Steamboat Living Winter 2014 by Steamboat Pilot & Today

WInteR 2014-15

things Steamboaters should know

Inside the Bridgestone Winter Driving School Catching up with Chhiring Sherpa, Steamboatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new breweries and more!

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Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

Creekside Cafe is Steamboat’s Best Breakfast Spot!

sey Barnett

Photo credit: Ca

Thank you Steamboat for all your support. We look forward to seeing you this winter!

Outstanding dining in an exceptional atmosphere! 8 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

131 11th St. Downtown Steamboat

879-4925 creekside-café.com

PHoto by lARRy PIeRCe

Dom Perignon powder: billy Grimes sampling some of steamboat’s trademark Champagne®.

Departments

Features

Letter from the Editor

101 Things Steamboaters

Quick Hits BookTrails, Steamboat’s new breweries, the dirt on Filthy Skis, grips for your guns and more. Staying Fit Ski training tips from personal trainer Brady Worster.

122 5 minutes with: Chhiring Sherpa

We ran the contest, you responded. The results of our annual Best of the Boat survey, awarding accolades to margaritas, property managers, the après scene and everything else in between that we love about this hamlet we call home. 29 Dining 39 Food Specialties 48 Business & Community

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Compiled by Eugene Buchanan, Audrey Dwyer, Scott Franz, Ben Ingersoll, Joel Reichenberger, Teresa Ristow, Tom Ross and Matt Stensland. Photos by Steamboat Pilot & Today staff.

should know Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

ne r s 2014 win

Best of the Boat goes T he votes poured in like the near record-setting rain this August in our 2014 Best of the Boat contest. By the time they were all tallied, nearly 4,500 voters placed more than 83,000 votes for 112 questions in six different categories, representing the biggest opinion-canvassing campaign our town has ever seen. “It was our best turnout ever,” says contest manager Jenni DeFouw, toting a new survey system by Second Street as integral to the effort. “People are pretty opinionated here, and this let them be heard loudly and clearly.” Indeed, the 4,500 respondents represent nearly a third of town’s population, comprising a sizable representation of Steamboat. They voted on six categories, including Shopping, Dining, Food Specialties, Home & Garden, Business & Community and Professionals, letting their voices be heard on everything from where to eat, shop and drink to best radio station, artist and ski patroller. While some incumbents retained their coveted titles in this

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114 Inside the Bridgestone

Special section 27 Best of the Boat

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year’s contest, other categories saw new businesses rise to the top like trout feeding in the Yampa River. And while some categories saw clear front-runners from the get-go, others, such as Best Steak, came down to the mouth-watering wire, with as thin of a margin as just four votes (or bites) separating the top two spots. It all shows that people’s opinions about this fair town of ours are as varied as the ski terrain on our mountain. With an entire month to visit the contest site, voters selected a top four in each category, with write-in answers also tabulated to ensure no one went missing. For their efforts, voters were eligible to win one of two local shopping sprees to area businesses. While no survey is perfect, we tried our best to make the survey as fair as possible and that the results truly represent the opinions of you, our illustrious readers, who took the time to make your voices heard. The end result is what you have laid out before you: the collective voice of the community showcasing the best of everything Steamboat has to offer. Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

61 Home & Garden 67 Professionals 79 Shopping

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Winter Driving School Don’t oversteer. Don’t understeer. Don’t brake during a turn. Don’t hit the hockey A look inside boards. Steamboat Bridgestone Winter driving school Livings’ Eugene Buchanan learns these tricks and more at a special celeband snow lap-filled weekend with the Bridgestone Winter Driving School.

Photo courtESy of BridgEStonE WintEr driving School.

Should Know No matter how long you’ve been here, there are certain things you should know how to do living in Steamboat. Topping the list: how to ski powder, repair a flat tire, ride a bull, wear a cowboy hat and swing dance.

Story by Eugene Buchanan

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On the cover: At your service on the slopes: Best Ski Patrol Kyle Lawton and Best Ski Instructor Bridget Ross of Steamboat Ski Area. (Photo by John F. Russell) Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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FROM tHE EDiTOR We asked our staff: What do you think every Steamboater should know how to do? Suzanne Schlicht Publisher

PHoto by JoHn F. Russell

“Learn your way around the trails on Emerald.”

“Ride the Poma lift at Howelsen Hill.”

Lisa Schlichtman Editor in chief

eugene buchanan Magazines editor

“Position your trashcan outside to avoid the dreaded plow berm.”

Laura tamucci

surfing the september surge, while waiting for the snow to fly.

Rain or shine

Local sales manager “Downshift…and make it down Fish Creek Falls Road without braking (I’m still working on it).”

Jenni DeFouw Magazine sales consultant

Rain, rain go away, come again some other day. Our farmers Laura trabka need to cut their hay, and we in Steamboat want to play. “Eat like a king So the poem could have read at the tail end of this summer. Assistant editor for a day/week/ On the heels of the second-rainiest July and August ever, and season by only hitSeptember no slouch, those of us here in Drenchboat were more ting food and drink specials — i.e. burger Lindsay Porter than ready for the drapes to part and the sun to make a cameo in night at OTP, wing Northwest Colorado. Creative services supervisor night at Tap House, But while it befuddled farmers and wreaked havoc on recre$7 late-night pizzas at ational pursuits, the clouds had a silver lining. The rains made the Slopeside, buy 1 get 1 entrees at Riggios, valley as green as Giggle Gulch’s difficulty, kept mountain bike Steve balgenorth half-price apps at trails as tacky as Paris Hilton and kept the river at healthy flows Mahogany (I may Circulation manager well past the equinox. have different “Run a two-stage It was on one such uptick when I scrambled out of work to priorities than snowblower.” others...).” kayak the river at a spike of 600 cubic feet per second, 500 above Photographers normal, that it hit me how good we have it here. Surfing a wave Scott Franz, James Garcia, Ben Ingersoll, Joel Reichenberger, that had no right to be there in September and finding that perfect balance between gravity and water speed, for a brief moment time John F. Russell, Tom Ross and Matt Stensland stood still — just like it seems to do for all of us here in Steamboat. “Milk a cow.” While the rest of the world is moving around at so many gigabytes per second, here things are how they should be, moving at Writers the pace of the seasons. Were it not for kids getting their driving Scott Franz, James Garcia, Joel Reichenberger, permits, the backyard sapling growing into a tree, ski runs getting bushier and your body wizening with age, it’d be hard to tell that Tom Ross, Matt Stensland and Mackenzie Yelvington time passes by at all. We’re Peter Pans in our own Never Never “Wax your own skis or Land, and we’re all kids at heart, which is why we came and, board. You’ll take pride more importantly, stayed. advertising and pleasure from tackling So while we were putting this year’s Best of the Boat issue to- this fundamental skill.” design and production gether, whose results were voted on by you (4,500 of you, in fact), Mack Maschmeier, Chris McGaw and Veronika Khanisenko we didn’t need any polls whatsoever to tell us what’s best about living here. Any town that makes time stand still does that all on its own. Besides, it would be frighteningly hard to pinpoint. All of you Steamboat Living is published three times a year, in March, July and November by the Steamboat Pilot & Today. likely have experienced your own special little moments, just like Steamboat Living magazines are free. I did on the river. Whether it came on a powder run, a bluebird morning skate-ski, an elk-bugling hunt, a rainbow striking a hopFor advertising information, call Jenni DeFouw at 970-871-4235. per or a bike ride leaving your tires coated with golden aspen To get a copy mailed to your home, call leaves, it’s all of these revelations combined that make Steamboat Steve Balgenorth at 970-871-4232. what it is. And above them all is the community that calls the place home, rain or shine. Email letters to the editor to — Eugene Buchanan ebuchanan@SteamboatToday.comor call 970-870-1376 Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Best of the Boat 4 years running 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014 BEST FOR ALL SEASONS

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Rain, Rain, Go Away If you were saving money for a rainy day, you didn’t have too full of a piggy bank after this summer in Steamboat. July and August recorded their second-rainiest months in history, with September fast on their galoshes. All of which got us thinking: Which businesses were good to be in this summer, and which ones not so much? Behold our breakdown:

Good Biz

Bad Biz

Umbrella/raingear sales: “Our rain coat and umbrella sales went way up this year,” Sports Authority manager Jake Maher says. “That’s one good thing from the rain.”

Worm collecting: Earthworms came to Steamboat sidewalks in droves this summer, not to avoid drowning (they breathe through their skin) but for easier migration. “I definitely noticed more this year,” says Morgan Moss, of Yampatika. “They were some of the biggest ones I’ve ever seen.”

Tubing: “As far as the river level goes, it was one of the best years we’ve had in a long time,” says outfitter Pete VanDeCarr, of Backdoor Sports. “People were tubing fools this summer.”

Fishing: “It was great. We were able to use drift boats all the way until August,” Straightline Sports guide Aleck Gantick says. “Plus the river had a lot more oxygen, and the cooler water temperatures made it better for the fish.”

Hay: “It definitely delayed haying,” says Marsha Daughenbaugh, of the Community Agriculture Alliance. “Hay has to be dry to cut and to bale. It was one of the later wet seasons we’ve had.”

Landscape painting: “It makes for interesting clouds but a soggy palette,” landscape (plein air) painter Dancy St. John says.

Sprinkler installation: “There were no maintenance calls,” says Kyle Pietras, owner of Kyle Pietras Landscaping. “Usually in July and August, you have people calling and saying, ‘There’s a dry spot in my yard.’ This year, everyone’s yard looked great. Everyone was a master gardener.”

Car wash: “People just didn’t want to invest in cleaning their cars this summer,” Mountain View Car Wash manager Travis Gainsley says. “They knew they’d just get dirty again.”

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Steamboat Scuttlebutt bike mechanic’s best Friend Sure, the mountain has its new custom-built downhill trails. But Mother Nature isn’t going down without a fight. Case in point: the Fish Creek trail, which has been luring downhill aficionados all summer. “We did it four times in 24 hours,” says Kyle Pietras, carshuttling up Buff Pass each time. The first time, he broke the frame and rear shock on his cross-country bike. No matter. He hopped on borrowed and rented bikes for the next three laps. “I’ve ridden it on six different bikes this year,” the surprisingly non-bandaged Pietras says. By mid-September, his riding buddy Paolo Guidi had been down the trail 29 times, with Pietras hot on his wheels in the count. Broken bones willing, both expected to surpass 35 laps by the end of the season. Snowshoe Series Hits Steamboat Attention, cardiac animals: As if a bike, running and Nordic series aren’t enough, this winter marks the second running of a new addition to the fitness fray: the XTERRA Steamboat Snowshoe Series. The series include three races, each featuring a kid’s/family race as well as 5K and 10K events for competitive racers. Last year, winners of each 10K age group won entry into Utah’s Trail Running National Championships. “Snowshoe running and racing has grown exponentially,” says organizer Todd Gollnick, whose series also was

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sponsored by Crescent Moon Snowshoes. “It’s perfect cross-training for runners and cyclists, and is a great fit for Steamboat.” Social Socks In response to a 30 percent increase in its fan base last year, SmartWool hit the road again this September on its second crowdsourced van tour, this time across the Midwest. The company’s social followers influenced the tour, including meal stops, lodging and even the music played inside. “During last year’s Fan Van tour, the loudest response was from the Midwest and East Coast,” company President Mark Satkiewicz says. “So that’s where we headed.” Through their website (www.smartwool.com/fanvantour), fans could listen to the van’s Soundcloud playlist and view real-time Instagram photos and Twitter posts from the road, all while chiming in on the itinerary. “It amplifies our promise to build meaningful, one-on-one relationships in every facet of our business,” Satkiewicz adds. The tour kicked off in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and ended in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Quick Hits

Lights, Go-Pros, action Didn’t make it up night skiing last year? You’ll have even more opportunity to do so this time around. Building upon last winter’s resort improvements — including the new 13,000-square-foot Four Points Lodge and night skiing debut — Steamboat Ski Area continues the momentum, with upgrades to Thunderhead Lodge, snowmaking, grooming and night skiing operations. For the quad-resting crowd, Thunderhead Lodge has a new color scheme and exterior, as well as new carpeting, wood accents and a redesign of Red’s Bar. In Gondola Square, Bear River Terrace adds a new, permanent barbecue facility, with the Umbrella Bar unveiling a new heating system to accommodate nightskiing guests. Diners now also can use OpenTable — a real-time, online reservation service — for all of its restaurants. Look for a larger Steamboat Ski & Sport Sheraton, which expanded to 6,300 square feet, and don’t go to the old office for your ticket (it’s now a lounge for private lesson guests); all ticket services now are housed in One Steamboat Place. In grooming and snowmaking, the resort adds a new Bison Sherpa winch, the first of its kind in Colorado, augmenting the Beast to groom some of Steamboat’s steepest terrain. The 21-machine fleet now corduroys more than 600 acres nightly. Snowmak-

PHoto by JoHn F. Russell

More night skiing, other improvements on tap

night riders: steamboat ski Area now offers night skiing thursday through Monday every week.

ing is upgraded with 2 miles of additional pipe, bringing its total to 18 miles. And last but not least comes good news for the owl-skiing crowd. The resort has increased its night operations to Thursday through Monday evenings. — Eugene Buchanan

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Quick Hits

SmartWool turns 20 Thanks to SmartWool, which is celebrating 20 years in the ’Boat, Steamboat Springs has become synonymous with socks. Since 1994, SmartWool has brought more than 80 million pairs of merino wool socks and apparel products to market around the globe, and it credits its success largely to its Steamboat roots. “I firmly believe that SmartWool’s growth over the last two decades has been fueled by the quality of life Steamboat provides,” President Mark Satkiewicz says. “We attract people who know what it means to live in Steamboat. Our new office space reflects an investment in this culture.” SmartWool, which has made Outside magazine’s Best Places to Work list for the past six years, was founded on a passion for an active mountain lifestyle by introducing a relatively unknown fiber to the performance outdoor marketplace. “We’ve grown from a slopeside idea to a brand recognized globally for quality, innovation and leadership,” Satkiewicz adds. To industry experts and longtime Steamboat locals alike, the company represents more than just a sock company. “They changed the sock world forever,” says Honey Stinger and Big Agnes co-founder Bill Gamber, whose BAP! store was one of SmartWool’s first retailers. “They created an entirely new category in the outdoor industry and have stayed true to their roots.” Using New Zealand merino wool, SmartWool has won a sock drawer full of design and magazine awards in the outdoor industry. Employing 75 people in Steamboat and 120 worldwide, the company manufactures 95 percent of its socks at knitting mills in the U.S.

sock staff: employees at smartWool celebrating 20 years.

Its success in socks has been followed by award-winning merinobased offerings in hike/outdoor, snowboard, lifestyle and performance run categories. Its PhD SmartLoft series uses wool fleece instead of down, and proprietary fabrics such as HyFi maximize merino’s benefits — including warmth when wet, anti-microbial properties, vapor state breathability and moisture management. And it all comes back to SmartWool’s Steamboat testing grounds. “Steamboat provides a compass for our brand and a standard for our product,” Satkiewicz says. “Being able to trail run or hit a powder day before work is incredibly inspiring, and its effect on how we design product is immense. If the product doesn’t work here, it doesn’t get out the door.” — Aaron H. Bible

Congratulations Ron, Sheila & Dana on Best of the Boat! Thank you to all of our Pediatrics of Steamboat families for your continued support, we couldn’t have done it without you! Visit us at www.PediatricsofSteamboat.com Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Photo by John F. Russell

Quick Hits

Homespun skis: Clark resident Joe Muhlbauer cuts the metal used for the edges on his Filthy brand skis.

Filthy fun North Routt locals riding homemade skis Ski in North Routt County this winter and you might see locals schussing on a new ski underfoot, complete with gray-and-brown beetle-kill topsheets. Far from their Filthy Ski brand name, they’re works of art that are as fun to arc turns on as they are aesthetic. Four years ago, Willow Creek Pass resident Joe Muhlbauer and a few buddies began drafting handmade skis in the same garage they gathered in for beers after a long day’s work. That’s when the Filthy Ski brand was born, and the garage-built skis have quickly garnered a strong local following. “I was inspired by other friends that do it,” says Muhlbauer, whose skis blend camber, rocker and other design features of more established brands. “I went on ski trips to places like Jackson Hole, and I saw how these guys created a lifestyle where their job was skiing, and it made me want to do it.” Not that it’s a full-time job yet. Muhlbauer, 36, is still a mason by trade. But when the construction business slows down in the winter, he swaps rocks for a ski press and uses the extra time to make tools he can traipse around on in his snow-filled backyard. 18 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

In the past four years, he’s produced dozens of skis each winter and, with the help of partner Pete Owen, recently has expanded into making split boards, as well. “It just became addicting,” he says, adding that most skis have bamboo cores, maple sidewalls and telltale North Routt beetle-killed pine for graphics. “First, we did one pair, then two, and eventually, it snowballed into 50.” For now, the two are happy keeping things small and doing something they love. But someday, they’d love to see their custombuilt skis and boards extend beyond North Routt. “We’re never fully satisfied,” Owen says. “We want to keep making them better and better.” The bottom line is the beauty of hitting their local slopes on handmade gear. “It’s really satisfying to rip down some big mountain on something you made in your garage,” Muhlbauer says. “I’ve skied some pretty hairball stuff in the Zirkels, and trusting your life on something you built, and then putting all your friends on it, is a really gratifying feeling.” — John F. Russell

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Quick Hits

Love of literacy BookTrails program gets local kids reading There’s no reading between the lines: Emily Krall’s new BookTrails program is opening the doors for local children to open pages. Krall, the daughter of Off the Beaten Path Bookstore owners Ronald and Susan Krall, started the nonprofit BookTrails — a literacy learning program for children — in 2012, and its quick rise is a testament to her model of mixing outdoor education and activity with reading. “Opening a book is the quickest way to take an adventure,” she says. Raised as a reader, Krall moved to Steamboat from Philadelphia in ninth grade and attributes her appreciation for the natural world to her childhood here. After stints as an environmental educator and naturalist in Boulder, she returned to Steamboat and approached her parents with a community outreach concept that could get young people talking about books. BookTrails began as several weeklong reading and adventure camps held on local ranches and attracted 60 local children in its first year. Those numbers rose to 100 last summer, with 16 camps planned in 2014. Based outdoors, the camps range in theme from pioneering to Egyptian myths, with carefully chosen books taking children on different journeys every week. Kids might re-enact battles one session and build a solar oven the next. And the emphasis is always

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on the natural environment. Ranchers who host the groups are thrilled local children are gaining an appreciation for Routt County’s heritage. “I love that a child could be driving by the ranch after attending a camp and remember fondly the time he or she had there,” Fetcher Ranch caretaker Molly Lotz says. “The impact the program has had on kids here has been immeasurable.” Although camps form the basis of BookTrails, it also offers yearround learning. After-school and tutoring programs began last year and now help nearly 40 students. “But we want to stay small,” Krall says, touting a maximum 5:1 student-to-staff ratio. “Knowing our students is so important.” Krall also ensures physical activity is part of the mix, often having children play flag football or other games between chapters. Whatever she’s doing, it’s working. Last fall, BookTrails secured a grant from the Yampa Valley Community Foundation to fund a free program for South Routt Elementary students enrolled in the town’s after-school program. Such scholarships, she adds, are a vital component in fostering a love of literacy. “It’s all about fostering selfesteem and finding ways to create lifelong readership,” she says. — Suzi Mitchell

PHoto by JonAtHAn boWleR

students of the page: booktrails founder emily Krall and u.s. sen. Mark udall with north Routt readers.

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Quick Hits

Fermenting business 2 new beer breweries open doors

Photo by John F. Russell

Don’t start the Beer Town USA talk yet, but Steamboat is getting in better standing when it comes to suds. Joining longtime brewer Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill are two new breweries — Butcherknife Brewing Co. and Storm Peak Brewing Co. — whose taps have come online in the past six months, complete with tasting rooms for everything from porters to ales.

Don’t worry, be hoppy: Butcherknife Brewing Co. owners Nathan Johansing and Mark Fitzgerald inside the company’s new facilities on Elk River Road.

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of water and wort: butcherknife brewing Co. Butcherknife Brewing Co. founders Mark Fitzgerald and Nathan Johansing began serving small home-brewed batches of beer in 2011, donating a large percentage to local charities and fundraisers. Now they’ve opened up full time in a 4,000-square-foot brewery with a tap room — complete with large tasting room and two garage doors opening to a patio — at 2875 Elk River Road. “Right now, we’re producing 60 kegs every 20 days,” Fitzgerald says, adding that their beer can be found at 21 locations in Steamboat, including 15 bars and restaurants downtown. “But the majority of our beer is sold through bottles and cans.”

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The brewery prides itself on its recipes, attention to detail and good ol’ Steamboat water. “It’s the best water in Colorado,” he says. “Our location provides us first use off the Continental Divide, which means pure, clean water in the heart of every batch.” It also helps to have someone with Johansing’s stripes on board; he earned his master’s degree in brewing from the Siebel Institute of Technology and Doemens Academy in Munich, Germany. “We’re thrilled to finally be able to deliver our beer to Steamboat,” Fitzgerald says, adding that they plan to deliver more than 1,000 barrels in Butcherknife’s first year of operation.

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brotherly beer: Storm Peak brewing Co. It’s 3,832 vertical feet from the top of Storm Peak to the tasting room of its new namesake brewery at 1744 Lincoln Ave. west of town, and you’ll be thinking of its wares every turn of the way. Founded by Colorado natives and brothers Wyatt and Tyler Patterson, the seven-barrel, three-employee brewhouse enjoyed its grand opening Aug. 2. Brewed in a 2,000-square-foot facility with tap room and bar up front, its beers explore a range of styles from light, crisp golden ale to darker black ale and a range of seasonal Maximize your outdoor space with a motorized awning!

styles in between. “We’re focused on tap room sales and creating an atmosphere where people can enjoy our product and spend some time with us,” says Wyatt, whose other brother, Zach, and father, Erik, are also partners in the business. “Our equipment is all in the open so people can see the materials and machinery in action.”

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So far, patrons enjoying the fruits of its tap room have kept any larger-scale distribution plans on hold. The company is selling every drop it makes before it even leaves the premises. “Our plan is to grow organically,” says Wyatt, who has brewed beer with his brother for years. “Eventually we’ll start distributing, but for now it’s hard enough just keeping enough on hand in the tap room. But we’re proud to call Steamboat home, and we love sharing our passion for beer with as many people as possible.” — Eugene Buchanan

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Quick Hits

TALON gaining traction While Steamboat’s entrepreneurial spirit is exploding, one local company is setting its sights on products built for such combustion. TALON Grips, a company based in Copper Ridge Business Park, targets law enforcement officers and other gun users desiring enhanced grip for their firearms. And sales are quickly gaining the traction of its products. The company got its start when current President Mike Morris’ best friend Derik, a boat sheriff on Lake Powell, noted that sweaty hands made for slippery firearms. Harkening back to his skateboarding days, he decided to improve his gun’s traction by covering it with grip tape. The plan worked, and in June 2010, he filed for patent rights on the single-piece wraparound adhesive design. After Derik passed away in 2012, Morris and his wife, Gillian, have kept the momentum going. Starting in a guest bedroom as an Internet-retail-only operation, TALON now has six employees and offers 126 different gun model grips in two textures, with 75 U.S. retailers, and three international distributors. “We never could have imagined it would

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grow so quickly,” says Morris, adding that the company has expanded its grip-enhancing offerings into the world of iPhones, as well. He adds that they also have several new product ideas but that they’re being careful. “As a coach once told me,” he says, ‘“Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.’ We’ll never forget where we started.” TALON Grips ships its products across the country and around the world. Its users can install the grips themselves in a matter of minutes, and customers have made hundreds of YouTube videos and thousands of blog posts on firearms forums. The company provides grips for law enforcement and the military, as well as competitive and recreational shooters, all to rave industry and consumer reviews. Morris, who spent six years in the U.S. Army Reserves while finishing school, says he owes it all to his employees and a consultant team consisting of manufacturing, retail and firearms instruction experts as well as members of law enforcement, special forces and even SWAT teams. And despite moving out of Steamboat once for Gillian’s former job, they’re now here for good. “Steamboat’s our home,” says

tight grip on the market: the tAlon staff at their headquarters in Copper Ridge.

Morris, whose company donates a portion of profits to various charities. “When we moved, it didn’t take us long to realize we’d rather live in the mountains and visit the city, and have a few hours of vacation every day to mountain bike or ski than live in the city and use our vacation to do these things. The mountain lifestyle, opportunities to raise a family and friends and community are pretty hard to beat.” — Luci Franklin

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s r e n n i w 4 1 0 2

Best of the Boat goes T

he votes poured in like the near record-setting rain this August in our 2014 Best of the Boat contest. By the time they were all tallied, more than 83,000 votes for 112 questions in six different categories were placed by nearly 4,500 voters, representing the biggest opinion-canvassing campaign our town has ever seen. “It was our best turnout ever,” says contest manager Jenni DeFouw, touting a new survey system by Second Street as integral to the effort. “People are pretty opinionated here, and this let them be heard loudly and clearly.” Indeed, the 4,500 respondents represent nearly a third of the town’s population, comprising a sizable representation of Steamboat. They voted on six categories, including Shopping, Dining, Food Specialties, Home & Garden, Business & Community and Professionals, letting their voices be heard on everything from where to eat, shop and drink to best radio station, artist and ski patroller. While some incumbents retained their coveted titles in this

big!

year’s contest, other categories saw new businesses rise to the top. And while some categories saw clear front-runners from the get-go, others, such as Best Steak, came down to the mouth-watering wire, with as thin of a margin as just four votes (or bites) separating the top two spots. It all shows that people’s opinions about this fair town of ours are as varied as the ski terrain on our mountain. With an entire month to visit the contest site, voters selected a top four in each category, with write-in answers also tabulated to ensure no one went missing. For their efforts, voters were eligible to win one of two local shopping sprees at area businesses. While no survey is perfect, we tried our best to make the survey as fair as possible and ensure that the results truly represent the opinions of you, our illustrious readers, who took the time to make your voices heard. The end result is laid out before you: the collective voice of the community showcasing the best of everything Steamboat has to offer. Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Top 10 vote getters

Apparently, judging by our poll, locals like their booze, enjoy a late breakfast to adjust to the aftermath and don’t mind a little rub-down later in the day to work out the rest of the cobwebs. That’s the take-home, anyway, from analyzing the top vote getters in this year’s Best of the Boat survey.

Central Park Liquors (Best Liquor Store)

912

Creekside Café & Grill (Best Breakfast)

749

Life Essentials (Best Spa)

734

Fiesta Jalisco (Best Mexican)

556

Paws ‘N Claws All Things Pets (Best Pet Store)

542

Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory (Best Candy Store)

539

Lyon Drug Store (Best Pharmacy)

489

Noodles & More (Best Asian)

486

New this year:

We knew we were asking for it with the ﬁll-in section. And as expected, a few responses veered from the conventional. Behold our favorites: Best Fitness Center/Gym: Your own two feet in the Great Outdoors! Best Property Management Company: My dog Best Place to Watch the Game: My man cave Best Music Venue: Bring back the Inferno! Best Bank: 1st National Bank of Mattress Best Floral Shop: Wherever he buys them Best Optometrist: Carrots Best Plumber: One whose pants ﬁt.

492

Ciao Gelato (Best Ice Cream)

Cafe Diva (Best Fine Dining)

Quirky Answers

461

Home & GardenDi ni ng Best Architect

Best Aprés Scene Grill

Patrick Robbins First Place: Joe Rangitsch, Second Place: Bill l Steamboat Architectura Associates Kaminski, Third Place: Jan Mountain Architecture Kelly & Stone, Fourth Place: Tim Stone Architects

rs winne 4 1 0 2 Best Electrician

Best of the Boat winner’s directory is always at your fingertips. Review the winners online all year long...when you are looking for a new dentist... when you want a good meal... when you need a painter... BestoftheBoat.com displays the best of Steamboat businesses. Check the listings while you are out and about from your mobile device.

Coon, Coon First Place: Geoff Electric Gibson, Second Place: Jed Central Electric Kuntz, Current Third Place: Don

Electric Schwanke, Fourth Place: Richard Aspen Electric

First Place: Slopeside Bar at Second Place: T Steamboat Ridge Third Place: Mahogany Brewery & Grill Pig Fourth Place: Truffle

Best Bar

Tavern First Place: Carl’s Bistro Second Place: Sunpies Ridge Third Place: Mahogany Brewery & Grill Chophouse Fourth Place: E3

Best Bartender

“Gooch” First Place: Richard Shine, Sunpies Doyle, Second Place: Jack Harwigs-L’apogee Steamboat Sotheby’s Hadrys, Place: Beth “Beef” International Realty Boyd, Carl’s Kyle Lawton, Lawton Johnson, Fourth Place: Cam First Place: Todd “JJ” Co Place: Steamboat Sotheby’s PaintingFourth Barr, T Barr Laundry Tom The Place: International Realty Second Best Server Painting Spot Company Breakfast Newcomb, Sloop, Sloop BestPeter First Place: Daryl Best Lunch Spot Steamboat Third Place: Café &Best Roofing & Creekside Lawn Place: Tin Man Roofing Dining First Place: Cafe Diva First Place: Freshies paintingFirst Third Place: Kinnikinnik Best Family Café Pitts, Revelation American Grill Grill Luke Norland. Second Place: Second Place: Kenny Second Place: Creekside Fourth Place: First Place: Rex’s r & Garden Roots Place: ColorsFreshies Mountain Contracto Second Johnny B. Good’s Colorado Place: Roofing Place: General E3 Restaurant & Grill Luke’s Cafe Fourth Second Best Shack Northrup, Lichtenfels, Lady Wilson Roofing TommyThe Lawnrise Third Place: to the top Fourth Place: Third Place: Second Place: Betsy Third Place: Winona’s Fourth Place: Diner Home Builder Construction saw Pea Place: Winona’s new businesses Highpoint Roofing & Grill House at the Fourth Painters Fourth Place: Creekside Cafe Place: Richey categories Fourth Place: Sweet Rainbow other categories Third Place: Ore First Romeo, Ciao year’s contest,HLCC And while some Broker Steak, Market Yampa River. Place: rain this Restaurant and Fourth Place: Lynne Best Mortgage Best Pine Grove Secondtrout feeding in the record-setting others, such asPedersen, like Company Best Catering Service Company rs from the get-go, Freshies in like the near Gelato Best Plumber First Place: Katherine By the time Onion Best Title Constructionfront-runne Fourth Place: he votes poured t DrunkenJeff’s as thin of a margin Title Guarantee Place: Tavern Berend Hurferther, LandPlace: of the Boat contest. saw clear Restauran FirstJeff wire, with Carl’s Place: Gerber Best Mortgage New ring Up: Place: than First 2014 Meat Best Fidelity First our more Fourth Runners August in spots. to the mouth-wate Kagan, Chophouse top two Josh 4,500 voters placed Second Place: Steamboat the Place: came down Company Build Best Service First Place: E3 Plumbing tallied, nearly Second bites) separating of ours Title (or Custom Co. Taber they were all categories, represent- Design Country votesTree Lending fair town Diva fourRiver Phil Taber, & Seafood Place: Heritage as just Up: about thisHome in six different First Place: Cafe Second Place: Low Cornerstone Second Place: opinions Bouche Second Best Fine Dining Runners has ever 112 questions Cafe Amuse people’s entire Yampa for town an that Place: our votes Briels, Creekside With Diva Third 83,000 campaign It all shows Place: Terri Company Kitchen Second Place: Plumbing our mountain. Builders on Third First Place: Cafe Service each opinion-canvassing Marshall, c.v. Stewart Title as the ski terrain Personal NathanChef Up: ing the biggest Bank a top four in Third Place: & Grill are as varied selected Third Place: Eureka Food Valley Second Place: bistro voters DeFargo Runners Fourth Place: Marno’s Custom Ridge no one Reiff, Wells an Street the contest site, manager Jenni Lynn Plumbing Place: Mahogany E3 Chophouse visit Designer to ensure to Place: Company seen. contest Interior Place: Mediterrane Second Marshall’s says Fourth month tabulated Third Best , also pogee pogee Food & turnout ever,” answers Colorado Title Wipperfurth as integral to Catering Jeanie Durham, write-in to win one of Michele “It was our best Fourth Place: Place: with Third Place: Harwigs-L’a Fourth Place: Aurum Runners Up: by Second Street Fourth Place: Harwigs-L’a First category, voters were eligible let them be new survey system Arts For their efforts, Best Nursery & Gardening Company here, and this Wine Professional Plumbing Shop Fouw, toting a Vertical went missing. businesses. are pretty opinionated Best Coffee sprees to areaSupply Center Place: Valerie Stafford, Happy Hour Best Place to to make the survey Best Supply Second the effort. “People Store Ridge two local shopping tried our best Agent w Best Home Place: MountainBre FirstEstate of town’s is perfect, we First Place: Windemere and clearly.” Design & ReDesign the opinions Best Real Watch the Game Best Outdoor Dining nearly a third Rumor First Place: Mahogany heard loudly Ace While no survey - Buyer’s Bean Place: truly represent Irene Center LaborSteaming Steamboat They Second Carl’s Tavern E3 Chophouse & Garden DougPlace: respondents represent Irene Nelson, Grill that the results & Place: Place: your Place: 4,500 First Coffee and Steamboat. Place: l First the First Landscape of First make Brewery on Third to possible Indeed, Café of House Sports as fair as took the timeGecko Landscape EstatePaddleWhee Third who a sizable representati RealPlace: Special- Nelson Hardware Interiors Place: E3 Chophouse Second Place: Tap Second Place: Creekside Resource Second Place:laid SecondAlpine out before you: Dining, Food illustrious readers, Lumber population, comprising of you, ourSusie you have Tavern Wilkinson, & Tea Co. Center including Shopping, ls, Second Place: Grill & Grill result is what Steamboat & Garden Third Place: Carl’s Third Place: and Professiona Lumber Starbucks the best & Wine Irish Pub Aceof ev& heard. The end Food Place: Eidt, voted on six categories, s Food Steamboat Community Matt showcasing voices McKnights Aurum & Fourth Steamboat Aurum Place: Third Fourth Place: eat, shop Aesthetic Designwork Third Place: Third Place: Second Place: Third Place: Garden, Business voice of the community from where to Pea ProBuild ties, Home & Realty the collective Fourth Place: & Loft Fourth Place: Sweet Colorado Group Wine be heard on everything patroller. has to offer. Hardware Grill Lawn Dresen, Market letting their voices erything Steamboat artist and ski Restaurant and Fourth Place: Slopeside Third Place: Charlie Fourth Place: Kinnikinnik radio station, in this coveted titles living | 27 and drink to best | Steamboat & Garden retained their t living | 61 | 29 2014-15 |

Carpet Best Flooring & Store Place: Carpets Plus

go Best of the Boat T While some incumbents

ing Service Best Landscap Landscape &

es big!

First Second Place: Affordable Flooring Warehouse Shoppe Carpet Third Place: The with Fourth Place: Interiors Altitude

Third Best Painter Tavern

First Place: Gecko Garden Center Design of Second Place: Nature’s

Winter

Winter 2014-15

Steamboa

Winter 2014-15

living | Steamboat

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

BestoftheBoat.com 28 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

Dining Best Après Scene

First Place: Slopeside Grill Second Place: T Bar at Steamboat Third Place: Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill Fourth Place: Truffle Pig

Best Bar

First Place: Carl’s Tavern Second Place: Sunpie’s Bistro Third Place: Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill Fourth Place: E3 Chophouse

Best Bartender

First Place: Richard “Gooch” Shine, Sunpie’s Bistro Second Place: Jack Doyle, Harwigs L’apogee Third Place: Beth “Beef” Hadrys, Carl’s Tavern Fourth Place: Tod “JJ” Johnson, The Laundry

Best Breakfast Spot

First Place: Creekside Café & Grill Second Place: Freshies Third Place: The Shack Cafe Fourth Place: Winona’s

Best Catering Service

First Place: Drunken Onion Second Place: Steamboat Meat & Seafood Co. Third Place: Amuse Bouche Personal Chef Service Fourth Place: Marno’s Custom Catering

Best Coffee Shop

First Place: MountainBrew Second Place: Steaming Bean Coffee Co. Third Place: PaddleWheel Coffee & Tea Co. Fourth Place: Starbucks

Best Family Dining

First Place: Rex’s American Grill & Bar Second Place: Johnny B. Good’s Diner Third Place: Ore House at the Pine Grove Fourth Place: Freshies Fourth Place: Carl’s Tavern

Best Fine Dining

First Place: Cafe Diva Second Place: bistro c.v. Third Place: E3 Chophouse Fourth Place: Harwigs L’apogee

Best Happy Hour

First Place: Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill Second Place: E3 Chophouse Third Place: Carl’s Tavern Fourth Place: Aurum Food & Wine

Best Lunch Spot

First Place: Freshies Second Place: Creekside Café & Grill Third Place: Winona’s Fourth Place: Sweet Pea Restaurant and Market

Best New Restaurant

First Place: E3 Chophouse Second Place: Low Country Kitchen Third Place: Eureka Mediterranean Street Food Fourth Place: Aurum Food & Wine

Best Outdoor Dining

First Place: E3 Chophouse Second Place: Creekside Café & Grill Third Place: Aurum Food & Wine Fourth Place: Sweet Pea Restaurant and Market

Best Server

First Place: Daryl Newcomb, Cafe Diva Second Place: Kenny Pitts, E3 Restaurant Second Place: Betsy Northrup, Creekside Cafe & Grill Fourth Place: Lynne Romeo, Ciao Gelato

Best Service

First Place: Cafe Diva Second Place: Creekside Café & Grill Second Place: Mahogany Ridge Third Place: Harwigs L’apogee

Best Place to Watch the Game

First Place: Carl’s Tavern Second Place: The Tap House Sports Grill Third Place: McKnight’s Irish Pub & Loft Fourth Place: Slopeside Grill

Winter 2014-15 | STEAMBOAT LIVING

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Slopeside Grill

30 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

themed with mountain names like the ACL, Four Points and Vagabond — to an array of burgers, wings, sandwiches and more. To wash it all down, choose from 14 draft beers by the pitcher, wines and wells. And if you’re there during your favorite game, head inside to watch it around a Cheers-like, horseshoe-shaped bar on one of 10 HDTVs, including a jumbo-size overhead. “Everyone’s usually pretty excited from the day skiing or riding when they come here,” McIntosh says. “It’s a lively, fun atmosphere and great place to be after skiing all day.” — Eugene Buchanan

PHoto by MAtt stenslAnD

hat’s not to like about skiing up to a 21,000-pound ice bar and live music straight off the slopes (besides it possibly leading to a night of dancing in your ski boots)? Slopeside won this coveted category for three reasons: location, location, location. Throw in the “beach,” a pint pass getting you $3 drafts and fire pits, and you won’t want to leave until after the late-night (10 p.m. to midnight) happy hour serves up its last $7 pizza. “We pride ourselves on our live music,” manager Chris McIntosh says. “Toward the end of winter, we have it most days, and there’s always a huge crowd. We’re trying to make it a true music hub.” While the famous ice bar doesn’t make its appearance until February, that doesn’t stop revelers from stepping out of their bindings and sauntering in all season long. Après fare runs the gamut from heaping nachos, chili and 10 types of pizza — all

Best Après Scene

First Place: Slopeside Grill Second Place: T Bar at Steamboat Third Place: Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill Fourth Place: Trufﬂe Pig

Pat Waters activating the aprés scene at slopeside Grill at the base of steamboat ski Area.

Best Happy Hour

Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill

t all starts with a twisted pretzel and the porter cream sauce. Then the ceviche and fish tacos. At Mahogany’s early and late-night happy hours, set just four hours apart, there’s something for all appetites and thirsts. Just getting off work and want a beer or glass of wine, and then a snack to accompany it? Mahogany has you covered. Looking for a juicy burger after that long bike ride or day on the mountain? They have that, too. The laid-back yet sophisticated restaurant and brewery is known for its happy hours. The first runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. with half-priced drinks and $1 tapas. The 9:30 to 11 p.m. late-night happy hour offers a dollar off pints and well drinks to go with half-priced appetizers. “The thing we hear from locals as to why they love it is our consistency,” owner Charlie Noble says. “They know exactly what they’re

going to get, and that comes from the fact that we’ve been doing this for a while.” With executive chef Jason Salisbury, Mahogany’s gourmet food has his own personal twist. Think pub-style fare, but fancier — like the signature ceviche that was created a few years ago or the $1 tapas menu that offers a range of flavors and changes with the seasons. The staff also is known for keeping the big picture in mind and making sure each patron is treated well. “We’re pretty lucky that the staff sincerely cares about treating everyone well,” Noble adds. “People also come for the social aspect, and it means a great deal to have the locals talking about us to others in the community. Word-of-mouth advertising is invaluable in such a small town.” So is winning Best Happy Hour accolades. Two of them. — Audrey Dwyer

How to make the most of Mahogany Ridge? Hit it during Happy Hour.

Best Happy Hour

First Place: Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill Second Place: E3 Chophouse Third Place: Carl’s Tavern Fourth Place: Aurum Food & Wine

Find it at

since 1995

1707 Lincoln Ave. • 870-8807 West of downtown Monday-Friday, 10-6 • Saturday 10-4

Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Best New Restaurant First Place: E3 Chophouse

Locals have no beef at all about voting E3 Chophouse Best New Restaurant.

32 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

A riverside location, great ambiance and focus on fresh was all it took for E3 Chophouse to win Best New Restaurant in this year’s tally. While you likely won’t be sitting outside on its riverside patio during the winter, inside the thrust is all on E3’s pasture-to-plate steaks, which come straight from co-owner Jeff LaRoche’s family ranch in Kansas. Raised in an all-natural environment, the certifiable Black Angus Prime — whether in 14-ounce New York strips, ribeyes and filet mignon or a whopping 24-ounce porterhouse — is its culinary calling card, which keeps customers coming back for more. That, and an emphasis on service and a happy hour that keeps locals spreading the word. “At E3, it’s truly all in the family,” LaRoche says. “Our steaks and chops are cut daily in-house and prepared the only way we know how — to perfection.” The restaurant also features daily specials, fresh fish (24 hours sea-to-table), wild

game (try its elk tenderloin with cherry stout mole) and more, joining such local favorites as bacon-wrapped dates, jalapeno goat cheese fritters and lobster mac and cheese.

Second Place: Low Country Kitchen Founded by bistro c.v. owners Katy and Brian Vaughn, Low Country Kitchen gives your mouth such a taste of the South that you’ll think you’re dining on your frontporch swing. The new eatery at 435 Lincoln Ave. offers an array of tantalizing tidbits straight from Dixie, using fresh organic meats and produce and seafood from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Fill up on Southern-style crispy fried chicken, a heaping bowl of Cajun jambalaya, a BLT with, you guessed it, fried green tomatoes, all whipped up by chef Ryan Hoth as well as the Vaughns, who hail from down South and are stoked to bring its flavor to Steamboat, be it meats or mint juleps. “It’s the food we grew up eating,” says Katy, touting the Chicken Biscuit appetizer (with pepper jelly and aioli sauce) and Shrimp and Grits as its best-sellers. “We have a personal attachment to it, and it’s not food you can get anywhere else in town.” Says one reviewer on www.open table.com: “... a refreshing contrast to the

over-abundance of mountain chic in the area.”

“We want a family of four to be able to get quick, affordable, great quality food for $50 to $60. It fills a great niche on Yampa Street.”

Third Place: Eureka - Mediterranean Street Food

Fourth Place: Aurum Food & Wine

If you haven’t peeked in through its oversized garage doors opening to its outside dining patio, Carl’s Tavern owners Collin and Noella Kelley have created a new Mediterranean-themed restaurant next door that’s fast becoming a favorite for casual diners. Its street-food-inspired fare features traditional dishes served family-feast style, employing a pizza oven from Naples and two large rotisseries for Middle Eastern shawarma meats. “The Lebanese dishes, inspired by family recipes from Noella’s grandparents, have really been moving well,” Collin says. He also touts the homemade Neopolitan-style pizzas, complete with imported flour from Italy, fresh mozzarella, local honey, prosciutto de parma and grana padano (extraaged Parmesan). “People love it,” he says. “No one else in town is doing them like it.” Just don’t expect menus or waiters. A giant screen displays the day’s offerings, with your counter order brought to your table. “We’re trying to bring a different type of cuisine and service to town,” he says, adding that nothing on the menu is priced over $15.

Aurum, located at 811 Yampa St., offers “a new element in dining,” all in a fun, energetic atmosphere emphasizing food and service. Headed by executive chef Chase Wilbanks, who has cooked at Denver’s Shanahan’s Steakhouse, the menu varies with the seasons, encompassing everything from fine dining to more casual fare (favorites include its crab cakes and chanterelle mushroom fondue). A “local’s hour” menu augments its regular offerings, with the lounge offering Colorado liquors and beers along with a specialty drink list. Its menu is accompanied by wines custom blended by Colorado winemaker Joe Buckel, with other wines organized by region and changed seasonally. “Having our own vineyard is a huge element of the restaurant,” owner Phil Armstrong says. As for its menu, he adds that it changes with the seasons and “we’re not stretching to serve things that aren’t in season. Our obsession is the guest experience. It’s not just the food or service, but the people who come through our doors.” — Eugene Buchanan

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34 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

PHoto by JoHn F. Russell

Football, baseball, hockey ... Carl’s tavern has you covered.

Best Place to Watch the Game

ant to watch people happily watching the game? Just peer through the windows of Carl’s Tavern downtown, which won not only Best Bar this year but also Best Place to Watch the Game. The two go hand in hand just like ski jumping goes with namesake Carl Howelsen. Create a great bar, and you create a great place for patrons to watch their favorite sporting event. Founded by Noella and Collin Kelley, Carl’s offers every sports package under the sun, from college sports to NHL, MLB and NFL Sunday Ticket, on 16 HDTVs. “You can see at least three TVs from every seat in the house,” Collin says. “From some, you can see five.” (Hint: These include a couple at the bar and one in the elevated dining area.) Volumes can be adjusted individually or permeate the entire tavern for one big game. In the Antler Room is a 70-inch, 1080-pixel TV with surround sound. “Usually, we have the Broncos playing in there, or whatever group has the biggest fan base,” he adds. Carl’s is also diplomatic about appeasing different fans. “We’ll see what kind of jerseys people are wearing that day,” he says. “Steamboat has a ton of Patriots, Steelers and Packers fans.” Carl’s tailors its food offerings to fans, as well. Its 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday brunch was created largely for game time. “It’s fan food like biscuits and gravy and breakfast burritos,” he says. “We also have a buildyour-own bloody mary bar — we pour the vodka, you do the rest — as well as bot-

Carl’s Tavern

tomless mimosas.” From kickoff weekend through the Super Bowl, Carl’s offers $2 Bud drafts and 50-cent wings all day Sunday and on Monday nights. Also, look for Harvey’s Huddle on ESPN radio broadcasting from Carl’s every Monday night, with help from former NFLer Tim Krumrie. Just don’t look for your host to necessarily root for your team. An ardent Kansas sports fan from his youth, he’ll likely be wearing a Chiefs jersey.

Second Place: The Tap House Sports Grill

Like a typical NFL rivalry, the Tap House won Best Place to Watch the Game for three years running, from 2011 to 2013, besting neighbor Carl’s Tavern. Despite losing the title this year by just 28 votes, it’s still a great place to saddle up for suds and sports. Located on Lincoln Avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets, it’s beefed-up its sports-viewing offerings with a whopping 54 — yes, count ’em, 54 — flat-panel HDTVs, as well as two 70-inch, HD, 1080-pixel screens guaranteed to get sports fans screaming. For audio, wireless, eight-channel speakers come on every table — including a fleet of new, comfortable booths — allowing patrons to listen to the game of their choice. Those choices are far-reaching. The bar carries every major sports channel package there is, including those for rugby and soccer (resulting in a packed house this World Cup season). “It’s a great place to watch any sporting event you want,” general manager Mike Bryan says, crediting its success

to food, service and atmosphere. Wings — with 17 homemade sauces — and special burgers are favorites, as are the 21 beers on tap and “bottomless” buildyour-own bloody mary bar. On Sunday mornings, choose from homemade biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos and more. In the afternoons and evenings, look for specials on Odell and a happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. serving up $2 domestics, $3 crafts and a special food menu. You also can play Football Bingo on Monday nights, which uses football plays instead of numbers, to win prizes and drinks, or the NTN Network’s free sports trivia game. On Thursdays, guess the exact score of the game and win $1,000. The decorations ensure you’re in a game-watching mood, with jerseys from the likes of Joe Namath, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, John Elway and more, as well as baseball artifacts and ski gear from local Olympians. “Sports are extremely important to our business,” Bryan says. “In the summer, they’re huge for the Triple Crown players in town, and in the winter, the NFL brings the tourists in. It’s just a great place to watch the game, no matter who you’re rooting for.” — Eugene Buchanan

Best Place to Watch the Game

First Place: Carl’s Tavern Second Place: The Tap House Sports Grill Third Place: McKnight’s Irish Pub & Loft Fourth Place: Slopeside Grill Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Serving authentic “Ring of Fire” Pacific Rim Cuisine ranging from the Indonesian Islands, Singapore, Thailand to Japan.

Dine in or take out. Serving dinner Daily.

you love their food, they love serving it.

Freshies

Best Lunch Spot

ns Recommend ed* ervatio *Res

(970) 879-2929 1106 South Lincoln Avenue Steamboat Springs, CO 80477 Backside of Old West Building Downtown - 11th & Lincoln 36 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

here’s something about a great lunch that helps you get through the day. Freshies, located between town and the mountain, knows this better than anyone, winning this year’s Best Lunch category with nearly twice the votes as the next highest finisher. Why? Because customers routinely finish their plates. Its menu emphasizes organic and locally produced items and changes with the seasons. “We’re really fortunate to have strong local business,” says Scott Fox, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Kristy. “We offer primo product that locals really enjoy, and then word spreads out to the tourists.” Top-sellers include its Chili Lime Fish Tacos; Avocado Griller (fresh bread, avocados, white cheddar, caramelized onion and oven-dried tomatoes); and such salads as the Freshies (spinach lettuce, caramelized pecans, blue cheese, strawberries, blueberries and oranges with a house dressing) and Meadows (romaine lettuce, caramelized onions and pecans, dried cherries and goat cheese). Come winter, it sinks its teeth into soups, including Chicken Tortilla, Potato Leek, Butternut Squash, Bacon Corn Chowder, Clam Chowder and Beef Vegetable. “We sell a ton of soup in the winter, all of them homemade with only the best ingredients,” Scott says. “People love to warm up with them. We try to get more hot stuff on the menu in winter and offer a big variety each day.” If you’re torn on what to order, they make that easy, too, with the Dynamic Duo, which lets diners choose two options between a cup of soup, half-salad and half-sandwich. “It helps people get out of the rut of always ordering the same thing,” Kristy adds. Above all, both credit their staff as the key to the restaurant’s success. “Our staff is awesome,” Scott says. “We’re really lucky. We like to surround ourselves with fun, energetic people, and it’s great to have consistency. We have fun at work and still totally love what we do.” — Eugene Buchanan

Best Lunch Spot

First Place: Freshies Second Place: Creekside Café & Grill Third Place: Winona’s Fourth Place: Sweet Pea Restaurant and Market

Best Coffee Shop asha and Al Compos have a good thing going at MountainBrew coffee shop at 427 Oak St., and it’s as welcoming as it is aromatic. “I think it’s the neighborhood feel here on Oak Street,” Tasha says. MountainBrew is situated on the main level of an older home on the way to schools, churches and the post office. The sign out front signals that it’s a coffee shop, but really it’s a restaurant that feels like home. Al says a significant number of their customers are regulars whom they see more than once each week. “If we don’t see them for a while, we wonder where they are,” he says. “The best thing about owning a business like this in a town like this is your regular customers,” Tasha adds. Those regular customers now also have a third location where they can feast on Tasha’s baked goods while sipping coffee

and caramel macchiatos. With a satellite location already in the main lobby of Bud Werner Memorial Library, they opened a new Mountain Brew location nearby inside Old Town Hot Springs on Oct. 1. Catering to coffee lovers is the whole strategy, Al says, as is strengthening relationships with loyal customers. Tasha, who rises before 3 a.m. every day to begin baking, likes to change up the menu seasonally. Along with the return of hearty soups for the autumn, she’s bringing out a blackbean burger on a Greek yogurt bun with arugula and tzatziki sauce (yogurt blended with cucumbers, garlic and olive oil). And, of course, there are slices of pizza and quiche as well as breakfast throughout the day, along with Tasha’s famous cupcakes, cookies and thick-sliced breads. “As long as customers keep coming, I’ll keep getting up early,” Tasha says. — Tom Ross

PHoto by toM Ross

MountainBrew tasha and Al Campos have been so successful with Mountainbrew, they’ve opened a third location in old town Hot springs.

Best Coffee Shop

First Place: MountainBrew Second Place: Steaming Bean Coffee Co. Third Place: PaddleWheel Coffee & Tea Co. Fourth Place: Starbucks

Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Best Breakfast Spot

Creekside Café & Grill

38 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

breaded chicken-fried steak. “We tweak them from time to time to make them better, but our customers love them all,” she says. To wash it all down, patrons enjoy Amante Italian coffee, fresh-squeezed orange juice and secret recipe bloody marys that also have been voted Best in the Boat. All this comes in a cozy, brick-walled atmosphere with a patio overlooking Soda Creek in the summer and warm coziness inside in winter, from locally made stained glass to artwork that changes each month. — Eugene Buchanan

Photo by John F. Russell

Now entering their 15th year serving the type of breakfast that keeps customers returning for more, Creekside owners Kelly and Jason Landers pin the secret to their success on the same thing as always: fresh, homemade ingredients, bottomless Italian coffee and uber-friendly service. “We use local ingredients, with everything prepared onsite,” says Kelly, adding that they make their own bread, jams and more, in addition to sourcing all meats and vegetables locally. “It makes a big difference. So does our great staff in front.” Rattling off its best-sellers, she lists 12 kinds of eggs Benedict as topping the list, all using the same homemade-from-scratch hollandaise that’s remained unchanged for 14 years and still made in the same bowl. Next come Creekside’s carbo-replenishing breakfast burrito, huevos rancheros, corned beef hash, Wafflelaughagus and hand-

Best Breakfast Spot

First Place: Creekside Café & Grill Second Place: Freshies Third Place: The Shack Cafe Fourth Place: Winona’s

Wafflelaughagus, anyone?

Food Specialties Best Asian

First Place: Noodles & More Second Place: Sake2U Third Place: Sambi Canton Fourth Place: Sumatera

Best Beer

Best Hamburger

First Place: Big House Burgers Second Place: Double Z Bar & Bar BQ Third Place: Back Door Grill Fourth Place: Carl’s Tavern

First Place: The Amputator, Butcherknife Brewing Second Place: Alpenglow Ale, Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill Third Place: Butcherknife Blonde, Butcherknife Brewing Fourth Place: Flare, Storm Peak Brewing Co.

Best Hot Dog

Best Burrito

First Place: Ciao Gelato Second Place: Lyon Drug Store & Soda Fountain Third Place: Dairy Queen Fourth Place: Fro-Yo Runners Up: Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory

First Place: Azteca Taqueria Second Place: Taco Cabo Third Place: Fiesta Jalisco Fourth Place: Creekside Cafe & Grill

Best Cocktail

First Place: Rio, Big Tex Margarita Second Place: Carl’s Tavern, Rocky Mountain Mule Third Place: The Laundry, Fiery Margarita Fourth Place: Sunpie’s Bistro, Hurricane

First Place: Hungry Dog Second Place: Johnny B Good’s Diner Third Place: Double Z Bar & Bar BQ Fourth Place: The Rusted Porch

Best Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt

Best Italian

First Place: Mambo Italiano Second Place: Mazzola’s Majestic Italian Diner Third Place: Riggio’s Ristorante Fourth Place: Cugino’s

Best Mexican

First Place: Fiesta Jalisco Second Place: Rio Grande Third Place: Vaquero’s Fourth Place: Taco Cabo

Best Pizza

First Place: Blue Sage Pizza Second Place: Brooklynn’s Pizzeria Third Place: Soda Creek Pizza Fourth Place: Mambo Italiano

Best Ribs

Best Steak

First Place: Ore House at the Pine Grove Second Place: E3 Chophouse Third Place: Cafe Diva Fourth Place: 8th Street Steakhouse

Best Sushi

First Place: Sake2U Second Place: Noodles & More Third Place: Spostas Fourth Place: Sambi Canton

First Place: Double Z Bar & Bar BQ Second Place: Steamboat Smokehouse Third Place: Ore House at the Pine Grove Fourth Place: Mahogany Ridge

Best Vegetarian Menu

Best Sandwich

Best Wings

First Place: Backcountry Delicatessen Second Place: Cruisers Sub Shop Third Place: Freshies Fourth Place: The Paramount

First Place: ROOTZ Second Place: Sweet Pea Restaurant and Market Third Place: Bamboo Market Fourth Place: Freshies First Place: The Tap House Sports Grill Second Place: Carl’s Tavern Third Place: Double Z Bar & Bar BQ Fourth Place: Steamboat Smokehouse

Best Dessert

PHOTO BY JOHN F. RUSSELL

First Place: Cafe Diva Second Place: Harwigs L’apogee Third Place: Ciao Gelato Fourth Place: Ore House at the Pine Grove

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PHoto by sCott FRAnZ

Best Beer

Amputator

by Butcherknife Brewing

ith 7.2 percent alcohol by volume and a gruesome name, Butcherknife’s new Amputator sounds a little intimidating. Then you take a sip, and this IPA isn’t scary anymore. Steamboat’s favorite local beer of 2014 is one of the stronger craft beers available here in the Yampa Valley. “This beer has more aroma notes of tangerine, and the bitterness is low compared to most IPAs,” Butcherknife’s Nathan Johansing says. “This sets it apart from most heavy IPAS. And we use Colorado hops in this beer.” The Amputator is a big brother to a yet-to-be-released Butcherknife brew called Singularity. The name of the beer definitely fits under the Butcherknife umbrella, but there’s more to the name than that. Johansing says the name came from a local group of musicians. There are now 21 places here in Steamboat where Butcherknife beer is on tap, with 15 of

those locations downtown. Butcherknife’s new taproom on Elk River Road also is a perfect place to try its Best of the Boat Amputator concoction, as well as its other beers — all part of the more than 1,000 barrels of beer it plans to distribute in its first year of operation. What this all means is it’s a good time to be a craft beer lover in Steamboat. — Scott Franz

Best Beer

It cures what ales you: the Amputator from butcherknife.

Thank You, Steamboat! Best Real Estate Agent Offering 30+ years of experience to help you buy or sell your property

Announcing my new affiliation with...

Douglas N. Labor GRI, RRP, ABR, ABRM, CEBA, e-PRO www.BuySteamboat.com 970.870.8885 x101

40 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

Ciao Gelato

Best Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt

o ahead, take a spoonful. Or even two. Lynne and Massimo Romeo, as well as their sons Mirko and Gabri, won’t mind one bit as you sample their delicious gelato. They know you’ll be coming back for more. Ciao offers a repertoire of 40 gelato flavors, with 18 on hand at any one time. The top three best-sellers, Lynne says, are dark chocolate sorbet, salted caramel and blueberry cheesecake. “We make it all here in-house,” she says. “The key is that we use our own milk and sugar and all fresh ingredients.” For the fruit flavors, each 8.5-pound batch, or one of those tubs you see in their authentic Italian glass counter, takes two pounds of fresh fruit. They’ll make as many as 30 batches each day during the peak summer

season, with mornings dedicated to making pizza and afternoons devoted to gelato. Now settled into their new location on Seventh Street downtown, the Romeos germinated the idea for gelato when Massimo visited a popular gelato cafe in Italy and fell in love. Not knowing if they could replicate the concoction in the states, they then stumbled upon an authentic gelato company in Fort Collins, and the idea took hold. “It was like being back in Italy,” Lynne says. “We found out that it was, in fact, possible to make it in the States.” Tutoring at a 50-year-old Italian gelato company’s U.S. headquarters in North Carolina, they returned to Colorado and purchased the Italian gelato machine from the retiring Fort Collins company, and a business was born. “It went from an Italian to

an Italian,” Lynne says about the machine. “It was a kind of passing of the torch.” As for the treat itself, she adds that there’s no comparison. “I love the creaminess of it and how the flavors pop,” she says. “I had ice cream for the first time in four years last summer, and I kept waiting for that same pop, but it never happened. As soon as you take your first bite, for 10 minutes all is right in the world.” —EugeneBuchanan

Best Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt First Place: Ciao Gelato Second Place: Lyon Drug Store & Soda Fountain Third Place: Dairy Queen Fourth Place: Fro-Yo Runners Up: Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory

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Best Vegetarian Menu

custom choices. Items are labeled with complete explanations, and table tags offer even more information about ingredients. Most everything is raw, local and as fresh as possible. “I want people to have the freedom to create what their body needs,” Racoma says, adding that business has been much better than expected. “It fulfills a void that has been missing here in Steamboat. People have come in and thanked me for opening it.” —EugeneBuchanan

Photo By JohN F. RUSSELL

ant vegetarian fare? Set your roots in ROOTZ, which is blending up big business in its first year with fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, salads, grain bowls, paninis and more, all handdesigned by holistic health practitioner and former executive chef Fawn Racoma to “balance the body.” Its best-sellers, she says, are its Mediterranean-inspired Medi-tate Bowl (cucumber, marinated onions, carrots, goat cheese, red peppers, grape tomatoes, sunflower seeds and spirulina pesto) and its all-vegan Bhodi Tree Bowl, named after the tree Buddha sat under when he became enlightened. You’ll be enlightened with its purple cabbage, celery, carrots, cucumber, pea shoots and raw almonds, all mixed together with miso ginger dressing. Joining all this is a vegetarian menu filled with fresh juices, soups and paninis, as well as a full array of made-to-order

ROOTZ

Best Vegetarian Menu

First Place: ROOTZ Second Place: Sweet Pea Restaurant and Market Third Place: Bamboo Market Fourth Place: Freshies

the veggie edge: RootZ’s Fawn Racoma practicing what she preaches.

Red Bowl

World Curry Haus Dine in with us, or take-away 7 days a week!

1117 Lincoln Ave., Steamboat Springs, CO www.RedBowlSteamboat.com 970-879-7169 Plenty of Gluten Free, Dairy Free & Vegetarian options available. 42 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

Cafe Diva Photo By tom RoSS

Best Dessert

Just desserts: Chef Kate Rench’s Peach Streusel Cupcake is accompanied by salted caramel, candied pecans, lemon cream gelato, creme anglaise, and thinly sliced fresh Colorado peaches.

hef Kate Rench, of Cafe Diva, reels in her customers with a dessert menu studded with confections that evoke country home cooking. Then she dazzles them with an exotic twist on those old favorites like a summery fresh peach cake. Rench’s Peach Streusel Cupcake is adorned with salted caramel, candied pecans, lemon cream gelato and creme Anglaise, all complementing fresh, waferthin-sliced Colorado peaches. Somehow, all of those flavors make good dance partners. The salt takes the edge off the sweet caramel, the gelato brings out the best of the savory pecans and the peaches announce that the height of summer has arrived. The creme Anglaise? It joins all of the other ingredients in holy matrimony. (It’s perfect, she adds, with a snifter of cognac or glass of Sauternes.) Rench’s dessert menus change with the seasons as well as her moods. “I like researching desserts made by other chefs and then improvising on the elements that

Best Dessert

First Place: Cafe Diva Second Place: Harwigs L’apogee Third Place: Ciao Gelato Fourth Place: Ore House at the Pine Grove intrigue me most,” she says. “I read a lot of cookbooks and recipes on the Internet. l’ll do a twist on one dessert and a twist on another and then put them together.” She doesn’t copy anything as much as she takes an idea and riffs on it, much like a talented musician does with a guitar lick. Then she’ll combine ideas so the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Rench has learned with time how to balance the exotic with the practical — her desserts aren’t laborious to plate, but they always come out dazzling her guests visually and making their mouths water. You’ll always find a perfectly crusted creme brulee on the menu, and this summer and fall, she had an abundance of chocolate on the menu, much of that in the form of truffles. And when she ever goes out elsewhere for dessert of her own, you can bet she’s every bit the confectionary connoisseur. “My husband always lets me order dessert for both of us,” she says. “He understands.” —TomRoss

Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Best Steak

Ore House at the Pine Grove

t helps to have experience when serving up steaks. Operating out of the same location since its founding in 1971, Ore House at the Pine Grove has more than perhaps any other restaurant in town, which is what helped it win this year’s Best Steak category. The restaurant is owned by Jeff Little, Diane Emert and Dan Emert, and managed by Diane and Dan. They credit the accolades to the loyal and experienced front-ofhouse staff and the streamlined kitchen run by nine-year chef Isaac Slobodnik, as well as the grilling expertise of Pete Grove and Ty Long. “Together, they have more than 50 years of grilling experience,” Dan says. “They cook every single steak exactly how you want it over a gas flame-broiler.” And sourcing, he adds, is just as important as the sizzle. The Ore House sources its Certified Angus Beef® steaks from an exclusive supplier and hand-cuts them every day before cooking them to order. Its most popular cuts are its prime rib and Steak Ore House, and all

44 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

cuts come with the option of its signature crabmeat and bearnaise Ore House topping, which Dan says is “great on almost everything.” While tourists line up for its steaks during peak season, it’s locals, he adds, who are the Ore House’s bread and butter (which also come with every meal). “We get a lot of visitors, but locals are what keep us alive and growing,” he says. “It’s great to be recognized by them for something like this.”

Second Place: E3 Chophouse

For E3 Chophouse, it’s all about fresh. All of its beef comes straight from the LaRoche family’s Kansas ranch, raised humanely in an all-natural environment, ensuring only the best, certifiable Black Angus Prime. “It’s always fresh, without any hormones or antibiotics,” says executive chef Brandon Pfaff, adding that the beef gets shipped from the ranch as needed with its steaks never frozen. It comes in what’s termed sub-primal form, for example a whole ribeye loin, and then gets hand-cut in-house every day.

Ensuring freshness first, next comes the cooking. Its steaks are cooked in an infrared broiler that heats up to more than 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit, which creates the perfect sear. “We sear it off, flip it and then sear it off again,” says Pfaff, adding that the process takes eight to 10 minutes. “We don’t use any tricks at all — just salt and pepper.” The best-sellers, he adds, are its 14-ounce ribeye and 8-ounce filet. It also offers a succulent elk tenderloin topped with a cherry stout mole and a whopping 24-ounce porterhouse for after that powder day on the slopes. “We’re real happy with what we’ve been able to do so far,” he says. “We’ve had great success for our first year.” — Eugene Buchanan

Best Steak

First Place: Ore House at the Pine Grove Second Place: E3 Chophouse Third Place: Cafe Diva Fourth Place: 8th Street Steakhouse

a stake in steaks: a sample of the ore houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best of the Boat-winning beef.

Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Blue Sage Pizza

Best Pizza

46 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

exactly how it should with pepperoni, fresh Italian sausage, bacon and homemade meatballs. And the Spicy Texan has a kick with barbecue sauce, chicken, fresh jalapenos, bacon and pineapple. The two new locations also are changing the dining experience at Blue Sage. The mountainside location is just steps away from Wildhorse Stadium Cinemas, while the western location in Riverside Plaza features a range of dishes like Philly cheese steaks — as long as you have the willpower to bypass their pizza. —ScottFranz

Photo By SCott FRaNZ

lue Sage Pizza has been on a roll lately. In the past year, the long-established local company has outgrown its small space in Central Park Plaza and now has two bigger locations on both ends of town. Oh, and the pizza still is really good — so good, in fact, that it earned top honors in this year’s best pie category. “It’s hard to get a good traditional pizza, and that’s what we offer,” owner Brett McFadden says. Blue Sage boasts a menu that has all of the traditional favorites like cheese and pepperoni, but it also offers some with a more exotic flair, such as pizzas with ingredients like cream cheese. The deep-dish pizzas also are very popular, as is its array of specialty pizzas. The Vegetarian Nightmare pizza comes

Best Pizza

First Place: Blue Sage Pizza Second Place: Brooklynn’s Pizzeria Third Place: Soda Creek Pizza Fourth Place: Mambo Italiano

Now that’s a piece of pizza.

Best Mexican

n a ski town where there are as many Mexican restaurants as there are ski shops, Fiesta Jalisco continues to be the restaurant to beat. For some people, it’s the family atmosphere that keeps them coming back. For others, it’s the giant margaritas or the traditional Mexican dishes from enchiladas and huevos rancheros to the Chimichanga de Manzana, a flour tortilla stuffed with apples, cinnamon and spices served with a scoop of ice cream and topped with honey, cinnamon, sugar, strawberry sauce and whipped cream. “We focus on authentic, great Mexican food,” says owner Mario Rodriguez, crediting the staff for the restaurant remaining

a local favorite. “It’s a great place to come with your family.” In the span of just a few years, the Diaz and Rodriguez families have opened several other Fiesta Jalisco locations in Colorado and recently brought their homemade recipes to a new downtown Steamboat location as well called Vaqueros — which all makes enjoying their south-of-the-border creations even easier. —ScottFranz

Photo By SCott FRaNZ

Fiesta Jalisco Best Mexican

First Place: Fiesta Jalisco Second Place: Rio Grande Third Place: Vaquero’s Fourth Place: Taco Cabo

Every meal’s a fiesta at Fiesta Jalisco.

A Steamboat dining tradition for over 40 years. This historic barn was converted into a restaurant in 1971. Our steaks are hand cut Certified Angus Beef® and the Prime Rib is slow roasted daily.

Voted BEST STE AK

Cheers! Reservations Recommended • 970-879-1190 On the bus line at the corner of Pine Grove Road & Hwy 40 1465 Pine Grove Rd. • www.orehouse.com

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Business & Community Best Auto Repair Shop

First Place: Bob’s Downtown Conoco Second Place: Doc’s Auto Clinic Third Place: Elk Mountain Automotive Fourth Place: Black Diamond Automotive Fourth Place: Westside Automotive

Best Bank

First Place: Yampa Valley Bank Second Place: Wells Fargo Third Place: Alpine Bank Fourth Place: Vectra Bank

Best Daycare

First Place: Discovery Learning Center Second Place: Grandkids Child Care Center Third Place: Holy Name Preschool Fourth Place: Young Tracks Preschool

Best Fishing Outﬁtter

First Place: Steamboat Flyﬁsher Second Place: Bucking Rainbow Third Place: Straightline Sports Fourth Place: Henderson Fly Fishing

Best Fitness Center & Gym

First Place: Old Town Hot Springs Second Place: Anytime Fitness Third Place: Steamboat Pilates & Fitness Fourth Place: Manic Training

Best Golf Course

First Place: Haymaker Golf Course Second Place: Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club Third Place: Catamount Ranch & Club Fourth Place: Steamboat Golf Club

Best Guest Ranch

First Place: Saddleback Ranch Second Place: Home Ranch Third Place: Vista Verde Guest Ranch Fourth Place: Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch

Best Hair Salon

Best Nail Salon

First Place: Exclusive Nails Second Place: Steamboat Nails Third Place: Wildhorse Salon Fourth Place: Rocky Mountain Day Spa, Boutique & Salon

Best Pharmacy

First Place: Wildhorse Salon Second Place: Hair On Earth Third Place: Brio Salon and Spa Fourth Place: Comb Goddess

First Place: Lyon Drug Store & Soda Fountain Second Place: Walgreens Third Place: City Market Fourth Place: Walmart

Best Horseback Riding Outﬁtter

Best Physical Therapy Practice

First Place: Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch Second Place: Saddleback Ranch Third Place: Hahn’s Peak Roadhouse Fourth Place: Steamboat Lake Outﬁtters

Best Insurance Agency

First Place: State Farm - Debbie Aragon Second Place: State Farm - Dax Mattox Third Place: Alpine Insurance Fourth Place: Strong Insurance

Best Kid’s Program

First Place: Johnson & Johnson Physical Therapy Second Place: SportsMed at Yampa Valley Medical Center Third Place: Kinetic Energy Fourth Place: The Center for Sports Medicine Fourth Place: Forever Fit

Best Printing Shop

First Place: PostNet Second Place: Northwest Graphics Third Place: Element Print & Design Fourth Place: Crown Prints

First Place: Boys & Girls Club of Steamboat Springs Second Place: Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Third Place: Kids’ Adventure Club at Steamboat Ski Resort Fourth Place: Steamboat Springs Parks and Recreation Fourth Place: Routt County 4-H

Best Property Management Company

Best Live Music Venue

First Place: 96.9 KBCR: Big Country Radio Second Place: 105.5 KFMU: Colorado Classic Rock & Roll Third Place: 88.5 KUNC: Public Radio for Northern Colorado Fourth Place: 94.1 KEZZ: Easy 941

First Place: Howelsen Hill Second Place: Strings Music Pavilion Third Place: Schmiggity’s Fourth Place: Chief Theater

48 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

First Place: Retreatia Second Place: Mountain Resorts Third Place: Central Park Management Fourth Place: Wyndham Vacation Rentals

Best Radio Station

Best Snow Removal Service

First Place: Native Excavating Second Place: City of Steamboat Springs Third Place: Mountain Roots Fourth Place: Gecko Landscape & Design

Best Spa

First Place: Life Essentials Wellness Spa Second Place: Rocky Mountain Day Spa, Boutique & Salon Third Place: Waterside Day Spa Fourth Place: Old Town Hot Springs

Best Vacation Services Agency

First Place: Steamboat Reservations & Travel Second Place: Steamboat Central Reservations Third Place: Wyndham Vacation Rentals Fourth Place: Resort Group

Best Veterinary Ofﬁce First Place: Pet Kare Clinic Second Place: Steamboat Veterinary Hospital Third Place: Mount Werner Veterinary Hospital Fourth Place: Ski Town Veterinary Services

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Best Daycare

Discovery Learning Center

Photo By SCott FRaNZ

second generation. “There are a lot of kids who have grown up here and stayed here and now are raising their own kids here, which is great,” Havener says. Serving children ages 3 to 6, the learning center currently has 61 children enrolled and sees an average of 45 of them each day. In short, it’s growing just like its children are. “Our tagline is growing confident, competent and caring children, and we implement that whole idea every single day,” Havener says. —ScottFranz

alk into the Discovery Learning Center and you immediately notice there’s something about this place that children really love. One group of them has grabbed instruments to form a band, while others pluck miniature cars from a tub of toys that doesn’t seem to have a bottom. The playtime comes in addition to a high-caliber early learning program at the school. “Our teachers are of the highest caliber,” executive director Tami Havener says. “They really are the ones who engage the children in quality early childhood curriculum, and that is driven by a whole set of excellent standards.” The school has been nationally accredited since 1990. It also has reached another important milestone in recent years; Havener says parents who once attended the school now are sending their own children to it, keeping it all in the family with a

Best Daycare

First Place: Discovery Learning Center Second Place: Grandkids Child Care Center Third Place: Holy Name Preschool Fourth Place: Young Tracks Preschool

Kidding around: Declan Lacy plays with some toys at Discovery Learning Center.

more m ore than a sushi s ushi restaurant... r estaurant... including steak, s teak, ribs, r ibs, salads s alads & Wings · live l ive m music usic · Vegan friendly f riendly · We’ve got all your N Nfl fl ticket t icket on 6 HD tVs t Vs · like like us on f facebook acebook for s specials pecials & e events vents · ·r reservations eservations available including groups & private parties

Best s sushi ushi for over o ver 10 Years

609 Yampa st steamboat, co · 970.870.1019 · www.sake2u.net Hours mon - Wed 3 to close

50 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

thurs - sun 11am to close HappY Y Hour Dail DailY Y from 3-6

Haymaker

Best Golf Course

Golf Course

estled in the valley with amazing views at every turn, it’s not hard to imagine why 18-hole Haymaker Golf Course aced the Best of the Boat’s golf category. Although there are other great courses in town, its location allows for long fairways and challenging holes combined with vistas and wildlife viewing. “It’s a fun course to play no matter what level you are,” course pro Tom Taylor says. He adds that one of the course’s top priorities is to provide residents with opportunities to play. A range of fee options caters to different schedules and budgets that appeal to visitors and locals alike. Owned by the city, Haymaker is the home course for the Steamboat Springs High School golf team and hosts many programs that help golfers of all ages improve and enjoy the sport. This past year, Haymaker held successful junior’s, women’s

and men’s clinics and programs, and for the past three years, it’s partnered with the Boys & Girls Club by offering five weeks of lessons at no charge. More than local golfers are fans of its fairways, which play anywhere from 5,059 to 7,308 yards. It was given four stars by Golf Digest in 2012 and ranked sixth in Colorado for Golf Week’s Best Courses You Can Play. It also was one of the first golf courses in Colorado to achieve Audubon International certification for its preservation efforts. Players will notice wildlifesensitive areas where extra caution is requested, and may see wildlife; a family of sandhill cranes and deer both called Haymaker home this year. Players may also see something even rarer: holes-in-one. According to Taylor, par-three hole number 7 sees the most as it’s perfect for using shorter clubs to drive

the green. By the end of September, the hole had seen six aces this season alone. (Taylor says to watch for when the pin placement is on the right side of the green — it creates a bowl that sweeps balls into the cup.) Aces or not, with great views, fun, challenging holes and a knowledgeable staff that truly wants you to enjoy the game, Haymaker offers more than a great round of golf. It serves up yet another way to enjoy Steamboat sans snow. —MackenzieYelvington

Best Golf Course

First Place: Haymaker Golf Course Second Place: Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club Third Place: Catamount Ranch & Club Fourth Place: Steamboat Golf Club

sunpies serving lunch and dinn er from our delicious ca jun creole menu

amboat’s one of Ste ne! d n a y o B Hurrica Enjoy a Po tails, The k c o c e it favor

Happy H our with a view

’s mboat a e t S in! h is Gooc rTender…aga a Best B

735 Yampa Ave, Steamboat Spgs, CO 80487

(970) 870-3360 Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Saddleback Ranch

52 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

“I believe they appreciate that we’re not just sitting back and smoking cigars,” Justin says. The Iacovettos welcome their repeat customers. Justin says many families on ski vacations often put Saddleback Ranch on their to-do list, thanks to the recent addition of a tubing hill with a tow rope. The sleigh rides also are proving very popular in the summer and winter. In the winter, after a 30-minute horse-drawn sleigh ride, visitors arrive at the Double Dollar Lodge and warm up with hot chocolate, cider and adult beverages available from the cash bar. Entertainment follows dinner, including lessons in calf roping. Then they clear off the dance floor and let guests dance ’til the cows come home. In addition to the dinner sleigh rides, Saddleback Ranch also offers rides on horses, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, as well as facilities for hunters, weddings, special events and more — everything, it seems, to live up to its best guest ranch reputation. —MattStensland

Photo By JohN F. RUSSELL

t doesn’t take long to figure out what makes Saddleback Ranch such a special place and worthy of being named Best Guest Ranch. For more than 15 years, the Iacovetto family has been hosting visitors at their 8,000-acre ranch just west of Steamboat Springs. “It’s family owned and operated,” says Justin Iacovetto, who, along with his brother Jared, have six daughters who help out. “When they’re not in school, they’re out here working, too.” Justin and Jared’s parents, Luanna and Wayne Iacovetto, purchased the ranch in 1993 from Luanna’s father, Jim Thompson. Inspired by the 1991 film “City Slickers,” it was Luanna’s idea to host people at the ranch to help the family tend to their large herd of cattle. Today, it remains a working cattle ranch, with cattle drives one of the many activities offered. Justin says guests enjoy the authentic experience and getting to know their ranching lifestyle.

Best Guest Ranch

City slickers: tourists drive cattle at Saddleback Ranch.

Best Guest Ranch

First Place: Saddleback Ranch Second Place: Home Ranch Third Place: Vista Verde Guest Ranch Fourth Place: Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch

Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Best Horseback Riding Outﬁtter

Del’s Triangle 3

t’s no wonder that Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch near Steamboat Lake has been recognized as one of the best places to go for a guided horseback ride. Ranch owner Ray Heid is a local treasure. If Steamboat Springs is America’s authentic cowboy ski town, Heid, with one foot in a cowboy boot and the other buckled into his Telemark ski boot, personifies that spirit. And visitors tap into it. Many guests also get the chance to tap into area wildlife, especially in June and July when elk browse contentedly amidst 4-foot-tall ferns while sunlight filters through the leaves of an aspen glade. “People can’t believe the wildlife we have out here,” head wrangler Michelle Sommerville says. “There are 200 to 300 elk that have their calves right here on the property during the second week in June. They graze next to the horses every night,

54 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

so when we’re riding, we sometimes come within inches of them. We get closer than people ever could on two feet.” Heid sits on a horse like he was born in the saddle, but he was also an alternate on the 1960 U.S. Olympic ski jumping team. He’s the real skiing cowboy deal. The chance to rub shoulders with Ray and his son, Perk, and listen to their yarns attracts visitors from as far away as England. Where else can you go to be outfitted with a battered cowboy hat, a pair of worn leather chaps (pronounced “shaps”) and set off into the hills on a two-hour ride overlooking the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area? And you also can hang your hat on its horseback riding services in the winter, which offer an entirely different experience. “All you hear is the squeak of the horses’ hooves on the snow,” Ray says. —TomRoss

Giddy-up: Riders at Del’s triangle 3 Ranch.

Best Horseback Riding Outﬁtter

First Place: Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch Second Place: Saddleback Ranch Third Place: Hahn’s Peak Roadhouse Fourth Place: Steamboat Lake Outﬁtters

Boys & Girls Club

Best Kid’s Program

to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at no additional charge. The youngsters who visit are greeted by an energetic staff of young adults and high school students who engage them in active play, art activities and homework help when appropriate. They also receive positive messages about socially acceptable behavior. “We welcome at-risk kids here as well as those who excel,” staffer Lynna Broyles says. “They both can learn from each other.” Most of all the youngsters are allowed to be themselves and have fun. “We strip away pressures and stress and allow kids to just be kids,” Duran adds. “We take away the electronics and put a dodgeball in their hands.” Also attractive to parents is the fact that there is no minimum time commitment or dollar amount they must spend per month. If a parent just needs two

hours to run errands or get some exercise, their children are welcome. The club has an annual budget of $1 million for the two clubs in Steamboat and Craig, with 85 percent coming from donations including grants, fundraisers and individual and business support. Just 15 percent of its budget comes from membership dues and fees. — Tom Ross

Best Kid’s Program

Photo by Tom Ross

erhaps no nonprofit organization has done more to make life easier on families with school-age children here than the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Colorado. Staffers say parents sometimes shed tears of joy when they hear how reasonable and uncomplicated it is to drop their children off at their facility in Old Town. Whether it’s for an hour after school or a full day during summer vacation, youngsters are welcome at remarkably low rates. “Our mission is to make sure our club is accessible to all children in the community regardless of economic circumstances,” Executive Director Dana Duran says. An annual membership fee of $25 allows families to bring children ages 6 to 18 to the George P. Sauer Human Services Center (the old junior high school) for just $1 per hour, 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., in summers and on school days off. During the school year, children are welcome from 3

Jayla Rodriguez, 8, and Baden Park, 9, pick out the perfect stencils for an art project at the Steamboat Springs Boys and Girls Club. Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Lyon Drug Store

Best Pharmacy

56 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

pharmacies can’t,” Johnson says. “A lot of it isn’t out-of-the-box knowledge. It takes an extra skill set to make and compound products.” All this comes along with an old-fashioned ice cream counter where you can load up on ice cream floats, $1 single cones and old-fashioned sodas made from a variety of syrups and carbonated water, as well as a gift shop for every occasion. While your prescription is getting filled, you can sip on a sarsaparilla or find that card for Valentine’s Day. “The gift shop and soda fountain give us a trifecta of popularity,” Johnson says. “The three go together really well.” —EugeneBuchanan

Photo By JohN F. RUSSELL

early 95 years in the same location is enough to make you rise to the top of anyone’s list. Such is the case with Lyon Drug Store at 840 Lincoln Ave., founded in 1920 as Chamberlain Gray before adopting the Lyon family name in 1946. With 37-year owners Tom and Nancy Clapsaddle recently selling it to pharmacists Jen Campbell and Wendy Lyon, that tradition of local ownership and friendly customer service is being carried on better than ever. “That’s what defines us — our excellent customer service,” pharmacist Matt Johnson says. “We’re also very involved in the community, from sponsoring such events as the rodeo series to hosting ice cream socials for the schools. We try to stay engaged and give back. The names and faces here are those that people know around town.” Lyon also holds its own and more on the pharmaceutical side, known for its custom compounding and ability to make everything from estrogens to topical products. “We provide a lot of services that other

Best Pharmacy

First Place: Lyon Drug Store & Soda Fountain Second Place: Walgreens Third Place: City Market Fourth Place: Walmart

Fountain and pharmacy: Jen Campbell and Wendy Lyon enjoying a cone.

Photo by James Garcia

The Johnson PT team: Brent Yamashita, Quinn Kaufhold, Tracy Eisenbeis, Steve Warfel, Kim Lohrer and Miranda Harvey (not pictured Page Stockdale).

Best Physical Therapy Practice

Johnson & Johnson

icky and Greg Johnson have been practicing physical therapy together since 1978, starting in California, moving to Steamboat Springs in 1994 and opening Johnson & Johnson. With a practice in Manhattan and looking to open other facilities around the country, this year marks the local practice’s 20th year in the community. Their philosophy and practice is based around Functional Manual Therapy, which the Johnsons have been developing and teaching to other therapists around the world for the past 35 years. “There are about 185,000 physical therapists across the U.S., and of those, only 1,200 have achieved the status of becoming a fellow of Functional Manual Therapy,” Vicky says. It’s a difficult level of certification to get, she adds, requiring at least 360 hours of continued education as well as extensive exams. “We have a wait list all the way to 2017,” she says, adding that only 260 therapists have been certified in the U.S. in their program in the past 17 years. “We only take the top of the certification pool. Our clinic here only has the best of the best in the country.”

What they pride themselves on is not just treating the symptom but getting to the root of the problem. “When someone comes in with symptoms, back pains or post surgery, we’re good at taking care of that,” says CoDirector Brent Yamashita, who also teaches Functional Manual Therapy. “But what we’re really good at is finding the source of chronic pain. We’re very hands-on and look at finding the cause. Exercise is meant to turn on the light again so you don’t have to keep coming back for adjustments.” The clinic’s therapists look at all the body’s systems and how they work together to pinpoint the source of chronic pain in pre-surgery patients or the main obstacles to rehabilitation in postoperative patients. Many times, the clinicians have been able to deduce the source of the problem and avoid any surgeries, even in some cases reversing paralysis. “It’s a synergetic approach,” clinician Steve Warfel adds. “We use joints and manipulation combined with exercise. Our model tries to empower you as the patient to see if there’s something you can do on your own that makes you feel better.”

Yamashita explains to people that what it comes down to is the art of caring. And it shows in how their business continues to thrive by word-of-mouth recommendations from clients whose lives were positively touched by their methods. “This community is full of talented providers, so we work with the community,” Yamashita says, expressing the practice’s gratitude to the community and their patients. “I love to network with town’s talented people — including other physical therapists.” — James Garcia

Best Physical Therapy Practice

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58 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

Best Radio Station

96.9 Big Country

t 96.9 KBCR Big Country Radio, the concept is simple. Give the people what they want. Country remains the most popular music genre in radio, but longtime sales director Ami Whitmore explains that a successful station has to do more than just playing the latest hits. “More than anything, we really try to be community oriented,” Whitmore says. The station was recently purchased by the Steamboat Radio Group, which broadcasts ESPN on 98.9 and Easy 94.1 light rock (www.steamboatradio.com). General Manager Brian Harvey agrees that KBCR’s success can be attributed to its involvement with the community. The station sponsors a wealth of local events, such as the Routt County Fair, and does live remotes from such events as the

Downtown Halloween Stroll and Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association mixers. “People are attracted to their local radio,” Harvey says. Country music reaches all the demographics, and local radio offers something national radio can’t. In between songs, local DJs present local news, weather and sports and publicize upcoming community events. The station also focuses heavily on local interviews. Harvey says local radio reaches 94 percent of the local adult population each week. And that’s despite the new ways to access programming, like subscription radio services and online programming accessible through mobile devices. “Radio, even on the national level, hasn’t died, even with these other ways of getting programming,” Harvey says. Harvey adds it’s important for the

Steamboat Radio Group stations to keep up with the latest technology. The stations are streamed online and can be accessed on mobile devices. Video from Steamboat Spring High School athletic events also are streamed live on the Web to complement the radio programming. “As long as we’re making it accessible and free, it will continue to be viable,” Harvey says. —MattStensland

Best Radio Station

First Place: 96.9 KBCR: Big Country Radio Second Place: 105.5 KFMU: Colorado Classic Rock & Roll Third Place: 88.5 KUNC: Public Radio for Northern Colorado Fourth Place: 94.1 KEZZ: Easy 941

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Home & Garden Best Architect

First Place: Joe Patrick Robbins Second Place: Bill Rangitsch, Steamboat Architectural Associates Third Place: Jan Kaminski, Mountain Architecture Fourth Place: Tim Stone, Kelly & Stone Architects

Best Electrician

First Place: Geoff Coon, Coon Electric Second Place: Jed Gibson, Central Electric Third Place: Don Kuntz, Current Electric Fourth Place: Richard Schwanke, Aspen Electric

Best Flooring & Carpet Store

First Place: Carpets Plus Second Place: Affordable Flooring Warehouse Third Place: The Carpet Shoppe Fourth Place: Interiors with Altitude

Best General Contractor & Home Builder First Place: Richey Construction Second Place: HLCC Construction Company Third Place: Gerber Berend Design Build Fourth Place: River Tree Custom Builders

Best Interior Designer

First Place: Michele Wipperfurth, Vertical Arts Second Place: Valerie Stafford, Rumor Design & ReDesign Third Place: Irene Nelson, Irene Nelson Interiors Third Place: Susie Wilkinson, Aesthetic Designworks

Best Landscaping Service

First Place: Gecko Landscape & Garden Center Second Place: Nature’s Design of Steamboat Third Place: Kinnikinnik Lawn & Garden Fourth Place: Mountain Roots Fourth Place: Lawn Lady

Best Mortgage Broker

First Place: Kathryn Pedersen, Fidelity Mortgage Second Place: Josh Kagan, Cornerstone Home Lending Third Place: Terri Briels, Yampa Valley Bank Fourth Place: Lynn Reiff, Wells Fargo

Best Nursery & Gardening Supply Center First Place: Windemere Landscape & Garden Center Second Place: Gecko Landscape & Garden Center Third Place: Steamboat Ace Hardware Fourth Place: Kinnikinnik Lawn & Garden

Best Painter

First Place: Kyle Lawton, Lawton Painting Co Second Place: Tom Barr, T Barr Painting Third Place: Peter Sloop, Sloop painting Fourth Place: Luke Norland, Luke’s Colorado Colors Fourth Place: Tommy Lichtenfels, Rainbow Painters

Best Plumber

First Place: Jeff Hurferther, Jeff’s Plumbing Second Place: Phil Taber, Taber Plumbing Third Place: Nathan Marshall, Marshall’s Plumbing Fourth Place: Jeanie Durham, Professional Plumbing

Best Real Estate Agent

First Place: Doug Labor - Buyer’s Resource Real Estate of Steamboat Second Place: Matt Eidt, Colorado Group Realty Third Place: Charlie Dresen,

Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty Fourth Place: Cam Boyd, Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty

Best Roofing Company

First Place: Tin Man Roofing Second Place: Revelation Roofing Third Place: Wilson Roofing Fourth Place: Highpoint Roofing

Best Title Company

First Place: Land Title Guarantee Company Second Place: Heritage Title Company Third Place: Stewart Title Company Fourth Place: Colorado Title Company

Best Home Supply Store

First Place: Steamboat Ace Hardware Second Place: Alpine Lumber Third Place: Steamboat Lumber Fourth Place: ProBuild

Winter 2014-15 | STEAMBOAT LIVING

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Joe Patrick Robbins J

oe Patrick Robbins is celebrating his 42nd year as a Steamboat architect and his third in a row being voted Steamboat’s best. You don’t need a drafting table to do that math. Throughout it all, he sticks to a simple motto: “Fulfilling the client’s dream with a home that fits the specific site, climate and environment determines a timeless design,” says Robbins, whose two-man firm includes CAD designer Brian Moravcik. “Good design transcends all styles. We take pride in listening to our clients, in addition to our own vision.” While a design still has to function well, taking into account sun, site and views, it also should reflect its owner, he adds. After a decade-long “Western” phase, he says he’s now involved in more contemporary designs, from homes atop Dakota Ridge

62 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

and in the Elk River Valley to those on area ranches. Insisting that he’ll never retire because he loves his work, he’s also working on such new projects as indoor pools, theaters and smaller, more efficient homes, all while staying focused on mountain homes in Routt County. “We’re intimately familiar with the unique attributes of our microclimate,” he says. “And the clients here are great. They’re low key and down-home and aren’t building homes to show off. Their houses are built for good living.” That good living is what has kept him here so long. “The more I travel, the happier I am to come home to small town Steamboat,” he says. “Designing homes that function properly and fit in our special place in the world provides great reward.” —EugeneBuchanan

Photo By JohN F. RUSSELL

Best Architect

Building on his success: Best architect Joe Patrick Robbins.

Best Architect

First Place: Joe Patrick Robbins Second Place: Bill Rangitsch, Steamboat Architectural Associates Third Place: Jan Kaminski, Mountain Architecture Fourth Place: Tim Stone, Kelly & Stone Architects

Best Interior Designer

Michele Wipperfurth T

here’s a lot more that goes into being an interior designer than just crafting the perfect home arrangement. Just ask Vertical Arts Architecture’s Michele Wipperfurth, who’s been

doing it for 15 years. It’s a mind game as much as a work of art, she says. Creating a design while adhering to customers’ different ideals is a big challenge but one she loves to take on. “It’s a lot of listening and psychology,” Wipperfurth says. “No matter what project I do, it’s great if somebody says, ‘Wow, that looks like Michele’s job, but I’m not sure.’ You don’t want to be predictable where everything looks the same.” After graduating from the University of Central Florida, Wipperfurth managed her own design firm. But after meeting and marrying her husband in Florida, she relocated from busy Daytona Beach to tiny Steamboat Springs. For the first time in her career, she’s interior motives: Vertical arts’ michele Wipperfurth.

working for others and not running her own shop. But she’s counting her blessings after landing with Vertical Arts through a Women in Network connection.

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With its architectural firm upstairs and interior design studio below, Vertical Arts has pushed Wipperfurth’s resume to areas she didn’t think of back in Florida. “Architecture and interior design are in the same industry, but they’re two separate things,” she says. “Being an architectural interior designer has been a learning curve, and it’s furthered my education.”

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cal Arts’ front door. Big or small, Wipperfurth’s attitude remains the same. Do what she knows best and make the buyer’s dream come “Every single client is different,” she says. “My job is to take their style and use my experience and knowledge to help create what they envision it to be.” —BenIngersoll

Best Interior Designer

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First Place: Michele Wipperfurth, Vertical Arts Second Place: Valerie Stafford, Rumor Design & ReDesign Third Place: Irene Nelson, Irene Nelson Interiors Fourth Place: Susie Wilkinson, Aesthetic Designworks Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Best Real Estate Agent First Place: Doug Labor, Buyer’s Resource/ Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty To describe Doug Labor’s dedication to his clients, consider a recent camping trip the broker of 30 years took to an area north of Steamboat Lake. Partway through the trip, a client Labor was representing called saying he wanted to make an offer on a house. Rather than keeping his business and leisure time apart, Labor drove miles away from his campsite near the Wyoming border, searching for Internet reception, until he was finally able to place the offer. “I truly care for my clients, and I take my job very seriously,” Labor says. Once a seller’s representative, Labor spent years working in the ski industry and selling properties on behalf of resorts. In 2000, he shifted his career focus entirely, deciding to exclusively represent buyers, which he’s done for the past 14 years.

Working through several ups and downs in the real estate market throughout the past three decades, Labor brings a level of experience few brokers have. “I have a good, broad knowledge of the business,” he says. “I’ve experienced a lot.” As a buyer’s representative, Labor uses his knowledge to spot flaws in homes that clients might not notice. “I know what to look at when people are interested in buying. I use my trained eye to see flaws. I’m personable, hardworking and someone they can trust to give my honest opinion about a property.” Clients also like that Labor is able to follow through on promises large and small. “I’ve had numerous clients say they started working with another broker and they wouldn’t follow through,” says Labor, who recently merged with Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty. “From simply getting them information as promised in a certain time or even responding to a phone call or email, that’s what I make sure to do.”

the

E S O LO NGE CHA d ban

LOOSE CHANGE is the premier dance band, party band and wedding band in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; a classic rock & roll / country band consisting of Tom Schwall, Jeff Swoyer, Trevor Guire and Mark Walker. With a diverse repertoire of tunes from the 1950s through the 1990s, LOOSE CHANGE can emphasize the type of music that your audience prefers, whether rock and roll, country or a mix of both.

“Rockin’ the Boat since 1991” www.loosechangesteamboat.com 64 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

“I do a lot of open houses, more than almost anybody,” he says. It may be Eidt’s confidence that makes him a standout broker. “I’m new, fresh and full of energy,” he says. “And I don’t think anyone can market a property better than I can.”

Third Place: Charlie Dresen, Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty Second Place: Matt Eidt, Colorado Group Realty Matt Eidt says it’s his youthful energy and willingness to try new things that set him apart from other real estate brokers. “I get up in the morning and I’m excited about what I do,” says Eidt, 31. “And I do things differently than a lot of other brokers.” Eidt uses new media by professionally photographing each of his homes, offering virtual property tours and being available to clients in many ways, such as text messages. “I’m trying a lot of new things,” says Eidt, who joined Colorado Group Realty in 2012. Eidt says that apart from big condo complex companies, he’s showing more homes than any other broker across town.

The days of blindly calling a real estate agent when you’re ready to buy or sell a home are long over, according to tech-savvy Charlie Dresen, a broker with Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty. Now, the search for a new Routt County home starts on your laptop, late at night, from a place likely far outside Steamboat. With more than 50 percent of local property buyers residing outside Steamboat Springs city limits, having a comprehensive, user-friendly website full of engaging videos and connections to social media is

essential, Dresen says. “If you’re selling your home in Steamboat and all you do is stick out a ‘for sale’ sign, you’re missing the boat,” Dresen says. “Social media in the last five years has exponentially exploded the amount of information out there.” The key to successful real estate now, he says, lies in connecting with buyers and sellers through your website before either party ever picks up the phone. “By the time somebody calls me, they’re already familiar with me and what I do,” says Dresen, who was producing informative videos about the Steamboat area and detailed video home tours well before most others. “A lot of people are out there just searching, and they end up on my site. You just need to have a presence out there.” —TeresaRistow

Best Real Estate Agent

First Place: Doug Labor - Buyer’s Resource Real Estate of Steamboat Second Place: Matt Eidt, Colorado Group Realty Third Place: Charlie Dresen, Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty Fourth Place: Cam Boyd, Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty

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Professionals Best Acupuncturist

First Place: Frank Turano-Cutler, Healing Path Acupuncture Second Place: Betsy Smith, 5 Element Acupuncture Third Place: Russ Fasolino, East West Center Fourth Place: Kate Higgins, Sleeping Giant Acupuncture

Best Attorney

First Place: Kris Hammond, Hammond Law Offices Second Place: Randy Klauzer, KT Law Third Place: Sarah (Sally) D. Claassen, The Law Office of Sarah D. Claassen, P.C. Fourth Place: Adam Mayo, Attorney at Law Fourth Place: Jason Lacy, Steamboat Lawyers Group

Best Dentist

First Place: Sunny Owens, Sunshine Dentistry Second Place: Dr. Jeff Piaskowy, Avant Garde Dental Third Place: Wendy McCreight, McCreight Progressive Dentistry Fourth Place: Scott Eivins, Dental Center-Steamboat Springs

Best Doctor

First Place: Dr. David Niedermeier, Steamboat Medical Group Second Place: Dr. Charlie Petersen, Yampa Valley Medical Associates Third Place: Dr. Lambert Orton, Yampa Valley Medical Associates Fourth Place: Dr. Mark McCaulley, Yampa Valley Medical Associates

Best Fishing Guide

First Place: Chris Johns, Wheels Bike Shop Second Place: Brock Webster, Orange Peel Bicycle Service Third Place: Jeremiah Beach, Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare Fourth Place: James Koch, Ski Haus

First Place: Johnny Spillane, Steamboat Flyfisher Second Place: Keith Hale, Steamboat Flyfisher Third Place: Rob Burden, Steamboat Flyfisher Fourth Place: Wes Fout, Steamboat Flyfisher Fourth Place: Tim Widmer, Steamboat Flyfisher

Best Chiropractor

Best Hair Stylist

Best Bike Mechanic

First Place: Von Wilson, D.C., Backsmith Chiropractic Second Place: Timothy Rinn, Rinn Chiropractic Center Third Place: Russ Sanford, Sanford Chiropractic Fourth Place: David Liberman, Liberman Wellness

Best Coach

First Place: Rob Bohlmann Boys and Girls Soccer Second Place: Caroline Lalive Carmichael- Skiing Third Place: John Aragon - Tennis Fourth Place: Steve Dodson - Golf Fourth Place: Betsy Frick - Girls Lacrosse

First Place: Kaitlyn Wetzel, Wildhorse Salon Second Place: Alicia Ellson, Brio Salon & Spa Third Place: Stephanie Weiss, Rocky Mountain Day Spa Fourth Place: Brooke Engeseth, Hair on Earth

Best Hunting Guide

First Place: Lonny Vanatta, Vanatta Outfitters Second Place: Dirk Vanatta, Vanatta Outfitters Third Place: Perk Heid, Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch Third Place: Dave Schwanke, Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch

Best Local Artist

First Place: Lance Whitner Second Place: Susan Schiesser Third Place: Abby Jensen Fourth Place: Elizabeth Ruddy Fourth Place: Rich Galusha Fourth Place: Gregory Block

Best Local Band

First Place: Loose Change Second Place: Missed The Boat Third Place: Acutonic Fourth Place: Old Town Pickers

Best Local DJ

First Place: Shannon Lukens Second Place: Kip Strean Third Place: Brian Harvey Third Place: DJ Also Starring

Best Massage Therapist

First Place: Pamela Peretz, Life Essentials Day Spa Second Place: Ali Boehm, Kneading Hands Third Place: Erica Olson, Heartfire Massage Fourth Place: Ericka Strodtman, Steamboat Massage Group

Best Optometrist

First Place: Dr. Lewis Cutter Second Place: Dr. Jason Garey Third Place: Dr. Mark Helm Fourth Place: Dr. Craig Eckroth

Best Pediatrician

First Place: Dr. Steven Ross Second Place: Dr. Sheila Fountain Third Place: Dr. Dana Fitzgerald Fourth Place: Dr. Ron Famiglietti

Best Personal Trainer

First Place: Brady Worster, Anytime Fitness Second Place: Sarah Coleman, CrossFit Steamboat Third Place: Becky Heath, Anytime Fitness Fourth Place: Chris Voyvedek, Old Town Hot Springs

Best Professor First Place: Jimmy Westlake First Place: John Saunders Third Place: Tim Widmer Fourth Place: Lindsay Royce Fourth Place: Jessica Spear

Best Ski or Snowboard Patroller First Place: Kyle Lawton Second Place: John “Pink” Floyd Third Place: Dave Thomas Third Place: Craig Oldsheim

Best Ski or Snowboard Instructor First Place: Bridget Ross Second Place: Chip Shevlin Third Place: Abi Slingsby Fourth Place: Nancy Gray

Best Schoolteacher (K-8) First Place: Grady Turner, Soda Creek Elementary School Second Place: Tracie Bye, Steamboat Springs Middle School Third Place: Kyle Paolantonio, Soda Creek Elementary School Third Place: Lara Craig, Steamboat Springs Middle School

Best Schoolteacher (9-12) First Place: Clint Koehler, Steamboat Springs High School Second Place: Deirdre Boyd, Steamboat Springs High School Third Place: Eric Nilsson, Steamboat Springs High School Fourth Place: Kelly Erickson, Steamboat Springs High School

Best Surgeon First Place: Dr. Eric Verploeg Second Place: Alexander Meininger Third Place: Bryan Bomberg Fourth Place: Alan Belshaw Fourth Place: Mark Hermacinski

Winter 2014-15 | STEAMBOAT LIVING

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Best Ski Instructor are, teach, lead and help. Those are the guiding principles by which Bridget Ross leads her ski lessons, which cover much more than technical tips. Ross has taught Alpine skiing at Steamboat Snowsports School for 14 seasons and has a great background for the position. A physician’s assistant for two decades, she’s worked as a national park ranger and naturalist in Denali, Glacier and Everglades national parks; a ski mountaineering instructor for the Colorado Outward Bound School; and a science teacher for California’s Yosemite Institute. All this gives her a great scope to draw upon when it comes to teaching skiing, imparting wisdom on wildlife, geology, botany and even how the body works. “I’m always looking for different ways to present skiing skills,” says Ross, who holds countless certifications from Professional

Ski Instructors of America. One of her favorite moments is when a “never-ever” skier learns how to come to a proficient stop. “It’s a cool feeling as an instructor,” she says. “It can be like a mini Outward Bound course to that individual.” Ross — who is married to local pediatrician Steve Ross and has raised two daughters, Kate, 20, and Shannon, 17 — truly values the relationships she shares with guests. She also appreciates the relationships she’s made with her fellow instructors. She says the whole school is full of sheer talent. Her enthusiasm and knowledge are a great combination for her line of work. “I work hard to have my students enjoy the sport and fall in love with winter,” she says. “I sincerely feel that everyone should have a week of winter in their life.” —MackenzieYelvington

Naturally the Best

Photo By JohN F. RUSSELL

Bridget Ross

more than ski tips: Ski instructor Bridget Ross.

Best Ski or Snowboard Instructor First Place: Bridget Ross Second Place: Chip Shevlin Third Place: Abi Slingsby Fourth Place: Nancy Gray

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Clint Koehler

Best Schoolteacher 9-12

ast year, Steamboat Springs High School math teacher Clint Koehler asked his students to describe him, his class and teaching style all in one word. How did students answer? Some went for simple answers — good, fun, cool. Others were more specific — effective, intriguing, consistent. Some chose slang — sick, dope, legit. And some bent the one-world rule — easy-to-understand, thought-provoking, better-than-any-other-math-teacher. But across multiple classes and more than 300 student responses, only a select few students responded with anything other than the most positive words. An Illinois native, Koehler had his first experience teaching while helping a fifth-grade friend when they were kids. “I understood something better than he did and shared my understanding with him, and boom, he knew something better, too,” Koehler says.

“The feeling sold me on teaching.” Koehler went on to major in mathematics at the University of Colorado, throwing math parties where he and other students would work on problems for several hours. As a senior, he attended a teaching fair and hit it off with the then-principal of Steamboat Springs High School. After trekking through a snowstorm to Steamboat in his $600 Subaru for his interview, Koehler was hired. He hasn’t looked back in 10 years of teaching at the school. As for the positive comments coming his way, he chalks it up to his attitude. “I’m engaging, passionate and thoroughly enjoy sharing my knowledge of mathematics with my students year after year,” he says. The students seem to thoroughly enjoy their coolish, straight-up, radical teacher, as well. —TeresaRistow

Who’s cooler than Koehler? according to his students, no one.

Best Schoolteacher (9-12)

First Place: Clint Koehler, Steamboat Springs High School Second Place: Deirdre Boyd, Steamboat Springs High School Third Place: Eric Nilsson, Steamboat Springs High School Fourth Place: Kelly Erickson, Steamboat Springs High School

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Best Professor

First Place: Jimmy Westlake First Place: John Saunders Third Place: Tim Widmer Fourth Place: Lindsay Royce Fourth Place: Jessica Spear

First Place: Jimmy Westlake

It’s not hard to find out why Colorado Mountain College Professor Jimmy Westlake is considered a star among the community — not a shooting one, but a shining one. The diehard astronomy professor, who moved to Steamboat in 1998 from Georgia and is now in his 17th year teaching at CMC, is also the advisor for the college’s Sky Club and organizer of the annual Screamboat haunted house. He says it’s his strong connection with his students, whom he holds to high standards, that has earned him such praise from his pupils. “I hold the bar really high, and I expect a lot,” Westlake says. “But I help them get over that bar, and I think they like a class that’s challenging.” Westlake is a physical science teacher, leading courses on astronomy, physics, chemistry and engineering at CMC. He’s taken students on field trips across the country to complement their studies. Groups have traveled as far as Hawaii with Westlake to visit observatories, and he’s quick to share what it is about astronomy that keeps him gazing at the stars and imparting his knowledge to others year after year. “I like the fact that it makes me feel so small — big life problems seem so insignificant when you’re staring at a vast universe,” he says. Outside the classroom, Westlake is known around town as the author of a weekly celestial news column in the Steamboat Today; host of a weekly radio broadcast called the “Cosmic Moment” and the person responsible for getting locals out of bed in the middle of the night to gaze star-ward to see everything from meteor showers to the aurora borealis — all of which make his followers feel even smaller than Steamboat. Westlake: A shining star for students.

First Place: John Saunders

Outstanding in his field: Outdoor education professor John Saunders. 70 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

What outdoor education professor John Saunders enjoys most about teaching is the moment when a student finally grasps a concept or takes ownership of a new skill. “One of my favorite experiences is when you’re teaching a student and they start to own it,” says Saunders, a 15-year veteran professor at Colorado Mountain College. “They aren’t copying or mimicking — they’re owning it. To me, those are magical moments.” Saunders says he is interested in pedagogy and the study of different teaching styles, and he is receptive to many teaching techniques as a student himself, something he tries to pass along to his own students. “I love the art of teaching,” he says. “And I always did better in varied settings.” He makes sure that the settings he teaches in are similarly varied. Teaching classes about survival skills, wilderness and American ethics and sustainability, he regularly takes students on everything from river trips to backpacking forays into the desert to experience and learn the subject matter firsthand. And if he looks happy traipsing and teaching outside, it’s because he is. He loves each of his classes and even more loves sharing that enjoyment with his students. “I have a passion for life and living,” he says. What students love about his classes isn’t necessarily him, Saunders says, but the possibilities that lie in outdoor education. “The power of experiential education comes down to a variety of things,” he says. “Students enjoy the possibilities of what we can do.” — Teresa Ristow

Best Local Band

Loose Change

ockin’ the ’Boat since 1991 (first under the name Legal Tender), local band Loose Change shows no sign of cashing in its chips anytime soon. The group’s members know one another so well that even a nod or the slightest movement could mean a change in tempo that they all acknowledge without missing a beat. Incorporating intricate harmonies and switching up lead singers on a regular basis make them a uniquely dynamic act whose mission is to make each and every member of the audience get up and dance. “You don’t want your sound to be stale over the course of an evening,” says Tom Schwall, who plays rhythm acoustic guitar, electric guitar and harmonica. “It’s nice to have those elements that change the sound

because it’s refreshing to the listeners’ ears and for us, as well.” In a town with deep roots in country rock music, this type of band appeals to older and younger generations. All professionals in their non-band time, the group comprises Schwall, a retired attorney; drummer Mark Walker, who moonlights as president of property management company Resort Group; assistant EMS fire chief and fourth-generation rancher Trevor Guire on lead vocals and electric guitar; and Jeff Swoyer, who owns Northwest Graphics, on bass and occasional lead vocals. Mostly performing for private parties and events, especially wedding receptions, the group never has had much of a bar gig reputation, but that’s by design. They like playing at weddings, Schwall says, because

it offers them a chance to know the audience. “It’s fun, and we’ve played for a lot of local weddings where we see people we know,” he says. “We’ve developed a sound and style of playing together that works because it’s accessible and simple.” Without the egos, each member is invested in the group for the sole purpose of having fun and fulfilling a passion. “It’s four guys who really get along great,” Walker says. “It’s been a good ride.” —AudreyDwyer

Best Local Band

First Place: Loose Change Second Place: Missed The Boat Third Place: Acutonic Fourth Place: Old Town Pickers

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Best Coach

Rob Bohlmann Photo By JoEL REiChENBERGER

Sizing up talent: Bohlmann on the soccer sidelines.

72 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

ob Bohlmann certainly didn’t bring soccer to Steamboat Springs. He arrived in town in the late 1980s a wide-eyed Texan who knew that he wanted to live in the mountains and coach soccer, and taking his first step toward fulfilling that goal, he looked up the Steamboat Soccer Association in the phone book. While the program already existed, he’s been integral to the sport’s development here ever since, and for that, he’s this year’s best coach in town. “It’s a very special opportunity to do what I do in the best town in America,” he says. “It is very much a privilege.” Bohlmann currently serves as the director of the Steamboat Soccer Association and head coach of the boys and girls high school varsity teams. He says that when he started, soccer in Steamboat was a decidedly seasonal sport stocked with skiers and other athletes looking to stay in shape.

Second Place: Caroline Lalive Carmichael

Caroline Lalive Carmichael isn’t new to coaching skiing in Steamboat Springs, but her role recently has undergone a serious expansion. After retiring from a World Cup and

Olympic Alpine skiing career, Lalive Carmichael began coaching sporadically with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, where she spent two years training before she joined the U.S. Ski Team as a teenager. She’s also worked as an instructor for Steamboat Ski Area, helping guide the resort’s women’s ski clinic. More recently, she’s served as the club’s U14 and U12 coach, and this summer she accepted the position as head of the club’s Alpine division. It all adds up to valuable experience, learning how to relate and communicate tips to skiers fast and slow, ambitious and otherwise. She says she’s eager to use all her experience to move the club’s largest division forward. “It’s been a really successful, growing, stable program and I’m really lucky,” she says about assuming the post from fellow Olympian Deb Armstrong. “I don’t have to step in and re-create anything, but just continue the improvement. I love ski racing, and it’s been my life and passion for so long. This seems like the culmination of everything I’ve done and loved.” —JoelReichenberger

Photo By JoEL REiChENBERGER

There were about 150 kids, no girls teams and a club high school team. It’s an entirely different world now. SSA now attracts 140 teams to its annual summer tournament. It fields dozens of local teams, and it plays in three seasons: spring, summer and fall. About 750 athletes participate annually, and organizing it all is a full-time job. Bohlmann and two other staff members work year-round, putting on indoor leagues and conditioning workouts even when their fields are buried under 4 feet of snow. He’s hoping a planned trip with a team to Denmark and Norway to play this summer will do more to light the fire for all players. Soccer here is no longer just an offseason diversion, and Bohlmann is intent on keeping it that way.

Laliving the dream: Lalive, gearing up for another coaching season.

Best Coach

First Place: Rob Bohlmann - Boys and Girls Soccer Second Place: Caroline Lalive Carmichael- Skiing Third Place: John Aragon - Tennis Fourth Place: Steve Dodson - Golf Fourth Place: Betsy Frick - Girls Lacrosse

Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Dr. David Niedermeier

Best Doctor

74 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

Photo By JohN F. RUSSELL

iving in a small community definitely has its perks. Dr. David Niedermeier says it’s a cool setting in which he has practiced medicine for more than six years. He enjoys how the atmosphere allows him to provide care to different generations and entire families. Niedermeier always has enjoyed science, studying biology and genetics in school, but he really likes working with people and decided early to pursue practicing family medicine to foster that enjoyment. Niedermeier works among five partners and nurses at Steamboat Medical Center. He says that one of the things that he enjoys most, and makes him good at what he does, is his faith in his team. He wouldn’t have the same practice without them, he added. He says the doctors, nurses and staff get along well, and a higher priority is placed on taking care of people rather than getting more people in the door. Niedermeier sees about 25 patients per day, which works out to just more than 130 patients in a busy week. He says the whole valley has an excellent community of providers, and to be ranked high among them makes him feel truly proud to be honored. He’s been skiing here since he was 2 years old and is happy to help the community that has given so much to him. —MackenzieYelvington

the doctor is in: Niedermeier at his post at Steamboat medical Group.

Best Doctor

Singing a new tune: Chris Johns of Wheels Bike Shop.

Best Bike Mechanic

Chris Johns Q

uick turnaround, friendliness and depth of experience,” Chris Johns, owner of Wheels Bike Shop at 841 Yampa St., says about what caused him and his store to lead the pack in this year’s bike mechanic category. “We can handle anything with two wheels that comes through the door.” Founded in the Brooklyn neighborhood in 1996, Wheels, a nickname since given to Johns himself, has based its reputation from the beginning on service. That’s how it started, and that’s what it still specializes in today. It’s small and independently owned, which gives the shop the ability to work closely with customers and truly understand their needs. It also helps to have their wealth of experience. Johns, a former BMX competitor and cross-country mountain bike racer, says that between him and technicians Darius Gallager and Richard Bayly, they have more than 75 years of bike tuning experience, all housed in their small shop in front of Backdoor Sports along the Yampa River. And Johns is quick to credit his employees for the accolades. “It’s not just me,” he says. “I might’ve gotten the vote, but Darius could easily be the best mechanic in town. We have a great team.” Wheels, which supports such organizations as the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council and the “Giving Bikes Back” refurbishing/donation program, services bikes of all walks — including mountain, racing, road, freeriding, downhill, townie and more — and offers sales as well as a complete rental (cruisers, mountain and road) and demo line. This winter, it’s also adding another type of tuning to its lineup, offering full-service ski and snowboard tunes so its loyal following can enjoy their service all year long. And yes, ask about their ski and cycle twofer. —EugeneBuchanan

Best Bike Mechanic

First Place: Chris Johns, Wheels Bike Shop Second Place: Brock Webster, Orange Peel Bicycle Service Third Place: Jeremiah Beach, Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare Fourth Place: James Koch, Ski Haus Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Best Local Artist ance Whitner loves her job, and it shows. “Folks tell me my paintings make them happy,” local artist Whitner says about the feedback she receives for her work. “That’s one reason people are drawn to them.” Paintings are given a lifelike touch with Whitner’s use of color, texture, line drawings and natural motifs. Each piece is a visual recording of her thoughts discovered through layers of underpainting and overpainting. As an artist in Steamboat, she feels the inherent need to be part of a larger landscape. It’s one of the elements that influences her work. “I love being outside in nature and need to spend time surrounded by a forest, in a field of grass backlit by the setting sun, watching the colors shift from winter snowy blues into bright, spring, greens,” waxes a poetic Whitner, whose emotions appear in her paintings. “These experiences feed my

76 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

soul. It’s what I paint. Living here, I paint the Steamboat landscape.” Although she could make a living as an artist anywhere, living in Steamboat’s small community offers her something other towns don’t. Here, she has the ability to work locally in a town that attracts visitors from all over the world. It’s how she’s able to share a bit of the community with them. “I get to live the small town lifestyle I love and have an international audience for my art,” she says. —AudreyDwyer

Photo By JohN F. RUSSELL

Lance Whitner Best Local Artist

First Place: Lance Whitner Second Place: Susan Schiesser Third Place: Abby Jensen Fourth Place: Elizabeth Ruddy Fourth Place: Rich Galusha Fourth Place: Gregory Block

Love of art: Lance Whitner in her workshop.

Frank Turano-Cutler I

f you’re in pain, or even just want to align your body’s processes, and you don’t have a fear of sharp, pointy things, Frank Turano-Cutler is more than happy to needle you in the right direction. Operating under the business name Healing Path for two years, Turano-Cutler has been practicing the art of esoteric acupuncture since 2008. “I feel like everyone has their own path with their healing,” he says. “My job is to help facilitate people with what they need.” His process attempts to identify a spiritual reason for his patients’ pain and lead them down a healing and healthy path, physically and mentally. He thinks of himself as just another tool someone might use in his or her personal journey toward recovery and self-betterment. “Acupuncture can make tremendous

shifts for people,” Turano-Cutler says. “People usually show up for pain, but I try to help one step further with diet, sleeping habits and exercise. Then I go even further to help identify an ethereal reason for their hurt with the body-mind-spirit connection.” He says the traditional Chinese practice is an “art based on science,” and he feels he’s able to communicate the more technical and philosophical aspects of his treatments in an understandable and relatable way. “I can relay some of this stuff in a more digestible way,” says Turano-Cutler, who moved the offices for Healing Path Acupuncture to the Old Pilot Building at 310 Lincoln Ave. in October. “I’m still very much grounded in sports like snowboarding, hiking and soccer.” —JamesGarcia

Photo By JamES GaRCia

Best Acupuncturist

Pointing patients in the right direction: healing Path’s Frank turano-Cutler.

Best Acupuncturist

Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

| 77

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Shopping Best Art Gallery

First Place: Circle 7 Fine Art/ Artists Gallery of Steamboat Second Place: Steamboat Art Museum Third Place: Images of Nature Fourth Place: Artisans Market of Steamboat

Best Auto Accessory & Parts Store

First Place: NAPA Auto Parts Second Place: Bob’s Downtown Conoco Third Place: Doc’s Auto Clinic Fourth Place: CARQUEST Auto Parts

Best Bike Shop

First Place: Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare Second Place: Orange Peel Bicycle Service Third Place: Ski Haus Fourth Place: Wheels Bicycle Shop

Best Candy & Sweets Store First Place: Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory Second Place: Rocket Fizz Third Place: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Fourth Place: Daniela’s Chocolates

Best Consignment Store

First Place: Deja Vu Boutique Second Place: Annie’s Home Consignments Third Place: Moxie Fourth Place: Lift-Up Thrift Store

Best Floral Shop

First Place: Tall Tulips Second Place: Steamboat Floral & Gifts Third Place: City Market Fourth Place: Alpine Floral & Atrium

Best Gift Shop

First Place: All That Jazz Second Place: Lyon Drug Store & Soda Fountain Third Place: Steamboat Art Company Fourth Place: Off The Beaten Path Bookstore

Best Gourmet Food Gift Store First Place: The Homesteader Second Place: Steamboat Meat & Seafood Co. Third Place: Elevated Olive Fourth Place: Bamboo Market

Best Home Decor Store

First Place: Annie’s Home Consignments Second Place: Steamboat Ace Hardware Third Place: Moxie Fourth Place: Romick’s Into the West

Best Jewelry Store

First Place: Hofmeister Personal Jewelers Second Place: The Silver Lining Third Place: Steamboat Art Company Fourth Place: All That Jazz

Best Local Product

First Place: SmartWool Second Place: Honey Stinger Third Place: BAP! Fourth Place: Big Agnes

Best Men’s Clothing Store First Place: Allen’s Clothing Second Place: Zirkel Trading Third Place: Urbane Fourth Place: Ski Haus

Best Pet Store

First Place: Paws ‘N Claws All Things Pets Second Place: Elk River Pet & Ranch Third Place: Outdoor K9 Fourth Place: Steamboat Ace Hardware

Best Shoe Store

First Place: Steamboat Shoe Market Second Place: Ski Haus Third Place: Shoe Chalet & Boutique Fourth Place: F.M. Light & Sons Fourth Place: Urbane

Best Ski Shop

First Place: Ski Haus Second Place: Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare Third Place: Christy Sports and Door 2 Door Ski Rentals Fourth Place: One Stop Ski Shop

Best Snowboard Shop

First Place: Powder Tools Second Place: Ski Haus Third Place: Powder Pursuits Fourth Place: Christy Sports

Best Sporting Goods Store First Place: Ski Haus Second Place: Sports Authority Third Place: Straightline Sports Fourth Place: BAP!

Best Women’s Clothing Store

First Place: Moose Mountain Trading Co. Second Place: Chrysalis Third Place: Deja Vu Boutique Fourth Place: Ski Haus

Best Kids’ Gift Store

First Place: Dragonflies Second Place: Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory Third Place: Off The Beaten Path Bookstore Fourth Place: F.M. Light & Sons

Best Liquor Store

First Place: Central Park Liquor Second Place: Ski Haus Liquors Third Place: Arctic Liquors Fourth Place: West End Liquor

Best Local Car Dealership

First Place: Cook Chevrolet & Subaru Second Place: Steamboat Motors Third Place: Checkpoint Auto

Winter 2014-15 | STEAMBOAT LIVING

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Steamboat Shoe Market

Best Shoe Store

t takes a lot of shoes to survive in Steamboat Springs — everyday shoes, running shoes, river sandals, cowboy boots, snow boots, hiking boots, fishing shoes, cleats, cycling shoes and more. And that’s all before ski and snowboard boots. Plenty of those needs fall in the purview of Steamboat Shoe Market, which has been selling many of the vast array of shoes required for life here for nearly 15 years. Rick and Linda Petet opened their store Oct. 26, 2000, on Lincoln Avenue. Plenty has changed in the years since, from the location — they’ve made several stops on Steamboat’s main avenue — to employees. Now their son, Cameron, works the floor with them. “We were looking to make a move in life,” Rick says of the family’s decision to come from Nebraska to Steamboat. “We got a tip from a friend in the shoe business in Estes Park that Steamboat might be ripe for a shoe store, and he was right.” Linda is actually the family’s shoe expert, or at least she was when they started. She’d

had a shop in Nebraska and has been working in the industry since she was 16. Rick was a school teacher and a coach who agreed to give a shoe store a shot, but who realized he might be seeking other employment in Steamboat at some point. That was never required. The store has ridden the trend waves in the industry. A decade ago, they had a thriving website but that income evaporated when online retailers like Amazon and Zappos come along. They’ve brought on companies that have done well, such as UGG, and others that have come and mostly gone, such as Crocs sandals and Vibram’s FiveFingers minimalist running shoes. Through it all, they’ve sought to provide service and options, and that’s one of the reasons they were voted Best of the Boat this year in a town that requires a shoe closet worthy of Imelda Marcos. “There aren’t many full-service shoe stores left in the world today, but we’re one of them,” Rick says. —JoelReichenberger

Photo By JoEL REiChENBERGER

Full-service for your feet: Rick and Linda Petet of Steamboat Shoe market.

Best Shoe Store

First Place: Steamboat Shoe Market Second Place: Ski Haus Third Place: Shoe Chalet & Boutique Fourth Place: F.M. Light & Sons Fourth Place: Urbane

Susie Wilkinson • 97 0 846 05 14 • susie@aestheticdesignworks .com 80 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

skis to please: A sampling of the ski haus line-up.

Best Ski Shop

Ski Haus

t’s all in the experience when you walk into the Ski Haus basement in midwinter. Whether you’re coming from out of town looking to rent skis for the weekend or you’re a three-decade mainstay in the valley in need of a tune, the Ski Haus staff has the experience to get you on the slopes in style, whether they’re in-bounds or in the backcountry. “I’ve been working here for 23 years, and I don’t even have the most tenure,” employee Todd Fellows says. “The average staff is 10plus years. We don’t have a bunch of rookies hired off the street.” Indeed, many of its up to 70 year-round employees have been there more than 30 years. Michael Paul, the store’s longest-running employee, has been there a whopping 43. Independently owned and operated in Steamboat since 1969, the shop carries everything needed to equip you for all conditions on the mountain, including touring and backcountry skis, cross-country set-ups and all Nordic and Alpine equipment. “Plus, any kind of powder skis you could imagine,” Fellows adds. It also shines in tunes, thanks to a staff of experts as well as a new infrared Montana WaxFuture machine and Montana Crystal R tuner, one of only a handful in the entire country. “We tune for all sorts of racers in town — Nordic, Alpine and snowboarding — including special tunes for the Winter Sports Club,” shop manager Gary Dickerson says. Even when the snow isn’t falling, Ski Haus keeps its ski stash across the street in the Attic, offering screaming sales all year, including its annual October Super Sale, now in its 45th year. You also can score deals on your birthday, with a discount percentage equal to your age, capping out at 40. — Ben Ingersoll

Best Ski Shop

First Place: Ski Haus Second Place: Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare Third Place: Christy Sports and Door 2 Door Ski Rentals Fourth Place: One Stop Ski Shop Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Best Local Product

First Place: SmartWool

Through four owners spanning the company’s two-decade lifespan, SmartWool has called Steamboat home, producing one of the leading brands in winter socks, base layers and other year-round athletic apparel. The very first pair of SmartWool’s famous breathable merino wool socks was sold in Steamboat Springs. Ski Haus and Powder Tools premiered their earliest products, which now fall under a global brand, outfitting skiers, hikers and all sorts of folks who like to get out and move. “The focus of SmartWool is to constantly be innovating for the active mountain life consumer,” global communications director Steve Metcalf says. “Whether it’s a base layer or now our performance run categories, it’s fueled by the Steamboat community passion.” The out-of-ski-season line is SmartWool’s latest and greatest, helping locals shine on the slopes or the singletrack. “People

82 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

don’t put their skis away and sit on the couch the rest of the year,” Metcalf says.

Second Place: Honey Stinger Honey Stinger’s long line of energy snack products — including waffles, chews, bars and gels — are on shelves just about everywhere, expanding throughout the past decade across the 50 states and internationally. But no one is putting energy into bodies more than Steamboat Springs retailers, Honey Stinger’s backyard customers. “We’ve been super psyched to remain in Steamboat and provide good jobs and feed Steamboaters with on-the-go energy food,” Stinger co-owner Len Zanni says, adding that the company has more retailers per square foot in its hometown than anywhere else in the country. “It’s amazing how much Honey Stinger we sell in Steamboat. The reception from locals and visitors is huge.” Beyond its food products, Honey Stinger takes special care for the trails locals and

visitors frequent and puts on one of the biggest races of the year, the Steamboat Stinger, which directly benefits Routt County Riders and Partners in Routt County. “It’s our home base, our home turf, and we’re never leaving,” Zanni says.

Third Place: BAP! It’s one of the most recognizable small businesses in Steamboat Springs — the little red house on Oak Street. And inside what’s affectionately known as the BAP! house, big business buzzes — not just as the headquarters for Honey Stinger and Big Agnes, but also good ol’ BAP!, which maintains a retail store and sewing quarters in the building. The brainchild of Bill Gamber, the brand features a long line of locally made fleece and other outdoorswear for winter and summer use. BAP! opened its doors in the early 1990s and remained a solo entity for nearly a decade before its building began serving double duty as headquarters for first Big Agnes and later, Honey Stinger. Although BAP!’s outreach is expanding, the store never will leave its Steamboat roots, manager Chris Daniels says. “BAP! is definitely home grown, and we get most of our business right here in Steamboat,” he says.

The little Red house on oak street.

Fourth Place: Big Agnes Big Agnes debuted in 2001 and now is a household name in Steamboat and beyond with its sleeping bags, pads, tents, camping accessories and apparel. This year, it’s turning heads with its recently introduced line of MtnGlo tents — featuring interior LED lighting — which likely will add to its long list of awards, including a fistful of Backpacker and Outside magazine’s Editor Choice awards (most recently for its Double

Z sleeping pad and Scout UL2 tent), and even REI Vendor Partner of the Year. Daniels says the key, aside from a topnotch team of designers, is the company’s location. “We have world-class product testing right out our door,” Daniels says, adding that the company regularly hosts a Dealer Camp in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area. “Everyone who works here is hands-on, with a little say in what we sell. We always use it and believe in it.” — Ben Ingersoll

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Photo by John F. Russell

Pet people: The Terranovas tending their store.

Best Pet Store

Paws ‘N Claws

ogs will howl over the doggie deli inside Steamboat’s Paws ‘N Claws All Things Pets, which offers more than 40 different dog treats ready to head home with hungry pups. Co-owner Dave Terranova says it’s the wide selection and the staff’s deep community roots that set the store apart when it comes to people and their pets. “We have a big selection of things, from what Walmart customers could afford all the way to the more premium customer,” says Terranova, who has owned the store with his wife, Jodi, for 10 years. “Our employees love the community, and they love all pets.” Terranova says his employees love Steamboat as well as locals’ pets. The store has products customers are seeking year-round, from thick jackets and heating pads in the winter to flotation devices and dehydrated food for backpacking in the summer. “We try to cover every season,” Terranova says. The store offers a wide selection of pet foods and will special-order items they might not have, Dave says. Even those not in the market for pet supplies often find themselves in the store just looking around and paying respects to Gwen Stefani, the black and white store cat. “We have people come in just to say hello to her every day,” Dave says. “She loves to hide all over the place. It’s a fun atmosphere.”

Second Place: Elk River Pet & Ranch

Selling pet supplies for everything from goldfish and guinea pigs to hounds and horses, the owners of Elk River Pet and Ranch say the store isn’t just a business, but a reflection of who they are. “It’s a part of our lives,” says Colby Townsend, who owns the store with his wife, Michelle. “We own horses, pigs, sheep, cats, dogs, fish and chickens. This is a part of our life 24/7.” Townsend has owned the store for 18 years and says working behind the counter brings him closer to the local community. “It’s a way to interact with the community on a personal level,” he says. “I help people make their lives with their pets more rewarding.” Townsend says that compared to other pet stores in town or ranching supply stores in Craig, their business offers the widest selection of products for the most types of pets. “I feel like we have a little bit for everybody,” he says. “We have the broadest range of anybody — not just in town, but in the region.” The store also has one of the largest selections of pets for sale in the area, with tropical fish, baby chicks, bunnies, guinea pigs, parakeets and hamsters all for sale at different times of the year, plus all of the supplies to care for them. “It’s everything you need to take care of your zoo,” Townsend says.

Third Place: Outdoor K9

When Chris and Nicole Van Ruler moved to Steamboat Springs in 2012, they were inspired by the dog-friendly community that welcomed them. They soon opened Outdoor K9 as a way to connect with town’s adventurous dog-loving locals. The store, located off Central Park Drive in Marketplace Plaza, caters to the “outdoor-centric” animal lover, carrying all sorts of helpful outdoor equipment, Nicole says. What also makes Outdoor K9 different is its commitment to independent, green companies and variety of natural, healthy foods. “Customers like that we carry healthy, organic, natural options,” Nicole says. “We’re focused on education and spreading the message of whole food nutrition.” She adds that the store supports raw and dehydrated diets and carries many holistic supplements for various ailments and even super foods for dogs. And for those who can’t make it into the store, it also offers many of its products online. — Teresa Ristow

Best Pet Store

First Place: Paws ‘N Claws All Things Pets Second Place: Elk River Pet & Ranch Third Place: Outdoor K9 Fourth Place: Steamboat Ace Hardware Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Best Candy & Sweets Store

Fuzziwig’s F

Photo by John F. Russell

Candyland: Trish Grueser and Audrey Zwak behind the counter at Fuzziwig’s.

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Candy Factory

or kids of all ages, a trip downtown or a family vacation to Steamboat Springs just isn’t complete without a stop (or two or three) at Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory at Ninth Street and Lincoln Avenue. Owned by Trish and Don Grueser, who’ve been in the candy business here for 22 years, Fuzziwig’s is a candy lover’s paradise — the corner store literally filled, floor to ceiling, with edible treats. “We know candy,” Trish says. “And we love being part of people’s experience in Steamboat. It never gets old.” The Gruesers and store manager Audrey Zwak are used to hearing superlatives when customers walk through their doors for the first time. “We get a lot of references to Willy Wonka,” Zwak says. “And we also

hear, ‘This is the best place in the world,’ which we love.” At Fuzziwig’s, kids are free to roam the store with cellophane bags in hand, picking and choosing their favorite gummy candies or brightly colored M&M’s from more than a hundred bins of candy lining the store walls. In addition to its seemingly endless selection of bulk candy, Fuzziwig’s also is famous for its sea-salt caramels and handcrafted chocolates, which are decadently delicious and made from scratch. Ice cream and lollipops are other store staples along with a large selection of kids’ toys and novelties like mustache tattoos and edible candy necklaces. “The store is chocked full, and we keep it chocked full,” Trish says. “It’s just a whimsical place — a happy place. We want people to come in and say, ‘Wow!’”

Second Place: Rocket Fizz If you want to go retro, Rocket Fizz on Lincoln Avenue is the bee’s knees. Open since May, the candy and soda pop shop has vintage appeal that attracts old-timers

and youngsters in droves. Looking for the candy you loved as a child? Rocket Fizz probably stocks it. ChickO-Sticks, Charleston Chews and GooGoo Clusters are blasts from the past. Then come more modern choices like Hello Kitty Jelly Bellys, palm-sized gummy pizzas and bags of bacon-flavored cotton candy. “People are in awe when they walk in and see everything we have,” assistant store manager Briana Garcia says. “Their jaws drop. Everybody’s hyped up about it, and kids love it here.” And candy is not the only item that makes people drool. Rocket Fizz has a huge selection of what Garcia describes as “cool old-school sodas,” including Cheerwine and Bubble-Up, as well as specialty drinks like Bundaberg sodas from Australia and Virgil’s Bavarian nutmeg root beer. Replica tin signs line the store’s walls, advertising Moon Pie, Fender stratosphere guitars and Smith & Wesson revolvers. There are also concert posters promoting classic acts like the Monkees and Pearl Jam, as well as rows of retro lunch boxes, Ther-

mos no longer included. Garcia says the store has been a hit with locals and visitors from the day it opened. “It’s been awesome, and I love the locals who keep on coming back,” she says. — Lisa Schlichtman

Best Candy & Sweets Store

First Place: Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory Second Place: Rocket Fizz Third Place: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Fourth Place: Daniela’s Chocolates

Steamboat’ s Best The Best Women’s Store Women’s Clothing Store!

in Steamboat Springs? Without a Doubt

embrace our Ski Town Style since 1994. 822 Lincoln Ave., Downtown • 879-1400 • www.moosemtntradingco.com Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Powder Tools

Best Snowboard Store

or years, Powder Tools has prided itself on being a snowboarder’s onestop shop dream. “We’re the only full-service snowboard shop in town,” retail supervisor Allison Berger says. “We have it all — a full-service tune shop, full rental shop as well as demo and retail.” The business went from being a tiny storefront to one of the premier shops at the base of Steamboat Ski Area. And as the brand grew, the sport’s top-level athletes took notice. Powder Tools sponsors local Olympians Arielle and Taylor Gold, as well as U.S. Snowboarding’s Matt Ladley. “I’ve worked here since 2001 and watched our staff and store grow,” Berger says. “It’s pretty cool supporting local kids and local athletes.” The biggest selling point for Powder Tools, she adds, is its customer service. When powder seekers peek through the shop’s long line of Burton, Salomon, K2, Never Summer and Ride products, they’re met with an eager and friendly staff there to make their stay as adventurous as possible. “We want to be friendly and knowledgeable for anyone who comes through,” Berger says.

Second Place: Ski Haus

About three years ago, Ski Haus started

investing in its growth. That growth included a store expansion, and with it came the push for more snowboards on the floor. It’s a local shop that prides itself on its variety and excels at getting skiers and riders in the backcountry. About the same time as the Ski Haus expansion came the splitboard wave, a way for backcountry enthusiasts to skin up and ride down in places they never thought possible. “What differentiates us is we’re very much a backcountry group,” snowboard manager Justin Johnson says, noting that splitboards make up about 30 percent of the shop’s snowboard inventory. “That’s one of our areas of expertise.” When the snow starts falling and the lifts start humming, Ski Haus’ basement turns into a ski and snowboard mecca, packed wall to wall with every boot, board and binding needed. And when the ground is dry, its attic across the street keeps sales pumping year round. “We stock everything you need,” Johnson says.

Third Place: Powder Pursuits

Powder Pursuits opened its doors 27 years ago, but even before it debuted its first digs, Chris Smith was pushing snowboards as a business — not in a designated shop but out of his Fort Lewis College

The right tools for the job: Power Tools’ snowboard showroom. 88 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

dorm room. Fast-forward three decades and Powder Pursuits has grown from the cramped dorm room into one of the best snowboard shops in town. It has grown so much that it also stocks skis on its shelves for rent. Throughout the years, Smith says he’s earned some money and lost some, but he keeps the same attitude through it all. “It’s fun,” he says. “People who come in are happy. My mission statement is to have fun first. Just enjoy what you’re doing and love the sport.” Smith envisions Powder Pursuits continuing its rapid growth but never plans to sell out beyond his family name. Owned by Smith and his wife, Guergana, he wants their son to one day take the helm and keep the business rolling. “I want to have a business that my son or family will run,” he says. “It’s a very local shop.” — Ben Ingersoll

Best Snowboard Shop

First Place: Powder Tools Second Place: Ski Haus Third Place: Powder Pursuits Fourth Place: Christy Sports

... ted

Sleeping Bear Pediatrics 14th Anniversary

Steven A. Ross, MD, FAAP 970.879.2327 • 405 Anglers Drive, Suite A • Sundance @ Fishcreek • Find us on Facebook & Google Plus

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Photo by James Garcia

You get Steve only at Cook: Cook sales manager Steve Dunklin on the sales lot.

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Cook Chevrolet & Subaru

Best Local Car Dealership

ook Chevrolet and Subaru, owned by Larry and Scott Cook, has been serving customers for more than 50 years — with 23 of those years in Steamboat. And it’s the company’s longevity and commitment to their employees and customers that has earned them the top spot in this year’s Best Local Car Dealership list. “We all live, work and play here,” says general sales manager Steve Dunklin, who has been with Cook for more than 20 years. “The Cooks treat their employees very well.” Many of the employees have been with the company from seven to 20-plus years, a testament to the loyalty fostered by the company and the community it serves. “We just try to treat people how we’d want to be treated,” he says. “We do a lot to help the community. Anybody who comes in here for a donation, we’re happy to help out.” Cook recently received notice that the dealership has been a consistent supporter of the Routt County Fair’s 4-H program for 50 years by purchasing an animal each year.

Dunklin says their willingness to support and give back to the community sets them apart, with programs like Share the Love — where for each Subaru sold, a $250 donation is given to Routt County United Way. “We all came here to live in Steamboat,” he says. “We also happen to sell cars.”

Second Place: Steamboat Motors

“The cool thing about being a car dealer in a small community like Steamboat is that you really feel like you’re helping people, whereas in a metro area, their customers are just a number,” says John Centner, coowner and general manager of Steamboat Motors. “We really get to know and interact with our customers.” Steamboat Motors was purchased by Centner and partner Bill Keith in 1996. The two have since focused on their customers’ needs and trying to lock down car manufacturers who are dedicated to listening to what people want from their vehicles. “At the end of the day, I think we try to

be tuned into what our customers’ needs are and have what they’re looking for in our inventory,” Centner says. He adds that the company is fortunate to be able to carry a wide selection of Fords, Dodges, Chryslers and Jeeps. “The F-150 is the top-selling truck in the world, perhaps,” Centner says. “What customers ask for, Ford delivers. So we have an ability to meet those needs.” Not only are his customers a top priority, but for him personally, it’s important that he enjoys working with talented and friendly people every day. “We love Steamboat,” he says. “Many people who are in Steamboat are the true Best of the Boat, and we’re fortunate to live a community that supports its businesses.” — James Garcia

Best Local Car Dealership

First Place: Cook Chevrolet & Subaru Second Place: Steamboat Motors Third Place: Checkpoint Auto

Come in and enjoy our kids’ section, ranked in this year’s Best of the Boat -

Best Kids’ Gift Store

(970) 879-6830 68 9th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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Best Gourmet Food Gift Store Photo by James Garcia

The Homesteader

Chocolate caramel turtle, anyone? Daniela Kennedy hard at work at The Homesteader.

e’re the best-smelling store in town,” says Steve Kennedy about his kitchenware and gourmet food shop, The Homesteader. And he might not be wrong — the store smells of sweet homemade chocolates, jams, other sweet treats and fresh-baked breads. The Homesteader opened in 1975 and has been operated by Steve Kennedy and his wife, Daniela, since 2000. Daniela creates her own chocolates, Daniela’s Chocolates, in the kitchen in the back of the store. She attended pastry school in Switzerland when she was 20 and has been making delicious desserts ever since. “We sell more of Daniela’s chocolates and sweets than anything else,” Steve says. “And also David Winters’ custom-made cutting boards. They’re made from individual pieces of wood, made by one guy by hand.” While the wooden cutting boards boast elaborate and unique patterns that

klh@yampalaw.com 970-879-6060 - 970-879-5199 fax awm@yampalaw.com tme@yampalaw.com

92 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

Second Place: Steamboat Meat & Seafood Co.

If you’re looking for fresh seafood or specialty meats, or even just a tasty Reuben, your search ends at Steamboat Meat & Seafood Co. “We’re all about our fresh seafood that we bring in twice a week, as well as our

local beef,” owner Bill Hamil says. As well as being a prime destination for grass-fed Yampa Valley steaks, Colorado buffalo meat and goat cheeses, the store also hangs its hat on everything from specialty crackers, olives and imported dressings to assorted oils and fancy mushrooms. “What sets us apart is having a full-service butcher shop,” adds Hamil, a member of the Rotary Club who has lived in Steamboat since 1978, raising children Jaine, 30, and Max, 25, with wife, Lauren. “If you need a prime rib roast, rolled and tied, or double-cut pork chops — we’ve got it. You get a really good value for what you get.” He adds that while his business does pick up during the tourist seasons, the store is fully operational throughout the entire year, catering to the locals who are the shop’s main bread and butter. To that end, he considers it giving back to his own kind. “I came as a ski bum and ended up with a family and a business,” he says. “We’re totally a local business. They support us.” — James Garcia

PhoTo by JAmes GARCiA

would bring an extra level of artistry to any kitchen, it’s the chocolates that give the store its notoriety. The Homesteader’s special-order cocoa concoctions and other special treats are known across the country, even once attracting talk-show attention by being given out to Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show” audience. Despite their widespread acclaim, the owners remain proud of their local impression, as well as The Homesteader’s healthier fare. “We also carry unusual cheeses and fresh bread baked right here in town,” Steve says. “We carry the largest assortment of locally made products around.”

bill hamil, owner of steamboat meat & seafood Co., poses with a selection of fresh steaks.

Best Gourmet Food Gift Store

First Place: The Homesteader Second Place: Steamboat Meat & Seafood Co. Third Place: Elevated Olive Fourth Place: Bamboo Market

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Moose Mountain

Trading Co.

fter 20 years, Jenny Wall, owner of Moose Mountain Trading Co., knows how to fill her Lincoln Avenue store with clothes and gifts that women crave — luxurious sweaters, gorgeous knit dresses and the perfect selection of stylish accessories that add the finishg touch to any outfit. “It’s always an exploration about what we can find that will be adopted into your closet and life for your absolute pleasure,” Wall says. “Quality has always been essential. I want to be proud of what we sell.” In addition to carrying top-of-the-line women’s clothes and gifts, the store’s success can be credited to an involved and inspired owner and a loyal staff that knows how to make customers feel welcome the moment they walk into the store. To celebrate its 20th birthday, Moose Mountain hosted an open house party with prize giveaways, a 20-percent-off sale and celebratory Champagne. “It was our biggest sales day ever,” she says.

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For Wall, selecting which clothes to carry or honing in on a new “gotta-have-it” trend is like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. “I work hard to carefully construct a cohesive picture,” she says. “It has to be what people expect to find, but I also want to find what people don’t know they need yet. Our customers want to wear beautiful clothes, and they want to feel good in what they purchase. So we try to delight.” That they do. Shelves of beautiful sweaters range from the traditional blacks and grays to brighter hues of indigo blue and rich red. Styles varying from casual denim to stylish cashmere and several unique gift and accessory lines, including its new “Ski Town Style”-branded merchandise, complete the store’s ever-changing inventory. “It’s our intention always to be here for a variety of people and a variety of needs and wants,” Wall says. — Lisa Schlichtman

PhoTo by John F. Russell

Best Women’s Clothing Store

What women want: moose mountain’s Jenny Wall.

Best Women’s Clothing Store

First Place: Moose Mountain Trading Co. Second Place: Chrysalis Third Place: Deja Vu Boutique Fourth Place: Ski Haus

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STaYinG FIT

Ski training tips from personal trainer Brady Worster

rady Worster’s personal story serves as an inspiration to

Worster’s experience inspired her to become a personal trainer

many.

so she could help others. Today, 90 pounds lighter, she conducts

“It was a harsh reality to gain 70 pounds during preg-

as many as 50 personal training sessions each week at Anytime

nancy, and then gain more after your child was born,” says Worster,

Fitness and was voted Best Personal Trainer in town for the second

who weighed in at 220 pounds in 2008. “I bought a belt that was

year in a row.

an XXL, and I didn’t want to be an XXL mom.” So began the great transformation. The former gymnast and

Here are some of her training tips for the ski season:

Steamboat Springs native knew what dedication was, and she hit the gym, without the help of a personal trainer. Changing her diet

Steamboat Living: Even if you’ve been running and biking all

proved to be the biggest challenge.

summer, what else do you need to do heading into ski season?

“It took awhile to get the food part down,” Worster says. “Learning to tell myself ‘no’ was a big thing, and that’s something I em-

Brady Worster: Do some strength training and more resistance

phasize with my clients. You tell everybody else ‘no’ all the time,

training. During summer, doing things in the outdoors is great, but

but you don’t tell yourself ‘no.’”

weight lifting is still important.

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Check out our upcoming sale on our Facebook page! 96 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

PhoTo by mATT sTenslAnD

At Ski Haus we know how to help you have more fun, more ways, and more often, than any other shop in town! Alpine • Telemark • Snowboards • Alpine Touring • Hiking • Cross Country • Road Biking Snowshoeing • Cruisers • Exploring • Mountain Biking • Trail Running • Climbing • Backpacking

879.0385 • Open Everyday • Highway 40 and Pine Grove Road Ski Haus • Ski Haus Conoco • Ski Haus Attic • Ski Haus Liquor • Zoom Coffee Shop

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PhoTo by mATT sTenslAnD

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STaYinG FIT

SL: What kind of weight training?

SL: Where do people typically have bad form?

BW: Body weight exercises and free weights mostly. Stay away

BW: Squats, lunges, the basics. They put their knees over the toes.

from the machines if you want core strength.

They don’t keep pressure in their heels or stick their butt out. There should be a 90-degree angle between your ankles and your knees.

SL: Why is that? BW: Machines target specific muscles, but they don’t target the

SL: Is preparing for ski season important for injury prevention?

core muscles because you’re sitting. With bodyweight exercises

BW: Absolutely. The more strength you have and the more often

and dumbbells and barbells, you’re going to get engagement of

you’re training, the better your body is able to adapt to the actual

the core, which helps strengthen the back and other important

exercise.

muscles that help make sure we’re strong. SL: Is skiing and riding enough to maintain fitness? SL: What are some of your favorite bodyweight exercises?

BW: No. For bone strength, you need some resistance training, so

BW: I love squats, and plyometrics are also fun (though not so

you need to be lifting some form of weight besides your body —

much for my clients). They build that explosive power. So do bur-

especially for older people with osteoporosis and osteopenia. You

pees, jumping jacks, high knees — anything where you’re lifting

also have to keep up with the cardiovascular.

yourself off the ground and adding that explosive power. SL: Anything else going into winter? SL: What do people do wrong heading into ski season?

BW: Just stay active. Just because it’s not sunny with dry pavement

BW: A lot of people don’t know what good form is. When they

doesn’t mean you can’t be active. Don’t turn into the hibernating

come into the gym, that’s one thing that I focus on. Without good

bear in the house. Summer bodies are made in the winter.

form, you’re just going to hurt yourself.

— Matt Stensland

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K A E P d t R E Ou V s I l l R a F n o m o l So g n i K Find te Ice ska e k a s e m a n n w o T R U O H NAKEDg sitting o bull D

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URN T E L E T

Things

STEAMBOATERS

Compiled by eugene buchanan, Audrey Dwyer, scott Franz, ben ingersoll, Joel Reichenberger, Teresa Ristow, Tom Ross and matt stensland. Photos by steamboat Pilot & Today staff.

should know Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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No matter how long you’ve been here, there are certain things you ought to know how to do living in Steamboat. We’re not talking the obvious how to ski or bike, but the more intrinsic things to have in your seasonal arsenal here in Ski Town USA. No masters ourselves, we combed the valley floor for tips from experts to help ease the learning curve. How the Town Got Its Name

Wow your visiting friends with this little nugget of wisdom. When the first French fur trappers came through town in the early 1800s, they heard a bubbling sound emanating from the mineral spring near the site of the current Depot Art Center. Mistaking it for the chugging engine of a steamboat, they named the area Steamboat Springs.

How to Ride a Poma

When the River Peaks

Wise soothsayers look to the west-facing slopes of Mount Werner for guidance. When the two brown spots on each side meet, that’s when the river peaks. “It’s usually pretty darn spot-on,” says local paddler and river store owner Pete VanDeCarr, of Backdoor Sports. “It’s better than most high-tech USGS predictions.”

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Put your poles in one hand, scoot forward to the line, wait for it to come around, then grab it and put the round seat between your legs. Do not sit down! At the top, pull it out and pendulum yourself forward to clear the off-ramp. You didn’t hear it from us, but to jump en route, squat down just before a depression and then pop up and yell “Wheeee!” ( Just don’t let the lift ops see you.)

How to Pick Up the Tab

Do it secretively instead of making a big to-do about it. Slide the waiter your credit card en route to the bathroom or snatch up the bill as soon as it arrives. Hint: If you do it during happy hour, chances are you’ll come out ahead come payback time.

How to Find Freshies

Com’ on ... did you really think we were going to unveil our hard-earned secret stashes? Best bet: Sign up for Fresh Tracks. It could well be the best ski town investment you’ll ever make.

wares. The free downtown gallery stroll is perhaps town’s best grass-roots art event. “It exposes people to the creative energy that is here in the valley,” local artist Bonnie McGee says. Indeed, you couldn’t ask for a better place to impress your date with your softer, cultural side. Just don’t mix up your abstract from impressionism or plein air.

How to Ride a Bull

Okay, so you might not ever have to or want to. But it’s a good skill regardless, even if it’s just impressing your friends on the mechanical bovine at the base. “It’s simple,” says now-retired 17-year bull rider Brent Romick, who calls his biggest accolade simply surviving. “Keep your hand closed, your feet in your rope and your eyes open. Do these three, and you can often make it to eight seconds.” He adds that it’s also important to bend over and kiss your rear goodbye.

How to Pose for a Ski Photo

The way we see it, you have two choices: ski poles in one hand off to the side, with hand resting on grip tops; or one ski up with base facing the camera (and potential sponsors). And don’t forget to say “cheese!” “Also, don’t squint your eyes,” Sharpshooter photographer Brent Bessey says. “If you’re looking directly into the sun, wear sunglasses.” You also can hold your skis in one hand or lie on your board, he adds. “But truthfully, I’m more a fan of the action shot.” For that annual season pass photo? Get a new one every year; it’s the only way to see how you age in a ski town.

When is Naked Hour at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs? How to Enjoy and Appreciate Art

Three letters: FFA. It stands for First Friday Artwalk, during which, at the beginning of each month, local galleries open their doors and wine bottles to showcase new

It’s a gray area. Not the part that’s being uncovered, ahem, but the time. The hot springs’ “clothing optional after dark” decree ranges from as early as 5:30 p.m. in the dead of daylight-saving-time winter to 9:30ish p.m. around the summer solstice. It’s a great rule; just don’t flaunt your wares so it can stay that way.

Gourmet foods Specialty Kitchenware

Featuring Colorado & Steamboat made products

Handcrafted, Gourmet chocolates made right in the store

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tantly, know where you’re going (don’t just aimlessly follow tracks). One hint we will proffer: On the ski out, veer left at the fork to avoid hitching home from Fish Creek Falls. On second thought, scratch all that. Stay out, or go with someone who knows.

How to Find King Solomon Falls

How to Roll a Kayak

How to Buy Cowboy Boots From rhino to alligator, elephant to cow, options abound when it comes to buying cowboy boots. F.M. Light employee Dan Hoover suggests trying on a pair a half size smaller than usual (with socks), and pick out something that fits your persona. Boots are meant to fit tight, but make sure your foot works with the toe; some boots are pointy and others squared. Don’t buy used, as those have already formed to another wearer, and consider potential wear and tear on a softer leather. As for cost, $200 will get you a good pair, but the price can soar beyond $1,000 — the kind you won’t want to trample around in in manure.

104 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

Consider kayaking as one step up the river rung from tubing. Whether you’re a river rat or not, we live in a great place to learn. To fully master it, first comes mastering the roll. “It’s crucial if you’re going to progress,” says Barry Smith, of Mountain Sports Kayak School. There are four keys, he says: “Kiss your cockpit once upsidedown; reach up and extend your paddle blade out of the water; sweep it across the surface; and snap your hips, keeping your head down. Having your head come up the last is the most important. Master that, and you’re golden.”

How to Ski into (and out of) Fish Creek We’re not advocating skiing out of bounds. But if you do, don’t get lost. Enter through an official access gate, take the right gear and never go alone. Most impor-

Don’t ask how many people have gotten lost searching for this gem of a plunge-pool cliff jump. To get there, turn left on the dirt road past Columbine Cabins toward Three Forks Lodge. After about a half-hour, look for white cliffs on your left marking a twotrack off to your right (Note: If you reach the entrance gate for Three Forks Lodge, you’ve gone too far). Drive the bumpy road for a half-mile and then hike down a trail to the creek. The pool is about 20 minutes upstream (Hint: Take the trail close to the river instead of the one veering high to the right).

How to Repair a Flat Tire

There are those who’ve gotten flats, and those who will. To get back rolling and make that happy hour, Brock Webster, of Orange Peel Bicycle Service, says take your time. “Don’t rush it,” he says. “A little bit of patience will save you time in the long run.” Only try a patch if you don’t have a spare, he advises, and use plastic tire levers to help get the tire off. “Only take off one side of the tire,” he adds, “and inflate the

new tube a little so it has some shape. Check the tire’s inside for thorns and then put it back on by hand, without the levers. Start at the valve stem and work back around to it, which gives it the most slack.”

fire starter. If riding ‘caveman’ style (one person on each side), interlock arms for better balance. When it comes to towing, bring a long rope (or two) and stagger their length so towers can ride off to the sides.”

How to Ski Powder

Now this you should really know how to do in the home of Champagne Powder®. First, the basics. “Practice your cough and raspy voice so when you call in sick, it’s believable,” former U.S. Ski Team member David Lamb says. “Then make sure you have the right gear, which means fat skis. Their width will let you make the same kind of turn as you would on a groomer. And remember that speed is your friend, and falls in powder won’t beat you up. Also, be smart when you can. In flat sections, follow packed-down tracks to save your energy for the real turns. Be light on your feet and don’t steer your skis as much as pressuring your tails to slow you down and turn. Relax, look ahead and take a direct line.”

How to Snowmo Ski

Each year, Buff Pass vies with Wolf Creek for most snow in the state. To shred it via snowmobile, heed these hints from Colorado Mountain College Ski & Snowboard business professor Mike Martin: “Bring two sleds, as well as extra belts, gas, spark plugs and a tow rope. Plan for a blizzard, from survival gear to headlamp and

How to Swing Dance

Stuck in the toe-stepping rut? Head to Schmiggity’s for Two-Step Tuesday night. “It’s simple,” instructor Holly Blanchard says. “Quick, quick/slow, slow; or quick, quick, slow/quick, quick, slow.” (Each “quick” gets one step, each “slow” gets two.) “If you can walk in and count from one to six, you can two-step,” she says. “People make it harder and weirder than you have to.” For good ol’ country swing, go to the same side (“to your right,” she says, “so you spin around clockwise”) and

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don’t worry about your feet. “Your feet don’t matter. It’s all about big arm movements.” And yes, she adds, the Pretzel is still in. Two other things: “Women, beware the butt spin on the floor, and have a glass of wine to relax your arms.”

and brush once it’s cooled. Scrape from tip to tail with consistent, careful pressure. A sharp scraper is important but also dangerous. A few passes should be enough. Brush aggressively from tip to tail.”

How to Tune Your Skis

“Don’t,” advises Olympian Chad Fleischer, of Fleischer Sport. “Let someone else do it. The days of tuning your own skis are pretty much gone, unless you really know what you’re doing. These days, everyone’s using precision machines that can give your skis everything from the perfect bevel to the perfect grind. Technology has come a long, long way, so just bring it into the store.”

How to Wax Your Skis “Hot waxing is similar for Nordic, jumping, Alpine and snowboarding,” Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Nordic coach Brian Tate says, adding that an iron’s heat opens up the base and allows for saturation. “Get a good vice and start with your ski warm. Drip or rub wax onto the base and then move the iron from tip to tail for about 6 to 8 seconds, repeating to get full coverage. For Nordic, set the iron for the hardness of the wax and don’t overheat the base; cross-country skis are fragile. Also, apply enough wax for heat control, keeping a good layer between iron and base. Scrape

much traction is available by braking until the wheels lock up. If you’re forced to react, you’ve already made a mistake. Most accidents can be prevented with just one additional second to react. Gain this by looking ahead. Brake only in a straight line prior to the curve. Accelerate only when you’re able to straighten the wheel at the turn’s exit. When your rear wheels skid and the vehicle spins, you’re over-steering. Don’t panic or brake — steer into the skid (the direction you’d rather be going) and accelerate smoothly to transfer weight to the rear and regain grip. When your vehicle refuses to turn and the front wheels are skidding, you’re under-steering. Lift off the accelerator and turn back toward straight, allowing the front wheels to regain grip and start rolling.”

How to Take a Photo Outside

How to Drive on Snow No, this doesn’t mean pulling “brodies” in a parking lot. “Monitor road conditions,” says Mark Cox, director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School. “Determine how

We live in a great place to take photos, so don’t blow it. “Shoot during the golden hours,” local photographer Dan Tullos says. “The sun’s low angle creates shadows and adds depth and texture.” Also, put the important objects in thirds. “If you’re taking a picture of mountains, make sure the horizon is straight and positioned either onethird up from the bottom or one-third down from the top,” he says. “This looks the most natural and emphasizes the foreground or sky. People’s faces look best when they’re positioned on the upper third of the photo.”

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Finally, he advises, include people in your landscapes: “It gives it a sense of scale and context,” he says. In the winter, heed the advice of Sharpshooter Brent Bessey: “Shoot from either a low or high angle, and over-expose it a couple of stops. Otherwise, it’ll come out dull and grey.”

you’re picking up a penny while wearing a tight skirt. Still stuck? Take a lesson. Q: How many Telemark skiers does it take to change a lightbulb? A: 10: One to change it and nine to say, “Nice turn!”

How to Avoid Butt Bruises Tubing

Avoiding a sore heinie when tubing the river is a team effort. The tuber in front should alert fellow tubers behind to upcoming obstacles by yelling, “Butts up!” Then comes the art itself. Lift your derriere out of harm’s way by arching your back up and weighting your elbows until the obstacle has passed. Finally, make sure your tube is fully inflated before heading out for extra gluteal clearance.

How to Take Care of Someone Else’s Dog How to Tele Turn

People do care that you Tele — especially if you do it correctly. Instead of dropping the knee or dropping the sport, PSIA-certified Telemark instructor Barry Smith says “Don’t drop too low ... you can’t turn your feet and it’s more tiring.” He adds to make sure you weight both feet and that as you’re shuffling into position, “twist both of your feet at the same time.” You also want both feet to remain independent. An analogy other locals use: Pretend like

Live in a ski town, and it’ll happen. Someone will ask you to take care of their dog while they skip town for the weekend. Steamboat resident Erin Orr, whose Chihuahua Quita recently passed away and who now happily helps out her friends, offers this advice. “Rule No. 1: Don’t lose the dog. If the owner says Ellsworth needs to be kept on a leash, keep it on a leash. Rule No. 2: Follow instructions (no matter how weird). If Ellsworth’s owner says not to freak out if he poops candy wrappers, don’t freak out.”

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How to Ski with Kids

Lessons are the best way to teach your kids how to ski. But there’ll also come a time when you’re out on the slopes with them yourself, yelling the classic “pizza pie” and “french fry” commands. You also can tell your aspiring skiers to put their hands on the outside of their knees and “push the magic button” to turn and slow down (push the right magic button to turn left, the left to turn right, and both to slow down). You’ll also delve into the wonderful world of vertebrae-tweaking ski harnesses, which have mummified more than one parenttoddler tandem. Former kids ski instructor Julie Mouse advocates holding a ski pole out to the side for them to grab onto anytime they need to slow down. “We didn’t even use a harness for our daughter Lily,” she says. “She went to the pole technique right away.”

How to Park at the Resort

To cut your having-to-loop-back-around losses, head straight to the Meadows Lot and catch the bus or Wildhorse gondola. Otherwise, depending on how early you arrive, risk having to circle back by trying to fit into, in order: Ski Time Square; tiny micro-Knoll; and then the Knoll Parking Lot. Hint: If you arrive after 10 a.m., cruise Knoll’s front row, where early birds might have left already. To avoid all this cluster, hit the pay-for parking at Ski Time Square,

which benefits the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, or convince a spouse or friend to drop you off at Thunderhead.

Rodeo Rules Eight seconds for bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding. In saddle bronc and bareback, cowboys must “mark out” horse (exit chute with spurs above horse’s shoulders and hold there until horse’s front feet hit the ground). In all, touching the animal, rider or any equipment with free hand results in disqualification. Team roping: Clock stops when all four legs have been roped, slack has been taken up and both ropers are facing one another (five-second penalty if heeler catches only one foot). Tie-down roping: Any three legs have to be tied together; roper throws hands up to signal flag judge, then gets back on and rides toward the calf, which must remain tied for six seconds after the rope is slack.

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Steer wrestling: Once steer reaches the “scoreline,” rope barrier is released and wrestler and hazer give chase; wrestler has to bring down steer so its shoulders are on the ground. Barrel racing: Cloverleaf pattern around three barrels (in either direction) in fastest time (knocked-over barrel incurs five-second penalty).

Also control your speed. “Edge pressure and turn angle dictate how fast you’ll go. Concentrate on speed control through the line, in the ruts themselves. Connect one trough to the next, keeping downward pressure on your outside ski as you turn down the backside of each mogul. Finish each turn shape completely. The more across the hill your angle, the more control you’ll have each time. Stay in the line, maintain downward pressure and finish with a decent angle.”

Kyle Lawton, who’s skinned to the podium in two Cody’s Challenge randonee races. “Then pull taut and apply pressure with your hand to smooth out the bases before attaching the clip or tail attachment.” To remove, take off your skis, peel the skins off and fold each in half glue to glue (or reattach backing) so they don’t get dirty (with practice, you can keep your skis on when removing). Then stuff them in your jacket or pack and get ready to rip the next lap.

How to Ride Little Moab

How to Ski Bumps

Who else are we going to go to for this one but Steamboat’s own Nelson Carmichael, who brought home the Olympic bronze in 1992? “Stay centered over your skis,” he says, stressing weight placed evenly over your feet with shins resting on the tongue of your boots. “Keep your hips standing up, as opposed to sitting back. Have your hands up and forward, and your eyes looking ahead instead of at the bump you’re skiing into. Stay tall, stay centered.”

How to Put On/Take Off Skins The craze of earning your turns is growing each year, and to hop on the bandwagon, you need a pair of touring bindings equipped with climbing skins. First, make sure they’re sized correctly — you want slight tension, not slack — and are free of snow. “Make sure it’s centered so it’s not hanging off the edges,” says ski patroller

This short-but-sweet, loose-rocked, biking badge of courage just below the Quarry on Emerald Mountain is one of the trail system’s only places to test your technical ability. So don’t back off, Orange Peel Bicycle Service owner Brock Webster says. “It’s steep and looks like something you might want to inch your way down, but don’t,” he says. “Speed is your friend. Pick your line, don’t halt momentum and hold on for a 10th of a mile.” He also advises the usual when it comes to steep, technical riding: keep your weight back, pick a clean line, and stay off front brake. For those trying to ride up it, he says, good luck. “That’s like a once-ayear ride for me,” he says. “It’s all about the fitness, picking your line and keeping your wheels moving.”

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If you get someplace suspect, adopt the penguin stance and weight your feet evenly and gingerly. If you find yourself in a slip, you have two options, both a bit of a loselose: Try to recover, which can often make things worse, or go with it, often resulting in a derriere-landing splatdown. And you always can swallow your pride and invest in those nifty traction devices for the bottom of your shoes. Just remember to take them off before hitting the dance floor.

back straight.” Or, of course, you could ignore all this, which would be better for his business.

How to Snowmobile

“The biggest thing,” Steamboat Powersports’ staff says, “is to ride with people for safety. And always bring the proper safety gear, for everything from avalanches to spending the night outside.” For actual handling, get the hang of putting the snowmobile on edge, especially when riding off-trail. “The biggest backcountry riding skill you can learn is counter-steering,” they maintain, adding that it involves getting the sled up on edge and turning the opposite way you’re leaning. “Your handlebars go left to turn right, and vice versa. Being on edge equals being in control.”

How to Walk on Ice

It’s simple, experts say. Walk like a penguin. That means keeping your center of gravity over your front leg. Above all, look for trouble spots before they find you.

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How to Pitch a Tent

How to Shovel Snow Learn nothing else from this feature and at least master this. “Take the first few snowfalls real easy,” says Von Wilson, of Backsmith Chiropractic. “It’s just like getting into shape for skiing and biking.” Next, he advises, use good form. “Bend your knees, try not to twist too much and keep your

There was a time when tents needed instruction manuals and multiple people to pitch. Today, local companies like Big Agnes have simplified things, leaving you more time to catch that trout, climb that peak or roast that marshmallow over the fire. A few pointers: Pitch the tent on level ground, spread out the base first and then connect the poles into each corner and position the door accessibly (not leading straight into a bush). Also, note where your campfire will be beforehand — no need to have your tent smell like smoke. Final tip: Crack a beer while you’re setting it up. It

might not make the process go faster, but it’ll be more fun.

How to Carry Your Skis

You can tell a beginner from a seasoned vet before even setting edge to snow. It’s all about how they carry their skis. Don’t be the gomer corralling skis and poles every which way across your chest. Carry them like a pro. “Experienced skiers carry them over their shoulder with the tips forward,” says local Olympian Deb Armstrong, who carried her skis to the gold medal podium in giant slalom at the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo. “Tourists carry them with the tails forward.” To do so, stand them upright, locked together with their ski brakes, grab beneath the tips with a reverse grip and swing over your shoulder. Bonus: Providing counterweight with your forearm frees up your hand to carry your poles, thus freeing your other hand to hold that coffee or breakfast burrito, or blow your nose.

How to Snowboard

We’re going to assume you know how to ski. To master its sister in schussing, approach the hill a little differently by starting on easier runs. “Just because you can ski it without thinking doesn’t mean you should try it on a snowboard,” snowboard instructor Scott Anfang says. Steer clear of narrow paths like cat tracks, he advises, and instead look for

wide green and even blue runs. “Not all green runs are created equal,” he says. “A wide, gentle, green run is great for learning.” When turning, he adds, go from edge to flat to new edge and resist the temptation to hurry through the flat board stage. “Keep your eyes looking toward the board’s nose,” he adds, “and stand with your shoulders paralleling the edge of the board not across it like your holding ski poles.” Above all, he says, “Ride for yourself. Enjoy what you like about snowboarding.”

How to Wear a Cowboy Hat Steamboat’s ranching heritage ensures you’ll see sombreros around town. But there’s a right and wrong way to wear them, longtime cowboy Brent Romick says. Pick a hat with enough brim to shade your face, he says, and a crown that matches the shape of your face (i.e. a tall crown for a long face, a short one for a squat face). And

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don’t wear it crooked, to the side or at an angle, “or else you’ll look like a dance hall cowboy.” Also, never wear it backward (the bow on the inside goes in back) and never, ever, ever put your hat on your bed. “It’s the worst luck,” Romick says. “If you don’t want to get your teeth knocked out at the rodeo the next day, don’t put your hat on your bed.”

adds. Alternate the skating motion from ski to ski, and as a beginner, push with your poles only on every other stride. The goal is to achieve economy of motion. Take your time and don’t forget to glide. “A lot of people go out for 30 minutes and say ‘I’m cooked,’” Berend says. “That’s because they aren’t skiing efficiently. Ski with your butt over your feet. If it’s behind, you’re going to get cooked.”

They just prolong everything because they want everything.” Also avoid holiday weekends, she adds, and Saturday evenings in winter. “That’s when a lot of the tourists get to town, and the first thing they do is stock their fridge,” she says. Her final advice? “Don’t go when I go.”

How to Car Camp

How to Skate Ski Skate skiing correctly involves a learning curve, best gained by studying others, U.S Nordic combined skier Ben Berend says. Bend zee knees und follow me. “Like any sport, be in an athletic position,” he says, advising knees slightly bent, head up and hands out in front and inside the frame of your shoulders, with elbows out slightly. It’s a lot like ice skating with ski poles, he

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Unlike backpacking, car camping allows you to bring the kitchen sink, literally. Whether you’re in a camper or tent, bring it all and ask questions about if you really needed it later. That’s the beauty of it. For a key lakeside spot, reserve a campsite well in advance; for more roadside-adjacent sites, take the time to explore a few to find the best spot, and don’t park your car on the prime socializing real estate. Backdoor Sports owner Pete VanDeCarr offers one more car camping must-have. “Bring a small guitar so you can sing songs,” he says, adding that you can always crash in your car if the tent craps out.

How to Avoid the Grocery Line

Local mom Val Dietrich has a foolproof scheme. “I go first thing Sunday morning before the kids get out of bed and without them,” she says, adding that the store is usually fully stocked. “Don’t bring them.

How to Cast a Fly

Veteran fly casting instructor Jeff Ruff honed his 15-minute crash course for beginners by helping dozens of his Steamboat Springs Middle School students catch their first trout on a fly line. A flexible fly rod is a spring and fly casters use the kinetic energy of 15 feet of fly line straightening out behind them to load it. Reversing the flex of the spring ultimately propels the line forward. The first step, Ruff says, is to strip

15 to 20 feet of line beyond the tip of the rod. Second, raise the rod abruptly until its tip is straight above your head or just slightly beyond. Then exercise patience. “You have to pause to let that line straighten out,” he says. “Once you do that, it doesn’t really matter what you do bringing the rod forward. It will make a loop and the line will go out.”

How to Skin an Elk

We’re surrounded by the largest elk herds in the country. Know how to skin one. “Get the meat cooled as quickly as possible by removing the hide,” hunter Bill Van Ness says. “Get the elk stable and make sure your knives are sharp — the hide will dull them quickly.” After removing the entrails, he’ll take out the tenderloins and then cut the hide midpoint in the animal. “Cut a straight line from the belly to the spine and skin forward toward the shoulder,” he says. “When you reach the front leg, cut around the knee joint and then up the back of the leg to the brisket. Peel the hide around the leg and continue up the neck to the skull. The back half is a similar. Peel back the hide, cut around the knee and progress up the leg’s inside. When the hide is off that half, remove the quarters and backstrap on that side and then carefully roll the elk over and do it all again. Take your time ... don’t cut yourself by going too fast.”

How to Ice Skate With an Olympic sheet of ice a block from downtown, ice skating should be in your Steamboat bag of tricks. Assuming you’re emulating Matt Duchene and not Will Ferrell, go with hockey skates. “When you’re starting, leave the top eyeholes open when lacing to strengthen your ankles,” says Howelsen Ice Arena Director of Hockey Corey Allen, a former D-1 player for the University of Alaska. “After a few months, lace them all the way up. Edge control starts with balance. I like doing one-foot drills, including C turns and stops. Focus on transitioning your weight from one foot to the other. Practice making long strides that recover under your body, and push out to the sides instead of behind.”

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A look inside

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A tire education via celebs and snow laps

’m out of my comfort zone. Not surprising, as I’m about to put the pedal to the metal in a brand-new 2014 Lexus ES 350 sedan inside, of all places, the Howelsen Ice Arena. Starting at one blue line, we’re supposed to slam on the brakes once we reach the other line, a distance of 57 feet, hopefully stopping before we careen into the boards another 60 feet later. Rink manager Mike Albrecht stands outside the glass, cringing. “Make sure you floor it,” says my instructor, Robert Ames, as if I were planning on weenie’ing out. When the flagman waves, against my better judgment, that’s what I do, stomping on the gas. The engine roars, tires spin, and we start moving. Well, actually, more like inching. It’s not the breakneck speed I was expecting, but the boards take up more windshield quickly. We’re here burning rink rubber to test Bridgestone’s new WS80 Blizzak snow tires. The company has flown in media wonks from across the country — including writers from Road & Track, Car & Driver and more — to the home of its heralded Bridgestone Winter Driving School, to let them test firsthand the grippiness of the company’s new tire technology. We get to drive two cars, one with WS80s and the other with competitor Michelin’s new X-Ice Xi3s. A third car has WS80s on one side and the Michelins on the other. Step on its brakes, and the car turns toward the grippier side. They already had nudged one car up against the boards. I don’t

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want to be victim No. 2. I cross the red center ice line where face-offs occur and gain momentum toward the far blue line. “Now!” Ames suggests, imploring me to stomp on the brakes, not a pump, to use the ES 350’s antilock system. We glide to a stop, about 10 feet from the far boards. I’m in a rig a few thousand pounds heavier than a typical Sailor defenseman, but the boards are safe from splintering. The event was put on to herald Bridgestone’s new snow tire, and they’d brought in a veritable who’s who to pimp them. At the 8 a.m. product presentation at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort, I stood in the breakfast buffet line next to three-time Indianapolis 500 racecar driver Simon Pagenaud. Picking at the food lineup, he compared the Sheraton’s croissants to those from his native France. A sniff, a scowl and, finally, a tentative nibble. Sitting down at a nearby table, he espoused upon skiing instead of driving. “I love skiing,” he said, evoking the impression that he likes it fast. “I wish I could stay here longer to ski Steamboat, but I have another test drive in California. I ski a lot at St. Sorlin d’Arves in the French Alps.” Surprisingly, he doesn’t get the chance to drive on snow much. “Just for fun sometimes, like here,” he said. “It’s great that anyone

PhoTo by John F. Russell

Giving new meaning to crashing the boards.

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on your marks, get set, go! Preparing to tackle the driving schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tracks.

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can access the driving school here and understand what snow driving is all about. It’s very different from pavement. It makes you more aware of your environment, grip level and weight transfer. It applies to me racing in the Indy and the average person on the road.” That’d be me. I’m comfortable pulling donuts in a parking lot, but beyond that I’m Sheraton croissants to French eclairs. Bridgestone marketing executive Phil Pacsi broke the ice to get the presentation underway. There are three types of tires, he said: summer, all-season and winter. There are also three types of consumers: those with zero idea about what to buy; those in the market; and those who actually want to drive on them. At any given time, he continued, only an 8.5-by11-inch surface area of a tire touches the ground. That part, then, better stick like Honey Stinger. In the 1980s, Pacsi added, studded snow tires were outlawed in Japan, fueling the Japanese company’s development of the first studless Blizzak snow tire, which hit the U.S. market in 1993. In 2008, Quebec mandated winter tire use between December and March, further increasing demand. Lately, that demand has been fueled by a marketing campaign drawing in professional athletes to help the cause. Stars like Troy Aikman, Deion Sanders and Tim Duncan all have been tapped to tout the tires. “The demographics are very close to ours,” he continued. “The typical sports fan is our customer.” My eyes light upon what looks to be another star spokesman sitting just two seats away. He looks different than the typical tire writer — beefier, tougher, more athletic. This year’s Conquer the Cold campaign, it turns out, is being run in partnership with the NHL. The new Blizzaks, Pacsi said, are designed to perform during hockey weather. Last winter, Bridgestone hosted the NHL Winter Classic in front of 105,000 fans at the University of Michigan when temperatures were just 17 degrees. Former Colorado Avalanche standout Milan Hejduk, who’s won the Stanley Cup and two Olympic medals, then stood up and took

“Our goal is to help people leave as better drivers and never have to use their deductible.” — Robert Ames the stage. He spoke about his career, Steamboat (“It takes a lot of courage to go off those ski jumps”) and tires (“Like hockey skates, you need good traction”). The key to the WS80, continued Bridgestone product manager Anant Gandhi, is its three-dimensional zigzag siping, creating more surface area, and a unique, hydrophilic Multicell Compount that actually attracts water. It sucks up water and channels it away so more rubber remains in contact with the snow or ice. With that, we headed to Howelsen’s ice to put it to the test.

Ice driving accomplished and boards spared, we pile into a bus

and head up to the Bridgestone Winter Driving School off Twentymile Road. We couldn’t have asked for better, or worse, winter driving conditions. Thick fog blanketed everything in sight, from the staging yurt to the tracks. The lighting was as flat as the rink we were just on. Located on land leased from Jim Stanko, with three separate 2-mile-long tracks on 77 acres, the school is the largest purposebuilt facility of its kind in North America. Directed by local Mark Cox, who runs auto event company Premier Event Services in the offseason, the school uses a quartermillion gallons of water pumped from a nearby pond just to make one of its fish-tailing loops. Now entering its 32nd year, it employs

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10 full-time instructors, from longtime locals like Morgan Kavanaugh and Gary Osteen to 31-year instructor and former racecar driver Robert Ames. Clients range from regular Joes to military, law enforcement, medical personnel and more — anyone looking to gain an edge driving on snow. “Two weeks ago, we had an ambulance from Grand County that actually had four different tires on it,” an incredulous Ames says. “They didn’t know any better.” During a 95-day season, the school will train as many as 2,500 people, with this year one of the best in its history. “Our goal,” Ames says, “is to help people leave as better drivers and never have to use their deductible.” Ames adds that there are three primary facets of the Grip Rule: 1) Your vision — see an opening and have an out; 2) Adjust your speed for the conditions; and 3) The separation of controls, including steering, brake and throttle — brake in a straight line, then release it, coast and steer. Other pointers include keeping your hands at 9 and 3 o’clock on the wheel and being cognizant of weight transfer (weight shifts to the rear tires as you accelerate, lessening grip for steering, and moves forward as you slow down, offering better steering). After the whirlwind “Get it? Got it? Good,” two other drivers and I climb inside a 2014 Lexus AWD RX 350 SUV, with Ames riding shotgun. We’ll rotate from back to front when it’s our turn to drive. I get first dibs. When I hear “All clear!” cackle over the radio from instructor TJ Fry ahead in the lead car, I’m set to go. To me, it should be called the How to Avoid Understeering School. That’s what I do at each turn, as Ames offers pointers. Soon, I get the hang of it, the tires biting like Hejduk’s blades at the Pepsi Center. It’s a far cry from my beater 2001 Explorer. We take laps in one Lexus with the Blizzaks, another with the Michelins and another outfitted with Goodyear UltraGrip Ice WRTs. They’re all way better than anything I’ve ever driven. During one of my laps, Pagenaud blasts by and takes out a

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cone. I slow down to give him some room. “You can go now,” Ames says. “I don’t think you’ll catch him.” Later, we hear an inevitable reprimand over the radio. “We got an extraction,” says TJ Fry, pinpointing it on a straight-away between turns six and seven. It’s not Pagenaud, but one of us. “Over-corrected,” Ames says. “That’s never a good feeling ... it means more paperwork.” Instead of being soft snow, the banks are ice hard, easily capable of dinging a Lexus. That’s why they don’t having us goosing it on each turn. Instead, they teach us to take it just until the tire’s breaking point, where they start to slide. But the instructors don’t always practice what they preach. At the end of the day, they disable the cars’ traction and stability controls (“fun switches”) and take us around on “hot laps.” We 180 into turns, then spiral the other way for the next. One instructor does a 270 before correcting into a turn. I feel like I’m starring in “Starsky & Hutch.” “These guys make it look like Simon was taking it easy,” Ames says. “It shows what these cars and tires are capable of.” At the bar afterward, I clink beers with Pagenaud, who says he could feel a “massive difference” between all three tires. I couldn’t really tell; they all seemed sweet. Later, at dinner, I find out that it was Ghandi, the Bridgestone marketer who gave one of the morning presentations, who had to get “extracted.” I also learned that our fabled IndyCar driver accidentally “brushed” a bank. “Just a little,” he admits. Soon, Pacsi arrives with the scores from our rink test. My top speed with the WS80s registered 10.3 mph, with a stopping distance of 36 feet. On the Michelins, my high was 9.4 mph with a stopping distance of 45 feet. The Blizzaks clocked in 18.5 percent better — that much less chance of adding a line item to the rink’s maintenance budget. Then my eyes settled on Pagenaud’s score. On my best run, I reached a faster speed than his 10.2 mph. Someone wave the checkered flag.

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Follow the leader: Taking a test lap on one of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2-mile-long courses.

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Final Frames

5 minutes with

Chhiring Dorje Sherpa L

ast April, an avalanche struck the Khumbu Icefall above base camp on Mount Everest, killing 16 Sherpas and marking the deadliest avalanche in the mountain’s history. One of their own, Chhiring (pronounced “sear-ring,” meaning “long life”) Dorje Sherpa, 39, who has summited Everest 12 times and seven other 8,000-meter peaks, now calls Steamboat — where he bases his guide company, Rolwaling Excursion — home. Recently earning Sherpa Sardar, a title bestowed on fewer than 25 mountaineers, and receiving the Explorer’s Club’s Tenzing Norgay Award for his actions during the 2008 K2 disaster, he lives here with his wife, Dawa Phuti Sherpa, and daughters, Tshering Namdu Sherpa, 17, and Tensing Phuti Sherpa, 14. We caught up with him for his thoughts on Steamboat, scaling mountains and the tragedy claiming the lives of his kin. 122 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15

I moved here in 2013 after I got my green card. I had visited Steamboat after meeting local climber Eric Meyer on Everest in 2004. We became good friends, like brothers. I visited him four times before moving here last year. I have a lot of good friends here, like Eric, Rob Powers, Matt Tredway, Pete Perry, Steve DeLine and Sue Birch. I’ve been to very many countries and I like it here. Everyone’s friendly and helps each other all the time. When I’m not guiding, I work construction, pouring concrete with Matt and working with Pete. I also work with Everything Outdoor Steamboat and Rob’s America 300 Foundation. I wasn’t guiding on Everest when the accident happened. Usually I’d be there. I was leading a trip up Ama Dablam, about 100 miles away. We were heading up to base camp and I saw rescue helicopters bringing bodies. I knew something had happened. That evening I heard news about the accident. I knew seven of the people who died. I’ve climbed with them. It is very sad. It is a big number to die all at once. I am surprised that it happened. My cousin’s

husband was in the avalanche and helped rescue three of the people. I go to Nepal about three times a year to guide. I am going for three months this fall to guide some Swedish climbers up 26,906-foot Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest peak. I have climbed some 14ers in Colorado. They are very technical mountains and very hard. I do more big mountains than rock. My daughters moved here March 5. They like it and have made friends easily. It’s easy to make friends here. They are in ninth and 11th grade. It is a much better education than back home. I want this education for my daughters. My father and sister are back in Nepal. I would like to bring them here, but it is very difficult. I was in Backdoor Sports once and a girl walked in and started speaking Nepalese. I was very surprised. She said she learned it in Kathmandu. This spring I will return to Everest to lead an expedition up the north side. Climbing is my job. I’d like to take some people from Steamboat there sometime. — Eugene Buchanan

Winter 2014-15 | Steamboat living

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124 | Steamboat living | Winter 2014-15