Elevation Outdoors March 2018 by Summit Publishing

MOUNTAIN TOWN MUSIC | RIDE ARCHES | CANNABIS IN TROUBLE? MARCH 2018

FREE!

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

DREAM

NEW IDEAS, ENTREPRENEURS A N D I N S P I R AT I O N

BEST OF THE ROCKIES 2018 Peopl e, e v e n t s , b u s i n esses and d e s t i n a t i o n s

FEMALE ATHLETES PUSH THE EDGE OF EXTREME TH E C H A N GI NG FAC E O F C ON S E RVAT I O N

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

CREAKING AWAY LYONS OLD MAN WINTER BIKE RACE TOOK TOP HONORS IN BEST OF THE ROCKIES. SEE PAGE 20. photo courtesy OLD MAN WINTER RALLY

N AVE , GOLDEN, CO 1313 WASHINGTO 28 | BENTGATE.COM (877) 236 84

TINATION COLORADO’S DES OP

H TRYARS OUEN BACKFC S OR OV R 20 YE

CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS 5 EDITOR’S LETTER

We need to listen to those we have been pushed to the margins for far too long to grow diversity in the outdoors.

7 QUICK HITS

Spring ski flings, high times in South Lake Tahoe, flannel and more...

10 FLASHPOINT

What does Colorado stand to lose if Jeff Sessions cracks down on the cannabis industry.

13 HOT SPOT

Get pampered and try new adventures at the Broadmoor this spring.

14 THE TRAIL

Follow our GPS route for an epic road ride in Arches National Park.

17 NUMEROLOGY

Add up the successes of local conservation.

MARCH 2018 19 STRAIGHT TALK

Don Bushey founded Denver’s Wilderness Exchange with a vision.

35 HEAR THIS

36 THE ROAD

How do female extreme athletes overcome fear?

38 ELWAYVILLE

Peter Kray says ghost stories are not just for fall.

FEATURES 20 THE 2018 BEST OF THE ROCKIES READER POLL WINNERS

Our readers have spoken. Now, it’s time to meet the winners of our annual poll that determines your favorite businesss, people, destinations and events across the Rocky Mountain region. You may be pleasantly surprised.

26 DREAM BIG

The face of the outdoors is rapidly changing, especially here in Colorado. This is how we can continue to become more inclusive and successful—and have fun.

34 THE BEST GEAR FOR TRAVEL

Locate the nearest exit and buckle in for this roundup of versatile goodies that make days away from home easier.

ON THE COVER Clicking the ultimate selfie, photographer Devon Balet jumps for joy because his camp is decked out with gear from Best of the Rockies winner Big Agnes (see page 20). photograph by Devon Balet devonbaletphoto.com

WINTER CLEARANCE SALE

UP TO

50%

OFF

HAPPENING NOW!

WANT MORE? CATCH UP ON PAST ISSUES, YOUR FAVORITE BLOGGERS AND DAILY ONLINE CONTENT AT ELEVATIONOUTDOORS.COM M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

CO N T R I B U TO R S

E DI TOR-I N -CHI E F

DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

doug@elevationoutdoors.com

0 3 .1 8

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO DREAM BIG THIS YEAR?

PRE SI DE N T

BLAKE DEMASO

blake@elevationoutdoors.com PUBLI SHE R

ELIZABETH O’CONNELL

elizabeth@elevationoutdoors.com ART DI RE CTOR

LAUREN WORTH

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

CAMERON MARTINDELL

cameron@elevationoutdoors.com SE N I OR E DI TOR

CHRIS KASSAR

chris@elevationoutdoors.com COPY ASSASSI N

TRACY ROSS

E DI TOR-AT-LARG E

PETER KRAY I N T E RN

HARPER BROWN

play@elevationoutdoors.com ASSOCI AT E CRE AT I VE DI RE CTOR

MEGAN JORDAN

megan@elevationoutdoors.com CON T RI BUT I N G E DI TORS

AARON BIBLE, ADAM CHASE, ROB COPPOLILLO, LIAM DORAN, JAMES DZIEZYNSKI, HUDSON LINDENBERGER, SONYA LOONEY, JAYME MOYE, CHRIS VAN LEUVEN CON T RI BUT I N G WRI T E RS

JEFF BLUMENFELD, KASSONDRA CLOOS, KATIE HEARSUM, PATTY MALESH, KATE TRACY

UTAH

May 5

NEW MEXICO

June 9–10

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

COLORADO

July 14–15

CONOR SEDMAK

COLORADO

July 28

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

UTAH

Aug. 25–26

PRICES INCREASE MARCH 15!

endurocupmtb.com 4

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

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

SUMMIT

PUBLISHING

DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

Dedicating the rest of my life to ensuring the wild places and varied species of this planet continue to thrive.

ELIZABETH O'CONNELL

My plan is to stay healthy and focus on getting outside more this year. It’s a simple dream, but after breaking my ankle and missing out on the last six months of adventures, it feels pretty big to me.

CONOR SEDMAK

I’m going to check new ski mountaineering summits off my bucket list this spring, and then tomahawk down them in epic fashion.

TYRA SUTAK

I want to surround myself with like-minded people who are also chasing big dreams. Ambition is contagious.

CHRIS VAN LEUVEN

I’m lining up trips with the best climbers in the industry. Coming up: I have an adventure planned deep in Alberta, Canada.

TRACY ROSS

Working on my book proposal and turning my kids on to the magic of Alaska.

KASSONDRA CLOOS

Saying yes to more last-second cheap flight deals and saying no to sequestering adventures on the weekends. Weeknight camping is where it's at.

SONYA LOONEY

I’m excited about my growing podcast, “The Sonya Looney Show.” My goal is to eventually reach over one million people per year.

PETER KRAY

A polar bear reserve where all they eat is climate change deniers.

E D I TO R ' S L E T T E R

0 3 .1 8

IT'S TIME TO LISTEN

We need to stop talking and start hearing when it comes to making the outdoor industry more diverse.

by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

ne of my favorite quotes, a mantra I often repeat to myself, my children, my friends, comes from the Zen teacher Suzuki Roshi, who once told his students: “You are perfect just as you are and you could use a little improvement.” I found myself going back to that guiding piece of life wisdom when I sat down to write about how Elevation Outdoors, and I as a person, could do a better job of integrating more diversity into our pages in an authentic way, a better job making this magazine feel like a forum that accepts and encourages many different viewpoints and people who the outdoor industry and outdoor publications have ignored in the past. The lesson I kept going back to? I have to stop and listen. We have done an outstanding job being a diverse and accepting publication and company, but we could still use a little improvement. This reality hit me hard recently when I was touting just how outstanding this magazine and this company has been when it comes to creating gender balance. Women run our company, they write our stories, they edit our prose, they grace our

pages right alongside and often above men. This is something to be proud of, but it’s also simply the way it should be. When I pointed that out in a public forum I was met with congratulations but also with a voice that pointed out something obvious and disappointing. “These are all white women. White women do not speak for all women.” My first reaction was defensive: I ran down all that we do to try to promote diversity in these pages, in our company and in the industry at large. I am proud of that record and I feel that we are leading the way as best we can. We consider and discuss how we can be more diverse and inclusive with every story we plan and poll we publish. Inside I was frustrated: I have taken pepper spray in the face protesting for social justice and environmental activism, have dedicated my life to what I feel are just and inclusive causes. Then I got apologetic. I know that we can still do better. A lot of the problems with diversity and the outdoors stem from far beyond these pages. We can only cover what the industry is, and we don’t want to overcompensate and be guilty of a type of fake tokenism by pushing diversity too hard. But we have to do something. Later, it occurred to me, that even though I did a very nice job of defending what we do, I did not really listen. To really understand how to make the outdoors a better, more inclusive place, I have to let

CLIMB ON go of my own ego and try to see and hear beyond MAKING THE OUTDOOR SPACE FEEL MORE my own experiences. COMFORTABLE TO THOSE Despite all of our noble IT TOO OFTEN OVERLOOKS efforts, I looked at the SHOULD BE OUR BIGGEST covers and pages of back RESPONSIBILTY AS A issues of EO (and even PUBLICATION THAT SPEAKS FOR THE OUTDOORS. this issue with so much photo by ANDREW KORNYLAK focus on reimagining that outdoors as more inclusive). Yes we have done well, but we can—we need to—do better. As someone who has worked in the outdoor industry for almost two decades, I have heard a lot of circular talk about growing diversity in the outdoors. Things finally feel different. I credit that change to people who are willing to speak up and out. I hope that we can do something to actually be leaders. I hope we all can try to be better listeners.

M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

QUICK HITS

0 3 .1 8

SPRING SKI FLING Don’t let the low-snow year, sunshine and longing for singletrack discourage you—this is the ideal time to hit the hill. DIEHARD SKIERS VIEW THE ARRIVAL OF

springtime with trepidation. Every time the sun sets, they are one day closer to the end of another season, with the endless sweltering days of summer looming on the horizon. ’Tis true, but the lengthening days also bring epic dumps of powder, prolonged sunshine, and a feeling of frivolity to skidom as kegs are tapped in parking lots and lawn chairs bespeckle base areas. Take advantage, before you toss your gear in your closet. Head back to the mountains to these three spots that offer some of the best spring skiing (and snowboarding!). Southern Exposure: Wolf Creek What do 430 annual inches of snow get you come spring? Wolf Creek’s Sarah Stephens says epic skiing on Alberta Peak. It’s an expert slope located at the end of a 25-minute hike from the top of the Treasure Stoke lift. Up top, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, you can point your tips in a variety of directions and hit steeps that fall toward a never-ending wall of trees. Sip (water), ride (the Treasure Stoke) again and repeat.

The Basin and the Beach A-Basin is skiing’s answer to spring break. The resort’s Adrienne Saia Issac says take the Pallavicini Lift located right off the main parking lot to steep runs. That lot’s known as the Beach—where the faithful grill, sip suds and dance between runs. Unloading Pallavicini, hang a left and head into the expert terrain of North Glade and International. This ungroomed area offers a mixed bag of trees, moguls and rock outcroppings—plus the northfacing terrain holds the snow for days Just make sure you look good for the spectators on the Beach as you exit.

Copper Treasures Powder lingers in Copper Bowl long after the spring equinox (March 21). Located just behind Copper Mountain proper, this steep and wide-open bowl offers a myriad of legitimate lines. Hit trees, chutes, and bumps via two lifts and a free snowcat. The mountain’s Taylor Prather says the best time is in the early afternoon, when the sun hits the south facing slopes, softening them up. On bluebird days, you can soak up breathtaking views of the Ten Mile Range all the way to the bottom. Access the bowl from the top of the Sierra or Rendezvous lifts—one half of it is rated expert. —Hudson Lindenberger

SHREDDING THE STATUS QUO Coalition Snow revolutionizes women’s gear while aiming to buck the patriarchy. WHEN JEN GURECKI FOUNDED COALITION

Snow with the vision to create better ski and snowboard gear for women, she ended up launching so much more than just a retail line of highperforming, beautifully designed hardgoods and apparel. With the

TECHNOLOGY PEAK DESIGN CAPTURE V3 Smaller and sleeker than the original, the Capture v3 is mostly reverse compatible. It allows users to carry and access their camera from any strap be it on a backpack, a waist belt or a satchel. $70 | PEAKDESIGN.COM

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

addition of a sassy podcast, a hardhitting blog and an international community of outdoor women called the “Sisterhood of Shred,” the Renobased brand became a bold force in the feminist movement. By scrapping the outmoded philosophy that women’s gear should be produced by simply “shrinking and pinking” gear originally designed for men, Coalition Snow became the first company to design skis and snowboards specifically for, and by, women. An in-depth R&D process revealed that many women skiers felt the reason they couldn’t keep up with

GEAR WE LOVE FLYLOW SINCLAIR INSULATED FLANNEL With 40 grams of synthetic down insulation, the insulated version of this favorite flannel becomes is even more versatile for use on cool days. Flylow added durable poplin fabric on the forearms to withstand the scrapes of outdoor chores. $125 | FLYLOWGEAR.COM

EMPOWER YOURSELF THE BEST THING ABOUT SPRING SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING AT COPPER? ALL THE TOURISTS AND CROWDS ARE SUNBATHING (TOP). COALITON SNOW’S ASHLEY HUTCHINSON WEARS THE PANTS (BOTTOM). photos by TRIPP FREY (top), GREG JOHNSON (bottom)

their boyfriends/fathers/brothers/ guy friends was because they weren’t strong, brave or skilled enough. What Gurecki and her design team set out to prove was that much of this perceived “lack” could be attributed to using gear that simply wasn’t good enough

BOOKS UTAH'S GREATEST WONDERS Frequent EO contributor Christopher Cogley and photographer Rich Briggs capture the beauty of the Beehive State in a coffee-tableworthy guide book that explores Utah’s Mighty 5 (the state’s five national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion). $30 | BARNESANDNOBLE.COM

for hard-charging girls. The result can be summed up by a quote from Coalition Snow’s Twitter profile: “We make women’s skis and snowboards that don’t suck.” To further support women who desire more gratifying outdoor experiences, or who feel like they are drowning in “dude soup,” a term from the inaugural episode of the brand’s new podcast, “Juicy Bits,” which refers to the under-inclusion of women in the outdoor industry. Coalition Snow assembled a network of ambassadors across the United States (including three groups in the Rocky Mountain region), Canada and Europe to lead ladies-only local outdoor activities and events. The #sisterhoodofshred alliance plays an important role in the brand’s mission by encouraging women to assert their bossy, bold, badass selves from the chairlift to the corner office. As explained in a recent Juicy Bits episode during an interview with Whitney Foehl, founder of Tahoe Backcountry Women, girls-only groups help develop women’s leadership skills by giving them the chance to voice their opinions and make decisions during outdoor expeditions without the risk of being judged by their male counterparts. Coalition Snow’s skis and snowboards can be found at REI or coalitionsnow.com. —Katie Hearsum

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA Hop on a cheap flight to Reno and explore everything from powder to pizza in the heights of the Sierra this spring. EAT Catch some pre-ride stoke at the Driftwood Cafe (driftwoodtahoe. com), a bustling breakfast joint filled with good energy and massive meals, like the breakfast burrito, a mountain of fresh, protein-rich ingredients for under $10. Take a break between runs at the Base Camp Pizza Co. (basecamppizzaco.com) situated just outside of the lift line in Heavenly Village. Hearty pasta and pizza dishes steam from tables on the outdoor patio, perfect for boozing with locals in the California sunshine. (Come last chair, head to one of South Lake Tahoe’s diverse dining establishments, like the cozy and casual Blue Angel Cafe (blueangelcafe.com) for margaritas and fried pickles or Azul Latin Kitchen (azullatinkitchen.com), where you’ll find hard-to-beat happy hour bar specials from 2-6 p.m. daily.

SLEEP Fluff your pillow at the Basecamp Hotel (basecamptahoesouth.com), an adventure-themed property a

MILLENNIALS GONE WILD! WITH ALL THE SINS OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE BECKONING AND ENOUGH CORN SNOW AND SUNSHINE TO KEEP A SMILE ON YOUR FACE ALL DAY, HEAVENLY RESORT MAKES FOR AN IDEAL SPRING BREAK DESTINATION. photo courtesy VAIL RESORTS

stone’s throw from Heavenly Village. It has an onsite beer garden with live music and winter room rates start at $129 per night. Or grab a room at the Coachman Hotel (coachmantahoe. com), a modern twist on the classic ski lodge, which is only a short walk to the lifts and costs just $125 per night.

PLAY They don’t call it Heavenly (heavenly. com) for nothing. South Lake Tahoe’s angleic mountain resort transmits divine views of the Sierra Nevada range and the glassy waters of Lake Tahoe. Pair that with an average snowfall of 360 inches per year, 4,630 skiable acres, 3,500 vertical feet and 28 chairlifts—all accessible from the town’s main drag—and the stats don’t lie (even if this has been a tough snow year in the Sierra) Looking to mix it up? Rent a pair of snowshoes in town and make the scenic drive to Emerald Bay, which is one of the most popular places to photograph the Lake. Hop on The Rubicon Trail for an eight-mile (round trip) snowshoe which includes an up-close view of Vikingsholm—a historic 38-room mansion—the quiet solitude of a snowy forest, and exceptional views. —Tyra Sutak

LOCAL HERO: DANA WATTS This Colorado conservationist proves that saving the planet starts on the trails. FOR OVER TWO DECADES, BOULDER

resident Dana Watts has been telling America to pick up after itself. As executive director of the Boulderbased Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, a national nonprofit organization that promotes stewardship of the outdoors and responsible recreation practices, Watts and her staff of 21 have taken their message to Capitol Hill and regularly visit with land managers at the National Park Service, BLM, Fish & Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. Maintaining programming in every state and many countries, Leave No Trace annually reaches an estimated 15 million visitors to public lands with cutting-edge education and a resource-rich website that includes an Online Awareness Course. “We simply want to protect the outdoors by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy it responsibly,” she says. “The message is sinking in. The easiest and simplest way to minimize your impact is to pack out your trash and stay on trails,” says the Colorado native who loves to play outside with her two boys, one girl and husband, Scott Gwozdz, a business professor at CU Boulder. “People can play a critical role in protecting the outdoors. Leave No

HIGH VOLTAGE CONSERVATIONIST THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND LEAVE NO TRACE, DANA WATTS PROVES THAT STICKING TO ETHICS CAN SAVE THE OUTDOORS. photo courtesy DANA WATTS

Trace core principles should become second nature, an ethic that also applies at home in terms of turning off lights, using reusable bags and bottles, recycling and minimizing water usage. Besides which, it’s the right thing to do.” LNT.org —Jeff Blumenfeld

M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

BRANCHING OUT Oboz is planting a tree for every pair of shoes it sells. BOZEMAN, MONTANA-BASED SHOE

brand Oboz has a simple plan when it comes to giving back to the outdoors: It plants a tree for every pair of shoes it sells, an effort that, to date, has lead to 1,553,321 new trees (track progress at obozfootwear.com/ourstory#planet). It’s all part of a larger sustainability effort that includes making sure that no shoe is wasted. Oboz does most of its tree-planting work up in its home state of Montana, but, last fall, Elevation Outdoors joined 50 volunteers to plant nearly 600 blue spruce seedlings along the shores of Estes Lake in Estes Park, Colorado. You can help, too, by joining one of the upcoming events that are listed on oboz.com. —Staff

GLAMP CITY Camping can be sexy. Prepare yourself for the Global Glamping Summit in Denver this spring. SLEEPING UNDER MAKESHIFT TARPS

may never go out of style, but Ruben Martinez thinks there’s room under the stars for a more luxurious version of camping. Martinez is launching the Global Glamping Summit event in Denver on April 24th and 25th for owners—and aspiring owners—of safari tents, yurts and other unique outdoor rentals. “Nothing like this has ever happened in the States, so the fact that it’s happening in Colorado is very exciting,” Martinez said. Martinez founded Glamping Hub, a site similar to Airbnb where guests wanting to forego the typical car camping can

NEW TREES AND SWEET DIGS MONTANA-BASED SHOE BRAND OBOZ PLANTED NEARLY 600 TREES AT LAKE ESTES LAST FALL (TOP). GLAMPING EXPERTS PREDICT THAT MORE OF US WILL CAMP IN STYLE IN 2018 (MIDDLE). photos courtesy OBOZ (top), GLAMPING HUB (middle)

book yurts, treehouses and other unique rentals around the globe. U.S. glamper numbers lag compared to Europe. However, on Glamping Hub’s site alone, listings of unique properties grew from 8,000 to 15,000 in between April and September of last year. Martinez expects that number to mushroom to 40,000 listings by this May. Even though glamping makes the outdoors accessible to everyone, the Global Glamping Summit is a little more exclusive. It costs $595, and includes exhibition space, speaker sessions and networking for people already in the glamping business, as well as those ready to break out the tipi rental on their existing property. —Kate Tracy

REMEMBERING ANDREW TILIN Longtime editor, author and friend to so many in the outdoor world dies in bike accident. ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 AUTHOR

and journalist Andrew Tilin was struck by a car and killed in Austin, Texas. He died later that day. A colleague of mine on the staff of Outside magazine during the 1990s and a dear friend for 28 years, Tilin may be best known for his many professional accomplishments, which included writing countless magazine features stories, serving in several editorial posts, founding TheMastersAthlete.

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

com, and authoring a book, The Doper Next Door, about a year during which he took performance-enhancing drugs while competing at cycling. However, I assure you that Tilin will not be remembered for his body of work. Nor can his brilliance and impact be summed up in the drab listings of a typical obituary. For those who knew him, Tilin will be remembered for these fine qualities: a highly developed ethical sense, goofy sense of humor, and extraordinary kindness. Especially the latter. As hard as he worked at his profession, Tilin was a compassionate human being and true friend to many, a man who’d drop everything if a family member or friend needed his ear or a tidbit of his deep wisdom about life. Though it’s nice to read the sweet remembrances and see the pictures of Tilin as they pop up on social media this week, a Facebook post cannot possibly reveal Tilin’s most special asset and gift to the world when he was alive: a heart as wide as the world. And since Andrew, the editor, frowned upon hyperbole in writing, I’ll rephrase that statement into a question. Andrew, how in the hell did you fit a heart that big into your strong but slight little body? —Brad Wetzler

ALWAYS A BIG HEART ANDREW TILIN, WHO DIED WHILE CHANGING A FLAT TIRE ON HIS ROAD BIKE, INSPIRED LEGIONS OF OUTDOOR WRITERS AND EDITORS WORKING AT OUTSIDE AND THE MASTER ATHLETE. HE WAS THE AUTHOR OF THE DOPER NEXT DOOR. photo by BOB HOWELLS

EST.

2003

Mountain Dress code

Mountain Khakis Flagship Store 1412 Larimer Square Denver, CO

(303) 505-1566 Mountainkhakis.com

FLASHPOINT

0 3 .1 8

UP IN SMOKE?

How Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ attack on legalized cannabis could cause havoc in Colorado. by TYRA SUTAK

annabis, weed, pot, ganga, dope, reefer, chronic, Mary Jane or marijuana—it doesn’t matter what you call it—Attorney General Jeff Sessions hates it with a fiery passion. He’s even gone so far as equating the drug to heroin and publicly shaming Lady Gaga for allegedly boasting an addiction to it. While the so-called “War on Drugs” originated with Richard Nixon and ramped up in the ’80s as a broken campaign promise during election season, Sessions has been barreling along on his own decades-long crusade to snuff out the green stuff, and take down any of the “bad people” associated with growing, selling, buying, smoking or having thoughts about enjoying the substance. So when the announcement to rescind Obama-era policy regarding legalized weed was passed down from the Justice Department at the beginning of the year, it didn’t come as a surprise to anyone—not even Lady Gaga. In a statement sent to federal prosecutors nationwide, Sessions formally encouraged the prosecution of marijuana at a federal level in every state, a revision of the previous administration’s stance on legalized weed which was shared through the Cole Memo—a 2013 memorandum by the Justice Department that served as guidance for law enforcement and prosecutors in states opting to legalize weed. In a nutshell, the memo reiterated that at a federal level, marijuana would continue to be classified and treated as a Schedule 1 drug (characterized as an illegal drug with a high potential of abuse, unsuitable for medical use), but discouraged enforcement of the drug at a federal level in states where it had been legalized. The memo also offered suggested priorities that state-legal law enforcement should focus on like preventing trafficking, and pot growing on public lands, and banning stoners from lighting up on federal property. The legal cannabis industry met Sessions memo on “Marijuana Enforcement” with one simple question: why now?

THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH

On January 4, when Sessions’ memo hit the inboxes of law enforcement and prosecutors across the country, it came on the heels of November elections that resulted in four states passing ballot initiatives to legalize non-medical marijuana. Those publicly popular initiatives increased the number of states that have legalized recreational weed to nine and added another layer of growth in legal marijuana sales in the U.S. that topped $10 billion in 2017. In fact, since Colorado voted yes on Amendment 64 in 2012, the state’s young cannabis industry has flourished under the guidance of the state government, most recently at the hands of Director of Marijuana Policy Mark Bolton. According to Bolton, the Office of the Governor has worked hard to build a strong and comprehensive regulatory system to monitor the marijuana industry in the state.

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

“While I would say our system is effective, we’re constantly in a state of evaluation and looking for ways to strengthen our approach and try to address any unintended consequences or abuses that have materialized,” said Bolton. He also added that Colorado relies on a collaborative relationship with the federal government to effectively regulate marijuana in the state. While Bolton overseas the 12 agencies that have a role in legalized weed in Colorado, he also serves as the point person between the state and federal governments on marijuana issues. But perhaps the most rewarding aspect of Bolton’s gig is doling out a huge chunk of Colorado’s “pot tax” back into the state. In 2017, Colorado collected $247,368,473 in total revenue from the state’s medical and retail marijuana tax and fee collections. Since it’s a heavily regulated industry, there are many layers of taxation on weed. There’s an excise tax on growers selling to retail shops; there’s a state sales tax, a state retail marijuana sales tax and in the majority of cities where retail or medical marijuana is sold, a local and special districts tax. It seems like a

CASH CROP heavy price to pay for a little sticky icky, but the ATTORNEY GENERAL JEFF SESSIONS WILL state is putting that tax MEET RESISTANCE FROM revenue to good use. COLORADO'S MARIJUANA At a state level, the INDUSTRY IF HE TRIES TO first $40 million collected SHUT IT DOWN. WEED from the wholesale tax CONTRIBUTED $247 MILLION TO THE STATE'S on pot is dedicated COFFERS IN 2017. AND entirely to schools—yep, PRODUCTIVE PRIVATE the same schools that BUSINESSES LIKE HIGH only a few decades VALLEY FARM IN THE ROARING FORK VALLEY ago included a “Say (ABOVE) COULD SUFFER. No to Drugs” program photo by BLAKE GORDON taught by a cartoon bloodhound. That money is allocated to BEST—a program that funds competitive grants to school districts, school boards, charter schools and other school-related programs. Any tax revenue collected above the $40 million mark goes to a public school fund, and that number is generally in the millions. A portion of pot taxes also go to the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund which is used for drug regulation,

enforcement, education, treatment and, most importantly, for pot-friendly communities all over the state. Ten percent of the gross revenue of marijuana sales tax is distributed to local governments overseeing recreational or medical marijuana sales in their cities.

POT FOR POTHOLES

In Manitou Springs, the small town at the base of Pikes Peak, that windfall equates to a giant boost to the town’s Urban Renewal Authority budget. A town that boasts just over 5,300 residents, Manitou Springs is home to two recreational dispensaries along Highway 24—the city’s main travel vein that leads to the base of one of the state’s most popular fourteeners. Maggie's Farm opened up shop first in 2010, followed by Emerald Fields in 2015. Cityimposed sales tax revenue from the two shops has helped the city’s Urban Renewal Authority grow its budget from $100,000 to $2.5 million. The increase in spending funds has allowed the city to focus on projects that improve the community, attract more visitors and boost the tourism economy in the tourism-driven town. Board members of the organization voted to allocate $1 million towards attracting more businesses to the downtown area and community improvement projects. In southern Colorado, the town of Trinidad (population 8,200) has a new look since the legalization of marijuana. Once a nearly forgotten gas stop on the state line, Trinidad is now reaping

the rewards of its location just 11 miles from New Mexico—a state that has yet to legalize marijuana. The once a bustling coal mining town along the Santa Fe Trail had dwindled into a dilapidated cityscape dotted with abandoned buildings and rundown structures—that is until a dispensary moved into town in 2014. Today, the city is home to 16 dispensaries and some recent much-needed upgrades throughout the town. Along with replacing the city’s 140-year-old brick streets, the local government also used the nearly $1 million in revenue taxes from recreational marijuana sales to purchase a new fire truck and a handful of eyesore buildings in the downtown area with the intention of transforming them into living spaces and art galleries. Trinidad and Manitou Springs are not the only two local governments in the state of Colorado benefiting from tax revenue from dispensaries. Any city where a dispensary operates in the state will collect a portion of the gross revenue of marijuana sales tax. In fact, the more dispensaries that operate within a city, the larger the chunk of money the local government will receive, which means with approximately 150 legal dispensaries in operation, Denver’s feeling the love. The state’s capital also has a booming cannabis tourism scene. Anyone visiting the city can participate in a variety of marijuana-themed activities including dispensary tours, weed-and-food pairings, puff-and-paint classes and weed-focused

While I would say our system is effective, we’re constantly in a state of evaluation and looking for ways to strengthen our approach and try to address any unattended consequences or abuses that have materialized.”

vacation packages. Guests can even book a room a the Bud and Breakfast—a 420-friendly lodging accommodation in the city that advertises “wake and bake breakfasts,” “munchies + beer and wine all day,” and, you guessed it, a happy hour that kicks off at 4:20 every day with snacks and the “freedom to consume whatever recreational marijuana products you desire.”

BUM SESSION

Even though the industry as a whole is booming, it’s still getting on its feet and far from perfect. Bolton remains hopeful for a thriving cannabis future in the era of Jeff Sessions, but he continues to closely monitor the impact of the attorney general’s memo on the state’s marijuana industry. “A fear that we have is that we put a ton of time and effort into trying to help businesses establish banking relationships, because that has been an obvious challenge for the industry as long as it’s been operable here in Colorado,” Bolton said. “One fear would be that banks would either freeze the number of accounts they’re offering, stop offering accounts or start canceling accounts, which would drive the industry back to a cash business. And I don’t think that’s a desirable outcome from anybody’s prospective.” Although Sessions’ announcement has sparked a buzz throughout Colorado, Bolton says it won’t dissuade state officials from continuing to focus on putting better systems in place to continue to regulate the industry. “Our focus is going to be continuing to demonstrate the strength of our regulatory system, the fact that it’s a model for the rest of the country, and then trying to help businesses maintain compliance,” he said. “This certainly isn’t a time to fall out of compliance with state law.”

M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

nture Adinveevery

Direction

JUNE 9-15, 2018

Colorado’s premier cycling tour

Breckenridge • Edwards • Steamboat Springs • Grand Lake • Winter Park

418 miles

25,935’ total elevation gain HIGHLIGHTS: Fremont Pass, Tennessee Pass, State Bridge, Ute Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass

FUEL FOR EVERY DAY

BEFORE. DURING. AFTER.

For the first time in almost a decade, the 2018 Ride The Rockies (RTR) Tour will take its riders on a mountain loop beginning and ending in Breckenridge.

vip

Breckenridge to Fairplay

over DAiscthe A

via Hoosier Pass and back to Breckenridge via Boreas Pass. Gravel bikes will be provided for Boreas Pass.

gold rush

in Breckenridge on the 9th Annual VIP Prologue Experience

55.6 miles

+/- 4805’ total elevation gain

Limited to the first 50 VIP registrants!

First come. First Served. Register at ridetherockies.com

join a team

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE COLORADO’S COMMUNITIES THROUGH DENVER POST COMMUNIT Y FOUNDATION.

Featured

TProegraamm

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

ORGANIC WAFFLES GLUTEN FREE ORGANIC WAFFLES ENERGY BARS ENERGY CHEWS ENERGY GELS PROTEIN BARS CRACKER N’ NUT BUTTER BARS

H OT S P OT

0 3 .1 8

LUSH LIFE

Add a touch of luxury to your next outdoor outing at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, where you can wrap your climbing, biking and fly fishing adventures in good eats and high-end amenities. by CHRIS KASSAR

f ou want to inject a little class into your outdoor lifestyle, point your van toward Colorado Springs and the Broadmoor. Situated on 5,000 lush acres below Cheyenne Mountain, it both supports a wide range of outdoor activities and makes you feel like a minor celebrity. Plus this year, the Broadmoor will celebrate its centennial with special offers and events. So forgo the Ramen noodles on the tailgate and partake in a little taste of the good life here. PLAY

The Broadmoor provides an excellent basecamp for exploring wild spots in the Front Range. Head out on a solo hike in nearby North Cheyenne Cañon Park (we recommend two-mile Mt. Muscoco and 5.9-mile Kineo Mountain via Seven Bridges) or hire a Broadmoor guide. They offer private instruction and gear for a bevy of family-friendly excursions including your standard horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, fat biking and fly fishing— and—say what?—falconry. Even if guided tours are not your thing you need to hit The Broadmoor’s Soaring Adventure. This unique outing consists of a series of exhilarating zip lines spanning secluded South Cheyenne Canyon. This is no kids' ride, these aerial adventures will get you soaring at speeds oif 40 to 50 miles per hour. Three different courses include routes that wind through the pines, wobbliy rope bridges, and even a controlled 180-foot rappel (a guide will lower you) overlooking the cascade of Seven Falls. PAMPER Committed to health and wellness, the Broadmoor encourages vacation exercising. Hit their state-ofthe-art fitness center, with a year-round outdoor lap pool, indoor spa pool, and whirlpool. Choose from an extensive selection of health and wellness programs, including yoga, cardio, and weight training classes, plus personal training and fitness evaluations for all ages and skill levels. Get your vacation within a vacation at the Broadmoor's spa. Here you will find all the luxury you expect at a high-class resort: steam room, sauna, and/or oxygen room, as well as an array of restorative treatments. Choose from a variety of massages, skin care therapies, and hydrotherapy treatments, luxurious offerings sure to rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit. Afterward, spend some time in the Mountain View Room, a bright, airy spot overlooking the lush golf course and peaks beyond, reflecting, enjoying a chamomile and relishing in the delight of pampering yourself. PARTAKE With 20 distinct dining experiences on the property, you really can’t go wrong filling your stomach. Grab an espresso, croissant, light lunch or homemadeicecream milkshake at Espresso News, a cozy café

in the main lobby. Fo your morning fuel-up, head to Lake Terrace for a Sunday brunch. Splurge at Ristorante del Lago for breakfast (try the brioche French toast!) or later for a romantic Italian dinner— with plates that range from traditional antipasti to homemade gnocchi and pizzas to pork chops. Want to really set your paycheck on fire? The Broadmoor is also the home of Colorado's only Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond restaurant, the Penrose Room, where you can actaully savor contemporary European cuisine at a decent price if you opt for one of the tasting menus. If you want to immerse yourself in the Broadmoor’s history, chill out with memorabilia from the Roaring ’20s and a whiskey or a port at the lively Hotel Bar, which also happens to serve the most delicious popcorn we’ve ever tried. PACKAGES The resort will commemorate a different era in its history during each month in 2018 with special activities and deals. The focus for March is “Rocky Mountain Wellness: Spa and Wellness From The Beginning To Today,” which celebrates the fact that this was one of the earliest spas for both men and women, becoming the model of resort wellness that is still maintained at high-end spas across the world today. Highlights include a Women’s Weekend of Wellness featuring keynote speaker 1968 Olympic figure skating gold medalist Peggy Fleming,

special 100-minute spa HIGH-END ADVENTURE treatments all month long SURE, THE BROADMOOR and juicing classes led by IS A SWANK RESORT AND SPA. BUT YOU CAN Broadmoor chefs. FIND THOSE ANYWHERE. All year, the resort THE REAL DRAW HERE will offer a Broadmoor IS THE ABILITY TO PLAY Centennial Celebration OUTDOORS IN STYLE: TRY SOMETHING YOU MIGHT Package. Get NOT UNDERTAKE ON YOU accommodations, a copy OWN SUCH AS A WINTER of the new pictorial history SPIN ON A FAT BIKE OR A 40 book “The Broadmoor M.P.H. THRILL RIDE ON THE Story,” sparkling wine and EXTREME ZIP LINE COURSE. a candy nut tin during photos courtesy THE BROADMOOR the first night's turndown service; a $60 breakfast credit per night; and suites available at 25-percent off published rates. Rates start at $190 per person for January–April and November–December, 2018; $325 per person for May through October, 2018. PETS The Broadmoor is for luxury, but the owners also know their customers. Pets are not only welcome, they’re also pampered here, too. Upon check-in, you’ll receive a pet-friendly room service menu, suggestions for local walking and sitting services, treats, comfy beds, bowls and a special Broadmoor tag for your furry friend. broadmoor.com

M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

THE TRAIL

0 3 .1 8

GET THE FREE APP

AND FOLLOW THIS ROUTE ON IPHONE, APPLE WATCH, IPAD AND ANDROID DEVICES. VIEWRANGER.COM

GET TRIP INFO

RIDE ARCHES NATIONAL PARK Download the free ViewRanger app and road bike this route for a new way to experience one of Utah’s beloved national parks. by CHRIS KASSAR

ne of Utah’s shining gems, Arches National Park—with its wild expanses and plethora of sandstone arches, towers and fins— draws visitors from around the globe. Plenty of trails lead hikers to icons like the oft-photographed Delicate Arch and a loop through the red-rock wonderland of Devils Garden. But one of the best, yet lesser-known, ways to explore the park is to cycle the 18-mile road that runs through it. Pedaling provides a unique perspective, delivers a big cardio workout and gives you the flexibility to explore whatever trails you want on foot. Note: There’s no dedicated bike lane and the shoulder is narrow in spots so it’s best to start early and avoid weekends and holidays.

1. GETTING STARTED

Park at the main lot and stop in at the Visitor Center learn about the ecology and history of park. Fill your pack bladder and begin pedaling up the imposing hill and its switchbacks. Don’t let this, the steepest part of the entire day, intimidate you. After less than two miles, the road levels and turns slightly downhill as it passes Park Avenue, a narrow wash.

INSTAGRAM THIS BECAUSE ARCHES LIVES UP TO ITS NAME. photo by CHRIS KASSAR

2. LA SAL MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK

Cruise into a pull-off with views of Courthouse Towers, the Petrified Sand Dunes, and the snow-capped La Sals, the second highest mountain range in Utah. Take it all in and then continue onward past a series of towers including the Three Gossips, Tower of Babel and Courthouse Towers.

3. BALANCING ACT

Just after passing the Tower of Babel, begin a long (roughly four miles), steady climb that culminates at the photogenic Balanced Rock. After a short hike around the tower, coast steadily dowhill into the heart of a sage-filled valley.

4. PANORAMA POINT

Halfway down the hill, the road levels out. Pause at Panorama Point overlook, which—as its name suggests—rewards visitors with 360-degree vistas that include Devils Garden, the Fiery Furnace, Delicate Arch and the La Sals.

5. DELICATE ARCH

Nearing the bottom of this fun descent, you’ll pass the turnoff to the park’s most famous arch, featured on Utah license places. We highly recommend returning for this hike around sunset, but set your expectations accurately—hundreds of other selfie-snapping visitors will join you, especially if it’s near full moon.

6. FIERY FURNACE VIEWPOINT

Follow the road as it turns left (northwest) and begins another sustained climb to reach an overlook

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

SEE MORE ROUTE DETAILS, GPS DATA & PRINT MAPS. VIEWRANGER.COM/eleout

of the Fiery Furnace, a jumbled maze of slender sandstone canyons lined with fins. Continue climbing steadily from here as the road continues on a northwestern trajectory passing more photo-worthy sights: Box, Sand Dune, Broken and Skyline Arches.

7. DEVILS GARDEN TRAILHEAD

After 18 miles of rolling through otherworldly scenery that hides over 2,000 natural arches, you’ve reached the road’s terminus. Enjoy a break and refill water at the campground. Meander down the packed trail for just 0.8 miles to reach the remarkable Landscape Arch. Then hop back on your bike and retrace this spectacular and undulating route back to your car. (Insider Tip: Consider returning to the park the following day in your vehicle to explore the entirety of Devils Garden, fins and all, via a 7.2mile hiking loop that rambles over sandstone slabs and ledges, passes Double-O Arch and offers a deep immersion into red-rock country.)

8. WINDOWS TURNOFF

After the steady climb back to this intersection, turn left and follow the rolling road toward the Windows Area, one of the most fun parts of the park. A short walk here gives you the most bang for your buck if you want to explore around some arches.

9. DISCOVER THE WINDOWS

Short, well-defined trails allow you to intimately explore a series of awe-inspiring geologic formations including North and South Windows, Turret Arch and Double Arch Walk. When you’ve taken enough photos for

a lifetime, retrace your route to the car.

10. BACK TO THE START

Rejoice in your accomplishment back at the visitors’ center and head into Moab to celebrate at McStiff’s.

TRAIL GEAR

Julbo Aerolite

These performance sunglasses prove ideal for any high-output activity, from running to riding to cross-country skiing. The lightweight frame and rimless lenses deliver a weightless fit and lots of ventilation. Available in a range of lens options, including photochromic, which change with the light. $130-$190; julbo.com

Untapped Maple Syrup Products

Maple syrup nourishes and hydrates during long days in the saddle. Add an Untapped waffle and newly released Mapleaid drink mixes (available in Ginger and Lemon Tea) to your pack and you’ll stay energized for miles. $2 packets, $2.25 waffles; untapped.cc

GET OUTSIDE GET IT AT NEPTUNE

From the Flatirons to Fitzroy, canyons to crags, snow to sunshine, Neptune has everything you need to get outside.

Your Locally Owned Mountain Shop... Since 1973! In Boulder in the Table Mesa Shopping Center | Phone: 303.499.8866 | NeptuneMountaineering.com

OM .C D N LA E OV IL SK

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

XIUHTEZCATL MARTINEZ

CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS

TWIN LAKES VOLUNTEERS

COLORADO PUBLIC LANDS DAY

PATAGONIA'S RETAIL ENVIRONMENT GRANTS PROGRAM

THE CONSERVATION ALLIANCE GRANT

COLORADO'S LOTTERY PROCEEDS

0 3 .1 8

GARDEN OF THE GODS FRAME

N U M E R O LO GY

120

1,7903

2,000

10,000

557,000

3 billion

IT STARTS AT HOME

While we (rightly) focus on the big battles over the fate of public lands and clean air and water that lay in the hands of Congress and the courts, local conservationists are engaged in tough, meaning ful work in the fight to protect land and precious resources in their hometowns and backyards. Let’s give them a hand and add up the numbers when it comes to what close-to-home campaigns can achieve. by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

1 ,703

Members of the Twin Lakes Action Group (TLAG, tlag.org) working to protect 20 acres of grassland and wetland habitat in Gunbarrel in Boulder County, Colorado. The land was supposed to be set aside for wildlife habitat and a school, but, despite ongoing efforts, the county plans to develop the area, which harbors eight Wildlife Species of Special Concern. Seventy-three people spoke to protect the green space at an August 30, 2016, Twin Lakes hearing and even offered to straight-up buy the land—to no avail. County courts dismissed a lawsuit to stop the development but TLAG is in the midst of an appeal (mailchi.mp/dmrgroupllc/county-lawsuit-appeal).

Height in feet of the massive blue frame that suddenly appeared in Colorado Springs’ Garden of the Gods park (gardenofgods.com) last December. The frame was meant to call out the Springs as “Olympic City USA” and offer the chance for Instagram-worthy snapshots. Local residents and fans of the park saw it as a blight and insult to the natural beauty of the place, however. Spearheaded by UpaDowna’s Randi Hitchcock, they encouraged the city to remove it and find a better location. UpaDowna’s Facebook campaign reached over 84,000 people with 16,000 clicks/actions, made national news on NPR and saw a 97 percent disapproval rate against the frame.

120

Number of corporate volunteers who donated 363 hours of time to plant, mulch and water 300 native trees and shrubs to improve species habitat at a public park along the Cache La Poudre River in Fort Collins in partnership with River Network (rivernetwork.org), a Boulder-based non profit that empowers local, grassroots water conservation efforts and organizations across North America. The organization also supported six water-conservation workshops in Colorado in 2017, which distributed 145 rain barrels capable of capturing 188,000 gallons of free rainwater per year. Three hundred people attended these Colorado workshops, which upcycled approximately 2,800 pounds of plastic.

$1 0,0 0 0

Grant that Hygiene, Colorado-based Save Our

St. Vrain Valley (SOSVV, sosvv.wordpress.com) won as part of Patagonia’s Retail Environmental Grants program. The advocacy-focused outdoor manufacturer’s program aims to help fund community-driven grassroots environmental organizations in their fights against well funded developers and extractive industries. SOSVV is currently in a battle to stop mining company Martin Marietta Materials plan to de-facto rezone more than 600 acres of agricultural land and wildlife habitat in the St. Vrain Valley.

$57 7,0 0 0

Amount of grant money The Conservation Alliance (conservationalliance.org) has awarded to grassroots environmental organizations in the Rockies since 2016. Spread out over 15 grants, that cash has benefited 13 organizations and helped halt and/or regulate energy development and mining, buoyed national monument campaigns, acquired public lands and fought to protect Wilderness, wildlands and public lands from various threats. Elevation Outdoors and sister pub Blue Ridge Outdoors are proud Conservation Alliance members. EO editor Doug Schnitzspahn is a Conservation Alliance ambassador, so please contact him if you want to learn more, apply for a grant or join.

Colorado lawmakers approve Senate Bill 66 this legislative session, which is set to adjourn in May. The Outdoor Industry Association is encouraging Colorodans to send a message to their legislators via an online form (https://outdoorindustry.org/alerts/telllegislator-support-great-outdoors-colorado/) to keep the funding (and lottery) in place.

2 ,0 0 0

The number of people who celebrated the first-ever Colorado Public Lands Day (copubliclandsday.com) in 2017. They rejoiced in and dedicated themselves to the protection and preservation of public lands across the state at 137 events. The second coming of the rallying day will take place on May 19, 2018, and include everything from scavenger hunts to trail work to clean-up projects to—hey, this is Colorado after all—craft beer happy hours.

$3 B illion

Proceeds from Colorado’s Lottery that have gone to fund Conservation Trust Fund, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) projects since 1983 in all 64 Colorado counties. The lottery is set to expire unless

GET IT DONE FORT COLLINS VOLUNTEERS PLANT TREES ALONG THE CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER. photo courtesy RIVER NETWORK

The age of indigenous activist and hip hop artist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, the youth director and driving force behind Coloradobased Earth Guardians (earthguardians.org), a collective of young people advocating for conservation and smart environmental thinking across the globe. Martinez has been speaking out for the environment since the age of six and his book We Rise tells his story and vision for how young, diverse people can protect the planet. He is currently one of 21 plaintiffs suing Donald Trump in the Juliana v. US case for failing to halt climate change.

M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

PRESENTS

Buena Vista ADVENTURE GIVEAWAY

MORE DETAILS AND ENTRY FORMS AT ELEVATIONOUTDOORS.COM

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

S T R A I G H T TA L K

0 3 .1 8

DON BUSHEY

The founder of Denver’s Wilderness Exchange does more than run a store that caters to core outdoor sports, he is building an eduring community. by CHRIS VAN LEUVEN

ifty-year-old Don Bushey can’t sit still. His hands zigzag back and forth across his desk as he talks about his love for climbing and skiing. “There are few places in world where you can live in a metropolitan city, and have such good access to climbing and the mountains,” he says about Denver. Despite his busy schedule as shop owner of the Wilderness Exchange (wildernessx. com), he still gets outside two to three days a week, takes annual trips to the Sierra Nevada, and has glommed onto a new passion: surfing. The week we talk to him he’s planning on climbing in Eldorado Canyon on Saturday and skiing in the Indian Peaks on Sunday. Other times, he works in massive pushes, logging 60 to 80 hours a week when he’s focusing on business development. Over the past 18 years, he’s grown his popular Denver shop from a small consignment business to two brick-and-mortar locations and a dynamic online store. He describes it as a shop for frugal outdoor enthusiasts, which runs the gamut from hardcore athletes to tenative newbies who may not want to spend too heavily on gear. Bushey talked to us about what it took to turn his dream of building an outdoor retail shop into a reality, how others can follow in his footsteps and what happens when you transform your business into a vibrant community.

I spent the first year living in the building and for a period of time I lived in the closet—it was heaven. I knew I made it when, after a year, I was able to afford an apartment in Boulder.

Why did you open the Wilderness Exchange? I worked for REI from 1990 to 1991. That was my first retail job. Then I worked at the Wilderness Exchange in Berkeley from 1994 to 1998. I opened the shop here in 2000 because Denver had nothing like it and I knew the model would work well here. I wanted to combine my love for mountain sports with my budding career. I spent the first year living in the building and for a period of time I lived in the closet—it was heaven. I knew I made it when, after a year, I was able to afford an apartment in Boulder. What was your vision for the store? When I moved here, I had minimal savings, a stack of credit cards and a closet full of used gear. I came to Denver because I heard REI was opening its flagship store just down the street from where my shop is now. I envisioned that the future of the Platte and 15th neighborhood could be similar to what I knew back in Berkeley: It could grow into a vibrant community of symbiotic outdoor businesses. Any times of doubt? The entire first year [big laugh]. At the time, I had only two other employees who helped me to get the shop ready for business, and the neighbors watched us prepare morning, noon and night. When we finally put out the open sign for the first time they applauded us. I started crying. It was intense. We’d

photo by ETHAN WELTY

worked all night and I was sleep deprived, so maybe that state contributed to my tears. What exactly is the Wilderness Exchange? We combine the best of three different business models: We offer a full-line backcountry ski and climbing shop, we’re a consignment shop and we’re a factory outlet. We carry core outdoor goods that might be discontinued or cosmetically blemished that we can sell at a discount. But all the gear is of the highest quality. We’re always evolving. And you can’t replicate our in-store experience. However, we also have an online store that makes up about 35 percent of our sales. Our staff is made up of skiers, climbers and other outdoor junkies. It always has been and always will be. Our motto has always been “making getting into the outdoors more accessible and more affordable for the first time adventurer as well as the hard-core gearhead.” What are the challenges of running the business? It’s a continual work in progress. You have to be willing to keep changing and adapting. How do you work with the local community? We partner with Friends of Berthoud Pass, a volunteer based group that is focused on avalanche education and advocacy. They host a handful of multi-hour avy classes that are free to the public. We

get a full house at each clinic. We also work with the Boulder Climbing Community, which does trail work and re-bolting, and the Access Fund, a climbing advocacy group. And we work with [Nederlandbased] Teens Inc., which takes disadvantaged kids into the outdoors. How can Colorado influence the national conversation on public lands and conservation? The Colorado tourism industry has already set our state on a course of stewardship of public lands. Look at the ski industry. For decades, we have already confronted the balance of development versus preservation in how we have handled ski resort development and expansion. It's not perfect, but I think we have done an amazing job at this, because stakeholders on both sides of the issue have been able to have a real voice and an impact on policy. The outdoors is a way of life for Coloradans and we will protect what we love most. What’s your long term plan? I started with two people. Now we have 18 employees. We work with an Internet marketing firm, graphic designers and outside consulting groups. I’ve had to learn how to tie together a solid organization. I’d like to ultimately open another store in another marketplace. I certainly want to climb and ski and surf the rest of my life. M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

READER POLL

0 3 .1 8

BEST OF THE ROCKIES 2018 ROCKIES Every year we ask our readers to nominate their choices for the very best businesses, people, destinations and events in the Rocky Mountain region. Then they vote for the winners. The result is a listing of the OUTDOOR NON PROFIT personalities and AMERICAN ALPINE CLUB Boasting 20,000 members, the places that make American Alpine Club advocates for the outdoors the mountains,mountain communities, alpinism and high mountain pump. Read on to environments. Runners Up: Protect find out who took Our Winters, River Network top honors and OUTDOOR-FOCUSED COMPANY plan to advocate TO WORK FOR AMERICAN ALPINE CLUB for your heroes The Golden-based winner in the above and go-to spots category is also the ideal place to score employment. Runners Up: Verde Brand next year. 2018

by HARPER BROWN AND STAFF

Communications, AVA Rafting and Zipline, CO Wilderness Rides and Guides

BUSINESSES

OUTDOOR-RELATED JOB WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER

OUTDOOR GEAR BRAND BIG AGNES

Steamboat’s Big Agnes has grown into one of the most influential national brands in the outdoor industry, crafting warm, light sleeping bags, tents and apparel, and employing 80 locals who live to get out in the surrounding mountains. Runners Up: Pearl Izumi, Dynafit North America

OUTDOOR START UP FERAL MOUNTAIN CO.

Located in the heart of Denver, hip retail shop Feral does far more than sell outdoor gear, offering expert products and planning for outdoor endeavors. Feral will open a second location in Idaho Springs. Runners Up: My Trail CO, Western Slope SUP

In a year that saw wildfires devastate California and a decade with massive blazes engulfing the West, EO readers praised the pulaski swingers who risk their lives to battle blazes. Runners Up: Arborist, Product Tester

BEST TERRAIN CRESTED BUTTE'S TEOCALLI BOWLS ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO GET GRIPPED. photo courtesy CMBR

adventures at Bentgate. The brick-andmortar shop beats online shopping thanks to its educated staff and community-building efforts, via hosting backcountry clinics and more.. Runners Up: Wilderness Exchange, The Trailhead

RUNNING RETAIL SHOP RUNNER’S ROOST

Colorado-owned and -operated since 1977, Runner’s Roost proves that savvy staff who understand feet and trails will put you in the right shoes. Runners Up: Shoes and Brews, Twisted Trails

BIKE RETAIL SHOP REPUBLIC CYCLES

HIKING GUIDES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE RANGERS

Boulder’s Republic Cycles boasts a recycle-friendly Trade-UP program that allows customers to turn in an old

CLIMBING GYM EARTH TREKS

Gear up for backcountry skiing, climbing, mountaineering and backpacking

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

CLIMBING GUIDE COMPANY COLORADO MOUNTAIN SCHOOL

Colorado Mountain School employs more AMGA-certified guides than any other guide service in the state and can do anything from top-rope excursions to training you for the Himalaya. Runners Up: Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides

Accomplished alpinist and Earth Treks founder Chris Warner opens gyms in abandoned big box stores across the nation. This year, Earth Treks will open the largest climbing gym in the world in the former Sports Authority headquarters in Englewood, Colorado. Runners Up: Movement, Evo Rock + Fitness

OUTDOOR RETAIL SHOP BENTGATE MOUNTAINEERING

bike for store credit toward a new ride. The shop also prides itself on quick turn-around on repairs. Runners Up: Tin Shed Sports, Absolute BIkes

BEST CLIMBING GUIDES YOU CHOSE COLORADO MOUNTAIN SCHOOLTO HELP YOU GET A GRIP OUT THERE. photo courtesy CMS

Want real insight into the outdoors? Get out in a national park on a tour with NPS rangers who know the ins and outs of the

place, from deep geology to landscape ecology to the narratives of the original inhabitants. Runners Up: Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides, Aspen Alpine Guides

WHITEWATER GUIDE SERVICE AVA RAFTING AND ZIPLINE

AVA runs rafting adventures on eight rivers—from hour-long runs down Clear Creek to three-day floats down the Colorado. Runners Up: Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides

BIKE GUIDE SERVICE BEER AND BIKE TOURS

Beer and bikes? What could go wrong? Hire a guide and support services from Fort Collins’ Beer and Bike Tours and ride anywhere from Colorado to Japan. Runners Up: Absolute Bikes Adventures, Front Range Ride Guides

YOGA STUDIO YOGA POD

With 13 studios in Colorado, including new Longmont and Westminster locations, Yoga Pod spreads enlightenment by rewarding popular teachers and encouraging everyday yogis to deepen their practice. Runners Up: Core Power, Jala Blue

Sitting at the base of Jackson Hole, The Mangy Moose draws crowds ranging from van lifers hoping to make it in a ski flick to investment bankers wanting to be van lifers. Runners Up: Dillon Dam Brewery, The Jailhouse Craft Beer Bar

COFFEE SHOP SALTO COFFEE WORKS

Housed in the same building as Nederland’s Tin Shed Sports, Salto draws skiers, snowboarders, bikers, hikers and inspired slackers who need a jolt—or a cold one. Runners Up: Ozo Coffee, Buena Vista Roastery

DISPENSARY THE FARM

The Farm cultivates 100 percent of its signature Craft Cannabis in Colorado’s Boulder County, using zero pesticides. Runners Up: Organic Alternatives, Native Roots

PEOPLE

Winning for the second year in a row, Durango’s Ska has more than fine craft brews: live music, trivia nights, weekly BBQ and tours of the wind-powered facility. Runners Up: Upslope, Melvin

Marketing manager at core retail shop The Trailhead, Susan Wood worked as a whitewater rafting, backpacking and rock climbing guide prior to becoming Buena Vista, Colorado’s biggest advocate, curating town-wide events and festivals including the multi-sport 14erFest. Runners Up: P.T. Wood, Eric Henderson, Kassondra Kloos and Abigail Wise

DISTILLERY WOODS HIGH MOUNTAIN

INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT @LOKI_THE_WOLFDOG

BREWERY SKA

Brothers, P.T. (the current mayor of Salida) and Lee Wood dreamed up the concept of Woods High Mountain (woodsdistillery.com) on a Grand Canyon Trip. Now, they reign at the top of the small scale distilling hierarchy with an impressive range of local whiskeys, gins and liqueurs. Runners Up: Breckenridge Distillery, Deerhammer, Wyoming Whiskey

WINERY COLTERRIS

The name Colterris means “from the Colorado land,” so it’s no surprise that all the vinter’s Colorado grapes grow on its Western Slope estate. Runners Up: Infinite Monkey Theorem, Vino Salida

CIDERY BIG B’S

Nobody serves apple-derived alcoholic goodness like Hotchkiss, Colorado’s Big B’s, who produce and sell allorganic and local apple juices and hard cider from organic Western Slope fruit. Runners Up: Colorado Cider Company, Stem Ciders

RESTAURANT HOT TOMATO

Owned and lovingly operated by bike industry vets Jen Zeuner and Anne Keller, Fruita, Colorado’s Hot Tomato is the perfect place for pizza and beer after a big ride in the desert. Runners Up: Zia Taqueria, The Shed

APRES STOP MANGY MOOSE

THE MOUNTAIN VOICE

MOUNTAIN TOWN INFLUENCER SUSAN WOOD

Loki's person started this account four years ago after a hike in Wyoming. “My friends had given me a hard time about not having a page for Loki's pictures” he says, “because I was posting so many shots of him on my Instagram.” Runners Up: @jercollins_ com, @katieboue

PHOTOGRAPHER CLAUDIA CAMILA LOPEZ

“I am originally from Colombia and very proud of my roots. But I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge,” says Lopez. “Photography has been the catalyst to fulfill that thirst, taking me to remote corners of the world to photograph displaced cultures, women in conflict zones, communities and mountaineers at high altitude. In the process, I have helped raise awareness on local and global issues, the most relevant aspect of my work.” Runners Up: Eddie Clark, Devon Balet

OUTDOOR LEGEND LYNN HILL

Who doesn’t know the first person to free climb The Nose on El Capitan, and who conquered it in less than 24 hours the following year. If you don’t know Lynn, read her book Climbing Free: My Life in the Vertical World. Runners Up: Jimmy Chin, Conrad Anker, Klaus Obermeyer

YOU VOTED SUSAN WOOD THE BEST MOUNTAIN TOWN INFLUENCER. photo courtesy SUSAN WOOD

ALL-AROUND MOUNTAIN ATHLETE AVERY COLLINS It’s not just because Avery Collins won the Continental Divide 50K Ultramarathon, Grindstone 100 Ultra, Hahn’s Peak HIll Climb, Quest for the Crest 50K and Georgia Death Race last year that EO readers voted him number one. He’s also an outspoken proponent for the smart use of cannabis as a training aid. Runners Up: Todd Wells, Clare Gallagher

WINTER MOUNTAIN ATHLETE MIKALEA SHIFFRIN

Vail wonderchild Mikalea Shiffrin was the youngest slalom champion in ski alpine history at 18 years old. At 22, she took gold in slalom at the 2014 Olympic games in Sochi. In 2018, she won gold in giant slalom at PeyongChang. Runners Up: Pete Swenson, Caroline Gleich

LOCAL’S LOCAL JOSH HARROD

The manager of Nederland’s Tin Shed Sports says: “We play where we work, so we can provide some pretty highlevel local knowledge. We tend not to stock the latest and greatest just for the sake of it...we carry what we have found works well in our backyard.” Runners Up: Joshua Baruch, Jen Zeuner

OUTDOOR CURMUDGEON LOU DAWSON

The founder of WildSnow.com may not be as cranky as some of those he beat out here, and he’s not getting rich recommending the best in backcountry and touring ski gear, but you go to his site knowing you’ll get the unfiltered truth. Runners Up: Clyde Soles, John “Verm” Sherman

DESTINATIONS HIKING TRAIL MAROON BELLS FOUR PASS LOOP

This classic 26.6-mile loop showcases four distinct mountain passes, each above 12,000 feet and revealing a fresh view of the expansive and rugged Elk Range. Runners Up: Flattop Loop, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO; Lower Calf Creek Falls, Boulder, UT

TRAIL RUN IMOGENE PASS

You can compete in the 17.1-mile Imogene Pass Run, which tops out at 13,114 feet between Ouray to Telluride on the first Saturday after the Labor Day holiday—or run the rocky gut buster at your leisure. Runner Up: Mount Sanitas, Boulder, CO

RIVER TRIP BROWNS CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT

Created by President Obama in February 2015, Colorado’s newest national monument encompasses over 21,500 acres of river, canyons and forest. The best way to experience it? Get wet and run the Arkansas River through raucous class II-III+ rapids. Runners Up: Ruby Horsethief, CO/UT; Gates of Lodore, Dinosaur National Monument, CO/UT

CLIMBING AREA ELDORADO CANYON

Sweet sandstone draws climbers here from across the planet. The state park appeals to a wide range of climbers with easier classics like Calypso (5.6) or The Yellow Spur (5.9), but there’s plenty of challenge here, too, with testpieces like The Naked Edge (5.11b). Runners Up: Vedauwoo, WY, Penitente Canyon, CO

M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

MOUNTAIN SUMMIT MOUNT PRINCETON

Gracefully lording over Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, 14,197-foot Mount Princeton, is one of our most popular Fourteeners. The main trailhead begins at 8,900 feet and the stiff but accessible hike to the top is 13.25 miles round-trip. Runners Up: Longs Peak, CO; Grand Teton, WY; Granite Peak, MT

CAMPGROUND NORTH FRUITA DESERT CAMPGROUND (18 ROAD)

Smack in the middle of one of the best singletrack systems in the country, this campground draws riders who want to spin tall tales around the campfire. Runners Up: Saddlehorn, Colorado National Monument, CO; Sibley Lake, Bighorn Mountains, WY

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL HORSETHIEF BENCH LOOP

It’s tough to beat the technical eight-mile Horsethief Bench Loop, part of Fruita’s Marys Loop system, which features ledges, drops and slickrock along cliffs overlooking the Colorado River. Runner Up: 401, Crested Butte, CO

ROAD BIKE RIDE COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT

BEST ROAD RIDE THERE'S NO MORE SCENIC SPIN THAN COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT. photo by DEVON BALET

Ned Ned * Race

to Benefit TEENS, Inc. 5k / 10k / Half Marathon

Saturday, September 8 A 30+ Year Race in the cool mountain air West of Boulder in Nederland, Colorado REGISTER EARLY for DISCOUNT

www.nednedrun.com

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

Climb 1,800 feet on this 33-mile loop with constant oh-my-God beautiful views of Colorado National Monument. Runner Up: Independence Pass, Aspen, CO

URBAN PARK VALMONT BIKE PARK

Boulder’s sprawling 42-acre, outdoor cycling terrain park includes trails, ramps, stairs, loops and jumps for riders of all ages and cycling skills. The park is free and open whenever weather permits. Runner Up: Riverside Park, Salida, CO

WATER PARK SOUTH MAIN WHITEWATER PARK

With freestyle features in view of town, Buena Vista Colorado’s adventureoriented urban whitewater park on the Arkansas River anchors a town dedicated to outdoor recreation. Runners Up: Green River Water Park, WY; Clear Creek Whitewater Park, CO

SKI/SNOWBOARD RESORT MONARCH MOUNTAIN

You won’t find high-end real estate or resort spas on the slopes of Monarch Mountain, located 20 miles west of Salida. “The biggest little mountain in Colorado” focuses on skiing and riding, highlighted by the in-bounds hike-to terrain of Mirkwood Bowl. Runners Up: Jackson Hole, WY; Crested Butte, CO

INBOUNDS SKI/SNOWBOARD TERRAIN TEOCALLI BOWLS, CRESTED BUTTE

Crested Butte Mountain Resort prides itself on its extreme terrain and comps. Tucked away from the gapers on the back side of the mountain, the Teocalli Bowls are where aspiring and grizzled

skiers and riders test their skills on drops, chutes and steep shots. Plus, you look out on big-wide views of wilderness. Runners Up: Palmyra Peak, Telluride Mountain Resort, CO; Lone Mountain North Summit Snowfield, Big Sky Resort, MT

TERRAIN PARK AREA 51, KEYSTONE MOUNTAIN

The A51 progressive park at Colorado’s Keystone has already earned numerous awards, including a rating of #2 Terrain Park by TransWorld. Props go to its diverse jumps and rail features loved by newbies and pros alike. Runner Up: Breckenridge Resort, CO

RESORT-ACCESSED BACKCOUNTRY SKI/SNOWBOARD TERRAIN SILVERTON MOUNTAIN

At 13,487 feet, Silverton is North America’s highest ski/snowboard area and the only one just for experts. Unpatrolled and ungroomed, it’s a backcountry experience with lifts. Runner Up: Jackson Hole, WY

SUP SPOT BUENA VISTA RIVER PARK

Two-time award-winner, Buena Vista River Park offers SUP-friendly tame and challenging rapids with five instream recreational features—all open to the public. Runner Up: Sibley Lake, Bighorn Mountains, WY

FLY FISHING RIVER ROARING FORK/FRYING PAN

Aspen’s two famed fly fishing rivers deliver when it comes to hooking rainbows and browns. Wade them or float them, but be sure to bring mysis patterns and hit the famed Toilet Bowl section right at the dam tailwaters on the Frying Pan. Runner Up: Arkansas River, CO, Madison River, MT

WILDERNESS AREA COLLEGIATE PEAKS

Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks Wilderness covers 167,141 acres of high mountains and deep forests between Leadville and Monarch Pass with five fourteeners capping it off. The Continental Divide Trail and the Colorado Trail cross the wilderness and it’s the site of the brutal Nolan’s 14 challenge. Runners Up: Mt. Zirkel, CO; Bridger-Teton, WY

KID-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR DESTINATION STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO

Parents take heed: Steamboat offers family friendly hiking, biking, tubing, fishing, paddling, hot springs and water parks all summer long. Runner Up: Sheridan, WY

DOG-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR DESTINATION SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH YMCA OF THE ROCKIES

Snow Mountain Ranch understands the importance of bringing the whole family—including pups—on vacay..

CANINE KUDOS SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH FETCHED BEST DOG FRIENDLY DESTINATION. photo by SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH

Dogs (up to two per family) are welcome here. The adventure destination opened a three-acre, fenced-in dog park in 2016 with playtime, treats, and more. Runners Up: Crested Butte, CO; Sheridan, WY

PLACE FOR OUTDOOR SINGLES TO LIVE DENVER

With so much sunshine, plenty of bike lanes, active young professionals, and the mountains just a short drive away, you can see why singles gravitate to the Queen City of the Plains. Runners Up: Fort Collins, CO; Sheridan, WY

ADVENTURE PARK AVA ZIPLINE

AVA Cliffside Zipline in Idaho Springs

offers the thrilling adventure of gliding through the air close to the Front Range. Making it an ideal day trip. Runner Up: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, CO

EVENTS RUNNING RACE LEADVILLE 100

The annual “Race across the sky” has been held every year since 1983. This year, runners will race 100 miles of extreme Colorado Rockies terrain — from elevations of 9,200 to 12,600 feet. Compete on behalf of one of the race’s official charities and get guaranteed entry into the race. August 18, 2018. Runner Up: Ned Ned, Nederland, CO

COLORADO MOUNTAIN SCHOOL ignite your passion

Join a Skills Course

Hire a Private Guide

“I only do things I can stand behind. In sports and also in my job. That‘s exactly why I like Deuter. 2018

bit.ly/CMSrock

ock est R ! B D E de VOT g Gui n i b Clim

With passion, experience, and expertise—you just feel it in their products. ” DANIEL BÜRKLE, WITH THE FUTURA PRO 36

M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

ROAD BIKE RACE OLD MAN WINTER RALLY

Brace against the winter cold and run and/or ride Colorado’s best mixed terrain. Riders can choose 50K or 100K of adventurous Boulder County trails; runners can participate in the 5.4-mile run course, a fast, flat “Best of Lyons” race that integrates singletrack trails, the beauty of red rock canyon, and gravel paths. February, 2019 date TBD. oldmanwinterrally.com Runners Up: Triple Bypass, Evergreen to Avon, CO; Ride the Rockies, CO

MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE COLORADO HIGH SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Forget football, track and glee club, teenagers in Colorado get out and hit the singletrack. Held in bike friendly Eagle, this event determines the best of this dedicated bunch with over 1,000 participants taking on the course. Runners Up: Breck Epic, Breckenridge, CO; Betti Bike Bash, Lakewood, CO

PADDLING EVENT THE GOLDEN GAMES

For eight years this celebration of water and paddling ethos has rocked a town better known for beer. The water park takes center stage with fan friendly kayak and SUP comps. Saturday, October 6, 2018. May 18-20, 2018. Runners Up: Lyons Outdoor Games, Lyons, CO; FiBARK, Salida, CO

CLIMBING EVENT OURAY ICE FESTIVAL

Founded by the legendary Jeff Lowe, this celebration of picks and front points has set the standard for how a town can embrace an outdoor sport community. Don’t be scared off: You can watch the best of the best but also have a chance to give ice climbing a try if you have never dared to scale frozen water. January TBD, 2019. Runners Up: Shelf Road Craggin’ Classic, Canon City, CO

TRIATHLON IRONMAN BOULDER

Boulder, Colorado prides itself on tight pants and people who can hammer you while Snapchatting and selling green tech stocks. Show them up at this the true test of who is the best at exercise. June 10, 2018. Runners Up: Sibley Lake Triathlon, Bighorn Mountains, WY

WARRIOR MUD RACE DIRTY GIRL MUD RUN

Copper Mountain Colorado hosts this fun event meant to get you dirty. And that’s about it. This untimed slosh through the muck is not a race as much as a it’s a celebration of the power of women. It’s also a whole lot of fun. Join in! TBD, June, 2018. Runners Up: Never Summer Adventure Race, Winter Park, CO

TOUGHEST RACE TOUR DIVIDE

Stretching 2,745 miles from Alberta, Canada, to New Mexico, this race is

the ultimate test of the endurance mountain biker. And it’s not just that the race traces the backbone of the U.S. that makes it so tough: It’s also just one stage, totally unsupported. Starts June 14, 2018. tourdivide.org Runners Up: Hardrock 100, CO; Leadville 100, CO; Vapor Trail 125, CO

LAT

46.7906° N

LONG

121.7173° W

MUSIC FESTIVAL TELLURIDE BLUES AND BREWS

Telluride’s other big music event is making a big name for itself. Credit that popularity to the crisp vibes of fall, cool craft beer and a lineup that has included giants like Bonnie Raitt, ZZ Top, Taj Mahal, Peter Frampton and the Violent Femmes alongside upand-comers and chill late night shows. September 14-16, 2018. tellurideblues. com Runner Up: Targhee Fest, Grand Targhee Resort, WY

MULTISPORT FESTIVAL BURNING CAN AT LYONS OUTDOOR GAMES In 2013, Lyons, Colorado lay devastated after a 100-year flood. These days it has grown into the epicenter of the summer’s biggest can't-miss celebration of outdoor sports and adventure, beer, unbridaled enthusiasm and music. June 2, 2018. Runner Up: GoPro Mountain Games, Vail, CO

BEER FESTIVAL TACO FEST, SANITAS BREWING COMPANY

One word: tacos. Another word: beer. Who could say no to that? This wild happening features 20 different beers, 20 different tacos and men in tight pants and masks (a.k.a. lucha libre wrestlers). Runners Up: Upslope Get Down, Boulder, CO; Telluride Blues and Brews, Telluride, CO

ROWDIEST OUTDOOR EVENT BURNING CAN AT LYONS OUTDOOR GAMES

You didn’t think that Lyons outdoor sport and suds hoedown was going to be satisfied winning just one award in this reader poll did you? That’s right. It’s also the best place to get nuts (along with your beer) this summer. June 2, 2018. Runners Up: Telluride Brews and Blues, Telluride, CO; Tour de Fat, Fort Collins, CO

Our O FIT Insole™ adds the unmatched fit, feel and performance for wherever the trail may lead. ObozFootwear.com

COSTUMED EVENT MUSTACHE RIDE

Winning for the second year in a row, Steamboat Springs’s costumed pub crawl occurs every October and brings together a wide range of amped-up folks wearing all sorts of mustaches and costumes. This year will celebrate the 12th Annual Mustache Ride. All the proceeds benefit the local Routt County Humane Society. Saturday, October 6th, 2018. Runner Up: Tour de Fat, Fort Collins, CO Think you missed out or that we whiffed on a winner? Remember this is a reader poll. You nominate. You vote. See you next year. M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

DREAM BIG

0 3 .1 8

BRAVE NEW OUTDOORS The Rockies leads the country when it comes to embracing the $887 billion dollar outdoor recreation economy, but the region is also reimagining exactly what “outdoors” means. These five big new ideas are changing everything. by KASSONDRA CLOOS 1 | COLORADO SPRINGS ISN’T THE NEXT BIG THING. IT’S THE BIG THING NOW. Toss your “Keep Colorado Springs Lame” bumper stickers. The state’s second-largest city is now a hotspot for millennial growth, according to the Brookings Institution, and, it’s easy to understand why. With the rise of freelancers who can work from anywhere and contract workers whose primary income comes from the sharing economy, young adults have more choices than ever about where they choose to live. That's good news for the Springs while once-hip towns such as Boulder price younger people out. Where millennials go, trendy new eateries and spots to grab a brew or a breve latte follow. In the past couple of years, the Springs has welcomed new coffee shops like Loyal Coffee (loyalcoffe.co), breweries, restaurants like Sherpa Garden (sherpagarden.com) and night spots like speakeasy Brooklyn’s on Boulder (brooklynsonboulder.com). Brooklyn’s storefront poses as a haberdashery (complete with a list of tailoring services on its website) but actually serves early 19thcentury cocktails—if you know when and where to knock to get in.

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

Outdoorsy, community-oriented twentysomethings passionate for meaningful jobs are finding potential in the Springs, says Beka Adair, assistant director of QUAD (quadcos.org), which works to place young adults in employment they care about after college. They’re also finding cheap rent. In the Springs, homes under half a million are the norm, not the exception. The median Springs home price is $263,700, according to Zillow, compared to $366,500 in Fort Collins, $393,900 in Denver, and $691,700 in Boulder. “This is a place, in Colorado, in breathtaking mountains, where you can still afford to have a life,” says Adair. “You can go from work to a hike to a brewery and experience that important diversity of living that you can’t get if you have to work two or three jobs to make rent.” It’s no accident that this is all happening, says Dirk Draper, president and CEO of the city’s Chamber and EDC. The city is well aware of its reputation, and has actively worked to “dispel those myths,” he says. “Those old stereotypes don’t fit the Springs anymore.” 2 | INCLUSIVE HISTORY White men in power have been the ones telling their version of the vast majority of history, even though they’re far from the only people to influence it. The Museum of Boulder is working to change that. This spring, after the museum reopens on Broadway and Pine, four times bigger than before, it will launch a campaign to engage the community in researching its lesser-known influencers and adding them to Wikipedia, the world’s largest encyclopedia. Roughly 84 to 92 percent of Wikipedia’s volunteer editors are men, according to a 2011 Wikimedia Foundation study. Women and people of color are underrepresented in entries on the site, too. Wikipedia is the main online resource for local history, and so it’s vital that women and people of color from Boulder’s earlier days are visible, says

FACE THE FUTURE COLORADO SPRINGS IS BECOMING THE NEW FACE OF THE OUTDOORS. photo courtesy UPADOWNA

Megan Moriarty, director of community engagement for the Museum. She’s heading up a series of edit-athons to train the community to take control of their own heritage in this way. Lili Elliott, a history and religious studies major at CU Boulder and a intern at the museum, is working on a long list of people from Boulder’s past who haven’t been adequately recognized on Wikipedia. (Full disclosure: The author is also involved with this project.) Take Penfield Tate, II, for example, who fought against sexual orientation discrimination in the ‘70s as Boulder’s first and only black mayor. He’s not on Wikipedia. Neither is Emma Gomez Martinez, who advocated for low-income families and helped establish Canyon Boulevard Park. Clela Rorex, who handed out same-sex marriage licenses in Boulder County in 1975, gets barely a one-line mention on the page for “1975 in LGBT Rights (wikipedia.org/ wiki/1975_in_LGBT_rights).” “My goal is that editing and adding content to Wikipedia will help newer residents connect to our shared local history,” Moriarty says. “And I hope this project will serve as a template that other towns and cities can follow to diversify their online canon while building community.” Check the Museum’s Facebook page (facebook. com/BoulderHistoryMuseum/) for information on upcoming events. 3 | THE PERFECT COLORADO As Amazon figures out where to put its HQ2, Coloradans have been weighing the potential pros and cons. On the one hand, if it comes here, that could mean $5 billion and 50,000 jobs. But on the other hand, isn’t Colorado crowded enough as it is? If you look at the numbers, you’ll see a resounding “no.” We’re on the edge of the bottom quarter when it comes to least densely populated states. The 2017 Census estimates just 54 people per square mile here, compared to over 1,000 in New Jersey, the densest. But we do have a lot of room for improvement to

EMBRACE THE CHANGE WE HAVE NEW GEAR SHOPS (TOP), BIG VOLUNTEER EFFORTS (LEFT) AND AN INCLUSIVE VIBE (RIGHT). photos courtesy RMU (top left), ROXY HARBITER (left), OUT THERE ADVENTURES (right)

outdoor access. Even in Colorado, scores of people don’t live within an easy drive of outdoor recreation. Gov. John Hickenlooper wants the state to create enough trails and green spaces so that every person lives within 10 minutes of one. It’s a lofty goal, and if it sounds good to you, essentially, you have to pay up, says Luis Benitez, director of the state’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. People think jobs translate to tax money, which translates to funding for parks and rec, but it’s not so simple. We need a fee structure in place to raise money to support these efforts, he says. “The idea of being able to find the ‘perfect’ outdoor town is pervasive in our culture,” Benitez says, pointing to lists of the “best outdoor towns” published by magazines like this one. But not everyone is willing to stick around through growing pains. People read about a town, move in, soak up the beauty and then pack their skis and climbing shoes when the secret gets out. Instead of staying to fix the problems that come with bigger population, they bolt. “We have to get out of our own way and [move on from] this historical conversation about what our taxes cover,” Benitez says. Income taxes are simply not enough. “Non-consumptive” outdoorists need to be more like hunters and anglers, who pay for licenses and tags, plus additional fees added onto equipment purchases that fund conservation and maintenance of shared resources. But hikers, backpackers, and climbers pay nothing aside from occasional parking and entrance fees, leaving conservation up to motivated volunteers and private funding. We’ve reached a point of density where volunteering isn’t enough, Benitez says, because what we really need to maintain and create parks and trails is more funding. France and New Zealand do this right, he says. They’ve demanded buy-in from hikers to protect the resources that are so essential to their economies. If Colorado can follow in their footsteps, our opportunities for access are endless.

4 | INCLUSIVE OUTDOORS The outdoor industry talks a lot about diversity and inclusion at the corporate level. That doesn’t mean individuals are off the hook, though. An inclusive outdoors welcomes people of all backgrounds, inviting them be their authentic selves without having to teach others how to check their biases, according to Elyse Rylander, founder of OUT There Adventures (outthereadventures.org), which runs outdoor programs for queer youth. There, no one fears targeting and no one has to explain the sting of microaggressions. But we are not there yet. “It should be a place where we can focus only on the physical sports we’re doing,” Rylander says. That means it should not be a place where you should have to explain to your hiking buddy why their joke was homophobic or racist or sexist. You shouldn’t have to deal with that emotional exhaustion on top of 6,000 feet of elevation gain. So, folks of privilege, take inventory. Who’s on the trail? Are all the cars at the trailhead expensive and brand-new? That can give you clues about who has access. Get involved with—or donate money to—an organization that gets kids outside. Do independent research on the places you’re hiking and their indigenous history. Go to summits like the LGBTQ Outdoors Summit, hosted by OUT There Adventures, to learn about barriers to entry for the queer community. Get involved with Outdoor Afro (outdoorafro.com), regardless of your race. Follow Instagram accounts that celebrate outdoorists of color, like @melaninbasecamp, @brownpeoplecamping and @unlikelyhikers. In conversations with your peers, talk about gender, race, politics and sexuality. Call out friends who say something that could be offensive to others, even if you think no one with you has taken offense. If you run a company, take the extra time and effort to make sure your applicant pools are diverse. If they’re not, find partner organizations that can help amplify your posting. If you need a practical reason to make this your

mission, here’s one that should hit home: Your outdoor access is directly affected by who’s not out there on the trail. If the user base shrinks and fewer people are passionate about public lands, that means fewer votes in defense of it. And that puts precious recreation resources at risk of falling to well funded extraction efforts. Plus, it’s the right thing to do. 5 | THE GEAR SHOP COMMUNITY Sure, it’s easy to order a new jacket from Amazon and have it delivered to your house in two days, saving you a trip to the store. But these days, you’re committing the outdoor equivalent of getting take out from a five-star restaurant by staying home. Gear stores throughout Colorado are transforming themselves from places to buy stuff into basecamps for carpooling to the crag, trip planning and meeting new friends. It’s good for business, too. Take RMU in Breckenridge, for example. There, specialty cocktails and near-nightly events and live music keep customers drooling over gear late into the evening. For RMU, the bar is a year-round solution to selling one-season gear. People come for the music, then chat with employees about packs and skis and, often, come back and buy them the next day. People have favorite bars, operations manager Becca Paiz says, so why not have a favorite shop, too? Colorado brims with stores like this: The Trailhead in Buena Vista, which is half gear shop, half restaurant, Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder, which just added a new cafe. Full Cycle, a bike shop on Pearl Street Mall, now has a full bar and snack and sandwich menu. When the gear shop is also the coffee shop and the pub and the evening entertainment, it becomes the ultimate community hub. You’re entertained, you learn something new, you find a new climbing buddy. Plus, what better way to finally get your significant other into mountain biking than to get them into the bike shop under the guise of happy hour? Cheers to that.

M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

UTAH TRAVEL GUIDE From the iconic sights of its five big national parks to rarely seen slot canyons, the Beehive State is a place where you can find any adventure that suits you. There’s deep snow in the Wasatch, backpacking in wilderness areas like the Uintas and the red rock expanses of the Colorado Plateau, singletrack and trout streams everywhere and the chance to get off the grid on back roads and at secluded camp spots. But that’s not all: Utah’s a gathering place for those who love the outdoor lifestyle. So when it’s time to relax, you are never too far from world-class food and beverages, accommodations and the company of like-minded souls. Read on to find out how to maximize your next Utah adventure in some of our favorite spots in the state. by Melissa McGibbon

Homewood Suites by Hilton, Draper, Utah book Incredible access to the Wasatch with all the Amenities. Savvy Utah adventure junkies will point you to the best place to stay if you want to take advantage of the incredible access to outdoor recreation along the Wasatch Front. They’re sure to tell you that staying anywhere but Homewood Suites by Hilton in Draper is a mistake. It’s 20 minutes from four of the best ski resorts in the country and 10 minutes away from the excellent mountain biking terrain

of Corner Canyon. The hotel features apartment-like rooms with kitchens and a large living area. Plus, you’ll find tons of other great amenities like free hot breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. There’s also a business center with a quiet meeting room as well as a large fitness center, hot tub and pool. During the week, Homewood Suites hosts evening socials that include appetizers, beer and wine. It’s a completely smoke-free hotel, where you can enjoy even more clean air in the outdoor fire pit while you grill.

(801) 509-7000

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Welcome to Utah’s all-inclusive recreation paradise.

logan and the cache valley

Nestled in Cache Valley in the northeastern region of the state, Logan, Utah is a high mountain agricultural valley so named because in the 1820s, beaver trappers stored their furs in hidden caches until they could trade them at a rendezvous. Today, it’s known as a recreational paradise of unspoiled land rich with options for climbing, biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, watersports and snowsports adventures. A visit to Logan will make you appreciate its unbelievable proximity to so many outdoor adventures. A quick 10-minute drive takes you from historic downtown Logan to the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway serves up 43 miles of uncrowded terrain and stunning scenery featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, colorful fields of wildflowers and the Logan River. Open year-round, you can stay at the Beaver Creek Lodge to explore the Rocky Mountains on horseback like a true cowboy. Riders of all experience levels love the beautiful mountain trails with spectacular views, friendly mounts and experienced guides. Or, take it up

a notch and rent a side-by-side RZR off-road vehicle. They seat four to six and offer a fun, safe, and comfortable way to explore the backcountry. In the winter, rent snowmobiles—they are consistently ranked in the Top 15 best snowmobiling in the nation. Horseback and RZR rides are June-October. Logan also has an array of unique and affordable locally owned restaurants, including Logan’s Bluebird Restaurant, which is the longest operating restaurant in the state. It has been serving items such as teddy bear sundaes and shrimp salad since 1914. If you find yourself exhausted from outdoor adventures, you can check out the self-guided Cache Valley Foodie Trek and Signature Products Tour. Visit the food production facilities and sample the famously delicious local cheeses, ice creams, chocolates and coffee. And don’t miss the chance to sample honey from fourth-generation beekeepers and Cox Honeyland.

(435) 755-1890 explorelogan.com

play your way–83 miles north of salt lake city

435-755-1890 explorelogan.com outdoors

foodie trek

a rt s

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

l i v i n g h i s to ry M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

st george Come explore the best outdoor destination in the Southwest. St. George, Utah is often thought of as a destination for superb yearround desert golf and as the gateway to Zion National Park, but you’re missing out big time if you think the recreation opportunities end there. It’s one of the best outdoor destinations in the southwestern United States, with hundreds of miles of singletrack mountain biking trails, unparalleled road cycling paths, world-class hiking, a truly impressive variety of rock climbing routes and watersports galore. Plus, it’s all set against a backdrop of stunning red sandstone cliffs and blanketed by sunshine more than 350 days a year on average.

Mountain Biking Surely, you’ve heard of the legendary trails at Gooseberry Mesa—if you haven’t you are in for a treat. Gooseberry Mesa might be the most popular trail in all of Dixieland, and rightly so: Thirty miles of networked singletrack make it appealing to riders who want to customize their mileage, but the real draw here is the rolling slickrock trails that give way to epic panoramas of Zion National Park,

making it one of the most scenic rides in the world. There are also about a gazillion other local trail systems in Washington County. Rider favorites include Bearclaw Poppy, Barrel Roll and the Rim Trails that have difficulty ratings ranging from newbie to something I don’t think your mom would approve. Outfitters, tours, and shuttles are all available to book.

Road Cycling If it’s road cycling you’re partial to, the St. George trail system is a great option for beginning riders because there are so many out-and-back options, instead of committed loops. The Red Hills Parkway bike path and Southern Parkway are also easy rides and have stellar views. If you prefer something a little more intermediate, try Sand Hollow Loop, which serves up 35 miles of dedicated bike lanes in a scenic circumnavigation around Sand Hollow Reservoir. Advanced riders will delight in the magnificent 20-mile path through Snow Canyon State Park, which has a good amount of climbing and breathtaking views, or the Gunlock/Veyo Loop, which offers 40 miles of legit desert cycling.

Hiking and Climbing Not to brag, but Zion Canyon has the

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

most big wall climbing routes in the United States and it’s free to climb them! Hundreds of grade IV and V multi-pitch climbing routes between 800 and 2,500 feet walls provide an endless array of opportunities to shine or slip on iconic sandstone routes such as Moonlight Buttress and Prodigal Sun. Snow Canyon also offers great climbing and you can count on it being much less crowded than Zion. If you prefer to hike, there are options o’ plenty. Zion’s Angels Landing may get all of the publicity, but do yourself a favor and check out the gorgeous hikes in Snow Canyon State Park that feature petrified dunes and petroglyphs or explore the Red Cliffs Recreation Area.

Watersports If you’re looking for a great way to cool off when the mercury rises, don’t miss the plethora of water

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

activities available at Quail Creek and Sand Hollow Reservoir. Stand-up paddleboard, kayak or jet-ski to your heart’s content. The warm, blue water and red rock landscape make you feel as if you’re cruising around Mars.

Downtime When you need a break from all that adventure, try to catch a show at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre for a taste of Broadway in the canyons. Or take a stroll through the eclectic art galleries at the Coyote Gulch Art Village in Kayenta. Enjoy a drink or three at one of St. George’s local hot spots and dine at one of the many great restaurants in town. Be sure to visit the Canyon Breeze restaurant at Red Mountain Resort for a seriously delicious meal and perhaps a posthike spa treatment.

visitstgeorge.com

You’ve been hiking on mountain trails and scenic back country before, but there’s nothing like exploring the slot canyons of St. George, Utah. thin in couple hours you could Just think, be exploring miles of red rock canyons usually only seen in movies made about Mars. The landscapes are so colorful it’s like Mother Nature didn’t know where to stop with her paintbrush. Just 90 minu minutes North of Las Vegas on I-15, and now with direct ights on United, Delta and American Airlines right into SGU, getting there couldn’t be easier. Going home...well that may take some convincing.

M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

COLORADO tr a v e l g u i d e

F IN D YOUR C OLOR A DO

There’s one problem with this state. It’s just so big and so, well, rad, that it’s hard to decide exactly where you want to go for adventure when it’s time to roam. Don’t fret. This travel guide will get you pointed in the right direction and make that ohso-difficult decision of just where to get outside and play in this mind-blowing state much eas ie r.

salida

buena vista

Visitors to Salida will find a real town with real people and a great mix of stores, restaurants and shops and art galleries that fill Colorado’s largest historic district. Located on the Arkansas River and just down the road from Monarch Mountain, Salida is a unique Colorado winter destination. Learn how to get half-price lift tickets to Monarch Mountain and plan your hot springs visits and other cool adventures by ordering a free visitors’ guide at ColorfulColorado.com.

Buena Vista, Colorado, is best known for whitewater rafting in the summer—but explore the town during the winter, and you will find hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing to some of Colorado’s best ghost towns. The historic downtown along the Arkansas River offers art galleries, restaurants, a brewery and a distillery. Plan your hot springs visits and cool adventures by ordering a free visitors’ guide at ColorfulColorado.com.

COLORFULCOLORADO.COM

travel guide

S P E C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S E C T I O N

durango

keystone resort

Located in the Four Corners region of Colorado, Durango offers the best of the state with Southwestern charm. Raft the Animas River, bike the Million Dollar Highway (named one of the most scenic drives in America) or take the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad into the heart of the vast Weminuche Wilderness for an unforgettable backpacking experience. Explore ancient ruins, exceptional arts and culture, and a distinctive dining scene, all while surrounded by Durango’s beautiful high desert mountain setting.

Pick your passion! From bacon, wine, fine art, beer, music, and more. Set at the base of the Rocky Mountains in the River Run Village at Keystone Resort you’ll find a summer festival that fits your fancy. Pepper in bluebird Colorado skies, miles of biking trails and a few thousand of your best friends and you’ll discover yourself in a festival setting like no other. Book mountain accommodations that are steps from the festival venue and be sure to take advantage of all a Keystone festival weekend has to offer.

The Boulder Adventure Lodge (A-Lodge for short) is located along Fourmile Creek, five minutes from downtown Boulder. With easy access to Boulder’s rock climbing, fly fishing, trail running and mountain biking, the A-Lodge is situated in an adventure enthusiast’s dream. Updated linens, a slackline park, new paint, Jeremy Collins’ art and a brand new lobby with a two-story fireplace, beers on tap and a meeting room are just some of the key updated amenities at the lodge. Make the A-Lodge the gateway to your Colorado adventure.

DURA NGO.ORG

KEYSTONEFESTIVALS.COM

A-LODGE.COM | 303.444.0882

boulder adventure lodge

PHOTO BY HANK BLUM

palisade Palisade’s Fruit and Wine Byway offers three different routes to explore the scenic views of the countryside. With designated route loops ranging from five to 25 miles long, riders can experience local art galleries, gift shops, orchards, vineyards, farm stands, lavender fields and a variety of local wineries with tasting rooms. Bring your own bike or rent a vintage cruiser bike from local outdoor shop, Rapid Creek Cycles. Enjoy a day filled with agriculture, award-winning wines and Colorado sunshine.

VISITPALISADE.COM

kristi mtn sports

silverthorne

Outdoor adventure in Southern Colorado starts with us—surrounded by multiple fourteeners, incredible hiking and mountain biking trails, climbing crags, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and much more! While planning your getaway, make sure to save a day to sandboard the tallest sand dunes in North America. Specially designed boards and sleds available to rent at Kristi Mountain Sports offer an exhilarating and unique sliding experience for the entire family. Call to reserve yours today!

Under the timeless shadow of the Gore Range and alongside the Blue River, Silverthorne offers visitors a brand-new experience this summer at the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center. The center, a decidedly modern take on mountain-town culture, is home to the Lake Dillon Theatre Company and serves as the cultural center of Silverthorne. You won’t want to miss the 2018 season, which will feature classics including “Rock of Ages,” “The Underpants,” “Constellations” and the ever popular Cabaret Series.

KRISTIMOUNTAINSPORTS.COM 719.589.9759

SILVERTHORNE.ORG LAKEDILLONTHEATRE.ORG

BEST GEAR

0 3 .1 8

FLYLOW RAINBREAKER

JBL EVEREST ELITE 750NC

GREGORY QUADRO HARDCASE ROLLER 30

SOUL BLAZE

LEBENT LE SOCK RUN RLIGHT 3/4 CREW

BLUNDSTONE SUPER 50

LULULEMON INCLEMENT PANT

SUNSKI NAVARRO EAGLE CREEK PACK-IT SPECTER TECH CUBE SET

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Planning that big trip of a lifetime? Here’s the gear that will make your adventure easier, more comfortable and more versatile. by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN PULL OVER F l y l o w | R a i n b r e a ke r Small enough to stuff into your carryon or rucksack but offering up just enough protection in case of a sudden squall, this snazzy 6.2-ounce shell shucks off wind and rain without taking up a ton of space. That’s a godsend for travelers with limited space. $140; flylow.com TUNE OUT J B L | E v e r e s t E l i t e 750 N C No one wants to get stuck talking to that annoying seatmate on a long plane ride. Take off to your own private soundstage with these plush noise-

cancelling headphones while you are in transit to your next big adventure. Bluetooth-enabled, they run for 15 hours on a three-hour charge and pump out crisp, customizable sound. $300; jbl.com HAUL OVER Gregory Quadro Hardcase Roller 30 Outdoor adventure travelers ask three things of their luggage: It needs to pack a ton in, survive some serious abuse and be easy to haul around. This 11.8-pound wheeled hardcase scores big on all three fronts with enough volume to hold ski boots and climbing gear, a tough but pliable shell and nimble, multi-directional wheels. $220; gregorypacks.com STASH AWAY Eagle Creek P a c k- I t S p e c t e r Te c h C u b e S e t This nifty, compact packing system helps make your life easier on the road, whether you are trying to pare down to essentials on an expedition or scrambling to get your stuff together for a flight while battling a hangover. $47; eaglecreek.com

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

STEP IN B l u n d s t o n e | S u p e r 5 50 One shoe to rule them all, Blundstones arose as work boots for sheep farmers in Tasmania. That tough DNA means they can handle all the shitkicking you want to do out in the dirt, but they also look hip enough to wear to more formal occasions like a snazzy dinner. $195; blundstone.com STRIDE OUT Lu l u l e m o n | I n c l e m e n t P a n t Just stretchy enough to take bouldering and comfy enough for a nap on the plane, these men’s cargo-style pants can withstand some serious use, whether you are backpacking or wandering around in a bazzar. Lots of pocket space is a big plus when you are on the go. $128; lululemon.com CHARGE UP S o u l | B l aze Talk about double-duty. This brand new solar-powered flashlight features a built-in solar panel to juice it up. Plus, the device will not only provide illumination anywhere you roam, it will also charge up your smartphone

while you sunbathe. Chalk up all this innovation to start-up brand Soul, the brainchild of manufacturing and tech vets taking preorders on Indiegogo now. $89; soulinventions.com SEE THROUGH Sunski | Navarro Your travel shades need to protect those lovely eyes and look the part while you transition from terminals to sunny locales. New Kickstarterpowered brand Sunski answers the call with these lightweight, polarized, sexy, unisex, shades that block out UV rays and serve up cash to 1% for the Planet with each purchase. $58; sunski.com SLIP ON Le b e n t Le S o c k R u n Li g h t ¾ C r e w Good socks are a globehopper’s best friend. Aussie brand Lebent combines just the right blend of merino wool, bamboo and stretchy fabrics to give you a sock that can suck up the stink and abuse of both long days on an airplane and out on the trail. $22; lebent.com

HEAR THIS

0 3 .1 8

REAL DEALS Want to hear music the way musicians want to play it? Head to these seven mountain-town venues where the beer is cold, the cover’s cheap, the crowd’s rowdy and the band is hot. by PATTY MALESH

ountain-town cafes and the dive bars of yesteryear are where musicians go to be musicians. Local bands and singer songwriters head to these venues for the audiences of regulars and familiar faces. Meanwhile, touring acts gravitate to mountain haunts to chill out, test new material and maybe sit in with the local bands. No matter which role you fill, check out the following funky, intimate venues next time you’re adventuring, and remember: If you like what you hear, drop some spendable thanks into the tip jar since musicians here often perform for tips alone. JAMESTOWN MERCANTILE

JAMESTOWN, COLORADO. FAMILY FRIENDLY. MUSIC NIGHTLY. NO COVER.

Super groups and side projects with names like the Constellation Collective often find their footing in this downhome Colorado cafe. Located in an artist community of approximately 300 folks about 15 miles up a canyon in the Rocky Mountain foothills near Boulder, the “Merc” serves one vegetarian and one non-vegetarian menu item nightly, house-made by owners Rainbow and Adam, along with locally made pies and pastries. You are family the minute you walk in the door of this hundred-year-old mining town relic. It's open four evenings a week. Come on Mondays for open mic nights. Thursdays and Saturdays feature full bands, and Fridays, singer/ songwriters. jamestownmercantile.com THE ADOBE BAR, TAOS INN TAOS, NEW MEXICO. MUSIC NIGHTLY, NO COVER.

Known to attract a Grammy winner or two to the small stage or just in the audience, this “Living Room of Taos” boasts music nightly and oozes with “Taosness”—think bikers, hippies, artists and ski bums all seeking enlightenment. Expect everything from jazz improv and singer/songwriters to psychedelic alternative rock, Afrocoastal Americanagrass, and award-winning New Mexican blues. Check out Kate and Billy’s Medicine show on Mondays for some old-timey acoustic sound topped off by chewy bluegrass. Special guests perform every week plus open mic hour. NORRIS HOT SPRINGS

NORRIS, MONTANA. FAMILY FRIENDLY, MUSIC ON WEEKENDS, COVER $2

Norris is the only place in America where patrons can soak in a hot-spring fed, timber-lined pool while eating nachos and drinking draft craft beer in subzero temps and listening to live acoustic music pumped through speakers from a heated dome. Local and touring folk, Americana, bluegrass and alt-country acts perform Friday–Sunday at 7 p.m. Bonus, you might just find yourself face to face with a half-naked performing minutes after show’s end since the stage is poolside. There's camping and a farm-to-table restaurant on site. norrishotsprings.com

FAIRVIEW INN

BLACK DOG ARTS CAFE

HOT LICKS

TALKEETNA, ALASKA. MUSIC WHENEVER THEY FEEL LIKE IT. IT’S ALASKA.

SNOQUALMIE, WASHINGTON. FAMILY FRIENDLY. MUSIC REGULARLY. NO COVER.

WELCOME TO NORRIS, MONTANA. LOCATED ABOUT AN HOUR FROM THE SLOPES OF BOTH BRIDGER BOWL AND BIG SKY RESORT, THIS HOT SPRINGS HIDEAWAY IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE DRAWS TOURING BANDS AND SINGER/SONGWRITERS WHO PLAY POOLSIDE WHILE YOU SIT, LISTEN, STARGAZE AND SOAK YOUR BLUES AWAY.

A mere two hours and 11 minutes from Anchorage, Talkeenta is legendary among music lovers for hosting the now-defunct Talkeenta Bluegrass festival. These days, and over the past 100 years, live music still rocks the historic Fairview Inn. Singer/ songwriters and Americana jam bands rule the schedule but you'll also find just about anyone who happens to wander down the Alaskan highway spur road with an instrument in tow. Stop in for a drink on a day trip and you might feel a chill. Stop in every day for a week for one and you are family. One local describes The Fairview as “like Cheers” in the winter and “full of wasted tourists” (and the bartenders who serve them) in the summer. Eclectic Boulder-based band The Grant Farm will perform here on Wednesday, March 7. 907-733-2423 STAGECOACH BAR WILSON, WYOMING. MUSIC REGULARLY, NO COVER.

Cowboys, hippies/hipsters, biker gangs, mountain bikers, millennials and octogenarians have put aside their differences on the Stagecoach dance floor at the base of Teton Pass since 1942. James Blunt captured this spirit of the ‘Coach’ in his 2013 video for “Bonfire Heart,” filmed on site in the midst of a wedding. On the wall here you’ll find a picture of the house band the day that Bob Dylan sat in on their set at his nephew’s wedding. The pure country Stagecoach band is as legendary as the bar itself. They’ve played a “Sunday Church” set here every Sunday evening for the past 42 years (excluding Christmas). Don't think the venue doesn't move with the times, however. Sunday nights bring in the younger Thursday night Disco DJ crowd from 6 p.m.–10 p.m. Touring bands and local favorites play irregularly on weekend nights, often as last minute bookings. stagecoachbar.net

The mission of the Black Dog Arts Cafe is “give artists a chance,” an echo of the surrounding community in Snoqualmie. Folk/bluegrass/Celtic/ singer/songwriters, and the odd death metal act love playing the Black Dog for this reason ( the home photo by ANDY AUSTIN cooking doesn’t hurt either). The venue supports visual artists with wall space as well as hosting author readings and music nights, plus the occasional psychic readings at Sunday brunch. The non-profit café also sponsors free public arts workshops. Come Wednesdays for open mic. There's live music on Friday and Saturday nights and at Sunday Brunch. blackdogsnoqualmie.com MCMENAMIN’S AT EDGEFIELD TROUTDALE, OREGON. MUSIC NIGHTLY. NO COVER

Part of the McMenamin’s live music venue and boutique hotel empire of the Pacific Northwest, the Winery Tasting Room at Edgefield hosts live music every night and it boasts the most eclectic lineup on this list. March’s artists range from gypsy jazz to soul and swing/jazz duos to jam band/bluegrass and classic rock. And don’t miss Cellotronic, a solo musician who loops his cello with electronic beats. Edgefield is a historic farm estate with an onsite winery, a brewery and a distillery. One of eight bars on the property, this red brick cellar venue is the only one with live music, however. Wandering in and out, with cocktails in hand from the other bars, is encouraged. M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

T H E R OA D

0 3 .1 8

PROFILES IN MOTIVATION

A professional endurance mountain bike champ sought out women athletes in other extreme sports to determine how and why they set out to face fear—and win.

by SONYA LOONEY pend enough time in the outdoor world, watching outdoor athletes and you will begin to ask some basic questions: What motivates a person to run 100 miles, to mountain bike for seven days straight or to climb a sheer rock wall? How does one overcome deep-seeded fears to take on these challenges? Everyone has a friend who they think is “crazy,” who seems to take their passions to the extreme. Outdoor culture and social media revere our athletes and their accomplishments. Most people are inspired by stories of outdoor heroes overcoming big challenges because it gives us hope. But so few people who play outdoors actually become extreme athletes. Why? Obviously, the biggest thing that stops many of us from moving forward, from being extreme athletes or even extreme in our own lives, is fear. Fear can wear many masks; fear of the unknown, fear of not being good enough, fear of injury, fear of looking stupid. Anytime we push our boundaries, we risk facing the consequences of our fears if we don’t achieve that shining objective. The difference between facing failure and being beaten by it comes down to our willingness to take a risk, our readiness to try and fail.

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

I understand this dynamic. I’m a professional ultra-endurance mountain biker and take on the world’s hardest multi-day races from Colorado to Colombia to Nepal. I won the WEMBO 24-Hour World Mountain Bike Championship in 2015. I am most likely someone's crazy friend. I’ve been called crazy (and not just because of my last name). I’ve had people ask me why I would even want to take on some of these races and suffer through the experiences I’ve had. What they need to know is that the challenges I’ve faced on my bike have led to a quiet confidence in other areas of my life, from starting different business ventures to simply being comfortable embracing discomfort. Long rides feed my hunger for personal growth. When it comes down to it, the biggest challenges of my life have been the most meaningful. But these deeper questions about fear and motivation still fascinate me, so I decided to seek out and interview fellow extreme athletes from different sports to understand how we handle our fears, to determine what drives us, and how this obesession carries us through day-to-day.

he big thing you need to understand about fear, and the unknown, is that it can be a great motivator and teacher. Competing in a sport where you never know what you might face, Obstacle Course Racing World Champion Lindsay Webster says, “You never know what to expect in these races… you might have to swim through glacial water, you might fail an obstacle, or your grip strength might give out on you during a set of monkey bars. The list of things I’ve had to overcome during races is endless. You just have to accept whatever the race throws at you, and find ways to push on without letting it get you down.” The

FACING DOWN FEAR challenges of sport teach us that we always have PRO CLIMBER SIERRA BLAIR-COYLE SEES HARD the choice to continue WORK AS THE BEST WAY moving forward. TO OVERCOME THE FEAR Based on my OF FALLING (LEFT). ULTRA research, many high RUNNER HILLARY ALLEN achieving “extreme” FOUGHT BACK FROM A CATASTROPHIC FALL athletes are focused (MIDDLE). OBSTACLE on growth rather than COURSE RACING CHAMP outcomes, and they find LINDSAY WEBSTER RUNS benefits in fear. As a INTO EACH RACE NOT REALLY KNOWING WHAT TO result, their perception EXPECT (RIGHT). of their own ability and photos courtesy (left to right) Mammut, willingness to take risks The North Face, Lindsay Webster leads to greater overall success. Each time we try something new with a growth mindset, it moves the needle of what we think is possible. The hardest part is getting started because confidence and selfbelief are built upon experience. Amber Monforte, former Ultra-Man World Champion, says,“Ultras also have many highs and lows and you have to be mentally tough. I think both of these things help in my daily life, at work, and also in my relationship with my husband. When the going gets tough am I going to quit or try and figure out a different solution?” Amber also knows about failure. “My first attempt at a Tahoe Rim Trail FKT (fastest known time), I stopped at about 90 miles, frozen and physically broken,” she says. “I learned so much during that ‘failure.’ I learned not only about myself, but also about how I would train differently the next time and different gear I’d bring. Each time I’m out there, I learn more and grow as an athlete and a person. I think the only way to truly fail at something is to not try.” Amber is right. If we never try, we will never have new experiences.

Pushing your inner self also creates so many positive vibes. It helps you to become strong in mind, body, and spirit, to help lift others who may be struggling.

That growth can also make us feel capable and powerful in our daily lives. Magda Boulet was an Olympic marathoner in 2008, but an injury forced her to drop out of the race. More recently, she has taken on the challenge of ultra-running. She is a past winner of the Western States 100 and was Ultra-Runner of the Year in 2015. Magda says taking on these races “makes the hurdles in life seem much easier.” She also agrees that failure is our best teacher. “Failure is part of life, and it’s part of reaching the highest level in any sport or profession,” she says. “No one gets things right all the time, and I think our failures often teach us more than our successes. I have a rule that I like to follow called the ‘10 minute’ rule. When you finish a race, you have 10 minutes to feel good or bad about it, but after that, you have to be analytical and learn from what you did wrong and from what you did right.”

hat about fear of falling, of actual physical injury or death? Shauna Coxsey, a rock climber and two-time winner of the IFSC Bouldering World Cup says that fear doesn’t go away, no matter how accomplished you are. “Fear is natural. It’s something we all experience. The ability to deal is a skill that can be learned and trained. I’m able to push myself out of my comfort zone. I still get scared and nervous but I have learned how to use and control these emotions.” However, there is a balance between helpful fear and fear that is so far beyond your comfort zone that you shouldn’t be doing it. The challenge we all face with pushing our limits is how far we should really go. How much is too much? “If you want to be the best you can be at something you need to know where your limits are both physically and mentally,” says Shauna. If you

don’t, you’ll never know how good you are, how good you could be, how hard you can train, how far you can go.” Another world class rock climber, Sierra Blair-Coyle, can relate to experiences and achievements showing us that we are more capable than we believe. “It can definitely be stressful, but climbing has ultimately taught me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to and put in the hard work to accomplish,” she says. And that’s a great point. Sports teach us the value of hard work. What about when something does go wrong, like falling 150 feet off a mountain and being hospitalized for eight days? That happened last year to Hillary “Hillygoat” Allen, another ultrarunner who thrives on extreme challenges, when she took a near-fatal fall in the middle of Norway’s grueling Hamperokken Skyrace 50K. It’s a lesson that coming back from an injury in sport is another way we have to face our fears. When this type of failure happens Allen recommends that we acknowledge our feelings instead of pushing them away. “Most days I overcome the knee-jerk reaction to shut down, by breathing through it, accepting that I am doing the best I can in the moment and taking the time to slow down a little,” she says. “Ignoring the sensation and just pushing through can make the fear worse, it's like telling someone to relax, it's impossible to force yourself to relax, you just have to let it happen.” We’ve all experienced injury and wanted to clam up when our confidence was shot. But, believe me, ignoring those feelings will not bring your confidence back. “I acknowledge that my fears are valid and real, that what I'm going through is hard, and then I make a choice to keep showing up, to

keep trying and to keep trying to become a better person and a better athlete,” says Allen. The lesson? Only by showing up do we overcome failure. Jax Mariash is a Utah-based pro ultra runner who once ran 365 days in a row to raise awareness for cancer research. She is the first woman in the world to complete the 4 Deserts Race Series Grand Slam Plus, a brutal series of multi-day foot races across Sri Lanka and the the the hottest (Namibia), windiest (Gobi March), driest (Atacama Crossing) and coldest (Antarctica) deserts in the world. She says, “It is critical in life to always push the envelope. Our time here is precious and short. What we all do daily will determine the future for the generations to come. Pushing your inner self also creates so many positive vibes. It helps you to become strong in mind, body, and spirit and to help lift others who may be struggling.”

hat have you been putting off doing because of fear or intimidation? All of these strong and inspiring women are great examples when it comes to how we can learn to move beyond that fear. They prove the only thing holding us back is ourselves. Their example shows us we have the power to go for the challenges and adventures that we dream of trying. They demonstrate that an ordinary person (every athlete starts out as an ordinary person) has the personal power to become extraordinary. So, what are you waiting for? EO CONTRIBUTING EDITOR AND WORLD CHAMPION PRO MOUNTAIN BIKER SONYA HOSTS “THE SONYA LOONEY SHOW” A PODCAST FOCUSING ON HOW TO LIVE A HIGHPERFORMANCE LIFE THAT DELVES INTO THE CATEGORIES OF MINDSET, INSPIRING PEOPLE AND PLANT-BASED NUTRITION. FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM: @LOONEYSONYA M A R C H 2 01 8 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

E LWAY V I L L E

0 3 .1 8

HEAVEN IS A GHOST TOWN

Every mountain town has its stories of loss and those spirits who continue to haunt us long after they have gone.

by PETER KRAY

very Friday night in the winter when I was young, we would drive up to Vail to spend the weekend where my dad and his friends volunteered on ski patrol. Most of those nights, we would listen to ghost stories on a weekly radio show, staring out the window into mountainsides of frosted trees and imagining devil-worshipping masses, cauldron-boiling witches and werewolves wandering in the snow. Maybe that’s why I tend to think of ghost stories more in the winter than I do around Halloween. Snowbound skeletons and Donner Party phantoms feel closer in the whiteout of a blizzard than when the full moon is waxing in the fall. And the chill gets even deeper when you add to that the frozen, horrific, cabin fever-bound beauty of Stephen King’s The Shining, set in the Stanley Hotel of Estes, Colorado, where at least three ghosts reportedly walk the halls. In a state where even the ghost towns don’t die—everlastingly propped up by the Mile High miracle of real estate set up in and around even crumbling buildings—Colorado remains a haven for spooky legends and things that go bump in the big outdoors. Consider the tales of the two spirits who haunt the former Peck Hotel (now a private residence), in Empire, Colorado, where my parents once stayed on a bike tour, and fought all night for control of the sink faucet and room lights with a stubborn ghoul. Or better yet, the stories from Silverton, which in the cold clutch of winter seems a setting for some Dracula-like apocalypse of plague and fear. (For good reason—after the 1918 influenza outbreak, they stacked the bodies like cordwood in the town bar.) The cemetery is one of the most fascinating in the world, where long gone dwellers from the last turn of the century are marked with simple truths such as, “Died in Avalanche, 1913,” or “Killed by a stray bullet in a bar fight,” on their headstone. A friend who worked for Silverton Mountain in the office just above that tavern said that late at night, long after the little town had gone to bed, she could still hear the piano and laughter from downstairs. And she would get a little shiver looking in the mirror behind the bar, imagining all the reflections that had stared out from it over the past hundred-plus years.

A friend who worked for Silverton Mountain in the office just above that tavern said that late at night, long after the little town had gone to bed, she could still hear the piano and laughter from downstairs.

f course mountain communities have always done a better job than others commemorating, and celebrating, how the past informs the now. We mountain-town dwellers mark the departed with crosses on the peaks in Switzerland and Austria, the photo-strewn shrines in

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / M A R C H 2 01 8

Aspen, or the prayer flags fluttering in the wind in Nepal. We say the souls of dead climbers fly free in the wings of alpine ravens. In a fit of dark humor, we name avalanche paths after those lost to them. Anyone who has ever lived in a mountain town knows someone who perished too early, from a slide, a suicide, or even out for a lazy day of fly-fishing when they slipped on a wet rock and their waders filled with water, dragging them down. They also know how those shadowed faces keep contributing to the conversation, and how everyone who remembers the deceased are always happy to share a story they liked to tell. I’ve always loved looking at black and white photos of the long-gone early days of Leadville, downtown Denver and the roadside meadow that became Vail. I imagine I am also a bit haunted by my own photos of earlier days now. All of this reflection makes me think of the song “Dearly Departed” by Texan Shakey Graves and Denver-musician Esmé Patterson with its incredible catchy chorus: “You and I both know that the house is haunted, and you and I both know that the ghost is you.”

Illustration by Kevin Howdeshell / THEBRAVEUNION.COM

eing that “Big Ideas” is the theme of this issue of Elevation Outdoors, I decided to kick off the New Year by compiling some high country ghost stories—in and about ski towns specifically—as well as writing some of my own. I was partially inspired by the melancholy beauty of Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It. In that lovely opus of high-country fly-fishing, the narrator writes, “I am haunted by waters,” to summarize his intertwined love of the sport and personal tragedies. I feel the same way about the mountains. And I have my own ghost stories (both real and imagined) to tell. So far, I have a story about a spectral snowplow driver, one about a zombie outbreak that sends a small group of AT skiers into the high country, a phantom folksinger, a peak dwelling wraith, and one about what may be on the other side of that Silverton tavern mirror. If I can get that last one down to 800 words (the length of this column), I’ll share it with you in time for Halloween.

—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? YOU CAN BUY IT HERE: AMZN.TO/2FSA2WR

LEVIT Y | LUMINA

Yo u k n o w w h a t i s n ’ t c o o l ? Suf fering for the wrong reasons. Suf fering through physical c h a l l e n g e s ? T h a t ’s c o o l . S u f f e r i n g because your pack hur ts? Not cool. S o w h e t h e r y o u ’r e p l a n n i n g o n d o i n g t h e L o s t C o a s t Tr a i l i n a w e e k e n d or set ting a blistering pace on t h e Tr i p l e C r o w n , w h y n o t t a k e a n ultralight pack that feels good on your back? Af ter all, nothing weighs more than pain.

PROVIDING ESSENTIAL GEAR TO THE ADVENTUROUS.

Heuberger Motors offers all models and trim levels to power your personal love of adventure. Courtesy delivery anywhere in Colorado at no charge. Love. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.

2018 Crosstrek 2.0i Premium depicted. Visit us at www.BestBuySubaru.com for specific models and pricing or call 888.840.9024 today for your no hassle price. Heuberger Subaru is at 1080 Motor City Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado