Winter fun guide 2014

November 16, 2014

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WINTER FUN INDOORS AND OUTDOORS

Savoring the

season

BY STEPHANIE EARLS

stephanie.earls@gazette.com —

“Winter is coming...”

In the fictional world of George R.R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones,” that ominous three-word phrase — the motto of House Stark — forebodes serious chills. Safe to say, the people of Westeros aren’t looking forward to the start of snow recreation season, which in Martin’s fantastical climate could last for decades.

Luckily, we live in the Front Range region. Our White Walkers have snowshoes strapped to their feet. Winter, when it gets super-serious, always atones with a sunny day or two so we

can enjoy the powder.

Here, we race toward winter and use technology to goose the process, even at our highest-elevation resorts.

Winter isn’t all about bundling up and heading for the hills, though. And if you prefer to remain a wallflower when snow sings her siren song, your winter fun quotient is just as important as everyone else’s. Even in Colorado.

To help inspire readers as the mercury drops, we’ve compiled some options — half of them indoors — for enjoying the coming season from its many different vantage points. We’ve rated them for difficulty, using the parlance of the slopes.

GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

Warm up with toasty toes. But first you have to know how to build a fire.

INDOORS 1. Learn to arm/finger-knit: Spark up a blaze in the fireplace (we’ll get to that in a minute) and tune in to a YouTube lesson from Donna Wolfe, aka Naztazia, on creating wearable knit-works without tools. The nine-minute video tutorial is assembled in montages so we see the products from start to finish. Yours won’t go that fast, trust us.

• Difficulty: Blue 2. Create a comfort drink: Warm up from the inside-out with a piping hot beverage, grown-up-style if you like (we like). A popular winter indulgence at The Ritz on Tejon Street in Colorado Springs is the Hot Apple Pie: 1.5 ounce of Tuaca liqueur, 4 ounces of hot cider, topped with whipped cream, cinnamon and sugar, and a cinnamon stick.

• Difficulty: Green 3. Fireplace cooking: Experience the joys of open-fire food preparation without braving the elements. Sarah Leah Chase devotes a chapter in her 2014 book “Cold-Weather Cooking” to hearthside grilling, “to dispel epicurian doldrums and set the soul on fire again.” Find the book on Amazon.

• Difficulty: Black (because of the fire) 4. See “The Nutcracker”: Spread your winter wings alongside the Sugarplum Fairy at a performance of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic.

The Colorado Springs Philharmonic performs Nov. 28-30 at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts; the Colorado Ballet’s production runs Nov. 29-Dec. 27 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver. Visit csphilharmonic.org or coloradoballet.org.

• Difficulty: Blue, because you have to

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leave the house 5. Build a fire: Sure, you could just toss in all the ingredients like it’s a crock pot, but where’s the fun in that? Details, from the size and type of wood you choose to how you stack it on the grate, affect how long and hot it burns. For a basic guide, visit blog.allstate.com/buildingfireplace-fire.

• Difficulty: Green 6. Cinemmersion therapy: So you’re not really a cold-weather person, that’s cool: The climate is played (mostly) for charms in Walt Disney’s “Frozen” (2013) and the 2002 computeranimated film “Ice Age.” For a darker perspective, revisit the scenes set on the ice planet Hoth in “The Empire Strikes Back” (and comfort yourself with the knowledge that you’ll never have to crawl inside a tauntaun to get warm) or try the Netflix streaming release, the 2013 sci-fi chiller “Snowpiercer,” in which humanity’s few survivors ride out a post-apocalyptic ice age aboard a globe-circling supertrain.

• Difficulty: Green; “Snowpiercer” — Black, because there are a few scenes we still can’t shake 7. Try home-brewing: The Front Range region has everything the hopeful DIY brewer might need or want. For the gear, hit Old West Home Brew Supply at 229 E. Pikes Peak Ave. For the inspiration, guidance and camaraderie, there’s Brew Brothers of Pikes Peak — brewbrosco.com.

• Difficulty: Blue-Black, depending on your patience 8. Get a taste of scuba diving: Prepare for an upcoming summer excursion, or not, at — SEE SEASON • PAGE 4

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Underwater Connection’s $25 “Discover Scuba” class, held twice-monthly in the center’s stateof-the-art heated pool. Visit uwcscuba.com/ discover-scuba.

• Difficulty: Blue 9. Hot yoga: With classroom temperatures of 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, hot yoga uses heat and high humidity to boost the workout, increase flexibility and speed up the natural detoxification process. Several Colorado Springs studios offer classes; Hot on Yoga, at hotonyoga.com, is one.

• Difficulty: Black 10. Pantry purge: Unless you’re a Type-A personality, clearing out the cupboards to donate to a local food bank might not qualify as “fun,” per se. Give it a try; we bet your spirits will elevate. And if not, hey — you did a good thing and accidentally tidied up. Visit careandshare.org.

• Green OUTDOORS 1. Ice skating at Acacia Park: “Skate in the Park,” at the only outdoor rink in Colorado Springs, until 9 p.m. every day except Christmas, through Jan. 11. That’s plenty of time to go from zero to a figure-eight. $10 admission includes skates. Visit the event calendars page at downtowncs.com.

• Difficulty: Blue

MTPRINCETON.COM

A visit to Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Chaffee County can help you shake off the winter chill.

2. Go fat-biking: With their beefy, monstertruck-style tires, fat bikes are made expressly to handle alternative terrain like snow. Borealis Bikes, an industry pioneer, is based in Colorado.

Check out the equipment out 110 S. Weber St., Suite 101, and online at fatbike.com.

• Difficulty: Blue-Black 3. Ice fishing: An increasingly popular winter sport in Colorado, top ice fishing destinations include Eleven Mile Reservoir near Lake George and Chatfield Reservoir near Littleton. Visit icefishcolorado.com.

• Difficulty: Black 4. Visit a hot springs: The open-air soaking pool at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Chaffee County is about 105 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so you’ll have to wait for a break in

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the steam to enjoy the winter vistas. Adult day passes to the resort’s hot springs and historic bathhouse are $18 Mondays-Thursdays, $22 Fridays-Sundays. Visit mtprinceton.com.

• Difficulty: Blue 5. Yurt trip: Options exist for the hardiest of backcountry excursionists, but the Hinsdale Haute Route yurt system, in the San Juans south of Lake City, presents a comparatively mild buy-in: 4.5 miles on groomed trails from Slumgullion Pass. Yurts sleep eight and rent for $110 per night. Visit www.lakecity.com.

• Difficulty: Black 6. Sledding/tubing: Many resorts and ski areas also have an area for sledding and tubing, but a favorite hill in the Springs can be found at Cottonwood Creek Recreation Center, 3920 Dub-

lin Blvd. (You can swim after!) Visit the center’s page on the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region website, www.ppymca.org.

• Difficulty: Green 7. Snowshoe at The Crags: The snow-laden hinterland of Pikes Peak is a popular playground for snowshoers and hikers. The trailhead, about 30 miles west of Colorado Springs, is best accessed with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Snowshoe rental averages $10-$20 a day at sports equipment shops.

• Difficulty: Blue-Black 8. The Incline: Extend the winter fun to everyone’s favorite funicular with a trek up the Manitou Incline. Closed since August for much-needed trail maintenance, the Incline is expected to reopen in December. Visit manitou incline.com.

• Difficulty: Double Black 9. Breckenridge snow sculptures: For 13 days, Breckenridge transforms into a wintry studio for large-scale snow art during the International Snow Sculpture Championships, now in its 25th year. The event is Jan. 27-Feb. 8. Visit gobreck.com.

• Difficulty: Green 10. Dogsled trip: Experience the winterscape as a musher, with a canine-powered glide through the San Isabel National Forest. Day and “starlight” excursions include basics on the sport and harnessing techniques. Tours, which start at $100, run December through April. Visit monarchdogsledrides.com.

• Blue Contact Stephanie Earls: 636-0364

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SUNDAY, NOV 16, 2014 I THE GAZETTE I G 5

STAYING FIT

Winter

workouts

BY LANCE BENZEL

lance.benzel@gazette.com —

GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

Running in winter doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor.

2014-15 Season The The Curtain Curtain is is rising rising

The The Hit Hit Men Men Holiday Holiday Show Show Friday, Friday, December December 12, 12, 2014, 2014, 7:30 7:30 pm pm

Smokey Smokey Joe’s Joe’s Cafe Cafe

Friday, Friday, January January 9, 9, 2015, 2015, 7:30 7:30 pm pm

77 Brides Brides for for 77 Brothers Brothers Friday, Friday, February February 6, 6, 2015, 2015, 7:30 7:30 pm pm

Glenn Glenn Miller Miller Orchestra Orchestra

Saturday, Saturday, February February 28, 28, 2015, 2015, 7:30 7:30 pm pm

Recycled Recycled Percussion Percussion Friday, Friday, April April 10, 10, 2015, 2015, 7:30 7:30 pm pm

Arnold Hall Theater, USAF Academy call 719-333-4497 for tickets.

Check out Academy Concerts at www.USAFAsupport.com G 6 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, NOV 16, 2014

Winter brings an undeniable beauty to the Pikes Peak region, but let’s be honest: It can be a killer for your workout routine.

Snow, biting wind and gray skies can sap motivation and leave you housebound.

It doesn’t have to be so. With grit, the right gear and a little creativity, winter need not mean a setback in your fitness. Here are a few simple steps that can keep your momentum going and help you reclaim your offseason.

Find strength in numbers.

Join a MeetUp group. At Meetup.com, you will find people who share your love of the outdoors, whether you run, hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe or make snow angels.

There’s a psychological advantage in surrounding yourself with other hardy souls, says Brian Kerkhoff of Colorado Springs, who organizes mountain bike expeditions throughout the season as part of the user-driven website.

When wind is battering your windows and the view outside is dreadful, it helps knowing there’s a group that will be waiting at the trailhead, bundled up and ready to suffer with you.

“Sometimes, just the motivation to get out of the house and go do it can be huge,” he said.

It also offers a chance to commiserate.

There are many other opportunities to find your clique, so remember to consult the schedules of local groups such as the Trails and Open Space Coalition (trailsandopenspaces.org), UpaDowna (upadowna.org), and the Pikes Peak Road Runners (pprrun.org).

Invest in appropriate gear.

The tab for workout gear can add up fast, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.

For runners, it’s a matter of spending wisely.

With ice and snow on many trails, you’ll want to track down a pair of trail running shoes with deep, aggressive treads. Wearing “microspikes” — which resemble snow tires for your shoes — can be an advantage or even a necessity on some snowbound runs and hikes.

If you’re active early in the morning or late afternoon, headlamps are essential — not just to illuminate the way

ahead, but to ensure that cars see you coming.

And, please, repeat after us: Bring layers.

“You start out and it’s cold, and you get halfway out and you’re hot, then it’s cold again — lots of layers,” said Josh Herman, a founding member of the Attack Pack running group, which has endured winter morning runs since 2009.

Head south!

Lake Pueblo State Park, located about 45 minutes south of Colorado Springs, is winter redoubt for the region’s mountain bikers, runners, hikers and bird watchers, boasting an extensive trail network that is sometimes free of snow for weeks at a stretch.

Snow-free fun can also be had in Cañon City, home of a budding Bureau of Land Management recreational area called Oil Well Flats.

Climbers also have access to Shelf Road in Cañon City, “and it’s warm and sunny almost every day,” said Jes Meiris, a local climbing guide who holds speed records for El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.

Consider indoor options.

As Herman emphasizes, it’s important to recognize your limits.

When temperatures fall into the single digits or worse, the risks of outdoor activity rise dramatically (another reason to stick with a group).

“There are times when it’s not such a good idea,” Herman says.

Fortunately, the Pikes Peak region offers plenty of indoor venues to keep you fit and frostbite-free.

Interested in climbing? Consider a visit to one of the region’s indoor climbing gyms, including Pure Boulder Gym, 1401 S 8th St.; CityRock, 21 N. Nevada Ave.; and the Sport Climbing Center, 4642 Northpark Drive. All offer memberships.

At Underwater Connection, 4940 Rusina Road, you can take classes in scuba diving, kayaking and standup paddleboarding.

Colorado Springs also boasts not one, but two, indoor trampoline centers: Sky Zone, at 1750 E. Woodmen Road, and Springs Trampoline Park, 2512 Airport Road.

For more traditional workout venues, consider your nearest YMCA, offering swimming, racquetball, yoga and many other activities, or a private health club.

WINTER FEST AND ACTIVITIES From ice-skating to tree-lighting, there’s no shortage of seasonal events across Colorado. Here’s a list that’ll take you all over the map.

Skate in the Park — Through Jan. 11, Acacia Park, 115 E. Platte Ave. $10, includes skates, free of children younger than 4 with paying adult.

Go online for times: downtowncs.com.

Winter Kickoff Celebration — Food, giveaways and more, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 22, Loveland Visitors Center, 5400 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland; visitlovelandco.org.

Holiday Lighting Celebration — Local school choral groups, Santa, holiday treats and the lighting of the 20-foot tree, 3:30 p.m. Nov. 22, Centennial Center Park, 13050 E. Peakview Ave., Centennial; centennialco.gov.

Santa’s North Pole Adventure Train Ride — Nov. 22-Dec. 24, Georgetown Loop Railroad, Georgetown; georgetown-colorado.org.

Holiday Lightning Extravaganza — Hot chocolate, boat rides, Santa, fireworks and more, 5 p.m. Nov. 28, Pueblo Riverwalk, 101 S. Union Ave., Pueblo; pueblo.us.

Candlelight Walk — Follow Santa, hot cider, music and more, 6-8 p.m. Nov. 28, Main Street, Littleton; littletongov.org.

Victorian Christmas — Castle is lavishly decorated and homemade refreshments abound, noon-4 p.m. Nov. 28-30, Miramont Castle, 9 Capitol Hill Ave., Manitou Springs, $10. No reservations required: 685-1011, manitousprings.org.

Festival of Trees — A winter wonderland of beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, Candy Cane Lane, displays and more, Nov. 28-Dec. 6,

Union Colony Civic Center, Greeley; greeleygov. com.

Light the Lights — Carolers, Santa and more, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 29, Kiowa Ton Hall, Kiowa; townofkiowa.com.

Christmas Stroll — Music, carolers, pictures with Santa and more, Nov. 29, Old Colorado City; shopoldcoloradocity.com.

Christmas Capital of the Plains — Christmas parade, ice carving, contests, giveaways and more, Nov. 30-Dec. 21; Main Street, Fort Morgan; colorado.com.

Country Christmas/Parade of Lights — Santa, movies and more, Dec. 1, downtown Holyoke; holyokechamber.org.

Lighting of Dillon — Santa, Mrs. Claus, refreshments and more, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Dillon Community Church, 371 Labonte St., Dillon; townofdillon.com.

Chamber Parade of Lights — 5:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Akron; townofakron.com.

Country Christmas and Parade of Lights — Living nativity scene, choirs, wagon rides, Parade of Lights and more, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 5, Historic Downtown Erie Briggs Street, Erie; erieco.gov.

Light Up Carbondale — Santa, refreshments and more, Dec. 5, Main Street, Carbondale; carbondale.com.

Wassail Days — 12 Sips of Wassail, carolers and more, Dec. 5, Main Street and Summit Boule-

vard, Frisco; townoffrisco.com.

Traditional Holiday Celebration — Wagon rides, games, toy-making, taffy pull, pinata break, frontier cooking, storytelling and more, Dec. 5 and 6, Bent’s Old Fort, 35110 Colorado Highway 194, La Junta; lajuntaevents.com.

Olde Fashioned Christmas — Dec. 5-7, downtown Palisade; visitgrandjunction.com.

Electric Safari — Over 1 million glittering lights and more than 40 animated light sculptures, 5:30-8:30 p.m. through Jan. 1, except Dec. 24, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road. Call or go online for ticket prices: 424-7847; cmzoo.org.

Real Colorado Christmas — Santa, hay rides, caroling and more, noon Dec. 6, Front Street, Fairplay; southparkheritage.org.

Carbon Valley Holiday Festival — Crafts, music, refreshments in Dacono and Festival of Lights in Frederick, noon-8 p.m. Dec. 6; ci.firestone.co.us/holidayfestival.

Festival of Lights Parade — Theme is “Through the Eyes of a Child,” 5:50 p.m. Dec. 6, downtown Colorado Springs; coloradosprings festivaloflights.org.

Lights of December Parade — 6 p.m. Dec. 6, downtown Boulder; boulderdowntown.com.

Old Fashioned Holiday and Christmas — Crafting, music, light parade and more, Dec. 6, Lake City; lakecity.com.

Winter Festival — Dec. 6, Main Street, Grand Junction; visitgrandjunction.com.

Holiday Home Tour, Sounds of the Season — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7, various locations in

Woodland Park, $5-$17; wphht.org.

Olde Golden Christmas Celebration — Dog cart rides, carolers, Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides and more, Saturdays, Dec. 6-20, downtown Golden; cityofgolden.net.

Hometown Holidays Lighting Tours — Take the Trinidad Trolley for tours of the holiday lights, 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 10-14 and Dec. 17-21, downtown Trinidad; historictrinidad.com.

Longmont Lights — Fire pits, ice skate show and more, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 12, Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont; longmontcolorado. gov.

Holiday Tree Lighting — Storytelling with Santa, tree lighting, hayrides with Clydesdale horses and more, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 12, Cherry Hills Village; cherryhillsvillage.com.

Reindog Parade — Dressed-up pooches in a fun and festive parade, 1 p.m. Dec. 20, Youth Center to River Walk, Pagosa Springs; visitpagosasprings.com.

Winterfest — Parades, holiday lights, carnival and more, Dec. 20-Jan. 3, Beaver Creek Village Plaza, Beaver Creek; beavercreek.com.

Ice Festival — One of the world’s premier ice climbing events, Jan. 8-11, Ouray; ourayicepark. com/ice-festival.

Winter Brew Fest — Jan. 23 and 24, Mile High Station, 2027 W. Lower Colfax Ave., Denver, $45$50; denverbrewfest.com/winter.

Frozen Dead Guy Days — Live music, polar plunge, ice turkey bowling, frozen salmon toss and more, March 13-15, Nederland; frozendead guydays.org.

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Stay one night and get the next night FREE at the Grand Lodge November 25 – December 25, 2014.

Check out December 26, 2014. Must be booked through Crested Butte Vacations. Based on availability, restrictions may apply.

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Photo: Tom Stillo

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FREE kids ski

SUNDAY, NOV 16, 2014 I THE GAZETTE I G 7

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SKI RESORTS Colorado shattered state records last year by attracting 12.6 million skier visits — making it the country’s most popular state for skiing.

It’s not difficult to see why. Colorado boasts 25 resorts and endless variety.

The ski season began Oct. 17 this year with the opening of Arapahoe Basin.

Here is your guide to the ski areas our state has to offer.

ARAPAHOE BASIN A favorite “locals” ski area, A-Basin offers no ski-in, ski-out condos or ritzy restaurants, but it does have the longest ski season in Colorado, usually from mid-October to early June. The parking lot party on “the beach” during spring skiing is not to be missed.

Skiable acres: 960 Number of trails: 109 % Easy: 10 % Intermediate: 30 % Advanced: 37 % Expert: 23 ASPEN HIGHLANDS Steep, wide-open bowls in the deep snow of the majestic Elk Mountains. If that sounds like the ideal vacation, then get thee to this expert skier’s paradise.

Skiable acres: 1,028 Number of trails: 119 % Easy: 18 % Intermediate: 30 % Advanced: 16

% Expert: 36 ASPEN MOUNTAIN This is the classic Aspen experience, where the lifts have been running since 1947. If you like steeps, bumps and glades, and find yourself in the Roaring Fork Valley, this is the area for you.

Skiable acres: 673 Number of trails: 76 % Easy: 0 % Intermediate: 48 % Advanced: 26 % Expert: 26 BEAVER CREEK This luxury resort is sometimes overlooked by Colorado skiers as they rush to Summit County or Vail, but Beaver Creek has a charm all its own, including the moguls and great tree runs at Birds of Prey and the long, beginner-friendly runs on the front side.

Skiable acres: 1,832 Number of trails: 150 % Easy: 19 % Intermediate: 43 % Advanced: 21 % Expert: 17 BRECKENRIDGE Just over a two-hour drive from the Springs, this huge ski area is popular for its location and variety. It has something for everyone, especially if you like being above timberline.

The Imperial Express lift will take you to 12,840

feet, the highest chair lift in North America, where the wind howls so much some call it “Breckenfridge.” But the wide-open bowls and chutes up there are worth braving the cold, and the town has one of the livelier bar scenes in ski country.

Skiable acres: 2,908 Number of trails: 187 % Easy: 11 % Intermediate: 31 % Advanced/Expert: 58 BUTTERMILK You’ve probably seen this ski area on the Winter X Games, but you don’t have to be Shaun White to appreciate the small ski area. In fact, it’s also known for gentle, rolling terrain that’s great for beginners.

Skiable acres: 470 Number of trails: 44 % Easy: 35 % Intermediate: 39 % Advanced: 21 % Expert: 5 COPPER MOUNTAIN This resort is popular among Front Range skiers for its accessibility (it’s right off Interstate 70) and amazing variety of terrain, from the seemingly endless back bowls to the front-side greens and blues. Many skiers say it has the greatest variety of terrain in Summit County.

Skiable acres: 2,465 Number of trails: 140 % Easy: 21 % Intermediate: 25 % Advanced: 36 % Expert: 18 CRESTED BUTTE Steep. Deep. Those two words define this central Colorado ski area, which in a good snow year (and it usually has good snow) has some of the most terrifying and thrilling terrain in the state. When the snow is not so great, some of the runs are just terrifying.

Skiable acres: 1,547 Number of trails: 121 % Easy: 27 % Intermediate: 57 % Advanced/Expert: 16

DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT The San Juan Mountains are locked deep in snow in winter, but you can experience the beauty and majesty at this ski area 25 miles north of Durango. The area is known for its variety of terrain for all skill levels.

Skiable acres: 1,200 Number of trails: 75 % Easy: 23 % Intermediate: 51 % Advanced/Expert: 26 ELDORA MOUNTAIN RESORT Located 21 miles west of Boulder, this small ski area is a favorite among University of Colorado students, and once or twice a winter an upslope storm seems to dump amazing amounts of snow.

Skiable acres: 680 Number of trails: 53 % Easy: 20 % Intermediate: 50 % Advanced: 15 % Expert: 15 HOWELSEN HILL People have been skiing at this community hill in Steamboat Springs since 1915, and the area continues to produce Olympians at the largest natural ski-jumping complex in North America.

Skiable acres: 50 Number of trails: 17 % Easy: 25 % Intermediate: 20 % Advanced: 55 KEYSTONE Just down the road from A-Basin, Keystone offers three mountains across a wide swath of snow-covered forest. While largely an intermediate mountain, there’s plenty of expert terrain, especially for those willing to buy a $5 snow cat ride on the Outback Shuttle. The lack of long run-outs makes it especially popular among snowboarders.

Skiable acres: 1,861 Number of trails: 116 % Easy: 12 % Intermediate: 34 % Advanced/Expert: 54 — SEE SKI • PAGE 9

129

Loveland 4-Paks are actual lift tickets that can be used by anyone on any day of the season. Use them yourself on 4 different days or share with friends and family all on the same day. No restrictions. No blackouts.

4-Paks only available through 11-23-14. 4-paks are not available for purchase at any ticket window.

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SKI RESORTS

SKI

% Intermediate: 28 % Advanced: 58

FROM PAGE 8

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LOVELAND SKI AREA The closest skiing to Denver goes above, over and under (seriously, with a ski tunnel) Interstate 70, but once you’re up in the great expanse of bowls and chutes above timberline, the city will feel a long way off. Loveland has a season nearly as long as A-Basin does — October through May — and is popular among Front Range residents for the lack of a big-resort feel.

Skiable acres: 1,800 Number of grails: 93 % Easy: 13 % Intermediate: 41 % Advanced: 22 % Expert: 24 MONARCH MOUNTAIN Another locals’ hill, southern Colorado’s Monarch sits along the Continental Divide in the middle of the state, so whether the storms track north or south, it usually gets decent snow. And with affordable lift tickets, it’s a popular destination for Pikes Peak region skiers looking to avoid the crowds at bigger resorts.

The runs are short, but that just means you get more runs in.

Skiable acres: 800 Number of trails: 63 % Easy: 14

POWDERHORN This ski area in western Colorado sits on the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-topped mountain, with views of valleys, cliffs and mesas unlike any other in Colorado. It’s gained a reputation for tree and glade skiing, and every so often gets pummeled by snowstorms that draw skiers from around the state.

Skiable acres: 1,600 Number of trails: 63 % Easy: 20 % Intermediate: 50 % Advanced: 30 SILVERTON MOUNTAIN Now we’re talking serious Colorado skiing.

Getting to the hamlet of Silverton in the San Juan Mountains is tough, but once you reach the ski area, a true big-mountain experience awaits. Think Warren Miller films: big, so big that untamed skiers must have avalanche gear.

There’s one chair lift that opens into a highalpine playland that never sees grooming. For more adventure, book a day of guided skiing or helicopter skiing. Beginners need not apply. As the website says: “All thrills, No Frills.”

Skiable acres: 1,819 Number of trails: 69 % Easy: 0 % Intermediate: 0 % Advanced/Expert: 100

SKI COOPER Ski the same slopes where the 10th Mountain Division troopers trained to fight the Nazis in World War II. Today it’s a family-friendly ski area between Vail and Leadville where the kids will really have to work hard to get lost. Expert skiers scoff at Ski Cooper for its small size and gentle runs, but that’s exactly why families enjoy it. And the $48 adult lift ticket is among the cheapest in Colorado.

Skiable acres: 400 Number of trails: 26 % Easy: 30 % Intermediate: 40 % Advanced/Expert: 30 SKI GRANBY RANCH Formerly SolVista Basin, this tiny area near Granby is groomed and wide-open, perfect for beginners.

Skiable acres: 406 Number of trails: 41 % Easy: 30 % Intermediate: 50 % Advanced/Expert: 20 SNOWMASS The other mega resort near Aspen, the ski area doesn’t actually include 14,092-foot Snowmass Mountain. Though known for its family-friendly terrain, there’s still plenty to challenge the expert skier.

Skiable acres: 3,332 Number of trails: 94

% Easy: 6 % Intermediate: 47 % Advanced: 17 % Expert: 30 STEAMBOAT The place that coined the term “champagne powder” and owns the copyright on “Ski Town USA” isn’t easy to reach, but that just means more powder for everyone who shows up. Its deep snow and exquisitely gladed tree runs, and the fact Steamboat Springs feels like an authentic town rather than just a ski base area, make it worth the five-hour drive.

Skiable acres: 2,965 Number of trails: 165 % Easy: 14 % Intermediate: 42 % Advanced/Expert: 44 SUNLIGHT MOUNTAIN RESORT You won’t find crowds at this smaller resort near Glenwood Springs, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in cost — about half of what you’ll pay up the road in Aspen. And after skiing, soak in the Glenwood Hot Springs, the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world.

Skiable acres: 470 Number of trails: 67 % Easy: 20 % Intermediate: 55 % Advanced: 20% Expert: 5 — SEE SKI • PAGE 11

Shop pS Small Saturday

Support local business, Nov. 29 FREE meter parking!

Holiday Stroll

Shopping & entertainment Dec 3, 5-8 p.m.

Open 7 days/week through Jan 11 $10/person

includes skates Under 4 FREE w/paid adult

Specials and more info: www.DowntownCS.com/skate A program of Presenting Sponsor

Info at www.DowntownCS.com

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SUNDAY, NOV 16, 2014 I THE GAZETTE I G 9

PHOTOGRAPHY

PROOF SHEET

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BY CHRISTIAN MURDOCK WILL BE ASSUMED APEmailed christian.murdock@gazette.com PROVED AND RUN AS IS — • This is an opportunity to 1 2 3 4 5 6 verify the accuracy of D/T Winter in Colorado is a magical time your advertisement’s to take photos. The low path of the information, not to request winter sun, the contrast of our fresh substantive changes.

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Run Dates:

#3

Date

Check one ofClient theSignature following, sign and return to Date your sales rep.

OK, Run as-is with no corrections.

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2014

Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration Client Signature

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OK to run with marked corrections.

5) Be careful when going back and forth from a hot room or car to the freezing outdoors. Steam can form inside your lenses and camera. Here’s a trick I learned while working in Oregon: Before entering a humid, warm building — like an indoor swimming pool — from the cold outside, put your gear in freezer bags. The steam will form on the outside of the bags while your camera adjusts to the warmer temperatures. After about 15 minutes, take the gear out and you are set to take photos.

Seating Begins at 5:00pm $38.95 PER PERSON INCLUDES TWO GLASSES of GEORGE DEBOEUF BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU

440 NORTH CHESTNUT ST. PLEASE CALL 599-0686 TO MAKE RESERVATIONS

#2

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4) Bring a towel and lens cloth to keep your gear dry and your lenses clear from snow and water.

“PRIX FIX” Dinner Menu

CAREFULLY.

© Copyright 2009 Colorado Springs Independent. All artwork produced exclusively for reproduction in The Colorado Springs Independent. Any other use is subject to design charges at the rate of $65 per hour.

3) Tape hand warmers to your camera around the grip and near the batteries.

Warming the camera’s body, especially if it’s metal, will help keep your fingers warm when touching the metal camera body and will extend the life of your camera batteries.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

ects of your ad:

Devin

________________

ify accuracy on all aspects of your ad: o Name & Product ame & Product o Address ddress o Phone hone o Pricing ricing o Spelling pelling

G 10 I THE GAZETTE I SUNDAY, NOV 16, 2014 Devin Ad Designer ______________ Account Executive

#1

266- 4047 600 South 21st Street 719.266.4047 Suite 120 600 South 21st Street • Suite 120 procyclingwarehouse.com procyclingwarehouse.com

o Name & Product o Address o Phone o Pricing o Spelling

Verify accuracy on all aspects of your ad:

PRO CYCLING procyclingwarehouse.com 415 W. Pikes Peak Ave.

266-South 4047 21st Street 600 600 South Suite 120 21st Street Suite 120 procyclingwarehouse.com procyclingwarehouse.com

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2) Bring extra batteries because the cold will shorten their life.

#2

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Client Signature Client Signature

266- 4047 600266South4047 21st Street Suite 120South 21st Visit our new location 600 Street CYCLING procyclingwarehouse.com Suite 120 opening December 18th

PRO PRO4047 CYCLING 266-

1) Get the exposure right. Snow can fool your camera’s light meter into thinking there is more light. Snow is a highlight and your camera will try to expose it as a midtone. Take an exposure reading from your bare hand as you hold it in front of you. Don’t overexpose your picture or you’ll lose the details in the bright snow.

Verify accuracy on all aspects of your ad:

Date Date

OK, Run as-is with no corrections.

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OK to run with marked corrections.

OK to run with marked corrections.

PRO CYCLING

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OK to run with marked corrections.

Client Signature Client Signature

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## 33

PRO CYCLING

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D/T D/T

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File name ________________________________________________________________

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File File name ________________________________________________________________ name ________________________________________________________________

PROVED AND RUN AS IS • This is an opportunity to • This is an opportunity to verify the accuracy of verify the accuracy of your advertisement’s your advertisement’s information, not to request information, not to request substantive changes. substantive changes.

#3

Colorado Springs’ GREAT SAVINGS Colorado Springs’ Premier ON ALL PRIOR Premier Bike Store Colorado Bike Springs’ Store Premier MODEL YEAR Colorado Springs’ Springs’ Bike Store Colorado Premier Premier BIKES! Bike Store Store Bike

235S.S.Nevada Nevada Ave. Ave. 235 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903 PH 719.577.4545 • FAX 719.577.4107 PH 719.577.4545 • FAX 719.577.4107

Emailed

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• AD PROOFS NOT • AD PROOFS NOT

RETURNED TO THE INDE235 S. Nevada Ave. RETURNED TO THE INDEPENDENT BY 5:00 MONDAY COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903 PENDENT BY 5:00 MONDAY WILL BE ASSUMED APPH 719.577.4545 • FAX 719.577.4107 WILL BE ASSUMED APPROVED AND RUN AS IS

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#2

235 S. Nevada Ave. COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903 PH 719.577.4545 • FAX 719.577.4107

snow and blue skies, and winter activities such Emailedas sledding, snow shoeing 6 and skiing can inspire some of the best photography.

But before you enter the winter wonderland to take pictures, here are some tips to help make your adventure a success:

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PENDENT BY 5:00 MONDAY WILL BE ASSUMED APPROVED AND RUN AS IS • This is an opportunity to verify the accuracy of your advertisement’s information, not to request substantive changes.

Client Signature

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Photo tips

235 S. Nevada Ave. COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903 PH 719.577.4545 • FAX 719.577.4107

GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

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SKI RESORTS

SKI

Leslie Bergan of Colorado Springs drops into the Prospector at Wolf Creek in this Dec. 17, 2012, file photo. The familyowned ski area consistently gets the most snow in the state.

FROM PAGE 9

—

TELLURIDE SKI RESORT Offering perhaps the best scenery in Colorado, the ski area towers above the former mining town in the stunning San Juan Mountains.

But don’t just come to ogle the scenery. The upper-mountain bowls and hike-to terrain are legendary among skiers. There’s also a free gondola that runs year-round, connecting the town and the base village.

Skiable acres: 2,000 Number of trails: 127 % Easy: 23 % Intermediate: 36 % Advanced/Expert: 41 VAIL The quintessential Colorado ski area — and the largest — sprawls over 5,289 acres. In a scar from a long-ago forest fire, the back bowls will make you feel as if you’re skiing above timberline — minus the brutal winds. When you make it to Blue Sky Basin, you’re 7 miles from Interstate 70. Don’t get lost.

Skiable acres: 5,289 Number of trails: 193 % Easy: 28 % Intermediate: 32 % Advanced/Expert: 40

CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE

WINTER PARK/MARY JANE These two ski areas in one are nothing alike.

There’s the large expanse of groomed runs and developed base area of Winter Park. Then there’s Mary Jane, consistently rated the best mogul skiing in North America. There are few easy ways down. You can park at the base without riding a shuttle. And lifts at Mary Jane take skiers high into the tundra, where true adventure awaits.

Skiable acres: 3,081

Number of trails: 143 % Easy: 8 % Intermediate: 18 % Advanced/Expert: 19 % Expert: 55 WOLF CREEK One of Colorado’s best-kept secrets is a secret no more. This family-owned ski area in southern Colorado consistently gets the most snow in the state, and, in recent years, powder hounds from Summit and Eagle counties have

flocked there in droves. To truly experience the area’s splendor, unstrap and take a 30-minute hike up Alberta Peak or the Knife Ridge, where, if recent history is any indication, fluffy pillows of untouched snow await. This is an area for skiers who live and breathe powder.

Skiable acres: 1,600 Number of trails: 77 % Easy: 20 % Intermediate: 35 % Advanced: 25 % Expert: 20

K ID S SKI FREE BLACK OUT DATES? NOPE ROOMS STARTING FROM $178/NIGHT 855.923.7901 *12 and under with two night stay

SUNDAY, NOV 16, 2014 I THE GAZETTE I G 11

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