WILD VOICES
Kristi Haner and Alex Tibiero: Skiing, Silversmithing & Solitude A socially isolated gig caretaking for the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gothic, Colorado, sets the stage for surplus ski laps and an artisan jewelry making business B Y S T E P H A N I E M A LTA R I C H
On a crisp January day, Kristi Haner and Alex Tibiero spend “We arrived in the fall and didn’t know what to expect, but we the morning studying for their Avalanche Level 2 course. The were ready for anything,” Haner said. couple backcountry skis on most days throughout the winter. The THE CARETAKING LIFE advanced course would help them better understand the intricacies Before their life as caretakers and jewelry makers, Haner worked of Colorado’s fickle snowpack. as a data analyst for a mapmaking company, and Tibiero spent Their cabin is homey and welcoming. Buddhist prayer flags hang over a decade living out of tents above the porch; the couple hangs as an instructor for NOLS and a new set each winter. Inside, the Outward Bound while working as a wood-burning stove roars while ski stonemason between seasons. boots dry by the fire. Dry goods line The first winter was exciting, but the kitchen shelves, and topo maps they learned a few lessons; they adorn the walls. The south facing ran out of food and wood. A few windows bring tremendous light years ago their septic system failed, into the small room that is warmly forcing them to use the outhouse decorated with plants. A freshly for three months. By spring, they are baked loaf of no-knead bread sits usually over it — tired of putting on on the counter. ski boots just to step outside. And “Visitors are usually surprised then there’s shoveling. The constant to see how cozy the cabin is,” shoveling to keep snow from Tibiero laughs. “People think we are covering their windows gets old, but roughing it more than we are.” that’s part of life in Gothic, and they Haner and Tibiero have found accept it. what many of us are searching for: Yet, they admit that caretaking solitude and time. isn’t too challenging; it’s mostly fun, Haner and Tibiero both grew and having each other helps, too. up in Upstate New York. As kids, They work alongside two other they met at a summer camp. They winter caretakers to manage the lost touch for a while, but reunited property owned by Rocky Mountain when they became climbing This is the cabin where Alex and Kristi spend the winter.photo by Petar Dopchev Biological Laboratory (RMBL). The partners, which is when they also scientific research station hosts started dating. scientists studying high alpine ecosystems, flora and fauna and In 2015 while living in Boulder, Colorado, Haner and Tibiero climate change each summer. were perusing Craigslist. They stumbled upon an ad seeking During their first season, they managed the reservations and caretakers in the remote town of Gothic, Colorado, eight miles maintenance of the huts along with the local weather station. from Crested Butte. The ad stated it was a last-minute gig, and They kept rooftop solar panels clear and made sure the doors of a couple was preferred. 70 buildings around the property weren’t blown in. This winter will They wanted to get out of the city and move further West, so mark their sixth season caretaking in Gothic. They drive in supplies they responded to the ad and were hired as winter caretakers in October 1 and remain until June 1 — or until the snow melts. Gothic, where the winter population totals four residents. They had Over five seasons, their responsibilities have evolved. In addition never been to Crested Butte or the surrounding area, but they were to caretaking RMBL’s property, they dig snowpits for snow science excited about the unknown. They packed their bags in the fall and research for Colorado Avalanche Information Center and NASA. committed to an isolated winter where the only option in and out Otherwise, you’ll find them skiing and making jewelry. is by a three-mile ski.
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