Elevation Outdoors January-February 2019

BUENA VISTA SNOW | THE RISE OF THE CLIMBING GYM | VAIL SECRETS JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2019

FREE!

E L E V AT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

COLORADO’S RESIDENT

BADASSES KRISTE PEOPLES & CRAIG DEMARTINO LEAD THE PACK

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WILD ICE SKATING

Best Backcountry Gear 2019 RACE & EVENT GUIDE

#CANCOUNTRY

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Colorado’s True Hidden Gem 21 Miles from Boulder.

49 Miles from Denver.

Unlimited Access on the Ikon Pass.

Learn More at Eldora.com

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TINATION

COLORADO’S DES

OP H S Y R T N U O C K C BA R OVER 20 YEARS FO

WILD CARD

TION EXTENSIVE SELEC IRS SKI TUNES & REPA RENTALS & DEMOS AVALANCHE NT SAFETY EQUIPME

Kriste Peoples works for equity and inclusion in nature— and EO readers think she’s a badass.

SEE PAGE 20

in this issue

JA NUA RY- FEB RUA RY 20 19

DEPARTMENTS 7 EDITOR’S LETTER We are celebrating 10 years of Elevation Outdoors. Join us!

9 QUICK HITS Skating on wild ice, a hut-trip mini keg, Golden’s ski-tune fanatics, a new hotel in Vail, a nature tour of I-70 and much more...

AY AW LL A C A IS E IC V D A ED C N IE EXPER

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NTS FOR: CHECK BENTGATE.COM/EVEUN TRY 101 CLINICS

| BACKCO SKI DEMOS | BEACON PRACTICETIO RE! ATHLETE PRESENTA NS AND MO

photo by ANDREW BYDLON / CAVEMAN COLLECTIVE

12 FLASHPOINT For 30 years, a development company has been trying to build a new base area on Wolf Creek’s legendary slopes. But environmentalists—and federal judges—say the Forest Service permits disregard wildlife. Will a plan for a new road skirt around all that?

15 HOT SPOT Buckle in for deep winter adventure at three of our favorite Colorado destinations: It’s high time to go skiing off the piste in Buena Vista, Silverton and Steamboat.

17 NUMEROLOGY Once laughed at, climbing gyms continue to boom. Check out all juicy the stats here.

19 STRAIGHT TALK Ultra-running tough guy, dedicated dad and Iraq vet Jason Schlarb chats about inspiration and his recent win in Oman.

28 THE ROAD When Len Necefer learned how to backcountry ski, he brought the wisdom of his Navajo ancestors.

30 ELWAYVILLE She inspired a mountain town folk singer—but was she just a phantom?

FEATURES 20 COLORADO’S RESIDENT BADASS POLL WINNERS We asked our readers to nominate and then vote for the biggest badasses in the state in nine different categories.

Come meet the winners.

22 THE 2019 RACE & EVENT GUIDE In this special advertising section, we run down the hottest Nordic skiing, trail running, cycling and fun happenings in 2019. Be sure to pencil them into your calendar for an active new year.

26 GEAR: THE BEST OF THE BACKCOUNTRY Touring out in wild snow requires gear that will keep you safe and comfy. Peruse our best backcountry bets.

ON THE COVER Badasses Kriste Peoples and Craig Demartino reach new heights and build community in the outdoor space.

by Andrew Bydlon / cavemancollective.com

WANT MORE? CATCH UP ON PAST ISSUES, YOUR FAVORITE BLOGGERS AND DAILY ONLINE CONTENT AT ELEVATIONOUTDOORS.COM

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YOUR DOG IS INJURED. YOU ʼR E A LONE, M IL E S FROM THE TRAIL HE AD, AN D WEAT H ER I S M OVIN G IN - PROBL E M S OLVE D.

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C O N T R IB U T O R S | 0 1 .1 9 WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL BIGGEST BADASS ACHIEVEMENT? E DI TOR-I N -CHI E F

DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

doug@elevationoutdoors.com PRE SI DE N T

BLAKE DEMASO

blake@elevationoutdoors.com PUBLI SHE R

CASEY VANDENOEVER

casey@elevationoutdoors.com CRE AT I VE DI RE CTOR

LAUREN WORTH

lauren@elevationoutdoors.com EDITORIAL + PRODUCTION M AN AG I N G E DI TOR

DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

Fighting wildfires on an initial attack team. We spent sleepless nights on the line with fires that blew up on us and 100-foot ponderosas crashing down without warning.

casey vandenoever

Skinning up and snowboarding down three mountains in the Pacific Northwest’s Ring of Fire—St. Helens, Adams and Rainier— in seven days.

CAMERON MARTINDELL

conor sedmak

cameron@elevationoutdoors.com

Locking down a butt-naked run in the backcountry for the gnar points.

SE N I OR E DI TOR

CHRIS KASSAR

chris@elevationoutdoors.com G RAPHI C DE SI G N E R

AMELIA MCCONNELL

amelia@elevationoutdoors.com COPY ASSASSI N

TRACY ROSS

E DI TOR-AT-LARG E

PETER KRAY

CON T RI BUT I N G E DI TORS

AARON BIBLE, ADAM CHASE, ROB COPPOLILLO, LIAM DORAN, JAMES DZIEZYNSKI, HUDSON LINDENBERGER, SONYA LOONEY, CHRIS VAN LEUVEN

TRACY ROSS

Raising two sons to love, respect and feel passionate enough to fight for the outdoors as I do--especially Scout, who is also my favorite adventure partner. (P.S. I'm not leaving my 7-year-old daughter Hollis out; she's just still a work in progress!)

CAMERON MARTINDELL

Adventuring on all seven continents, including a three-month stint in Antarctica.

CON T RI BUT I N G WRI T E RS

go with a guide Explore more.

Leave the decision making to us. Whether new to Crested Butte’s infamous backcountry terrain, or a seasoned local, get more turns in your day with our professional and knowledgeable guides.

Backcountry Ski & Splitboard AIARE Avalanche Education Ski Mountaineering Winter Hut Trips Ice Climb

JEFF BLUMENFELD, ELIZABETH MILLER, LEN NECEFER, ERICA PRATHER, JAMIE SIEBRASE, MELANIE WONG ADVERTISING + BUSINESS SE N I OR ACCOUN T E XE CUT I VE

MARTHA EVANS

martha@elevationoutdoors.com ACCOUN T E XE CUT I VE

CONOR SEDMAK

conor@elevationoutdoors.com BUSI N E SS M AN AG E R

MELISSA GESSLER

melissa@elevationoutdoors.com CI RCULAT I ON M AN AG E R

KAITY VANCE

kvance@elevationoutdoors.com DIGITAL MEDIA ON LI N E DI RE CTOR

CRAIG SNODGRASS

craig@elevationoutdoors.com DI G I TAL M AN AG E R

TYRA SUTAK

tyra@elevationoutdoors.com

ELEVATIONOUTDOORS.COM 2510 47th Street Unit 209 Boulder, Colorado 80301 (303) 449-1560 P U B L I S H E D BY

©2019 Summit Publishing, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

+1 970.349.5430 Irwin Guides operates under a special use permit from the USFS and is an equal opportunity service provider.

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Chris Kassar

seemed harder.

I have climbed Denali and Mount Logan—but making it through a silent vipassana retreat

Len Necefer

I skied three fourteeners after I only started skiing for one season and I slept on the side of an 800-foot granite wall earlier this year.

Elizabeth Miller

I once team-taught a ski lesson for 36 kids on spring break who had never skied before—while the surface lift was out of commission and we had to hike through slush for every run.

Aaron Bible

Riding the Haute Route North America, .the world’s most difficult amateur road race made famous by the movie Icarus.

peter kray SUMMIT

PUBLISHING

A self-rescue on skis after getting lost in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

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A DECADE OF ELEVATION OUTDOORS

THE SNOW IS FALLING. THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING!

J O I N US I N C EL EB R AT I N G T H E M AG A ZI N E A N D T H E CO M M U N I T Y T H AT U N I T E S US .

by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

T

en years ago, we stood in the middle of a recession that threatened to bankrupt capitalism.

We were also charged up with the excitement of a new President with a message of hope. Those big events loomed large when brother-and-sister team Blake and Meredith DeMaso took me out to dinner to tempt me into starting up a new outdoor magazine. It was to be called Elevation Outdoors, a sister pub to their Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine.

Considering how many companies were shedding employees and slashing advertising budgets alongside media pundits proclaiming print dead in a new world of digital media, introducing a new magazine seemed foolhardy.

But the three of us still believed in the power of print—especially the free, oversized independent version we had in mind—and we believed in the vision of a publication that would speak to and for the passionate outdoor community of Colorado. Beyond that, the threat of failure has never stooped skiers, mountain bikers, paddlers and anyone else who deals with the uncertainties being out in the wild. In fact, the ability to adapt is what keeps the vast majority of outdoorspeople growing. With this in mind, the DeMasos and I produced the first issue of EO in February, 2009, with wide distribution across the Front Range.

By 2009, our startup had grown from six magazines to our current frequency of 11 issues each year, available in bagel shops, brew pubs, outdoor retail shops and kiosks across the state. We did not do it alone. Former publishers Monica Davis and especially the driven, always affable Elizabeth O’Connell pushed us to new heights.

Current publisher Casey Vandenoever and sales reps Conor Sedmak and Martha Evans keep the doors open. And there would be no magazine without art director Lauren Worth and former art director Megan Jordan.

I could not do this without Cameron Martindell, Aaron Bible and Chris Kassar who have contributed to almost every issue over the past 10 years. Author and dear friend Peter Kray and illustrator Kevin Howdeshell have documented a book’s worth of life experiences in “Elwayville” columns since the first issue. Author, editor and consigliare Tracy Ross has helped me up the intensity and quality of every story we publish. Freelance writers and contributing editors including Radha Marcum (my wife!), Adam Chase, Chris Van Leuven, Tyra Sutak, Jayme Moye, Rob Coppolillo, Jayme Moye,

NUMERO UNO ELEVATION OUTDOORS FIRST HIT NEWSSTANDS IN FEBRUARY 2009. photo by JONNY COPP

Timmy O’Neill, James Dzienski, Lily Krass, Hudson Lindenberger, Jedd Ferris, Patty Malesh, Eugene Buchanan, Melanie Wong, Devon O’Neil, Sonya Pevzner and Rachel Walker are the ones who give EO life. And dedicated photographers including Liam Doran, Devon Balet, David Clifford, Andrew Bydlon, Jeff Cricco, Eddie Clark and Ben Duke get out there and bring back images that give EO its distinct and inspiring look. And when I think about our first issue, I always remember friend and famed alpine climber Jonny Copp, who shot our first cover. There are so many more who have contributed and I thank all of you.

We want you to keep celebrating this anniversary with us. Our goal all along has been to represent the outdoor community, a collection of varied, sometimes odd, always brave individuals who find common ground both individually and collectively out beyond the constraints of human society and limits. It encompasses everything from Sunday night crit racers to bristly curmudgeons who think the term curmudgeon cramps their style. We love to hear from you, love to know when something we do resonates with you and your community (and even the trolls at least let us know someone is reading). We see this community as incredibly inclusive and think it needs to grow to advocate for the wild places in which we play while garnering both inspiration and healing.

On the ground this summer, look for the Live Outside and Play Road Team, which will be traveling to events and festivals in Colorado and beyond, spreading the EO stoke while handing out the magazine. And look, too, for our official 10th Anniversary Issue this August. In it, we will revisit some greatest hits, tap into the wisdom of some longtime contributors and take a good look at what needs to be done, in terms of protection,for us to continue enjoying the wild places that fuel us. Most of all, we hope to sweat, summit and shine with you out there.

Demo our full line-up of touring and backcountry skis!

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J A N U A R Y 2 01 9 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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SILVERTON POWDER! YOUR BASECAMP FOR

WINTER ADVENTURE #visitsilverton #lifeat9318 silvertoncolorado.com

Looking for the perfect spot to get outdoors this winter?

Rio Grande County in Southwestern Colorado will have you covered in POWDER and fun!

Wolf Creek Ski Area averages over 460 inches of snow a year, more than any other ski area in Colorado.

South Fork: closest town to the ski area and your basecamp to adventure.

Del Norte: gateway to the San Juan’s with brew pubs and places to stay.

Monte Vista: centrally-located in the heart of the San Luis Valley.

Visit riograndecounty.com to learn about all the great festivals and events this winter.

Book your next great adventure today!

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WILD ICE

LOOKING GLASSY SOME DAYS IT’S 30 BELOW WHEN THE ICE IS BEST AT GUNNISON'S BLUE MESA RESERVOIR, BUT THOSE COLD TEMPS MAKE FOR SHEER MAGIC OUT THERE. photo by DAVE KOZLOWSKI

SKATING ON WILD ICE REQUIRES JUST THE RIGHT CONDITIONS—HIGH ALTITUDE, COLD TEMPERATURES AND MINIMAL early-season snow—and the season is fleeting, running from Halloween (or whenever the first lakes freeze) into early February. “The best ice to skate is the youngest, thinnest ice you can find,” says Gunnison resident Gregg Morin. Crossing thin ice sounds counterintuitive, but for Morin and a group of about 20 local adherents, safety is a top priority. Natural ice skaters use ice screws to check the ice. Bare minimum, it should be two inches thick. “And that has to be good quality ice,” Morin says, noting that–yes–skaters have fallen through, himself included. That’s why natural ice skaters wear life jackets, and carry whitewater rescue throw bags and picks. “If somebody goes in, we can toss them a rope,” Morin says. He can’t underscore this next point enough: “If you’re new to this kind of skating, you need to go with somebody who knows what they’re doing.” His group welcomes newcomers. —Jamie Siebrase J A N U A R Y 2 01 9 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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WINNING CONVERTS

TUNING EVANGELISTS G O L D EN CO LO R A D O’ S D EN V ER SP O RT S L A B I S O N A M I S S I O N TO B R I N G H I G H - EN D SK I T E C H TO T H E M A S SE S .

DENVER SPORTS LAB IS NOT YOUR

typical ski shop. First, the warehouse space, which is located at 15744 W. 6th Ave Frontage Road in Golden, is notably lacking the racks of retail that fill most shops. Then there are the photos covering the walls of serious-looking techs behind the scenes at various FIS World Cup and Olympic ski events. And perhaps most out of the ordinary, the guy behind the counter is likely to invite you into the workshop and engage you in a serious conversation about your equipment.

It’s clear that Denver Sports Lab co-owners Leif Sunde and Sam Petty aim to be different, and they’ve built their growing business on the premise that truly professional ski and board tuning can be for anybody. “We offer World Cup and Olympic level service to everyone, whether you’re a competitive athlete or a weekend skier. Everyone deserves that level of reliability, quality and consistent attention to detail,” Sunde says.

D I F F E R E N C E I N T H E D E TA I L S The concept was born in 2012 when Sunde and a friend who was a fellow World Cup ski and boot technician, lamented the lack of reliable ski tuning in Colorado. “My friend said that when he was home off the tour, there was no place he trusted to bring his skis. I felt the same way, so I suggested we start our own shop,” Sunde says.

The idea was to open a tune shop that provided World Cup quality work and customized service for any skier or snowboarder who wants her equipment in tip-top shape. Tune jobs can be wildly inconsistent, something the shop remedies with a

WAX ON DENVER SPORTS LAB CO-OWNER LEIF SUNDE METICULOUSLY RUNS AN IRON DOWN SKIS AT THE GOLDEN SHOP. photo by RACHEL COOK

streamlined, regimented process that starts with a thorough inspection followed by a clean-and-condition treatment. Denver Sports Lab uses only grinding stones, instead of the less-precise, inconsistent sanding belts used in many shops around the country. The skis or board are finished off with a hot hand wax using an environmentally friendly, plant-based wax.

These technical details matter, says Sunde, because a proper tune can make the difference between having an “off day” on the slopes and feeling confident on your edges.

“People misconstrue tuning as being only for racers, but really, it’s for anyone who wants an increased sense of control and predictability of response,” he says.

TECHNOLOGY MIDLAND RADIO MXT275 There are plenty of dirt (and paved) roads out there that are still beyond cell phone range where direct radio contact can be a godsend. Voila!

This easy-to-install dashboard radio with a simple interface right on the handheld mic. $150 | MIDLANDUSA.COM

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Sunde and Petty are diligently spreading the tuning gospel to recreational skiers and riders.

Besides inviting every customer behind the counter to see the process, Denver Sports Lab also offers hands-on experience through the shop’s tuning workshops. Their Ladies in the Lab workshops, the brainchild of Sunde’s girlfriend, are especially popular. During the workshops, attendees cover how to inspect equipment, hand sharpen edges and clean, prep and wax the base.

Skier Scott Morton discovered the shop a few years ago when he was just getting into the sport. While he wasn’t an expert at the time, he appreciated attention to detail and quality work.

“I was so impressed with the level of expertise, and being a customer there has been a tremendous educational experience,” he says. “I don’t take my skis anywhere else.” denversportslab.com —Melanie Wong

ENJOY THE DRIVE D OW N LOA D T H I S G P ST R I G G ER ED A P P F O R A D E TA I L ED AU D I O TO U R O F T H E N AT U R A L H I S TO RY O F T H E W I L DS O F... I -70.

WHAT IF THE NEXT TIME YOU DROVE

I-70, you could ride with a wildlife biologist and a slam poet to make the drive more bearable? Enter the Wild I-70 Audio Tour. Produced by non-profit Rocky Mountain Wild, the audio tour utilizes hands-free, GPStriggered technology, via the izi.travel app, to share stories relevant to what’s happening outside your windshield— from Golden to Glenwood Springs.

Narrated by Stephen Brackett of rap group Flobots and moi, Erica Prather, the audio tour is written like

Radiolab—we learn with you in the car and blend a little comedy in with some dense, scientific principles. We cover concepts like migration and why we should reintroduce the wolf to Colorado, and we share tips for holding your breath in the Eisenhower Tunnel. Even better, we introduce dating tips based on what we learn from native species of Colorado fish.

Each segment is accompanied by a song donated by a Colorado musician who expresses a deep connection to nature. It comes as no surprise, but when creative minds need inspiration, many head for the hills, the desert, or other wildlands. These are the artists we collaborate with, and each voice you’ll hear on the Wild I-70 Audio Tour stands in solidarity with this underlying message: It is high time we live more harmoniously with wildlife in Colorado, and we can accomplish this goal via wildlife crossing structures.

If you’ve traveled State Highway 9, north from Silverton you’ve seen some of these structures. Rocky Mountain Wild was part of a cohort that made them possible, and we would like to see I-70 looking much the same.

Our biologist and citizen scientists have worked hard for over a decade, collecting data with motion-triggered cameras, to capture the scope of just how many animals are attempting— and often failing, at the cost of both human and animal life—to cross our roads. The data speaks for itself— there has been a 90 percent reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions on State Highway 9 since the structures were completed.

Living with wildlife is a large part of the allure of calling Colorado home.

The howls of a pack of coyotes, the bugle of elk during the rut, the clash of the big horn sheep—the Wild I-70 Audio Tour will bring you into their world, and help guide you to lend your voice in the pursuit of getting them safely from one side of the highway to the other. wildi70.org —Erica Prather

GEAR WE LOVE GROWLERWERKS UKEG64 The perfect hut trip companion, this 64-ounce mini-keg is easy to fill with your favorite craft brew. It’s also just the right size to stuff into a big pack or strap down to a sled—and it will make you the most popular person in your group. The pressure valve and double-wall vacuuminsulated stainless steel keep that precious liquid fresh and frosty. $199 | GROWLERWERKS.COM

BOOKS AUDIOBOOKS.COM Long road trip?

Audiobooks.com carries a wide range of adventure titles including Peter Cossins’ The First Tour De France, Nate Blakeslee’s American Wolf and Tommy Caldwell’s The Push.

Dive into these stories on your next drive to the mountains. $15/MONTH | AUDIOBOOKS.COM

EAT SLEEP PLAY: VAIL I T ’ S H U G E. I T ’ S D E C A D EN T. A N D YO U LOV E I T. H ER E’ S H OW TO B E S T EN J OY YO U R S TAY I N CO LO R A D O’ S U P S C A L E, B A DA S S SK I TOW N .

EAT Vail being Vail, you can always find something over the top here, especially when it comes to gastronomical delights. The highend German eatery Almresi (almresivail.com) is unique. This is the place for true Alpine fare you won’t find on this side of the pond—try the traditional fondue or gorge on the Original Austrian Hutessen, a familystyle meal with meat, potatoes, salad and delectable dipping sauces. Got the family in tow or just looking for filling, fairly inexpensive noshing?

Everyone is happy with garlic bread and a Corfu pizza—feta, basil, black olives—at Pazzo’s (pazzospizza.com).

Sleep The glam spot to bed down, Hotel Talisa (hoteltalisa.com) recently underwent a $65-million rennovation.

At the luxury resort and spa, you can indulge in daily après, s’mores and yoga classes by Gore Creek—though it could cost $1,400 per night. Can't take that kind of hit to your wallet?

Head to the reasonable and quite comfortable Double Tree by Hilton (hilton.com/DoubleTree/Vail) for value. A double queen ran $239 per night in mid-December.

Play Where to start? No, in all seriousness, that is the biggest question you need to ask when you decide to ski the third biggest single mountain in North America (with a sprawling 5,289 skiable acres). Especially on a powder day, you need to create a plan of attack for how to approach the mounain and harvest the most untracked stuff ahead of the masses.

Our personal go-to campaign is to start at Lionshead and ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola up to Game Greek Bowl for some quick laps in fresh snow. Then it’s on to the Back Bowls via a screamer down the practicallyperfect-in-every-way run Forever, with its 1,850 vertical feet of superbly pitched natural and groomed terrain.

Repeat if you can't have just one or start picking your way through stashes in China Bowl and Tea Cup Bowl. Now, you have a choice: Make the excursion to Blue Sky Basin or keep traversing the bowls to Mongolia. If you do hit Blue Sky, plunge down the aptly named Steep and Deep (supposedly the steepest shot on the mountain) and lap the enjoyable blue terrain on Pete’s Express. For those who prefer the

joys of groomed piste over the rapture of wild snow, the resort committed to a 30-percent increase in groomed terrain in the Back Bowls this season, making the area more accessible, as well as providing more thrills for carving addicts and anyone whose legs are simply shot from harvesting too much powder. If the mostly south-facing Back Bowls are skied out or sun-affected, skip them. The front side of the mountain, especially the Northwoods Express and Highline Express lifts, face north and hold much better snow on non-storm days (well, and on powder days, too)—and they cover as much terrain as many small resorts.

—Doug Schnitzspahn

LOCAL HERO: MARK LAURIN T H I S SU M M I T CO U N T Y- B A SED S TA RG A ZER WA N T S M O R E E Y EB A L L S O N E Y EP I E C E S .

AS A 10-YEAR-OLD, SILVERTHORNE’S

Mark Laurin, now 59, remembers the excitement of receiving his first telescope–a small tabletop refractor.

Over the years, as his telescopes grew in size and complexity, he became deeply passionate about sharing the night sky with visitors to Summit County.

Today, he leads stargazing events for the Keystone Science School, the nearby Summit Sky Ranch and periodically for neighbors in the small park near his home, using a quiver of three telescopes and two astronomical binoculars.

His astronomy programs are so popular, people have started affectionately calling this corporate training and development executive “Astro Mark.”

FACES OF WINTER SOAKING IT UP DURING YET ANOTHER BRUTAL DAY AT VAIL (LEFT). FIGHT WILDFIRES AND YOU DESERVE UNTRACKED LINES AT SUNLIGHT (RIGHT). photos courtesy VAIL RESORTS (left), courtesy SUNLIGHT MOUNTAIN RESORT (right)

The Kenosha, Wisconsin, native, a graduate of Ripon College and the University of Denver, says that along with skiing and cycling, astronomy is what gets him up out of bed in the morning, especially watching the wonder in a child’s eye as they view Saturn’s rings or the moons of Jupiter live, from millions of miles away for the first time.

“I tell kids, ‘This is in real life in real time. That light traveled millions of miles to reach you. It’s your own eyes experiencing the wonders of the heavens.’”

What does someone who tracks sidereal time look forward to? Astro Mark can’t wait for the 2024 total solar eclipse. He already has plans to be on the “center line” when it crosses North America. Meanwhile, his biggest passion is to get more “eyeballs on eyepieces.” To that end, he travels throughout Summit County to share his passion for astronomy with visitors and locals alike. “Fancy equipment is nice, but a simple $15 planisphere of the night sky and a warm blanket is sometimes enough,” he says.

So what are his latest, favorite stargazing targets?

“Sunspots and prominences,” he says. “With solar filters I can open up the heavens day and night. People must connect to something infinitely larger than themselves to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

The universe isn’t separate from us, it’s who we are.”

—Jeff Blumenfeld

FIREFIGHTERS SKI FREE! THE SELDOM-REWARDED, DIFFICULT

and low-paying work of saving lives and fighting fires across the mountain west is finally going to pay off this year in the form of free skiing at Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Firefighters battled blazes on hundreds of thousands of acres across Colorado’s Western Slope this past fire season, most recently in Sunlight’s neighboring communities of El Jebel and Basalt. The cost of protecting local communities in the area is reported to be approaching more than $100 million.

The small, locals-centric ski resort is offering free tickets to all firefighters and emergency responders every Wednesday of the 2018-2019 season. Sunlight officials say the new Firefighter Fun Days are the resort’s way of recognizing the efforts of local firefighters and first responders, as well as the hundreds of firefighters who come from out of state each summer to battle blazes throughout Colorado.

“This is a small way to recognize the tremendous effort, sacrifice, professionalism and dedication of our local firefighters and emergency responders,” says Tom Hays, Sunlight General Manager.

The advocacy group Friends of Glenwood Springs Fire Protection is also working on a ballot initiative that will ask voters to extend existing taxes and maintain funding for emergency fire and medical services.

To get a free lift ticket for the day, active firefighters and first responders need simply show their valid I.D. at the Sunlight Lift Ticket Office. sunlightmtn.com

—Aaron H. Bible

J A N U A R Y 2 01 9 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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F L A S HP O IN T | 0 1 .1 9

NEW HABITAT T H E B AT T L E OV ER WO L F C R EEK ’ S B A SE A R E A H A S H I N G ED O N L AW SU I T S F O R D E C A D E S . W I L L A P RO P OSED ROA D C H A N G E T H I N G S ?

by ELIZABETH MILLER

B

oot pack up the Knife Ridge and along an airy walkway, pick the heart-dropping chute of choice, cut into the trees, and sometimes you’ll find powder for days. Wolf Creek resort calls it “low density skiing.” Indeed, sometimes you only know there are other skiers on the mountain by the far-off whoops they emit as they, too, cruise through pow.

Wolf Creek is a bit of an anomaly in Colorado. There are the unconsolidated runs and a weather pattern that delivers 430 inches a year.

But there’s more: Management won’t sign on to either the Epic or Ikon pass camps. Lift tickets sell for well under $100 and lunch goes for so little it’s possible to skate under the credit card minimum charge. It’s still a little rustic, as the base lodge attests, and rural, as the 20-mile drive from the closest town and conifer views from its ridgelines reaffirm.

But this isolated vibe may change.

After a 30-year fight in courtrooms and federal agency offices, developers of the proposed Village at Wolf Creek have focused on a strategy to finally break ground on a base village built around the backside chairlifts that could accommodate up to 8,000

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guests. The proposed area currently has just two chair-lift loading areas, a composting toilet and a burger stand with outdoor seating. Environmental groups have sued to stop the development, concerned that lodging, roads, restaurants and shops would destroy wetlands, disturb threatened Canada lynx, and imperil part of the Rio Grande’s headwaters. They say—and judges have agreed—that environmental reviews here were woefully inadequate.

But Clint Jones, president of The Village at Wolf Creek LLC, says the development company has cleared the environmental assessments. He argues the federal government can’t limit what a private property owner does with his land. He’s also worked with Davey Pitcher, president and CEO of Wolf Creek, to craft a plan as unique as this mountain. To him, the question is not whether it’ll happen, but when.

In the Courts Since the 1980s, the Leavell-McCombs Joint Venture, now led by Texas billionaire B.J. “Red” McCombs, has mapped variations on a theme for the Village at Wolf Creek. One big plan is currently in play. It calls for up to 1,900 rooms spread over hotel, condos, cabins, and chalets with 220,000 square feet of commercial space, including a restaurant and sport shop.

Even with just the first 500 rooms built, developers project that the number of skiers visiting Wolf Creek will skyrocket from the roughly 200,000 it averages now—and as it has since the 1980s—to 500,000.

Advancing this vision hinges on a

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Forest Service decision that seeks to address the property’s longstanding access issues. Public national forest land and the ski area itself surround the developer’s 300 acres, which can be accessed only by an unplowed, dirt road. To move the plan forward, The Village at Wolf Creek LLC came up with two solutions to the address access problem. The first was a proposed land swap with the Forest Service that would shift the development toward Highway 160 and away from skiable terrain and nearby wetlands.

The vision built around the land swap would have built up a base area hotel ringed by chalets and yurts tucked into the trees that guests ski out of and ride village chairlifts back to. Concept images showed lots of wood and glass, high ceilings, fire pits, and glamping at its finest. Jones wanted to move in this direction—swap the land and move the development—and the Forest Service approved the plan in 2015. But four environmental groups effectively stopped the deal, winning a 2016 lawsuit. McCombs lost a 2017 request to reconsider that decision and the Tenth Circuit court ruled against the developer and with the environmentalists again in December.

“I ski there. I’m a skier. I love to ski,” Jones says. “We’re very much about preserving the uniqueness of Wolf Creek. We’re very much about a project that’s compatible with the uniqueness of Wolf Creek. But I feel like all that effort that we did to create something that was compatible with Wolf Creek was ignored.”

Pitcher, the Wolf Creek CEO,

PARADISE FOUND? THE LAND ADJACENT TO THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT (ABOVE) AND AN ARTIST’S RENDERING OF ONE OF THE VILLAGE AT WOLF CREEK’S PLANS (BOTTOM). photo courtesy JIMBO BUICKEROOD (TOP), THE VILLAGE AT WOLF CREEK (BOTTOM)

has been working on a 1,000-acre expansion of the area, and has spoken up in support of the land swap. In a letter sent to local newspapers Pitcher wrote, “It is my opinion that the McCombs family has listened to the concerns of [Wolf Creek Ski Area] and others and their revised plans are much improved.”

Among the concerns listed by environmentalists, however, was a key wildlife corridor, according to Tehri Parker, executive director of Rocky Mountain Wild, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the development.

“It’s one of the last unmarred habitats, and that becomes even more important as our climate changes,” Parker says. “These places can’t all be fragmented. We don’t oppose all development, but this one is pretty unique. You’re creating a village the size of Aspen at over 10,000 feet and in a forest that has been decimated by beetle kill. It has the potential to go really, terribly wrong.”

While the Forest Service’s review did examine the effects of swapping acres, it did not consider the environmental footprint of the development itself. That task was left to other state and county officials.

“We’ve said for many years, ‘Do a thorough analysis, that’s a good starting point,’” says Jimbo Buickerood, lands

program manager at the San Juan Citizens Alliance, which also signed on to the lawsuit. “No matter what size of development you put up there, all of these issues have never been thoroughly analyzed.”

U.S. District Court Judge Robert Matsch called the Forest Service’s approach “legally erroneous and an abuse of discretion.” In his 2017 decision against McCombs’ request to reconsider the land swap, he wrote, “The Forest Service entirely failed to consider an important aspect of the problem, offered explanations for its decision that run counter to the evidence before the agency, failed to base its decision on consideration of all relevant factors, and was wrong as a matter of law.”

But the loss of the land swap won’t stop McCombs plans for development.

“This side of the hill is hungry, and almost desperate at times for this,” says Dusty Hicks, local project manager for Leavell-McCombs. His family has owned a ski shop in South Fork since 1980, and he says the San Luis Valley has two solid exports: agricultural produce, and young people, who leave to find jobs elsewhere. In this village, he says, he sees “an influx of money with a clean industry, and that’s what I love.” And all the lawsuits achieve, he says, is to drive up the final price of buying in.

What’s in a Road?

With the land swap dead, Jones has

turned to the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to literally pave a way forward. In a January 2018 letter to the Forest Service, he argued the development company is “entitled to adequate access to that property over federal land for reasonable use of its land” based on that act. The judge’s ruling, he argued, “does not prevent development activity on the private land.”

The company’s original acreage stretches halfway up the Alberta Chairlift. Instead of scattered in the trees away from the ski area, houses could be in the clusters of pines on the hill, as far up as small plateaus below the Waterfall area, all on private land.

In November, Rio Grande Forest Supervisor Dan Dallas issued a draft decision echoing McCombs’ view that because the judge’s ruling took issue with parts of the environmental study, but not all of it, the portion that applied to the road could permit its construction. He set a January 2019 deadline and the condition that the Fish and Wildlife Service needs to review whether Canada lynx, classified as threatened on the endangered

species list, will be affected.

Little has changed since the Fish and Wildlife Service last issued an opinion on this development in 2005, says Kurt Broderdorp, fish and wildlife biologist with the service. He determined that more Canada lynx will be hit on busier highways and humans will disrupt them in a core habitat area as a result of the project. But ultimately, the project did not cross the line for concern, which is set at jeopardizing the continued existence of species nationwide.

“It’s totally nonsensical, not to mention illegal, that they would use some part of the [environmental impact statement] to try to move forward with this other access route,” says Buickerood, with the San Juan Citizens Alliance. “Which gets us to the point of, who’s calling the shots here?”

Attorneys working the case have questioned whether the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act applies in the lower 48 or essentially runs in reverse this way.

The act was crafted for private landowners who found themselves surrounded by public land when Alaska became a state in 1959. But the acres of

the Village at Wolf Creek were bought as an island within a national forest—with a summer-only dirt road for access.

Another lawsuit is likely.

The Forest Service knew it was creating this situation 30 years ago when it agreed to swap these then-public acres to a private developer, but the deal moved forward anyway. In a 2014 email quoted in the judge’s 2017 decision, a Forest Service staffer wrote, “It is commonly understood that Mr. McCombs brought political pressure to bear to realize his dream to develop the ski area.”

If the Forest Service did a full environmental impact statement and worked with more than the “back of the envelope” sketches, says Travis Stills, an attorney who has fought the development for more than a decade, they’d find this “a ridiculous and unreasonable proposal.”

His suspicion is that McCombs’ endgame isn’t about building a new winter wonderland, it’s about securing and then selling development rights.

That the developer says market demands will dictate growth—with no upper limit on that—is, he says, evidence of that.

The thing is, whether you’re looking at Wolf Creek Pass and seeing untracked snow, or glades that quietly allow lynx to prowl for snowshoe hare, or the headwaters for farms downstream or a basin that could host a ski-in village like no other in the state, what you see there feels limitless in its potential.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

written by Rachel Zerowin

W

hen the Breckenridge Distillery opened its doors in 2008, no one realized how a passion for food, booze and the outdoors would transform this small operation into a world-renowned distillery. Today, Breckenridge Distillery turns out award-winning bourbon, vodka, rum and so much more. It’s also home to a spirited restaurant that serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors.

Adventure is calling in Breckenridge.

Here are the distillery’s favorite ways to answer.

Snowboarding + Winter’s Bliss

Snowboarding is winter bliss, so it’s no surprise that these two make the perfect pairing. Head out on the mountain with friends – we suggest Peak 6 – and then head back to the Breckenridge Distillery. This tap cocktail features Breckenridge Spiced Rum with a house mix of winter spices and ginger.

Skiing + Classic Martini

A classic cocktail for a classic sport – both date to the mid-1800s yet never wane on style. Whether you mix your martinis at home or après in your best wool ski sweater, the toughest decision will be Breckenridge Gin or Vodka.

Cross-country Skiing + Genever Juice Sped up or taken slow, cross-country skiing is the perfect warmup on a cold winter day.

When you’re all done enjoying the views, you’ll crave a refreshing treat. The Genever Juice satisfies. It’s a gin cocktail with hints of rosemary and lemon, and it’s only available at the Breckenridge Distillery.

Winter Fly Fishing + Hot Toddy

Whether you’re looking to rest your ski legs, or simply enjoy some solitude, winter fly fishing is a great way to uncover the quieter side of Breckenridge. And no matter how many layers you pile on, it always feels good

to warm up with a classic hot toddy. Simply mix Breckenridge Bourbon with hot water, lemon and a touch of honey.

Snowmobile + Oaked & Smoked

BRAAAP! After a day powering through powder, it’s time to indulge with friends. We suggest a family-style round of Oaked & Smoked cocktails at the Breckenridge Distillery.

It’s a Colorado spin on classic punch flavors and includes the perfectly-balanced combo of Breckenridge Bourbon, Breckenridge Spiced Whiskey, in-house allspice dram, tea and citrus.

Backcountry + Breckenridge Dark Arts

Big days calls for bold flavors. Whether you’re peak-bagging or celebrating a picture-perfect view, a flask of Breckenridge Darks Arts is the perfect toast to adventure. Ski or splitboard, you choose. But keep that flask close to the vest – this treat is best served neat. Trust us, it’s worth the extra weight.

Visit BreckenridgeDistillery.com for recipes, restaurant hours and tours.

Snow Biking + Breckenridge Bourbon

There’s a reason bicycle flask mounts are a thing. Consider it a cup holder, made for your bike and designed to hold your flask. Fill it with Breckenridge Bourbon and you’re ready for a fat bike adventure. Don’t forget your helmet.

Sledding + Smokin’ Cocoa

We’re all kids at heart. But let’s face it, we’re glad to be adults – because there’s no better way to top off a classic winter day than with Smoking Cocoa. Start your afternoon with a few trips down the Carter Park Sledding Hill.

Just when you think your grin can’t get any bigger, order this mix of Chili Chile Vodka, Espresso Vodka, and hot cocoa, all topped with espresso whipped cream and Nutella.

Snowshoeing + Espresso Vodka & coffee Snowshoeing technique is pretty straightforward. Strap ‘em on and walk through the woods. The views you’ll discover here – of mining history, mountain ranges, and skies so blue they seem surreal – are anything but ordinary. That’s why the end of a snowshoe trip calls for Espresso Vodka and coffee. It’s a straightforward mix anyone can blend at home. And the flavors are exceptional. photos by Jessie Unruh

BreckenridgeDistillery.com | 1925 Airport Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424 | (970) 547-9759 |

BreckDistillery

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DEEP WINTER ADVENTURE

T H E R E S O RT S A R E A L L B O O K ED U P A N D S WA R M I N G W I T H WA N N A- B E S . I F YO U A R E T RU LY SEEK I N G S O M E B I G - M O U N TA I N CO LO R A D O AC T I O N AWAY FRO M I T A L L , W E SU G G E S T YO U H E A D TO T H R EE O F O U R FAVO R I T E TOW N S— B U EN A V I S TA , S I LV ERTO N A N D S T E A M B OAT— AND SIGN UP FOR H EL I CO P T ER S , SN OW M O B I L E S A N D SN OWC AT S T H AT C A N FER RY YO U O FF TO YO U R OW N SP E C I A L P L AC E.

by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

BUENA VISTA

SNOWMOBILE B U E N A M O U N TA I N A DV E N T U R E S SNOW: Buena Vista Mountain

Adventures is a one-stop shop for all types of mountain excursions in the high country. Based out of The Trailhead () outdoor retail shop on Main Street in Buena Vista, the highly certified owner/guides here—Chris Nicewarmer, Tommy Gram and John Mackinnon­­—simply love taking clients out to play. And don’t be intimidated: The operation features everything from avalanche education courses to alpine ski mountaineering courses to trips for people who have never ever been in the backcountry. But the winter highlight is a snowmobileled excursion into the high reaches of Cottonwood Pass for backcountry skiing and split-boarding. After an exhilarating ride up the closed road, you strap on skins and get well above 12,000 feet to seek out powder stashes in alpine bowls and among ancient Douglas fir glades. Book a trip in late winter or spring and you can take on steep chutes when the snowpack consolidates. And it’s always safety first with these guys. bvmountainadventures.com EAT AND BE MERRY: Using that pure BV tap water that filters down from the peaks where you were just skiing, Deerhammer Distilling Company makes some of the tastiest American single-malt whiskey that will ever knock your bindings off. If you are looking for something a little different, try the powerful Rough and Tumble corn whiskey or brandy made from local fruit. deerhammer.com STAY: Former pro kayaker Jed Selby is hard at work pumping up Buena Vista as the epicenter of outdoor recreation with his South Main development, kayak park and, best of all the new, luxurious Surf Hotel. surfhotel.com

SILVERTON

H EL I CO P T ER S I LV E R TO N M O U N TA I N SNOW: Heli skiing feels out of reach

for most of us mere mortals. Not so at the advanced ripper’s paradise of Silverton Mountain. There’s a philosophy of powder for the people here where you can hop on a onetrip ride to heli-skiing Nirvana for just $179. Want to blow your paycheck?

A full day on the bird runs a fairly reasonable $1,190. Book well in advance. It’s worth it. silvertonmountain.com EAT AND BE MERRY: Head down the highway to Ouray if you feel hungry. You can get your daily joe and pastry at Roast & Toast (roastandtoastouray. com) on Main Street. For a heartier breakfast or lunch, hit up Backstreet Bistro (970-325-0550). Fresh and affordable, the place serves dishes like huevos rancheros and a bear burrito that will fuel your engine.

Brickhouse 737 (brickhouse737.com) has the best dinner in town. Owner Hans Vander Ploeg and Chef Cory bring gastronomic sophistication to town, with local Colorado fare like

seared Boulder natural chicken and elk Bolognese.

STAY: The quirky Wyman Hotel & Inn (thewyman.com) is conveniently located in the midst of town and has maintained a steady influx of guests since the early 20th century.

STEAMBOAT

S N O W C AT S T E A M B OAT P OW D E R C AT S SNOW: There are loads of snowcat

operations in the Centennial State and they all ferry you up and away to untracked lines that you can lap over and over without putting the slightest strain on your hip flexors.

But Steamboat Powdercats lays claim to some truly special terrain: Buffalo Pass, where they operate, claims an annual average of over 500 inches of fluffy white manna (yeah, yeah, they trademarked the term “champagne powder here for a reason). Best of all the operation runs several different levels of cat trips. Level I tours are ideal for skiers and snowboarders who have never been out in the backcountry or older less-experienced folks who would rather chill a bit

WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS THE HIGH PEAKS OF THE SAWATCH RANGE IS WHERE YOU WILL FIND TURNS AND SNOWMOBILE TRACKS CLOSE TO BV. photos courtesy BUENA VISTA MOUNTAIN ADVENTIURES

than charge. Level II trips take it a a moderate pace with plenty of glades and some steeps. Level III is for those freaks who want to put the pedal down all through the day and venture into steeps, jumps and heads-up terrain. steamboatpowdercats.com EAT AND BE MERRY: Head back into town for a table at Mambo Italiano (mambos. com). This authentic Italian joint serves up cuisine that even impressed the cranky New Jersey Italian locals in our clan. Grab a cold craft beer at Butcherknife Brewing Company (butcherknifebrewing.com) where growlers sell at half price on Mondays and you can raise a Buzzcock English pale ale to the turns you made and the memory of Pete Shelley.

STAY: On the outskirts of town the Rabbit Ears Motel (rabbitearsmotel. com), where a no-nonsense room runs about $189 per night and the rabbit sign out front provides just enough kitsch.

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ELEVATION INDOORS

C L I M B I N G GY M S CO N T I N U E TO B O O M . H ER E A R E T H E R AW N U M B ER S B EH I N D T H E T R EN D.

by AARON BIBLE

T

he most impressive young stars in the climbing world—Kai Lightner, Margot Hayes, Ashima Shiraishi—did not start their careers high up in the alpine, but inside. That’s really not a surprise since indoor climbing facilities have boomed, showing up everywhere from college campuses to the hearts of urban wastelands. With inclusion in the Olympics coming up, climbing is no longer a sport just for outsiders. And while indoor walls may never have the aesthetic beauty, deep spiritual challenges and romantic appeal of high peaks, they do bring new faces into the fold, especially in locations and communities that were once shut out of the mountain sport. That’s good in the long run for all climbers indoors and out.

The reality is that indoor climbing creates more outdoor climbers.

“The experiences offered in the gym translate to a passion that often leads to trips outside. Indoor climbers end up going outside, whether it’s to the crags or to pursue a different outdoor activity like hiking or skiing,” says Renee DeAngelis, COO of El Cap, the parent company of Earth Treks and Planet Granite, which merged in late 2017 to create the nation’s largest climbing gym chain. “Where gyms have an opportunity to grow the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts is to not just teach climbing but show the importance of giving back to our communities and to the organizations who protect the areas where we love to go adventure.”

With all that in mind, we take a look at the numbers behind the surge in indoor climbing.

5 million The total number of people in North America who spend some time climbing indoors.

531 The total number of commercial indoor climbing facilities in the U.S. and Canada, according to the Climbing Wall Association’s (CWA) 2018 Indoor Climbing Industry Report. California claims the most operations with 70.

Gyms are popping up at a rapid pace with 53 new facilities putting climbers on belay in North America in 2017 and 60 projected to have opened in 2018. According to the CWA, these findings reinforce anecdotal evidence suggesting that newer facilities offer more amenities like yoga, fitness, speed walls and youth teams, which are vital

Illustration by Lauren Worth

for the future of competition climbing.

352 The number of distinct North American Indoor Climbing Organizations (an organization is a business entity that could operate multiple facilities) identified by the CWA. Half of those opened in 2011 or later. $1 Billion Indoor climbing is projected to be a billion dollar industry by 2021. It will be a steady ascent: According to the CWA, the projected total for 2018 industry income is $711.0 million. The projected 2019 industry income is $822.5 million. The projected 2020 industry income is $951.6 million.

85 The percentage of climbing gym facility operators who see a strong or mild opportunity for member growth, according to the CWA. Seventy percent see a strong or mild outlook for program growth.

1,120 The average number of adult members at your local climbing gym. These facilities also report an average of 197 youth members. A total of 43 percent of facilities offer child, teen or youth membership of some type. $674,000 Average gross income during the first 12 months of climbing facilities opening after 2012, according to the CWA. The new gyms also project an

increase of more than 50 percent in 2018 annual gross income and were more likely to operate three facilities (31 percent vs. 11 percent of those that opened earlier) and offer larger spaces (18,146 vs. 12,428 average square feet).

1987 The year Richard Johnston and Dan Cauthorn opened Vertical World (called The Vertical Club at the time), the first indoor climbing gym in the United States. With a $14,000 budget, the pair of climbing bums began by literally gluing rocks onto sheets of plywood in a rundown warehouse in Seattle. verticalworld.com 53,000 Square footage of Earth Treks new Englewood location, which makes it the largest indoor facility in the world. With 50-foot-high walls, over 500 routes and four full-time route setters on staff, the airport-hanger-sized gym, located on the old corporate headquarters of now-defunct Sports Authority, rivals some of the best outdoor climbing areas in Colorado with the variety it offers to climbers of all ability levels. earthtreksclimbing.com $176 Cost for the six-session Girls Lead for Life program at Earth Treks in Englewood, Colorado. The program for girls in fifth, sixth and seventh grade is run by Women’s Wilderness and teaches these young women skills on the rock as well as how to use what they learn climbing when they make

the difficult transition into middle school. womenswilderness.org 928 Meters climbed on an indoor wall in 51 minutes and 56 seconds by Andrew Dahir in September, setting the Guiness World Record for most vertical attained in one hour, and beating the previous mark by 128 meters. Dahir, who also holds the fastest time to climb a vertical mile at 1:51:37, was originally out to break the fastest time to climb the 8,848-meter height of Mount Everest, a record set

by Californian TIm Klein who did it in nine hours, 26 minutes and 15 seconds in 2016. However, Dahir does hold the record for indoor Everest as part of a team with the Climbing Society at Texas A&M University-Commerce who knocked it off in four hours, 24 minutes and 33 seconds in 2013.

5.48 Time it took the Persian Cheetah, Iranian climber Reza Alipour Shenazandifar, to set the world record to scale a 15-meter wall at a speed climbing competition in 2017.

2020 Year that the Tokyo Olympics will feature climbing as an event for the first time in the history of the games.

Male and female athletes will compete in speed climbing, bouldering and lead climbing. Medals will be awarded according to the best score in all three events combined. bit.ly/2QinBit

J A N U A R Y 2 01 9 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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IS

KENNETH J. HAMILTON

LIGHTWEIGHT • PACKABLE • COMFORTABLE

love,

Lyons 18

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EXCLUSIVELY AT REI

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paid. I didn’t foresee that coming. It just naturally happened.

JASON SCHLARB

ANY DOWNSIDES TO THE LIFESTYLE?

Sometimes I have fears about what I’ll do next or the income, but I appreciate the opportunity to be with my son and travel and spend time with Meredith.

There are so many benefits to this lifestyle. So it’s actually been a surprise motivator and outweighs any perceived downsides.

T H E U LT R A- M OT I VAT ED H A R D RO C K C H A M P, I R AQ V E T, FAT H ER A N D A DV EN T U R ER D I S C US SE S T H E S O U RC E S O F H I S I N SP I R AT I O N .

by CHRIS KASSAR

BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN RUNNING?

C

hampion ultra-runner Jason Schlarb has an impressive resume, racking up two Hardrock 100 wins, three Run Rabbit Run 100 wins and a top American finish (fourth overall) in the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. At times he seems superhuman: At the 2018 Rabbit Run in Steamboat Springs, he finished in 18:48:08 by running sub 7-minute miles for 93 of the race’s 101.7. But, Schlarb’s impressive feats don’t end there. Since serving for 10 years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, during which he deployed to Iraq and earned the rank of major, he has focused on creating a life centered around adventures that push his limits.

With that motivation driving him, the 40-year-old has completed a Winter Hardrock 100 (on skis over four days).

He has explored remote regions of Patagonia, New Zealand, and this year, China, where he ran a 55K trail race and, just days later, established the Fastest Known Time (FTK) on 17,703foot Haba "Snow" Mountain, which he refers to as “the Mount Rainier of China.” When he’s not exploring foreign lands, he lives in Durango with his 7-year-old son, Felix, and girlfriend, Meredith June Edwards, who keeps him moving since she’s also a pro ultrarunner and sponsored ski mountaineer and ski-mo racer. We caught up with him after he and Swiss runner Diego Pazos jointly won the grueling, new 137K Oman by UTMB race.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT RUNNING?

The simplicity of being able to run wherever and wherever I want without needing a team or equipment. To just rely on my body while I explore, cover huge distances, and push myself to see how far I can go.

SO, YOU’RE COMPETITIVE?

Definitely. I even have a hard time playing board games. But I’ve matured, and with sponsors and success my running has evolved. Now, I can enjoy the exploration and travel aspects more and I can go on a run and not worry

Winning Hardrock with Kilian Jornet [in 2016]. I pushed him, he pushed me, and we decided to finish together and win as a team. Not only is this race in my backyard, it’s also the most revered 100-mile race among mountain runners and Kilian is a mountain running icon. He is the ultimate. To finish and win with him was incredible.

WHAT WAS THE TOUGHEST PART ABOUT SNOW MOUNTAIN?

I was climbing by myself and after pushing for hours through a blizzard that dumped multiple feet at basecamp to reach 18,000 or 19,000 feet, I couldn’t see the slope in front of me.

I hit that deep-down tiredness that comes from running that high for that long and I couldn’t even see top. I thought, “Uhh-oh, how is this gonna turn out?” All that struggle made getting to the top even more emotional.

WHEN ASKED ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURE ON SNOW MOUNTAIN, YOU CALLED MEREDITH “INSPIRATIONAL.” IN WHAT WAY?

about if it was 10 seconds faster than last time.

WHAT MADE THE NEW OMAN BY UTMB RACE YOU JUST WON UNIQUE?

It was the most difficult race longer than 50K and the most technically challenging course I have ever run: A harness and helmet are required for a via feratta at mile 50. There's a 3,300foot climb over 2.5 miles 70 miles into the race, The course is relentless, gnarly and full of sharp limestone rocks and canyons.

Furthermore, it takes place in a region of the world rarely visited by trail runners. Omani culture and hospitality is one of a kind.

BORN TO CRUSH A FORMER AIR FORCE OFFICER WHO SERVED IN IRAQ, SCHLARB HAS REPEATEDLY RACED TO THE TOP OF INTERNATIONAL PODIUMS FROM OMAN TO CHINA. photo courtesy JASON SCHLARB

Experiencing the place and people is something I'll never forget.

HOW DID YOU GET ON THIS PATH?

I was on a very conventional track— studying engineering, getting an MBA, becoming a major in the military. Three months after my son, Felix, was born, I deployed to Iraq. Being away from him, when I was deployed presented significant challenges that forced my transition. I decided I wanted to live in the mountains and have freedom. I didn’t plan to be a professional runner, but I took a year off and trained. At the very same time, the sport really took off to the point where athletes could be

During these efforts, you’re solo. That’s gratifying and rewarding, but I’m not 20 anymore so it’s a lot more meaningful to share an intense experience and explore with someone I love. Making the right choice is a lot harder than continuing on and watching her make the choice to turn around was inspiring.

To be in the moment and say, it didn’t work out…that’s the hardest thing, but the consequences of not doing that are scary. I love her and am so glad she made the tough decision to stay safe.

WHAT ARE SOME MENTAL TRICKS YOU USE TO PUSH THROUGH? First, I smile or force out a laugh. Next, I turn to a mantra. One I love is: “Nobody else in this race matters but me and what I’m doing.” When you’re out there for so long, it’s easy to get distracted, but I do best when I focus on how I’m feeling and run each moment the best I can. And throughout, I think about Meredith and Felix—doing them proud really motivates me.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COLORADO ADVENTURE?

Climbing Mount Sneffels. It's a prominent challenging peak, with lush, beautiful scenery and tons of wildflowers. I’ve done it at least 10 times. It was Felix’s first fourteener. It’s just very special to me.

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GUS KENWORTHY

MIK A E L A S HIF F R IN

ME G A N H O T T M A N

J O S E P H G R AY

K E V IN C O O P E R 20

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KEN HOEVE

C R A I G D E M A R T IN O

C HR I S T O P HE R W IE G A ND

KRISTE PEOPLES

R E A D E R P O L L | 0 1 .1 9

The Baddest

of the Best

O

ur badass poll is always a popular measuring stick when it comes to finding out who rallies and motivates outdoor communities. This fall we asked EO readers to decided who rules the roost here in Colorado. They nominated local heroes in nine different categories and then we had a good, oldfashioned Internet voting showdown to determine who among them deserved the title of Resident Badass (oh, and we feel that there’s no reason why women and men can’t compete against each other rather than in separate categories). The winners represent a diverse and powerful group of world-changers. Read about them.

Celebrate them. Be like them.

AIR

GUS KENWORTHY

Telluride’s Gus Kenworthy does his best work in the air: The two-time Olympian who won a silver medal in slopestyle in 2014 in Sochi, Russia, and a silver medial at the 2017 world championships in slopestyle is one of the top skiers in America. But his bravest act was one of love, coming when the openly gay athlete simply kissed his boyfriend on national TV after competing at the 2017 Olympics.

R U N N E R U P : T E D DAV E N P O R T

with Adaptive Adventures to take disabled people and wounded veterans climbing for the first time, or to get them back out after an injury, and I continue to push my limits outside on new routes and established lines,” he says. “A big part of me recovering is the support network I had and I try to give that support to others as they navigate the new normal.”

RUNNER UP: BETHANY LEBEWITZ

WHEELS

MEGAN HOTTMAN

Megan Hottman is is cyclist, advocate and lawyer who serves injured cyclists who has been featured in Outside and on HBO Real Sports for her cycling advocacy work. In 2018, she competed in Chino Grinder, Dirty Kanza, Gravel Worlds, all long gravel events, on her singlespeed, and recently won her first 12-hour mountain bike race –also on a singlespeed. She’s been known to lead circuit training classes in conference center lobbies for participants. Her biggest goal in 2018 has been to ride 10,000 miles. “My horizon always includes trying things for the first time, doing things that are likely to encourage others, especially women, to ride bikes—and ride them more—to keep me out of my car and to keep me in the outdoors and sunshine,” she says.

RUNNER UP: ALAN LIM

SNOW

MIKAELA SHIFFRIN

by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

Who Is Colorado’s Ultimate

ENDURANCE

Mikaela Shiffrin is one of only JOSEPH GRAY Resident Badass? seven women to win gold in all Ready for some mind-blowing N O W T H AT W E H AV E D E T E R M I N E D five of alpine skiing’s World accolades? Joseph Gray is C O LO R A D O ' S R E S I D E N T B A D A S S E S I N Cup events (slalom, giant eight-time U.S. Mountain E A C H O F T H E S E N I N E C AT E G O R I E S , I T ' S slalom, downhill, super-G, Runner of the Year, a TIME TO SQUARE ALL THE WINNERS OFF and combined). She has five-time winner of the AGAINST E ACH OTHER TO CROWN 2019'S won Olympic gold medals U.S. Mountain Running U LT I M AT E C O LO R A D O R E S I D E N T B A D A S S . in giant slalom and slalom Championships and the 2016 READ ABOUT THE FINALISTS HERE (the youngest Olympian to World Mountain Running T H E N H E A D T O E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . do so) and Olympic silver C O M / C O LO R A D O - R E S I D E N TChampionships Gold Medalist.

BADA SS/ AND CHOOSE THE MOST (alpine combined). She landed His extensive list of victories INSPIRING, IMPRESSIVE SOUL IN THIS on her first World Cup podium includes wins at the Pikes Peak OVER ACHIEVING BUNCH. at just 16 and is the current twoAscent, the USATF Half Marathon time reigning Overall World Cup Trail Championships, the U.S. Club champion, the three-time reigning world Cross Country Championships, the Mt. champion in slalom, and a five-time winner of Washington Road Race, 4 Time Xterra World Trail running Champion and the World Snowshoe Running the World Cup in slalom. R U N N E R U P : R O S S H E R R Championships. So far he has been on Team USA 28 times. “I love my country and I love team events so being able to attain both so many times has been a dream come CRAIG DEMARTINO true,” he says.

A disabled climber and motivational speaker, Craig Demartino is the first amputee to climb El Capitan in under R U N N E R U P : DAV E M AC K E Y a day. He also lead the first All Disabled Ascent of El Cap and he has climbed El Cap four times since the accident in which he took a 100-foot ground fall and ended up CHRISTOPHER WEIGAND losing his leg in 2002. He is a two-time National Adaptive It’s hard to take in all that Christopher Weigand has Climbing Champion, and a two time Bronze Medal accoimplished: Heestablished a top international winner in the Adaptive World Championships. “I work youth kayaking club in Colorado, earning recognition as the 2005 Olympic Development Coach of the photos by top row: Robin Macdonald, Steven Earl Photography, courtesy Craig Demartino Year. That same year the Positive Coaching Alliance middle row: Jonathan Rojas, Xterra, MarlaPhoto.com bottom row: Topher Donahue, Scott Cramer, Narkita Gold recognized him as a National Double-Goal Coach. He

ROCK

HUMANITARIAN

TH E W I N N E RS O F O U R 20 1 9 RE S I D E NT CO LO R A D O BA DA S S RE A D E R P O LL H AV E D O N E FA R M O RE TH A N K N OCK O FF I N CRE D I B LE ATH LE TI C ACH I E V E M E NT S. TH E Y B U I LD CO M M U N ITI E S A N D I N S PI RE OTH E RS TO LI V E B I G G E R , FU LLE R , M O RE E N G AG E D LI V E S.

has coached in multiple countries throughout the world and been a member of multiple expeditionary teams, both on mountains and rivers around the world. After experiencing a traumatic brain injury, Chris leveraged his neuroscience background and shifted his passion for coaching, competition, and problem-solving to survivors of traumatic injury, the physically and developmentally disabled, and others with any adaptive needs. He works as the paddlesports and cycling manager at Adaptive Advenrtures.

R U N N E R U P : K E L LY N E W LO N

ICE

KEVIN COOPER

At 52 years old, Kevin Cooper has been ice climbing scene 1991 when he moved to Colorado from California. Soon after he met Topher Donahue and they began ticking off rare routes on Longs Peak. His achievements include the first ascent of the rarely repeated Window Pain (WI6) on Longs Peak, the first ascent of Alaska’s Stairway to Heaven (Alaska Grade 6 M6 WI4 AI5+ A1.), and a Mugs Stump award. In October, he and Kelly Cordes made the first ascent of Cannonball (M5 R WI5+/6 X, 3 pitches), a new mixed route on Longs Peak that required rare weather conditions to pull off.

RUNNER UP: BETH GORALSKI

WATER

KEN HOEVE

A professional kayaker and waterman, who has spent over 25 years impressing us in boats, Hoeve is one of the early pioneers in the fast growing sport of river stand up paddling, surfing standing waves on the Colorado river since 1999. “I knew it would be a huge new sport the first time I tried it,” he says. “It was difficult to convince the whitewater kayak market as to the potential. Everyone said it’s was a fad. I knew better.” A Yeti coolers ambassador and adventurer, he spends much of the year traveling and promoting the outdoors and river life.

R U N N E R U P : S P E N C E R L AC E Y

WILD CARD

KRISTE PEOPLES

Kriste Peoples is a co-founding leader of Outdoor Afro Colorado, a Girls Lead for Life rock climbing instructor with Women’s Wilderness and the founder of Black Women’s Alliance of Denver. Her work in the field of equity and inclusion in nature engages her passion for connecting underrepresented communities to new, empowering narratives of wellness. “It’s a real privilege to speak to groups about little known histories and experiences of people who are often overlooked in the dominant picture of outdoor adventure and exploration,” she says. “I’m proud to be part of a growing cohort of activists and advocates of color who are working on all fronts—and behind the scenes—to engage underrepresented communities in the outdoors.”

R U N N E R U P : S E A N M CCOY J A N U A R Y 2 01 9 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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2019

RACE & event guide

It may be deep winter but that just means it’s high time to plan out the racing season for those warmer months on the way. To that end, we present our annual Race and Event Guide, guaranteed to help get you signed up for all the lung-busting exertion, competitive thrills and comeraderie of a full year of Nordic skiing, trail running, biking or just getting funky out there.

Make the most of it all, read on and pencil in these dates on your calendar now.

VAIL NORDIC CITIZENS 5K SKATE RACE

VAIL DERAIL WINTER BIKE RACE FEBRUARY 9

JANUARY 19

Vail Derail Center in Vail, CO

Join the Vail Recreation District for the second annual Vail Nordic Citizens 5K skate race, the first race in the Vail Grail Winter Race Series. This 5K skate race will test your Nordic skiing skills on the beautiful Maloit Park race course, home of the Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy team.

Stay after the race for a post-party with awards and refreshments. Race in the full series or individual races. vailrec.com/vail-grail

Test your winter bike handling skills at the Vail Recreation District’s third annual Vail Derail Winter Bike Race at the beautiful Vail Nordic Center. Part of the Vail Grail Winter Race Series, this event includes youth and adult races that run from three to 12 miles. An after-party will follow the race in the new Nordic Center clubhouse with food, beer, raffle drawing and the awards ceremony. Fat-tire bikes are encouraged but not required, and some demo bikes will be available to rent for the race. vailrec.com/vail-grail

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

Maloit Park in Minturn, CO

PEN

OW O N N O I T GISTRA

RE

REGISTER AT EPICRIDES.COM

APRIL 26-28, 2019

FIND US @EPICRIDES

MAY 17-19, 2019

JUNE 14-16, 2019

OCTOBER 11-13, 2019

REGISTRATION IS LIMITED AND BASED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS

Special Advertising Section

MOUNTAINEERING WEEKEND FEBRUARY 15–19

YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO Join YMCA of the Rockies this President’s Day for Mountaineering Weekend featuring exciting excursions and fun activities for ages, including: guided snowshoe hikes and winter ecology explorations in Rocky Mountain National Park, backcountry ski meet-ups, ice climbing lessons, winter survival and avalanche awareness educational sessions, keynote speakers, and demos by popular mountaineering equipment brands. Younger children will enjoy story times, kid-lead hikes and fun snow activities. All regular YMCA of the Rockies activities will also be available throughout the weekend. ymcarockies.org/mountaineeringweekend

VAIL MOUNTAIN WINTER UPHILL RACE AND HIKE

HAYDEN COG RUN 8.4M, 5K, FUN RUN / May 4 SPIRIT CHALLENGE 10K, 5K, FUN RUN / MAY 18

SPRING CREEK MEMORIAL 9.5M AND 5K / July 27

STEAMBOAT MARATHON FULL, HALF AND 10K / June 2

STINGER MARATHON FULL AND HALF / Aug 11

HOWELSEN HILL TRAIL RUN 8M AND 4M / June 15

CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL RUN 50K AND 16M / Aug 24

MOUNTAIN MADNESS HALF AND 10K / June 30 HAHN’S PEAK HILL CLIMB 8M / July 6

10K AT 10,000 FEET 10K AND 5K / Sept 1 RUN RABBIT RUN 100M AND 50M / Sept 13-14

EMERALD MOUNTAIN TRAIL RUN 12K, 5K AND FUN RUN / Sept 21 FOUNDRY HALLOWEEN 5K / Oct 26

2019

FEBRUARY 17

Vail Mountain in Vail, CO Showshoe, skin, spike, hike or Yaktrax up Vail Mountain during the Vail Recreation District’s Vail Athletic Club Vail Mountain Winter Uphill Race and Hike. The race starts at 7 a.m. in Lionshead and participants will tackle 2,300 vertical feet and approximately 2.5 miles of groomed trails to reach Eagle’s Nest at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola on Vail Mountain. Stay after the race for free breakfast at Eagle’s Nest. This event is ideal for competitors and non-competitors alike and honors the memory of Vail local Lyndon Ellefson, pioneer of the U.S. Mountain Running Team. Portions of the race entry fee go to support the U.S. Mountain Running Team. vailrec.com/vail-grail

VAIL RECREATION DISTRICT SHAMROCK SHUFFLE MARCH 9

Vail Mountain in Vail, CO

#LONGLIVETARGHEE

MARCH

GOOD TIMES NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE

The Vail Recreation District’s seventh annual Krueger Family Shamrock Shuffle 5K and 10K races and the kids’ 1K fun run will celebrate all things green in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day! Taking place on the Vail Nordic Center trails, the event includes race categories for snowshoes and Yaktrax, as well as a non-prize-eligible running shoe category. The winner of the Vail Grail Winter Race Series will be crowned after this race, along with a lively postrace party in the Vail Nordic Clubhouse with free food, awards and a raffle. vailrec.com/vail-grail

2ND ANNUAL TETON SURF CLASSIC MARCH 30–31, ALL DAY

Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, WY Turn, pump, glide, slash and ride transition. Grand Targhee’s Park Crew will reset the North Pole Terrain Park for a surf-inspired, snowboard-only event scheduled to run Sunday, March 30 2019. The current park will be completely redesigned to create a more rhythmic, turnoriented route rewarding riders who can build speed and ride with style and flow. This event will kick off our Spring Sessions series of events and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Awards and raffle to follow. grandtarghee.com/event/teton-surf-classic

WHISKEY OFF-ROAD APRIL 26–28

in Prescott, AZ

APRIL

GRANDTArGhEE.COM | 800 . TARGHEE (827.4433) | ALTA, WYOMING

Choose from three different distance options of 15, 30 or 50 miles; each consisting of a carefully curated set of trails in Prescott, Arizona. The races start on Prescott’s historic (and lively) Whiskey Row and climb into the beautiful Prescott National Forest. During your visit to Prescott, enjoy three fun-filled days of event festivities and full submersion in the mountain bike industry. epicrides.com

Special Advertising Section

GRAND JUNCTION OFF-ROAD

4th Annual

MAY 17–19

in Grand Junction, CO

MOUNTAINEERING WEEKEND at YMCA of the Rockies

Choose from three different distance options: 15, 30, or 40 miles. Each consists of a carefully curated set of geologically mesmerizing trails. Participants will climb their way out of downtown Grand Junction and onto the world famous Lunch Loops trail system. During your visit to Grand Junction, you can also enjoy three days of festivities at the Four Peaks Downtown Music Festival. epicrides.com

MAY

FEBRUARY 15-19, 2019 Estes Park, CO

MOUNTAINEERING ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES LOCATED ON OVER 800 ACRES BORDERING ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

CARSON CITY OFF-ROAD

GUIDED SNOWSHOE HIKES AND ICE SKATING

JUNE 14–16

in Carson City, NV

WINTER SURVIVAL SKILLS AND ICE CLIMBING LESSONS

Choose from three different distance options: 15, 35 or 50 miles. Each consists of a carefully curated set of spectacular trails. Participants will climb their way into the Sierra Nevada and take in views of Lake Tahoe, Washoe Valley, and the Carson Valley. During your visit, you can also enjoy three days of event festivities and submersion in the mountain bike industry. epicrides.com

BACKCOUNTRY SKI MEET-UPS FOR ALL LEVELS

JUNE

EQUIPMENT DEMOS

BY LEADING BRANDS

Visit ymcarockies.org for more info!

VAIL HILLCLIMB JULY 6

Vail Mountain in Vail, CO

JULY

Test yourself against the mountain during the Vail Recreation District’s Vail HillClimb, a 7.7 mile run and hike up Vail Mountain. The Vail HillClimb begins at 7 a.m. in Vail Village and ascends over 2,200 vertical feet to the finish line at Mid-Vail. Race participants follow the historic gravel double-track route that has made the HillClimb a favorite among trail running enthusiasts. Do you have what it takes to conquer the HillClimb? vailrec.com/trail-races

SPRING CREEK MEMORIAL TRAIL RUN

va i l r e c r e at i o n d i s t r i c t

JULY 27

in Steamboat Springs, CO This 25-year-old classic on the Spring Creek Trail is filled with wildflowers and Aspen alongside bubbling Spring Creek. The 9.5 mile race runa on a scenic loop on private primitive trail, singletrack and briefly on a USFS road.. The 9.5 mile course gains approximately 2,500 feet in the first 4 miles with most of that being coming in miles 2-4. The 5K race is an out and back. runningseries.com

new year, new you! ski, shift & shuffle get motivated with the summer race series

reach for glory in the winter race series

CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL RUN AUGUST 24

in Steamboat Springs, CO

AUGUST

These 50K and 16M races are breathtaking, classic, and challenging. Both start by running up the beautiful Fish Creek Falls Trail to Long Lake amongst waterfalls and aspen trees. The 16M then follows the Mountain View Trail at 10,000 feet. The 50K runs along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) until it loops back to the Mountain View Trail. Both end at the ski area. The races gain 4,000 and 6,000 vertical feet respectively. runningseries.com

vail rec district

AUGUST 30–SEPTEMBER 2

Need one last riding trip before the fall sets in? Register today for the 10th Annual WYDAHO Rendezvous Teton Mountain Bike Festival! Enjoy group rides, take a spin on top-of-the-line demos, perfect your technique with bike skills clinics and enjoy raffles, music, and camaraderie with hundreds of other fun-loving mountain bikers. grandtarghee.com/event/wydaho-rendezvousbike-festival •

Compete in individual races or complete all four races to have a shot at winning the coveted Vail Grail!

Visit vailrec.com/register to sign up for all seven races for just $200 or save $5 on individual races

10TH ANNUAL WYDAHO BIKE RACE Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, WY

are you ready?

REGISTER EARLY & SAVE!

May 18 June 22 July 6 July 20 Aug. 3 Aug. 24 Sept. 14

Boneyard Boogie Summer Solstice 10K & 5K Vail HillClimb Camp Hale Half Marathon & 5K Berry Picker 10K & 5K@10,000 Feet Meadowgold 10K & 5K

Jan. 19 Vail Nordic 5K Citizens Race | Minturn Feb. 9

Vail Derail Winter Bike Race | Vail Nordic Center

Feb. 17 Vail Athletic Club Vail Mountain Winter Uphill Race & Hike | Vail March 9 Krueger Family Shamrock Shuffle | Vail Nordic Center

RACES IN AND AROUND Vail, Colorado | vailrec.com/register | 970-479-2280

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G E A R | 0 1 .1 9

BEST OF THE BACKCOUNTRY G E T T I N G O U T TO TO U R A N D E A R N T U R N S I S N OT J US T A G E A R I N T EN S I V E P U R SU I T. I T ’ S G E A R D EP EN D EN T— B OT H TO B E S T EN J OY T H E SK I N U P A N D T H E R I D E D OW N , A N D TO K EEP YO U S A FE. H ER E’ S T H E S T U FF W E A P P R E C I AT ED M OS T W H EN W E H E A D ED I N TO T H E W I L D T H I S W I N T ER .

by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

Holden PUFFY SLIPPER SHOE Pro tip: Nothing will make you happier than a comfy pair of kicks waiting back at the car after a big tour.

These cushy, insulated slip-ons take away all the ouch of plastic boots. $80; holdenouterwear.com

Ortovox BEAST AND 3+

Julbo AEROSPACE A goggle designed with the backcountry in mind, the photochromic (a.k.a. adjusts to changes in light) Aerospace sports lots of venting built in the frame and the ability to move the lens forward to stop fogging on a sweaty push. $235; julbo.com

A solid shovel and beacon you know well (meaning you must practice on it!) are mandatory tools for any backcountry travel.

The shape of the Beast shovel blade both gives you a lot of digging power and slips easily into a pack. The reliable 3+ beacon automatically switches to the best transmission antenna when you are searching for buried partners, making for faster, easier location. $60 (Beast); $340; (3 Plus); ortovox.com

Leki TOUR STICK VARIO VERTICAL The tirgger in these, 100-percent carbon poles makes it easy to adjust on the skin track even when you are wearing gloves. In fact, Leki's Tour Plus V glove ($140) works in tandem with the Dyneema strap system here. $220; leki.com

Scarpa GEA RS The revamped Gea gives a hard-charging woman all she would want in an AT boot— it's quite light at 1,260 grams per boot in a Mondo size 25 and the powerful, supple shell conveysw smooth flex thanks to carbon fiber stringers built into the plastic.

A heat-moldable liner seals the deal. $795; scarpa.com

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E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / J A N U A R Y 2 01 9

Phoozy XP3 SERIES This simple accessory both keeps your precious phone protected—from cold and heat... plus, it floats—and easy to locate out in the hills. Plus, it provides a wallet pocket to hold cash and cards. $50; phoozy.com

La Sportiva SOLAR This light (1,050 grams in a size 27 Mondo), two-buckle backcountry AT boot fits like a dream thanks to a closure system that ratchets down to the shape of your forefoot.

That simple innovation imparts a lot of confidence. $699; lasportiva.com

DPS TOUR WAILER 112 RP2 TOUR1 With a shape that simply floats in consolidated snow or deep pow, the Wailer has been a go-to ski for our touring crew for the past few seasons. A balsa-wood core makes this iteration even lighter and easier to schuss up the skin track. $1,099; dpsskis.com

Blizzard RUSTLER 11 The most popular ski in the EO office, this 111-cm-underfoot charger is simply a fun ride—in the untracked wilds or popping into the trees at the resort. Credit that playfulness to a carbon frame and the perfect amount of rocker in its twin-tip construction. $700: blizzardsports.com

J A N U A R Y 2 01 9 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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T HE R O A D | 0 1 .1 9

photo courtesy LEN NECEFER

THE TRACKS OF MY ANCESTORS A S A N I N D I G EN O US B AC KCO U N T RY SK I ER , M Y CO N N E C T I O N TO T H E L A N D I N C LU D E S P OW D ER B U T I T A L S O RU N S FA R D EEP ER TO I N C LU D E A R E SP E C T F O R M Y G R A N D PA R EN T S , T H E FU T U R E O F O U R WAT ER A N D T H E K N I T T I N G TO G E T H ER O F O U R S O C I E T Y.

by LEN NECEFER

M

y breathing and the steady scrape of the nylon skin on the crusted snow create a synchronized rhythm. Lift. Push.

Breathe. I stop in the skin track to reassess the snow conditions now that I am above treeline. I deliberately push my ski pole into the snowpack next to my skin tracks to feel the layers of snow beneath me—no change from a few hundred feet below in the trees. I

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gaze up at the spindrifts tumbling off the ridge above us and wonder if any of my ancestors came out here during the winter.

This thought is essential to the way I place myself here. After moving to Colorado a couple of years ago, I became a backcountry skier. In doing so, I developed friendships and a deeper connection to mountain landscapes like this scene in front of me. I noticed my ski partners paying attention to the rhythms around them in a way similar to that of my own family and the way we keep track of the changes in the land.

I grew up in a Navajo (Diné) family where I was taught to understand the environment in which we live. This ethos has deep roots in a culture and an identity intrinsically tied with the landscape around us. For example, our discussions about the weather focused on deeper rhythms about the plants, animals, snow and seasons and how they affect us both physically and spiritually. This intimate knowledge grounds me in my identity. It connects me in a deeper way to all people around me.

When I find myself in a landscape

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / J A N U A R Y 2 01 9

where I am unaware of the cycles of the land and the seasons, I feel a deep sense of discomfort. I feel alien.

My grandfather, a traditional Navajo healer, taught me the importance of listening and paying attention to these cycles—and that, at some point, my life could depend on this knowledge. He also told me that it would eventually be my responsibility to teach younger folks about how to maintain these relationships with nature. I see myself applying this knowledge here, now, skiing.

T

o backcountry ski, you musrt be in tune with the mountains, the changes of seasons, and the snowpack. Being out deep in the backcountry in the winter requires days, if not weeks, of preparation to ensure your own safety and that of your ski partners. It requires training and practice. To travel safely through snow-filled mountains requires a heightened level of presence. No matter how much we research the avalanche reports, or consult with folks who have been out before, we have to put our full attention to where we are in the moment.

When you ride a lift, the resort controls the terrain and hazards. The backcountry gives you the feeling of being simply a visitor in this mountain landscape. You must prepare for the dangers. This preparation requires a basis of humility and respect. Learning in a classroom, we receive immediate feedback on our decision-making processes. However, backcountry travel often provides little to no immediate feedback as to whether our decisions have created undo risk and put us in danger.

Backcountry skiers also develop a knowledge that runs deeper than the present joys and dangers: Understanding the cycles of the seasons allows us to plan for seasons to come. The snowpack is a bellwether for our preparations for wildfires, wildflowers, animals and drought. In many ways, backcountry skiing teaches us things that native folks have known about these places for millennia. Thinking ahead about the seasons and the land is what sustained us as a people for thousands of years in these places, and it is what will sustain generations after us.

This is where I feel the Navjo respect for the land can have a big influence on how I ski the backcountry.

How we approach the environment and our relationship to the risks it poses can be an important predictor about the risks we take out in the backcountry. Do we view nature and mountains as something worthy of being dominated? Or do we see a need to live within the balance? How one answers these questions likely will determine how much risk they will seek while traveling in the mountains.

W

hen I ski deep snow in the Colorado Rockies, I also see a story beyond this present moment. These mountains are the headwaters for seven major rivers that eventually flow into the Gulf of Mexico (and at one time, before irrigation sucked off the water of the Colorado River, the Sea of Cortez).

With Colorado positioned at the source of this watershed, our impacts create rippling downstream effects on other communities. I recently I moved from the Colorado’s Front Range to Tucson, Arizona. But here in the Sonoran Desert, 60 some miles north of the Mexican border, I still rely on water from the snowmelt west of the Continental Divide up in the Rockies because Phoenix and Tucson pump water over 300 miles and 3,000 vertical feet from the Colorado River.

My heart aches seeing the snow forecasts for this season and knowing I’ll be missing dawn patrols out my backdoor. However, I know that this weather will bode well for this coming summer and improve projections of water shortage along the Colorado Rver. The snow we ski today is the water for communities downriver.

How this snowmelt water is managed and allocated in these waterways is a complicated and legally fraught business. One important element of water law west of the Mississippi River is the Winters Doctrine, also known as prior appropriation. This means that folks who have been using water for “productive purposes” for the longest time have senior rights over other users who began using this water later.

The water in the Colorado River is allocated among over 100 water users such as cities and power plants. Not all of the water claimed by these rights is actually pumped or used, sometimes the users may only have rights on paper that they can’t actually use. The Winters Doctrine came to be after a tribe sued the federal government for not giving their reservation adequate water rights, even though these indigenous people had been using this water for centuries.

Tribes who have used this water the longest often have senior water rights— including my tribe, the Navajo.

Skiing in Colorado’s backcountry has helped me become a better ancestor to those who will be coming after me. At the most practical level, the skills I have developed serve the goal of finding elusive powder stashes that I can tell them about once I’ve made it out safely. The ethics I’ve learned in the backcountry have honed my keenness to pay attention to the land, the seasons and the snowpack, and to plan accordingly for the next season. This attention has deepened my own identity, which is imbued in these mountain landscapes.

I believe that these lessons and grounding are readily transferable to other parts of life. I see the connections

DEEP IN THE ELEMENT WHEN NECEFER SKIS, HE SEES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COLORADO'S SNOW AND ARIZONA'S WATER. photo courtesy LEN NECEFER

that I built with others who value being with the mountains creating a stronger fabric to society. As a Navajo, I was taught to protect and conserve the land I call home because of how critical it is to a functioning society. With that connection comes responsibility: We love this place, we give our sweat to enjoy it, undoubtedly, we will protect it.

Looking up that windswept ridge again my question was answered, my ancestors are here with me today.

—LEN NECEFER IS THE FOUNDER AND CEO OF NATIVES OUTDOORS (NATIVESOUTDOORS.ORG, AN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS COMPANY THAT SUPPORTS INDIGENOUS PEOPLE. HE’S AN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, A BOARD MEMBER FOR THE HONNOLD FOUNDATION AND AN ADVISORY GROUP MEMBER FOR THE COLORADO OUTDOOR RECREATION INDUSTRY OFFICE. J A N U A R Y 2 01 9 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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THE FOLK SINGER AND THE PHANTOM GIRL I N T H I S S TO RY O F D EEP W I N T ER D R E A M S , RO M A N C E A N D M US I C , N OT H I N G I S E V ER A S I T SEEM S .

by PETER KRAY

H

e thought of her when he skied, in those moments skinning up the hill when time stands still. She had long auburn hair and deep brown eyes with a calm, unwavering stare.

She was in upstate New York, where nothing but the weather ever changes, wearing warm sweaters and driving her VW Van with rusted bumpers, burning candles in empty red wine bottles and listening to vinyl while she read books about places in Europe where she never really considered going.

He was in Colorado, remembering how he stayed with her when the rain came, then the deep snow. He thought of her bed by the window, the bathroom that was always cold, and those sweaters on the floor.

Up high among cathedral peaks with skinny evergreens, he would strap on his skis and climb alone. He would get caught in a trance at the unending revelation of cold alabaster turned to aspirin under the weight of skis separating the powder.

Adrift in all that space, his was the only shadow moving through the cold.

Once he started, he wouldn’t stop for water or food. He headed straight to the summit, where he would change shirts, put on another layer, then ski back down to his little caretaker's cabin, or sometimes all the way to town a little bit farther below.

He rarely savored the view, ignoring the rugged restlessness of nature, and even the soft joy of fresh turns. There was only that Sisyphean satisfaction of for a moment, existing in free fall. Then, if it was a weekend, or there were tourists in town, he would go and play guitar.

There was a buzz building about his music, how he could hold a stage by himself. People would drive up from Denver to see him. A local producer offered him time in a studio. But it was the girl from upstate New York who taught him how to play.

It surprised them both how quickly he improved. When people would stop and listen to what he could do, he wanted to repay her, and take her skiing to show her what he loved to do. Although “love” was not a word he deliberately used.

She wore jeans tucked into gray rental boots, his parka and his green knit hat. She was laughing as she started to slide, her cheeks as pink as coral. Then she held him as he caught her. They only stopped for one drink at the bar.

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Illustration by Kevin Howdeshell / THEBRAVEUNION.COM

Days went by when nothing happens.

Weeks. Years. When you suddenly can’t tell if anything ever existed beyond another chorus of “Take it to the Limit,” or “Knockin’ on Heaven's Door,” or the way people start lining up the shots as soon as the band takes the stage, trying to speed up the feeling of feeling better than they did before.

Sometimes he could hear her voice like a duet when he wrote a song.

He could see how onstage they could just exchange verses, and watch each other with such constant fascination that all the audience would fall in love with them too.

He would look for her in the audience, swaying with her eyes shut in the back of the crowd, a quick spotlight beaming across her shining face as white as the snow.

Even when all the lights were on him, he could imagine he caught a flash of her.

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Until the night he booked a show at the old opera hall. In the mining town days, it had been as elegant as any theatre in the world. And when he took the stage he felt as if that moment was all there was, and ever would be. As if without his music it would all disappear.

When they sat down, dressed in their ski-town best, murmuring with anticipation, he felt an exhilaration of some cosmic truth about to be unveiled. Like he was being carried into something inevitably unclear. When he started singing a song he felt he hardly knew the words to, everyone in the audience was singing along. And on the next song, too. Off on some soaring chorus, then some singular solo, that he never knew before.

The more he played, the less familiar the song was to him, yet the crowd roared louder. It became a sonic wave rushing

the stage, drowning him in a buzz of bright lights, and the gleaming crescendo he just couldn’t let go. With sweat pouring down his face, it echoed into eternity, until everything vanished into the winter air.

Then there was no audience. No stage. No folksinger. And maybe not even a mountain town.

But there is the girl. Her name is Layla, because her mother loves rock and roll.

They are both as dark and lovely as the eyes of the world. She smiles to see it is her mom on the phone as she wakes up in her bed in Upstate New York, wishing for just a minute she was still in that opera house.

She says, “It was one of those cowboy dreams. Except he could ski and play guitar.”

When her mother asks if he had a name, she stops, then replies, “I don’t know.”

—ELEVATION OUTDOORS EDITOR-AT-LARGE PETER KRAY IS THE AUTHOR OF THE GOD OF SKIING. THE BOOK HAS BEEN CALLED “THE GREATEST SKI NOVEL OF ALL TIME.” DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE? BUY IT HERE AND READ IT NOW: AMZN.TO/2LMZPVN

J A N U A R Y 2 01 9 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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