Elevation Outdoors October 2015

HOT RESORT GEAR | SOAK UP PAGOSA SPRINGS | HIKE MUSIC PASS OCTOBER 2015

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ELEVATIONOUTDOORS.COM

SHRED COLORADO

GO OUTSIDE & PLAY

K2’S FORGOTTEN PORTERS

THE ULTIMATE WINTER HIT LIST

CRESTED BUTTE’S NEW BOWL

I-70

TRAFFIC HACK

George Rodney

FREERIDE WORLD TOUR CHAMP RETURNS

CONTENTS

October 2015

R WINTE S T ORE W IDE THRU OCT 15 E L A S WARM UP: AFTER A FULL DAY OF POWDER TURNS AT WOLF CREEK, PAGOSA SPRINGS’ HOT HEALING WATERS MAKE FOR ONE CHILL APRÈS. WANT TO KNOW MORE? TURN TO PAGE 17.

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

7 EDITOR’S LETTER

19 WILD CHILD GEORGE RODNEY

Embrace the tribe—there's nothing better to do with this life than ski.

8 QUICK HITS Crested Butte's new bowl, the lives of Pakistani porters, the sunnny playground that is Grand Junction, Microsoft gets outdoorsy and more...

12 FLASHPOINT There is no relief in sight when it comes to I-70 traffic. But here are some ways to ease the pain.

15 THE TRAIL Hike Music Pass with these GPS coordinates from View Ranger.

The Littleton, Colorado, native took the Freeride World Tour by storm last year. Can he do it again?

20 THE COLORADO LOCAL CHECKLIST You could ski like a tourist or shred like a local. We polled our favorite hardcores to let you in on the winter secrets that give you Colorado cred.

22 ROAD RAGE AND BOOZE Instead of driving angry on I-70, Andy Hawk evades the hipsters and samples from the distilleries.

36 RESORT GEAR 17 HOT SPOT Full immersion in Pagosa Springs.

18 STRAIGHT TALK Kevin Jordan talks about the synergy between mountian biking and skiing.

The best way to get ready for winter?

Buy more stuff. And we have all the gear you need to fulfill that dirty capitalist urge this winter. photo courtesy PAGOSA SPRINGS

39 HEAR THIS

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AR GE I SK Y TR BACKCOUN AVY GEAR ROCK & ICE CLIMBINCAG MPING

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R EA RW TE OU

R EA W OT FO N AVE , GOLDEN TO G IN H S A W 13 13 TGATE.COM (303) 271 9382 | BEN

BENTGATE EMPLOYEE MARK

OTO CASEY DAY MORRIS | SILVERTON CO | PH

Phish blows up Dick's.

40 THE ROAD A fall changed Sally Francklyn's life—but she considers herself lucky.

42 ELWAYVILLE. Indeed, winter is coming.

WANT MORE? C ATC H

U P ON

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Dexterity. Protection. Comfort.

Introducing the new benchmark in fully-taped waterproof GORE-TEX® hand protection.

Built the Arc’teryx way.

250 COLUMBINE STREET DENVER, CO, USA 80206 stores.arcteryx.com/denver

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CONTRIBUTORS

BEING PREPARED

ElevationOutdoors.com EDITORIAL ED ITOR -IN -CH IEF

PHOTO Hansi Heckmair

EDUCATION AND PRODUCTS FOR MAXIMUM PROTECTION

DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

doug@elevationoutdoors.com MAN AG IN G ED ITOR

CAMERON MARTINDELL

cameron@elevationoutdoors.com SEN IOR ED ITOR

CON TRIBUTIN G ED ITORS

AARON BIBLE, ADAM CHASE, ROB COPPOLILLO, LIAM DORAN, JAMES DZIEZYNSKI, HUDSON LINDENBERGER, SONYA LOONEY, JAYME MOYE, CHRIS VAN LEUVEN ED ITOR -AT-LARG E

PETER KRAY

CON TRIBUTIN G WRITERS

JASON BLEVINS, CHRIS COGLEY, KRISTA CRABTREE, SALLY FRANCKLYN, KIM FULLER, ANDY HAWK, AVERY STONICH, TOM WINTER

We show you how to stay safe – in the SAFETY ACADEMY LAB on ortovox.com

A RT

KELLY CASSIDY

ART + PRODUCTION D IREC TOR MEGAN JORDAN

That patroller who says, “I’ll drop this rope just for you."

ELIZABETH O'CONNELL An Upslope Pale Ale, and a nip of ULLR.

CAMERON MARTINDELL That’s a silly question.

PETER KRAY Whoever is on the lift with me.

LAUREN WALKER

lauren@elevationoutdoors.com G R A PH IC D ESIG N ER

PAIGELEE CHANCELLOR

paigelee@elevationoutdoors.com

ADVERTISING + BUSINESS BLAKE DEMASO

PR ESID EN T

blake@elevationoutdoors.com

EXCEPT THE COLD.

DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

megan@elevationoutdoors.com SEN IOR D ESIG N ER

FEEL IT ALL.

WHO'S YOUR FRIEND ON A POWDER DAY?

CHRIS KASSAR

chris@elevationoutdoors.com

IN TERN

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ASSOC IATE PU B LISH ER

TOM WINTER Everyone and no one: everyone at the front of the line who lets me in at the chair when I show up late for first chair, and no one at the top!

ELIZABETH O’CONNELL

elizabeth@elevationoutdoors.com SEN IOR AC C OU N T EXECUTIVE

MARTHA EVANS

martha@elevationoutdoors.com AC C OU N T EXECUTIVE

SALLY FRANCKLYN What friends?

BEN YOUNG

ben@elevationoutdoors.com

BU SIN ESS MAN AG ER

MELISSA GESSLER

melissa@elevationoutdoors.com C IRC U LATION MA N AG ER

AVERY SHOOK

avery@elevationoutdoors.com

DIGITAL MEDIA CRAIG SNODGRASS

ON LIN E D IREC TOR

ANDY HAWK The truck driver who jackknifes his rig and blocks west-bound tunnel access for a few hours.

craig@elevationoutdoors.com D IG ITA L MA N AG ER

TYRA SUTAK

tyra@elevationoutdoors.com

E L E VAT I O N OU T D O O R S M AG A Z I N E

BEN YOUNG The burger and beer I get after!

3000 Pearl Street, Suite #202 Boulder, Colorado 80301 (303) 449-1560 PU B L I S H E D BY SUMMIT

PUBLISHING

©2015 Summit Publishing, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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KELLY CASSIDY When it dumps in Vail, my dad is my go-to friend to call.

Even now, he's still showing me secret stashes that he discovered when he moved to Vail in the 70s. I'd say I'm pretty lucky.

EDITOR’S LETTER

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SATURDAY OCT 10

BIG HERE: FINDING THE DEEPEST REACHES IN JAPAN. photo by TYLER COHEN

SETUP 9-10 AM /10 AM -4 PM BEHIND STORE - TABLES PROVIDED

THE TRIBE In January 2009 in the midst of the darkest days of the recession and fears that the entire economy would collapse, I was working at the Outdoor Retailer (a.k.a.

OR) trade show in Salt Lake City. It's a gathering of all the businesses and advocacy groups in the outdoor space. The mood was sombre. These are people who love to be outside, immersed in the wild and who care about conservation, but they are also people who run businesses. No one knew where we were headed or if we would still have jobs in a year.

A few days later, I worked at the Snowsports Industry Association (SIA) trade show, the last one to be held in Las Vegas. The mood? Absolutely upbeat.

It had been a good early snow year in many parts of the country. Snoop Dogg was at the Skullcandy booth. I had the chance to sit down with Perry Farrell and talk about life, music ... and the ski vacations he takes with his family (which in itself was a very odd experience since Jane's Addiction had been the soundtrack to the dark rebellion of my youth). People were smiling, psyched.

It struck me: No one here really cares if they lose their jobs—that would only mean more days skiing and snowboarding. I felt at ease, glad to be here with my tribe. Skiers and snowboarders have this secret knowledge of life that many workaholics lack: There's nothing better to do in the short time we have here than being up high in the mountains, moving through snow, with gravity, often with friends. I'm not saying that we should ignore the problems of this world, that we should give up and become lost souls, that we should not work hard, just that if the capitalist house of cards we all rest our 401Ks on ever tumbles, skiers and snowboarders won't be jumping out the windows.

Yes, of course, job and family and how you treat people determine who we are, and we have a responsibility to those responsibilities, but when it comes down to it, the moments we live for are on the hill. They are even better with people we love (though, there are those social rejects, too, you know, the people who can barely function in the real world, but become all smiles and fantastic human beings, your friends even, up on the hill.) Maybe time up there can even bring you back better, aware that we all fall and we can all get back up and rip.

There's also something even deeper about belonging to the ski and snowboard tribe. It's an immediate connection to those people who get it. When I first moved out West, I worked with two cowboys in Montana and learned they had spent a few seasons at Jackson Hole. One of them turned to me and gave me this enduring, and confidence-building, piece of mother wit: “Ski bum, best goddamn thing you can do with your life.”

So I have done that with my life. I, like many others in the “industry,” found a way that I could extend my ski bum stoke into a sort of career. And I have skied all over the globe and connected with other souls finding joyful moments in the mountains on this big long slide. I have bonded with Japanese telemarkers in Hokkaido and sung “The Final Countdown” at the top of my lungs with a crowd of hopped-up Swedes after a backcountry tour. Best of all, I have been there with family and friends. And, even if it is just a break from waking life, we have found something deep.

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QUICK HITS

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TECHNOLOGY MICROSOFT BAND Bill Gates' Seattle software giant is delving into fitness tracking with the Microsoft Band. The device works with Android, Windows and iOS device alike and tracks everything from sleep to heart rate to golf strokes. It's also a discreet way to get incoming messages and notifications. $200; microsoft.com

TWICE AS NICE GEAR WE LOVE

WINDBURNER MSR has reinvented the personal backpacking stove with the highly windresistant and rapid-boiling WindBurner.

This flameless stove contains radiant burner heat exchange technology to guard from gusts and efficiently transfer heat to the pot.

One liter pot available now, 2.5L available in January. $130; cascadedesigns.com/msr

BOOKS COYOTE VALLEY In Coyote Valley author Thomas Andrews digs deep to reveal the fascinating blend of natural and human history in the Kawuneeche Valley tucked in today's Rocky Mountain National Park at the headwaters of the Colorado River. $30; hup.harvard.edu

NEED A NEW STASH THIS WINTER? GET AFTER THE STEEPS OF CRESTED BUTTE'S NEW TECALLI 2 BOWL At a resort that’s already famous for having some of the steepest terrain in Colorado, it might feel like a guilty pleasure to get even more goods. But go ahead: indulge. Late last season, Crested Butte debuted the Teocalli 2 Bowl—40 new acres of extreme skiing and riding off the backside of the Butte. This season, Teo 2 will be a main attraction for those seeking face shots.

Accessed via a short skate from the top of the resort, Teo 2 starts out at a butt-puckering 45-degree pitch before tapering to a more a gradual grade. Local big-mountain champ Sydney Dickinson thinks the terrain is a hoot. “There are steep tree options, pillow hops, and a lot of different playful cliff-hucking options,” she says. Dickinson knows her stuff—when not skiing the resort, she’s also a winter cat ski guide with CB's Irwin Guides.

Teo 2 hugs the far eastern edge of the ski area, terrain that has always been within the permitted boundary, but remained closed until the resort could build an emergency egress. For now, a Teo 2 run finishes with a 20-minute boot pack along this egress trail, a small price to pay for powder stashes that linger after the rest of the resort is tracked out.

Jay Prentiss, a Crested Butte local who has been skiing the resort for 25 years, says the hike is totally worth it. “It’s an adventure. The terrain is so good, and a lot less people get out there, so you get better snow conditions.”

Adding to the experience are the views from Teo 2, which faces northeast toward Teocalli Peak and the Brush Creek Valley. “When you’re out there, you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere,” says Erica Mueller, director of innovations and relations at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

The resort hopes to build a lift at the end of the run as part of an expansion to 500 acres of intermediate terrain adjacent to the bowl. Resort officials are working with the U.S. Forest Service to finalize how this development will take shape. photos by NATHAN BILOW

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THE FRESHEST OF FRESHIES: SYDNEY DICKINSON NABBED SOME OF TEOCALLI 2'S FIRST EVER TURNS WHEN CRESTED BUTTE OFFICIALLY OPENED THE BOWL LAST SEASON.

“In the expansion plan, one of the lifts will go halfway up the ridge between the Teocalli and Teo 2 bowls, so intermediate and advanced skiers can ski the bottom half,” says John Sale, director of permitting and planning for the resort. “Access from the top is always going to be expert-only.”

While the future expansion will create easier access for Teo 2 (no more hiking), it will also attract more skiers and riders. Avid powder hounds would be wise to get after it now while Teo 2 remains a new frontier. The resort hopes to drop the rope by late January. Until then, pray to the powder gods and prepare to bust out your fat boards.

—Avery Stonich

PUCKER UP: TEO 2 DELIVERS THE STEEPS.

QUICK HITS

10.15

INVISIBLE MAN? WHILE THE RIGHTS OF SHERPA PORTERS ON EVEREST HAVE BEEN A RECENT CONCERN OF THE CLIMBING COMMUNITY, K2'S PORTERS REMAIN FORGOTTEN.

HEAVY LOAD A NEW DOCUMENTARY BY IARA LEE SHINES A LIGHT ON THE PLIGHT OF PAKISTANI PORTERS WHO CARRY CLIMBERS’ DREAMS (AND STUFF) TO THE SUMMIT OF K2 They are thin from malnutrition and rubbed raw from a lifetime of hard living.

They wear sandals instead of hiking boots, eat porridge instead of PowerBars, and wear thin layers of clothes instead of high-performance fleece. They are the porters of Pakistan and they carry on their backs the dreams of nearly every climber who attempts to summit what many believe is the most technically challenging peak on the planet. Yet, they are untrained, uneducated and trapped in a cycle of poverty and servitude from which most have little hope of ever breaking free. It’s an unjust situation that goes largely unseen by the majority of the world, and one that acclaimed filmmaker Iara Lee is bringing attention to with her new documentary, “The Invisible Footmen of K2.”

The film was shot 60 years after Italians Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni made the first successful summit of K2. Amir Mehdi, the Pakistani porter who carried their oxygen tanks and made the summit possible, suffered severe frostbite and lost all his toes from sleeping without shelter above 8,100 meters. In the six decades since that expedition, most of the world has changed dramatically. But the life of the Pakistani porters, and the conditions they are forced to endure, are much the same today as they were for Mehdi.

Lee is hoping to help change that.

“All the filmmaking I do is for activism. This is an issue people need to be aware of,” Lee said. “I want to open people’s hearts and minds so they can see what’s happening. I want them to care about the people behind the scenes who are doing so much of the work and receiving so little in return.”

Lee acknowledges that there are no easy answers and that everyone involved—especially the porters themselves—needs to play a role in coming up with a solution, but she’s hoping that by raising awareness of the problem and allowing people to truly see these men who have been invisible for far too long, the slow process of change will finally begin for the Pakistani porters.

“I really think this film will capture people’s hearts because it’s a beautiful story of strength and perseverance,” she said. “These guys are superhuman, and once you see inside their lives, it’s really hard not to care.”

The power to bring about change. That’s the power of great films.

That’s the power of this film.

—Christopher Cogley photo by SHAH ZAMAN BALOCH O C TO B E R 2 01 5 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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QUICK HITS

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GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO EXTEND YOUR SUMMER THIS FALL OUT ON THE SUNNY WESTERN SLOPE

EAT If you’re staying in downtown Grand Junction, eateries galore are within easy strolling distance.

For breakfast hit up the Dream Cafe (dreamcafegj. com) a modern space with excellent food, including tasty smoothies. For lunch, head to the east end of Main Street to the artisan bakery Main Street Bagels (gjmainstreetbagels.com) where they use their own bread for delicious sandwiches. Come dinner time, The Local (thelocalgj.com) offers up a family friendly environment with great pub fare and scrumptious desserts. For fine dining, Il Bistro Italiano (ilbistroitaliano.com) has an incredible story behind why it’s in Grand Junction and, of course, the food is incredible. For dessert, pretend to actually earn it, and walk the handful of blocks to Grand Junction’s famous candy maker Enstrom’s Candies (enstrom.com). From chocolate to fudge to ice cream, the place is a dream for anyone with a sweet tooth. Grab a stool alongside the huge windows looking into the candy kitchen where you can watch it all being made.

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SLEEP For convenience of location and simple comfort, you can’t beat the Fairfield Inn & Suites (marriott. com). Located on the west end of Grand Junction’s beautiful Main Street, the Fairfield provides easy access to get out for a stroll for window shopping, bike rentals, meals, treats and more (not to mention the numerous creative sculptures placed along the way). You’re sure to discover something new each time you get out for a walk. The Fairfield offers an above-average continental style breakfast for guests and spacious rooms. With indoor and outdoor pools, a swim is always on and for the BBQinclined a self-serve grill is by the outdoor pool to keep your swimmers full and satisfied.

EAT IT UP: THE LUNCH LOOPS DISH OUT SINGLETRACK.

PLAY After having to decide on all those places to eat, the “Play” choices are easy. First, walk over to Ruby Canyon Cycles (rubycanyoncycles.com) from the Fairfield and rent your kit or stock up if you have brought your own ride. Then connect with Sarah and David Withers of Desert Rat Tours (desertrattours.com) for a shuttle ride or guide services as needed. Solid intermediate mountain bike riders will enjoy the miles and miles of trails called The Lunch Loops right there in town.

Hikers can arrange a shuttle to be dropped off at the top of the inspireing six-mile Monument Canyon Trail in the nearby red rock of the Colorado National Monument (nps.gov/colm).

—Cameron Martindell

photo by DEVON BALET

she calls “science experiments.” She experimented herself with dehydrating recipes made from fresh vegetables, spices and extra virgin olive oil—but without preservatives or additives. The fruit of her labor bore four meal options (most gluten-free and vegetarian) including Smoked Three Bean Chili, Herbed Mushroom Risotto, Classic Mariana and EO staff favorite, Thai Curry. Now when Scism hits the trail, she only needs to add boiling water.

“It simplifies meal planning and prep, although we still need to pair a wine for our Platypus,” says Scism. Good To-Go meals are available at outdoor specialty stores like REI and through their website. goodto-go.com —Krista Crabtree BRING IT, ALTON BROWN!

photo by GOOD TO GO

GO GO GOURMET

VAIL: HIT IT AND CHILL

BACKPACKING NEVER TASTED SO GOOD

REV UP TO WIND DOWN WITH MOUNTAIN MOVEMENT THIS FALL

Food is a focal point of many a hut or camping trip. Savvy group leaders assign the OCD foodie to dinner duty—but it takes hard work, prep and pack space. Enter Good To-Go lightweight dehydrated meals. The company’s co-founder, Jennifer Scism, has been a professional chef, owner of a New York top-rated restaurant, an Iron Chef Winner who bested Mario Batali and, lucky for backcountry enthusiasts, she is also an outdoors woman. On a backpacking trip with her husband, Scism grew dissatisfied with packaged food options

Ward of those down-season blues: up your heart rate and then take it down a big notch this fall in Vail.

RIDE TO REJUVENATION Pedal through golden aspen leaves on Vail’s Grand Traverse singletrack, then find post-biking bliss with a “Mountain Zensibility" treatment at the Four Seasons Spa (fourseasons.com/vail/spa). Held in a cozy suite, the two-hour, head-to-toe experience includes a hydrotherapy bath, scrub, wrap, hot oil scalp ritual and full-body shea butter massage.

QUICK HITS

HANDS, TOUCHING HANDS…

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photo by FOUR SEASONS SPA

SHAPE UP AND SOAK Sweat through a session of the Vail Vitality Center’s (vailvitalitycenter.com) high intensity intervals class, led by accomplished endurance athlete, Ellen Miller. Held every Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m., the workout includes short bouts of uphill speed hiking or running. After class, enjoy an outdoor hot tub soak, followed by a stop at Yeti’s Grind (yetisgrind.com). Clutch your coffee, or Bhakti chai, as you catch up with emails, a friend or good book, and watch this mountain town as it awakens around you.

—Kim Fuller

Let the season begin!

It’s that tasty time of year when the evenings grow darker, and so do the beers. Bristol’s award-winning winter seasonal, Winter Warlock is rich, smooth, and exceptionally comforting after an epic day on the mountain. Grab some at your favorite liquor store, or at select bars and restaurants across the Front Range. bristolbrewing.com

Drink beer with character.

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FLASHPOINT

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HACK THE TRAFFIC SICK OF WATCHING YOUR LIFE WASTE AWAY WHILE YOU SIT IN RESORT TRAFFIC? HERE ARE FIVE ALTERNATIVES TO HELP BEAT 1-70.

by CAMERON MARTINDELL Last winter, we published a story by Rachel Walker called “Road to Hell: Will I-70 Traffic Get Better Before It Gets Worse?” Sadly, what we discovered was that there are no major improvements in sight for Interstate 70 as it leads from Denver into the mountains (though we’d love to be proved wrong).

Nope, the traffic may even get worse.

So what to do? We know you need to travel this congested corridor to get outside and play at some of the state's best resorts. Don't fear—we have a few creative options that can help you beat the misery of sitting on I-70 and maximize fun time. #1 PLAN AHEAD

Naturally, we’d all like to plan our trip up to hit the parking lot and saunter over to the ski lift right as the gates open up on a perfect powder day on Sunday morning. But that rosy scenario is very unlikely (unless you are on the highway when the bars are closing in downtown Denver) especially on the weekends and even on big snow days during the week. Instead, consider going up to the mountains when others aren’t going. The website goi70.com features a Travel Forcast page that provides insight on the busiest travel times to help drivers plan to photo courtesy HIGHER GROUND SKI CLUB

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avoid the worst congestion. Or consider different travel days and plan well ahead. Use some vacation time to create a few extra long weekends over the season and offset your drive away from the busiest travel days and times. #2 CARPOOL

Probably the most obvious, and already the most popular, method to tackle I-70 is to fill every seat in your car. Or, better yet, find a ride in someone else’s car and let them deal with the driving. If this sort of option doesn’t exist within your network of friends, there are a number of websites to help you connect with fellow powderhounds. Check out skicarpool. org, theskilift.org and gociety.com.

“The often hidden advantage of carpooling that few know about is that some of the ski areas reserve close-in and/or free parking for carpools.”

While carpooling may still have you sitting in traffic only with more people, there are some other perks. The often hidden advantage of carpooling that few know about is that some of the ski areas reserve close-in and/or free parking for carpools.

Some ski areas also offer discounted lift passes to carpoolers even if your carpool is a mix of season pass holders and day-pass skiers. Be sure to scour the website of the ski area you’re looking to go to.

The website goi70.com has already done some of this work for you.

SHARE THE STOKE: THE MEMBERS OF THE HIGHER GROUND SKI CLUB ARE HAVING MORE FUN THAN YOU.

If your carpool party draws from all over the Front Range, get familiar with the Dinosaur Lots right along I-70 in Golden. Take the Morrison exit (#259) to these state owned lots and there you’ll find over 1,000 parking spots. There are three lots: T-Rex, Wooly Mammoth and Stegosaurus. Be sure you know where your crew is meeting. #3 TAKE THE TRAIN

After a very successful trial run of the Winter Park Ski Train this spring to celebrate Winter Park’s 75th anniversary, plans continue to move forward to provide a regular schedule of the service. The ski train started in the 1940’s and ran for decades, but liability costs, insurance and other concerns arose between Amtrak, which owned the physical trains, Union Pacific which owns the tracks and the private ski-train operator. It got so bad that train service ceased in 2009.

Now all concerned parties, including Winter Park, are at the same table. Details were still being worked out as this magazine went to press, but Steve Hurlbert, Winter Park’s director of public relations and communications, says the resort is extremely hopeful about the service returning for good. And, once planned work is complete, visitors will be able to take a train from Denver International Airport to Denver’s Union Station and transfer to the ski train to get to the slopes. It will be America’s only train service with direct access to a resort. For the latest on the new service, visit winterparkresort.com. For more history on the ski train check out skitrain.com.

#4 TAKE THE BUS/VAN

Of course, you can always let someone else deal with the traffic. Colorado Mountain Express (CME) offers services for folks flying into the various mountain airports including Denver International Airport. The ride serivce also picks up locals in downtown Denver and at the aforementioned Wooly Mammoth lot in Golden. CME offers extensive coverage to resorts including Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, Keystone, Breckenridge, Frisco, Copper Mountain, Silverthorne, Dillon, Aspen, Snowmass Village, Carbondale and other locations on request. coloradomountainexpress.com.

With roots as an undergrad school project, the Front Range Ski Bus (FRSB) has been going since 2011. FRSB also picks up in downtown Denver and at the Wooly Mammoth lot in Golden. These 54-seat busses (there are no bathrooms, but they make potty stops upon request) run Wednesday through Sunday and serve Loveland and Copper. Those resorts offer lift pass deals for FRSB riders. Kids aged 16 or older are welcome to ride the bus on their own, but those 15 and younger require a chaperone. frontrangeskibus.com New to the mountain bus scene is the Higher Ground Ski Club. Started in March of 2015 by an East Coast transplant, the HGSC bus runs on a membership model and departs from Boulder to serve Copper Mountain, Winter Park, Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge and A-Basin. HGSC claims that the membership model creates a stronger sense of community among mountain bound folks. It also shows an increased commitment by riders to help keep the bus running. As membership grows, HGSC is negotiating deals and partnerships to include discounts on equipment, passes and more. HGSC also hosts regular meetups for members and members-to-be, and the bus often stays in the mountains for aprés events (this specific bus is for adults only) and allows booze on the bus. Guests of members are allowed for an extra fee. hgskiclub.com Another kind of “club” style bus service is the University Ski Bus for Denver University students. The website is pretty spartan, but if you go to DU, this ride is a solid option: universityskibus.com The large military community of Colorado Springs also has its own service. Anyone holding a DoD ID card, can hop on a bus that departs from a central location in Colorado Springs starting on November 21. This bus will run Saturdays and most Sundays as well as some other times during the week as appropriate with the military schedule. mwrfortcarson.com For those limited few who are available to travel west in the evening and east in the morning on weekdays there’s Bustang. Designed around a commuter schedule rather than for powder hounds, these 50-seat coaches include restrooms, bike racks, free WiFi, power outlets and USB ports.

Bustang runs three routes: north and a south serving I-25 from Ft. Collins to Tejon (Colorado Springs) and west going from Denver to Glenwood Springs.

Prices are hard to beat, ranging from $9 to $28. ridebustang.com Finally, you can board the least likely ski bus of all ... Greyhound. The national bus service does run up and down I-70 after all. There are a few decent departure times to choose from including a 7 a.m. westbound bus from Denver on Saturday mornings. Denver-Vail fares start at $32. greyhound.com

World’s softest

#5 SKIP I-70 COMPLETELY

The final option? Don't. Eldora Mountain Resort has been using this simple marketing mantra for years: “Friends don’t let friends drive I-70.” Only 21 miles from Boulder, Eldora may not offer up the same terrain, prestige or clout as ski areas buried deep into the Rockies, but when upslope storms come in, Eldora makes out like a bandit. Granted, the single lane (with rare opportunities to pass) Boulder Canyon Drive can get congested on busy days, especially in Nederland. But there’s also the RTD bus that will take you from Boulder’s Walnut Street station right to the lift. eldora.com If you’re not hung up on riding a lift, you can invest in the gear and the knowledge (mandatory: take an avalanche safety course and practice with your gear) and join the growing number of skiers and boarders who would rather earn their turns than sit in traffic. There are lots of backcountry turns to be had all along the Front Range, many of which are described in the backcountry issue of this magazine. For more information about what it takes to get into the backcountry in a safe and fun way, check out our Backcountry 101 guide: elevationoutdoors.com/backcountry-101

866-977-soCK CUstoMerserVICe@Worldssoftest.CoM World’s softest® soCKs Is A reGIstered trAdeMArK of CresCeNt soCK Co.

O C TO B E R 2 01 5 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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D E V I L’ S

T H U M B

R A N C H

TO

W I N T E R

PA R K

STAGECOACH CLASSIC

XC Ski Race & Tour Devil’s Thumb Ranch to Winter Park January 23rd, 2016 Whether you’re a serious Nordic skier, an old-school tourist or a weekend snowshoe enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this unique chance to trek from Devil’s Thumb Ranch to downtown Winter Park through the original Idlewild Ski Area.

Choose a 15k or 30k race or 15k trek on groomed trails through private and Forest Service lands, then celebrate with live music, BBQ and a beer tent at the after-party.

A portion of the race proceeds will go to Trout Unlimited’s efforts to protect and preserve the Fraser River.

Register online at www.stagecoachclassic.com

oint to

oint

CROSS COUNTRY SKI RACE & TOUR JANUARY 23, 2016

This winter, there’s no reason to hurry home.

When you stay two nights with us, your third is free.*

TA B E R NA S H, CO LO R AD O 970.726.5632 *

14

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Limited quantities available. Other restrictions may apply. Blackout dates may apply. Not valid for previously booked reservations or groups. Taxes not included.

Based on availability. This offer may not be combined with any other promotion or package. Room nights must be consecutive.

ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R 2 01 5

POWERED BY

THE TRAIL

10 .15

DOWNLOAD APP viewranger.com/gpsadventure

ROUTE CODE: ELEV0040 Scan for this route’s GPS Hike!

SYMPHONIC SIGHTS: THE VIEW FROM MUSIC PASS TAKES IN THE HIGH SUMMITS OF THE SANGRES.

THE PERFECT FALL HIKE DOWNLOAD THE FREE VIEWRANGER GPS APP AND THESE WAYPOINTS AND CLIMB UP TO MUSIC PASS, HIGH IN THE SANGRE DE CRISTOS.

by CHRIS KASSAR Squeeze in one last autumn adventure before you trade your hiking boots for skis and head to the majestic Sangre de Cristo Wilderness for a highcountry ramble. Music Pass offers up a lot of bang for your buck: The hike from the upper trailhead is a roughly 2.5-mile roundtrip with only about 800 feet of elevation gain. That makes this trip the perfect way to say farewell to the foliage.

MUSIC PASS TRAILHEAD

From Westcliffe, head south for 4.5 miles on Highway 69 and turn right on to County Road 119 (Colfax Lane) at the sign for Music Pass/South Colony Lakes Trailhead. Follow CR 119 for 5.6 miles to a "T" intersection where you turn left to stay on CR 119. Continue for 5.2 miles to the Lower Music Pass Trailhead (aka Grape Creek Trailhead/Rainbow Trail). Park here and walk 3.5 miles to the pass unless you’re in a 4WD, high clearance vehicle and want to push through the next 2.5 miles of rough, rocky, steepness to reach the end of the road. At the actual trailhead, you’ll see a sign pointing right to Music Pass Trail No. 1337 and Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. (Note the dirt berm put on the trail to keep vehicles from driving any further. Years ago, you were actually allowed to drive all the way to Music Pass, but it is now only a trail.) Follow the well-defined route, which takes you up a steep and rocky slope through a dense conifer forest teeming with birds and critters. photo by CHRIS KASSAR

Scan for all of Elevation Outdoors’ published routes!

BEWARE BRISTLECONES

Over the next half-mile, this well-defined trail gradually gains elevation and wanders through an ever-morphing forest, with a babbling creek in the background. As you climb higher, the forest thins out. Here you will find beautiful and mangled bristlecone pines—some of the oldest trees on the planet. Take a break and breathe in the views of the Wet Mountain Valley creeping up behind you.

LEAVE THE TREES

About .8 miles from the start, you’ll completely leave the trees behind. Nearby, a sign announces your entrance into the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. Even though no dunes are in sight, you’ve technically entered this protected and diverse Colorado gem.

MUSIC PASS

Just a mile in, you reach Music Pass, the 11,449-foot saddle which is the gateway to the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness and Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. Why is this named "Music Pass" you ask? Check out the sign that explains how hikers inspired by the wind melodically whistling through the trees here, gave this pass its name. Take a moment and listen for yourself.

DECISION POINT Follow the flat trail around

the next corner. From here, you’ll get the best views yet. Take in the Sand Creek Basin to the west and Tijeras Peak (13,604 feet), Music Mountain (13,356 feet) and Milwaukee Mountain (13,522 feet) towering overhead. Grab a snack, enjoy the stunning alpine scenery and figure out your next move. You can return the way you came or drop about 400 feet down into the basin below to explore Lower Sand Creek Lake (three miles from the pass) and/or Upper Sand Creek Lake (3.5 miles) or start early and climb one of the thirteeners soaring above.

TRAIL GEAR BLACK DIAMOND ALPINE CARBON POLES

Lightweight and durable, these three-section trekking poles inlcude interchangeable tips, making good for trekking, hiking—and snow. Bonus features include comfortable cork grip with extra extension for uneven terrain and extremely easy adjustability thanks to the patented Flick Lock system. $160; blackdiamondequipment.com MILLET PROLIGHTER 22

Grab this comfy, versatile, do-it-all pack for your next day-long adventure. With a simple design, super light, but durable fabric and advanced technical features, including an ice axe holder, rope holder, haul loops and compression straps, this little hauler proved invaluable on hikes like Music Pass. $130; millet-mountain.com —C.K.

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Experience the Land of Ice & Steam this Winter!

Learn to ice climb, explore our quiet San Juan Mountains, soak in our famous sulfur-free hot springs, sample locally-crafted treats & let cozy Ouray take care of you for a while.

Plan Your Getaway: OurayColorado.com / 1-800-228-1876

CHILe PEPPER BIKE SHOP OCT 22-25th

015 The 2 10th

PRESENTS

Annual

Bike riding, enduro racing, dirt jumping, partying & bike movie watching! Women’s skills camps!

702 S. Main st. moab, utah 84532 435.259.4688 | MOABHODOWN.COM 16

ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R 2 01 5

HOT SPOT

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FULL IMMERSION! HOW ABOUT THIS PROPOSITION FOR THE PERFECT WEEKEND? SPEND THE DAY SHREDDING IN NIPPLE-DEEP POWDER SNOW AND THE NIGHTS SOAKING IN WARM WATER (AND DOWNING SUDS). WELCOME TO WOLF CREEK AND PAGOSA SPRINGS. HERE’S OUR GUIDE ON HOW TO GO DEEP.

by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

Wolf Creek has acquired a mythic status for Front Range skiers and snowboarders. This is the place where you will find snow, especially early in the season. Big dumps roll up to this southern end of the San Juans, leaving legends like the November 2013 storms that left over 100 inches in their wake

by Thanksgiving. And, while yes the skiing is that good, what often gets left out is that Pagosa Springs, on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass may just be the best damn ski town in Colorado. Sure, there are the requiste Texans waving their Lone Stars here, but the place has someone remained immune to the influxes of package destination tourists, poseur mountain freaks and pluggedin hipsters that threaten to take over many of the state's other ski towns. Pagosa is for real. It's also the ideal place for a trifecta of good-living immersion: Here you can indulge in powder, craft beer and warm, healing waters all in the same day.

find that famed powder? Ride the Alberta Lift and head out along the ridge south to the Knife Edge Chutes, Dog Chutes and Horseshoe Bowl if you are seeking the steep and and deep (even after a storm). Families will enjoy staying closer to the base area and riding the Bonanza and Raven chairs.

When it's time to post-game, the sun deck of the Prospector Grill is the place to relax with a bowl of green chili (especially when the grill is open on the deck) and the attached Pathfinder Bar serves up craft beers from Colorado brewers like Ska and Steamworks. Don't have your gear with you or want to demo? Wolf Creek began a program this year that allows you to call ahead to reserve and pay for premium rental skis or boards as well as demos. wolfcreekski.com

HOT WATER Now it's time to really relax. No surprise, the big attraction in Pagosa Springs is warm, therapeutic

mineral water, which contains everything from silica, which can help with acne, to boron, which can help boost muscle mass. There are several ways you can get a soak in here. The most popular is The Springs Resort and Spa (pagosahotsprings.com), which we affectionately refer to as the "mini golf of hot springs." The property, which sits right on the San Juan River, features 23 different developed pots and each has a different theme—meet new friends in the big Sunset Social Club, cook yourself in the 111-degree Lobster Pot, or play footsie with that special someone in the secluded Clouds in My Coffee. Across the street, you can stay at The Healing Waters Resort and Spa (pshotsprings. com) and get in a morning dip. The best bet for a little nighttime romance, however, is The Overlook Hot Springs Spa (overlookhotsprings.com), where you can sit in a rooftop tub and pick out the constellations while you nurse those sore muscles after a day of shredding pow. If you want to take the dirtbag route, you can also soak in the San Juan River itself right in the town park.

COLD BEER

DEEP SNOW Everyone loves to talk about the big number: Wolf Creek gets 430 of snow each year, the highest annual average in the state (and this season could be even better if the much-hyped Godzilla El Nino hits). But the allure of the place goes deeper than that, the resort is still family owned and operated and you feel that vibe as soon as you belly up to the ticket window. The best place to

TRIPLE THREAT: PAGOSA SPRINGS TOPS OUR LIST OF BEST OFF-THE-RADAR SKI TOWNS WITH THE MOST SNOW IN THE STATE UP THE ROAD, THREE CRAFT BREWERIES IN TOWN AND THREE SPOTS TO SOAK ALL YOUR WORRIES AWAY.

GETTING ATAVISTIC IN KEITH’S GLADE.

Finally, we need to discuss the third way to immerse yourself in Pagosa Springs—beer!

The town is home to three of the best craft breweries in the state. The Pagosa Brewing Co. (pagosabrewing.com), where you can enjoy a spicy Chile Verde Cerveza with dinner. Riff Raff Brewing (riffraffbrewing.com) embraces the mountain lifestyle (hey, there's a dude doing yoga in a puffy holding beer on their website) and serves up a fantastic Plebian Porter. New this year is Wolfe Brewery (wolfebrewingco.com). Try the Yippie KiYay IPA, brewed in the style of the original India Pales meant to survive long voyages at sea.

photos courtesy PAGOSA SPRINGS O C TO B E R 2 01 5 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

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STRAIGHT TALK

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KEVIN JORDAN BIKE PARKS ARE ON THE RISE AT WINTER RESORTS, AND SKI INSTRUCTORS ARE IN ON THE GAME. WE ASKED ONE OF ASPEN'S BEST ABOUT THE SYNERGY BETWEEN THE TWO DOWNHILL SPORTS.

by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN As the Children's Coordinator for the Ski and Snowboard Schools of Aspen/Snowmass, Kevin Jordan lives on the snow. But mountain biking is becoming more and more important at resorts looking to offer more in summer (and to hedge against bad snow years). That means instructors at Snowmass, where Whistler, B.C.'s Gravity Logic built a ripping new set of trails, have to start spending more time in the saddle. Now also the children's coordinator for the bike program, Jordan took the time to take us down the resort's trails and to fill us in on the synergy of the two disciplines.

HOW DID YOU COME TO RUN THE BIKE PROGRAM AT BIKE SNOWMASS?

In 2009, a manager approached me about running the bike school. She asked if I was a biker. I answered, “Yes, I know how to ride a bike.” Thus, six years ago, I was the bike school—I taught very few bike lessons. Fast forward and we now have 22 bike pros on staff (combination of full-time and part-time) and four dedicated downhill trails. I consider myself a core DH mountain biker now.

WHAT WERE SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BIKE SEASON?

This season was unusually wet, which made the trails more compact and less dusty. We also just wrapped up the first ever Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) Rocky Mountain mountain bike clinic. The concept was to focus on transferable skills between biking and skiing/ snowboarding. It was also designed to get people out of their comfort zone and learn a new sport.

photos GRANT NAKAMURA (left), ABBY EAGYE (right)

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ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R 2 01 5

That way, they can empathize with beginner skiers and riders. It was a huge success, and candidates were asking when are we going to do this next year?

TWIN TIPS: JORDAN EMBRACES HIS ROLL AS A TEACHER ON THE MOUNTAIN, NO MATTER THE SEASON.

I THINK I AM A DAMN FINE SKIER AND BIKER ... WHY SHOULD I TAKE A LESSON?

lessons. We also talk about angulation and tipping the bike more so it can corner more effectively.

There is a lot of crossover. I make a skiing or a snowboarding analogy in every clinic or private coaching session I teach.

Our beginner progression for biking is exactly the same as it is in the winter time. We introduce guests to their equipment and show them how it may differ from something they are used to (i.e. cross-country or road biking). Then we teach them how to stop and how to turn. Once they have those skills dialed, it's time to hit the trail.

I actually find that selling lessons in the summer is harder than the winter. People learned how to ride a bike when they were young, like at age five.

Many say, “How hard can it be? I know how to ride a bike.” We are trying to get away from the word lesson and market the value of "coaching” or “guiding.” Many people love getting tips and that is what our coaches or guides can do. They can take a person's riding to the next level whether it be downhill, cross country, or road cycling.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT TRANSITIONING FROM SKI INSTRUCTOR TO BIKE INSTRUCTOR?

For me, it was the hard skills of riding. I am still working on my cornering skills at a very high speed. But, because when I was younger, my friends and I built dirt jumps for our bikes in a under-construction housing development, I am very comfortable in the air. All the same principles of guiding and coaching transfer over. The orientation is a little different, but we relate everything back to skiing and riding. However, one big challenge for ski instructors transitioning to bike instructors is that many of them think it will be like it is in the winter. In other words, we have been doing winter operations for 50- to 60-plus years. We are only six years into the downhill bike operations. Thus, the learning curve and change can be slow. Also, the expectation that bike pros will earn as much as they do in the winter, which has a longer season and more visitation, can be a challenge. That is not to say that a bike pro is not making money. They just are not making as much as they expect to make in the winter time or they are not as busy at times as they are in the winter.

WHAT CARRIES OVER? WHAT PRINCIPLES ARE SIMILAR IN BOTH SPORTS?

Many things. For example, fore/aft pressure control and lateral balance are concepts we discuss in both

WHAT MISTAKES DO YOU SEE MAJOR SUPPOSEDLY EXPERIENCED SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS MAKING THAT THEY COULD EASILY FIX TO UP THEIR GAME?

I think that there are some myths out there and I like to bust them—like the television show “Mythbusters.” My favorite myth is leaning back in powder. Now, with wider and rockered skis, you do not need to do this. Even without these advances in ski design, you did not need to lean back. Instead, I teach guests to stay more centered. Sure I don't want them levered on the front of the skis, but I also don't want them leaning back trying to do a “wheelie” in the snow and only using the back half of the ski. They paid to rent or own their skis, they might as well use more of the length of them!

WILL WE BE SEEING MORE SKI AREAS EMBRACE BIKING? WHY?

That is a tough question. I think it makes sense for ski areas to embrace biking, especially downhill biking. The concept is the same. Build trails and then charge your guests to use them. Plus, with a heavy downhill bike, people are more willing to pay to use the lift. However, mountain biking is a risky endeavor. Speeds can be higher than in the winter time so many resorts shy away. But, as far as I am concerned, the question really should be why not? Why wouldn't a resort get into biking and downhill mountain biking?

WILDCHILD HI LITTLETON’S GEORGE RODNEY TOOK THE FREERIDE WORLD TOUR BY STORM LAST SEASON. WILL HE UP HIS GAME EVEN FURTHER THIS YEAR? | by TOM WINTER

G

eorge Rodney is stoked. He’s high on a ridge in Alaska, the Chilkat Mountains spreading behind him—glittering peaks against a perfect blue backdrop, bejeweled with endless, beautiful blue glaciers. But he’s not looking at them, or even taking in the vast valley floor far below, the braided channels of the Chilkat River glinting in the sunlight. He’s laughing and stoked and smiling. “That was the best run of my life!” he says, and then laughs again.

Haines, Alaska, is the place where many skiers have had the best run of their lives.

The snow here is deep, cold and stable.

The mountains are spectacular, steep and challenging. The skiing and snowboarding is, by most accounts, the best in the world.

Accessed primarily via helicopter, the terrain is untouched and empty and on a good day— and there are many good days here—it’s one of the few places in the world where fantasy becomes reality, and even the most jaded of skiers find nirvana, if even only for one run.

As such, Haines provides the perfect location for the only North America stop on the elite Freeride World Tour (FWT), a five-event competition that also stops in Vallnord Arcalis, Andorra; Chamonix, France; Fieberbrunn, Austria; and Verbier, Switzerland.

Rodney, a Littleton Colorado native, was on his first year competing on the tour when the circus pulled into Haines last March.

And the event would prove to be the defining moment of a rookie season that surpassed everyone's expectations. Fresh off a win at the Andorra stop, Rodney would put down the run of the year in Haines, a flowing, high consequence on the edge ride that featured huge airs. It would be enough to cement his grip on the overall title as the Tour moved into the final event in Verbier.

“It was the coolest run of my life,” said Rodney after chalking up the win in Haines.

The wild child would go on to take third in Verbier and clinch the FWT overall title, a feat even more impressive when you take into account the level of competition. “It’s rare for a rookie to do so well their first year on the tour,” says Berti Denervaud, the FWT’s head of sport development. “It usually takes a season or two for new athletes to figure out the venues and adjust to competing against more experienced pros.”

It’s also impressive when you learn that Rodney suffered knee and foot injuries

three years ago. While the knee injury was serious—a torn ACL isn’t an uncommon injury for skiers—it was the foot injury that could have been debilitating. Lisfranc fractures end careers, and while the damage and subsequent reconstructive surgery didn’t ruin Rodney, they did force him to miss the 2012-14 seasons.

That won’t be the case this year when Rodney returns to defend his overall title. It won’t be easy. Repeat winners are rare, in the last five years not one of the men’s ski champions has been able to defend their title. With unpredictable snow and weather, the slightest errors open the door to your competitors and a fall can knock you out of the title race for good.

Still, the Colorado native isn’t stressing.

“I just want to have fun,” he says. “That’s the most important thing.”

WINNING: RODNEY AFTER THE “RUN OF HIS LIFE” AT THE FREERIDE WORLD TOUR IN HAINES, ALASKA, LAST WINTER. photo courtesy DOM DAHER, FREERIDE WORLD TOUR

>>>> WANT TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD LIKE A TRUE

LOCAL COMMUTE: HIKING FOR UNTRACKED TURNS AFTER RIDING THE FREE SNOWCAT AT LOVELAND. photo by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

#1 KEEP DRIVING PAST VAIL on

a crazy busy powder day and enjoy Beaver Creek. Frontsiders and race fans must get a run in on Birds of Prey.

LOCAL IN THE HIGHEST STATE IN THE U.S.A? WE POLLED SOME OF OUR FAVORITE NATIVES TO COME UP WITH A HOT LIST OF THE THINGS YOU MUST DO TO BE CONSIDERED PART OF THE LOCAL TRIBE. CONTRIBUTORS: AARON BIBLE, KRISTA CRABTREE, PETER KRAY, ANDY HAWK, KEVIN LUBY, HELEN OLSSON, TRACY ROSS, DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN, RACHEL WALKER, BEVIN WALLACE, TOM WINTER

#6 CAMP IN THE PARKING LOT at

Berthoud Pass (to ski next day).

#7 BUY WEED AT HIGH COUNTRY

HEALING in Alma and don’t make a #2 MAKE FULL MOON ROAD LAPS big deal about it. on Loveland Pass. (Bonus points for #8 HIKE HIGHLANDS BOWL. (Only nudity and alcohol.) counts if you do at least two laps.) #3 GRILL BRATS AT BELLE’S #9 MOW DOWN THE DOS LOCOS CAMP at Vail.

HAPPY HOUR in Keystone. #4 RIDE THE RIDGE CAT at #10 DRINK CHAMPAGNE Loveland. Or skin to the top.

SUPERNOVA in the in-bar hot tub at #5 SHRED SILVERTON (and slam a 39 Degrees in Sky Hotel, Aspen. beer at the yurt after powder all day).

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ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R 2 01 5

#11 NAB FRESH TRACKS ON

FOREVER at Vail when a pass closure has kept Front Range hordes away (a.k.a. a Country Club Day). #12 Party with dirty telemarkers at

the Ice Bar in CRESTED BUTTE.

#13 ENJOY A BACON BLOODY at

A-Basin and tailgate at The Beach. #14 Pony up for A TRIP WITH

HELISKI TELLURIDE.

#15 HIKE TUCKER at Copper. right page photos by: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) DAVID CLIFFORD, COURTESY COPPER, KEVIN LUBY, KEVIN LUBY, DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

#16 MAKE OUT WITH SOMEONE

while you ride the new ski train to Winter Park and Mary Jane. #17 HIT WOLF CREEK on an early-

season, mid-week powder day. #18 Pay tribute at to the ski god at

BRECKENRIDGE’S ULLR FEST.

#19 SKI A 14ER. Quandry Peak is a

good place to start. #20 ENJOY MARGARITAS at the

Saloon in Minturn after you escape Vail via the Minutrn Mile (and have your car parked there waiting for you.) #21 WAIT FOR AN UPSLOPE

TELLURIDE HELITRAX IS WORTH THE CASH.

STORM—and for I-70 to close—and bring your fatties to Eldora.

#22 SKI PURGATORY AND

MOUNTAIN BIKE PHIL'S WORLD on the same day (and drink wine in sunny Cortez).

#23 PAY HOMAGE AT THE

10TH MTN MONUMENT AND SNOWCAT SKI at Ski Cooper.

DROPPING INTO LOVELAND’S SNOWCAT TERRAIN.

COPPER, COLORADO’S BEST SECRET?

#24 Put your personal trademark on

STEAMBOAT'S champagne powder.

WHO NEEDS LIFTS? HIKE A 14ER.

#25 TIE THE KNOT OR RENEW

YOUR VOWS at the top of Loveland on Valentine's day … then have your "reception" at the Rathskeller.

#26 STOP FOR A BURGER AND

SOFT SERVE at Dairy King in Empire.

#27 SIT IN F-ING TRAFFIC for six SPORTS RECOVERY DRINK, A-BASIN-STYLE.

hours on 1-70 (see the next page).

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So at best you are on Plan C, and the scope of Plan Cs doesn’t really matter. It means that on Friday afternoon, on every Friday afternoon, you are pinned deep in Elwayville trying to figure out how you can pack and road rage faster and more efficiently than everybody else so you can finally beat the traffic to the mountains. And you are terrible at it.

Whether coming from Denver, Boulder, or Colorado Springs, by the time you get to Golden it is apparent that you and all the other Plan-C underachievers have failed. Nothing to do now but slow down, make better plans and have a drink. Go ahead and start (or finish) in Golden.

BRECKENRIDGE DISTILLERY’S LINEUP.

>>>> THE BEST WAY TO SURVIVE I-70? HAVE A DRINK (AND MAKE YOUR HIPSTER FRIENDS DRIVE)!

by ANDY HAWK

It seems you are always stuck in Friday afternoon hell traffic on I-70—so how to turn that rookie mistake into a veteran recovery?

Plan A was a trust fund. It seemed viable, lots of your friends seem to have them, and they are

always happy to text you from the deck of the Red Lion on a random Tuesday afternoon: “Dude, where are you? We’re in Vail.”

Plan B was to found some cool tech startup.

Nobody would know what it did, you’d struggle to explain it yourself, but the hours would be flexible because you prioritized work-life balance. You had to, it was the caption to the website photo of your black lab sleeping next to the cruiser bikes and beer on tap in your office (Or your mom’s basement, until you got that second round of funding).

STATE 38 DISTILLING has been producing agave-based spirits out of its Golden-based facility for a little over a year. You get two free tastings just for walking in, and there's even a light cocktail menu if you stick around. There's nothing fancy here, and it doesn’t need to be. The lineup features vodka, gin, and three “tequila-like agave spirits” (to be legally called tequila, it has to be produced in a specific region of Mexico, but that doesn’t mean it can’t taste like tequila!). Head distiller Jon Tewinkle is always experimenting with something, and he does a great job of defending his work by pouring you more. “We’re working on an agave liqueur that will be so smooth and sweet you can put it on your pancakes.” Pro tip: the bottles are square, so your to-go order won’t roll around in the trunk. state-38.com

If you think our spectacular rugged peaks, spruce forests and rolling terrain are beautiful, just wait till you meet the people who ski and ride here. They’re what makes us legendary.

Beginner to expert terrain | 350” of average annual snowfall Colorado’s longest ski season | Three on-mountain restaurants

ARAPAHOEBASIN.COM | 888.ARAPAHOE 22

ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R 2 01 5

GOLDEN MOON DISTILLERY If you need to placate a Jetta-load of hipsters, pop right around the corner to the Golden Moon Distillery or to its downtown Golden speakeasy location. Make sure some passenger’s useless liberal arts degree can get you through the Cliffs Notes on the botanical based spirits list, or just head straight for the Bourbon.

There is nothing ironic about the Bourbon. goldenmoondistillery.com When you arrive in the mountains, everyone is comparing I-70 war stories. Nobody can believe how long it took. They thought you were leaving at 1:15 to beat traffic. They left at 2:30 and have been here for 30 mins. You concede that you got a late start and make no mention that at 8 p.m. that trip only takes an hour, or that you have a fresh bottle of craft hooch in your bag. You’re a pro now.

And since you are a pro, you are beginning to realize that you can’t have a full day in the mountains and still hit the road home by 11 a.m. to beat traffic. You are quickly advancing your candidacy for mayor of Slow Down Sunday, holding your first town hall meetings in Breckenridge.

the Distillery, there' s a tasting room in downtown Breckenridge. Pro Tip: You can get the bourbon anywhere, but not the bloody mary mix, which is delicious. breckenridgedistillery.com

one of the brewers will pour your beer personally.

They say are not sure if they are the world’s highest brewery, but they’d be willing to give it a try. brokencompassbrewing.com

BROKEN COMPASS BREWING If you

—Andy Hawk blew his trust fund when he almost launched a website for a tech startup idea that he had this one time. He is consistently angry about, in no particular order: traffic, having to work on Fridays, and seasonal mountain town residents that go out of their way to tell you they are locals.

are serious about becoming the mayor, visit more of your constituents at Broken Compass Brewing.

It's right around the corner from the distillery, and quickly becoming a favorite local hangout. The operation has an appealingly simple manufacturing brewery with a comfortable tasting room. The beers are on point, and there's a pretty good chance

TRUST FUN: HAWK AT THE WORLD’S HIGHEST DISTILLERY. photos courtesy ANDY HAWK

BRECKENRIDGE DISTILLERY is a perfect place to not get out of town quickly, and it is the world’s highest distillery. (Be sure to mention the double meaning in your Instagram caption.) Their bourbon and vodka is widely distributed, but there are plenty of reasons (think: the rarely available barrel-aged Manhattan) to go directly to the source.

Did we mention the free tastings? In addition to

THE BIG AGNES

SLEEP

SYSTEM

=

+

Breakfast above the Colorado River, Western CO - Braden Gunem

NEVER ROLL OFF YOUR PAD AGAIN

Lost Ranger 15oF, 2lb 15oz

Q-Core SL™ 15oF, 17oz

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• Our original sleep system design has been providing comfort in the backcountry since 2001 • Slide your pad into an integrated sleeve on the bottom of the bag for insulation • The top two-thirds of the bag is insulated in the traditional style to keep you warm Outfitting Dirtbags Everywhere...

Tents • Sleeping Bags • Pads • Apparel

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Start Your Season Here!

With 4 wheel drive and all terrain tires, conquer the winter weather and grab first chair at your favorite resort.

With a forced air propane heater your boots will be dry and your toes warm.

NOV 6-8 Ski & Snowboard

SALE

Colorado Convention Center

Up to 75% OFF!

Fri: Noon to 10pm Sat: 10am to 8pm Sun: 10am to 6pm

GEAR! DEALS! FUN! • The Skyriders! Aerial Show

• ELITEAM Fitness Challenge

• Winter Park Kid’s Slope

• Epic Adventure Park Ropes Course

• Mountain Activity & Slackline Demo Center • Nordic Village Interactive Zone & Equipment

This fully outfitted camper comes with propane stove, fridge, sink, freshwater, and 200w solar kit.

- A true ski in/ski out chalet! Fully stocked with all your camp necessities, all your need and personal items, and your skis or boards!

Discounted Winter Rates start November 1st

Book a 3 night rental and get the 4th FREE! Key word: Sportsmobiles are awesome!

Rent a 4x4 Sportsmobile Camper Van For Your Winter Adventures INTOTHEWILDEXPEDITIONRENTALS.COM

I 720-515-2762

• Rocky Mountain Beer Garden • LIVE music and much MORE!

Purchase tickets online.

Use promo code EOMAG.

SAVE $!

Kids under 12 FREE.

One Year Subscription to

OR + a $10 Gift Card from With paid admission.

Restrictions apply.

Official Snow Report of the Expo

For more info and to purchase tickets

SKISNOWexpo.com 24

SKISNOWexpo.com

ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R 2 01 5

MSP INTRODUCES A NEW 4k ULTRA HIGH DEFINITION SKI FILM SHOT ON LOCATION: Sentry Lodge, BC // Klausberg, IT // Kiroro, JP // Telluride, CO Mad River Glen, VT // Loon Mountain, NH // Sunday River, ME // Haines, AK ELEVEN iceland, IS // Silverton Mountain, CO DENVER -

WORLD PREMIERE - SAT. 1 0 / 1 0

PA RA M O U N T T H E AT R E - 1 62 1 G L E N A R M P LAC E 8 P M S H OWT I M E - D O O R S O P E N AT 6 : 3 0 P M T I C K E TS : $1 8 AT WWW. A LT I T U D E T I C K E TS .CO M / M S P F I L M S (S U R C H A R G E S M AY A P P LY ) A L SO AVA I LA B L E AT: P A RA M O U N T T H E AT R E B OX O F F I C E * ( * E V E N T DAYS O N LY )

B O U L D E R - B O U L D E R T H E AT E R - T H U R . 1 0 / 2 2 B O U L D E R T H E AT E R - 2 032 1 4 T H ST R E E T 8 P M S H OWT I M E - D O O R S O P E N AT 7 P M T I C K E TS : $1 5 AT WWW. B O U L D E RT H E AT E R .CO M (S U R C H A R G E S M AY A P P LY ) A L SO AVA I LA B L E AT: B O U L D E R T H E AT E R B OX O F F I C E

VISIT WWW. SKIMOVIE .CO M FOR MORE INFO

THE PERFECT WINTER ELEVATIONOUTDOORS.COM

Y

ou need this winter to be epic. Right now is the time to plan how to best maximize your time to play. We want to help. That’s why we put together this guide to ensure this winter will be your perfect winter.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mountain Resort. No strings attached!

SkiCB.com

ADVENTURE 4 GOOD FEST October 17, 2015 (3p.m.–11 p.m.)

Boulder Adventure Lodge, Colorado This is a joint fundraiser for the Centro de Escalada Urbana Climbing School in the favelas (slums) of Rio de Janeiro and the Escalando Fronteras Program in El Potrero Chico, Mexico. Don’t miss the beer, bands, slackline contest, talks and films.

Adventure4Good.com (coming soon) Facebook.com/adventure4good

RISE ‘N’ SHINE RANDO SERIES December 1 and 15, 2015; January 5 and 19, 2016 Arapahoe Basin, Colorado The early-morning randonee series is in its 4th year and it’s one of the fastest-growing events at the ski area. Get your blood pumping before work with this uphill/ downhill race series, open to all ability levels, skinners and splitboarders (sorry, there are no snowshoes).

ArapahoeBasin.com/events

COPPER MOUNTAIN OPENING DAY / U.S. ALPINE SKI TEAM NAMING November 6, 2015 209 Ten Mile Circle Copper Mountain, Colorado Come cheer on the U.S. Ski Team and kickoff the ski season with the largest pep rally on snow. We’ll be wishing lots of success to the team for its 2015-16 competitions.

Start your season in style!

CopperColorado.com

10th ANNUAL ASPEN SUMMIT FOR LIFE December 4–5, 2015 Aspen Mountain, Colorado This weekend celebration of life in Aspen, Colorado, features a nighttime uphill race on Aspen Mountain benefitting the Chris Klug Foundation, a cause dedicated to promoting lifesaving organ and tissue donation. Contestants race from the base all the way to the top of Aspen Mountain.

SummitForLife.kintera.org/faf/home/

CHRISTY SPORTS DEMO DAY November 14, 2015 Loveland Ski Area, Colorado Try all of this season’s best gear from Christy Sports on the slopes of Loveland Ski Area. Packages include unlimited demos, lift ticket and lunch.

SkiLoveland.com

DEW TOUR MOUNTAIN CHAMPIONSHIPS December 10–13, 2015 Breckenridge, Colorado The culmination of the 2015 Dew Tour will once again take place in Breck with four days of snowboard and freeski competitions, as well as live concerts and the interactive Dew Tour Experience, which features athlete meet-and-greets, games, and lots of giveaways.

Breckenridge.com

COLORADO DEMO DAYS November 21st and 22nd, 2015 209 Ten Mile Circle Copper Mountain, Colorado Gear up for the 4th Annual Colorado Demo Days by celebrating Colorado with homegrown skis, boards, beers and bands.

CopperColorado.com CRESTED BUTTE MOUNTAIN RESORT’S SKI FREE ON OPENING DAY! November 25, 2015 Crested Butte, Colorado Ski free on opening day at Crested Butte

TOMMELFEST Devils Thumb Ranch December 12, 2015 Fun for all ages! This season kick-off celebration includes free lessons, team sprints, live music, keg toss, BBQ, retail specials, and prizes. Not to mention the vikings and meatballs!

DevilsThumbRanch.com

LEGENDS LIFT 8 GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION December 12–13, 2015 Purgatory Resort, Colorado It’s the grand opening of the new Legends Lift 8 high-speed detachable quad, complete with a party at Dante’s, champagne toast and incredible skiing on some of the best terrain at Purgatory.

SkiPurg.com FAT BIKE RACE December 13, 2015 Grand Targhee, Wyoming Switchbacks, rolling hills, scenic terrain, and unbelievable conditions. No, we aren’t fast forwarding to summer yet. We’re talking about the epic fat biking singletrack Jolly Green Giants. Thankfully, at Grand Targhee, biking is a year-round sport and Sunday, December 13, wil be your chance to test your skills on the snow during the 5th Annual Fat Bike Race. Stop by Habitat in Driggs or Teton Mountain Outfitters to rent a fat bike. We’ll see you at the race!

GrandTarghee.com YMCA OF THE ROCKIES SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH GUIDED SNOWSHOE / NORDIC SKI TOUR December 26, 2015 Granby, Colorado Don’t miss this free guided snowshoe/ Nordic ski tour. Let the experts at Snow Mountain Ranch show you some of our most breathtaking winter locations—from the historic Rowley Homestead to the beautiful Waterfall Trail. Round up the whole family for this free adventure. We’ve even got hot chocolate and s’mores!

SnowMountainranch.org MONARCH MOUNTAIN’S TORCHLIGHT PARADE December 31, 2015 Monarch Mountain, Colorado Guests create a glowing parade as they ski down Freeway with torches. The event is immediately followed by a fireworks show on the mountain to celebrate the new year.

SkiMonarch.com SKI COOPER’S $30 THURSDAYS January 7th, 2016 (until the end of the season) Ski Cooper, Colorado All-day lift tickets are just $30, with aprèsski appetizer and drink specials and free live music at Katie O’Rourke’s Irish Pub! SkiCooper.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CB UNPLUGGED January 30, 2016, February 27, 2016, April 2, 2016 Crested Butte, Colorado This three-event music series takes place in an intimate, acoustic setting at the base area at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Bringing in national talent, these concerts are free for all guests so that they can enjoy a show in true small town character.

SkiCB.com PURGATORY’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION WEEKEND CELEBRATION February 5–7, 2016 Purgatory Resort, Colorado Celebrate a half century of Purgatory with reunion events and activities, 1965-inspired costumes and concerts to commemorate the resort’s 50th anniversary.

SkiPurg.com 14TH ANNUAL BEACON BOWL AND AVALANCHE AWARENESS DAY February 6, 2016 Arapahoe Basin, Colorado A-Basin’s fundraiser for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) includes a beacon search competition, avalanche dog demonstrations, gear demos, silent and live auctions and an après party in the A-Frame lodge. It will be a fun day on the hill benefiting one of the industry’s most important resources.

ArapahoeBasin.com/events 25TH ANNUAL MOUNTAINTOP MATRIMONY February 14, 2016 Loveland Ski Area, Colorado Join hundreds of other happy couples and say “I DO” at the top of Lift 2 at Loveland Ski Area’s Mountaintop Matrimony.

SkiLoveland.com RETRO DAYS TBD March, 2016 Eldora Mountain Resort No explanation necessary: Dress for success. Eldora.com BIG SKY RESORT SHEDHORN SKI MO RACE April 9, 2016 Big Sky, Montana The Shedhorn ski mountaineering course crosses the summit of Lone Peak twice, covering 16 miles with a gain of over 9,000 vertical feet. This event will truly embrace the Biggest Skiing in America with athletes traveling over different types of terrain and snow conditions by skinning, boot packing, ascending via jumar devices and downhill skiing on double-black-diamond terrain.

BigSkyResort.com

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LOVELAND SKI AREA

LOVELAND SKI AREA SKILOVELAND.COM

“This is where the locals come to play.”

As one of the pioneers of the Colorado ski scene, Loveland Ski Area is known and beloved by generations of skiers and snowboarders. With one of the highest annual snowfalls (422 inches!) in the state, a whopping 1,800 acres of terrain, and free snowcat skiing, it’s a powder-hound nirvana. Located just 53 miles west of Denver, it’s also a perfect for a quick escape.

NEW THIS YEAR >> The Ptarmigan Lift, a fixed grip triple, offers speedy access from mid-mountain.

TICKETS >> At $389 for adults, $279 for young adults, and $179 for kids, Loveland offers one of the most affordable passes in the state. Add in the twelve bonus days at Crested Butte, Monarch, Purgatory and Powderhorn and you are set for winter.

FAMILY FRIENDLY >> Loveland Valley is a separate area dedicated to teaching junior how to shred.

RETAILERS >> The Gold Medal Sports Shops’ knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you solve any issues that might arise.

LODGING >> Loveland has partnered with several Clear Creek and Summit County hotels to create affordable Ski and Stay Packages.

APRES SCENE >> Relax with with a bowl of homemade chili and a Tommyknocker’s Pinebough Pale Ale, brewed with spruce needles from Loveland’s slopes, at the Rathskeller.

LOVELANDSKIAREA

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@LOVELANDSKIAREA

ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R 2 01 5

@LOVELANDSKIAREA SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

RESTAURANTS >> Enjoy a burger and a beer in front of the wood stove or on the deck at Ptarmigan Roost Café, off the new Ptarmigan Lift.

No Restrictions

4-PAK

$

139 Lift lines & hassles not included.

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

4-Paks are only available through 11-22-15 and are not available for purchase or pick at any ticket window.

el v o l ki

s

om

.c d n a

CRESTED BUTTE MOUNTAIN RESORT

CRESTED BUTTE MOUNTAIN RESORT

SKICB.COM

“As the ‘Last Great Colorado Ski Town’ Crested Butte always serves up something exceptional.”

Recently voted the best Colorado Adventure Town by Elevation Outdoors readers, Crested Butte is home to 542 acres of legendary double-black diamond lift serviced inbound terrain, some of the steepest and deepest in America. Isn’t it time you made the pilgrimage here?

photos Tom Stillo (top) Chris Segal (bottom)

NEW THIS YEAR >> The Umbrella Bar, located midslope at 10 Peaks, offers stunning views from its expansive deck, glass walled dining area, and 35-foot retractable umbrella roof.

APRES SCENE >> Right at the base area, Butte 66 serves up Colorado drafts and excellent views on the decks. In town, try the newly expanded Secret Stash Pizzeria.

TICKETS >> For only $629 for adults, $315 for young adults and $209 for kids, the Peak Pass offers unlimited skiing at CBMR.

FAMILY FRIENDLY >> Crested Butte offers kids-only trails for some on-slope fun and a great adventure park including mini golf, bungee tramps, rock climbing and a tubing hill for those off-slope thrills.

FACEBOOK.COM/SKICRESTEDBUTTE

@SKICB

ONLY AVAILABLE AT SPECIAL SALES EVENTS: Photo: Trent Bona

LARSON’S SKI & SPORT SWAP Wheatridge, October 4 – 6

TGR FILM PREMIERS

Ticket purchase required.

Boulder, October 8 Denver, October 9 and October 23 Colorado Springs, October 15

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SNOWMOBILE EXPO Denver, October 10 – 11

SPORTS AUTHORITY Montrose, October 10 – 11

NEPTUNE MOUNTAINEERING Boulder, October 17 – 18

Getaway Pass

One night of lodging at the Grand Lodge & two days of lift tickets for two people, including all taxes and fees! $259

Midweek Getaway Pass valid Sun. – Thurs. also available. One pass per person. Must be present to purchase. Only available at Special Sales Events.

FOR TWO

$309

Subject to availability. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

For specific locations and hours visit:

skicb.com/salesevents

COPPER MOUNTAIN

COPPER MOUNTAIN COPPERCOLORADO.COM

“Copper Mountain offers a low-key, genuine feeling that is inclusive and comfortable for all.”

Quintessential Colorado is the best way to describe Copper Mountain. With three peaks to choose from, there is no shortage of slopes for skiers of all levels. Between runs for all abilities, off-piste adventure and excellent terrain park facilities, you are in for a full day of exploring.

NEW THIS YEAR >> The Sherpa mobile app—an exclusive at Copper—has been updated. This all-mountain adventure app gives you trail recommendations, the ability to drop markers and more.

TICKETS >> Enjoy five mountains with the Copper Mountain Season Pass. It gives you unlimited skiing at Copper and free days at Purgatory, Monarch, Taos and Grand Targhee for $399 for adults, $309 for teens and $229 for kids 6-12. Want more?

Upgrade your pass to the Secret! Season Pass for early access and lift line privileges.

FAMILY FRIENDLY >> The Tubing Hill is open all day and it’s fun for all. Do your kiddos want big air? Enroll them in classes at the awardwinning Woodward Copper Barn to polish their skills.

APRES SCENE >> Head to Endo’s Adrenaline Café in Copper’s Center Village for a plate of Mondo Nachos and fresh beers. The new Mahi’s Fish Tacos also offers some mighty fine grub.

FACEBOOK.COM/COPPERMTN @COPPERMTN

@COPPERMTN SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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PURGATORY RESORT

PURGATORY RESORT PURGATORYRESORT.COM

“Want to have a mountain all to yourself? Then Purgatory Resort is where you should be.”

In honor of its 50th anniversary, this iconic mountain has returned to its original name—Purgatory Resort. Just up the road from the historic mountain town of Durango, the resort consistently ranks as one of the most affordable in the U.S. The 1,300 acres and over 2,000 vertical feet of skiable terrain here make it easy to spend all day exploring the mountain.

NEW THIS YEAR >> The Legends Express, a high-speed detachable quad, is in place replacing the venerable 30-year old Legends Lift 8.

APRES SCENE >> Head to the Beach Area and grab drinks at the Bear Bar or motor down to Durango.

FAMILY FRIENDLY >> Kids love it here, with five terrain parks, Animas City Adventure Park and the Snowcoaster Tubing Hill.

RETAILERS >> Head over to Purgatory Sports in the base area. The latest in ladies mountain fashions are at Alpine Chic.

LODGING >> A ski-in/ski-out property, Purgatory Lodge features premium skier amenities.

RESTAURANTS >> Durango boasts more restaurants per capita than San Francisco. Be sure to check out El Moro Spirits & Tavern.

BREWERIES AND DISTILLERIES >> Six breweries and a distiller! Durango is one of Colorado’s best beer towns.

SKIPURG

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@SKIPURG

ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R 2 01 5

OTHER OPTIONS >> Try ice climbing, cat skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, Nordic skiing and sleigh rides.

@SKIPURG SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH

SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH SNOWMOUNTAINRANCH.ORG

“Enjoy a tranquil setting for all seasons with more activities than anywhere else.”

Nestled on more than 5,000 acres near Winter Park, Colorado, and featuring a Nordic Center with more than 100km of trails, Snow Mountain Ranch is the perfect place for families, friends and groups to gather for the winter. Here, you’ll get the “all-inclusive” treatment without the expense.

NEW THIS YEAR >> This season, the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center will feature 40km of groomed trails specifically designated for Fat Biking as well as additonal kilometers of Nordic trails.

FAT BIKE RACING >> Snow Mountain Ranch will hold a progressive Fat Bike Race Series in March with 20k, 25k, 40k races and a grand finale race.

FACEBOOK.COM/YMCAROCKIES

LODGING >> Activities are included in your reservation and you’ll get two free breakfasts when you book a lodge room. Winter rates start at $99 per night.

DOG SLEDDING >> Mush with Glacier, Ziggy, Yukon and the rest of the sled dog team on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays with the Continental Divide as your backdrop.

@SNOWMTNRANCH

@SNOWMOUNTAINRANCH

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BOULDER ADVENTURE LODGE

BOULDER ADVENTURE LODGE A-LODGE.COM

“Make your escape to the mountains without I-70 traffic.”

The A-Lodge has finally created a proper adventure hotel in one of the U.S.’s premier adventure towns. Located on seven acres of wilderness just two miles from downtown Boulder, the A-Lodge offers quality amenities with easy access to world class hiking, biking, skiing, and climbing.

LODGING >> The rustic, yet chic rooms and suites next to Four-Mile Creek offer the opportunity to relax after a day exploring all that the Rocky Mountains have to offer.

TICKETS >> The A-Lodge offers some of the most affordable ski escape packages in the Front Range as well as an assortment of other guided adventure experiences.

APRES SCENE >> Bring it on! There are more than 15 craft breweries and a host of award winning restaurants located just two miles away.

NEW THIS YEAR >> Free shuttles to Eldora Ski Resort and access to over seven acres of wilderness on property.

FACEBOOK.COM/BOULDERADVENTURELODGE

@THEALODGE

MAKE YOUR ESCAPE TO THE MOUNTAINS WITHOUT I-70 TRAFFIC Free shuttles to Eldora Ski Resort Most affordable ski escape packages in the Front Range 7 acres of wilderness only 2 miles from downtown Boulder

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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MOUNT PRINCETON

MOUNT PRINCETON MTPRINCETON.COM

“Enjoy a one-day hot springs experience or just relax with an overnight stay.”

吀栀攀 匀瀀愀 ☀ 䌀氀甀戀

Located in Nathrop, Colorado between the towns of Buena Vista and Salida, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort is ideal for family vacations, romantic getaways, mountain weddings or corporate events. Best of all? If you book a massage, you get access to the hot springs all day.

HOT DEAL >> Join the email newsletter to get access to exclusive specials including the 40-percent-off lodging sale this winter. Find the specials link on Mount Princeton’s website.

䄀 一攀眀 䐀攀昀椀渀椀琀椀漀渀 伀昀 刀甀猀琀椀挀

YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW >> Mount Princeton Hot Springs is the oldest and longest running hot springs resort in Colorado. Since the 1860’s the resort has been welcoming visitors from across the globe.

With odorless natural hot spring water that bubbles from the ground at 114-degrees, it is one of a kind.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE >> People come from around the world to climb the 14,000foot peaks that surround the hot springs (inculding Mount Princeton itself). During the winter the resort is just one hour away from five ski areas (and far from I-70 traffic).

䴀吀倀刀䤀一䌀䔀吀伀一⸀䌀伀䴀 34

ELEVATION O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R 2 01 5

SNOWMOBILING DESTINATION >> The area is fast becoming one of Colorado’s top snowmobiling destinations. Thanks to three snowmobile clubs in the Arkansas River Valley grooming over 400 miles of trails, you will find access to thousands of acres of public land up and over the Continental Divide here.

FACEBOOK.COM/MOUNTPRINCETON SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

@MOUNTPRINCETON

BUENA VISTA & SALIDA

嘀椀猀椀琀 䌀漀氀漀爀昀甀氀䌀漀氀漀爀愀搀漀⸀挀漀洀 圀椀渀 䄀 䘀爀攀攀 嘀愀挀愀琀椀漀渀 伀爀搀攀爀 夀漀甀爀 嘀椀猀椀琀漀爀猀 䜀甀椀搀攀

䈀甀攀渀愀 嘀椀猀琀愀 ☀ 匀愀氀椀搀愀

䌀漀氀漀爀愀搀漀

BUENA VISTA & SALIDA COLORFULCOLORADO.COM “Choose your adventure then soak in the hot springs” Located on the Arkansas River, Buena Vista and Salida are adventure meccas. That’s why over 200,000 people come to raft the Arkansas River each year. With 102-miles of Gold Medal Waters, it’s also one of Colorado’s premier fisheries. In winter, nearby Monarch Mountain is blessed with ample powder.

HOT SPRINGS >> Numerous natural and odorless hot springs dot the landscape. Visit the Salida Hot Springs in Salida, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Nathrop, and Cottonwood Hot Springs in Buena Vista to soak and relax.

㠀㜀─ 倀甀戀氀椀挀 䰀愀渀搀

䌀伀一吀䤀一䔀一吀䄀䰀 䐀䤀嘀䤀䐀䔀 吀刀䄀䤀䰀 ㄀㈀ 伀昀 䌀漀氀漀爀愀搀漀ᤠ猀 ㄀㐀Ⰰ ᤠ 倀攀愀欀猀 䠀䤀䬀䔀 䈀爀漀眀渀猀 䌀愀渀礀漀渀 一愀琀椀漀渀愀氀 䴀漀渀甀洀攀渀琀 䴀伀唀一吀䄀䤀一 䈀䤀䬀䤀一䜀

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㄀ 䄀刀䬀䄀一匀䄀匀 刀䤀嘀䔀刀 吀栀攀 䘀愀洀椀氀礀 䘀爀椀攀渀搀氀礀

䌀爀攀愀琀椀瘀攀 䄀爀琀猀 䐀椀猀琀爀椀挀琀

刀䄀䘀吀䤀一䜀 䐀椀猀琀椀氀氀攀爀椀攀猀

圀椀渀攀爀椀攀猀

䄀䘀䘀伀刀䐀䄀䈀䰀䔀 嘀䄀䌀䄀吀䤀伀一

䜀栀漀猀琀 吀漀眀渀猀

BREWERIES, WINERIES & DISTILLERIES >> Create your own Oktoberfest tour in Chaffee County by visiting some of the state’s best spots for adult beverages.

With four breweries, two wineries and three distilleries, there’s sure to be fun for all types of imbibers.

䄀刀吀

䈀爀攀眀攀爀椀攀猀

䠀䤀匀吀伀刀䤀䌀 䐀伀圀一吀伀圀一匀

娀椀瀀氀椀渀攀猀 匀渀漀眀洀漀戀椀氀椀渀最 䌀漀氀漀爀愀搀漀 吀爀愀椀氀

䴀伀一䄀刀䌀䠀 䴀伀唀一吀䄀䤀一

ART GALLERIES >> Salida, Colorado was named the first Creative Arts District in Colorado. There are over 20 art galleries spread throughout downtown. Be here the first Friday of each month, when Buena Vista’s galleries host an open house.

SCENIC DRIVING >> Buena Vista and Salida are located on the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway, home to 15 14,000-foot peaks. This is the highest concentration of fourteeners in Colorado. Be sure to explore the many passes along the Continental Divide.

FACEBOOK.COM/NOWTHISISCOLORADO @NOWTHISCOLORADO

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

#NOWTHISCOLORADO

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TIME TO PLAY GETTING ANTSY WAITING FOR THE RESORTS TO OPEN? TO EASE YOUR MIND, CHECK OUT OUR PICKS FOR THE GEAR YOU WILL MOST WANT TO HAVE UP IN THE MOUNTAINS THIS WINTER.

by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

SKIS 1. ATOMIC VANTAGE 90 CTI W Here's the choice for women who embarrass the dudes who mansplained skiing on car ride up to the hill. This rockered ski eats up crappy snow offpiste and it bombs down the groomers with confidence instilled by the chatter-dampening Firewall technology in the sidewalls. Put that all together and it's the perfect day-to-day Colorado ride for all conditions. $725; atomicskis.com 2. HEAD MONSTER 98 At 98 mm underfoot this beast will play on any day up at the resort. Trying to prove something on groomers and crap snow? The Intelligence rebound offers up some stable grip. Ditching your friends in the trees or taking a hike to the untracked? Allride rocker gives you both quick handling and flotation. This

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baby defines the term "all-mountain ski." $699; headskis.com 3. K2 IKONIC 85 TI K2's newest line of skis combine a metal laminate with a high-density braided wood core on the perimeter and low-density aspen/paulownia wood core in the center. That will make sense when you get on the hill with these impressive planks underfoot and realize that this combination of materials, paired with a bit of rocker, makes for a very light ski that has the edge control of a much heavier plank. $700-$900; k2skis.com 4. LINE GIZMO Why do you ski on top-of-the-line expensive stuff and leave your tender young children using crap that has been handed down for generations? Because there's no ski really made for kids, you say? No more excuses. Line designed the Gizmo to give a performance ski to youngsters learning how to shred. Plus, a thick base will withstand abuse—so you can hand it down for generations. $300; lineskis.com 5. SKEVIK ANTON 122 We got a chance to test out this, the flagship handmade ski from core British Columbia company Skevik, during the big, late dumps of last spring here in

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Colorado. The verdict? This maple-core twin-tip with rocker was fun in the deep stuff—we felt like some type of invincible ski Weeble, simply pointing them, ripping and never going down.

While we would not take them up dayto-day, they held their own when we had to hop on the groomers, too. $575; skevikskis.com 6. G3 BOUNDARY 100 Another Canadian brand, G3 has built its reputation crafting backcountry skis and gear. The new Boundary is a resort ski with a backcountry mindset: It's the ideal tool for folks who see the resort as a place to use for a few laps before hopping out the gates. At 100 mm underfoot, built with a poplar/paulownia wood core and pumped up with rocker, it strikes a nice balance on the hill. $650; genuineguidegear.com

SNOWBOARDS 8. RIDE BARETTA This directional, all-mountain women's board makes for the ideal quiver-ofone for ladies who don't like to feel confined on the mountain. With rocker in the nose and camber underfoot, it transitions easily from playing in powder stashes in the trees to hopping back on the groomers at high speed. $410; ridesnowboards.com

7. NEVER SUMMER WEST Colorado brand Never Summer understands what it is like to ride in ...

Colorado. And this being their signature board, it's made to do what you do on a standard Colorado day—the Ripsaw profile and Vario Grip sidecut hold a firm edge on what the resorts like to call "packed powder" and it has just enough play in it to have fun in the park. But when it does dump, there's enough flotation here to rip untracked lines. $570; neversummer.com

BOOTS 9. SALOMON MTN LAB Salomon has gone all in when it comes to trying to find that perfect balance in an AT boot: It needs to feel light and easy on the hike up, but batten down like an old-school alpine boot on the way down. Believe. These light (three pound, eight ounce) kicks do not feel like AT boots on the down. $950; salomon.com 10. HEAD VECTOR EVO 120 Want one no-nonsense alpine boot that won't crush your foot but also gives you enough power transfer to feel confident at Mach speed? Voila. And you can custom fit both shell and the liner. $599; headskis.com

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HELMET 11. K2 STASH Remember your helmet! (Don't believe us? Read Sally Francklyn's story on page 40.) The Stash almost makes you forget you are wearing one: It tips the scales at just 13.4 ounces and features a removable liner and dial-in-fit system. $130; k2sports.com

GOGGLES 12. ZEAL AUTOMATICPLUS+ Available in a wide range of style options, Zeal's polarized AutomaticPlus+ lens, which makes quick transitions from low to bright light, has become our favorite on the hill. $varies; zealoptics.com

APPAREL 13. COLUMBIA TURBODOWN WAVE HEATZONE 1000 The mission here was for Columbia to design the warmest functional ski jacket possible. We say the brand succeeded with this über-parka that combines Columbia's now-mandatory Omni Heat dot-matrix reflective fabric on the inside with water resistant 900-fill down insulation and a layer of synthetic warmth inside. What's more, the Wave

construction eliminates those problem baffle stitches that create cold spots.

Plus, waterproof/breathable fabric on the sleeves shucks off the elements. $450; columbia.com 14. FLYLOW JODY It's no surprise that Flylow's women's line is so damn good, because founder Daniel Abrams married ski champ and journalist Megan Michelson, and she knows her stuff. Built with an Intuitive waterproof shell and stuffed with warm 600-fill goose down, this jacket keeps a woman ripping comfy on the hill. $220; flylowgear.com 15. SMARTWOOL NTS MID 250 PATTERN CREW This cozy merino baselayer looks good enough to wear off the hill. But it's also technically savvy, with a fit and panel construction designed so it won't chafe when you are wearing a pack. $105; smartwool.com 16. MYPACKAGE WEEKDAY Laugh if you want, but the package in MyPackage's bottoms— made of comfy model fabric with a touch of spandex—does its job, keeping your most important dude parts happy and well supported while you're in action. $60; mypackage.com

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10 .15

SWIMMING UPSTREAM PHISH BROUGHT DOWN THE HOUSE AT DICK’S IN COMMERCE CITY TO CLOSE OUT THE SUMMER. WHO CARES IF THEY BROKE CURFEW?

by JASON BLEVINS Let me explain something about Phish fans. We seek moments. We hold on to these blissful musical memories; they are our experiential treasures. And over Labor Day Weekend, the Vermont quartet delivered a crown jewel on the lush soccer pitch of Commerce City’s Dick's Sporting Goods Park, where it has put on three shows for the past five years. Phish sculpted a memento that we will cherish for decades.

Seeing Phish is much like a game of roulette.

You look at the summer tour and start scheming.

You cover a few squares, jump on planes, hope for a jackpot. We are super blessed in Colorado to have Dick’s, where the betting is rigged because there’s always a payoff in those three nights.

Phish is not a band that is waning. This isn’t a nostalgia act trying to revive good times long past as it wheezes through its hits. Three decades in and Phish has never played more creative, expansive and titillating music. Very few bands can boast that sustained progression.

After spending the summer playing the Grateful Dead's farewell shows, frontman Trey Anastasio was playful and terrifying at Dick’s. He delved into frivolity in the first-night’s “Roses Are Free” and “Fuego” and darkness in the final night’s “Down With Disease > Carini.” He captained a theatrical roller-coaster ride that reached screaming peaks and haunting, tension-filled valleys. Bassist Mike Gordon—driven by the relentless percussion of drummer Jon Fishman, who must burn close to 10,000 calories every show—strafed the sold-out venue with arena-shaking tremors. But, perhaps the band member who was most responsible for ensuring those enduring nights at Dick’s were tattooed into our brains was off-stage. Lightman Chris Kuroda employed a mind-warping arsenal of spinning LEDs. photo courtesy PHISH

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he final Sunday night show at Dick's delivered that magical payoff we all were hoping for. The band started with the Latin-tinged, mamba-esque “The Landlady,” which it had not played since 1994, and that bust-out signaled a monster show ahead. Indeed, the following four-hours of curfewshattering Phish revealed the band in top form. The boogie-down of “The Moma Dance” spilled into a piano-led “Seven Below." The raging “Prince Caspian” and Marimba Lumina-anchored “Scent Of A Mule” saw Anastasio, Fishman and Gordon drop bombs of throttling midi-amplified funk. As McConnell crooned his pleasant “Halfway To The Moon,” Anastasio donned a T-shirt that read “Let Page Stand Up” (a joke that played off The Dead's Fare Thee Well finale in Chicago, where Bob Weir wore a T-shirt reading “Let Trey Sing” for the last show’s “Touch of Grey” encore). On Friday, Anastasio wore an encore shirt “Let Fish Suck,” before Fishman freaked everyone out with a vacuum solo of Syd Barrett’s “Bike.” Stay tuned for a host of “Let” T-shirts clogging Shakedown Street markets.

Sunday’s first-set also confirmed a recent trend that features the band stretching out songs that typically don’t get the improvised extensions that characterize Phish’s second sets. All the Dick’s first sets included exceptional pieces of psychedelia, often elevating moments that eclipsed the launching-pad moments of the second set.

That was not the case Sunday, when a second and surprise third-set encore coalesced into some of the band’s most heroic outbursts. The crowdassisted “Wilson” that rolled into “Down With Disease” moved the crowd of more than 20,000 in a locked-stepped frenzy. Packed into one big punch, the next five songs, “Carini>Steam>Piper>2001> Tweezer,” turned Dick’s into a panting puddle.

The air was alive with glowsticks. Kuroda's lights created luminous waterfalls. An inflatable penis bounced to all points on the compass atop the gyrating floor.

THE TREY WAY: FRESH FROM THE GRATEFUL DEAD'S FINAL SHOWS, ANASTASIO HELD NOTHING BACK AT DICK'S.

I

t was after midnight when the band struck up a resounding “Slave To The Traffic Light.” The previous nights' shows had been over close to 11:30 p.m. But if Phish was going to have to write a curfew-violation check to Dick’s brass, they might as well make it a banger, right? The eight-song encore that followed was one for the books.

The abrupt entry into “Tweezer Reprise” clued everyone in that something Phish-y was afoot. Anastasio’s rambling intro to the cherished “Harpua,”—including a tale of East Coaster Jimmy needing oxygen to thrive in Colorado that saw Anastasio inhaling from a tank on stage— deepened the message when he urged setlist scribes to list “Harpua” only once. “After Midnight” was followed by “NO2” (perhaps a sarcastic nod to the nitrous scene in the parking lots surrounding Dick’s). “Keyboard Army” spilled into a screeching “You Pet Cat.” The first “Once In A Lifetime” since Phish played the Talking Heads’ “Remain In The Light” album in Vegas in 1996 sent the crowd into a frenzy. The band’s first-ever “United We Stand” closed the show, with Anastasio heaping praise on Dick’s and expressing hope for a return.

That final encore spelled THANK YOU with the first-letter of each tune. The crushing response—a screaming, seat-banging, venueshaking retort that lasted 10 minutes—reflected that gratitude back at the band as they took bow after bow, awash in the magic of Dick’s.

Phish loves Dick’s. And Phish fans love the loud and roomy Dick’s. On Sunday, the unlikely venue joined Red Rocks, Washington’s Gorge and the Bay Area’s Shoreline among the list of Phish’s most-visited venues. The band’s three-day residency here at the end of each summer has become nothing short of legendary.

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THE ROAD

10 .15

DEFINING LIVING: SALLY FRANCKLYN AT THE REMARKABLES IN NEW ZEALAND BEFORE HER ACCIDENT (MAIN) AND RECOVERING WITH HER FAMILY AFTER SUFFERING A TBI AND OTHER INJURIES AS A RESULT OF HER FALL (INSET).

place where they can provide me the best care. My former life is shattered. I have broken my neck, my right ankle and my back. Worse, I have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). My brain is swelling.

They have to shave off my hair so they can insert a Licox in my skull. It's a device that releases pressure from my swelling brain and provides all important oxygen to the tissues.

After three weeks in the intensive care unit, I am deemed safe to travel by the doctors. I am flown in an air ambulance to my family in Colorado Springs, where I grew up. First, I am in the ICU at Penrose Hospital, then I spend three weeks at Long Term Acute Care hospital, then I return to Penrose

“Things are hard for me now, but that doesn’t mean I don’t try. I’ve also discovered that often you’re a different person after a TBI.” for back surgery. This sounds bad, but again, I was lucky: I am not paralyzed—my doctor at Penrose tells me that I broke my back right above where there would have been irrevocable damage.

All this is just the beginning of my recovery process. The road ahead will difficult. but I am ready. I am lucky, right?

I

LUCKY IN 2012, A YOUNG SKIER NEARLY LOST HER LIFE IN A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT, HERE ARE THE HARROWING DETAILS OF HER STORY AND HER LONG, HARD ROAD TO RECOVERY.

by SALLY FRANCKLYN This is how that day went. Three of my friends and I head towards Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the shuttle-bus drops us off at the base of the resort and we jump right in line for the tram. We are excited, alive. It's a sunny March Saturday, and the springtime snow looks surprisingly good. When we get to the top, we decide to make the most of it and head to a zone called the Martini Chutes. We hike out past the resort gates along the ridge of Cody Peak to a steep couloir called Once Is Enough. photos courtesy SALLY FRANCKLYN

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One of my friends drops in first to see how the snow is. I see him wave. All good. I drop in next.

I take a bad turn ... or my ski falls off—I confess I do not remember any of that day due to the extent of my injuries. I have to rely on details from my friends who saw it happen. They tell me I slid down that chute for 1,000 feet, bouncing along the way.

I come to a stop. Motionless. I am unconscious, which they learn when they reach me.

Then there is my first stroke of luck. One ski patroller who rescued me was a paramedic. He

“Finding groups of people or a suitable workplace was tough. I felt stressed, alone and discouraged.” stablizes me and I am transported to a Flight for Life helicopter, picked up, taken to the hospital.

They take me to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. I learn later that this was the closet

start to come out of the darkness. I have to learn how to do even the most basic human functions all over again—I have to learn how to eat, how to swallow, how to walk, how to talk. My physical therapist at Penrose performs exercises with me over and over and over trying to help my body relearn how to walk.

Before my accident, I had a quote by Helen Keller in a painting that hung on my wall. It read: “Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all.”

I bought it a year or two before I moved to Jackson Hole, thinking that quote defined my life at that time. I had just embarked on a career as a jounalist.

I traveled for work to Canada, New Zealand and Chile. I skied at the world's greatest resorts: Whistler/Blackcomb, Snowbird, Heavenly. I had moved to Jackson for a job at Denny, ink, where our clients included Arc’teryx, Dynafit and Nordica.

My life—summer and winter—revolved around skiing. Life was nothing but a daring adventure, everywhere I went.

After a TBI, there’s no questioning that life is an adventure—but it's different and it's hard. But that is better than nothing at all. Much better. I learn that you have to adapt to these changes by staying positive and persistent.

Once I am released from the hospital, I have to learn how to get some of myself back. I begin Learning Rx, which is a “brain training program,” plus outpatient therapy at Penrose. When I am first at home, I use a walker. It helps with my mobility.

Again I am lucky. I’m pretty fortunate that I can still use my legs and feet. I can move. It takes me a couple months after I am home, but eventually walking the 100 yards to the end of our suburban cul-de-sac is a huge milestone. I learn that I no

longer have enough balance to ride a bike on my own, but my parents still have the tandem that they bought 20 years ago for Ride Around Wyoming. I get on it with my dad. We ride.

I spend a year-and-a-half at home with my parents in Colorado Springs, before I decide that I wanted to move back to where I’d gone to college in Boulder. I want to get some of my independence back. The University of Colorado has a Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences program on campus, so I can continue physical therapy. One of my former coworkers in Jackson is now at the Boulder-based ski company Dynafit. He offers me an internship volunteering with them. I am making my way back.

I stumble upon TBIAlive, a support group that meets every Wednesday in Boulder at Barnes and Noble. It is very difficult to find others who can truly know what you’re going through, but these people understand. These men and women have been hurt in car accidents or slipped while ice-skating and they are also trying to continue on with their lives—like me. We drink coffee and talk about our challenges, but also our successes. I can say what I am going through, and they don’t ask me to explain.

But I don't have the same job and group friends here that I had before my accident. I have trouble fitting in in Boulder again. Finding groups of people or a suitable workplace is tough. I feel stressed, alone, discouraged. I come to the realization that Boulder doesn't have a place for me anymore. So I move back to Colorado Springs and when I home I am overwhelmed by a wave of relief.

I don't have to worry about anything here. My parents support me, give me strength. Home feels right.

“I realize now that it’s very important to be close to those you love. ” In order to stay occupied during the day, I apply to more than 30 jobs. I want to bring home a paycheck. But I don't have any work experience for the past three years. I don’t suit employers' needs. There is no job that can give me the joy of the skiing and travel that was my career before the accident, I realize now that it’s very important to be close to those you love. After my time in Jackson Hole, I thought I’d keep moving on, always finding somewhere new and exciting. But my family and many of my friends live here. Colorado Springs is where I am going to stay, want to stay. I am lucky to be here.

I

went downhill skiing again a year and a half after my accident. My right side is weaker now. It causes me to fall often, and sometimes I hit my head (I always wear a helmet, which most likely saved my life in the accident). No more couloirs for me, though. I’ve “graduated” to easier blue runs. But my body still remembers how I used to ski, and having that muscle memory is a huge benefit.

I have also taken on public speaking enagagements. I find it extremely important to talk about how wearing that helmet saved my life, and encouraging others to do the same. The 5Point Film Festival showed my movie called “The Sally Francklyn Story” that ESPN and The High Fives Foundation made about my accident and recovery. I was able to speak in Aspen and Carbondale, and then a Summit County medical presentation.

Helen Keller’s words mean more to me now than they did before my accident. At 23 years old, I had to begin my life over again. Things are hard for me now, but that doesn’t mean I don’t try. I’ve also discovered that often your world view changes after a TBI. My family has said that even though things have changed so much for me now, I’m still the same person at heart—I'm just as stubborn and bullheaded, but I’m also still just as creative, disciplined, and loyal as I used to be, maybe more so.

My dreams haven’t changed. I still want to find a challenging job that I love. I still want to get married, have kids. I’m lucky to say that I can still keep chasing those dreams.

I often think about my doctor when I was at Penrose Hospital. He was also injured in a ski accident, at Snowbird when he was 20 years old. It left him an incomplete quadriplegic. After his injury, he put himself through medical school, got married and had two kids. We are all lucky if we look at it the right way. Anything is possible. And life, no matter what hurdles you hit along the way, never stops being a daring adventure for all of us.

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ELWAYVILLE

10 .15

WINTER IS COMING AND HERE ARE THE TOP 10 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO MAKE THIS THE BEST SEASON OF YOUR LIFE.

by PETER KRAY TO QUOTE “GAME OF THRONES,” “WINTER IS COMING,” AND IT’S TIME TO GET READY. Not for a super intense kingdom conquering, flesh splattering, intrigue-laced orgy of evil deeds, two-faced friends and mythological monsters—although meteorologists are calling for the “Godzilla of all El Niños!”—but for a powder plundering, super high-fiving epic of bottomless days and endless storm cycles.

With that kind of buildup, the bets are already on for this season to be legendary. Whether or not the weather shows up, here are 10 things you can do right now to make sure this is one of the best winters ever long before the snow starts to fall.

1. HAVE A FUNNY PASS PICTURE CONTEST WITH YOUR FRIENDS: My all-time favorite stoke

days, how much vertical, how many faceshots, and how much air you expect to grab this year. Keep reminding your friends.

3. BUY NEW BOARDS: They don’t have to be brand new, but at least new to you. If you’ve been avoiding rocker, bigger widths, or have missed out on all the new lightweight technology, you’ll thank yourself for getting some fresh sticks (or snowboard) to surf the deep shred Valhalla. Want to up the anticipation? Leave them leaning against your office wall until the first day you hit the hill.

4. BURN YOUR SELFIE STICK: Seriously, you look like you’re skiing in front of a mirror. Being on the mountain is much more fun when you put away all the low-budget reality show tools and just save every moment to your personal memory reel.

5. BOOK A SNOWCAT TRIP TO MONARCH:

Monarch is always fun. But it’s absolutely one of the best little ski areas in the world on El Niño years. And the snowcat hits some of Colorado’s best high angle—albeit a bit quick—vertical, with a vibe-free experience that makes you feel like a local. Also, Salida remains the frill-free ski town everywhere else was 30 years ago (that’s because it’s really a river town…Ssshhhh).

builder for the ski season is the annual pass picture contest I have with my friends. From Super Mario to Hulk Hogan, Guido Guy to Sheriff Shred, and my own present inner contest to decide if I should be Dr. Evil, Donald Trump or a Scandinavian heavy metal rocker this year (see the contributors section), it’s like Halloween every time you get a double-take from a ticket checker. Of course, some areas are frowning on this practice of late. Maybe they forgot they’re selling fun. Maybe that means it’s time to buy a pass somewhere else.

A-Basin’s Pallavicini, first tracks on AMF at Snowmass, or making 10 turns down the face of Forever at Vail, add in a timeline of how it’s all going to happen, then make it so.

2. CRANK UP THE TRASH TALK: Nothing amps

7. TAKE A SNOW SAFETY COURSE: Yep, this

up the level of expectation like using every free minute of October to openly proclaim how many

is the little public service announcement aspect of this article. That’s because everybody on the mountain keeps pushing harder and further for powder, often thinking it’s going to be three times

llustration by KEVIN HOWDESHELl / kevincredible.com

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6. MAKE A LIST OF FIVE RUNS, TRICKS, OR SKI AREAS YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO HIT THIS YEAR: Whether it’s a non-stop down

as fun and exactly as safe as the in-bounds terrain.

Yes and no. Betting wrong on an out-of-bounds line could turn 10 seconds of bliss into an eternity of nothing at all. Get smart. Go to snow school.

8. GET READY TO CALL IN WELL: Sick days are for pansies. They ought to call them “Good days,” as in, “I feel too good to come to work today.” In the exploding Colorado market where jobs, houses, and untracked lines are at a premium, you need to step up your game to get what you desire. E.g., if it’s dumping on a weekday, go get it. You’re certain to get the least of the I-70 ski day onslaught (see more hints to avoid I-70 traffic on page 12), and as has been said in this column before, “every day you don’t ski, you never get back again.”

9. HOOK UP YOUR BUDDIES: Ski friends are

family. There’s no better arc than that circle of snow buddies you deem worthy of sharing car rides to the ski area, frigid lift rides in the howling wind, and empty days of ecstasy when no one else is on the hill. Make plans to set the tone for a great winter by buying the first breakfast of the season, hooking them up with new vape pens, a new avy shovel, or a fine bottle of Scotch.

10. BE NICE TO YOURSELF: From meeting

deadlines to watching football to lazy Sunday brunches, there’s a lot that can get in the way of having a great winter. Don’t let it. Commit to getting up to the mountains on Friday, going hard at après (so you can get to bed early), and packing snacks (so you can fuel up on the chair), and you’ll thank yourself. You’ll always remember the deep days more than one hour that you spent at work.

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.” You can buy it here: bit.ly/godofskiing

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