Mountain Town Magazine - 10 Year Anniversary Issue

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WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM??

DEEP PERSISTENT SLABS CORNICE GLIDE

CHECK THE CURRENT AVALANCHE CONDITIONS BEFORE HEADING INTO THE BACKCOUNTRY

WIND SLABS STORM SLABS LOOSE DRY LOOSE WET WET SLABS PERSISENT SLABS

156 Peerless Drive | Breckenridge

Enjoy one of the most unique mountain experiences in the world, from this luxury mountain estate in the exclusive Shock Hill community. Designed by worldrenowned architect, Allen-Guerra, with exposed timber beams and steel tie rods, 5 luxe bedroom suites, open floor plan with collapsing glass doors leading to your private deck with stunning mountain views and town below. Hop on the gondola for worldclass skiing, explore nearly 200 acres of open space, hiking, biking and x-country skiing.

5,092 $7,995,000

“Brenda Hugo did a fantastic job every step of the way: listing call, marketing, staging, showing our home, negotiating the selling price, staying on top of all our due dates, and final completing the closing. She is professional, friendly, organized and was great to work with. We have bought and sold eight properties previously and this was the smoothest!”

sold eight properties previously and this

256 Timber Trail Road | Breckenridge

“Swiss chic” luxury like nothing ever seen before in Breckenridge. “Le Mayen” will be the showcase of a modern interpretation of traditional Swiss alpine architecture, particularly well-integrated into our local context. Materials imported from a warehouse in the Alps include centuries-old reclaimed wood and Norwegian natural stone. Amenities include a Swiss spa with Hammam, game room, wine cellar and 3 levels of outdoor living. “Le Mayen” tells a story and the story is found in our video link.

7,595

Tranquility, comfort, exquisite residences and world-class recreation make this unique mountain town a natural fit for so many. Your broker should feel the same way—seamlessly meeting your expectations through any real estate transaction.

Whether selling your current property or making Summit County home for the first time, get started with a Slifer Smith & Frampton broker today.

Rooted in Colorado real estate since 1962, and always locally owned.

970.668.1550 | SummitCountyRealEstate.com
A Natural Fit in Summit County Real Estate.
Joan Moats 970.333.4470 jmoats@slifersummit.com
5 5.5
Brenda Hugo 970.485.4486 bhugo@slifersummit.com Seller - James Werner
6.5
6
$19,499,000 Michele Hart 970.376.7799 mhart@slifersummit.com Jim Schlegel 970.389.3528 jshlegel@slifersummit.com

MAY 26-29, 2023

CKS Paddlefest is the ultimate kickoff Colorado summer event.

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Buena Vista, it's the perfect way to soak up some sun and enjoy on-river and off-river events.

This year, CKS Paddlefest has something in store for everone, including live music, local food, and events the whole family can enjoy.

CLOTHING, SHOES, JEWELRY, ACCESSORIES, HOME DECOR, BABY & KIDS SHOP IN-STORE & ONLINE Locals' Choice BEST BOUTIQUE Denver Highlands • Frisco • Breckenridge • Avon • Edwards • Steamboat Springs RUBYJANE.COM | VALLEYGIRLBOUTIQUE.COM

Publishers Greeting

For 10 years I have been climbing, descending and traversing Colorado’s mountain towns and their communities. I am not a native. I transplanted myself from the suburbs of Manhattan back in 1990 and realized that this is where I was meant to be. Nothing makes me happier than bushwhacking through our forests, listening to the breeze shush through the pines and experiencing the sound-muffling snows that cover them each year.

I came for the skiing. We had been weekend warriors at Hunter Mountain. My husband was a Patroller and I taught Ski School. The thought of being ski bums in the Catskills made us laugh so we packed up the car and headed to Colorado to experience bigger mountains and deeper snows. The cover photo represents the dream but honestly at that time I had never seen a mountain as big as what Art Burrows captured with his keen eye and camera. Did you see the skier in the lower left corner? Stunning!

In 2011 I decided to launch a magazine that talks about each mountain town community here in Colorado. I was traveling all over the state with my kids for soccer, skiing and other fun escapes. At that time there was no news or information on what was happening or where to eat a great meal in this region. Websites were starting to take off so I taught myself how to build a site and through the help of my friend Juli Rathke learned InDesign to craft publications. I was on a mission to stay at home to take care of my kids and bring income to support their VERY EXPENSIVE skiing habits.

I started with digital magazines. They sure did look cool but no one was buying the advertising to keep the business rolling. Everyone wanted a copy and that was my cue to begin a print publication. In the Spring of 2013 I released our first print issue. Clearly I didn’t stop there. Today we have three magazine titles available in print and online along with complimenting websites.

The pages that follow look back on previous issues and look forward with new articles. I absolutely love our towns. People ask me which is the best town. My answer has always been, all of them, each one offers a slightly different flavor of fun and culture.

As we move into our next decade of publishing I am dedicating sections in our magazines to stories that remind people how precious our land is. Everyone has discovered nature, beauty and space to breathe. Please don’t forget the creatures and flora that call this environment home. Pack it in and pack it out, leave no trace and always be kind.

I came for the skiing but it is the adventure this state offers that keeps me here. My heart is filled with gratitude for all of you who enjoy our magazines.

Namaste ~

4 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com
28 12 50 Contents 12 PLACE 16 MOUNTAIN MADE 18 MOUNTAIN DISPATCH 20 PRIORITIES 24 ENTREPRENEURS 26 PETS 28 FAMILY 30 TREKS & TRAVELS 33 FEATURE: Grands & Groms 40 ART 42 HOMES & REALTY 46 STAY 48 DINE LOCAL 49 COCKTAILS 50 EAT 55 RESTAURANT LIST 64 GO! GUIDE 66 CALENDAR 74 LAST LIFT 33 6 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com
Cover Image by: Art Burrows
SUPERIOR CARE WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST Trusted by locals and favored by athletes, Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery has the most experienced fellowship-trained doctors in sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery. Our skilled and compassionate teams will get you back to doing the activities you love. Vail • Edwards • Frisco • Gunnison Crested Butte • Telluride • Granby 970.668.3633 • vsortho.com Frisco Urgent Care is OPEN EVERY DAY Until 7pm! WALK-INS AND SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS are Available Every Weekday in Vail & Edwards 24/7 ON-CALL Orthopaedic Care in Crested Butte & Gunnison Call 970.477.4454

Holly Battista-Resignolo communications

Gaynia Battista contributors

Bobby Aldighieri , Gaynia Battista , Shauna Farnell, Leigh Girvin, Pepper Hamilton, Noelle Resignolo, Parker the Snow Dog, Holly Resignolo,

advertising sales

Noelle Resignolo

visionaries

Art Burrows, Carl Scofield, Holly GoSpritely Photography, Darian Simon, Troy Watts,Trent Bona, Chelsea Leigh Stills, Bryce Bradford, Tara Noelle

cover image

Art Burrows Photography design

John Kernaghan

method

published by MTN Town Media Productions
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Please visit us at MTNTownMediaProductions.com to subscribe to our publication released quarterly promote you Contact our corporate office or request a Media Kit: Email: MTNTownMagazine@gmail.com Office Phone: 970 485 0269
If you would like us to consider you for a feature, please contact us at 970 485 0269 or email us at mtntownmagazine@gmail.com 2021 MTN Town Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publishers. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. MTN Town Magazine cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine. 8 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com Friday, May 19th 8:30 am to 5 pm + afterparty Salida SteamPlant Event Center Come early, stay late for preand post- conference events, excursions, and networking
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Mountain Town Hot Springs

Explore Colorado’s Mountain Towns by following The Historic Hot Springs Loop

Jump in your Car, Saddle up the Motorcycle, or even prep your Road Bike, this may be one of the best ways to experience a large majority of Colorado’s mountain towns and their premier hot springs destinations. — Chaffee County, Carbondale, Durango, Pagosa Springs, Ouray, Ridgway, Glenwood Springs, Saguache County, and Steamboat Springs — have come together to form the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop. This 720-mile loop showcases some of the most popular hot springs attractions in the country and is one way to relax and unwind.

There is so much variety; from intimate private baths to the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. Each of the nineteen facilities offers unique features like vapor caves, hot pots, terraced pools, enormous travertine formations, and fun-filled aquatic centers.

“These hot springs facilities continuously enhance their unique features so that guests have a high-quality experience,” says Vicky Nash, project manager for the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop.

There is nothing like a road trip with Hot Springs dotted all along the whole way. Disconnect from the world and go.

Glenwood Springs

Best known for its geothermal amenities, Glenwood Springs is also a favorite destination for hiking, biking, rafting and fishing. Its mountaintop theme park and proximity to Hanging Lake are big draws for this little mountain town that was once the home of gamblergunslinger Doc Holliday.

GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS RESORT. This resort is home to the world’s largest hot springs pool, as well as a lodge, spa and an aquatic adventure zone openingW in June 2019.

IRON MOUNTAIN HOT SPRINGS

Boasting 16 soaking pools and a freshwater family pool, Iron Mountain is located on the bank of the Colorado River, with stunning mountain views.

YAMPAH SPA & VAPOR CAVES . These vapor caves are a rare setting for a natural, geothermal steam bath with detoxifying benefits. An on-site spa provides further wellness opportunities.

Carbondale

Carbondale’s setting at the base of Mt. Sopris and along the shores of the Roaring Fork River has created a thriving outdoor recreation culture where year-round adventures are possible. Top activities include cross-country skiing, ice climbing, fat biking, road and mountain biking and Fly-fishing .

AVALANCHE RANCH CABINS & HOT SPRINGS

A family-owned resort nestled in the beautiful Crystal River Valley, Avalanche

Places
10 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs features three geothermal pools in a tiered alignment that blend gracefully into the natural surroundings. From the soaking pools, visitors have knockout views of the Elk Range and Mt. Sopris. Cabins, Camping and limited paid public access are available by reservation.

Ouray and Ridgway

Dramatic landscapes are the calling card of this part of Colorado. Stunning mountain backdrops, crystalline lakes and wide-open spaces are a magnate for outdoor enthusiasts. Thanks to the generous geology of the region, you can soak in five different hot springs. A family-owned brewery in Ouray serves up brews with views.

OURAY HOT SPRINGS POOL . This recently renovated oval-shaped pool has incredible mountain backdrop views, in addition to a mix of fun and relaxing features, such as an activity pool, an overlook infinity-style waterfall, and a hotter soaking pool.

WIESBADEN HOT SPRINGS SPA AND LODGINGS . Wiesbaden is home to hot springs and rare vapor caves tucked deep inside the mountain, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and private outdoor spa—all heated with geothermal water.

TWIN PEAKS LODGE & HOT SPRINGS .

There are both indoor and outdoor soaking opportunities at this Ouray hot springs lodge.

ORVIS HOT SPRINGS . Located in Ridgway, Orvis Hot Springs is a beautifully landscaped facility with both indoor and outdoor soaking options, famous for their au naturel, clothingoptional policy.

Durango

Durango, Colorado is a year-round travel destination with a rich history. Nestled at the foot of the La Plata Mountains, Durango is your gateway to adventure.

DURANGO HOT SPRINGS RESORT + SPA

Durango Hot Springs Resort is uniquely located above some of the most naturally healing waters in the world. The distinctive blend of 32 minerals bubbling up from within the Earth fills all 28 of the resort’s soaking pools. Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa, in Durango, Colorado, is the only hot springs in the world to utilize the AquaGen water system to infuse all pools with nano-meter and micro-meter oxygen bubbles. Antimicrobial by nature, these

oxygen bubbles provide an unparalleled cleanliness to the waters without introducing any foreign substances or chemicals. Come soak in these waters as Mother Nature intended and enjoy the various health benefits the minerals and oxygen provide.

Pagosa Springs

The next stop is Pagosa Springs, about a 150-minute drive from Salida. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful Wolf Creek Pass on the way—stopping at the scenic overlook, Continental Divide, and the gushing Treasure Falls. Once you’ve arrived in town, the “Pah gosah” Mother Spring aquifer, which translates to “healing waters,” awaits, filling three different hot springs facilities.

THE SPRINGS RESORT & SPA . is open to lodge guests 24 hours a day and features 23 therapeutic mineral hot spring pools overlooking the San Juan River.

OVERLOOK HOT SPRINGS. has rooftop soaking tubs with unimpeded views of the San Juan Mountains, the river and downtown Pagosa Springs!

HEALING WATERS RESORT & SPA welcomes visitors to relax and soak in its therapeutic warm springs that are 100 percent natural mineral water with nothing else added.

Saguache County

Saguache County, (pronounced Sawatch” is derived from the Ute language and loosely interpreted as “blue earth” to “sand dune. This area of mountain towns is surrounded by the majestic San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountains. It is one of the least populated places in Colorado and offers incredible outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, motorsports and wildlife viewing.It is home to the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve as well many unique and many historical sites. Saguache County is also hot springs country offering four unique destinations to soak and swim.

JOYFUL JOURNEY HOT SPRINGS SPA

Beautifully landscaped and radiating a sense of serenity, the resort is a center for relaxation, healing and inner transformation. Part of what makes it such a Joy-filled place is the high concentration of naturally occurring lithium in the geothermal water. The mineral is known to elevate the mood and produce feelings of happiness and peace. Chemical and odor-free, the geothermal water leaves the travertine spring at 140˚F and is allowed to cool down to between 98˚ and 108˚F, ideal temperatures for soaking.

SAND DUNES SWIMMING POOL

The centerpiece attraction is a large, outdoor geothermal hot springs pool, maintained year-round at 98˚F. A smaller, hotter pool and a children’s pool are situated beneath an enclosure that shields bathers from the wind and weather

SPLASH LAND HOT SPRINGS

Located in Alamosa, Splashland is a classic hot springs destination that has been operating since 1955. The 1950s-era

sign complete with a vintage pinup girl holding a beach ball and backed by a giant blue wave adds a surf’s up appeal to this quaint hot springs in the San Luis Valley. Even the bright blue metal lockers in the changing rooms are reminiscent of a time gone by. Splashland’s throwback style is part of its lasting charm.

VALLEY VIEW HOT SPRINGS

Privacy is paramount at this secluded Colorado hot spring located at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The remote location at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range is part of the attraction. With limited capacity and no admittance without a reservation, Valley View Hot Springs is intentionally uncrowded.

The Art Spot
12 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

Chaffee County

This is Colorado 14er country where the majestic Collegiate Range—home to Mounts Princeton, Yale and Harvard—top out at over 14,000 feet and delineate the landscape. Tucked in amid the mountains are the towns of Salida, Nathrop and Buena Vista, places where experiencing the quintessential Colorado lifestyle is at its peak.

SALIDA HOT SPRINGS AQUATIC CENTER This community center facility is the largest indoor hot springs in North America, with its lap, soaking, and private pools.

MOUNT PRINCETON HOT SPRINGS . Known as a scenic overnight or day retreat, Mount Princeton Hot Springs is packed with amenities, like a historic bathhouse, creekside hot springs, a waterslide, and a spa and health club.

COTTONWOOD HOT SPRINGS . With a relaxed and back-to-nature vibe, Cottonwood Hot Springs is a peaceful stop with a quiet-zone and alcohol-free pools, as well as various lodging options.

Steamboat Springs

Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Steamboat is famous for its authentic Western roots and genuine hospitality. It is home to vast ranch lands and dude ranches with rodeos held every weekend in the summer months. Surrounded by wilderness and a river that runs through it, Steamboat is an outdoor recreation paradise.

OLD TOWN HOT SPRINGS . Old Town is a recreational, multi-use complex with family-friendly fun packed into its geothermal waters.

STRAWBERRY PARK HOT SPRINGS . Strawberry Park is located outside of town, in a rustic and smaller venue, nestled against the banks of Strawberry Creek. There are lodging and camping options available.

I cannot imagine a better road trip. We hope you find yourself enjoying a good long soak here in our mountain towns in the near future.

For more information on each area’s Hot Springs and local amenities head to:

www.cohotspringsloop.com

www.colorado.com/hotspringsloop Photo Credit: @rebelucianv

www.mountaintownmagazine.com | 10 Year Anniversary Issue 13

Mountain Made

Pact Outdoors

No Shit!? Finally a company dedicating themselves to the message that everyone poops, but they shouldn’t need to leave it under a rock or next to a river.

Our ecosytem is fragile and with the increase of budding outdoors folk heading out on the trail this is one movement that needs some help. That is where Pact Outdoors comes in. They have crafted one of the cooelst kits for people to attend to a very personal need, pooping in nature.

Pact’s bathroom kits contain everything you need in their ultra-durable Tri-fold Case:

• Ergonomic Shovel: lightweight, durable aluminum makes digging a hole fast and easy

• PACT Tabs: sealable pouch with 60 Tabs (~20 bathroom trips) for fast poop break down

• PACT Wipes: sealable pouch with 20 Wipes (~20 bathroom trips) to keep you feeling clean

• Hand Sanitizer: 1oz refillable bottle of organic High Desert hand sanitizer

• Storage Pocket: holds extra supplies including a washable trash bag and info card (everyone needs reading material when they go.)

Buy One Here: www.pactoutdoors.com

Mountain Flow Eco Wax

Have you ever had your skis, snowboard or bike tuned? Probably. Did you know that the wax on your skis has been made from petroleum? Over two and a half million pounds of ski wax was introduced into the US snowpack in just one year. In 2016 Peter Arlein formed mountainFLOW eco-wax with a straightforward mission: provide a simple and eco-friendly way to improve the skiing and riding experience with plant-based products. Based out of Carbondale, CO he and his team are changing the world one tune at a time and you can help too by purchasing these products for your next outdoor adventure. Wax, Wax Kits, accessories, Bike Lube and more are available to keep your equipment gliding during every outing. Stay fast with plants. Head to their website: www.mountainflow.com

Ripton & Co.

Ripton & Co. was founded in 2019 by Elliot Wilkson-Ray in the mountain town of Aspen, Colorado. Ripton’s signature product at that time was high-performance Jorts (jean shorts) for mountain biking as well as day-to-day outdoor adventure and urban wear. The inclusion of stretchy soft fibers woven into the denim makes sense for outdoor enthusiasts.

Today they offer a variety of clothing for men and women. Overalls, Pants, Jackets, Vests, Shirts and of course Jorts fulfill everyone’s love for denim even bringing back the cutoff look from the 70’s. Visit them online or at their new Boulder store.

www.riptonco.com

Björkstam Hat Company

Bjorkstam proudly crafts exceptional, authentics hats from start to finish in the mountain town community of Crested Butte. Their master hatter, friends and family have built a truly state of the art hat brand. Bjork comes from the Icelandic word for birch tree inspires them and is the guide to their commitment to nature throughout their company’s process. Handcrafted using classical traditions, Bjorkstam products are created using natural materials, with classical technology and techniques from start to finish.

www.bjorkstamhatco.com

Non-Profit Nook

The Chris Anthony Ski Initiative

The Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project started with school visits over 16 years ago when Chris Anthony was asked to be a youth mentor for Colorado Ski Country. Chris developed a classroom program that has been seen by over 45,000 students in that time period. The school visits are the staple of the Youth Initiative Project. In 2013 the project obtained tax-exempt status and added two more components to the mission statement. The first is the scholarship program where financial aid is awarded for beyond the classroom experiential educational opportunities. The second is building educational tools. Financially challenged schools or youth programs can experience a field trip that complements an in-classroom lesson, or provide access to the Colorado outdoors by bringing students to the mountains for ski trips; Bringing students to the Snobahn indoor ski facility to learn to ski; Providing scholarship funds for students to participate in class trips or education programs outside the classroom such as science fairs, spelling bees, and music programs

www.chrisanthony.com

www.mountaintownmagazine.com | 10 Year Anniversary Issue 15

CAMP HALE - CONTINENTAL DIVIDE NATIONAL MONUMENT

On October 12, 2022, President Biden used his authority under the Antiquities Act to establish the 53,804-acre Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument on National Forest System lands in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, preserving the area’s important historic, prehistoric, natural, and recreational values. The monument encompasses Camp Hale and its surroundings in the Tenmile Range.

The national monument designation builds on years of efforts from the descendants of the 10th Mountain Division, Colorado veterans, federal, state and local elected officials, many surrounding communities, conservation/outdoor recreation advocates, and local business owners, to recognize and preserve this area.

The Monument highlights include:

The peaks and valleys within this monument forged the elite soldiers of the famed U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division—the Army’s first and only mountain infantry division where soldiers trained in mountain warfare techniques including mountain climbing, alpine and Nordic skiing, cold-weather survival as well as various weapons and ordnance deployment. The Monument also recognizes the Ute people who traveled to the Pando Valley as part of their annual migration circuit to hunt game and collect medicinal plant bearing the marks of centuries of habitation by Indigenous peoples.

www.fs.usda.gov/visit/camp-hale-continental-divide-national-monument

SILVERTON MOUNTAIN TO INSTALL NEW SECOND CHAIRLIFT

Silverton Mountain plans to install their second chairlift as early as this summer, much to the delight of skiers and boarders! When the Silverton ski area was originally permitted by San Juan County, the permit included two additional future lifts located on private property within the ski area boundary, a base lodge and 10 overnight chalets (which are still planned to be developed in the future). There was 100% local support at the recent public hearing in

Silverton for the new 2nd lift.

Silverton will be offering unguided season passes for next season for only $199 with earlybird purchase. Once the new lift is confirmed, pricing will likely increase, so it will be good to lock in now for next season.

Aaron Brill, Silverton Mountain’s founder said, “We are really excited for the future of Silverton Mountain and our second chairlift that will access phenomenal terrain!”.

Silverton is located in an Opportunity Zone and currently seeking serious investors with a deep passion for skiing as it moves forward with its exciting path ahead.

Silverton is having a record snow season this year so it’s a great opportunity to scope out the new terrain to be accessed via heli ahead of the new lift. visit:

www.silvertonmountain.com.

News You Can Use Mountain Dispatch
16 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

THE WRIGHT COLLEGIATE CHALLENGE

The Wright Collegiate Challenge Brings Real World Business Problems To Our Mountain Town College Students for Solutions

Colorado’s mountain town communities have been a fast track incubator since the recession. The passion of the entrepreneurs in our communities and the attributes of our amazing towns were the inspiration behind the launch of Mountain Town Magazine. During that time I was fortunate to meet Chuck Sullivan of Something Independent. It seemed we were on similar paths of discovery and soaking in the inspiration of great people and their dedication to their craft.

The launch of the Wright Awards was a further testament to the power of the entrepreneur. This initiative brought together innovators, place-makers and forward-thinking organizations, helping to awaken ideas, nurture connections and spark new levels of understanding to effect cultural change and reshape the future of work for Coloradoans of all walks of life.

Today an extension of the original The Wright (a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to the economic and cultural vitality of communities across Colorado) awards, The Wright Collegiate Challenge, is becoming an annual rite of spring for many outdoor studies students at Colorado Mesa University, Colorado Mountain College Leadville, and Western Colorado University.

The Wright Collegiate Challenge brings together outdoor-focused students with mission-led organizations (for-profit and nonprofit) in tackling pivotal issues within the outdoor recreation industry. Participating in teams of 3-5, students will be paired with a Challenge Partner organization and tasked with developing an actionable solution to a current challenge facing the organization. The Wright Challenge provides an opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience working alongside industry leaders to advance diverse projects across the outdoor sector.

2023 Wright Collegiate Challenge Partners:

TripOutside - Durango, Julie Singh & Reet Singh Co-Founders

Beacon Guidebooks - Gunnison, Gail Sovick & Andy Sovick

Co-Founders

CampV + West End Trail Alliance (WETA) - Naturita, Natalie Binder Founder, CampV & Paul Koski, Director, West End Trail Alliance

Galena Mountain Projects - Leadville, Justin Talbot & Dave

Clark-Barol: Co-Founders

San Luis Valley Great Outdoors (SLV GO!) - Alamosa, Mick Daniel: Exec. Director & Patrick Ortiz: Project Director

Ramps and Alleys Skateshop and Clubhouse - Salida , Stacy Falk: Founder & Jessica Shook: Project Director

Grip Bouldering - Grand Junction, Nathan Creswell & Mike Kimmel: Co-Founders

Anglers Covey - Colorado Springs, David Leinweber: Co-Founder & Carlie Snethen: Project Director

SpinDrift Sandboards - Blanca, Amy Raney & Lorne Raney: Co-Founders

Students, Challenge Partner organizations, and faculty advisors have come together and students will have had an opportunity to indicate the challenge prompts which most reflect their personal interests and academic needs.

Community Managers from The Wright carefully formed teams and assign specific challenges. These teams will meet a minimum of three times through March, to address the challenge at-hand.

At the culmination of the project, student teams are expected to submit a defined set of project deliverables and present their work at a live (virtual) culminating event featuring project presentations, real-time review from a panel of industry experts, and an award ceremony.

Last year The Best in Class winner was the Western OIMBA team, in collaboration with a two-person team of undergraduate students from Colorado Mesa University’s Outdoor Industry Studies Program, who developed a takeback program for fluorinated ski wax for mountainFLOW Eco Wax.

In other award categories, a student team from Colorado Mountain College Leadville was recognized as Most Engaged Team for their work on a marketing initiative with Steamboat Springs-based Town Hall Outdoor Co. A second team of students from Western received the year’s People Choice Award working with San Luis Valley Great Outdoors to develop a plan for a valley-wide Rails with Trails project. Rounding out the Challenge Partners was Grand Junction’s Mountain Racing Products who brought a sustainable packaging challenge to the student teams.

In our opinion, everyone was a winner, the students, the school, each business and the communities they occupy - all winners! Learn more here:

www.somethingindependent.com/collegiate-challenge

www.mountaintownmagazine.com | 10 Year Anniversary Issue 17

Priorities

Since we started this magazine, we have found one spectacular image to highlight that speaks to us. An image that makes you stop and say Ahhhh or Ooooo! Something that makes you disconnect from everything around you for a moment to take the beauty in. We allow this beauty to find us, and it always seems to appear.

In this issue, our 10th Anniversary Issue, we highlight some of our favorites, which is hard because they are all our favorites...

Photo Credit: Carl Scofield Photo Credit: Darian Simon, Be A Good Person Photo Credit: Troy Watts Photo Credit: Trent Bona Photo Credit: Chelsea Leigh Stills (The Hiking Mermaid) Photo Credit: HollyGoSpritely Photo Credit: Tara Noelle Photo Credit: Bryce Bradford

Entrepreneurs

REVEL BIKES & WHY CYCLES

Adam Miller Is Building Bikes That Reflect His Lifelong Cycling Passion

Revel Bikes and Why Cycles, with its home base and production facility situated smack dab in the middle of Carbondale, are crafting bikes from the best materials available. Combine that with designs incorporating years of experience on and off single-track trails and these companies are developing incredible bikes that ride smooth as butter.

Meet Why Cycles and Revel Bike brainchild and bike connoisseur Adam Miller. His entrepreneurial spirit was stoked at the early age of 11 years old through his love of biking. While growing up in Alaska he would buy used bikes on eBay or at garage sales and then deconstruct them to sell the individual components. At 14 he was working in an Anchorage bike shop and later joined 907 Bikes, an Alaskan Fat Bike, and Adventure Bike brand.

After a move to Colorado Springs, Adam founded Borealis Fat Bikes which he sold in early 2015. He returned to Alaska and crafted a new business idea while spending the summer fishing and biking where he decided it was time to step it up and pursue a new business idea. He started a company called Why Cycles after a move back to the lower 48 to craft bikes geared for luxury, comfort, speed, and fun.

His dream was always to make the best carbon full-suspension mountain bikes, so he started cooking up Revel Bikes in early 2016. On a snowy drive back from participating in the Grand Traverse he stopped in Carbondale for coffee and was instantly enamored. In that moment he decided to move his company. He found warehouse space and began the process of building his company’s new headquarters.

Revel Bikes was launched in 2019. Adam and his team of experts obsessed over every detail in the production of this brand and it shows.

We had the opportunity to experience Revel’s bicycles. These bikes climb with ease and descend with a silky, strong confidence thanks to their advanced suspension system and frame technology. To “Revel” is to enjoy oneself in a lively and noisy way and we can attest that there was a lot of whooping and hollering with joy on that day of riding.

Today Revel Bikes is offering six unique frame models to sync up with your riding style: The Ranger Cross Country, Rascal,

Rail 29, Rail, Rover Gravel Bike, and the Tweedy Dirt Jumper. Each bike has been envisioned and built to bring confidence to mind when heading out to ride.

Buy a frame to build yourself or let Adam and his team craft the entire bike with their specified build options. Take a tour of their facility while in Carbondale or better yet, demo a bike on one of Carbondale’s exceptional single-track trails (Restricted to 3hr local rides in Carbondale/Glenwood).

www. revelbikes.com

22 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com
ColoradoMtn.edu MOUNTAIN LEARNING. GLOBAL POTENTIAL. 11 CAMPUS LOCATIONS. STUDENT HOUSING AVAILABLE IN LEADVILLE, SPRING VALLEY AT GLENWOOD SPRINGS, AND STEAMBOAT SPRINGS. EARN COLORADO’S MOST AFFORDABLE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN: 4Business Administration 4Ecosystem Science & Stewardship 4Education 4Human Services 4Leadership & Management 4Nursing 4Sustainability Studies

Pets

WOOF! I’m Parker the Snow Dog, Loveland Ski Area’s official pup. I am working to keep it clean in Colorado and help pet owners find great new products and learn useful tips for their Colorado mountain town fur babies enjoyment!

Be sure to Follow me @officialsnowdog

Take a walk with Your Pup in Mesa Verde Country

Southwest Colorado’s Mesa Verde Country is a great place to bring your good boy or girl. Pet friendly lodging – like Retro Inn, White Eagle Inn, and Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites to name just a few – abounds. As for what adventures await, furry travelers – and their humans! – love the hiking Mesa Verde Country’s uncrowded trails.

Here are four of our favorite hikes to enjoy away from the snow: Bear Creek Trail/Dolores: For those looking for a longer hike with options for overnight backpacking, Bear Creek Trail is a highly rated option in Mesa Verde Country. This 27.6-mile hike climbs over 4,000 feet in elevation alongside its namesake, Bear Creek, and offers stunning views of classic SW Colorado mountainscapes. The singletrack is especially scenic in the fall, when the many aspen groves that line it morph into a mosaic of shimmering yellows, oranges, and reds. Day hikers need not be dismayed by the length of this trail; Bear Creek is an out-and-back and can be enjoyed at any length. Keep an eye out for colorful butterflies, mule deer, and cheerful western tanagers along the way!

McPhee Overlook Trail at McPhee Reservoir: Also called Trail #155, this trek is 8.9 miles each direction and features a plethora of access points from the Boggy Draw Trail system, House Creek Campground, and downtown Dolores. The uncrowded singletrack meanders along mesa tops that overlook scenic McPhee Reservoir below. A little known fact is that a ghost town is submerged beneath the surface of the reservoir! In 1927, the town processed half of Colorado’s lumber and housed as many as 1,500 employees. Today it is fodder for our imaginations to reflect on what life must have been like back in those frontier days.

Geyser Spring Trail/San Juan National Forest: You don’t need to go to Wyoming to see geysers erupting like clockwork. Southwestern Colorado is home to Colorado’s only true geyser. Nestled into the San Juan National Forest near the abandoned mining town of Dunton, this threemile out-and-back trail receives light foot traffic and is a great alpine escape on a hot day. After a moderate climb through aspen groves, you’ll find the geyser along a creekside. Its milky blue color is interrupted by a series of gurgles and bubbles every 30-40 minutes, so take your time to make sure you witness this small but reliable eruption.

Second Cut™ K9 Camp Cushion

Smartwool’s dog beds are part of their Second Cut project sock recycling program, so the insert of each dog bed is made from donated Smartwool socks, and the outer cover is made from recycled polyester! Dog beds come in three sizes, for any size pup!

www.smartwool.com

Ledges Loop/Phil’s World Trail System: Phil’s World is known throughout the southwest as being a premier mountain bike destination, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hike there, too. Less than 10 minutes from downtown Cortez, Phil’s World boasts 27 miles of trail and there is something for every type of user. We recommend the 4.8-mile Ledges Loop, which winds its way through sagebrush, piñon, and juniper trees with stunning views of Mesa Verde Country. With only 369 feet of elevation gain, this is a moderate trail with technical features that are a hallmark of southwestern hiking. Note that mountain bikes are limited to clockwise travel, so we suggest hiking in a counterclockwise direction and always keeping at least one ear headphone-free for trail safety.

Please remember to Pack it In & Pack It Out

For more information on planning a trip to Mesa Verde Country with your furry friend, call 970-565-8227 or visit

www.mesaverdecountry.com

24 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

The World’s Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort

After a Two Year Hiatus The Coolest Snow Fort Around Returns to Keystone Resort

High atop Dercum Mountain, Keystone Resort boasts the World’s Largest Mountaintop Snow Fort! This snow and ice palace offers a little bit of something for everyone- whether you’re a youngster looking to fearlessly explore the Snow Fort’s network of tunnels and slides, or a parent looking for the perfect backdrop for your next family photo.

Here are more details around on the Mountaintop Snow Fort, strictly by the numbers:

11,600+ feet high in elevation

10,000 square foot design

2 Slides, one family slide made entirely out of ice, and one spiral tube slide that runs straight through the walls of the fort

1 Ice Cave, complete with handcrafted ice sculptures, tables and benches - the perfect spot for a family photo

4 Towers, the tallest of which is 30+ feet tall

But that’s not all. This year, they doubled the fun by introducing a second snow fort experience in their Mountain House Base Area!

With this new fun zone, kids will be able to play in the snow while parents can pop into the nearby Last Lift Bar for Après. too.

www.keystoneresort.com

Family
26 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com
www.mountaintownmagazine.com | 10 Year Anniversary Issue 27 Just you & the mountain Pure Joy!

Treks & Travels

EXPEDITION ORIENTED ESCAPES

W

ith crisp evenings and warm sunny days ahead of us this is the perfect time to plan a getaway to experience a getaway unlike anyother. Two beautiful, remote Colorado mountain locations will allow you to access an escape unlike any other.

BRIDAL VEIL BACKCOUNTRY SKI CAMPS

A new deluxe winter camping and backcountry skiing experience is launching above Telluride this weekend. Mountain Trip and Telluride Helitrax have teamed up to create Bridal Veil Backcountry Ski Camps, (top three images above), inspired by the big mountain base camps Mountain Trip operates in Alaska. The inaugural season operates from February 18 through April 2 and includes three days of guided backcountry skiing, catered meals, and two nights in heated backcountry tents with comfortable sleeping quarters. Bridal Veil Backcountry Ski Camps are designed for experienced backcountry skiers and riders looking to enjoy a comfortable introduction to winter camping and improve their backcountry skills in a beautiful, remote alpine environment.

www.mountaintrip.com

BLUEBIRD BACKCOUNTRY

Bluebird Backcountry is the only ski area in the world designed for backcountry education, creating a safe and accessible ski experience for beginner and experienced backcountry skiers alike. This season they have added loding to their backcountry experience that include comfortable cabins (middle right image), insulated geodesic domes (bottom right image), and hostel-style accommodations. Some of these digs allow you to bring your dog too! Stays are available Wednesday through Sunday and require advanced reservations. Head to their website for more information.

www.bluebirdbackcountry.com

28 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com
b e n c h w e a l t h . c o m Build your bench, leave your legacy Wealth Management Investment Strategy Retirement Planning Business Succession & Transfer Planning Estate Planning Fee-Based Financial Planning Trust Services Education Funding Silverthorne | Breckenridge | Aspen | Frisco | Denver Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability Insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, and member of FINRA and SIPC, and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and trust services), a federal savings bank NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee WI Steven M Moats uses BenchWealth as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual BenchWealth is not a registered investment adviser broker-dealer insurance agency or federal savings bank Steven M Moats is an Insurance Agent of NM Investment brokerage services provided as a Registered Representative of NMIS Investment advisory services provided as an Advisor of NMWMC

Explore the heart of Summit County this winter and discover a winter wonderland full of sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and more! Find your next adventure in Silverthorne, Colorado.

SILVERTHORNE.ORG

Athletes, young and old, populate our communities. Colorado is the fourth-healthiest jurisdiction in the U.S. It has the lowest obesity level, according to a new study that ranks all U.S. states and the District of Columbia against 13 contributing factors. Colorado has the 12th-highest life expectancy in the U.S., according to a CDC national vital statistics report released late last month. Also interesting is a new study showing Colorado as No. 6 for the most tech-savvy seniors in America.

The life expectancy for Coloradans was 78.3 years — higher than the national rate of 77 years. Colorado is the fourth-healthiest state in the U.S. It has the lowest obesity level in the country, according to a study using data from the U.S. Census and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Top Counties for Life Expectancy in Colorado are, not surprisingly, our mountain towns. Here are the top eleven rankings:

Here are some stories by and of Colorado mountain town folks, young and old committed to staying strong by maintaining healthy minds and bodies.

11. Clear Creek County, 10. Gunnison County, 9. Routt County, 8. Park County, 7. Ouray County, 6. Lake County, 5. Grand County, 4. Eagle County, 3. Pitkin County, 2. Summit County AND #1. San Miguel County.

Husband, father, Olympian and realtor’

Bobby Aldighieri on The dying art of human interaction

This is not really about being an Olympian in skiing, it’s a story of striving to be excellent as an athlete initially and what that taught me and how I used that as a catalyst for “adulthood”.

Passion, that’s how I would describe my way of doing things, (I also happen to be full-blooded Italian, so that probably adds to the equation). Growing up skiing in the Northeast and going to Killington Mountain School in Killington, Vermont, as we know, the conditions are not always ideal. As a matter of fact, they can be downright miserable. Like, properly terrible. Honestly, those days, (either really sub-zero or pouring rain), never deterred me from my daily training routine, (I knew that more time on task than my competitors was essential if I had any chance at being world champion). Through this effort, it seemed like people were instantly there for me, attracted to my mission. Coaches, boot fitters, ski technicians, teammates, financial supporters… the list goes on and on. It was through those supporters that I learned the art of human interaction. You see, there was no internet then, just handwritten notes, phone calls and, yes, in-person visits with people. Constant interaction without distraction. Without the distraction people could sense my passion for what I was doing. Some of it was said but most of it was through my actions. It was important for me throughout that time that I showed appreciation to those supporters. And, part of my drive to ski at the Olympic Games was to show those that had supported me, how much I appreciated their efforts assisting me in my quest. I learned a lot about appreciation through those years and that transferred to my coaching.

I didn’t coach because I was a former athlete, I coached because I wanted to pass on what I saw as the coolest thing you could fill your time doing… mogul skiing and skiing on the World Cup and skiing at the Olympics. (One of my drawbacks initially was that I thought everyone wanted to make it to the highest level), but what I learned over time, was the value of truly hard work, enjoyment of the process, (this does not mean that it’s fun all of the time), but the internal satisfaction that I knew I did it fully and completely. (And no, I was never world champion… my best was #5 in the world).

My passion brought me to Steamboat Springs, and I was hired as the head coach of the mogul team here. We had a great run producing more US Team athletes out of Steamboat than any other team in the nation and even the silver medalist in the 2002 Olympics and currently the silver medalist from the 2022 Games! With all this success, there were thousands of kids that came through the program for every, single Olympian. We all gained perspective and meaningful relationships from all that interaction, (again, without distraction). It became the team of doing your very best and being honest about when you didn’t. From there I was hand-picked by the Canadian system, to be head coach, where we went on to also produce the gold medalist in the 2006, (Torino, Italy), Games, and the first world cup podium sweep in Canadian skiing history. None of this was easy, we had plenty of “stuff” along the way, but we had true unadulterated human interactions. We always worked it out. Common sensibilities to work on things are not so common anymore. These elements, these experiences are dwindling, (just being bored with your teammates on transatlantic flights and coming up with some ridiculous game is a thing of the past and may even seem old fashioned).

Giving up the sport was not an easy decision. Finding the next frontier was, (fortunately). For all my shortcomings, knowing what I want to do is not one of them! Ever since I was a kid, I thought I’d be in real estate… and here I am taking that same passion, appreciation, and personal interaction to the next thing. I know that customer service is vital and fundamental. I’ll tell you, if you want to win a medal at the Olympic Games as a coach, you must be insanely customer service oriented! I know now and I’ve always known that there is no replacement for human interaction vs. the digitized relationships that happen more and more every day. There’s only one way to truly touch people’s lives in a meaningful way, that’s by human interaction, caring and passion for the process, (especially when it gets hard).

That’s what I did to reach the top 5 in the world in skiing and it’s not failing me in my new vocation.

32 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com
www.mountaintownmagazine.com | 10 Year Anniversary Issue 33

This local family of elite athletes are more than ‘a face in the crowd’

The Cospoliches insist they’re just a blip on the radar among Breckenridge’s bounty of badasses.

Anyone familiar with their competitive repertoires might disagree.

For instance, not many locals can say they have so much as attempted the grueling Leadville 100 trail running race. Helen Cospolich has won it as well as numerous other lung-busting ultrarunning events over the last two decades.

Then there’s Jeff Cospolich, champion of a variety of two-wheel pursuits and Summit High School mountain bike coach. At age 50, he continues to land on cyclocross and mountain bike podiums.

Their teenage daughter’s athletic path has taken yet a different direction. Snowboarding is the 17-year-old’s happy place. Since childhood, she has worked her way up the ranks in competitive slopestyle. The girl can grind the rails, throw backside spins and frontside 540s.

“Growing up with my mom, she made me try a bunch of things – ice skating, violin, Nordic skiing, cross country, soccer … most of the things I didn’t like. That set me up better for snowboarding,” Alina says. “Snowboarding is fun, but it’s also a great community.”

Typical vacation

This past summer, Helen and Alina took a trip to Saas-Fee, Switzerland, where Alina participated in a snowboarding camp and her mom spent the days gaining altitude on the local trails at a running pace.

“I would pick a mountain I could see from our apartment and figure out the best way to get there via trail,” Helen says. “I’d go for four or five hours every day.”

While difficult to imagine for some, for Helen, running upward for hours and thousands of vertical feet instills a unique brand of serenity.

“I like the time to think,” she says. “I like to not have a goal and really explore and see where I am. Especially traveling, it’s the best way to see any new place.”

A Boulder native, Helen, 45, moved to Breckenridge in 1999 after graduating from the University of Virginia, where she competed as a Division 1 rower. Working at the Town of Breckenridge for 19 years, as Town Clerk for the last 10, she started here as a ski instructor. Jeff, who grew up and went to school in New Orleans, moved to Breck in the ‘90s “to be a ski bum for one winter” and found work in property management. The two met in 2000 working part-time jobs at Breckenridge Brewery.

The early days

“She was hostess, I was a food runner,” Jeff says. “I remember going to spy on her one day when she was teaching a lesson. I stopped by the Village and saw her teaching French fries and pizza wedges to the little guys. I thought she was pretty cool.”

The two married in 2002 and continued happily pursuing their respective hobbies, Helen earning a Nike sponsorship and joining the U.S. Mountain Running Team and Jeff landing on mountain bike and cyclocross podiums every year. They began juggling an infant into their athletic routines when Alina was born and later, Alina’s own competition schedule.

“The funny thing is, because of all of our experiences as a family, we’ve normalized any kind of extreme sport,” Helen says. “From the time Alina was little, she was going to Dew Tour at Breck, meeting all the pro athletes. When she was an infant, literally 2 months old, I hiked up the halfpipe with her. Then Jeff has had

so much success in biking. Knowing this world of sport has been such a natural part our lives.”

Alina graduates from Summit High School in December and plans to compete in a few more North American circuit slopestyle competitions before going off to college. Meanwhile, Jeff and Helen continue to contribute, in more than just genetics, to the next generation of badasses.

Playing it forward

“Coaching is the least I can do, given how great cycling and bike racing has been to me,” Jeff says. “Being able to travel and meet people has been super fun. Seeing these kids grow up and make friendships, it’s very rewarding. It’s full circle. People who have lived here as long as I have should give back.”

While not a coach, Helen also imparts wisdom to the up-and-coming generation.

“Some of the girls at these races call me ‘mom’ now,” Helen says. “I like being the woman in my 40s racing against these girls in their 20s. I try to help them when they go through bad patches or just need tips or support. I get so much joy running with these young women who have so much energy and excitement for the sport.”

You’ll find all three Cospoliches hammering their hearts out in their respective sports this winter.

“We’re just a face in the crowd,” Jeff says. “Summit County is a humbling place to live and grow up. It’s awesome. You push yourself that much harder.”

34 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

Fun is the name of his game

“I decided I’d rather be a skier,” Crazy John “CJ” Mueller reminisced about the path that brought him to Breckenridge in 1970. The “fastest man on skis,” Mueller recently shared his personal ski history. From a Front Range kid who left college, to recreational racer, Olympian and Hall of Famer, Mueller reigns as one of Breckenridge’s most decorated athletes.

After a year at Colorado School of Mines, Mueller decided to be a ski bum. The first mountain town he found a job was in Breckenridge. In exchange for helping in the kitchen, the Hi Tor Lodge gave him a room, meals, access to an employee ski pass and $50 a week.

The lodge sponsored an employee ski race team, the Hi Tor Loons. Mueller joined the employee races and got to know “everyone.” That first winter he earned his nickname when a fellow teammate christened him “Crazy John” because he was always going off jumps. “Anywhere we could jump, we caught some air,” Mueller added. In summers Mueller and friends hiked local peaks to ski.

To become a better skier, Mueller started amateur racing. He found a knack for speed and excelled at downhill. To train, he and his buddies would wait until the end of the ski day and chase each other down 4 O’Clock Run to town. “I learned how to ride a flat ski and get in an aerodynamic position,” Mueller explained.

“We’d ski all day, skip lunch, tuck to town at closing, tune our skis, then go out dancing at night,” Mueller recalled of his early days as a Breckenridge ski bum.

And while he loved live music and the nightlife scene, he wasn’t a partier. “I learned that alcohol did not enhance athletic performance.”

In a place like Breckenridge that might be called a drinking town with a skiing problem, Mueller remained abstemious. He became famous for downing his Blue River cocktails, shots of the “Blue” or a Chilly Willy: water shaken with ice and strained into a fancy glass. [Note: this paragraph could be cut and save 46 words. However, I really like this little insight into CJ and the bar scene at the time.]

Mueller began to excel at regional downhill races. After breaking his back at an event in Aspen in 1977, he learned to relax and have fun. Not expecting to win after recovering from his injury, Mueller’s new attitude propelled his ski career. “I started winning.” In the 1979-80 season, he qualified for U.S. Nationals and the Olympic-pre-qualifier at Lake Placid. But an unattended broken wrist ended that dream.

In the drought year of 1980-81, Mueller ventured to the snow-covered Alps of France. Friends there were trying the new speed skiing course at Les Arcs and invited him along. After exceeding 100 mph his first run, they encouraged him to pursue the sport. “You’re really good at this,” they said.

The next season, Mueller began following the speed skiing race circuit. After a few years of solid results, everything finally came together in 1987 when he was the first skier to exceed 130 mph. Soon after, the announcement came that speed skiing would be an Olympic demonstration event for 1992 in Albertville.

Mueller worked closely with the U.S. Ski Association to help align with the International Ski Federation (FIS). In 1990, Mueller won the first and only FIS speed skiing event in the U.S., and went on to be runner-up for the overall championship, losing the title in the final race of the season by one one-thousandth of a second. By 1991, “I remained the fastest guy in the U.S. I knew I was going to the Olympics.”

Training meant finding speed within the confines of a ski area. “The Breckenridge Ski Area was great. They let me go up early and test skis and waxes and train.” [Note: this paragraph could be cut and save 30 words. However, I really like giving credit to the ski area for helping CJ.]

Forerunning U.S. and World Cup downhill races was another way to achieve max-legal-speed at the area. “I wasn’t the fastest guy but I could find the line.” [Note: this paragraph could be cut and save 27 words. However, I really like the story of forerunning.]

For the Olympics, Mueller “felt pretty dialed in.” His times qualified him to race the final day. His first of two runs put him n third place. The final run, a bump in the course threw him and he finished in 10th.

Thirty years later, fondly remembering his Olympic experience, Mueller remained focused on the fun. “I was the oldest guy on the team (40). I got to meet the Vice President and go to the White House.”

Mueller’s top speed on skis was over 137 miles per hour. He was the first skier ever to go over 130 mph. And he held, for brief moments, the world record in speed skiing three times, only to be eclipsed by a subsequent racer in the final result.

What is it like to ski that fast? MTB asked: “I became so focused on just being there, turning off my brain… it did seem to slow down time,” he explained. “The mental focus was the coolest thing I took away from speed skiing, just emptying your mind of conscious thoughts.”

Mueller retired in 1993, and “got married, had a daughter, got divorced, raised my daughter full time, and still was able to be a ski bum. I worked in the summer, skied in the winter, took care of her. I just continued to embrace the ski bum life.”

In 2014, the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame inducted Mueller into their ranks of the ski elite. And this year, Mueller will enter the prestigious U.S. Ski Hall of Fame at a ceremony in March 2023.

“I was really good at being a ski bum but the Ski Hall of Fame isn’t really interested in ski bums. I was able to find a little niche. I had a few great results and was able to get in because of that.”

In addition to speed skiing accomplishments, Mueller’s other contributions include race forerunner, glide wax expert for Swix, and ambassador for the sport as a representative to the International Ski Federation (FIS).

As a local celebrity, he has also served as Town Fool, Mardi Gras Rex and Ullr King, and led the Ridge Street Rowdies and Noah and the Arcs. Looking back on over five decades in Breckenridge, Mueller reiterated the fun. “I was a very lucky guy.”

36 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com
www.mountaintownmagazine.com | 10 Year Anniversary Issue 37

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARTS CRAFTING COMMUNITY

Rocky Mountain Arts based in Telluride recently announced it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts to receive a Challenge America award of $10,000. The grant will support a Community Build Sculpture Project. This grant is one of 262 Challenge America awards totaling $2.62 million that were announced by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) as part of its first round of fiscal year 2023 grants.

“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects in communities nationwide”, said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “Projects such as this one with Rocky Mountain Arts strengthen arts and cultural ecosystems, provide equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice, and contribute to the health of our communities and our economy”.

“We are beyond excited about this grant that will allow us to involve the under-served communities in the County and also hire local artists and experts to participate”, said Chris Myers, Board President.

Community Build Sculpture Project

Rocky Mountain Arts (RMA), rockymountainarts.org, is creating a community sculpture build this year with the help of professional artists, architects, and builders. The project is designed to inspire, teach, build self-confidence and offer all a place to express themselves during this creative process.

The program is free to all and RMA will provide all tools, materials, safety gear and lunch each program day. Additionally, RMA will provide lodging and transportation for those who wish to participate but may be too far away for the commute.

RMA’s goal is to reach the underserved communities in San Miguel and the West End of Montrose Counties to come together in the creation of a large-scale sculpture. This sculpture will be on permanent display. The plan is to obtain participation from youth and adults in Telluride, Norwood and West End School Districts.

Key Partners, Collaborators, Artists & Experts

True North Youth Program

TNYP serving the teen population in the rural San Juan Region is available to all teens in Norwood, Telluride and West End school districts and are free of charge. True North offers five, year-round programs: Workforce Preparedness and College Access including Scholarship Awards, Positive Youth Development through Outdoor Recreation, Community Service Learning, Academic Tutoring and Support, and Rising Stars Summer Bridge Program. TNYP will work to help promote the program to teens and participate in a few of the build days.

lation. CampV will help bring together the surrounding rural communities to inspire connection and creativity.

CTC Communities That Care

Ben Marshall, of CTC Communities That Care is collaborating with the program through resources they can contribute such as Spanish translation, funds for childcare, food, and more. Said Ben, “This project fits with our mission to work alongside youth to develop programs to promote healthy and drug-free living.”

Keith D’Angelo

Keith is a local artist who has produced many larger-than-life wood and interactive, propane fired sculptures for previous Telluride Fire Festival’s. His public art installations are located in Aspen, Telluride, Carbondale, and Breckenridge. Keith is uniquely qualified to be one of the supporting artists. He has spent countless hours volunteering with underserved youth for his Master’s Degree.

Niel Ringstad

Telluride Middle/High School

The Counseling Department at THS is collaborating on this project with the help of Alex Jones, High School Counselor. The school will offer the program to students, encourage participation, and provide outdoor space for the finished sculpture to be on display for a portion of the year

CampV

Located in Naturita, CO, CampV’s mission to connect people, art, and community to ignite a spark in the historic mining town of Naturita fits with the vision of this project. The setting is the perfect place to complete and display the completed instal-

Originally from NYC, Niel is distinguished as a 35-year Telluride local, living for his first 10-years in a ski-bum shack of 72 square-feet. Niel is a graphic designer, accomplished painter, and builder. He has built six towering sculptures for the Telluride Fire Festival, which were cornerstones of the events. Niel is also deeply committed to giving back to his community. His community involvement has led to taking time out to help build a house in Norwood with Habitat For Humanity.

Sherri Harvey

Sherri Harvey has 25 years’ experience in architecture. She has a Masters of Architecture degree from The Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. Her Bachelor of Architecture degree is from Penn State University. Sherri has two teenagers living with her in Telluride and believes in giving back to her community. She has served on the Historic & Architectural Review Commission for Telluride’s National Historic Landmark District for many years.

Art
38 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com
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Real

A Dramatic Breckenridge Renovation

We chatted with Michael Rath, Chief Executive Officer at Trilogy DesignWorks about his idea to take a non-descript older home in Breckenridge and transform it into a beautiful mountain retreat.

What did you want to accomplish with this project?

Take a rather poorly designed and constructed late 80’s home located ideally in down town Breckenridge and transform it into a masterpiece both in livability and in architectural expression. This 3200 Square Foot, twostory home, encompasses 3 bedrooms with 4 baths and an open floor plan that includes a Rec Room, Pantry, and Loft. An added amenity is the very cool attached traditional dry sauna.

What made this project so interesting?

Perhaps the best site in all of downtown Breckenridge for a home. Just steps from the bustle of America’s busiest ski town, yet located on a quiet street with commanding views of the town and the ski mountains. It’s the best patio in town, a secret oasis with terrific sun and views and atmosphere.

Tell us how you modernized the home?

One of the things the owner commented on when we first met was that the original home wasn’t very well built, and we confirmed that. We reengineered and then demolished and reconstructed everything above the lower level using a whole lot of steel. In fact, that steel became a major architectural and design element. We brought all the insulation and windows up to current Sustainable Codes. And then energized and automated everything with a full complement of automation and high-tech gadgetry common in high-quality homes in the area. Lighting, Shades, environmental controls, AV are all operated from touch screens and phone of your choice.

What suppliers did you use? What’s the process for tackling a project like this?

As the Design and Build project manager, our first job is to bring the clients and the team to the table. Then we carefully set the project intentions. In this instance, we immediately focused on merging the home with its one of a kind setting. We imagined really large windows and dramatic steel elements that would frame the views of the town and ski area. We next created a geolocated virtual 3d Model with allowed us to optimize views and atmospherics. For interior design, the model allowed us to visualize a kind of rustic modern including a great

Homes & Real Estate 40 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com
BEFORE

room fireplace with integrated lounge seating and hidden television, a floating staircase of steel and thick oak treads, faux plate steel expressions, and some custom light fixtures designed in-house. This was a fun collaboration with our favorite local fabricators who provided the reclaimed oak floors, steel fabrication, countertops, masonry, and custom cabinetry.

Any other interesting features to note?

Exterior steel structural elements are striking and modern flowing into the traditional weather-worn siding and other exterior elements. The landscaping is exquisite with a crumbling masonry wall that frames the views of the town and the mountains. Inside, the vast expense of windows in the great and dining room provide tremendous views and oversized sliding glass doors open to connect the outside to the in, making this a wonderful habitat for those sunny summer days.

What else can you tell us?

Probably the most dramatic before and after transformation of a home you can imagine. A partial teardown of a functionally obsolete home with no views and no personality. Being able to see past what is present and limiting to what is possible was central to the successful development of the ideal Breckenridge town family retreat. Ironically, one of the owners was really hesitant about the remodel as it would mean losing her home for the 14 month construction period. But she is a huge fan of the transformed home, and now admits the sacrifice was absolutely worth it. As for me, of all the dozens of Breckenridge homes we’ve been a part of building over the years, this would be the one I would choose for myself. Perfect location, terrific views, and great floorplan, not too big or small. Walk to downtown or the lifts.

Just ideal.

www.mountaintownmagazine.com | 10 Year Anniversary Issue 41

Bringing Back the Mountain Cabin with Affordable Solutions

The quintessential mountain cabin is back and cozier than ever. Unruh Development, LLC is crafting exceptional, quality homes through innovation while building these dwellings in the right location. These spacious and stylish structures are the perfect basecamps for the adventurous and offer an affordable price tag.

Colby Unruh’s company’s continuous pursuit of quality has led to the production of new homes that are built to withstand a mountain environment. He employs licensed architects to design these homes and structural engineers to ensure they can stand up to the region’s harsh environment.

The development of each home begins on the building site. Soil tests are conducted with a geological engineer to be sure the structure’s foundation will stand up to time and the elements as well as design septic systems if needed. Once the excavation is completed a 5.5” engineered concrete slab is poured on grade for a solid foundation. The best framing materials available are then purchased from local lumber yards and sawmills.

Construction Details are as follows:

• Walls are 2x6 construction with R-19 fiberglass insulation and Zip Board Sheathing. Spray foam insulation is available for an additional cost.

• Ceiling has Douglas Fir sawed/milled beams, R-30 spray foam insulation, and OSB sheathing.

• Plumbing pipes are PEX-style tubing.

• Two heating options: Rinnai propane furnace model EX22CTWP in the great room with Envi 220V electric wall heaters in the bedrooms or an optional radiant heating system for an additional cost.

Unruh Development, LLC engineered wall panels are built in an interior, climate-controlled environment. Building inside allows Unruh’s team to avoid weather delays and ensures our staff and raw materials are not subjected to harsh, adverse weather conditions on the job site. Unruh knows a warm, happy staff, working away from the elements leads to a better quality home build.

This craftsmanship is combined with exceptional finish work and features:

• Solid pine wood trim and interior doors

• Tongue & groove solid pine vaulted ceiling

• Recessed lights in vaulted ceiling

• Stainless steel appliances

• Durable, fire resistant metal roof

• Fiberglass formed tub and shower

• Granite countertops

• Tile backsplash

• Luxury vinyl flooring on main floor

• Neutral, gray, or brown loft carpeting

• Patios

A smaller build doesn’t mean you have to skimp on beautiful finishes. A reasonable price tag also makes these homes ideal for small families, couples young and old, adventurers and retirees. For further information call Scott at +1 970.485.4065 or head to:

www.lindblomgroupe.com:

42 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com
w w w . i f u r n i s h c o . c o m f r i s c o | k r e m m l i n g | s t e a m b o a t

THE EDDY TAP ROOM & HOTEL

A Beautiful Basecamp in Golden, Colorado

Reminiscent of an old Stagecoach Home Station from the wild west where travel-weary folks would arrive for good food, drink, and a place to lay their head, The Eddy Taproom and Hotel in Golden may not have stables, but your dog, big or small, is treated like a guest of honor.

Although the building is new, there is history just below the foundation where the old Golden Fire Brick Company crafted bricks on and off until the 60s. Today this new establishment offers a delicious pub menu in a contemporary setting with some unique finishes that speak to a previous period. A fun variety of seating areas back into the lobby and accommodate groups or an intimate table of two. This Taproom is a gathering place for both visitors and locals alike. The sprawling side yard has many lawn games and a spectacular view of M Mountain.

Craft Beer is the centerpiece, with over 25 local brews, including their hometown brewery, Coors. Unique craft cocktails, Wines, Mocktails, and more are available, but you must check out their Drip Infusion via Tower. We tried the Eddy’s Rootbeer with 10th mountain division moonshine, toasted birchbark, vanilla extract, and demerara sugar. Ooo!

This boutique hotel offers 49 stylish rooms with luxurious bedding and modern furniture. The contemporary bathrooms are beautiful, designed with lovely finishes and some fun pop. We loved the decadent coffee bars available to each guest on every floor. Sweet decks overlooking the city of Golden are another lux amenity.

Year-round adventure sits right out the door in winter, spring, summer, and fall. Hike, Bike, Kayak, Tube, or use the establishment as a base camp for skiing at Eldora or Loveland Ski Area. Run on the Peak to Plain Trail, which winds West to East along Clear Creek. This trail is accessible right from the front door of the hotel.

Come with a group, a friend, or alone, but do not forget your best’est of friends, your dog. This is the spot for Fido. Our pup, Trigger, was treated like a King with the delicious doggie platter awaiting him along with a bandana and the cutest little stuffed Bernese Mountain Dog, the hotel’s mascot. Make a reservation and visit:

640 8th Street , Golden, CO 80401 www.theeddygolden.com

Stay
44 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com 44 ISSUE 3 2021/22 | www.mountaintownbreckenridge.com

Scott & Anne Lindblom are local agents specializing in luxury and mountain properties in Summit and Park County.

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in the mountains, don’t wait. Give us a call to make your real estate dreams come true.

LIVE THE MOUNTAIN LIFE.

Scott & Anne Lindblom – Luxury and Mountain Property Specialists

Scott M. Lindblom

Scott M. Lindblom

C: 970-485-4065

C. 970-485-4065

E. slindblom@livsothebysrealty.com

E: scott.lindblom@cbmp.com

Anne V. Lindblom

Anne V. Lindblom

C. 608-345-2734

E. alindblom@livsothebysrealty.com

C: 608-345-2734

E: anne.lindblom@cbmp.com

LindblomGroupe.com

Box 2619
Breckenridge,
80424
101 S. Main Street | P.O.
|
CO
LindblomGroupe.com

Dine Local

46 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com
Photo: Stoke & Rye, Avon CO

Cool Apres Hot Spots

After a day of shredding, ripping, turning and legs a’burning head to these great spots for some of Colorado Resort’s Best Après and Happy Hours!

Copper Top Bar & Restaurant Breckenridge

After a day out skiing at Breckenridge Ski Resort, head down Peak 9, and as you approach the Beaver Run SuperChair be prepared to turn left. Settle into their outdoor patio space or head up the stairs to the Copper Top Bar & Restaurant. Come in with a group, big or small. Here you can enjoy Après all day! The Copper Top has one of the best mountainside decks in Breckenridge, with views all the way to the top of the mountain. You can people watch all day and look out for your friends while enjoying their Signature Bloody Marys (with bacon and ALL of the fixings), as well as signature Mules in copper mugs, of course!

Hours: DAILY from 11 am-5 pm

www.beaverrun.com

The Billy Barr & Matchstick Production Lounge Crested Butte

Two new Après spots are ready to welcome you this March at the base of Crested Butte in the Elevation Hotel & Spa. After a day in the deep and steep, you can head into The Billy Barr , just steps from the Silver Queen and Red Lady Express Lift inside the hotel. Named for local environmental researcher and advocate Billy Barr, who has been living in a secluded cabin in the ghost town of Gothic, Colo., just north of Crested Butte, since 1970. Barr has been meticulously collecting daily snowpack data and wildlife observations that have helped shape climate science in the Rockies.

Thoughtfully inspired by the unique mountain culture of Crested Butte, the new concept will serve as a casual destination for locals and guests to gather for après ski cocktails and bites or a coffee between runs. Design details include memorabilia from the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) and Crested Butte Museum, including vintage art, skis, boots, and snowshoes.

The Matchstick Production Lounge is inspired by MSP’s deep history in action sports and its cutting-edge content. The new lounge at the Elevation Hotel will feature 30 years of MSP film posters, vintage cameras, skis, and behind-thescenes production photos, a pool table, darts, and state-ofthe-art AV for sporting events, film screenings, and world premieres. MSP and Elevation will host film screenings, athlete signings, and industry and resort parties throughout the year. Food and beverage service from the hotel’s restaurant José Crested Butte, will be available. Now that is Cool!

www.elevationresort.com

Cocktails ’
) www.mountaintownmagazine.com | 10 Year Anniversary Issue 47

Eat

Laura the Butcher’s MEATBAR

Steamboat Springs

We hit the jackpot when we discovered Laura the Butcher and her Meatbar restaurant. We are huge fans of Charcuterie and her menu knocks it out of the park when that craving arises. Beautiful plates of salads, cheeses, artisan sandwiches and more are filled with her local and imported meats and cheeses. You must try the fresh sliced Jamon from Spain.

Our Italian family has always coveted exceptional meats and cheeses. I also earned a Culinary degree that included a full class in butchering. I found the class fascinating. I was absolutely delighted to discover Laura and experience her lovely new restaurant, MEATBAR, offering exceptional charcuterie selections in her European-inspired eatery.

Laura is reviving a lost art here in Colorado, Butchery, and she is promoting the ethical side of animal husbandry along the way. In addition to MEATBAR, she also runs Laura the Butcher, a charcuterie catering company and private butchery, as well as MEATSKOOL, offering hands-on classes and workshops for kids and teens.

Food inside and outside of the kitchen, Chef Posiak-Trider has always been attracted to the F&B Industry. After attending culinary school and working in San Francisco restaurants, she traveled the world to work on various organic vegetable farms.

In Italy, at a bed and breakfast she worked at, the owners had raised two pigs. A local butcher came and stayed at the house to process the pig’s meat, crafting beautiful charcuterie. Every part of the animal was used, something she had not experienced before. That was an eye-opening and philosophy-changing moment.

Upon her return to the states, she started curing meats at home and took a job at a whole-animal butcher shop and a deli to learn as much as she could about locally farmed meats. In addition, she discovered a passion for education while teaching butchery at a culinary school in Maine,

Laura and her husband, Dustin, began searching for a new place to call home. They’d heard about Steamboat Springs, threw caution to the wind, and moved to the Colorado mountain town. Here she began creating custom, upscale meat, cheese, and fruit boards for home delivery.

In 2020 she launched her new restaurant, MEATBAR, a women-owned and led eatery, which became an overnight hit. Laura’s establishment is not a butchery but rather a place where she showcases salted and preserved meats. She still provides learning experiences that feature whole animal breakdowns and these events are open to the public. MEATBAR is now offering classes in pasta making, chocolate crafts, and more.

1009 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs www. steamboatmeatbar.com

This wonderful new addition to Steamboat Springs can be experienced by reservation or as take-out. You must try the Spanish Cured Jamon along with her small plates and dessert selections.
48 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

Bluebird Food Hall & Market Silverthorne

The Food Hall and Market concept has made its way to Silverthorne, Colorado, and we could not think of a better place for the rising restaurant concept to raise its roof. Bluebird Market at Fourth Street Crossing is located in the heart of Silverthorne on Blue River Parkway just off Interstate 70, exit 205.

This gigantic barn of a building holds some unique history and a delicious array of culinary creations. Under its eave’s the infamous ODI building still stands. Many raucous nights and boot-stomping music took place there in previous days. It is fantastic to see it preserved, and we look forward to the new tenants taking it over for more nightlife and dancing.

Eleven Restaurants offer their craft cookery:

NOMAD COFFEE HOUSE

DON’T CALL ME CHARLIE’S ICE CREAM

BAJA CHIMAYO

MIGHTY BAR

COLORADO MARKETPLACE & BAKERY

HOOK & HARVEST

TILFORD’S WOOD FIRED PIZZA

THE MIGHTY BURGER

CREPES A LA CART

LUCKY BIRD

LAZO EMPANADAS

There is no overlap on the menu items offered, and the array of food choices is fantastic when you head in with a carload of people, young and old. There is ample seating and a gameroom to entertain your friends and family, as well as pop-up shops, coworking space and a 6,000 ft space for special events, weddings and conferences.

Check out Live Music on Fridays as well as Trivia Nights every Tuesday. A variety of events pop up each month so stay tuned to their events calendar.

325 Blue River Parkway, Silverthorne

www. bluebirdmarket.co

www.mountaintownmagazine.com | 10 Year Anniversary Issue 49

The View Restaurant - a new menu and chef in Mountain Village Telluride

Chef Vordokas recently arrived in Telluride to take on the role of the Executive Chef at The View Restaurant, a sixty-seat, full-service restaurant in beautiful Mountain Lodge Telluride. She is proudly serving a new menu influenced by her Latin American and Mediterranean influenced upbringing. I met with Perse this past summer and had a talk about the path she has walked in the Food & Beverage Industry prior to her arrival in Telluride, Colorado.

Born and raised in Miami, Perse is of Greek descent and was fortunate to have each of her summers in Greece with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. The Latin culture she grew up with in Miami along with the Mediterranean influence of her family’s cooking resulted in a nice marriage of the cultures that has contributed to her rise as a Chef.

“I was raised in a home where my mother cooked everything. There was never a need to go into the kitchen for anything. I was close to finishing my business degree when one day while eating dinner with my family I announced that I was going to finish my degree and start a Catering business. My mom almost choked. She asked me, “What are you going to cook? I announced I am going to cook Greek food and cook in people’s homes for dinner parties. Fast Forward a month later, a friend asked me to Cater a Greek Easter Brunch. My mom kept asking me how many people I was cooking for. I was studying the recipes and told her I was good. I needed to make food for 20 people but I think I made enough for 100 people. I continued with that business. I was inspired to craft something that was missing from the local restaurant scene because I traveled so often

to Europe, I noticed there weren’t many places to get delicious small bites to eat or grab a delicious coffee.”

“During that time with my catering business, I was also working in the retail industry but decided to become a server. I found that I was always in the kitchen watching what the staff was doing. If they were short in the kitchen I would drop in and help. I would plate salad and drop food in the fryer. I wanted to help get food out and be sure our guests were getting the best service possible. I was always hanging out in the kitchen taking mental notes and learning. I then took on a Prep cook position after learning how the front of the house operated. Soon after, I became a Savory Chef in a Bakery that could do breakfast and lunch. I enjoyed the work but realized I was still so green in the Culinary industry. I needed to get out and work in another kitchen. Learned an appreciation for food restaurants to learn more from their chefs in order to excel.”

“As a woman, I always felt welcome in the kitchen. I have worked for some incredible Chefs, some had temperaments, and some didn’t. You can have a nice knife and apron but it always boils down to your skills. My mind was open and I was always willing to learn. I would always take the apron off and do the dirty work and wasn’t afraid to admit failure and ask for someone to show me how to do a task but if I was drowning to ask someone to help me. People welcomed me in the back of the house as well as the front. Everyone has to prove their stripes but I have always felt welcome in the restaurant community.”

“There are always better ways of doing things than what I know. My phi-

losophy in the kitchen is “if you can do it better, then do it. If you have a recipe from your grandmother that you think is fantastic, do it. If you know of something you have learned at home in your kitchen and can bring it to the restaurant, then do it. We can all learn from each other; if it doesn’t work, it’s not failure but a learning lesson with an opportunity to do it a new way. I learned if you start a position being very humble, starting from scratch and being a sponge, you will excel anywhere.”

“There is very little room for error in simplicity. It’s much harder to get something really good that is straightforward and simple than something that is covered in a sauce where your mistakes can be hidden. I always get the question: What is your favorite thing to cook? I love preparing fresh salads and vegetables. Freshly prepared vegetables and salads don’t get the attention that they need. Do you remember the taste of a good tomato, strawberry, or fresh peach? It is so satisfying. When you experience that at a restaurant, it’s memorable.”

Since her arrival, everything has fallen into place, from the selection of her Sous Chef, Isaiah Davis-Toledo, to her line staff, and the opportunities to craft new menus and community events, Chef Vordokas continues to be her best and raise everyone up with her successes by doing better and being better. Enjoy a great meal by making a reservation at The View Restaurant to experience her delightful culinary creations.

Mountain Lodge Telluride

Mountain Village, CO

www.mountainlodgetelluride.com

50 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant Chef Robbie Reyes Incorproates His International Travels and Experiences into his Culinary Repitoire

It was serendipity that Robbie Reyes arrived back in Breckenridge after many years of traveling to Colorado to ski and snowboard as a kid. Born and raised in Washington DC, Robbie often went to the mountains on winter trips with his parents.

As he got older, Chef Robbie Reyes discovered that he had always had a knack for cooking and started kitchen work when he was only 14. He worked in restaurants before his parents knew of his cooking jobs.

Rather than pursue an education at a Culinary School, he chose to learn the trade under the supervision of more established members of the food & beverage industry and recognized chefs. He says, “It was something I had a passion

for.” Robbie then decided that he should gain further experience by working abroad. He looked toward London until he discovered the booming food scene in Peru.

Robbie says, “I wanted to go outside the country and train. Peru at the time was booming as a food and gastronomy hub. It was a choice between London and Peru. A lot of Chefs were doing some really unique things in Peru, and I thought it would be a great experience to head there to cook and learn

CHEF ROBBIE REYES - BRECKENRIDGE DISTILLERY
www.mountaintownmagazine.com | 10 Year Anniversary Issue 51

something completely different. In Lima, there were very cool ingredients you cannot find anywhere else in the world. The country offers foods from the Amazon Basin, Peruvian Andes, and the Pacific Ocean with unique indigenous fruits and grains, Meat, and superbly fresh Seafood. The cuisine was inspiring, and I immersed myself into the culture’s unique preparations.”

“I fell in love with the seafood, and Peruvian Leche de Tigre, made with fish scraps, lime juice, ginger, cilantro, peppers, onions, and other seasonings, is one of my favorite dishes. It’s blended and served with corn, onions, peppers, and sweet yams. At the end of my time in Peru, I took time to travel the country and experience the Amazon, the high mountains, and Peru’s coastal communities.”

He absorbed the culture, flavors, and cooking techniques and brought them home with him. Robbie returned to the states and began working for David Chang in New York. Chang was opening a Washington, DC restaurant and Robbie soon returned to his hometown to the delight of his parents to work at Chang’s new location. The food scene was bustling there, and after a time, the ultra-competitive nature of the business became a burden.

After some contemplation, Robbie decided to take a break and come to Colorado.

When Robbie discovered the Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant, led by world-renowned chef David Burke he was smitten. “The restaurant had a completely different feel than other restaurants in town. It had a casual hipster city-style even though it was in the mountains.” Dan O’Brien, the Chef at that time, had owned a restaurant in DC, and the two connected, and I became the Distillery’s Sous Chef.” When Robbie met

founder Bryan Nolt, he discovered Nolt was good friends with David Burke.

Robbie Reyes was promoted to the Executive Chef position slightly over a year ago. For Robbie, this was the first restaurant that did not have a sommelier or wine program. Crafting a menu for spirits and finding a way to balance hard booze and cocktails has been a unique new experience. Robbie says, “There is definitely a lot of experimenting. Working with Breckenridge Distillery’s Liquid Chef Billie Keithley is awesome. We talk all the time about flavors and pairings.”

Billie says of Robbie, “Robbie is a whole ‘nother level of creativity and talent. When you are having a conversation about menus and dishes, you can see the wheels turning. He is always pushing for the absolute best. Being around that makes me happy and want to push to new levels too. If you’ve ever seen Food Networks “Best Thing I Ever Ate” I feel like I can say that about every dish he creates. It’s the best thing I ever had. He’s a leader and a great teacher.”

We are constantly changing the menu as things go out of season or come into season or if we get bored with a particular dish. Some new entrees and salads are being crafted for dinner service. I am composing a more refreshing summer menu now with an ode to the Peruvian Ceviche I love. In addition, I am working on incorporating more fresh flavors and seasonal produce like area Tomatoes, Gooseberries, Peaches, and Corn. Head to the Breckenridge Distillery to experience his new menus while enjoying their hip dining space and outdoor patio with music scheduled for many summer nights.

Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant

1925 Airport Road, Breckenridge

52 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

Dine Local Listings

ASPEN

Mawa’s Kitchen

305 Aspen Airport Business Center #F Aspen, CO (970) 710-7096

www.mawaskitchen.com

BRECKENRIDGE

Aurum

209 S. Ridge Street

Breckenridge,CO (970) 879-9500

www.aurumbreckenridge.com

Breckenridge Distillery

1925 Airport Road

Breckenridge, CO (970) 925-9788

www.breckenridgedistillery.com

Briar Rose

199 Lincoln Avenue Breckenridge, CO (970) 925-9788

www.briarrosechophouse.com

Hearthstone Restaurant

130 South Ridge Street Breckenridge, CO (970) 453-1148

hearthstonebreck.com

Quandry Tequila Bistro

Main Street Station

505 South Main Street Breckenridge, CO (970) 547-5969

www.quandrytequilabistro.com

Sancho’s Tacos & Tequila

La Cima Mall - 500 South Main Street Breckenridge, CO (970)453-9343

www.sanchotaco.com

Sauce on the Maggie Village at Breckenridge

655 South Park Avenue

Breckenridge, CO (970) 547-5959

www.sauceonthemaggie.com

CRESTED BUTTE

Montanya Distillers

212 Elk Avenue

Crested Butte montanyarum.com

Dogwood Cocktail Cabin

309 3rd Street

Crested Butte (970) 453-9802

thedogwoodcb.com

DILLON Arapahoe Cafe

626 Lake Dillon Drive Dillon, CO (970) 385-0105

www.arapahoecafe.com

DURANGO

Ore House 147 East College Drive Durango, CO

www.orehousedurango.com

FRISCO

Kemosabe at Silverheels Sushi Grill

601 Main Street Frisco, CO (970)668-0345

www.kemosabeatsilverheels.com

Frisco Prime 20 Main Street Frisco, CO (970) 668-5900

www.friscoprime.com

The Uptown on Main 304 Main Street Frisco, CO

(970) 668-4728

www.theuptownfrisco.com

Vinny’s Frisco

310 Main Street Frisco, CO (970) 668-0340

www.vinnysfriscorestaurant.com

GEORGETOWN

Guenella Pass Brewing 501 Rose Street

Georgetown, CO

(303) 569-5167

alpinerestaurantgeorgetown. com

SILVERTHORNE

Bluebird Market

325 Blue River Parkway

Silverthorne, CO

(970) 468-7518

www.bluebirdmarket.co

Enza Delicatessen & Market 375 Blue River Parkway

Silverthorne, CO (970) 468-7518

www.enzasdeliandmarket.com

Kúcu Tequila Bistro 375 Blue River Parkway

Silverthorne, CO (970) 468-5828

www.kucutequilabistro.com

Sauce on the Blue 358 Blue River Parkway

Silverthorne,CO (970) 879-9500

www.sauceontheblue.com

SNOWMASS

Aurum 209 S. Ridge Street

Breckenridge,CO (970) 879-9500

www.aurumsnowmass.com

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Aurum 811 Yampa Street

Steamboat Springs,CO (970) 879-9500

www.aurumsteamboat.com

Steamboat Whiskey Company 55 11th Street

Steamboat Springs,CO (970) 761-2467

www.steamboatwhiskeyco.com

Besame 818 Lincoln Avenue

Steamboat Springs,CO

www.besamesteamboat.com

Mambo 521 Lincoln Ave

Steamboat Springs,CO (970) 879-9500

www.mambos.com

TELLURIDE

The View Mountain Lodge Telluride 457 Mountain Village Blvd.

Mountain Village, CO (970) 369-5000

www.mountainlodgetelluride.com

To Learn More Visit: www.mountaintownmagazine.com

| 10 Year Anniversary Issue 53
www.mountaintownmagazine.com

So Many Ways to Enjoy the Breckenridge Distillery

DINNER AT THE BRECKENRIDGE DISTILLERY

Executive Chef Robbie Reyes brings sophistication with playfulness to the BDR menu. BDR offers a contemporary steakhouse atmosphere with an upscale mountain dining experience. Their family-style menu features a 45 ounce Wet Aged Tomahawk Ribeye, Ragout of Shortrib, Mushrooms on a Forest Floor, and Crispy Spanish Octopus, to name a few. As always, the menu revolves around local produce, comfort foods with a twist and shareable dishes meant to encourage interaction and conviviality. Make a Reservation. Dinner service Wed-Sun starting at 2 p.m – 9 p.m, **Restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

SUNDAY DISTILLERY TOURS

Every Sunday, guests are taken on a behind-the scenes tour of the Breckenridge Distillery’s production facility. This abbreviated tour starts by tasting their award-winning Breckenridge Vodka and Breckenridge Gin in their original production facility. Their expert guides will take guests on a 1 hour tour and finish up the experience with a tasting of their Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey. Tours are by reservation only and include a signature Glen Carin tasting glass. Learn more about the Breckenridge Distillery’s experiences

AFTER HOURS TOURS

Breckenridge Distillery offers guests a VIP experience during their After Hours Tours. Use your senses to experience the inner workings of how these hand-crafted spirits go from grain to bottle while learning about the history of whiskey and how the distillery was founded. Guests also have the opportunity to try spirits that have yet to be released to the public. Tours begin at 6:15 p.m. by reservation only.

COCKTAILS

If it’s edible, chances are Liquid Chef Billie Keithley has made a cocktail out of it. And that’s one of the reasons she loves working for the Distillery so much “They never put a cap on my creativity,” Keithley said. “I’m thinking about cocktails all the time — my inspiration comes from everywhere.” Because of the

Distillery’s special liquor license, Keithley can’t go out and buy spirits and cordials elsewhere, so she creates them herself. Products like amaros, bitters, vermouth and liqueurs are all made in-house. “Which means we can put our own twists on them,” she said.

Keithley and Bar Manager Griffin Bovich are creating schnapps, shrubs, syrups and juices, among other fresh products, for every specialty cocktail. Popular menu staples include the Obi Wan Old Fashioned, made with Breckenridge Port Cask Whiskey.

THE FOUNDERS LAB

Nerd out with our distillers and become a master blender for a few magical hours. Breckenridge Distillery’s distillers are experts in nosing, flavor categorization and pairing substrates together to create a whole that far exceeds the expected sum of its parts. Guests will be taught to break down aggregate flavors while building a whiskey blend complete with mouth feel and finish. You will hand bottle your creation and complete the experience with a customized label.

If you just want to taste our spirits, book a High-end Flight where you can taste through some of the Distillery’s most sought after spirits and other spirits that not yet been released to the public (when available). Now open, reservations required..

HAPPY HOUR

After getting your turns in on the mountain, head to the Breckenridge Distillery for a newly-extended Happy Hour available as soon as the restaurant opens. Enjoy crafted cocktail deals, small bites, and more! Make a Reservation. Happy Hour is served Wed-Sun 2 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

**closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

TASTINGS

The Breckenridge Distillery offers one of the most highly awarded craft bourbons on the market and you can try it for free. Guests are offered two complimentary samples from a limited menu and have the option to upgrade their tasting to try their high end spirits. A great way to explore their award-winning line of

hooch. Tastings are available at the Main Street Tasting Room or the Breckenridge Distillery on Airport Road. They are on a first come, first serve basis starting daily at 11 a.m.

PRIVATE DINNERS IN DARK ARTS SOCIETY

This intimate dining experience in the Distillery’s exclusive whiskey club is an experience like none other. Parties of up to 12 people can reserve the Dark Arts Society private room featuring old barn wood, leather couches, and a view of the bottling production area of the Distillery. This exclusive, private dining area comes with a personal wait staff and can be used for families, micro-conferences, executive meetings or small parties.

MAIN STREET TASTING ROOM IN DOWNTOWN BRECKENRIDGE

In the heart of downtown Breckenridge, get a taste of not only the Distillery’s spirits but also a taste of what the Breckenridge Distillery is all about. Enjoy complimentary tastings, upgraded tastings, Cask Finished Whiskey flights and coming soon, a 15-year Barrel-aged Manhattan. Visit the Main Street Tasting Room at 137 S. Main St. in the Blue River Plaza. Open daily at 11 a.m.

ENJOY OUR REDESIGNED PATIO

Come back this summer grab a bite, grab a cocktail, challenge your buddies to a friendly game of bags, and take in the sights and sounds of the working production facility, as well as live music.

FREE SHUTTLE RIDES

There’s no need to drink and drive when you can drink and ride. The Breckenridge Distillery wants its guests to drink responsibly, which is why it offers a free shuttle for customers with pick-ups and drop-offs anywhere within town limits. The shuttle fits up to 14 people all you have to do is call the Distillery at (970) 445 8613 to book your ride.

Locations:

MAIN STREET TASTING ROOM

137 S Main Street, Breckenridge, CO

DISTILLERY & RESTAURANT

1925 Airport Road, Breckenridge, CO

www.breckenridgedistillery.com

breckenridge dining La Cima Mall 520 S Main Street Breckenridge www.sanchotaco.com dillon dining

BUENA VIKING

The Buena Viking has happily found a home off of Main Street, Buena Vista, Colorado. After five years at a previous location, you can find them now behind The Roastery Cafe off of Main Street. They are sitting pretty in a utopian corner of the universe! The Buena Viking aims to provide an elevated burger experience in a casual setting, perfect to compliment your adventurous days in Colorado. With the belief that every order matters, and a passion for excellence, their crew invites you to experience all that The Viking has to offer.

Owners Evan and Anna Winger made Buena Vista their home over 15 years ago and just finished their 6th year in that food truck life. They both love their home, community, and the Rocky Mountains where the Arkansas River provides peace and adventure when they are not in crafting some of the finest burgers around.

The Buena Viking has quickly become a place for families, friends, and travelers to put their feet up, enjoy good food and drink, and revel in a life well lived. You are invited to come by, grab a beer or cocktail, burger, or a melt, and some tots spring, summer and fall enjoy those summer days and nights!

Their cry is Rally in the Alley! Find them behind the Buena Vista Roastery Cafe off of East Main Street between S. Court Street and S. Colorado Avenue.

www.buenaviking.com

56 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com buena vista dining

VINNY’S EURO AMERICAN CUISINE

310 Main Street Frisco,CO

With a name like Vinny’s, one would probably think Italian. Is it an Italian restaurant? No. Are their Italian-inspired dishes available? Yes. Vinny began his career before he knew what the word career meant as he assisted his Sicilian grandparents with family meals at home. Chef Vincent Monarca, an East coast transplant who arrived shortly after graduating in 1992 from the Johnson & Wales University Culinary Program, discovered Frisco and called it home. He worked for several well-known restaurants in the area. He was the Chef for a local organic market before he opened the doors to his own restaurant, Vinny’s Euro American Restaurant in Frisco.

Vinny’s Euro American Restaurant recently moved and is located on the second floor of the Frisco Centre, above the Next Page Bookstore. The floor-toceiling windows offer panoramic views of Frisco, Mountain Royal, and Peak One. An elevator to the restaurant and stairs are available for customers. The new restaurant location is the perfect spot for a romantic evening for two and accommodates large groups, including Weddings, and Rehearsals, and company outings.

Chef Vincent emphasizes creating a menu based on the availability of seasonal ingredients, natural hormone-free meats, wild-caught seafood, fresh organic pasta, and the freshest, local, Non-GMO vegetables he can procure. He incorporates his passion into each dish the restaurant prepares and is proud to serve food that does not require a microwave or premade processed foods. You will not find styrofoam or plastic boxes for foods you want to take out. Chef Monarca believes that these efforts make the food he serves tastier and healthier for our bodies, the economy, and the planet. Vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores will find something extraordinary for their evening out.

Expect a warm welcome when you arrive, as the restaurant operates like a large family with many staff in place since the restaurant launched. The restaurant has a main dining room, a full dinner menu, and a cozy bistro bar offering small plates, appetizers, and heartier selections. They are well-versed in preparing the menu items and offering the best wines to complement each dish. The small plate selection is a great way to experience a part of the dining room offerings.

Vinny’s dinner menu is extensive, offering classically prepared dishes such as Duck Leg Confit with a white bean cassoulet, Colorado Lamb Shank with Cabernet Demi-Glace, and Aspen Ridge

Boneless Beef Short Ribs with a Cabernet Demi Glace – to which I would like to note, his Demi Glace is liquid gold. Another favorite entrée is the Roasted Prosciutto Wrapped Basil Rubbed Pork Tenderloin. Fish and Steak du jour options are available daily.

Pasta is prepared in the kitchen with all organic ingredients. All of the selections are delicious. Try the Linguine and Clams, Bolognese Ragu, or Sausage Rigatoni.

There is the Beyond Meat Vegan Sausage, Peppers & Onions, Salad Selections, and more for Vegans and Vegetarians. The Eggplant Tower with Portobello, Roasted Peppers, Provolone, and Marinara is one to try, and their mushroom strudel is a flaky delight. Gluten-free options are also available.

After dinner, I highly recommend their ever-changing dessert selections too. I had the Tiramisu, and it knocked my socks off (it is one of my favorites).

Locals have voted Vinny’s Best Restaurant for many years. If you are heading to Frisco, stop in, it is a local favorite.

Vinny’s Euro American Restaurant 310 Main Street, Frisco 970-668-0340 www.vinnysfriscorestaurant.com

www.mountaintownmagazine.com | 10 Year Anniversary Issue 57
frisco dining
A Great Day in the Mountains Calls for a Great Mountain Whiskey Salida,Colorado TastingRoom OpenDaily Findusat yourfavoriteretaileror online at woodsdistillery.com @woodsdistillery 719-239-4315

AURUM STEAMBOAT

811 Yampa Street

Steamboat Springs,CO

Aurum Food & Wine Steamboat offers seasonal new American cuisine served in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere featuring riverfront outdoor dining, outdoor rooftop patio dining, a large bar, a dining room, and spacious deck seating. Nestled along the Yampa River, this watershed has historically provided the lifeline for farming and ranching in the Yampa Valley. We are proud to build upon this rich heritage.

Book us for your next private event. Arrive and enjoy Happy Hour by the river or make a reservation for dinner. Enjoy evening views of Howelson Hill this winter or join us Sunday through Wednesday from 7-9 pm in the Lounge. Head to our website to check out our schedule for live music too!

www.aurumsteamboat.com

YAMPA VALLEY KITCHEN

207 9th Street Steamboat Springs,CO

Yampa Valley Kitchen is uncompromising in its selection and sourcing of ingredients. We use local, organic, or sustainable foods of the highest quality. This includes everything, down to the salts, oils, and spices we use.

Instead of the commitment to use organic or local foods “when available”, Yampa Valley Kitchen will not serve it when it’s not available. BOOM! Our menu changes as we strictly adhere to this principle.

www.yampavalleykitchen.com

steamboat springs dining

KUCU TEQUILA BISTRO

375 Blue River Parkway Silverthorne,CO

Southwestern inspired restaurant and tequila bar opened in Silverthorne, January, 2022. Located inside of Hotel Indigo, we open at 7am every day and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner along with happy hour specials. With elk, bison and cactus, our menu features ancient ingredients in modern dishes. We feature over 200 tequilas, mezcals and sotols behind the bar. Stop in today to try something new in Summit County! www.kucutequilabistro.com

SAUCE ON THE BLUE

385 Blue River Parkway Silverthorne,CO

Sauce on the Blue brings authentic Italian dining to the heart of Silverthorne. With an old-world-influenced style, our Italian food menu offers a complete selection of Italian dishes to satisfy your palette. From classic favorites like Spaghetti Bolognese to Penne Gorgonzola, we’ve got something for everyone! We offer an extensive wine and cocktail lists. Voted the Best Restaurant in Summit County five years running! Give us a try today!

www.sauceontheblue.com

CRAFTBEER. TACO FLIGHTS. LIVE MUSIC . TRIVIA TUESDAYS. POP-UP SHOPS. THRIVE YOGA. MIGHTY BURGERS. DELECTABLE CREPES. SPECIALTY LATTES. SPICY EMPANADAS. CRISPY TENDERS. FRESH CROISSANTS. TRIPLE SCOOPS. GREENS & GRAINS. CRAFTBEER. TACO FLIGHTS. LIVE MUSIC . TRIVIA TUESDAYS. POP-UP SHOPS. THRIVE YOGA. MIGHTY BURGERS. DELECTABLE CREPES. SPECIALTY LATTES. SPICY EMPANADAS. CRISPY TENDERS. FRESH CROISSANTS.

MORE THAN A MARKET

The mountains aren’t the only thing worth exploring. See, taste, and experience more at Bluebird Market Hall. Join us Monday through Thursday from 11am to 9pm and Friday to Sunday from 11am until last call. And just for our early birds, we are serving co ee and bakery items beginning at 7am.

Visit bluebirdmarket.co to learn more.

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silverthorne dining
BLUE RIVER PARKWAY . SILVERTHORNE . www.bluebirdmarket.co
APRIL 19-23, 2023 CARBONDALE, CO Tickets and information at www.5pointfilm.org

guide G ! MTN town

Bucket List!

VIA FERRATA, ARAPAHOE BASIN

Get active Festival Notes

A via ferrata (“iron way”) is a climbing route that follows iron rungs (or handholds) that have been fixed permanently to the rock. Arapahoe Basin recently opened North America’s highest-elevation via ferrata on their East Wall, one of the Basin’s most striking, prominent geographical feature.

High Country Events Calendar

A-Basin’s via ferrata is a guided-only experience with two options to chose from, the full-day tour ascends 1,200 feet to a 13,000’ summit with stunning, 360-degree views. Their shorter adventure reachs an old mine shaft where you can learn more about the history of the area. This incredible via ferrata route is entirely above treeline in a high-alpine environment.

Harnesses, ropes, and helmets are utilized but previous rock-climbing experience is not needed. Once the winter snow has cleared, make a reservation!

www.arapahoebasin.com/to-do/via-ferrata

62 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

Drive!

BRIDGESTONE WINTER DRIVE

TA few inches of champagne powder on our manicured track is an excellent reason to test the performance of one of our Toyota 4Runners equipped with Blizzaks. Spring Special! Safety Courses are 10% off for teens when you call in and sign up.

Our courses not only teach how to handle a car on snow and ice, they create a foundation of how cars handle in all conditions.

www.winterdrive.com

TASTE OF VAIL, VAIL

The 32nd Annual Taste of Vail returns featuring more than 22 guest chefs, restaurateurs, more than 45 top wineries from around the world, and renowned sommeliers. Taste of Vail is the nation’s premier spring food and wine festival held at iconic locations throughout North America’s most popular mountain resort showcasing the finest chefs in Vail and the nation’s top vintners.

www.tasteofvail.com

Eat, Drink, Ski Learn!

5 POINT ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL

Join Colorado’s leading adventure film event for its 16th flagship festival, April 19 - 23, 2023, in venues throughout downtown Carbondale, bringing film to in-person audiences with a captivating program designed to celebrate the 5Point audience and filmmaker community. Films, Panel discussions steer conversation around themes that have shaped the world, Social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, mental health and wellness, and the pursuit of adventure throughout the world; plus an array of outdoor recreational activities, parties and social events built around the four-days of film programming will engage and inspire audiences.

www.5pointfilm.org

Skim!

POND SKIM, BRECKENRIDGE

Spring skiing is one of our favorite times of the year at Breckenridge Ski Resort, and there are plenty of chances to get your spring turns in with the resort regularly scheduled to operate through Memorial Day, as weather and conditions permit. Get ready for the pond skim, DJs, spring snow, high alpine laps and plenty of sunshine!

www.breckenridge.com

www.mountaintownmagazine.com | 10 Year Anniversary Issue 63

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY

February 15 – April 9, 2023

Jovan C. Speller: We Are Seers, Old Masonic Hall

We Are Seers is a solo exhibition featuring work by Jovan C. Speller. It includes “Sounds for Survival,” an immersive installa- tion that interprets the unmarked burial site of Speller’s enslaved ancestors in rural North Carolina, and “Conduction,” a portrait series that weaves together past and potential narratives by layering different media and images. www.breckcreate.com

February 15, 2023

2023 Up & At ‘Em Series, Race #4, Frisco (In Person), Frisco

We are excited for the 2023 Up & At ‘Em Series! Enjoy five races in a hybrid combination of three Strava format races followed by two in person races. www.townoffrisco.com/event/nordic-center-events/up-and-at-emnordic-race-series

February 16, 2023

Game of Stones, Aspen/Snowmass

Curling comes to Snowmass with the new Game of Stones curling series at the Base Village Ice Rink! Fridays and Thursdays.

February 16 – 19, 2023

Telluride Comedy Festival, Telluride

The Sheridan Arts Foundation and Jeb Berrier present the 23nd annual Telluride Comedy Festival at the historic Sheridan Opera House over President’s Day weekend. www.telluride.com/event/telluride-comedy-festival/

February 17, 2023,

Ullr Nights, Aspen/Snowmass

Guests can make a night of it, with classic winter activities, such as sledding, guided snowshoe tours with ACES, snowbiking, snow tubing, and riding the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster.

February 17, 2023

Grand Valley Race League 3, Powderhorn Mountain Resort

Powderhorn’s third race for the GVRC www.powderhorn.com/events

February 17, 2023

Country Western Dance, Silverthorne

Enjoy an evening of guided lessons from 7-8 p.m. followed by open dancing and cash bar until 11 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. www.silverthorne.org

February 17, 2023

Trees & Steeps, Winter Park Resort

Learn to ski or ride the mountain with confidence from our expert instructors during this one-day clinic focused on trees and steeps.

February 18, 2023

Copper’s Uphill Race Series, Copper Mountain

February 18 – 19,2023

Silverton Skijoring, Silverton

The popular Skijoring race will be returning to Silverton in February of 2023. Visitors watch as skiers, who are holding onto ropes attached to a horse, are pulled through gates and jumps on Blair Street. www.durango.com/event/silverton-skijoring

February 18, 2023

7th Annual Frisco Freeze Fat Bike Race, Frisco

Join us for the 7th Annual Frisco Freeze Fat Bike Race at the Frisco Nordic Center. This is your one chance this winter to ride your fat bike on the Frisco Nordic trails! This fun course showcases amazing views of Buffalo Mountain and the Ten Mile Range. www.townoffrisco.com/event/nordic-center-events

February 18, 2023

Our Gang Auto Racing, Georgetown.

Sunday Fun Day Track, Competition Bare Rubber, Street Bare Rubber, Pro Street Bare Rubber www.ourgangiceracing.com

February 18, 2023

26th Annual Wolford Ice Fishing Tournament, Kremmling

$2500 GUARANTEED cash prize for 1st tagged fish recorded at tent. $250 cash prize for 2nd through 5th tagged fish recorded at tent. Hourly Big Fish Prizes, Kids Prizes, Door Prizes, Raffle www.business.kremmlingchamber.com/events

February 18, 2023

Mardi Gras, Pagosa Springs

FUN PARTY NIGHT! Get out your best costumes for a sure to be sold out show. www.visitpagosasprings.com

February 18, 2023

Adult Race Clinic, Purgatory Resort

This program is both social and fun with an emphasis on developing skills and activities in the NASTAR course. www.purgatory.ski/event/adult-race-clinic/all/

February 18, 2023

Telemark Appreciation Day, Purgatory Resort

Come celebrate a day of Telemark skiing. We’ll have free gear demos from several shops and manufacturers.

February 18 – 20, 2022

USASA Halfpipe Competition, Purgatory Resort

Come enjoy three days of snowboard and skier halfpipe competitions! This race is part of The United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association’s (USASA) Southwest Colorado competition series.

www.purgatory.ski/event

February 18, 2023

Mardi Gras, Winter Park Resort

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Join in on the Mardi Gras fun during your trip to Winter Park resort this February!

February 18, 2023

Rocky Mountain Freestyle Divisional Championships, Winter Park

The Rocky Mountain Freestyle (RMF) Competitive Series (COMP) program offers full US Ski & Snowboard sanctioned competitions in moguls and dual moguls.

February 19, 2023

Our Gang Auto Racing, Georgetown.

Sunday Fun Day Track, Competition Bare Rubber, Street Bare Rubber, Pro Street Bare Rubber

www.ourgangiceracing.com

February 19, 2023

Mountainfilm Winter Shorts Fundraiser, Telluride

Join Mountainfilm for a night of inspiring adventure films!

www.telluride.com/event/mountainfilm-winter-shorts-fundraiser

February 19, 2023

Bump Clinic, Winter Park Resort

Unlock more of the mountain when you master your mogul technique.

February 20, 2023

STARS Mountain Challenge, Steamboat Springs

The STARS Mountain Challenge is a community celebration that allows STARS to offer life-changing programs that promote independence, self-esteem, and a healthy lifestyle for people with disabilities. At the STARS Mountain Challenge, we embrace inclusiveness and www.steamboatchamber.com/event/10th-annual-stars-mountain-challenge/6412

February 21, 2023

Mardi Gras Concert & Fireworks, Aspen/Snowmass

64 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

February 21, 2023

Wolf Creek Ski Area Fun Races, Wolf Creek Ski Area www.wolfcreekski.com/wolfcreek-races

February 22, 2023

Bubble Gum Ski Race Series– Dual Slalom, Frisco

From the “never ever” to seasoned racer, all levels are encouraged to compete in this free non-competitive, community race series. Racers will have the chance to race the course multiple times. www.townoffrisco.com/event/frisco-adventure-park-events/bubblegum-ski-race-series

February 23, 2023

Game of Stones, Aspen/Snowmass

Curling comes to Snowmass with the new Game of Stones curling series at the Base Village Ice Rink! Fridays and Thursdays teams of two will compete in a head to head elimination competition.

February 24, 2023

Ullr Nights, Aspen/Snowmass

Guests can make a night of it, with classic winter activities, such as sledding, guided snowshoe tours with ACES, snowbiking, snow tubing, and riding the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster.

February 24 – 26, 2023

Dew Tour, Copper Mountain

Winter Dew Tour snowboard and ski competition and festival returns to Copper Mountain February 24-26, 2023 - Celebrating the Best in Snowboarding, Freeskiing, Art and Community.

February 24 – 25, 2023

BOEC Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Breckenridge

The 2023 Live Banff Mountain Film Festival is scheduled to take place Friday and Saturday, February 24 and 25, 2023 at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge. www.boec.org February 24, 2023

Mardi Gras 4Paws. Frisco

Frisco does Mardi Gras with a twist by putting on a costumed canine parade and a street party to benefit a local animal loving non-profit. Whether you have a dog or not, this is the place to be to get your fill of canine cuteness and general good fun!

www.townoffrisco.com/event/dog-events/mardi-gras-4paws/

February 24 – 25, 2023

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival, Grand Junction

Traveling to remote vistas, analyzing topical environmental issues, and bringing audiences up-close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports the 2022/2023 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world. www.visitgrandjunction.com/events/banff-centre-mountain-film-festival

February 24 – 26, 2023

Telluride Fashion Week + Gala Fashion Shows, Telluride

This annual event has become an incredible masterpiece, with highend fashion lines and professional stage work and choreography. It’s the premier event in Telluride during the winter. Gala fashion shows, parties, trunk shows and auctions all raise money each year to fight HIV.

www.telluride.com/event/tab-fashion-week-gala-fashion-shows/

February 24 – 26, 2023

Wells Fargo Ski Cup, Winter Park Resort

The Wells Fargo Cup boasts the longest running professional ski race in the country and serves as a signature fundraiser for the National Sports Center for the Disabled.

February 25, 2023

Audi Power Of Four Ski Mountaineering Race, Aspen/Snowmass

A premier ski-mountaineering race that tests athletes’ endurance as they race in teams across all four area mountains.

February 25 -26, 2023

Talons Challenge, Beaver Creek Resort

Challenge yourself for bragging rights. February 25 & 26, 2023 challenge yourself by skiing all of the black and double black runs

at Beaver Creek. If your legs are not angry, take on the second day. World class swag bags for all participants. Finishers will collect a patch. Finishers of two days will get full bragging rights and a trophy. Don’t forget the post even awards party to “boot”. www.beavercreek.com

February 25, 2023

2nd Annual Winterfest and Cabin Creek Pond Hockey Tournament, Georgetown

Join us for the 2 Annual Winterfest, this time located at the Georgetown Lake inlet, and Cabin Creek Brewing. Pond hockey, beer garden, food vendors, ice sculptures, and live music featuring Mark Morris. www.georgetown-colorado.org

February 25, 2023

Our Gang Auto Racing, Georgetown.

Pro Street Rally, Competition Studs, Go For The Gold (Competition Studs), Street Studs, www.ourgangiceracing.com

February 25, 2023

Canvas Uncorked, Keystone Resort

Warren Station is so excited to bring back a crowd favorite, Canvas Uncorked at Keystone! This is a wonderful event for all occasions, including family gatherings, date nights, and (GNO) Girls’ & Guys’ nights out. Join us to learn the basics of acrylic painting and enjoy a complimentary beverage at this upbeat and casual painting party. www.warrenstation.com/event/canvas-uncorked-winter

February 25, 2023

20th Annual Leadville Loppet, Leadville will be held at the Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville, Colorado. The Leadville Loppet is an annual event that celebrates winter sports and encourages the community to come out and enjoy the Mineral Belt Trail in all its winter glory. www.mineralbeltrail.com

February 25, 2023

3rd Annual Snodeo, Pagosa Springs

Wolf Creek Trailblazers Local snowmobile Club is hosting the 3rd ANNUAL SNODEO.

February 25, 2023

Cannonball Run, Powderhorn Mountain Resort

In our toughest challenge of the season, skiers and snowboarders compete to see who can finish the most laps down Cannonball, our far-east double black run. www.powderhorn.com/events

February 25, 2023

Dave Spencer Ski Classic – NASTAR Course, Purgatory Resort

www.purgatory.ski/event/dave-spencer-ski-classic-nastar-course

February 25 – 26, 2023

USASA Rail Jam & Slopestyle Competition, Purgatory Resort

This is part of The United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association’s (USASA) Southwest Colorado competition series. www.purgatory.ski/event/usasa-rail-jam-slopestyle-competition/2023-02-25

February 25 – 26, 2023

Ski Bike Festival, Purgatory Resort

Ski Bike enthusiasts from all over the country will descend on Purgatory Resort this weekend! www.purgatory.ski/event/ski-bike-festival

February 25, 2023

Adult Race Clinic, Purgatory Resort

www.purgatory.ski/event/adult-race-clinic/all

February 25 - March 4 , 2023

Gay Ski Week, Telluride

Telluride Gay Ski Week was founded in 2002. Since then, it has been a week to look forward to for participants and locals alike. www.telluride.com/event/telluride-gay-ski-week/

www.mountaintownmagazine.com | 10 Year Anniversary Issue 65

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 25 – 27, 2023

Legacy Parade - 10th Mountain, Vail

Celebrate the Legacy of Vail with the 10th Mountain Parade, Black Hawk landing, the anniversary of Riva Ridge Ski down and more. www.vail.com

February26, 2023

Our Gang Auto Racing, Georgetown. www.ourgangiceracing.com

February 28 - March 2, 2023

Making Friends With Moguls Camp

This three-day camp will focus on precise movement patterns in mogul fields. www.telluride.com/event/making-friends-with-moguls-camp

MARCH

March 1 – 5, 2023

Durango Film Festival, Durango

The upcoming Durango Independent Film Festival marks the 18th year of the annual event.

March 1, 2023

2023 Up & At ‘Em Series, Race #5, Frisco (In Person), Frisco

We are excited for the 2023 Up & At ‘Em Series! Enjoy five races in a hybrid combination of three Strava format races followed by two in person races. www.townoffrisco.com/event/nordic-center-events/up-and-at-emnordic-race-series

March 1, 2023 – Obstacle Course

Bubble Gum Ski Race Series– Obstacle Course, Frisco

From the “never ever” to seasoned racer, all levels are encouraged to compete in this free non-competitive, community race series. www.townoffrisco.com/event/frisco-adventure-park-events/bubble-gum-ski-race-series

March 2, 2023

Telluride Art Walk, Telluride

The Telluride Art Walk is a festive celebration of the arts in downtown telluride for art lovers, community and friends. www.telluridearts.org/tellurideartwalk

March 3, 2023

Party For The Planet, Village at Breckenridge

Celebrate with local brews, live music, delicious food, an award ceremony, and a huge silent auction with all proceeds supporting local conservation. Tickets will go on sale in January. www.highcountryconservation.org

March 3 – 5. 2023

Audi FIS Ski World Cup, Aspen/Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass is gearing up for the return of America’s Downhill™ course on Aspen Mountain—a steep, corkscrewing technical track overlooking the town of Aspen.

March 3, 2023

First Friday! Art Groove, Estes Park

Get your Groove on and explore the local Galleries www.estesartsdistrict.org/first-friday.html

March 3, 2023

Grand Valley Race League 4, Powderhorn Mountain Resort Powderhorn’s fourth race for the GVRC

Snowcat Dining Excursion, Purgatory Resort

Enjoy a memorable evening with your loved ones while riding our enclosed snowcat to the Powderhouse.

March 3, 2023

Alpenglow Snowshoe + Charcuterie, Purgatory Resort

Take your aprés ski to new heights with a sunset snowshoe tour.

March 3, 2023

Balloon Glow, Purgatory Resort

Join us to watch the glow of hot air balloons as they light up the night! Guests can experience the Balloon Night Glow up close and personal.

March 3, 2023

March First Friday Rail Jam, Silverthorne

Join the Town of Silverthorne for the annual First Friday Rail Jam. Enjoy live music, live art and more as skiers and snowboards vie for a cash prize.

www.silverthorne.org

March 3, 2023

WinterWonderGrass 2023, Steamboat Springs Resort

“WinterWonderGrass began in 2013 as a tiny, homegrown music festival in a parking lot in Edwards and is now returning for its seventh year in 2019 at its new home in Steamboat Springs, with sister festivals in Lake Tahoe, California, and Stratton, Vermont. The trifecta that founder Scotty Stoughton and his team have created over the past seven years is not only tremendously impressive but is also a blessing for bluegrass and string music fans across the nation.

www.winterwondergrass.com/steamboat

March 3, 2023

Defiance Challenge! Sunlight Mountain Resort

Can you and your skiing or riding partner tackle 40 of Sunlight’s most difficult runs in 10 hours or less? Join for the Defiance Challenge to find out!

www.sunlightmtn.com/the-mountain/events-calendar

March 3 – 5, 2023

Women’s Weekend, Telluride

The Telluride Ski Resort will be hosting a women’s weekend camp, which is a no-frills weekend camp that will focus on ski improvement. It includes three days of expert instruction by leading women instructors, assessment of alignment and ski equipment and more. This weekend is intended for women 15 and up.

March 4 – 5, 2023

Special Olympics State Winter Games, Copper Mountain Copper is beyond proud to be the official host resort for the annual Special Olympics State Winter Games. More than 200 athletes will participate in Giant Slolam/Slolam, Cross Country, and Snowshoe events.

March 4, 2023

Whiskey Warm Up, Estes Park

Sip and sample the finest selections of Colorado whiskeys, listen to live music, peruse and purchase goods from area vendors, and delight in whiskey paired treats.

March 4 – 5, 2023

75th Annual Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival Weekend, Leadville

Gather in historic downtown Leadville for two days of winter fun. Ski Joring is a centuries-old snow sport in which a skier is pulled by a horse and rider through a course of jumps. The Crystal Carnival will also be held throughout the week. www.leadvilleskijoring.us

March 04, 2023

Snowball Sweepstakes, Powderhorn Mountain Resort

Purchase a ticket in the Snowball Sweepstakes to support our local Rotary Club and get a chance to win a cash prize!

March 4, 2023

Uncle Clyde’s Run & Slide, Purgatory Resort

Get Ready for The Whackiest Race Ever In Durango! It’s on the Tubing Hill. Run Up… Tube Down. Repeat! Most laps wins!

March 4, 2023

IFSA Big Mountain Competition, Winter Park Resort

The International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association is holding their Big Mountain competition at Winter Park Resort.

Leftover Salmon

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

March 4, 2023

Moonlit Uphill, Winter Park Resort

For those looking to venture out under the stars these Uphill Events are calling your name!

March 5, 2023

Rat Bike Face! Sunlight Mountain Resort

Calling all Fat Tire Fanatics! Come out and race in the morning and then ski the day away with a ridiculously cheap lift ticket. www.sunlightmtn.com/the-mountain/events-calendar

March 6, 2023

STARS Mountain Challenge, Steamboat Springs

The STARS Mountain Challenge is a community celebration that allows STARS to offer life-changing programs that promote independence, self-esteem, and a healthy lifestyle for people with disabilities. www.steamboatchamber.com/event/10th-annual-stars-mountain-challenge/6412

March 6, 2023

Wolf Creek Ski Area Fun Races, Wolf Creek Ski Area

March 7 – 10, 2023

Rocky Central U16 Junior Championships, Winter Park Resort

The Rocky/Central U16 Junior Championships are open to all qualified U16 Rocky Mountain Division and Central competitors .

March 8, 2023

Bubble Gum Ski Race Series– Dual Slalom, Frisco

Enjoy some friendly competition among family and friends of all ages and abilities at the 9th Annual Bubble Gum Race Series Wednesdays in March at the Frisco Adventure Park. www.townoffrisco.com/event/frisco-adventure-park-events/bubblegum-ski-race-series

March 8, 2023

BrewSki, Frisco

What is BrewSki?

1. It is a beer festival on skis at the Frisco Nordic Center.

2. Where you throw on a costume.

3. Stop at beer tasting tents along the trail to sample beers from Colorado breweries.

4. Win prizes for the best costumes.

5. End with more beer tastings and music at the after party. It’s that easy.

www.townoffrisco.com/event/nordic-center-events/brewski/

March 10 – 12, 2023

Subaru WinterFest, Copper Ski Resort

March 10, 2023

Alpenglow Snowshoe + Charcuterie, Purgatory Resort

Take your aprés ski to new heights with a sunset snowshoe tour, appetizers, and libations at the Powderhouse.

March 11, 2023

Second Saturday, Breckenridge

Explore the Arts District campus on the second Saturday of each month from 10am to 1pm. Start your adventure at Old Masonic Hall and set off on a creative journey. www.breckcreate.org/special-events/second-saturdays

March 11, 2023

Moonlight Dinner Series #4: A Night in Southern France, Arapahoe Basin Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: Black Mountain Lodge

Our Moonlight Dinner series welcomes you to ski, snowshoe, or ride the lift under the stars to our mid-mountain lodge for a chef-prepared meal that will transport your taste buds to another part of the world.

www.arapahoebasin.com/event/moonlight-dinner-southern-france

March 11, 2023

Breck DJ Cat, Breckenridge Ski Resort

The Breck Rockstar DJ Cat (a snowcat that transforms into a real live DJ booth), will take to the slopes to bring the energy and good beats to the base of Peak 8 on select dates this winter season. Looking for more musical vibes all season-long? www.breckenridge.com

March 11 – 12, 2023

USASA Giant Slalom, Purgatory Resort

Competitors race to see who’s the fastest down the giant slalom course while testing their technical skills at navigating the course gates.

March 11, 2023

Cardboard Derby, Purgatory Resort

The McDonald’s Cardboard Derby at Purgatory Resort is a classic winter competition you won’t want to miss!

March 11, 2023

Hollywood Huckfest, Purgatory Resort

Get ready for big air, prizes, and ultimate glory! The Huckfest is a “slopestyle-freeride” event, with kickers above the cliff faces on the “Hollywood” expert terrain of the Catharsis run.

March 12, 2023

Terrain Park Party, Powderhorn Mountain Resort

Jibs, jams, spins, and stalls - we’re ready to see your best moves!

March 13, 2023

A Day For Jake, Powderhorn Mountain Resort

Jake Burton Carpenter was a snowboarding pioneer, innovator, and philanthropist who forever changed the sport of snowboarding. We’re participating in the global Day for Jake initiative to remember and honor his dream, perseverance, and generosity. www.powderhorn.com/events

March 13, 2023

STARS Mountain Challenge, Steamboat Springs

The STARS Mountain Challenge is a community celebration that allows STARS to offer life-changing programs that promote independence, self-esteem, and a healthy lifestyle for people with disabilities. www.steamboatchamber.com/event/10th-annual-stars-mountain-challenge/6412

March 13, 2023

Spring Fling Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area www.wolfcreekski.com/wolfcreek-races

March 14, 2023

Skidola, Telluride

The Skidola is an uphill race, using the same Rundola course, starting from the base of the gondola in Telluride, finishing at the top of the ridge that parallels the gondola.

March 15, 2023

Bubble Gum Ski Race Series– Nordic, Frisco

Enjoy some friendly competition among family and friends of all ages and abilities at the 9th Annual Bubble Gum Race Series www.townoffrisco.com/event

March 16, 2023

Live@Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge

Pat Green – Thu Mar 16 | $45 – $55 Reserved Seating www.breckcreate.org/riverwalk

March 17, 2023

St. Patricks Day Celebration, Ski Cooper

Enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Irish tunes and food specialties while skiing and snowboarding. www.skicooper.com

March 17 , 2023

Helly Hansen Big Mountain Challenge, Breckenridge Ski Resort

This IFSA sanctioned event highlights some of Breck’s most extreme high alpine terrain – the Six Senses on Peak 6. This area of Peak 6 features steep lines, tight chutes, and big cliff drops, and the events

68 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

will test some of the best big mountain Freeskiers in the country as they compete for points in the IFSA series. www.breckenridge.com

March 17, 2023

Ullr Nights, Aspen/Snowmass

Guests can make a night of it, with classic winter activities, such as sledding, guided snowshoe tours with ACES, snowbiking, snow tubing, and riding the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster.

March 17 – 19, 2023

Frozen Dead Guy Days Festival, Estes Park

One of Colorado’s most beloved annual events for more than 20 years, is kicking off a new chapter in Estes Park. Taking place over St. Patrick’s Day weekend the reborn Frozen Dead Guy Days will feature live music and entertainment all weekend long. www.frozendeadguydays.com

March 17, 2023

Country Western Dance, Silverthorne

Enjoy an evening of guided lessons from 7-8 p.m. followed by open dancing and cash bar until 11 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. www.silverthorne.org

March 17 - 18, 2023

Dance Aspen, Aspen

DanceAspen’s new WINTER PROGRAM will premiere on March 17 and 18 at 7:30 PM at The Wheeler Opera House with innovative choreography, emotional artistry, and unmatched athleticism. www.danceaspen.org

March 18, 2023

Live@Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge

Ani DiFranco – Sat Mar 18 | $50 – $60 Reserved Seating www.breckcreate.org/riverwalk

March 18, 2023

Copper’s Uphill Race Series, Copper Mountain

Whether you are a Skimo expert or just beginning with touring, join us for Copper’s Winter Race Series.

March 18, 2023

Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series - Fatty Patty 50K, Leadville

The series is open to all cyclists, regardless of skill level or experience. www.cloudcitywheelers.com/the-winter-bike-series

March 18, 2023

Bump Clinic, Winter Park Resort

Unlock more of the mountain when you master your mogul technique.

March 20, 2023

St. Patrick’s Day Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area Wolf Creek Ski Area hosts a number of “Fun Races” throughout the ski season.

March 22, 2023

Bubble Gum Ski Race Series – Obstacle Course . Frisco

Enjoy some friendly competition among family and friends of all ages and abilities. www.townoffrisco.com/event

March 23 – 26, 2023

Southern Series Ski Championships, Purgatory Resort

We’re stoked to host this a Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G race

March 24, 2022

Live@Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge

DanceAspen – Fri Mar 24 | $45 – $55 Reserved Seating, Children $20 www.breckcreate.org/riverwalk

March 24, 2023

10th Mountain Days, Ski Cooper

Join the parade of flags at 1pm honoring our 10th Mountain Division heritage and there will be displays around the base area. www.skicooper.com

March 24, 2023

Ullr Nights, Aspen/Snowmass

Guests can make a night of it, with classic winter activities, such as sledding, guided snowshoe tours with ACES, snowbiking, snow tubing, and riding the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster.

March 25, 2023

Beach Day, Powderhorn Mountain Resort

Bring out your best costumes and join us for sunny spring skiing and a party at the Base Lodge!

March 25, 2023

Cardboard Sled Derby, Telluride

The One to One Cardboard Sled Derby a fundraiser for One to One Mentoring Program.

March 25, 2023

Trees & Steeps, Winter Park Resort

Learn to ski or ride the mountain with confidence from our expert instructors during this one-day clinic focused on trees and steeps.

March 26, 2023

2023 Beaver Creek Snowshoe Race Series, Beaver Creek Resort

The Beaver Creek Running Series: Snowshoe Edition draws first-time snowshoers, world class snowshoe athletes, and everyone in between with a series of courses that highlight the sparkling beauty of Beaver Creek in winter.

www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-beaver-creek-snowshoe-race-series-tickets-490829613587

March 27, 2023

Wolf Creek Ski Area Fun Races, Wolf Creek Ski Area

Wolf Creek Ski Area hosts a number of “Fun Races” throughout the ski season. These races are free and open to skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities with a dual race format.

March 29, 2023

Bubble Gum Ski Race Series – Finale, Frisco

From the “never ever” to seasoned racer, all levels are encouraged to compete in this free non-competitive, community race series. Racers will have the chance to race the course multiple times and racers will not be timed, but instead participants will be given pieces of bubble gum which they will keep or give away based on their race finishes. The racer who has the most bubble gum at the end of the races wins. www.townoffrisco.com

Friday, March 31, 2023

Supper Club: Italian Night, Arapahoe Basin

Enjoy special, one-night-only theme dinners prepared by A-Basin’s award-winning chefs, and pair your meals with our famous bloody Mary, local draft beers, or specialty cocktails. Bring your friends and family, and enjoy warm summer nights with stunning mountain views.

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: 6th Alley Bar and Grill

www.arapahoebasin.com/event/supper-club-23-italian/ March 31 – April 6, 2023

USASA Snowboard National Championships, Copper Mountain

APRIL

April 1 – 2, 2023

Edesia, Palisade

A Palisade culinary, wine and spirits adventure. Enjoy an exquisite experience of fine dining and entertainment. Join us for an exclusive Chef’s Table luncheon, chef demos, wine and spirits, live music and a silent auction.

www.edesiapalisade.com

April 1 – 2, 2023

Closing Weekend, Powderhorn Mountain Resort www.powderhorn.com/events

www.mountaintownmagazine.com | 10 Year Anniversary Issue 69

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 1, 2023

Snowcat Dining Excursion, Purgatory Resort

Enjoy this rare opportunity for spectacular views and a unique mountaintop culinary experience by booking a snowcat dining excursion.

April 6, 2023

Alpenglow Snowshoe + Charcuterie, Purgatory Resort

Take your aprés ski to new heights with a sunset snowshoe tour, appetizers, and libations at the Powderhouse.

April 7, 2023

Helly Hansen Big Mountain Challenge, Breckenridge Ski Resort

This IFSA sanctioned event highlights some of Breck’s most extreme high alpine terrain – the Six Senses on Peak 6. This area of Peak 6 features steep lines, tight chutes, and big cliff drops, and the events will test some of the best big mountain Freeskiers in the country as they compete for points in the IFSA series. www.breckenridge.com

April 8, 2023,

Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series, Leadville

The Cloud City Wheeler’s Winter Mountain Bike Race Series returns with monthly events from January to April, 2023. The series is open to all cyclists, regardless of skill level or experience. www.cloudcitywheelers.com/the-winter-bike-series

April 8, 2023

Brewski, Silverton Mountain

Join us on Saturday, April 8th for Brewski! This event offers participants a full day of skiing at Silverton Mountain and an afternoon of beer tasting with Colorado’s favorite breweries. www.silvertonmountain.com/experience/events

April 9, 2023

Clauson Classic, Silverton Mountain

“Be Like John” is a motto at Silverton Mountain. John Clauson was our Assistant Snow Safety director, guide and friend. No mission was too hard, and nothing couldn’t be done without a smile and a humble admiration for the beauty of the San Juan Mountains. This is an endurance style race, where we have 2 check points on the mountain and racers see how many times they can lap each checkpoint.

www.silvertonmountain.com/experience/events

April 14 – 16, 2023

Sister’s In The Steeps, Silverton Mountain

Back this year April 14-16, 2023. This weekend is known for phenomenal expert-only skiing, networking, inspiration and education. It has been featured numerous ski publications like Freeskier Magazine and Powder Magazine also name Best Ski Camps For Women (although it is not like a traditional camp). Come for the skiing and get inspired by the speakers and the sisterhood of Silverton’s mountain women. This weekend starts at $30 for participants with an unguided season pass and $228 for two days skiing, avalanche equipment rentals, speakers, swag bags and more.

www.silvertonmountain.com/experience/events

April 15, 2023

International Honeybee Festival, Palisade

The PIHF brings awareness to the honeybee crisis through education and the arts.

www.palisadehoneybeefest.org

April 22, 2023

Brews for Rescues Brewfest, Pagosa Springs

SW Colorado’s first Dog-Centric beer fest that is just as much for your dog as it is for you! The region’s favorite breweries will showcase some of their best craft-beer and raise money for Rugby’s Rescue House, rescuing dogs.

www.visitpagosasprings.com

April 19 - 23, 2023

5 Point Adventure Film Festival

Join Colorado’s leading adventure film event for its 16th flagship festival, April 19 - 23, 2022, in venues throughout downtown Carbondale, bringing film to in-person audiences with a captivating program designed to celebrate the 5Point audience and filmmaker community. www.fivepointfilm.org

April 29, 2023

Splash Into Spring Pond Skim, Breckenridge Ski Resort

Dive on into warmer weather and late spring operations with Breck’s Splash Into Spring Pond Skim! Get ready to sink or skim in this annual spring tradition where costumes are strongly encouraged, and all are welcome – pond skimming truly is both a participant and spectator sport! Breck’s Splash into Spring Pond Skim takes place at the base of Peak 8 and is the official launch into late season operations. Breck is the premier spring skiing destination, offering plenty of good vibes and high fives in the high alpine with plans to operate into May as long as the snow lasts. www.breckenridge.com

MAY

May 12 – 14, 2023

8th Annual Pints, Pools & Paddles, Pagosa Springs

At 10 am the Pagosa Paddle race begins. The whitewater race brings contestants through downtown Pagosa Springs and directly in front of the Springs Resort pools. Cheer on rafters, kayakers, and standup paddleboarders as they navigate buoys feet from your hot spring pool. At 3pm, the soaking ends and the unlimited beer tasting begins. Festival-goers may sample up to 20 different types of beer from Colorado and New Mexico. www.visitpagosasprings.com

May 22 – 23, 2023

Barrel Into Spring, Palisade

Enjoy a weekend of wine tastings across the Grand Valley! This self-guided tour features seven wineries and includes barrel tastings and food pairings from chefs, caterers, and restauranteurs. Each winery will also be offering discounts on their wines and products. Participants who have their passports stamped at all seven locations before the weekend is over will be entered into a drawing for a free case of Colorado wine.

Stay tuned to find out what else is happening:

70 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com

MTN Town Media Productions

We celebrate Colorado and the Mountain Lifestyle

Read our magazines in Print and Online. Enjoy our informative Websites. Follow us on Social Media.

Each of our luxuriously gritty magazines speaks to you - the mountain town enthusiast with engaging stories and compelling images. All promote the spirit of living and enjoying life in Colorado’s unique mountain town communities.

Our passion is to bring attention to our communties and business partners to help them become more successful through our stories and advertising.

MTN Town Media Productions is a family-owned business in Breckenridge proudly creating a pure Colorado product that keeps 90% of our revenue in our state’s towns and cities.

Stay tuned for Beach Town Magazine where we will feature the fun of the beaches we all like to escape to.

Head to Our Websites:

www.mountaintownmagazine.com

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Last Lift LOOKING BACK LOOKING FORWARD

Since we could not fit the entire image photographer Art Burrows captured on our cover we wanted to close out our 10 Year Anniversary issue with the complete photograph on our final page and pay tribute to Art Burrow’s passion for the outdoors as well as his professional endeavors as a renowned photographer. His words follow below.

“As a designer, photographer, and adventurer I have always been curious and worked hard to learn as much about my world as possible. Sometimes it was a matter of learning to survive and manage risk in the mountains. Sometimes it was purely a desire to improve the community or a sport that I was passionate about. In one case designing useful new items such as ski boots or practical environmental designs for the towns, I live near in Colorado. And sometimes it was just about finding out who I am and what is important in the world through photography. I hope you enjoy my vision of the world here. It is like geology, it is dynamic, always changing and constantly revealing the deeper truths from which we come.”

“If you look closely in the upper middle left of the image, you’ll see the skier shredding above the rock bands in Tonar. This is one of the best images I’ve ever taken.”

We love Art’s images. See for yourself, you will love them too.

www.artburrowsphotography.com

“A skier slashes a highly consequential line in front of the massive edifice of 14,025’ Pyramid Peak.”
72 10 Year Anniversary Issue | www.mountaintownmagazine.com
www.SunlightMTN.com
included” 10901 County Rd. 117, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
“Lift lines not
Resort Style Swimming Pool Over 30 Natural Hot Springs Pools Private Ofuro Soaking Tubs Full-Service Day Spa New Private Access Day Club Open Year Round Reservations Required www.dhsresort.com 970-247-0111 Embrace Your Soul

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