine art and elegant cuisine.” Featured artists include Flair Robinson and Christopher Beaver. Ah Haa School, 5:30-10 p.m. O Annual New Year’s Eve Party at the Sherbino! – Sherbino Theater, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. S New Year’s Gala with Black Joe Lewis and The Honey Bears – Sheridan Opera House, 10:30 p.m. O Ouray New Year’s Fireworks – Main Street, 11:59 p.m.-12:15 a.m.
JANUARY SUNDAY, JAN. 1 R New Year’s Day Brunch Train
– Start the New Year with a trip onboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge (durangotrain.com); 9:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
THURSDAY, JAN. 5 S Telluride Art Walk – Monthly celebration of new artists and exhibits; 5-8 p.m.
FRIDAY, JAN. 6 O San Juan Skijoring – Sherbino Theater, 4-7 p.m.
County 4-H Event Center, 11 a.m. Main Street Inn, 7-9 p.m.
SUNDAY, JAN. 8 O San Juan Skijoring – Ouray
County 4-H Event Center, 11 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
National Park South Rim, 5:30-7 p.m. M Two Rascals Brewery Trivia Night – At the brewpub, 7-9 p.m. S Live Music: The Floozies – Sheridan Opera House, 8 p.m.
THURSDAY, JAN. 12 M Full Moon Snowshoe Walk –
Black Canyon National Park South Rim, 1-3 p.m.
FRIDAY, JAN. 13-S UNDAY, JAN.15 M Magic Circle Theater: “Never
Too Late” – Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.
SATURDAY, JAN. 14 R The Grand Mesa Grind at
Powderhorn – Both the Race course (which involves a gain/loss of about 4,000 feet) and the Rec course (2,100 feet) spend most of the time “climbing in the woods on ski tracks and winding through the many huge boulder fields at Powderhorn” during this Cosmic Ski race. Visit cosmicski. com to learn more. M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon National Park South Rim, 10 a.m.noon. O PARC Winterfest Games – Ouray Rotary Park, noon-5 p.m. S Niceness in Concert – Sheridan Opera House, 8 p.m. S Fly Dance Company – Performance at the Palm Theatre; learn more at telluridepalm.com.
SUNDAY, JAN. 15 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
National Park South Rim, 1-3 p.m.
TUESDAY, JAN. 17 O “Colorado Experience” Road Show – The Rocky Mountain PBS-TV team visits the Sherbino Theater; 6-8 p.m.
>>>
“The Burning Pink Organ” was created by Jamie Vaida and Alvin Sessions for the 2016 Telluride Fire Festival and was displayed at Heritage Plaza at last year’s event. The kids were able to “play” the organ to make the flames “jump”. It also played music as well. It was indeed a crowd favorite last year. Jamie Vaida is returning with a new fabulous work of art called “Music Tree,” which will also be interactive. People will push buttons to make flames spew out of different instruments on a tree-like sculpture. (Photo by Ryan Bonneau)
TUESDAY, JAN. 17WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18 S Ski Camp: Making Friends with
Moguls – Telluride Ski Resort class; visit tellurideskiresort.com for more information.
THURSDAY, JAN. 19 O Ouray Ice Fest – Ouray Ice Park THURSDAY, JAN. 19SATURDAY, JAN. 21 S Telluride Heli-Ski Camp Session 1
2 p.m. S Telluride Fire Festival – The third-annual event, celebrating fire art in locations in Telluride and Mountain Village; visit telluridefirefestival.org for more information.
SATURDAY, JAN. 21 O Ouray Ice Fest – Ouray Ice Park M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
Visit tellurideskiresort.com for more information.
National Park South Rim, 10 a.m.noon. S Dustbowl Revival in Concert – Sheridan Opera House, 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, JAN. 20 O Ouray Ice Fest – Ouray Ice Park S KOTO Lip Sync – Adult humor,
SUNDAY, JAN. 22 O Ouray Ice Fest – Ouray Ice Park M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
talent and laughs at the Sheridan Opera House; 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, JAN. 20SUNDAY, JAN. 22 S 3-Day Women’s Ski Weekend –
Expert instruction by leading ski instructors, assessment of alignment and equipment, and video beforeand-after analysis; Telluride Ski Resort. M Magic Circle Theater: “Never Too Late” – Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun.,
National Park South Rim, 1-3 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25 M Two Rascals Brewery Trivia
Night – At the brewpub, 7-9 p.m. O Live Music: The Sextones – “Viciously executed soul compositions and white-knuckle driving funk” at the Sherbino Theater; 7-11 p.m.
FRIDAY, JAN. 27SATURDAY, JAN. 28 M Magic Circle Theater: “Never
Too Late” – At 7:30 p.m. nightly.
SATURDAY, JAN. 28 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
National Park South Rim, 10 a.m.noon.
SUNDAY, JAN. 29 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
National Park South Rim, 1-3 p.m.
SUNDAY, JAN. 29FRIDAY, FEB. 3 S Disabled Veteran’s Ski Week –
FRIDAY, FEB. 3MONDAY, FEB. 6 S Young People’s Theater Presents: “Footloose” – Annual high school musical from YPT; Sheridan Opera House.
SATURDAY, FEB. 4 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
National Park South Rim, 10 a.m.noon.
SUNDAY, FEB. 5 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
National Park South Rim, 1-3 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
Telluride Adaptive Sports hosts; visit tellurideadaptivesports.org to learn more.
National Park South Rim, 1-3 p.m. M Two Rascals Brewery Trivia Night – At the brewpub, 7-9 p.m.
FEBRUARY
THURSDAY, FEB. 9SATURDAY, FEB. 11 S Telluride Heli-Ski Camp Session 1
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
National Park South Rim, 1-3 p.m.
THURSDAY, FEB. 2 S Telluride Art Walk – Monthly celebration of new artists and exhibits; 5-8 p.m.
Visit tellurideskiresort.com for more information.
FRIDAY, FEB. 10SATURDAY, FEB. 11 S A Night with Chris Robinson
Brotherhood – Two nights, actually: >>> adventureGUIDE | WINTER2017
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A scene from the film “Monumental: Skiing our National Parks.” (Photo courtesy of Mountainfilm/Mounumental film)
Psychedelic rockers play the Sheridan Opera House.
SATURDAY, FEB. 11 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
National Park South Rim, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. S SMRC Chocolate Lovers’ Fling – San Miguel Resource Center hosts its annual benefit, featuring delectable chocolate treats; Telluride Conference Center, 6 p.m.
SUNDAY, FEB. 12 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
THURSDAY, FEB. 16SUNDAY, FEB. 19 S Telluride Comedy Festival
– The annual event since 1999; Sheridan Opera House, beginning at 6 p.m. each evening. Visit sheridanoperahouse.com for the complete lineup.
SATURDAY, FEB. 18 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
National Park South Rim, 10 a.m.noon.
National Park South Rim, 1-3 p.m. O Heartbeat A Capella Valentine’s Salon at Centennial Ranch – Fete at Centennial Ranch in Colona; 3-5 p.m.
National Park South Rim, 1-3 p.m.
SUNDAY, FEB. 12THURSDAY, FEB. 16 S Five-Day Women’s Ski
National Park South Rim, 1-3 p.m. M Two Rascals Brewery Trivia Night – At the brewpub, 7-9 p.m.
and Wellness Week – Visit tellurideskiresort.com for complete information.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
National Park South Rim, 1-3 p.m.
SUNDAY, FEB. 19 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22THURSDAY, FEB. 23 S An Evening with The Infamous Stringdusters: Laws of Gravity – Rockers return to the Sheridan Opera House for a two-night gig;
learn more at sheridanoperahouse. com.
THURSDAY, FEB. 24 S Telluride AIDS Benefit Student
Show – Directed, choreographed and starring Telluride High School students on stage at the Palm Theatre; 6-7:30 p.m. S Live Music: Blind Pilot – Sheridan Opera House concert.
SATURDAY, FEB. 25 R Gothic Mountain Tour – Classic
ski race out of Crested Butte, circumnavigating Gothic Mountain over 22 miles with 5,000 vertical feet of elevation gain and loss; visit cbnordic.org to learn more. M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon National Park South Rim, 10 a.m.noon.
SATURDAY, FEB. 25SATURDAY, MAR. 4 S Telluride Gay Ski Week – A week
full of nonstop fun and amazing snow sports; visit telluridegayski.com for more information.
SUNDAY, FEB. 26 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
National Park South Rim, 1-3 p.m.
SUNDAY, FEB. 26FRIDAY, MAR. 3 S Expand Your Horizons Ski Camp – Telluride Adaptive Sports event; visit tellurideadaptivesports.org to learn more.
MONDAY, FEB. 27TUESDAY, FEB. 28 S Ski Camp: Making Friends with
Moguls – Telluride Ski Resort class; visit tellurideskiresort.com for more information.
MARCH WEDNESDAY, MAR. 1 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
National Park South Rim, 1-3 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MAR. 1SUNDAY, MAR. 5 R Durango Independent Film
Festival – Visit the website for a complete guide to the screenings (durangofilm.org). >>>
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The Telluride AIDS Benefit spring fashion shows are popular annual events. (Photo courtesy of TAB)
THURSDAY, MAR. 2 S Telluride Art Walk – Monthly
celebration of new artists and exhibits; 5-8 p.m. S Telluride AIDS Benefit Sneak Peak Fashion Show – Telluride Conference Center, 8-10 p.m.
FRIDAY, MAR. 3SUNDAY, MAR. 5 S 3-Day Women’s Ski Weekend –
information.
WEDNESDAY, MAR. 8 M Two Rascals Brewery Trivia
Night – At the brewpub, 7-9 p.m. S Donovan Frankenreiter in Concert – The Sheridan Opera House presents the acclaimed singersongwriter; purchase tickets at sheridanoperahouse.com.
Expert instruction by leading ski instructors, assessment of alignment and equipment, and video beforeand-after analysis; Telluride Ski Resort.
THURSDAY, MAR. 9SATURDAY, MAR. 11 S Telluride Heli-Ski Camp Session 1
SATURDAY, MAR. 4 M Snowshoe Walk – Black Canyon
THURSDAY, MAR. 9SUNDAY, MAR. 12 R Durango Celtic Festival – Get
National Park South Rim, 10 a.m.noon. S Telluride AIDS Benefit Gala Fashion Show – Telluride Conference Center, 8-10:30 p.m. An after party follows at the Sheridan Opera House, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
SATURDAY, MAR. 4SUNDAY, MAR. 5 S Ski Camp: Making Friends with
Moguls – Telluride Ski Resort class; visit tellurideskiresort.com for more
Visit tellurideskiresort.com for more information.
FRIDAY, MAR. 10SUNDAY, MAR. 12 M Magic Circle Theater: “The
Importance of Being Earnest” – The classic comedy; Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m. and Sun., 2 p.m.
SATURDAY, MAR. 11 S Live in Concert: Solas – Six
days out from St. Patrick’s Day, the quintessential Irish-American band plays the Sheridan Opera House.
SUNDAY, MAR. 12 O Appalachian Spring Classical
Concert – Susan Ellinger on piano and Rachel Priday on violin; Wright Opera House, 3-5 p.m.
your Celt on during four days of concerts, workshops and festivities at two Durango venues. Get there early (last year’s fest sold out). Visit durangocelticfestival.com for more information.
WEDNESDAY, MAR. 15-FRIDAY, MAR. 17 S Leftover Salmon in Concert –
FRIDAY, MAR. 10 S Turkuaz in Concert – Nine-piece
FRIDAY, MAR. 17-SUNDAY, MAR. 19 S Telluride Tribute Fest – A
“powerfunk” outfit from Brooklyn plays the Sheridan; learn more by visiting sheridanoperahouse.com.
Beloved band returns to Telluride with three nights of music; Sheridan Opera House.
weekend of tributes to some of the greatest bands in rock history; at the
Sheridan Opera House.
M Magic Circle Theater: “The
Importance of Being Earnest” – The classic comedy; Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m. and Sun., 2 p.m.
SATURDAY, MAR. 18 S DJ Harry Dance Party – The Colorado-based DJ descends on the Sheridan; learn more about sheridanoperahouse.com.
WEDNESDAY, MAR. 22 M Two Rascals Brewery Trivia
Night – At the brewpub, 7-9 p.m.
FRIDAY, MAR. 24SUNDAY, MAR. 26 R Durango Ragtime and Early
Jazz Festival – World-renowned performers, silent movies, afterhours parties and more at downtown Durango’s legendary Strater Hotel (durangoragtimefestival.com). M Magic Circle Theater: “The Importance of Being Earnest” – The classic comedy; Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m. and Sun., 2 p.m.
>>> adventureGUIDE | WINTER2017
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WEDNESDAY, MAR. 29-FRIDAY, APR. 1 S Burlesque – Three nights of
cheekily choreographed surprises to benefit Telluride Theatre; at the Sheridan Opera House.
THURSDAY, MAR. 30SATURDAY, APR. 1 S Telluride Heli-Ski Camp Session 1 Visit tellurideskiresort.com for more information.
FRIDAY, MAR. 31 S KOTO End of Season Street
Dance – Free party on Colorado Ave., sponsored by the community radio station; 5:45 p.m.
FRIDAY, MAR. 31SUNDAY, APR. 2 R Unguided Season at Silverton
Mountain – Visit silvertonmountain. com for more information.
APRIL
for Spring Off-Season– Official shutdown time: 12 a.m. The mountain conveyance reopens for the summer season May 25.
THURSDAY, APR. 6 O Upstart Theatre: “Jericho”
– Performance at the Sherbino Theater; 7:30-9:30 p.m. Visit sherbino. org for more information. S Telluride Art Walk – Monthly celebration of new artists and exhibits; 5-8 p.m.
FRIDAY, APR. 7SUNDAY, APR. 9 R Unguided Season at Silverton Mountain – Final days on the mountain for this season; visit silvertonmountain.com for more information.
SATURDAY, APR. 8 O Upstart Theatre: “Jericho”
– Performance at the Sherbino Theater; 7:30-9:30 p.m. Visit sherbino. org for more information.
SUNDAY, APR. 2 S Telluride Ski Resort Closing Day – Final day on the mountain for the 2016/2017 season. S Telluride Gondola Closes
Ice climbing is a favorite winter pastime at Ouray Ice Park. (Photo by Daniel Chehayl)
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PARTING SHOT
David Hallowell scores freshies in Black Iron Bowl at Telluride Ski Resort in February 2015. [Photo by Nola Svoboda]
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AS FEATURED IN THE SMITHSONIAN, NEW YORK TIMES, FODOR’S, TRAVEL & LEISURE, MONEY, FORBES AND MANY OTHER PUBLICATIONS...