Mountain Town Magazine Issue 42 2025

MOUNTAIN town MAGAZINE

Grand County

F a r A b o v e E x p e c t a t i o n s

Y o u r E x c l u s i v e S k i - I n S k i - O u t M o u n t a i n R e t r e a t M

I love how life flows here in the mountains. During the cold dark months, holidays keep us busy and entertained while we gather with friends and family. The deep cold settles in and then releases revealing the opportunity to explore our snow blanketed region more freely. We open the publication with a fantastic article on Grand County written by local Sarah Morin Mock. She gives personal insights to why she loves her community so deeply and shares a few of its wonderful secrets.

We move into other departments discussing our local environment. family fun, and more. A deep passion of mine is found in the center of the magazine, The Power of the Entrepreneur. Colorado’s Mountain Town communities have been a fast-track business incubator since the recession. The Passion of entrepreneurs in our communities and the attributes of our amazing towns assist in defining the unique vibe and culture of our peaks and valleys. Clearly, it is my jam as I too am one of the very many Independent business owners that exist up here.

The folks who live and work here in our Mountain Town communities are filled with enthusiasm for the area. As you move into the magazine, you’ll read more about those who express it through their homes, design, art, and lifestyle. You may have to resist wanting to chow down on everything our food and beverage scene offers. Wineries, breweries, distilleries, and restaurants add to the flavor of our communities. We only wish we had more room in our publication to tell you about them all but I know you will love what we have written up.

Before you go, be sure to stay in touch. We have a QR code at the back of the calendar so you can find out what’s happening at all times through our website. I thank you for reading. Enjoy the break from your phone and remember... magazines won’t track you, interrupt you with pop-ups, or send spam later after you’re done reading.

With

Love, Holly Battista-Resignolo, Publisher

From the Mountains to the Shore...

published by

MTN Town Media Productions

publisher

Holly Battista Resignolo

communications

Gaynia Battista

contributors

Shauna Farnell, Lisa Blake, Caren Austin, Gaynia Battista, Holly Battista-Resignolo, Parker the Snow Dog, Ceighlee Fennel, Pepper Hamilton, Sarah Mock, Jason Blevins, The Colorado Sun, Jamie Billesbach, Beach Town Magazine

advertising sales

Caren Austin

visionaries

Kevin Austin, Dustin Schaefer,

Linda Rokos Watts, Holly GoSpritely Media, Defy Them All, Liam Doran, Gary Soles, High Country Conservation Advocates

cover image

Holly GoSpritely Media

Art Director

John Kernaghan

method behind the means

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EVERGREEN, COLORADO

Grand County

How the Seasons keep Grand County, Grand

by Sarah Mock

photo credit: Adam Springer

Tucked inside a valley of the Rocky Mountains, lined by the Continental Divide, Grand County, Colorado, is a haven of breathtaking mountain vistas, thrilling adventures, funky festivals, live music and the comforts of a mountain town.

Winter Park, Fraser, Tabernash, Granby, Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs, Parshall and Kremmling Invite You to Visit.

Charming small towns are scattered across the landscape, exuding a Hallmark-like charm on the east side of Grand, and a quirky, western vibe of the west side -with hunting and fly fishing communities. Grand County boasts a rich history, and as the towns continue evolving, there is a delicate balance between preserving the roots and embracing a new wave of growth.

The county strives to balance the glory of its remote nature and embrace the influx of short-term rentals. Restaurants open, and close within our slower seasons, while some stay true staples of this valley. As we grow, we only hope to share the grandeur of Grand County while staying connected to the allure of a ski town absorbed in ski culture.

From exhilarating winter sports to sun-drenched summer water activities and vibrant autumn cycling trails, Grand County promises a memorable escape for every season. Yes, even in the notorious May ‘mud season,’ there are still adventures awaiting within the Rockies.

Explore a Winter Wonderland

When winter descends, Grand County transforms into a snow lover’s paradise. With iconic resorts like Winter Park Resort and Granby Ranch, skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts of all levels can carve through powdery slopes. Winter Park Resort boasts over 3,000 acres of terrain, making it a must-visit for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Granby Ranch, in Granby, on the other hand, offers a more intimate and family-friendly experience, with gentle slopes perfect for beginners and children.

Creating traditions during the holiday season is what keeps our second-home owner community coming back year after year. Winter Park Resort’s infamous Christmas Eve ski down is an event the entire family can enjoy. Spending New Year’s Eve at Deno’s Mountain Bistro offers a cozy, festive atmosphere where locals and visitors alike can savor a delicious meal and toast to the year ahead.

Cross-country skiers and snowshoers will revel in the groomed trails at Devil’s Thumb Ranch or the pristine wilderness, in Tabernash,just outside the town of Fraser. Head into Arapaho National Forest to find trails for all experience levels; including, St. Louis Creek Trail, Fraser Experimental Forest and Twin Bridges. You will need 4-wheel drive to access most of these areas in the winter months. Head to the Tabernash Tavern for Apres and a great Dinner menu.

Thrill-seekers might opt for snowmobiling excursions that unveil sweeping mountain vistas and hidden trails on top of the Continental Divide. If you’re lucky, you may stumble upon a moose or two. Families and groups of friends shouldn’t miss out on tubing at the historic Fraser Tubing hill. If you go at night time, there’s something special about sitting around the bonfire, listening to music, and hearing tubing group’s laughs echo into the night sky.

Mountain Bliss in the Spring

The snow begins to melt, the rivers start to flow, and the lakes begin to thaw. Fields of wildflowers are on the brink of blooming. Spring is ready to sing, but it’s not uncommon to experience at least a couple final snowy days, followed by a muddy one—hence the term “mud season.” So, once the snow starts melting off the slopes, where to next?

No trip to Grand is complete without visiting our local hot springs. Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa’s thermal pools are fed by natural mineral springs. These pools, steeped in history and legend, provide a perfect respite for weary adventurers and wellness seekers alike. For those who crave solitude, book a cozy cabin or lodge surrounded by snowdraped pines in winter or meadows alive with wildflowers in spring and summer. Fare warning, cell service is spotty. Also, be sure to leave your jewelry behind. The sulfur springs have a unique smell, but leave your body feeling refreshed. Soak in the natural serenity and therapeutic heat.

In the heart of Grand County, spring blooms alongside a vibrant collective of independent businesses dedicated to wellness in Fraser. At the Yellow House Massage and Bodywork, you’ll find a collective network of local women who work in wellness. There are multiple offerings for renewal,

where yoga classes bring harmony to body and mind, expert skincare treatments utilize top-quality products, and therapeutic massages provide relief from stress and muscle tension.

Among these offerings is Grand Pearl Aesthetics & Wellness, a studio born from decades of expertise in massage therapy, aesthetics, and holistic care. Owner, Monika Szarlej, blends old-world wellness principles with modern advancements. From tailored skincare to advanced therapies like IV hydration and oxygen services, Grand Pearl embodies the commitment to whole-body health.

100 n. main st. n.207 breckenridge, co 80424 www.higglesicecream.com

For practicing yogis, don’t miss out on a chance to experience complete zen with some of the best yoga teachers in Grand County. The sunday morning warm flow, yin yoga or sound healing sessions are some of the most popular classes to attend with friends and family.

Together, these businesses foster a supportive community that invites you to refresh your spirit and embrace the tranquility of the Rockies. Whether it’s a restorative yoga session or a soothing massage, your path to balance begins here.

Paddle in the Rocky Mountain Sunshine

The Columbines are blooming, and Indian Paint Brushes pop throughout the greenery. As summer takes hold, Grand County’s natural waterways become the centerpiece of outdoor fun. Grand Lake, the largest natural lake in Colorado, invites kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing amid stunning mountain backdrops. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a picture-perfect setting for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re into the cold plunge craze, don’t miss your chance to take a morning dip!

Monarch Lake, Shadow Mountain Lake and Lake Granby offer equally idyllic settings for boating and picnics along the shore. Visitors can rent boats or paddle boards and spend a leisurely day exploring the interconnected waterways.

Pictured: Front Page - Main Image, St. Mary’s Pond, Top Right: The Cirque at Winter Park Resort, Bottom Right: Williams Fork Reservoir.

This Page -Top Left:Granby Ranch Ski Lift, Middle Left: Latigo Ranch, Bottom Left: Grand Lake Lodge, Above: Cooper Creek Square Next Page - Granby Lake Ice Fishing

Kremmling is moments away from Wolford Mountain Reservoir where you can ice fish in the winter and waterski, fish, and boat in the summer.

River enthusiasts can experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, navigating rapids that range from mild to wild. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, a serene float trip through the lush landscapes of Byers Canyon offers a chance to soak in the beauty of the region while listening to the soothing sounds of the river. Wildlife sightings, including deer, elk, beavers, and eagles, are common along these waterways, adding an element of surprise to your adventure. Whether you’re paddling, fly fishing, or simply lounging by the water, Grand County’s water adventures promise refreshing ways to connect with nature.

Don’t forget to pack a picnic and enjoy a meal surrounded by the beauty of Colorado’s wilderness. Throughout the months of summer, live music blends seamlessly with the outdoors. In Winter Park, High-Note Thursdays, feature free live music that is enjoyed amongst a packed picnic. On Tuesdays in Fraser, Picnic in the Park, holds a smaller, more intimate setting to enjoy live music, catch up with the locals and enjoy a charcuterie style picnic. If you catch these events on the right week, there may even be a special hand out and food truck, or two.

While summer isn’t summer without a packed picnic or camping trip alongside the water - summertime in Winter Park and Fraser is a celebration of art, music, and community. The Fraser Mural Festival transforms the town into a dynamic outdoor gallery with vibrant art, live music, and a lively atmosphere. Equally exciting, the Winter Park Jazz Festival is steeped in mountainside tradition, while the new Troublesome Festival in Grand Lake offers a unique blend of music and remembrance alongside the lake.

center stage. Savor a refreshing pint or a handcrafted cocktail while reliving the day’s adventures against the backdrop of crisp mountain air and golden leaves. Looking for a libations tour? Follow the Fraser River Trail from Winter Park Resort, downhill into town, stopping at: Hideaway Park Brewery, Idlewild Spirits Distillery, moving into Fraser you’ll first find, Vicious Cycle Brewing, Camber Brewing Co., Fraser River Beer Co., and ending your journey at Fraser Valley Distillery.

As the crisp autumn air settles in, it’s time to swap out your bike for a pair of sturdy hiking boots. Whether you’re trekking along Twin Bridgers Trail or exploring the awe-inspiring views on the Jim Creek Trail, the crunch of leaves underfoot and the fresh mountain air make every step magical. Don’t forget to bring your camera—fall in this region is as picturesque as it gets! Leaf peeping season is as fleeting as it is gorgeous. Enjoy the longer nights while you can - as we watch the leaves fall, we’re reminded that winter is on its way.

Celebrate the Seasons

The towns of Grand CountyWinter Park, Fraser, Tabernash, Granby, Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs, Parshall and Kremmling have calendars brimming with events that capture the spirit of each season. Winter brings visitors from around the nation, to catch a glimpse of a white christmas within our serene mountain town. Springtime celebrates renewal with nature walks and birdwatching opportunities. The arrival of migratory birds and the blooming of wildflowers signal the start of a new season, inviting visitors to explore the trails and open spaces. Fall showcases Oktoberfest-style gatherings and harvest-themed festivities, where visitors can enjoy seasonal brews, traditional foods, and live entertainment.

Art markets and First Fridays at Cooper Creek Square showcase local creativity, making for perfect summer evenings. For food and drink enthusiasts, events like Taco and Margs at Winter Park Resort, the Winter Park Wine Festival, and Winter Park Brew Fest offer delicious flavors and fun. With so many festivals and activities, including live music and local markets, summer in Grand County blends culture, adventure, and natural beauty into an unforgettable experience.

Hike and Bike as the Leaves Fall

Autumn in Grand County is a symphony of colors, with golden aspens lining trails and roads. Mountain bikers will find an array of trails to suit their style, from the technical challenges of Trestle Bike Park at Winter Park Resort to the scenic byways of Fraser River Trail. The Fraser River Trail, on the other hand, is a more leisurely option, perfect for families and casual riders. Scattered along the trail is local art work, towering pines and the babbling Fraser River that invites serenity into a leisurely bike ride.

After a day of riding, unwind at one of the area’s craft breweries or distilleries. Grand County is home to a growing craft beverage scene, with locally brewed ales, ciders, and craft spirits taking

No matter the time of year, Grand County offers a diverse array of events and activities that reflect the unique character of the region. These celebrations provide a chance to connect with the local community and immerse yourself in the traditions and culture of the area.

Grand County isn’t just a destination; it’s a celebration of Colorado’s rich landscapes and vibrant culture. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping activities or peaceful retreats, this mountain paradise offers experiences that linger long after the seasons change. Discover Grand County—where every season tells its own story.

Hike, Bike, Ride, Paddle, Fish, Ski, Tube, Dine, Relax and SoakGrand County’s list of luxuries is as vast as the areas beauty.

The Winter Park Chateau, a locally-owned boutique hotel in Grand County, offers a luxurious escape. Enjoy pet-friendly accommodations, a private bar with local libations, and the option for exclusive buy-outs. Experience a unique blend of comfort and community FIND THIS HIDDEN GEM: 405 Lions Gate Drive, Winter Park, CO www.winterparkchateau.com

. 10 Bedroom Boutique Hotel

. Winter Park’s only Luxury Boutique Hotel,

. Pet-Friendly . We love welcoming furry friends!

. Booking Event Buyouts & Weddings for 2025

. Seasonal Breakfast and Apres Menus

. Private Bar with Local Beers, Wine & Signature Cocktails

BUSTANG OUTRIDER

Changes ahead for Bustang Outrider’s Western Slope routes

Proving to be a great success, The Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bustang Outrider is updating its service schedule next month, including initiating a second daily round trip on its Crested Butte to Denver route. Adding another trip will provide passengers with another option on Outrider’s busiest route.

“Our Crested Butte to Denver route is consistently one of Outrider’s most popular, averaging nearly 800 passengers every month,” said Paul DesRocher, director of CDOT’s Division of Transit and Rail. “After carefully assessing the needs of our riders, and coordinating with our statewide partners, we determined that adding another roundtrip was essential if we were going to provide passengers with the best service possible.”

The partnership includes funding from Gunnison and Chaffee counties, with each one providing an annual cash match, allowing for the second roundtrip.

“We are excited to see the expansion of service between our valley and the rest of the state,” said Scott Truex, executive director of the Gunnison Valley RTA. “This service will provide better connections across the statewide rural transit system

BETCHA

and enough capacity to meet the needs of passengers along the route. We are grateful for CDOT and Chaffee County’s efforts to improve this service and look forward to our continued partnership.”

“After hearing from several constituents who were unable to use the Bustang service because buses were already full by the time they reached our local stops, we contacted CDOT about possibly expanding the Outrider service in Chaffee County. That led to an agreement to expand the service,” said Chaffee County Commissioner Gina Lucrezi. “Chaffee County is committed to continued advocacy for expanded local and regional transit for our community members and visitors and we are grateful to CDOT for their responsiveness to our region’s transit needs.”

Beginning February 1, the Crested Butte to Denver schedule is as follows:

Eastbound

Departs Crested Butte at 5:15 a.m. Arrives Denver Union Station at 11:10 a.m. Departs Crested Butte at 1:15 p.m. Arrives Denver Union Station at 7 p.m.

Westbound

Departs Denver Union Station at 6:30 a.m. Arrives Crested Butte at 12:30 p.m. Departs Denver Union Station at 1:45 p.m. Arrives Crested Butte at 7:35 p.m. Another service change is the discontinuation of the Telluride—Grand Junction route due to low passenger usage. Howev-

DIDN’T KNOW - CDOT NEWS

With 6.1 million vehicles traveling through the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels last winter season, this section of Interstate 70 continues to be one of the most traveled areas across the state during the winter. Thanks to its elevation changes as motorists move through the 1.7-mile tunnel, folks may experience sunny conditions on one side and blizzard-like conditions on the other.

Every hour that I-70 is closed there is a $1.6 million hit to the Colorado economy. It’s more important than ever to ensure operational readiness along the I-70 Mountain Corridor, especially at the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels.

CDOT recently completed a new de-icing system at each of the tunnel entry portals. This system is installed in the roadway about 3/8 of an inch below asphalt level. Six spray heads are spread out before motorists enter the tunnel in either direction.

er, daily service continues along the same route via the Durango—Grand Junction line, which stops in the same cities and towns previously served by the Telluride— Grand Junction route.

Additionally, the San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation is starting new transit service between Montrose and Telluride on Feb. 17, 2025. SMART will be providing information on specific stops in the near future.

“Adjusting these Western Slope routes will better streamline service for our passengers,” added DesRocher. “We closely monitored ridership patterns for an extended period and realized that the vast majority of passengers are traveling on the Durango—Grand Junction route.”

For more information about these upcoming changes or other Bustang and Bustang Outrider routes, please visit

www.ridebustang.org

Once this system is activated by CDOT employees, it will spray 10 gallons of Apex de-icing product on the road. The motion of traffic will then help disperse the de-icing solution into the tunnel, spreading the solution to counteract slick conditions. CDOT has also deployed a dedicated plow truck to maintain the tunnel approaches and the loop roads.

CDOT’s new systems and processes will help to decrease the occurrence of slick conditions in and near the tunnels, with the understanding that it is not possible to eliminate adverse conditions entirely. With that said, motorists should enter the tunnels (as well as exit) below the posted speed limit and exit with caution during winter conditions.

Stay in touch with road and traffic conditions through their website:

www.cotrip.org

PLASTIC FREE BRECK

On July 1st, 2024, a Breckenridge ordinance banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles of less than one gallon. The ordinance is part of the Town of Breckenridge’s effort to reduce municipal solid waste by 20%. Local businesses can still sell water that is less than one gallon as long as it is packaged in non-plastic containers, such as aluminum cans. Instead, Breckenridge residents and visitors are encouraged to use reusable water bottles, which can be refilled at the town’s many water refill stations.

The ultimate goal of this ordinance is to drive a circular economy that minimizes the need for extraction of materials that simply end up in the landfill. Recycling is only part of the solution and is certainly not the silver bullet. We look forward to seeing a rise in reusable drinkware use and recyclable aluminum water for consumption.

To learn more about these efforts and how to be a better steward of our planet head to:

www.sustainablebreck.com

NON PROFIT NOOK

Bringing our Valley HOPE (formerly BV HOPE) was launched in 2014 because of the increasing danger of human trafficking in the United States. Bringing our Valley HOPE now educates Chaffee County, Colorado citizens to help prevent trafficking in our communities.

The groups efforts are mainly concentrated on school-aged children. We also work with adults, parents, grandparents, teachers, first responders, department of human services, hotels and the medical community. They have recently expanded these efforts to other nearby communities.

What Bringing our Valley HOPE does...

• Educate students to help them understand how to stay safe.

• Train first responders, educators and medical community

• Annual A21 Walk for Freedom each fall

• Bringing our Valley HOPE booth at local festivals in Chaffee County, CO

• Sell handmade goods made by survivors and 100% of the sales goes directly to the maker.

• Pack HOPE bags for rescued survivors in partnership with Reclaiming Hope in Colorado Springs.

• Bringing our Valley HOPE booth at Knights of Columbus breakfast in Buena Vista and Salida, CO.

• Human Trafficking 101 training offered free several times a year in Chaffee County, Colorado

Human Trafficking Hotlines:

National: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733

Colorado: 1-866-455-5075 or text 1-720-999-9724

To learn more: www.bvhope.org/bvhope

LowDown Helmets

Brother and sister team of Steve and Courtney of Carbondale, Colorado, have crafted a unique new, family-owned company, LowDown Helmets. A ski and snowboard helmet company inspired by a once-in-a-lifetime family trip to Italy, where they discovered old-school classic retro-style motorcycle helmets. From that moment on, their vision of blending a sleek retro look with modern safety standards and unparalleled comfort took root, and LowDown Helmets emerged. These protective ski and snowboard helmets offer full-coverage helmets with a cool and unique aesthetic. Check them out here:

www.lowdownhelmets.com

Tim’s Trauma Balm

Tim’s Trauma Balm is the Bomb! A natural addition to your active lifestyle, Tim’s Trauma Balm is a topical CBD salve, made here in Colorado’s mountain towns. It is crafted with intentionally sourced natural ingredients and essential oils.

Tim’s Naturals got its start in 2015 when Tim’s personal mission to heal others led to him needing a little healing of his own. While working as a massage therapist, Tim began experiencing pain and swelling in his hands. He and his wife, Jenna, began testing every salve they could find. What they discovered is that the products they found were either ineffective or contained ingredients that were not high quality.

1. Made with certified organic, non-GMO, fair trade, natural ingredients

2. Safe and effective

3. NO parabens, petrolatum, BHA or BHT, synthetic fragrances or dyes, mineral oils, menthol, camphor, phenol or chemical sunscreen

4. Reusable, recyclable tin container

5. Made in Colorado

6. Supports 1% for the Planet.

www.timsnaturals.com

YoColorado

YoColorado’s story began in Golden, Colorado, 11 years ago with a single colorful ski beanie design inspired by 1970s retro stripes found on vintage campers and trucks. Starting small, the owners visited mountain town mom-and-pop shops to sell their product. The beanie’s success led shops to request summer merchandise, revealing a promising business opportunity.

They established themselves as a brand celebrating vintage surf, skate, and ski designs, initially offering trucker hats and beanies wholesale. The name “YoColorado” emerged as a playful greeting meaning “Hello, Colorado!”

The emerging company dove into the local scene, setting up at every Colorado outdoor event possible— from beer festivals to bike races and artisan markets.

As brand awareness and online sales grew, the crew developed a custom program. A special order for REI evolved into a long-term partnership. After seasons of building momentum across the state, Yo Colorado opened a retail store in their hometown of Golden. While the focus remained on growing an online presence, the store provided an invaluable testing ground for new designs and community feedback.

Today, YoColorado has grown from a single beanie into a full line of apparel and accessories. Visit them in historic downtown Golden or at yocolorado. com to discover something special that will inspire you to Find Your Mountain!

www.yocolorado.com

JMFT Industries

JMFT Industries is a fashion brand based in Leadville, founded by Julie Tierney. Her company is inspired by the Colorado high-country with a juxtaposition between high-fashion, outdoor and the Wild West. Julie focuses her designs on sustainability and circularity with use of scraps, remnants and dead stock fabrics. Her recent green product is Mitt Elberts - upcycled mittens named after Mt. Elbert, the highest fourteener in Colorado at an elevation of 14,439’.

After moving on from a decade-long competitive snowboard lifestyle, Julie decided to return to college. She was awarded a scholarship to the Savannah College of Art & Design in fashion design. There she worked with French designer Catherine Malandrino and six months after graduating Julie found herself on the reality show Project Runway.

Her designs have received recognition and her signature sleeping bag jackets, named Coleman Sacks (rhymes with Goldman Sachs) on exhibit at The Denver Art Museum. Coleman Sacks are made from vintage Coleman sleeping bags crafted into high-end Japanese bomber jackets. You can find her designs online and in select stores in Colorado.

www.jmftindustries.com

“Winter Stargazer”. McClure Pass, CO Gary Soles Gallery

Red Lady Forever Protected

by Jason Blevins, The Colorado

50-year fight in Crested Butte ended in July as land swap forever blocks mining on the Red Lady

A land swap coupled with conservation easements and mineral agreements will forever protect thousands of acres above Crested Butte from any mining or development

The fight over molybdenum mining on Mount Emmons — the pink-hued peak that Crested Butte locals call their Red Lady — is over. After nearly 50 years of impassioned battle to block hard-rock blasting on the Red Lady, the Forest Service has approved a deal that will forever remove the prospect of mining on thousands of acres in the watersheds above Crested Butte.

The decision by Chad Stewart, the supervisor of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, still requires deal-closing signatures in September from the Mount Emmons Mining Co., the Crested Butte Land Trust and the Forest Service.

The decision marks a final step in a culture-defining campaign that began in the 1970s as the end-of-the-road community began to transition away from mining and embrace a less impactful appreciation of natural amenities. The deal ends the longest running mine clash in the Lower 48.

“Most mine fights do not end in a collaborative agreement to end mining,” said Julie Nania with High Country Conservation Advocates, or HCCA, who has spent a decade working with the Mount Emmons Mining Co., local leaders and environmental groups on the complex deal to eliminate mining above Crested Butte. “It’s finally here. It is so amazing.”

The Keystone Mine began blasting on Red Lady for silver, lead and zinc in the 1880s. The mine shuttered in the 1960s. The American Metals Climax company, owned by U.S. Energy Corp., in the late 1970s proposed a 30-year plan to mine as much as 25 million tons of high-grade molybdenum — and 220 million tons of lower-grade ore — from Mount Emmons, igniting opposition in the community where skiers were replacing miners. (Silver-white molybdenum — everyone calls it “moly” to avoid

the tongue-twisting b-to-d — has a high melting point making it a valuable strengthener for alloyed steel.) through the implementation of joint public and private transportation management efforts.

The moly-mining plan weathered lawsuits filed by Crested Butte, Gunnison County and HCCA from the late 1990s through the 2000s that focused on the federal government’s leasing of mineral rights in the Red Lady basin. In 2013, the Forest Service gave preliminary approval to U.S. Energy’s plan to mine moly on the peak and route mine trucks through Crested Butte, spurring vehement opposition.

A financially struggling U.S. Energy Corp. sold the Mount Emmons Mining operation on Red Lady — and a water treatment plant on Coal Creek upstream of Crested Butte it opened in the early 1980s — to international mining giant Freeport-McMoRan in 2016. Freeport-McMoRan’s predecessor, Phelps Dodge, had owned the mine briefly in the 1990s, leaving it on the hook for cleanup should U.S. Energy declare bankruptcy.

Scan The QR To Read More On THE COLORADO SUN:

Sun

photo

Tubing Fun

Frisco Tubing Hill

The Frisco Tubing Hill has become a hit among visitors and locals in Frisco. The hill features a 1200-foot hill with tubing lanes that are lift served for up the hill tubing access day or night under the lights. The Tubing Hill is open 7 days a week from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Each session is one hour with sessions starting every 15 minutes from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Tube and lift ticket is included in your hourly cost. If you plan on tubing during upcoming holiday periods or on weekends, we strongly suggest making a tubing reservation. Call 970-668-2558 to register by phone. www.townoffrisco.com

Purgatory Tubing Hill

This Tubing Hill is not lift assisted. Guests will walk their tubes a short distance to the top of the tracks and enjoy a fun and fast desent on their tracked tubing hill. Purgatory supplies the tube, you may not bring your own sled or tube for use on the hill. This attraction is open at night so don’t forget to dress warm. www.purgatory.ski

Snowmass Tubing Hill

Snowmass offers tubing facilities at Snowmass with multiple lanes that are lift-served and carved into The Meadows at Elk Camp. Tub all day and into the night with lighting facilities to illuminate the runs once the stars appear. www.aspensnowmass.com

Snow Mountain Ranch Tubing

A lighted sledding and tubing hill is Snow Mountain Ranch’s classic winter activity. This will give you a work out but help keep you warm as they do not have a tow rope or moving platform to return to the top of the hill. Sleds and tubes are available at the Pavilion at no charge. The fun does not end when the snow melts, Snow Mountain Ranch has expanding the ability to offer the traditional winter activity of tubing throughout the spring, summer and fall with the inclusion of a newly designed and built Snowflex® tubing slope from Briton Engineering Developments Ltd. This is only the third tubing hill of its kind in the United States and the first ever in Colorado! www.snowmountainranch.org

DISCOVER PURE JOY

And make time for the moments that matter.

Just over Berthoud Pass, Granby Ranch is a refreshing alternative to the sprawling, oversized resorts. Family-owned and family-friendly, our lifts are accessible, our smiles are genuine, and our snow is for skiing, not standing in line—just like it was meant to be. Skip the lines, avoid the crowds, park for free, and forget about shuttles.

pets

Parker’s Pet Picks

Hi! I’m Mayor Parker the Snow Dog and I am here to share some pet products you and your fur baby might like!

Woof Woof!

Stormy Kromer Caps

Now your good boy or girl can have a Stormy Kromer Cap of their very own. Stormy Kromer switched out the wool blend for soft polyester fleece or softshell, and replaced the pull-down earband with cute little ear holes for your best friend. The adjustable paracord strap will keep it secure on all your adventures.

www.stormykromer.com/critter-kromer

Silverthorne Veterinary Hospital

Your furry friends have a new place to visit for their healthcare needs. Silverthorne Veterinary Hospital has been open for 7 years and has announced some exciting news: they are moving!! Over the past year, the Vet group has been building a brand new hospital, only half a mile from their current location on Highway 6.

The new hospital is 8 times larger than the current facility, and the expansion will provide additional care to the pets of our mountain town communities and Summit County. The group is planning on opening the doors at the end of February and anticipates being open seven days a week from 8 am - 8 pm. They are planning to have overnight services available in the coming months. One other note: this group has built workforce housing to assist their employees on the facility’s second floor. Woof! Meow! www.silverthorneveterinary.com

Are you a typical Coloradan ? On your feet all day at work ? Stressed out ? In pain? Get a hot tub and enjoy the many

and anxiety

Reduces Arthritic and common pain lowers blood sugar lowers blood pressure promotes heathier younger looking skin decreases frequency of migraines and tension headaches

Mountain Spas delivers almost anywhere in Colorado most areas are Free Delivery, we provide our very own in house master technician that will come out and repair your hot tub. Also out of town, Air BnB or just need to hire someone to check the chemicals and maintain the hot tub call us today

Get to know our team

Welcome to our office!

My team and I will take the time to get to know you, so we know we’re bringing you closer to the future you see for yourself. Together, we’ll create a personalized strategy to help you achieve your goals.

We’re passionate about getting to know your hopes and dreams and helping you turn them into reality. We’d welcome the opportunity to do that for your friends and family, too, if you’d like to introduce us.

Thank you for your business, and welcome to the Edward Jones family.

Davis A Linden , CFP ®, ChFC®, CPWA® Financial Advisor

25918 Genesee Trail Road Suite 130 Golden, CO 80401

303-526-0133

We work as a team in our office to get you the information and answers you need as quickly as possible. Priscilla and Chanae will often be your first point of contact and help you with most inquiries.

Priscilla

Bradley

Senior Branch Office Administrator

Chanae Gallup Branch Office Administrator

Our commitment to you

We believe when it comes to your financial journey, you deserve a personal relationship and professional advice. This means focusing on the future you see for yourself, building strategies just for you and helping you stay on track.

Our areas of focus include:

• Wealth Strategies

• Retirement Income Strategies

• Estate and Legacy Strategies

• Protection Planning

• Socially Conscious Investing

• Business Owner Strategies

Client meetings

Putting our clients’ interests first is — and always has been — at the core of what we do. Regular reviews are one of the most important ways to help keep you on track toward your goals.

Meeting regularly, we’ll:

• Discuss your goals

• Understand your comfort with risk

• Review your financial strategy

Office hours

Monday-Friday 8am-4pm

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ENTREPRENEURS CLIMBING

TO THE TOP

IN

COLORADO’S MOUNTAIN TOWNS

The Power of the Entrepreneur

Colorado’s mountain town communities have been a fast-track business incubator since the recession. The passion of entrepreneurs in our communities and the attributes of our amazing towns assist in defining the unique vibe and culture of our peaks and valley economy.

Locally owned makers, builders, and innovators are starting, maintaining and scaling up businesses that show the true diversity of the region. Local SBDC’s, Startup Entities, Investors, State offices and more have given the business ecosystem a boost in crafting and scaling up a sustainable business.

The future of Colorado’s mountain town economy depends on our ability to diversify,” said Thayer Hirsh, Summit Economic Partnership ’s Executive Director. “By fostering businesses with the potential to scale quickly and beyond our region, we’re building a more sustainable economy, offering career opportunities for local talent, and securing the region as a leader in innovation.”

The power of the entrepreneurs in our communities is breathtaking. We have highlighted a few businesses and resources that are located in our towns with the hope it will inspire you to consider stepping into your own entrepreneurial journey.

The Wright Collegiate Challenge

Assisting Entrprepeurs

through

Fresh Eyes, Youthful Spirits & Well Researched Ideas

by Holly Battista-Resignolo

Outdoor Studies Students at Colorado Higher Education Institutions Gain Career Skills in Tackling Current-Day Challenges Facing Rural-Based Small Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations

The Wright Collegiate Challenge is a semester-long program presented in partnership with the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC), helping to prepare Colorado higher-education students to enter the workforce by providing first-hand experience working alongside established small businesses and nonprofit organizations to develop actionable solutions to current-day challenges within the outdoor recreation industry sector.

The key to a successful experience is the selection of challenges. Each year, The Wright selects from a pool of applicants submitting their real life challenges to take on as a three month project and initiatives that the submitting organization is prepared to undertake with a student team. Interested businesses, nonprofits and/or civic and government entities are required to submit a proposed challenge-statement, summarizing a specific project on which a team of students would focus their work over the course of 10-12 weeks.

The call is once again open for businesses seeking a boost in their operations to apply and secure a spot as a challenge partner for the Spring 2025 program. The Wright is looking for partners with meaningful, actionable challenges across our themes of Product, People, and Place who are excited to work closely with these highly-engaged student teams.

Over the course of a semester challenge student teams will be paired with businesses, nonprofits, and partner organizations, where they are introduced to a range of pivotal issues facing Colorado’s wide-ranging outdoor sector. Over the course of the challenge, students are tasked with tackling problems and developing actionable solutions facing the selected businesses, non-profit organization and civic/government entities.

Partnering Colleges and Universities:

The Spring 2025 Wright Challenge will engage students enrolled full-time in select programs at the following academic institutions:

- Colorado Mesa University - Outdoor Industry Studies Program

- Colorado Mountain College Leadville - Outdoor Education and Business Administration Programs

- University of Colorado Boulder - Masters of the Environment Graduate Program

- Western Colorado University (Graduate) - Outdoor Industry MBA Program

- Western Colorado University (Undergraduate) - Outdoor Industry Business.

Previously Served Colorado Businesses:

Since 2020 The Wright Collegiate Challenge has assisted a plethora of businesses and its impact has been substantial. Here is a short list of the many businesses who have been assisted through this program:

Mountain Racing Products, mountainFLOW eco-wax, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors, Town Hall Outdoor Co, Lake County Search and Rescue, Outdoor Equity Grant Program, Ramps and Alleys Clubhouse, Galena Mountain Projects, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors, Trip Outside, Eureka Environmental Institute, Nerdy Sheep Fiber Works, Out and Back Outdoor, Oveja Negra, Packed Outdoors, Roscoe Optics, Campfire Ranch, Karmel’s on the Taylor, Rural is Rad, Denver Mountain Parks, Trails and Open Space Coalition, The Nature Place and Colorado Outdoor Education Center., First Ascent Coffee Roasters, City of Salida, Sara Bella Fishing, Smartwool.

This is a unique and creative opportunity to address real challenges that businesses encounter with real solutions from fresh and dedicated minds. Help prepare Colorado higher-education students to enter the workforce with first-hand experience working alongside small businesses and nonprofit organizations and benefit from the collaboration with actionable solutions to your current-day challenges. How can you not resist this opportunity?

For more information and to enroll, head to The Wright website listed below:

www. thewright.co

entrepreneurs

Romp Skis

Growing Every Year since its DIY Garage Days

by Shauna Farnell

Growing every year since its DIY garage days, Romp Skis is still run by a small crew with big, powdery hearts

The Crested Butte ski manufacturer designs boards for U.S. Special Forces and anyone else with custom requests

An avid skier from Jackson, Wyo. who graduated from Gunnison’s Western Colorado University, Eligh Purvis leapt into the do-everything fold at Romp Skis seven years ago as an intern. Now he’s the Production Manager, but like the rest of the company’s tiny crew, he wears many hats.

Founded by brothers Caleb and Morgan Weinberg, Romp began as a fledgling operation, making a handful of skis in Morgan’s garage. Hailing from New Hampshire, the Weinbergs had moved to Crested Butte as ski bums in the 1990s. Skilled in construction and woodworking, they became obsessed with DIY skis. The products improved every year. Romp moved into its own factory and showroom, where the production crew is still lean, but the passion remains intense.

Although Caleb moved to Aspen, Morgan continues to take a key role in daily operations, designing and testing skis. Long-time Romp client Chase Gardaphe purchased the brand last spring (2024), and it continues to grow steadily.

“It’s similar to when I started,” Purvis says. “The biggest difference is back then, the business was more focused on the custom side of things.”

Romp still builds custom skis, ranging from tweaking components on existing models to fully designing skis from scratch. Recently, customers from Canada and Jackson teamed up for the same custom request. Both huge dudes (about 6-foot-8 and 300 pounds), Purvis and the team built them skis that measured 220 cm and 120 mm underfoot.

“We can go as crazy as that,” Purvis says. “What most people do is, say, take out the Shepherd 110 and go ski around and tell me they want the tail flatter. You can adjust the rocker profile. Or, if you want an ultralight ski for backcoun-

try, you switch out the poplar for ash core. With that custom ski, you not only get to pick your own graphic, but get to fit your own skiing style to the ski.”

At Romp’s headquarters, customers can demo as many skis as they want for free. In addition to its custom builds, Romp’s prebuilt Romp Ready Skis have evolved over the years. Beginning with one prototype – the Zorro, Romp now offers the all-mountain-oriented Zorro 100 or 115, the Shepherd designed to plow through any type of snow in a 99 or a 110 and lastly, for steep, technical terrain, the Oso 105s. All skis feature graphics designed by Colorado-based artists.

“Each one of our stock skis is built for a different person and skiing style,” Purvis says.

“The skis in general are not for expert skiers, but anyone who wants to get on snow and excel.”

Romp churns out between 550 and 1000 pairs of skis a year, including for U.S. Military and Special Forces, who use

the skis for touring through rugged, mountainous terrain all over the world.

Along with a variety of wood core materials, all built in-house, Romp is the only ski manufacturer to use Countervail, a lightweight, composite material geared toward preventing vibration. It is also used in tennis rackets, bikes, boats and field hockey sticks.

“The problem with light skis is that they chatter. With Countervail, you can mimic metal,” Purvis says. “There’s so many different materials used out there –wood, rubbers, dampening materials. We use a lot to increase durability. Crested Butte is a notoriously rocky and steep mountain. It’s a huge advantage to test our products here.”

Crested Butte, with its rugged landscape and closeknit, diehard ski community, provided the DNA for Romp’s brand personality. Oh, and anytime there’s an 8-inch-ormore powder day, don’t expect to find anyone at Romp HQ.

“Everyone that works here has skiing at the center of their lives,” Purvis says. “Crested Butte is a unique place as far as ski history, exploration and skiing as more than a lifestyle. The people skiing on our skis are the people who have skiing at forefront of their lives. It’s the thing we love the most –being able to create skis that are going to bring out the best memories. It’s any skier’s dream to create products that are totally unique, personal and able to produce a more creative expression of what skiing is.”

www.rompskis.com

The Mixing Bowl

Star Redfeather Belmonte and The Mixing Bowl: Nurturing Community and Culture in Salida

by JJamie Billesbach

Star Redfeather Belmonte and The Mixing Bowl: Nurturing Community and Culture in Salida

Located in the historic downtown of Salida, Colorado, The Mixing Bowl has been transformed under the new ownership of Star Redfeather Belmonte since July 2022. With over fifteen years of prior experience working at the store, Star, alongside her husband John, purchased The Mixing Bowl and has since turned it into a vibrant hub for the community. Star was able to make this purchase with the assistance of an Indigenous Woman’s Grant in July 2022.

The store offers a thoughtful blend of gourmet kitchenware, home goods, and locally-sourced art. Driven by purpose and the greeting “Where Home Happens,” you immediately feel Star’s warmth and generosity upon entering The Mixing Bowl. The store is intentionally curated with products that appeal to the community and visitors, always with an eye to support local artists and a sustainable product line.

Deeply proud of her Native American heritage, Star has seamlessly woven her cultural pride into the fabric of the store. This commitment is further demonstrated by featuring local artists like Pamela and Amy, who contribute to the Pine Ridge Reservation through their artwork sales.

The Mixing Bowl boasts an extensive selection of cookware, electrics, colorful table settings, and state-of-the-art gadgets. Renowned for its exceptional service, the store offers beautiful gift wrapping and hosts bridal and personal gift registries, securing its place as a cherished locale in the Rocky Mountain region for both residents and visitors.

Upon acquiring The Mixing Bowl, Star faced the daunting challenge of managing high-interest debt that threatened to stifle her ability to stock up for the crucial holiday season. To navigate these financial hurdles, Star engaged with Central Mountain SBDC, where Lead Advisor Lois Todd, an expert in strategic planning, helped orchestrate a turnaround strategy that emphasized financial planning, bookkeeping, marketing, and debt consolidation. Star was also able to secure a loan. These achievements enabled her to replenish her holiday inventory, boost sales, hire a part-time employee, and replace high-interest loans with a more affordable reduced-rate loan.

With a stabilized financial base and a flourishing business, Star is now even more empowered to give back to her community. The Mixing Bowl remains a cornerstone of local culture and culinary passion. Star’s journey emphasizes the vital role of supporting local businesses and the positive impacts of community-focused initiatives.

“I’m so very thankful to Lois and the team from Central Mountain SBDC. Lois is always a text message, email, and in-person visit away to answer questions, and point us in the best direction with advice for our business. We are honored to continue our work with our wonderful community and visitors through our mutual love of Art, Cooking, and Home happiness,” says Star.

Looking forward, Star is enthusiastic about expanding the store’s offeringsincluding cooking demonstrations - and continuing to enrich Salida’s cultural and culinary landscape. Her experience illustrates how targeted support can help transform passion into enduring business success.

For more information about The Mixing Bowl and to experience its unique offerings, visit The Mixing Bowl. Support local and be part of a community that cherishes its heritage and each other.

www.themixingbowlsalida.com

entrepreneurs Peak of Asia

Meet the multi-talented, mother-daughter team behind Peak of Asia

by Shauana Farnell

Affordable, fresh and authentic, this Vietnamese haunt is one of Breck’s best dining options

Beyond the borders of Vietnam, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a tastier bowl of pho than at this unassuming but strikingly beautiful little restaurant tucked into a quiet corner of La Cima Mall at the south end of Main Street.

Peak of Asia is helmed by a mother-daughter team with an uncanny flare for bringing out the flavor in every ingredient. As it happens, the Ton family possesses a bottomless pool of talent for every type of art, culinary or otherwise.

Khanh Ton moved to Colorado from Vietnam in 2000, following in the footsteps of her younger sister, Lua, who owns and operates The Flying Crane and Colisco – two retail hubs in Frisco. Their mother, Lien, and older sister, Van, soon followed. The family hails from Dalat, a scenic mountain town that Khanh describes as friendly and tight-knit, not dissimilar to Breckenridge.

There, the family ran a small restaurant specializing in fresh fruit and vegetable-centered dishes.

“Cooking was always a big deal in my family,” Khanh says. “My grandma was the role model. She lived to be 110 years old. At one point, she cooked for the king. Anything you gave her, any kind of ingredient, she could make something delicious.”

As is the tradition in Vietnam, when Khanh’s mother married her father, she moved into the father’s family house, where her paternal grandmother passed along her cooking prowess. In turn, Lien (Khanh’s mom) then passed this kitchen wisdom onto Khanh, her sisters and brothers.

“My mom and my grandma were super close. That’s why my mom loves to cook,” Khanh says. “The whole family, every single one, knows how to cook.”

Khanh worked as a prized cake decorator in Denver for several years, but upon opening shop in Breck with her mother and sister, the initial business endeavor was not in the realm of comestibles. For 12 years, the trio ran the popular Feel Good Massage day spa, where clients would often comment on the heavenly smells wafting through from the private kitchen in the back.

“Every time we made something in the back, the customers said, ‘man, what are you eating?’” Khanh recalls. “They said, ‘you should open a restaurant.’”

In December 2017, the sisters and mother followed through, opening Peak of Asia. They did all the remodeling and decorating themselves down to every last detail, including the thoughtful menu featuring their favorite Vietnamese dishes. Options include a selection of crispy rolls and fresh spring rolls, Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich with choice of chicken, pork, grilled beef or tofu, fresh cilantro and pickled vegetables), Banh Xeo (a Vietnamese crepe filled with shrimp, pork carrots and bean sprouts), and of course, numerous varieties of pho, the traditional rice noodle soup served with fresh mint, basil, lime, jalapeno and bean sprouts.

Each version of pho – filet mignon, brisket, meatball, seafood or vegan – is slow-cooked in its own juices for 24 hours, bringing out a symphony of flavors that are surprising for the translucent broth.

“We cook everything overnight and all the good juices come out,” Khanh says. “We use seasonal vegetables – whatever is fresh and available like corn, carrots, radish, cauliflower – and throw it into a big pot. We add onion, ginger, cinnamon stick, star anise and cook all night. Everyone is always so surprised by how much flavor is in the broth. Even Indian people come in and say they don’t usually eat Vietnamese because the flavor doesn’t compare to their food, but they say our broth blows them away.”

In addition to packing an explosion of flavor, the veggie pho in particular also presents a rainbow of color, teeming with any mix of seasonally fresh vegetables ranging from purple cabbage to broccoli, peppers, pea pods and every imaginable hue of cauliflower. The accoutrements are an art piece of freshness unto themselves, the pile of vibrant green basil and mint leaves emanating fragrance the minute it’s placed on the table.

Khanh procures the freshest ingredients twice a week from the Asian market in Denver, returning with massive bundles of lemongrass, herbs and veggies.

“Everything we make, we make here,” Khanh says. “So many restaurants have fried food and nothing fresh. We want people to feel good eating our food and feel good after.”

While leaving the bulk of the cooking to her mom and sister, Khanh manages the operation. On any given day, this involves everything from shopping, chopping and preparing ingredients to making cocktails, many of which also incorporate fresh herbs and juices, such as the Jade Lion, made from cucumber-infused gin, fresh mint and lime, or the Vietmojito, made from lemongrass-infused rum, muddled basil, lime and coconut milk.

In addition to creating mind-blowing culinary masterpieces with her mother, Van, the oldest Ton sister, is the artist behind Peak of Asia’s stunning décor, which includes a sea of individually folded origami birds dangling from the ceiling, a collection of small potted plants cleverly hung onto wall-sized charts and a massive dragon made from glistening crystals, which the Tons purchased from a gallery but hung themselves, along with complex lighting, in the front window.

“I love to make people happy,” Van says. “I love to cook. Every time I see someone eating and enjoying something at our restaurant, it makes my day.”

www.peakofasia.com

PSYFI

An Entrprepeur offering a Brain, Body, Breath Approach to Resiliancy

by Holly Battista Resignolo

Meet David Mykel, the founder of the Psychology-Fitness™ industry and PSYFI Performance Psychology, the country’s first performance psychology company that trains the Brain, Body & Breath as one. As a personalized performance coach, David takes a holistic approach to well-being, focusing on the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health. He empowers individuals to transform their minds through their bodies—and their bodies through their minds. David’s comprehensive method supports mental health journeys while building physical strength, fostering resilience, and unlocking peak performance for his clients.

Like most of us, David arrived from other places. As a child, he discovered that he excelled as an athlete and that gift could help lift him from the poor immigrant community he was raised in. He realized baseball was his way out and became a rising star on the east coast with dozens of scholarships to Division-1 schools. Immediately after graduating from high school, he played catcher in the Miami Marlins organization before attending College in New York. While refereeing ice hockey his last year of college, an unthinkable injury shattered David’s knee and the opportunity to fulfill his 17 year major league baseball dream.

Unable to play, he chose to continue his education in psychology and performance, his other passions, graduating first in his graduate school class, which propelled him into a 13-year Litigation Psychologist career. Like baseball, David rose to become one of the best in the country, but the immense pressures of this industry caused him to quit and sent him on a three-year journey traveling the world, to find himself. However, instead of an existential revelation, he found himself back in a corner office consulting in litigation, but this time, instead of battling opponents in the courtroom, he was battling for his life against suicidal depression.

“I became obsessed with the how (neuroscience) and the why (psychology) of our brains and committed to beat depression and take my life back.” said Mykel.

Looking to expand where he could help more athletes from his experience as an elite athlete, a pro-snowboard client suggested Summit County which landed David in Copper Mountain.

Since his arrival 3-years ago, David has worked with hundreds of individuals and dozens of businesses in Summit County to help them overcome burnout and achieve personal and professional balance through a unique coaching experience.

David’s PSYFI System™ seamlessly combines psychology-based tools, physical fitness moves, emotional intelligence and guided breathwork for optimal performance in minutes, instead of years, like traditional therapy.

In 2017 he founded the Psychology-Fitness™ industry and began assisting others in their journey to become physically, mentally and emotionally stronger by integrating their Brain, Body & Breath, not separating them, which is what most programs do. He combined his education and experience as a psychologist, personal trainer, breakwork teacher, and meditation instructor, all in one package. From there he grew his company into a global brand.

If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed or burnt out while juggling work, family, societal pressure, and sports, PSYFI has you covered with real, evidence-based strategies to help you regain control, maintain focus and make sustainable changes. And here’s the kicker: David makes it fun!

David’s patented PSYFI System™ integrates psychology, fitness, and emotional intelligence into one seamless program. PSYFI offers one-on-one and group/team coaching sessions in a safe space that include on-demand text support for daily challenges, tailored fitness plans that meet you where you are, and effective 2-minute scientifically validated stress-relief tools that put you in charge. This patented system integrates psychology, fitness, and emotional intelligence into one seamless program. With his company’s “4 coaches in 1” approach, you save time and money without adding “yet another thing” to your already overflowing plate. Personalized guidance from an accredited psychologist, certified personal trainer, breathwork expert, and meditation instructor—all rolled into one cohesive coaching experience is what this Entrepreneur has crafted through his - The B3 Methodology™ - PSYFI’s signature Brain, Body & Breath approach.

David has weaved his expertise of 30+ years in elite fitness, with 25+ years of psychology practice and 15+ years of neuroscience innovation into one cohesive integrated training program for high-performers that’s been battle tested in 51 countries and counting.

This Entrepreneur helps invigorate the Entrepreneurial spirit giving our community physical, mental and emotional strength and resiliency - tools we need to keep us motivated on our individual journeys and beyond.

To discover more head to his website: www.PSYFI.co

WE Gather Assisting Women Entrepreneurs in Colorado’s Mountain Towns

by Holly Battista-Resignolo

After years of hosting the Power of WE Conference, the Central Mountain SBDC decided to transition to the WE Gather Series, a new format that enables more interaction and deeper connections with attendees throughout the year.

This heart-centered, eight-month program is designed to amplify Purpose + People + Profit, offering women entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders the tools and community they need to thrive both professionally and personally. This change also allows for a more focused accelerator-style model, providing women-owned businesses and nonprofit leaders with the tools and resources they need to grow and prosper while balancing their personal development and fulfillment.

What is WE Gather?

The WE Gather Series replaces the annual conference with monthly Thursday morning, three-hour workshops designed to deliver deeper connections, actionable insights, sustained support throughout the year and access to a no-cost, confidential advisor team.

Held at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds in Salida, each session focuses on a crucial area of business and personal growth, such as:

• Purpose-driven leadership

• Profit strategies and access to funding

• Modernization and technology

• Reinvention and resilience

• Each workshop will also include our signature HerStory features, interactive exercises, and time to network with like-minded women.

Why WE Gather?

This new format offers more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Think of it as an accelerator program spread over eight months, providing actionable strategies and ongoing support to help you thrive.

Plus, three sessions feature afternoon Expos, where you can connect with invaluable resources.

Expos

– Funding Expo (May): Meet funders and explore financing options.

– Whole Health Expo (June): Discover services for personal and professional well-being

– Local women Owned Business Showcase (September): Celebrate women-owned businesses and innovative ideas and sell your products and services to the public and WE Gather attendees

Sign Up Today

They’d love to see you at this exciting new chapter of the Power of WE legacy beginning in January 2025.

If you’d like to participate in one or more of these Expos as a vendor or sponsor, let the Central Mountain SBDC know.

Dates & Themes for 2025:

January 30

WE Gather with PURPOSE

Febuary 27

WE Gather with PROFIT

March 27

WE Gather with MODERNIZATION

April 24

WE Gather with REINVENTION

May 22

WE Gather with FUNDING + Expo

Join them for the full series ($200 + save $32!) or pick individual sessions ($29 each) that align with your goals.

We Gather Series is supported by Platinum Sponsor High Country Bank. Register for WE Gather 2025 Series Kicking Off in January 2025! Head to their website to signup:

www. centralsbdc.org

photo credit:

Eunika Rogers

Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley

Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley was founded in 1995 by a small group of passionate Eagle County residents who were inspired by President Carter and his dedication to the power of community service. The organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year

Habitat Vail Valley has built 146 homes, helping 529 people on their journey to homeownership. And the nonprofit has big plans to expand its affordable homeownership program, helping more people build a life on strong foundations in Eagle County in 2025 and beyond.

Habitat Vail Valley prides itself on being community led and unafraid to embrace change while staying true to the core beliefs of equity, inclusion and that everyone deserves a decent place to call home. It was first called Habitat for Humanity of Eagle and Lake Counties, and as the name indicates, it built homes in Gypsum and Leadville. After building nine homes in Leadville, it was clear that there was overwhelming grassroots support in Eagle County and the organization focused on building community in Eagle County.

Even 30 years ago the housing crisis was at the forefront of many conversations, and Habitat built one home per year. That number grew to four, six and eventually eight annually. Covid struck, remote workers flocked to the mountains and already expensive housing was pushed further out of reach for locals The Habitat Vail Valley Board vowed to make a difference and over a three-year period, doubled its building capacity to 46 homes, with an $18M investment in our community’s affordable housing infrastructure.

As Habitat kicks off its 30th celebration, it reflects on the incredible support of this community that allowed the nonprofit to accomplish significant goals while planning for the future. Over the next four years Habitat Vail Valley plans to hit the 200 home mark for hardworking locals in the Vail Valley.

By The Numbers:

135 new homes built

11 ‘recycles’ (when a Habitat family moves out, another moves in)

200 homes by the end of 2029

221 applications received in 2024 alone

176,726 volunteer hours

529 people in Habitat homes

30 homes to be delivered in 2025: 20 at Timber Ridge in Vail and 10 in Gypsum

30%: homeowners pay no more than 30% of their gross annual income

Historically Habitat has built homes with the help of volunteers, discounted construction labor and staff. In 2024, Habitat completed a modular home pilot. Moving forward, Habitat will bring homes to market three ways: modular building, traditional stick built and through 0% mortgage loans. Habitat will finance homes in Vail at Timber Ridge — a first for Habitat to offer homes steps from the ski resort.

“We’re excited to be able to bring creative solutions to the affordable housing landscape,” says Elyse Howard, VP of philanthropy and community affairs. “From 2025 to 2029 we will build more than 50 homes. This year, we are poised to bring 30 homes to market — just in time for our 30th anniversary. We’re intent on retaining the community that is so vital to all of us.”

Part of retaining community is providing help from the ground up. Two years ago, Habitat launched Building Futures, a program that helps connect people with resources — often the first step to starting on the path of stability. Come Volunteer! www. habitatvailvalley.org

Crafting Cozy & Comfy Spaces

This historic-modern home sitting in the heart of the Breckenridge Historic District presented some unique challenges for Lead Designer, Courtney Sheldon of iFurnish in Frisco, Colorado.

Once an old mining town, the streets of Breckenridge are lined with quaint and colorful Victorian homes of modest footprint. This newly constructed home faced some stringent exterior guidelines in hopes of finding a cohesive space amongst the deep-rooted majority. From the curb, it closely resembles the other homes in which it is sandwiched amongst; as if it had been there for hundreds of years. Beyond the threshold, an unknowing passerby would never guess what lies inside.

This home came to fruition right in time to encapsulate many of 2025’s most prevalent design trends. Courtney’s goal for the interior was to integrate nods of the past throughout an overarching modern and updated look and feel without compromising comfort This is no better represented than by the three-floor glass elevator that sits at the heart of the home flanked by wormy maple doors, rustic subway tile, distressed bronze pendant lights, matte white Café appliances and vintage-inspired art like the 150-year-old yellow-kid sled hanging just outside the kitchen.

In the main living area; it was all about creating a comfy and cozy space where a family could come together to laugh and reminisce after a long day on the mountain. When entering the common area, you are greeted by a blend of neutral, layered textures and varying materials like distressed leather, boucle and wool to help achieve the warmth the room so loudly coveted. Just behind the sofa, you will find a sepia-style mountain landscape again lending itself so effortlessly to the vintage-inspired look and feel of the exterior. On the ottoman, a clear acrylic tray featuring a popular Slim Aarons photograph from 1964 is aptly named ‘Apres Ski’.

And, as you find yourself wondering throughout the remaining rooms of this efficiently designed 3600 square foot home, you can’t help but be reminded of the whimsy and intrigue created when historic and modern design and décor collides.

Story: Courtney Sheldon

Image: Lexine Alfaro

home & design

Passing the Torch

After four decades at the helm of Slifer Designs, founder and CEO Beth Slifer has sold her renowned interior design company to Anne Marie Ostmeyer and Kelsey Cole, co-founders of Texture Design Studio. The local design duo, who both previously worked at Slifer Designs, launched their own business in 2023 and were handpicked by Slifer to carry on her legacy.

“After forty years, it was important for me to entrust the company I built to individuals who share my values and commitment to exceptional design, and I am very excited to pass the legacy of Slifer Designs to such talented designers,” said Beth Slifer. “Since they both worked for me many years ago, they are familiar with our creative and ethical standards and will be able to grow and enhance the brand, and I look forward to their successes and continuation of the Slifer legacy.”

The new owners are already diving into their roles, merging their existing business and meeting with clients to prepare for a strong 2025. Ostmeyer and Cole plan to maintain the key elements that have defined Slifer Designs while introducing their own innovative vision.

“We are honored to take the reins of Slifer Designs, a company that set the standard for interior design in the Vail Valley and beyond,” said Anne Marie Ostmeyer, co-owner and principal designer. “Beth has been a mentor and inspiration, and continuing her legacy is both a privilege and a responsibility we take very seriously.”

“Becoming the owners of Slifer Designs is a dream come true,” added Kelsey Cole, co-owner and principal designer. “We are passionate about creating memorable, functional designs and look forward to expanding what we can offer to both existing and new clients. Our focus will always remain on delivering an elevated experience for every project.”

Slifer Designs has established itself as the premier interior design firm in Vail Valley, with a client portfolio that spans well beyond Colorado. The firm specializes in both primary residences and resort properties across the nation, extending its influence into diverse real estate markets. Additionally, the company operates a renowned home décor retail store, which will continue to be managed by Ostmeyer, Cole, and their dedicated team.

The duo plans to integrate their own holistic design philosophy into the Slifer Designs approach. Their process emphasizes starting each project as a blank canvas and working closely with clients to create personalized, functional designs tailored to their lifestyles. Additionally, Ostmeyer and Cole aim to standardize the design-build process, ensuring a more streamlined and enjoyable experience for every client.

“Anne Marie and Kelsey have a shared vision of creativity and client-first service that aligns with the foundation I built at Slifer Designs,” said Slifer. “Their leadership will take the company into its next great chapter.”

Learn more, visit www.SliferDesigns.com.

photo

credit:

Slifer Designs

Slifer Designs Icon and Trailblazer Beth Slifer Entrusts Her Legacy to a Powerful Duo

Perry Brown

Capturing Colorado’s Mountain Towns One Community at a Time

Artist, Perry Brown, was encouraged by his parents and began his artistic journey at a very young age. He started drawing at 4 or 5, created his first landscape oil painting at 11 and won a logo design contest for Western Welcome Week in Denver at the age of 14, beating out professional designers. He went on to study graphic and fashion at Colorado State University and set his sights in the apparel industry where he amassed a highly successful career as a creative director.

Perry Brown’s, Main Street Breckenridge, captures the beautiful downtown Breckenridge corridor and everything the towns shops and restaurants have to offer. Today, Brown’s paintings reflect a passion for the outdoors whether it’s the expansive land or motion set in an urban backdrop. There’s a presence of humanity in most of all his subjects; maybe capturing a small angler in a vast mountain scene, dotting a landscape with rural structures or recording life in the busy city.

His work and style continues to evolve. His training in the apparel industry has left a mark on his thought processes for making fine art. He has learned to embrace change and not always rely on safe methods of applying paint. There is a tension of realism vs. abstract that permeates throughout his subjects. His goal is to keep providing a fresh and energetic discipline in his paintings.

Enjoy all of his beautiful creations at Breckenridge Gallery.

DINE LOCAL

Pictured: Two Twelve, Crested Butte

Outer Range Brewing

by Shauna Farnell

Outer Range has Expanded its Territory

The couple behind one of Colorado’s favorite craft breweries have spread their love to the Alps

Lee and Emily Cleghorn have covered a lot of ground in eight years. Since opening one of the most beloved craft breweries in Colorado, they’ve recently expanded the operation into the French Alps.

In every way, their territorial reach is perfectly on brand for Outer Range Brewery.

Opened in December 2016 and sporting the motto, “leave the life below,” Outer Range was named after Rudyard Kipling’s poem, “The Explorer.”

“It spoke to the spirit of why people go to the mountains,” Lee says.

The first iteration of Outer Range occupied a small space in Frisco crammed with brewing equipment and a cozy yurt outside. Among craft beer lovers, especially connoisseurs of East Coast-style (hazy) IPA, it became an instant favorite.

“I have always loved Belgian styles,” says Lee, whose father was in the armed forces and stationed in Brussels when Lee was a teenager. “My mind was blown by the flavors of Europe. I went back to the U.S. in college. I couldn’t buy good beer, so I started making it. I worked with Other Half Brewery in New York, learning how to approach IPAs and what a great IPA tasted like.”

Lee and Emily met while stationed in Colorado Springs.

“Before homebrewing was a thing, a friend said, Do you want to go to this guy’s house and learn how to make beer?” Emily says. “We got engaged four months later.”

As the army moved around, Lee and Emily were often apart. After getting married and having a daughter, they decided it was time to settle and open a brewery. They loved that Frisco wasn’t a resort town, but a local community in the midst of several resorts.

“Just as we did, our vision was for people to enjoy their day on the mountain and come to the brewery to reflect on it,” Emily says. “We want our beer to always be a reminder of savoring an experience with friends and family.”

In 2020, Outer Range expanded into the large space nextdoor. The taproom releases multiple new brews every week and hosts weekend parties – Western-themed, ski and snowboard tuning, fundraisers for local nonprofits, etc.

Last year, the Cleghorns opened a new location in Sallanches, France, relocating to get things up and running. The French Alps brewery also became a quick sensation. Integrating European and American cultures into both locations, they split their time and creativity between the two.

“It’s really rewarding to be able to mentor both teams,” Emily says. “Learning about different approaches is really going to elevate both programs. For Outer Range, it’s not just about the product for us, but perpetuating our love of the mountains through beer. That is what drives us to where we are today.”

182 Lusher Court Frisco, CO 80443 www.outerrange.com

photo credit:

Restoration Vineyards

Restoration Vineyards is setting new standards (and a live music scene) for Colorado winemakers

After spending the majority of their adult lives working in the corporate world, in 2012, Linda and Gary Brauns made a wild decision to purchase a defunct vineyard. They had zero farming experience, but a passion for restoration … and for drinking wine.

“Linda is good with design. I’m handy. I’ve built a few homes. This distressed property checked those boxes. It had a farmhouse that needed remodeling, a noncompliant agricultural building that needed to be brought to code. Then we had 10 acres of a dead vineyard. We figured, how hard can farming be?” Gary says.

After purchasing the Palisade vineyard, the Brauns hired an experienced farmer to attempt to rekindle some life in the vines. He filled the land with water. That first spring, to their great surprise and delight, the plants bloomed.

“He turned this place into a lake and 80 percent of the vines came back,” Gary says. “He said, this reminds me of the story of Lazarus. That day was when the Restoration concept was born.”

To give extra meaning to the restoration theme, in addition to restoring the vineyard and farmhouse, creating a classy tasting room, bar and patio surrounded by a massive lawn with views of the Grand Mesa and Book Cliffs, Gary

sprinkled the property with a handful of renovated vintage cars.

Meanwhile, Linda dove headfirst into the art and science of winemaking. She tackled the vineyard’s six grape varieties – barbera, cabernet franc, chardonnay, merlot, sauvignon blanc and sémillon grapes.

“I totally fell in love with winemaking” says Linda, who, like Gary, originally hails from California’s Bay area. “I expect the wine to be a certain caliber. When people come into the tasting room and and say, ‘this could be a Napa wine,’ not just a good Colorado wine, it’s really rewarding. The learning is a huge component. There’s so much to know. It’s a dynamic thing – the same grapes from the same vineyard every year are different, depending on the weather, the pruning, etc. We can control what happens. It’s super fun. The ability to hand someone a bottle and know that from the dirt to the glass we did all the work is really, really rewarding.”

Restoration Vineyard has also set itself apart with its lineup of live music. With a mighty showing of local support, the Brauns lobbied in court to change the designation of the property to allow for such events. Beginning in spring, concerts take place regularly on Restoration’s sprawling lawn. “The wine is the foundation that we built from,” Gary says. “The whole area has turned into a destination, a great hub of cultural events, food and wine. It’s like Napa of the ‘70s. by Shauna Farnell

photo credit:Restoration Vineyards

Fraser Valley Distilling

Colorado mountain goodness one sip and bite at a time

Fraser Valley Distilling is one of a million reasons to love Colorado’s mountain towns. I have had the chance to visit this award-winning distillery many times, but I feel the need to share the love and let you know that this distillery is beyond special for so many reasons. You will love the food, the spirits, the story behind this family-owned business, but most of all, you will be planning your next trip back the minute you walk in the door.

While this was not my first time at Fraser Valley Distilling, every time I visit, I taste something different and learn something new about this special place. Family owned and celebrating their 6th anniversary, Fraser Valley Distilling boasts scratch made food and award-winning spirits that can satisfy any foodie or libation seeker’s cravings.

My friends and I decided to share an Indecision OG flight and a Gin Deluxe flight. I am a bourbon girl, and I can tell you that their rye, bourbon, single malt, and Indecision tasters are the best! The Indecision II was my favorite but order the flight and make your own decision. My husband is a huge gin drinker and found a favorite in the Lavender Gin. Awarded “Best in Class” at the ACSA conference in 2024, this contemporary American style gin will be a favorite of yours too, guaranteed. Their Colorado rye whiskey and bourbon are anything but traditional and have a higher malted barley content than usual whiskeys.

Another favorite of mine was bourbon aged in port, and cabernet barrels. If bourbon or gin are not your thing, then Fraser Valley Distilling also produces their own vodka, agave, spirits and rum. They offer several cocktails made with fresh simple syrups and fresh squeezed juices to please just about anyone.

Don’t miss out on the highly rated food selections at Fraser Valley Distilling. We tried the house favorite, the pulled pork sandwich, followed by the serrano flatbread. The crunchy flatbread was topped with serrano ham and arugula and really hit the spot. I’m dreaming of that pulled pork Sammy as I write this, and I will be back for that again soon, as it was a 10 out of 10.

If I can offer any advice before you head to Fraser Valley Distilling, it would be to leave room in your car in case you want to take some goodies home. All their spirits are available for purchase, as well as being sold in pre-blended cocktail bottles so you don’t even have to do the work when you get home. Just pour and enjoy! The distillery is the definition of Colorado mountain goodness one sip and bite at a time.

www.fraservalleydistilling.com

Story by Caren Austin, Photos by Kevin Austin

MAKOTO VAIL

Story by Shauan Farnell

Makoto

Vail

is a new go-to for sushi, steak and rare Japanese flare

The Grand Hyatt Vail restaurant is the international chef’s first in a mountain town

Last winter, internationally heralded sushi chef Makoto Okuwa chose Vail as home to one of his few eponymous restaurants sprinkled across the globe. Launched in the new Grand Hyatt Vail in the area west of town historically known as Cascade Village, Makoto Vail offers an extravaganza of raw fish as well as thoughtfully prepared noodle dishes and premium steaks.

Okuwa, who also has restaurants in Miami, Washington, D.C., Panama City, Mexico City, and São Paulo, was once a staple on the Food Network’s Iron Chef as sous chef to Masaharu Morimoto.

Although not all sushi by any means, Makoto Vail’s menu features a vast array of fresh raw seafood – sushi, sashimi, hand rolls, hosomaki (small rolls wrapped in seafood), uramaki (small rolls wrapped in rice), spicy oysters, Truffle Salmon and a tangy and exquisite Hamachi Ponzu –much of which is sourced directly from Japan.

“When it comes to sushi, our commitment to quality distinguishes us from other restaurants,” says Rodrigo Santillan, Grand Hyatt Vail Assistant Food and Beverage Director, whose personal favorite menu items include the Truffle Salmon (“an explosion of tastes”) and the shishito peppers (“exemplify Chef Makoto’s mastery in transforming simplicity into perfection”).

Santillan points out that Chef Makoto “meticulously selects” every ingredient – from premium Ariake Nori harvested in Fukuoka, Kyushu, to the rice, which is polished in-house and cooked in small batches, to premium wagyu steaks, sourced from Japan and select ranches in the U.S.

There’s an element of artistry when it comes to the unique flavor, texture and preparation of just about everything on the menu.

Take the Tuna Crispy Rice appetizer, for example. A mouthful of flavorful spicy tuna sits atop a hot, crunchy, tator tot-like rice nugget with fresh serrano slice to complete the crunch. You’ll want to eat 30 of them.

The Miso Wild Alaskan Sablefish is another masterpiece, the melt-in-your-mouth whitefish paired with crisp, tangy, pickled turnip. The aged or cured Wagyu steaks are all cooked to tender perfection and accompanied by a sauce which brings their unique flavors to flourish in every bite. There’s even a Wagyu beef dish with sesame dipping sauce and a sizzling hot stone so you can sear every strip to your own idea of perfection.

The beverage menu boasts a long list of international wines as well as rare sakes and Japanese whiskeys. If there were any question regarding Makoto’s creativity, it will be dispelled with dessert, each of which resembles a sculpture that looks too nice to eat. They contain a surprising, eclectic and scrumptious mix of tart and sweet ingredients and at least one (The Flaming Death Star), is set on fire before your eyes.

photo credit: Makoto Vail

TABERNASH TAVERN

Globally Inspired Cuisine in a Decades Old Space in Tabernash, Colorado

One of the many things I love about Colorado is that our mountain towns have so many restaurants that are hidden gems. When I visit a city or town in the mountains, I try to make sure to pay a visit to these “off the beaten path” places, because they have always proven to be a secret little gift to my foodie self. I had heard so many great things about Tabernash Tavern, so I knew next time I was in Winter Park, I had to venture there. Located just 10 minutes outside of Winter Park, Tabernash Tavern isn’t that far off the beaten path. It is a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Winter Park Ski area, and from the reviews I have gotten, well worth every bit of that 10-minute drive.

The population of Tabernash has under 1000 people, and was named after a Ute Indian Tabernash. The town was established in 1905 by Quincy Adams Rollins, and was an important stop on the Idlewild Rail line. Tabernash Tavern was Hinds’ store in the 1940’s complete with a soda fountain on one end and groceries on the other. The store caught fire and was

re-built in 1954 as Brady’s store. It then became a furniture store in the 90’s and sat empty for a bit before it was remodeled and opened in 2008 as Tabernash Tavern under the direction of Chef Alberto Sapien and Maura McKnight.

Tabernash Tavern is known for their globally inspired and ever changing menu. I was so excited to “take the road less traveled” to try it out. I grabbed a few friends, and we were off on our foodie adventure.

Even though the building housing Tabernash Tavern was remodeled before they opened, bits of history remain. An example are the bricks on the fireplace. They are still standing today and are from the original building. There are 3 dining areas, a fabulous bar and a patio to enjoy your meal at. Upon entering you really have that at home feeling. It is quaint, cozy, and inviting. We sat in the bar area and were waited on by the nicest staff I have ever met.

We ordered 4 items on the menu and shared them all. Although they might not be on the menu when you visit, because

the menu changes every few weeks, I can assure you anything you order will be outstanding.

We started with the Crab Cake Corndogs with roasted corn salad enhanced with a side of dijon spiked tartar sauce. Full of lobster meat, this dish was such a great play on the original, but with Chef Sapien’s spin on it.

Next up was The El Chignon, a Mexican inspired dish, Peaches and Lamb from Argentina, and the Adobo Grilled Halibut. They were all plated beautifully and beyond delicious. The El Chignon was the star of the night served with a Poblano queso enchilada and a burnt corn salsa on the side. It’s a great way to order a steak and enchiladas in one dish. The flavors of all the dishes reflected the origin from which they came.

I felt as if I took a trip around the world while dining at this 5-star restaurant in Tabernash. I encourage you to take the road less traveled and order something you have never tried before; you won’t be disappointed.

Story by Caren Austin, Photos by Kevin Austin

The bar has an extensive list of cocktails and has been awarded several Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence. Tabernash Tavern has also been awarded “Best Restaurant” by a local paper for the past 10 years.

You can’t miss Tabernash Tavern when you are driving to Grand Lake or Rocky Mountain National Park, it is 10 minutes rom Winter Pakr and right off US Hwy 40. They are open four nights a week, Thursday through Sunday from 4pm - 9pm, and reservations are highly recommended.

This restaurant is now on my “not to be missed” list of spectacular hidden gems in Colorado. My friends and I left Tabernash Tavern already planning another trip back as soon as possible. So much love goes into their food, and it pours out tenfold onto your plate! After a day of adventuring in Grand County, you simply must head to the Tabernash Tavern and experience an out of this world meal you will never forget.

72287 US HWY 40 Tabernash, CO

www.tabernashtavern.com

Summits to Shores

SUMMITS TO SHORES

Local Restauranteurs Are Bringing Breckenridge Flavors to the Beach

Local Restauanteurs bring big mountain town flavors from the mountains to the shores by

Holly GoSpritely

By Holly GoSpritely

If there is one thing we know, it is the need to descend to warmer climates after many months of winter cold. The snow season can last upwards of eight months per year. These local restaurateurs know how to lure their clientele to warm, sunny shores with their delicious menu selections and exceptional service.

Aurum Maui

Destination Hospitality Group, with their award-winning restaurants in Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, and Snowmass will debut Aurum Maui at The Shops at Wailea in early 2025. Specializing in New American cuisine that showcases the best in local ingredients, Aurum Maui will feature seasonal island dining in an elegantly casual setting. Helmed by Chef Partner Taylor Ponte and General Manager Partner Natasha Ponte, both Maui natives, Aurum Maui will blend global techniques with Hawaii’s rich produce, crafting dishes that balance tradition, innovation, and sustainability. This debut marks the first and only Aurum restaurant outside of Colorado.

Aurum Maui’s menu, inspired by the renowned Aurum Food & Wine concept, presents a range of flavors that define the island and will feature Aurum’s “gold standard” dishes. “At Destination Hospitality Group, our mission is to create best-in-class dining experiences in unique destination resort markets. Aurum Maui will exemplify this commitment,” said Phillips Armstrong, CEO and founder of Destination Hospitality Group. “For our inaugural location in Hawaii, we were drawn to Maui and The Shops at Wailea because of its reputation as a world-class destination resort community, attracting visitors and locals alike. Maui’s cultural richness, natural beauty, and vibrant culinary scene perfectly align with our vision to deliver unforgettable experiences that will leave a lasting impression on our guests.”

The interior and exterior design of Aurum Maui establishes a profound connection between the restaurant’s ambiance and the island’s essence. Organic, curving design elements reflect Maui’s natural movement, inspired by the island’s landscapes—lush vegetation, dark stone, pristine sands, and shimmering waters. Versatile event spaces will accommodate up to 80 seated guests, Aurum Maui offers a range of options for gatherings and celebrations.

Through partnerships with local farms and fisheries, Aurum Maui will showcase the best of Maui’s flavors, supporting the preservation and prosperity of the island’s agricultural heritage for generations to come.

www.aurummaui.com

Bangkok Happy Bowl & Sushi Bar

Bangkok Happy Bowl and Sushi Bar in Breckenridge, CO celebrated its seventh year as a thriving presence as a culinary landmark in the community this past March. Co-owned by Kirk Coult and Chef Paula Rungsawang Coult, this delightful blend of high-quality Thai and Japanese cuisine now graces the slopes of Breckenridge, Aspen, the shores of Hawaii, and Duval Street in Key West, Florida.

Since its inception, Bangkok Happy Bowl and Sushi Bar has been celebrated for its fine dining quality within a casual bistro environment, where culinary artistry and an inviting ambiance come together harmoniously. This restaurant series boasts a unique offering, with its three-in-one concept, showcasing the distinctive flavors of Thai and Japanese cuisines in a way that sets it apart from all others.

Chef Paula Rungsawang Coult’s original recipes and commitment to authenticity have been the cornerstone of this culinary success. Her deep-seated passion for food, cultivated in her childhood household in Thailand, has culminated in creating an extraordinary menu, all while training the chefs to replicate her vision.

Kirk Coult, co-owner, commented, “Good energy is what it’s about– if you can put together excellent cuisine and great flavors and enhance that with drinks, music, and an incredible community, you’ve created a full, balanced evening experience.”

We had the opportunity to visit their colorful new space with al fresco seating in a beautiful space filled with tropical foliage, flowering plants and water features. Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar in Key West, Florida, is a culinary haven offering vibrant flavors of Thailand and Japan. The energy of Duval Street adds a delightful fusion of energy to its fresh-fromthe-sea flavors. The restaurant is located at 816 Duval Street and provides a relaxed, come-as-you-are, bistro environment.

Bangkok Happy Bowl has been named a 2023 OpenTable Diner’s Choice for Best Hawaii Restaurant for Groups and Best Hawaii restaurant hot spot for its vibrant bar scene and healthy cuisine! With a commitment to authenticity, quality, and community, Bangkok Happy Bowl Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar remains dedicated to providing a joyful dining experience in all of their locations.

www.bangkokhappybowl.com

You can find a little bit of mountain culture in many tropical destinations. Be sure to visit these Beach Town restaurants if your travel plans bring you to these sultry, tropical shores.

blackhawk dining

Monarch Chophouse

By Caren Austin

Blackhawk, Colorado is a beautiful town to live in or visit in Colorado. The town is home to the magnificent Monarch Chophouse, in the Monarch Casino Resort Spa. This stunning restaurant is one of my favorite places to dine in around Colorado, and after you go there, it’s guaranteed to be high on your list of favorites as well.

Nestled in the Monarch Casino Resort Spa, The Chophouse more than delivers on ambiance, food quality, and exceptional service. The Chophouse is the perfect restaurant for a special occasion, family get together, or just a dinner out in one of the most scenic places in Colorado. This restaurant is so special, and attention to every detail is their top priority.

The menu consists of aged steaks, wagyu beef, delicious seafood, and many other options. In my opinion, the star of the show here is the Steak Diane, and the Lobster Crab Cake. The Lobster Crab Cake was full of melt in your mouth lobster topped with an Herb Salad and a lemon aioli.

The Steak Diane is prepared tableside, so get ready for a show! The mushroom demi-glace that goes on top is flambéed with cognac, heavy cream, and butter, and it is beyond divine. This dish alone will keep me coming back to The Monarch Chophouse.

There are plenty of sides to go with your meal, and a huge wine and cocktail list to accompany. Save room for the Valrhona Chocolate Cake for dessert. Served warm, this dessert topped with chocolate sorbet will satisfy your sweet tooth and is a perfect finale to a wonderful meal.

Whether you are a guest at The Monarch Casino Resort Spa, or just coming to the hotel for dinner, don’t miss The Monarch Chophouse. A standing ovation is in order, because this restaurant truly exudes greatness. Reservations are highly recommended. They are open 7 nights a week for dinner service. What a gem in Blackhawk CO. I can’t wait to return!

Photos Courtesy of Defy Them All

breckenridge dining

Ten Ways to Enjoy the Breckenridge Distillery

From Touring the award-winning spirit’s production facility to indulging in worldclass cuisine, Breckenridge Distillery is truly an adventure for the senses. Whether you have time for the full experience at the Distillery on Airport Road, or you’re simply curious about tasting its award-winning spirits while strolling Main Street, the Distillery makes it easy, fun and delicious to discover what it’s all about. Here are 10 ways you can experience the Breckenridge Distillery.

MODERN-AMERICAN STEAKHOUSE

Breckenridge Distillery’s modern-American steakhouse atmosphere showcases seasonal and approachable dishes that impart not only the fantastic spirits of Breckenridge Distillery but also, their upscale mountain dining experience. Their family style menu features locally sourced steaks from Fitch Ranch. As always, the menu revolves around local produce, comfort foods with a twist and shareable dishes meant to encourage interaction and conviviality. Enjoy Happy Hour dishes starting at $13. Book a reservation at breckenridgedistillery.com/restaurant.

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. 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 says. Keithley and Lead Bartender 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.

PRIVATE DINNERS

Book a private dinner or event at the Breckenridge Distillery. Parties up to 30 people can reserve their exclusive spaces surrounded by aging whiskey barrels, old barn wood, leather couches and an authentic mountain vibe. Their exclusive, private dining areas come with a personal wait staff and can be used for families, micro conferences, executive meetings, or small parties. For inquiries and bookings, email events@breckenridgedistillery.com

TASTINGS & FOUNDER’S

EXPERIENCES

The Breckenridge Distillery offers one of the most highly awarded craft bourbons in the U.S. Guests can choose from a limited menu of spirits and have the option to upgrade their tasting to try their highend flights. Tastings are on a first-come, first-serve basis a both of the Distillery’s locations. Looking for a more personalized and unique tasting experience? Book a Chocolate & Spirits pairing, small bites and spirits pairing, Cask Finished Flights, among others. Book at breckenridgedistillery.com/tour.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY TOURS

Every Saturday & Sunday, guests can take a behind-the scenes tour of the Breckenridge Distillery’s production facility. This abbreviated tour starts by tasting two of their award-winning Breckenridge spirits in the Founder’s Lab. Their expert guides will take guests on a 1-hour tour through their original production facility and finish up the experience with a tasting of their Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey. Book a tour at BreckenridgeDistillery.com/tour.

PRIVATE VIP TOURS

Breckenridge Distillery offers guests a VIP experience during their After Hours tours. Use your senses to experience the inner workings of how these handcrafted spirits go from grain to bottle while learning about the history of whiskey and how the

distillery was founded. Tours are offered at 5:00 pm and 6:15pm by reservation only. Book a VIP tour at breckenridgedistillery. com/tour.

BLEND YOUR OWN WHISKEY

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 mouthfeel and finish. You will hand bottle your creation and complete the experience with a customized label. By reservation only. Book at breckenridgedistillery.com/tour.

MAIN STREET TASTING ROOM IN DOWNTOWN

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. From merchandise to personable, knowledgeable staff, this small tasting room is a glimpse of what you can experience at their main location on Airport Rd. Learn more about current hours and offerings at breckenridgedistillery.com.

FREE SHUTTLE RIDES

The Breckenridge Distillery offers a free shuttle to and from the Breckenridge Distillery and Main Street Tasting Room within Breckenridge town limits. The shuttle fits up to 14 guests. To book a ride, call the Distillery Shuttle at 970-445-8613.

SHOP YOUR LOCAL RETAILER

Breckenridge Spirits are available nationwide at your local retailers. Shop your local retailer or get home delivery on your favorite Breckenridge spirits. Visit breckenridgedistillery.com/products to get delivery. Looking for fun cocktail recipes? Visit Billie’s Cocktail Lab on their website for 100’s of cocktail recipes.

breckenridge dining

Continental Divide Winery

Create Your Own Custom Wine at Continental Divide Winery

Continental Divide, Breckenridge’s original locally owned winery, gives you a fun and unique opportunity to be a winemaker for a day! Explore the art of wine blending with guidance from their professional staff. Use authentic vintner equipment to custom craft your own personalized wine blend, then bottle, cork and label your custom-crafted wine as a souvenir of your experience.

Awarded Best Winery Experience by Lux-Life Magazine, the Wine Blending Experience is an interactive and enter-

taining two-hour program offered daily (reservations required). “Think of this as high school chemistry where you play with wine instead of chemicals,” explains winery founder Jeffrey Maltzman.

Verified customer reviews sum up the activity best. “The best thing we did in Breckenridge! I cannot recommend it enough!” wrote Eileen from Boston, MA. “This was such a unique cool experience,” boasted Brittah from Big Lake, MN. “I loved learning and experimenting with how the flavors changed as we made our blends,” wrote Steve from Denver CO.

The winery’s Main Street Station tasting room is open daily. Wine Tasting reservations can be made through OpenTable, but walk-ins are welcome.

To book a Wine Blending Experience call 970-771-3443 or book online at cdwinery.com.

Continental Divide Winery Main Street Station 505 S. Main Street Breckenridge, CO 80424 970-771-3443 www.cdwinery.com

breckenridge dining

Rootstalk

Rootstalk is a modern American restaurant founded on the idea of connection and coming home. Chef Matt Vawter was born and raised in Summit County and spent the formative years of his culinary career in Keystone and Breckenridge. After spending a period of time away from Breckenridge, Chef Matt returned to his hometown determined to open a restaurant of his own and help grow the culinary landscape in Summit County. Chef Matt made a large step towards that goal when he won the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef Mountain.

From old dormant roots, Rootstalk was opened in December of 2020 in a historic home on North Main Street in Breckenridge. The name Rootstalk refers to rhizomes that are all connected via a complex underground root system. The name was inspired by the large stands of Aspen trees surrounding the community of Breckenridge. Rootstalk explores the notion of connection through the cuisine, hospitality, and beverage programs. The aim is to connect guests with farmers, ranchers, winemakers, and other producers; while providing a space where people can connect with each other during their dinner.

Our team seeks to provide “Elevated, Everyday Dining” to the local community as well as out of town visitors. The cuisine is ingredient focused, technique driven and deeply committed to quality at all levels. The culinary team meticulously sources produce, proteins, and ingredients from quality producers from Colorado and across the country. Cocktails are created with intention and given the same level of care as the food on the plate. The wine program is focused on small-scale quality producers from across the globe from the classic to more esoteric modern styles. There are a range of experiences offered at Rootstalk from seven course tasting menus paired with wine to simply having a quick snack and beverage at the bar. Rootstalk can curate an experience for any occasion big or small.

The two dining areas of the restaurant are beautiful juxtapositions of each other. Upstairs is bright, elegant, and airy with views of Main Street offered by bay windows in the front. While the Root Cellar downstairs offers a more intimate dining experience with a Chef’s Counter available for those who love to be part of the action. During the summer the patios are abundantly decorated with flowers offering a wonderful outdoor dining experience. Rootstalk is a venue that allows guests to connect to everything that Breckenridge has to offer.

137 South Main Street. Breckenridge Colorado www.radicatobreck.com

207 North Main Street, Breckenridge, Colorado www.rootstalkbreck.com

breckenridge dining

Radicato

Radicato, the creation of Chef Matt Vawter, is a modern Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Breckenridge, Colorado. Recently honored as the winner for the James Beard Awards’ Best Chef in the Mountain Region, Chef Matt brings a wealth of culinary expertise cultivated during his fourteen-year tenure in Denver. From his role as the Chef de Cuisine at Fruition Restaurant to his tenure as the Executive Chef/Partner at Mercantile dining & provision, and now the Executive Chef/Owner of Rootstalk and Radicato, Chef Matt’s culinary journey underscores a steadfast commitment to culinary excellence.

Opened in June of 2022, Radicato celebrates seasonal and technique-driven cuisine inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Italy. The name Radiato is an Italian word that means being deeply rooted to a place. There is a passion for showcasing everything Breckenridge and Colorado has to offer. The aim is to explore the connections between farmers and diners, while providing an atmosphere that allows guests to connect with each other. As a privately owned and operated establishment by Chef Matt, alongside partners Chef Cameron Baker and Director of Hospitality Patrick Murphy, Radicato embodies a team of hospitality professionals dedicated to curating memorable dining experiences. Radicato executes Chefs Matt Vawter and Cameron Baker’s vision of Mountain Italian. Ingredients are diligently sourced and are highlighted on ever evolving seasonal menus. Radicato offers a variety of dining options from happy hour, a la carte pastas and entrees, and a 5 course tasting menu which showcases the best of the Radicato kitchen.

The setting of Radicato is also influenced by the season. In the winter the dining room is lit by the warm ambiance of the lights in Blue River Plaza. There is no better place to watch the snow fall on a winter evening. In the summer two outdoor seating areas provide fresh air, the sounds of the Blue River, and stunning views of the Ten Mile Range. The dining room provides a welcoming, warm ambiance for any occasion or celebration. Hospitality is the central focus of our entire team at Radicato, we aim to create world class dining experiences for anyone who chooses to spend a night with us.

137 South Main Street. Breckenridge Colorado www.radicatobreck.com

Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Since 1981, Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina has been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Conveniently located on Park Avenue across from the base of Peak 9, Mi Casa is a great place to bring your whole family for lunch, or join your friends for their perennially popular daily Happy Hour. The wide-ranging menu and colorful atmosphere create a fun & festive dining experience for any type of crowd!

The decades-long tradition continues today with some modern tweaks including contemporary, spirit-forward Margaritas and craft cocktails, and a menu featuring the classics you expect, as well as elevated

seasonal options. From their famous Queso and Signature Salsas, to sizzling Fajitas, mix & match Tacos, and fresh appetizers and salads, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy! Plenty of Mi Casa’s menu items are great for sharing, and it remains one of the best values in town, with generous portion sizes. Their friendly, knowledgeable staff can help guide you to your perfect margarita or entree choice, from a menu filled with gluten-free & vegetarian options.

As one of the largest restaurants in Breckenridge, Mi Casa seats up to 300 people, and is a fantastic location for fam-

ilies and groups to gather and celebrate life’s special events. A visit to Breckenridge is best topped off with a taste of Mexico, and Mi Casa is the local favorite.

We invite you to visit us for Lunch, Happy Hour, or Dinner. We look forward to helping you and your friends & family experience the tastes and traditions of Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, a Breckenridge staple for more than 40 years. Salud!

600 South Park Avenue, Breckenridge 970-453-2071

www.micasabreck.com

crested butte dining

Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts

A Third Bowl Homemade Ice Cream scoop shop

Crested Butte, Colorado is a special town with a long history and close-knit community, and what would a quirky town be without a local ice cream shop? Look no further than Tin Cup CB, right off the main strip with hundreds of rotating, homemade flavors.

Owners Matthew and Lydia Price opened their first restaurant on Elk Avenue in 2019. Their mission was to create quality food in a grab-and-go style. They originally sold pasties; meat pies made popular by Cornish tin miners. The name “Tin Cup CB” comes from those miners and the mining ghost town.

The Prices wanted to bring historic food back into the valley, but they encountered obstacles such as staffing a kitchen, lack of experience, and burnout. Before they could figure out their snags, COVID shut the town down.

Around the same time, their friend, Kendall Tanslersky, reached out about needing a short-term solution to keep her ice cream company in business. So, the Prices built out a little corner of their restaurant for Third Bowl Homemade Ice Cream as a temporary solution.

In April of 2022, the Prices opted out of their lease and made the big move to open a mountain location, selling ice cream, desserts, and cheap booze. With the demand and success at the new mountain location, the Prices realized they needed to bring ice cream back down into town.

Hopefully you have sampled the high-quality products, and maybe even met the owners Matthew and Lydia Price. With their fun glasses and passion for the business, they serve up ice cream at both of their locations throughout the busy seasons.

by

Ceighlee Fennel

Tin Cup CB and Third Bowl Homemade Ice Cream are staples for Crested Butte and can now be found at their two locations: Crested Butte - 313 3rd St and Mt. Crested Butte - 620 Gothic Rd, Suite C-150 www.tincupcb.com

Read the entire story in the Dine Local Guide!

golden dining

The Golden Mill

A vibrant food hall opened in 2021 at 1012 Ford Street in Golden, Colorado. The company revitalized an old historic flour mill and feed store building along Clear Creek into a hip gathering spot offering 5 Restaurants and a Tap Bar. This food hall has quickly become an après adventure hotspot. Check out their self-pour tap walls with 56 taps featuring brews, wines, ciders, cocktails, and sake where guests can pour their own libations from a choice of locally sourced craft beverages using the Golden Mill card – a contactless card used for both the food vendors and the pour walls.

Relax on the main level patio or rooftop deck where you will enjoy sweeping views of North & South Table Mountains. There is a great spot to watch the river along the downstairs south-end windows. Try a taste at their five dining options: Rolling Smoke BBQ, Happy Cones, a New Zealand ice cream with a plethora of flavors, Tacos al Chile, Republik of Chicken, and Sushi Sora.

This is the perfect gathering spot and many events are held here year round. Cheers!

www.thegoldenmill.com

by Pepper Hamilton

Vinny’s Euro American Cuisine

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 pre-made 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. Every selection is 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 409 Main Street 2nd Floor #201 Frisco,CO www.vinnysfriscorestaurant.com

steamboat springs dining

Bésame

Surrounded by the snow covered peaks in the picturesque mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Latin-Asian fusion restaurant Bésame takes guests on a vacation. The rich and romantic experience, anchored by Bésame’s tapas selection, features an extensive Spanish-heavy wine menu, stellar cocktail menu, a Diego Rivera art motif, and a menu full of Latin surprises.

Mambo Italiano

Mambo Italiano, situated in Steamboat Springs, stands as an Italian culinary masterpiece. Since 2016, Mambo has been captivating patrons with its unparalleled Italian menu, wine and cocktail lists, generous happy hour and impeccable service, inviting open kitchen, pizza bar, indoor-outdoor bar, and gorgeous patio, making it the premier dining destination in the Yampa Valley.

Mambo has an enviable Italian wine list with more than 100 bottles from nearly every region in Italy. Italian-inspired cocktails include the classics like Negroni and Manhattan Nero, alongside seasonal Mambo cocktails such as The Venetian Spritz with Cappelletti “orange bitter”, prosecco, soda, and orange, and the Caffè e Crema Martini with espresso, Frangelico, Cool Swan dairy cream liqueur, St. George all purpose vodka, chocolate bitters, and coffee beans.

Working with Executive Chef Joe Campbell, Mambo’s menu offers fresh new takes on Italian classics, such as Fusilli All’Amatriciana, Lasagna, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Crispy Artichokes, Prosciutto Di Parma, and Steak Florentine for two which features a 32 oz Prime Colorado T-bone steak, crispy truffled potatoes, arugula, heirloom cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, aged balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and olive oil.

Mambo is known for having dedication to and passion for making everything from scratch, using the highest quality ingredients available locally, nationally, and internationally. Visit today to experience the extraordinary dishes, warm ambiance, and culinary journey that Mambo offers.

521 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 www.mambos.com

Bésame draws inspiration from the Chef’s world travels in Thailand, Ecuador, Morocco, and Spain. Alongside classic Spanish tapas with Latin and Asian flair - such as the Patatas Bravas and Grilled Octopus - Bésame has non-traditional tapas like Gyoza “Al Pastor” and Chili Glazed Beef Short Rib. In addition to the large plates like the Cubano, Quesobirria Tacos, and Paella that also serve up to 10 people, Bésame also has Muu Waan, Thai Red Curry, and Carne Asada.

Bésame’s cocktail program is - just like a good cocktail - strong, robust and multifaceted including Spanish classics like the Caipirinha, six types of Mojito, and a dozen innovative cocktails and mocktails. Original cocktails include The Tipsy Carrot which uses tequila, carrot juice, lime, chiles, hellfire bitters, habanero syrup, fresno chili, cilantro and Tequila After Dark with Casamigos Reposado, zucca amaro, agave, angostura bitters, orange bitters, dark chocolate, and orange.

Visit Bésame today to embark on a gastronomic journey like no other.

818 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 www.besamesteamboat.com

Yampa Valley Kitchen

Yampa Valley Kitchen, the latest creation from esteemed restaurateur Hannah Hopkins in Steamboat Springs, stands as a downtown dining staple. Housed in a recently renovated 1900s farmhouse, Yampa Valley Kitchen offers elevated classic comfort food throughout the day, celebrating nostalgic flavors and introducing new traditions.

This culinary haven prioritizes Colorado-sourced ingredients, collaborating with local producers such as Hayden Fresh Farms and 7X Ranch. Yampa Valley Kitchen’s dinner menu features inventive dishes like Miso Salmon, Steak Au Poivre & Frites, and Duck à L’Orange. In addition to dinner, Yampa Valley Kitchen also serves a popular breakfast and lunch featuring local favorites like the California Dreamin’ Benedict, Bananas Foster French Toast, Truffalo Burger, and Smoked Salmon Bowl.

Since its 2020 debut, Yampa Valley Kitchen has pioneered the Yampa Valley dining scene’s mocktail culture, presenting a full menu with the same creativity as their cocktails. Savor renowned mocktails like the Orange Julia, Matcha Mint G&T, and Beet Down Sour, showcasing Yampa Valley Kitchen’s commitment to innovative, alcohol-free options.

Join them at Yampa Valley Kitchen in celebrating the fusion of classic and contemporary flavors.

207 9th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 www.yampavalleykitchen.com

Ski & StayA Powderhorn . Palisade Respite

Powderhorn is introducing its new Ski & Stay packages in nearby Palisade, “Colorado’s Last Undiscovered Ski Town”. These affordable and unforgettable packages are perfect for families, couples, and adventure-seekers. Visitors can expect a unique combination of Powderhorn’s exceptional terrain and views plus Palisade’s charming beauty and renowned wineries. Guests will enjoy discounted day tickets at Powderhorn, giving access to over 1,600 acres of skiing and riding, while staying at awesome yet affordable lodging options with local partners. You might want to bring your bike too. After skiing and riding all day we think the allure of their single track and wine trails might keep you motivated for more fun.

Wine Country Inn

Nestled amidst 21 acres of vineyards, Wine Country Inn in Palisade features 80 guest rooms and the Vintner’s Guest House. Wine Country Inn offers complimentary afternoon tastings of their private label wines (Grand River Vineyards), plus dining on-site, a seasonal outdoor pool and year-round hot tub. Rooms feature classic decor and comfortable furnishings, as well as carefully restored historic photographs throughout.

www. coloradowinecountryinn.com

Spoke & Vine

This hip, reinvented motel features minimalist design with sustainable features; “this is not your grandpa’s motel,” according to its proprietors. Located within walking distance to Palisade’s wealth of fresh food, wine, beer, mead and fruit stands, Spoke & Vine is the perfect basecamp no matter your plans for adventure. All rooms are dog-friendly (up to two dogs per room), and options include five different room sizes and configurations. www. spokeandvinemotel.com

Palisade Basecamp RV Resort

Nestled between fruit orchards and vineyards alongside the Colorado River at the base of the Palisade Plunge mountain bike trail, Palisade Basecamp is open year-round and offers full hook-up RV sites, riverside tent camping, and cozy cabins. The 14-acre resort is located one mile from historic downtown Palisade, and a short drive from Powderhorn Mountain Resort. The resort is pet friendly too.

www. palisadebasecamp.com

The Homestead at Palisade

A charming family-owned inn located in Palisade, The Homestead includes five charming guest rooms with different configurations. The property features majestic views of the Bookcliffs and Buzzard’s Roost to the south and the Colorado River flowing from DeBeque Canyon. Every inch of The Homestead was lovingly remodeled and upgraded and rooms are spacious, featuring thoughtful amenities and decor.

www. thehomesteadpalisade.com

Top Left: Wine Country Inn

Top Right: Palisade Basecamp RV Resort

Bottom Left: Spoke & Vine Motel

Bottom Right: The Homestead

Beyul Retreat

There’s a tucked away chunk of land along the canyon-carving Frying Pan River that’s catching the eye of retreat leaders, yogis, progressive Colorado families, and artists like Brett Dennen and Rising Appalachia.

by Lisa Blake

Beyul Retreat rests along a winding high mountain road at 8,300 feet just east of Basalt and down the road from Ruedi Reservoir. Once upon a time, the wild 32-acre mountain valley was called Diamond J Ranch. Since 1927, men would come to this special crux of meadows, forest, creeks and waterfalls to hunt while women plucked wildflowers. In November of 2020, former Yerba Mate Tea marketing director Reuben Sadowsky and Abby Stern, a heart-centered leadership and wellbeing event curator with Aspen-based Lead with Love, partnered up and purchased the ranch.

“Beyul is Tibetan for ‘hidden lands’ and we’re all about finding the hidden layers and hidden spaces within yourself while you’re here,” says Stern, Beyul Retreat GM and cofounder.

While everyday folks can discover Beyul on Airbnb, booking. com and Expedia — think a higher-end hut trip with elevated amenities — the property’s two-story home sleeping 12, four historic studio cabins, lodge hotel rooms, onsite chef, event barn, sauna and cold plunge draw groups spanning corporate holidays to silent meditation retreats.

“Events are aligned with slowing down and reconnecting,” Stern says. “We have tech-heavy companies coming here to unplug and reboot as a team.” Sometimes, Stern adds, families book the big cabin on Airbnb and get upset when they arrive and see zero bars on their iPhones. (Beyul is out there. There’s no cell service and no wifi in the cabins — an intentional feature to spur guests to read, hike and connect with each other.)

After a few days of untethered time together, taking yoga classes, fly fishing, rock climbing, paddleboarding and star gazing, those same scrolling teens and email blasting parents are professing gratitude for the unfiltered family connection time.

“That’s what we want,” Stern says of her dog- and kid-friendly slice of seclusion. “Settle in and really be here. Spend time with yourself and whoever you arrived with.”

Beyul’s main focus during warmer months is full property buyouts. Events, retreats and weddings hosting up to 100 guests are the bread and butter. The isolated address is also proving attractive to creatives, looking for space to think. Last winter, two musicians took up cabin residencies to work on an album and a writer enjoyed a three-week stay to gain clarity.

Beyul’s event barn will see speakers, workshops and concerts while yoga will flow in the aspen groves. In late June, a conscious and playful women-only Expression Camp invites heart-centered females to take a nourishing weekend. Early July welcomes Ape Co Movement for four days of deep dive movement education training. Later in July, folk/pop singer-songwriter Brett Dennen will host a four-day summer camp wrapped around creative workshops, outdoor adventures, communal farm-to-table meals and good old-fashioned campfire gatherings.

“We want to be known for the way you feel when you leave,” Stern says. “I want people to feel inspired in some way. Like they’re ready to go back to their everyday lives with a fresh perspective.” www.beyulretreat.com

photo

credit:

Beyul

Retreat

SAN CLEMENTE

San Clemente Delivers a Quaint Beach Town Experience with Big Surf Vibes

San Clemente, California unfolds as a coastal haven, celebrated by locals for its breathtaking beauty and vibrant offerings. Whether you seek stellar surf spots, delightful restaurants, charming boutiques, or expansive sandy beaches, San Clemente gracefully delivers on all fronts. Despite its modest size, this city packs a punch when it comes to visiting a great beach town. Let’s give some love to California, here are great reasons to go.

Situated approximately an hour south of Los Angeles and an hour north of San Diego, San Clemente benefits from a temperate climate year-round, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. While a day trip is feasible for those with limited time, a weekend getaway unveils this beach town’s true charm.

Prepare to immerse yourself in the great outdoors, whether on land or water, as you explore the treasures of San Clemente. Mornings may greet you with a touch of coastal fog, but the sun typically graces the afternoons, so dressing in light layers is advisable.

The San Clemente Pier

Commence your San Clemente experience at the iconic pier, a 1,296-foot wooden structure offering awe-inspiring ocean views. Witness surfers awaiting the perfect wave, fishermen casting their lines into the depths, and seagulls poised for a catch. The San Clemente Pier, initially constructed in 1928 and later rebuilt in 1985, stands as a revered city attraction. For a delightful sea-

food experience, visit The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar at the pier’s base, or explore nearby cafes and restaurants with diverse culinary offerings.

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens

Nearby, discover the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, located in the former home of San Clemente’s founder, Ole Hanson. This historic landmark hosts cultural activities, from music to dance, amidst 2.5 acres of gardens featuring native plants. A self-guided tour, available in English and Spanish, offers insights into the home and gardens, providing a panoramic view of the San Clemente Pier.

Shop & Stroll

Venture into the streets of downtown along Avenida Del Mar, where boutique shopping beckons. Lined with surfing, clothing, and home decor shops, this tree-lined boulevard also hosts quaint cafes and bakeries, creating a delightful space for exploration.

The Beaches Baby!

San Clemente Pier City Beach, bustling with activity, offers snack bars, restaurants, and scenic views. For a more secluded experience, head to San Clemente State Beach at the city’s south end, boasting dramatic views and a nearby campground for camping enthusiasts. Surf aficionados can explore Trestles Beach, known for its world-class waves, along with T-Street Beach, North Beach, and San Onofre State Beach.

Hike, Bike and more can be discovered by following our QR on the right at Beach Town Magazine. Take a trip and Go!

by Beach Town Magazine

Each year, Ice Castles brings fairy tales to life for hundreds of thousands of families across North America and this year you can enjoy their spectacular icey work of natural art.

Since 2011, Ice Castles has brought a unique experience to our mountain towns. This year you can enjoy the splendor in Eagle and Cripple Creek where you can stroll through icicle-adorned archways lit in brilliant hues of color at night. Enjoy this unforgettable winter memory, buy tickets online and make the trip to these locations:

794 Fairgrounds Road, Eagle, CO 81631 339 Irene Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 www.icecastles.com

Ice Castles Lake Loops

Looking for a new and exciting way to recreate in Summit County during the winter? Look no further! The Town of Dillon presents “Lake Loops” a winter multi-use track located on the Dillon Reservoir. Whether you are walking, cross country skiing, skate skiing, snowshoeing or fat biking the Lake Loops offers a groomed course with stunning views of Peak One and Buffalo Mountain.

The Lake Loops are groomed each afternoon. To ensure the safety of guests the Town of Dillon takes weekly ice measurements in order to judge the thickness of the ice around the track. Once the ice begins to melt and become unsafe for their grooming mechanism, the track will close. The Town of Dillon expects the closing date to be the end of March depending on weather. For Information: www.townofdillon.com/parks-rec/winter-activities/winter-multi-use-track

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& events

Celebrating Snow & Spring in Colorado’s Mountain Towns

By Shauna Farnell

Find the parties in Steamboat Springs, Vail, Durango, Copper Mountain and Fruita, February through May:

Although we think of April and May as off-season in mountain towns, there are a few events that render the following places most certainly “on” for spring. Get ready to pack for all weather (It could be a bellies out tanning scene or blizzarding … we never really know) and mark your calendar for live music, food, wine and fat tires, plus a guaranteed surge of spring energy

WinterWonderGrass

February 28 - March 2, 2025

You don’t have to be a refined foodie to relish the flavors and revelry that bring the town and mountain to life.

www.winterwondergrass.com

Taste of Vail

April 2 - 5, 2025

You don’t have to be a refined foodie to relish the flavors and revelry that bring the town and mountain to life with this food and wine festival that lands in

winemakers. About two dozen chefs from nearly every beloved restaurant in the valley tout their finest creations at the signature Aprés Tasting that takes over the streets of Vail Village along with almost 60 wineries, distilleries and breweries. The tasting extravaganza continues at the top of the mountain as chefs and libation makers set up picnic-style at the top of the Lionshead gondola, so you can sample the wares in between spring laps. The tasty masterpieces hit their high notes while gathering inside for the finale of the weekend –The Grand Tasting. Got a specific type of wine you love? Rosé, maybe? You’re likely to find a seminar or tasting on tap throughout the ever-growing and evolving fourday festival. Check out the schedule and buy tickets at www.tasteofvail.com

Durango Bluegrass Meltdown

April 11 - 13, 2025

Nothing ushers in spring like three days of cheerful twang. Organized by a long-standing local nonprofit that imparts musical passion and prowess to surrounding schoolchildren, the Meltdown has quietly filled the town of Durango with one-of-a-kind harmonies for 30 years. Launching with a free Friday evening concert

years. Launching with a free Friday evening concert series in the 11th Street Station food truck hub, the Meltdown continues throughout the weekend, bringing more than 500 bands and artists to venues all over town. Find all you need to know at durangomeltdown.com.

www.durangomeltdown.com

Copper Mountian Sunsation

April 26 - 27, 2025

While many ski areas throw down for their end-ofseason party, Copper’s Sunsation eclipses the rest with two full days of fun live tunes and a poppin’ ambiance at the base area. Center Village is where it all goes down. While the chairlifts are still turning for Copper’s extended season, the base area is lined with tents full of swag giveaways and a massive stage thumping with tunes from a lineup of A-list artists. It’s a weekend of everything you ever want in a spring après ski party. www.coppercolorado.com

Fruita Fat Tire Festival

May 2 - 4, 2025

While mountain towns in alpine landscapes are indeed changing season gears this time of year, Colorado’s high desert has been hosting sun seekers for weeks. Those who trade in their boards for bikes as soon as they can should not miss this two-day festival in what is arguably the Centennial State’s most bike-friendly landscape. In its 28th year, the Fruita Fat Tire celebrates all things mountain biking with a weekend full of vendor tents, bike demos, live music, food truck and guided group rides for all ages and levels, E-bikers included. It’s the meeting place of friendly fat tire fans from near and far and a perfect opportunity to take your skills and knowledge to the next level.

Get all the details and schedule at www.fruitafattirefestival.com

JANUARY

January 22, 2025

Aspen Film’s Winter Of Cinema Presents Science On Screen, Aspen www.aspenfilm.org

January 22, 2025

Free 5km Cross-Country Ski Race Series, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com/event/nordiccenter-events

January 22, 2025

United Way Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area www.visitpagosasprings.com

January 23 – 25, 2025 X Games, Aspen www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/events/xgames-aspen

January23, 2025

Play Forever Thursdays, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com/events-activities/events-calendar/pft-avalanche-awareness

January 23 – 26, 2025 30th Annual Ouray Ice Festival, Ouray www.ourayicepark.com/ouray-ice-festival

January 24 – 26, 2025

Toyota Takeover Weekend, Breckenridge Ski Resort www.breckenridge.com

January 24 – 27, 2025

USASA Rocky Mountain Series Slopestyle, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com

January 24 – 26, 2025 2025 Borealis Fat Bike Worlds, Crested Butte www.fatbikeworlds.org

January 24 – February 2, 2025 Snowdown Durango, Durango www.durango.com/event/snowdown/

January 24 – 26, 2025

Estes Park Skijor, Estes Park www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/ estes-park-skijor/

January 24 – 27, 2025

Rocky Mountain Series Slopestyle, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com

January 24, 2025

Winter Comedy Series, Keystone Resort www.keystoneresort.com

January 25, 2025

Aspen Film Presents: The Met Opera HD Live: AIDA, Aspen www.aspenfilm.org

January 25, 2025

Aspen Film’s Winter Of Cinema Presents Science On Screen: “Happy Accidents Or Stroke Of Genius”, Aspen www.aspenfilm.org

Breckenridge Distillery Barrel Room Music Series, Breckenridge Live Music is BACK at Breckenridge Distillery this winter! www.breckenridgedistillery.com/events-calendar/

January 25, 2025

Women’s Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Riding, Buena Vista www.colorfulcolorado.com

January 25, 2025

Uphill Race Series presented by Mammut | Challenge 1, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com

January 25 – 26, 2025

Safetyfest presented by Nokian Tyres, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com

January 25, 2025

Stagecoach Classic 30k & 15k race – 15k Ski Tour, Devil’s Thumb Ranch www.playwinterpark.com

January 25, 2025

Eat, Ski & Be Merry, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com

January 25 – 26, 2025 SafetyFest, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com

January 25, 2025

Mammut Uphill Race Series, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com

January 25, 2025

Rail Rodeo Series Event #1 – The Mutton Busters, Granby Ranch

Kick off the series with our beginner-friendly Mutton Busters Rail Jam. www.playwinterpark.com

January 25, 2025

KOTO Lip Sync Contest, Telluride www.telluride.com/event/koto-lip-synccontest

January 25, 2025

Wolf Creek Challenge Series – Giant Slalom Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area www.wolfcreekski.com/events-and-deals/

January 26, 2025

Know.The Snow SkiMo Race, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski/event/know-thesnow-skimo-race-2/

January 26, 2025

Snowdown Kickoff Party and Theme Announcement, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski/event/snowdown-kickoff-party-and-theme-announcement/

January 28, 2025

Locals’ Clinics – Jumping Clinic, Powderhorn Mountain Resort www.powderhorn.com/events/event/363local-s-clinics-jumping-clinic.html

January 29. 2025

Indie Showcase: I’M STILL HERE, Aspen www.aspenfilm.org

January 30 – February 6, 2025

Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, Aspen www.aspensnowmass.com

January 30, 2025

Play Forever Thursdays, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com

January 31 –February 3, 2025

USASA Rocky Mountain Series – Boardercross and Ski Cross, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com

January 31, 2025

Snowdown Light Parade, Durango www.durango.com

January 31 – February 1, 2025

High Country Hootenanny: Winter Bluegrass Weekend, Keystone Resort www.keystoneresort.com

January 31 – February 2, 2025

USASA Boardercross Competition, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski/event/usasa-boardercross-competition/2025-01-31/

FEBRUARY

February 1, 2025

Alley Loop Nordic Race, Crested Butte www.travelcrestedbutte.com

February 1, 2025

Lake City Ice Climbing Festival, Lake City www.lakecityice.com/festival

February 1, 2025

Pardi Paws Celebration, Leadville www.leadvilletwinlakes.com

February 1, 2025

First Friday – Save the Date, Minturn www.minturn.org

February 4 – 8, 2025

IFSA Freeride World Qualifier & Junior Freeride Series, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com

February 5, 2025

Free 5km Cross-Country Ski Race Series, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com

February 5, 2025

Local’s Clinics – Women’s Performance Clinic, Powderhorn Mountain Resort www.powderhorn.com

February 6, 2025

Play Forever Thursdays, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com

February 6, 2025

Outdoor Divas Women’s Demo Day, Loveland Ski Area www.skiloveland.com

February 6, 2025

Telluride Art Walk, Telluride www.telluride.com

February 7, 2025

6th Alley Dinner – New Belgium Brewing, Arapahoe Basin www.arapahoebasin.com

February 7, 2025

Carbondale First Fridays, Carbondale www.carbondale.com

February 7, 2025

First Friday, Durango www.durango.com

February 7, 2025

First Friday! Art Groove , Estes Park, Estes Park www.visitestespark.com

February 7 – 9, 2025

2025 UIAA Ice Climbing World Youth Championships – Ouray www.theuiaa.org

February 7, 2025

February First Friday Wish Lantern Festival www.silverthorne.org

February 7 – 9, 2025

112th Steamboat Winter Carnival, Steamboat Ski Resort www.steamboat.com

February 8 – 12, 2025

Revolution Tour at Aspen Snowmass Open, Aspen/Snowmass www.aspensnowmass.com

February 8, 2025

CBSP 43rd Annual Wall to Wall Fundraise, Crested Butte www.gunnisonvalleycalendar.com

February 8 2025

54th Annual Frisco Gold Rush and Community Bonfire and Fireworks, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com

February 8 – 9, 2025

Our Gang 4 Wheelers, Georgetown www.ourgangiceracing.com/

February 8, 2025

Ice Addiction Fishing Tournament, Gunnison www.gunnisonvalleycalendar.com

February 8, 2025

Canvas Uncorked, Keystone Resort www.keystoneresort.com

February 8, 2025

7th annual Lake San Cristobal Brew-Ski, Lake City www.businessdirectory.lakecity.com

February 8, 2025

Winter Mountain Bike Series – Tennessee Pass Night Jam, Leadville www.leadvilletwinlakes.com

February 8 – 9, 2025

Toyota Days! Loveland Ski Area www.skiloveland.com

February 8, 2025

Moonrise Cross Country Ski, Pagosa Springs

Members and non-members welcome for twww.visitpagosasprings.com

February 8, 2025

Demo Days, Purgatory Resort

Demo the latest and greatest gear from brands like Salomon, Volkl, Blizzard, Fischer, Meier, Head, K2, Dynastar, Rossignol, Atomic, Voile, DPS, Black Crows, and more! www.purgatory.ski/

February 8 – 9, 2025

Ranch to Ranch Trek, Winter Park www.playwinterpark.com

February 9, 2025

Uphill Race #2, Granby www.granbyranch.com

February 9, 2025

Local’s Clinics – Bumps Clinic, Powderhorn Mountain Resort www.powderhorn.com

February 9, 2025

Wolf Creek 85th Anniversary Fun Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area

February 10, 2025

Winter Joggers & Lagers at Mountain Tap, Steamboat Springs www.steamboatchamber.com

February 12. 2025

Full Moon Freeze Winter Fat Bike Race, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com

February 13, 2025

Moonlight Race Series 3, Sunlight Mountain Resort

February 13 – 16, 2025

Telluride Comedy Festival, Telluride www.telluride.com

February 13 – 14, 2025

TAB Student Fashion Show,& Telluride AIDS Benefit Fashion Week, Telluride www.telluride.com

February 14, 2025

Lyle Lovette and His Acoustic Group, Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge www.breckcreate.org

February 14, 2025

Bubly Tubing Spindig, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com

February 14, 2025

Winter Songwriter Shuffle, Mt. Crested Butte www.gunnisonvalleycalendar.com

February 14, 2025

Valentines Day At The Estes Park Resort And Ember Restaurant, Estes Park www.theestesparkresort.com

February 14, 2025

Winter Wine Pairing: Journeys Through France, Wine & Love in Four Acts, Keystone Resort www.keystoneresort.com

February 14, 2025

Loveland’s 34th Annual Mountaintop Matrimony, Loveland Ski Resort www.skiloveland.com

February 14 – 15, 2025

John Summit Presents – Experts Only, Vail www.vail.com

February 15 – 16, 2025

DanceAspen Presents Ember Glow, Aspen www.dance-aspen.org/events/ember-glow

February 15, 2025

TEDx Breckenridge, Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge www.tedxbreckenridge.com

February 28, 2025 – March 2, 2025

Special Olympics State Winter Games, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com

February28 – March 2, 2025

2025 WinterWonderGrass Festival, Steamboat Ski Resort www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/ events/2025-winterwondergrass

MARCH

March 1, 2025

Women’s Intermediate Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding, Buena Vista www,business.buenavistacolorado.org

March 1, 2025

March Green Tire Giveaway, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com

March 1 – 2, 2025

Western Ski Weekend | Après-Ski Part, Crested Butte Mountain Resort www.gunnisonvalleycalendar.com/

March 1 – 2, 2025

Our Gang 4 Wheelers, Georgetown www.ourgangiceracing.com/

March 1, 2025

Matt Milski Memorial Ski Race, Lake City

March 1 – 2, 2025

Leadville Ski Joring 2025, Leadville www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/

March 1, 2025

Winter Mountain Bike Series – Mineral Belt Mayhem, Leadville www.leadvilletwinlakes.com

March 1 – 2, 2025

Toyota Days! Loveland Ski Area www.skiloveland.com

March 1, 2025

Uncle Clyde’s Run and Slide, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski

March 1, 2025

Wolf Creek Ski Area Mardi Gras Fun Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area www.visitpagosasprings.com

March 4, 2025

Mardi Gras Party and Parade, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski

March 5, 2025

Bubble Gum Ski Race Series, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com

March 5 – 8, 2025

Telluride Fringe Festival, Telluride www.telluride.com

March 6, 2025

Outdoor Divas Women’s Demo Day, Loveland Ski Area www.skiloveland.com

March 6, 2025

Telluride Art Walk, Telluride www.telluride.com/event/telluride-art-walk/

March 6, 2025

Jane & Pitch Tribute Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area, Wolf Creek Ski Area www.wolfcreekski.com/events-and-deals

March 7 – 8, 2025

The Snow League, Aspen/ Snowmass www.aspensnowmass.com

March 7, 2025

First Friday! Art Groove , Estes Park www.visitestespark.com

March 7 – 9, 2025

Peaks & Beats, Keystone Resort www.keystoneresort.com

March 7, 2025

March First Friday Rail Jam, Silverthorne www.silverthorne.org

March 8, 2025

Mammut Stampede Series | Challenge 3, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com

March 8, 2025

Mammut Uphill Race Series, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com

March 8, 2025

Frisco BrewSki, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com

March 8, 2025

Demo Days, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski

March 8, 2025

Bud Light Rocks the Boat Concert Series, Steamboat Ski Resort www.steamboat.com

March 9, 2025

Uphill Race #3, Granby www.granbyranch.com

March 12, 2025

Bubble Gum Ski Race Series, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com

March 13, 2025

Anon Aspen Snowmass Junior Freeride, Aspen/ Snowmass www.aspensnowmass.com

March 14, 2025

G LOVE & Special Sauce, Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge www.breckcreate.org

Mach 14 -16, 2025

Freerider Camp, Powderhorn Mountain Resort www.powderhorn.com

March 14, 2025

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike, Winter Park www.playwinterpark.com

March 15, 2025

Aspen Film Presents: The Met Opera HD Live: FIDELIO, Aspen www.isistickets.btmcinemas.com/movie/ met-opera-2025-fidelio

March 15, 2025

A Day for Jake, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com

March 15-17, 2025

Frozen Dead Guy Days, Estes Park www.frozendeadguydays.com

March 15, 2025

Winter Mountain Bike Series – Fatty Patty 50K, Leadville www.leadvilletwinlakes.com

March 15 – 16, 2025

Toyota Days! Loveland Ski Area www.skiloveland.com

March 15. 2025

Free Family Race Day! Loveland Ski Area www.skiloveland.com

March 15, 2025

Local’s Clinics – Women’s Performance Clinic, Powderhorn Mountain Resort www.powderhorn.com

March 15, 2025

Cardboard Derby, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski

March 15 2025

Bud Light Rocks the Boat Concert Series, Steamboat Ski Resort www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/events/ bud-light-rocks-the-boat-concert-seriesmarch-15

THERE ARE SO MANY EVENTS WE CANNOT FIT THEM. SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEE THE REST OF MARCH, APRIL & MAY ON OUR WEBSITE:

An Ode to Bluebird Backcountry

We had hoped to feature an article on Bluebird Backcountry after an unforgettable visit to their stunning facility in Grand County. This unique resort was designed for backcountry enthusiasts. That experience left a lasting impression, showcasing the potential for an eco-friendly, educational retreat in our beloved mountain towns. The photo above captures one of their trails, leading to breathtaking backcountry turns. The atmosphere embodied everything you’d expect from a classic Colorado backcountry hut trip—yet it was also the vision of remarkable individuals who turned it into a thriving business. We’re grateful for their efforts and inspired by the idea of more businesses helping people reconnect with nature in fun and meaningful ways.

While you may not have the chance to visit this particular destination now, nature offers countless places to explore and connect with the world around us. We hope you take the time to learn how and appreciate our beautiful surroundings. We cherish the land around us.

LAND ON A BETTER LOT LOAN.

At Rural 1st, we don’t just lend rural, we live rural. Our loan officers are from your communities, which means we understand how to find the perfect lot loan for you.

Fixed Rate Options on Bare Land

While many competitors only offer variable lot loans, we offer fully-fixed rate options.

Lower Rates for Less

If a lower rate comes along you can change rates for just a small fee*, saving you money in the long run.

Get the Full Value of Your Land

When you’re ready to build, we acknowledge the equity in the land towards the down payment on your construction loan, potentially lowering the amount you’d need to put down.

Contact your local loan officer today to get started.