Elevation Outdoors October-November Issue

GHOSTS OF MINTURN | BOULDER ROCKS | FROM THE GYM TO THE CRAG OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

FREE!

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

FEEL THE VIBE

The Heart of The Alpinist TGR’s Ryan Hudson Goes Deep

Drop in to the 2021 Resort Issue

+ MY DAD WAS MY BACKCOUNTRY MENTOR

Hot Gear for the Slopes

Glenwood Springs Unplugged

Should Outdoor Athletes Scale It Back?

Big challenges. Bold ideas. Bright future.

WRA fights climate change to sustain the environment, economy, and people of the West.

Help us advance clean energy, protect air, land, water, and wildlife — and sustain the lives and livelihoods of people in the West.

Learn more about how you can join WRA in driving on the ground solutions to climate change today!

WesternResourceAdvocates.org/protect-the-west

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

WE KNOW GEAR

THE MOUNTAIN ZONE: EO contributor and POW athlete Dani Reyes-Acosta feels the vibes

of Colorado winter. Read how her Poppy first taught her to love skiing (see page 28).

DEPARTMENTS 7 EDITOR'S LETTER How I learned to love golf for a good cause

COLORADO’S PREMIRE

BACKCOUNTRY SHOP

25

FOR OVER

YEARS

VISIT US ONLINE or at our shop in DOWNTOWN

GOLDEN

BENTGATE MOUNTAINEERING

9 QUICK HITS The young star of The Alpinist embodies the soul of climbing; a surge of indoor climbers emphasizes the need for outdoor instruction; the best of Boulder; hiking with kids; and more...

12 FLASHPOINT Here's how ski resorts are adapting to a new world of COVID19 protocols, climate change, and diversity.

15 HOT SPOT Want the perfect weekend? Ski Sunlight and soak at Glenwood.

16 OPINION Marc Peruzzi thinks outdoor athletes have a lot to learn from Olympic gymnast Simone Biles.

17 STRAIGHT TALK TGR star Ryan Hudson discusses race, conservation, and the pure joy of snowboarding.

27 HEAR THIS Swedish songwriter and guitarist José González talks about how he found inspiration for his new album out in nature.

28 THE ROAD Dani Reyes-Acosta looks back on the enduring gift her father gave her: He taught her to love skiing.

30 ELWAYVILLE Peter Kray gives us the chills with a new ghost story based in Vail.

FEATURES 18 THE WINTER THAT WAS Skiing last winter may not have been ideal with COVID-19 restrictions in place and below-average

snowfall, but getting to the mountain made all the difference in tough times.

20 THE 2021 PERFECT WINTER GUIDE Our annual special section delivers all the details you need when it comes to beta, lessons, lodging, pandemic precautions, and deals at some of our favorite destinations in the Rocky Mountain West.

24 THE GOODS: BEST GEAR FOR THE RESORT The snow guns are running—it’s time to survey your stuff and upgrade for the season.

ON THE COVER Sven Brunso gets up close and personal with powder at New Mexico’s Taos Mountain Resort. This is the third time Brunso and photographer Liam Doran have nabbed the cover of Elevation Outdoors magazine.

By Liam Doran liamdoranphotogrpahy.com Instagram @liam_doran_outdoors

1313 Washington Ave - Golden, CO

303-271-9382

4

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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

21/22

SEASON

C O N T R IB U T O R S | 1 0. 2 1

WHAT DID YOU MISS MOST ABOUT WINTER? DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

E DI TOR-I N -CHI E F

DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

doug@elevationoutdoors.com PRE SI DE N T / PUBLI SHE R

BLAKE DEMASO

blake@elevationoutdoors.com

Quick weekday escapes up to Eldora to ski a few inches of fresh at the end of the day without the crowds or getting my butt handed to me on the Nordic course by my wife.

HANNAH COOPER

CRE AT I VE DI RE CTOR

I missed going for a run on a sunny winter afternoon.

LAUREN WORTH

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

CAMERON MARTINDELL

cameron@elevationoutdoors.com DE PUT Y E DI TOR

TRACY ROSS

SE N I OR E DI TOR

Cameron Martindell

I’ve missed the weekly cadence of taking my kids up to Eldora where I get to see them hone the craft of skiing and (hopefully) love the mountains more and more.

CHRIS KASSAR

TRACY ROSS

Taking the old/new camper to Eldora and smooching between hot laps.

COPY E DI TOR

MELISSA HOWSAM E DI TOR-AT-LARG E

PETER KRAY

CON T RI BUT I N G E DI TORS

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

AMELIA ARVESEN, KIM FULLER, ARIELLA NARDIZZI, MARC PERUZZI, DANI REYES-ACOSTA, ENDRIA RICHARDSON, ZOE SCHACHT, MORGAN TILTON ADVERTISING + BUSINESS SE N I OR ACCOUN T E XE CUT I VE

MARTHA EVANS

Dani Reyes-Acosta

Gliding with friends through snow-stacked trees, the sting of windbuffed cheeks, and the joy of hot tea in a hut. Winter, even with her cold, brings the warmth of heart and hearth I don't get any other time of the year.

chris kassar

Joining my awesome hubby and lab, Nala, on early morning sunrise skinning adventures up Monarch Mountain.

Liam Doran

martha@elevationoutdoors.com

Après!

ACCOUN T E XE CUT I VE

HANNAH COOPER

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

Endria Richardson

MELISSA GESSLER

melissa@elevationoutdoors.com CI RCULAT I ON I N QUI RI E S

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

CRAIG SNODGRASS DI G I TAL E DI TOR

RYAN MICHELLE SCAVO P U B L I S H E D BY ©2021 Summit Publishing, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SUMMIT

6

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

PUBLISHING

days the most.

Living on the West Coast (after growing up in New England), I miss snowstorms and snow

Morgan Tilton

Steaming chilis and elk stews and playing board games with friends before crisp mornings of trailering the snowmobiles to the trailhead to ride deep powder through meadows before climbing the peaks on our skis. I’ve missed those full winter days.

Peter Kray

Après with friends.

ABSOLUTE BEGINNER FI N D T H E O P EN N E S S TO L E A R N S O M E T H I N G N E W.

by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

Doug Schnitzspahn

I

am now 52 years old, but, until this fall, I had never once played a round of golf. I don’t have anything against the sport. I just never had the opportunity to hit the links and, to be honest and no offense, I’d rather go for a hike or ski than knock a ball around a manicured green. I grew up on the New Jersey boardwalk so I got in my fair share of putting through windmills and other mini-golf obstacles. I think we spent a few days on the sport in a high school gym class and, OK, my brother-in-law used to be a caddy at Pebble Beach, where I embarrassed him and scared some of the staff by once hitting the driving range years ago—which I have been told is akin to saying I have never skied except for a run at Jackson Hole.

Again, not that I had anything against golf; it just didn’t fit into my world.

There was one other reason: Since I had not played the game at all, I was not going to be good at it, a fact that only compounded the older I got and the more those who would play with me honed their skills at a notoriously difficult sport.

This all changed in September, when Eric Henderson of Meteorite PR told me I was going to play in a golf tournament in Vail with him and the gang from Phunkshun Wear, a ski and snowboard mask company based in Denver. I could not refuse because, for one, Eric assured me he was a lousy golfer, and, more importantly, two, this was for a good cause that I stand behind, the High Fives Foundation, founded

by Roy Tuscany, who fractured his T12 vertebra at the Mammoth Mountain terrain park when he was 24 years old, leaving his lower body paralyzed. But he persevered and worked to get back to the slopes in 2008. That experience

GAME FACES: ERIC HENDERSON OF METEORITE PR AND HIGH FIVES ATHLETE TREVOR KENNISON HIT THE LINKS.

and the support he received along the way put him on a mission to help others who suffered similar accidents. Now the foundation gets athletes out skiing, fishing, biking, and surfing. Eric and I have a personal connection to High Fives as well since it was instrumental in helping our friend Sally Francklyn recover from a traumatic head injury.

Which is all to say—golf? Hell yes.

I wanted to approach the experience with respect for the sport and an open mind. My fears were assuaged a bit too when I found out the tournament was a best ball format, meaning the four of us on a team would all hit, but only play the best shot. Doable. I teamed up with an outstanding crew: Lanny Goldwasser, the laid-back founder of Phunkshun who participates in the High Fives Charity Golf Tournament every year, and two outstanding golfers— Hans Herner, who manages Christy Sports in Beaver Creek, and Matthew Mazza, gym director at Shredder Indoor Ski and Snowboard Schools. They were quite patient with me and taught me the one key lesson: Don't lift your head too early on the swing; eye on the ball. I was shocked (and so were they) when I put a good stroke on the ball and felt the thrill of hitting the crap out of it. In the bubble of an absolute beginner, anything I did would be decent, but I also felt as if my commitment to just try helped me relax, listen to advice, and have fun.

So I challenge you to do this. Try something new this winter, no matter your age. Learn to Nordic ski, work a potter’s wheel, go splitboarding, try curling, or maybe take a snowboard lesson—even if you have snowboarded all of your life. Give in to the beauty of being an absolute beginner. This is the spirit of the High Fives Foundation.

Don't stay in when you have the opportunity to get out.

F R E S H LY R E M O D E L E D S K I A N D B O A R D S E R V I C E C E N T E R

E D I T O R'S L E T T E R | 1 0. 2 1

Capable of turning your boards into pow riding weapons!

2401 15th ST SUITE 100 • DENVER, CO 303.964 .0708 • WILDERNESS X.COM

O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

7

Q U I C K HI T S | 1 0. 2 1

BACK TO THE ROOTS T H E N E W D O C U M EN TA RY FI L M TH E ALPI N IST R EM I N DS US W H AT C L I M B I N G I S AT H E A RT. IN THE STUNNING NEW BIG-SCREEN FILM

The Alpinist, a thrill-seeking young climber who eats every meal before an adventure as if it were his last has viewers holding their breath as they watch him conquer what even the best mountaineers claim is nearly impossible.

As the climbing world shifts to a more competitive nature fueled by breaking records and fighting to be the best of the best, the film reminds viewers exactly what true climbing is really about. The suspenseful and inspirational documentary by Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen captures what everyday life looks like for professional climber Marc-André Leclerc whose pure love for the mountains trumps everything else— even his own potential fame Within the first 10 minutes of the film, Leclerc is coined a true “dirtbag” by fellow alpinists and climbers. Even Alex Honnold, the undisputed best free soloist in the world, claims that Leclerc impresses him. The two competed against each other for a speed record on the Grand Wall in British Columbia.

However, Leclerc and Honnold could not be more different.

In the film, Leclerc is living simplistically out of a tent with his girlfriend Brette Harrington.

The climber doesn’t own a phone and does not keep up with social media in the same way climbers like Honnold do. Midway through the film, the directors express frustration after Leclerc stops communicating with them simply to climb on his own. As viewers get to know Leclerc more, they understand this is just the way he is; climbing comes before anything else, even a documentary about his own life.

The lanky Canadian athlete sports wild curly hair, a crooked

smile and, at times, a dorky, look.

Even though he is a sponsored athlete, Leclerc is not flashy in the way he dresses. His sleeping bag, which he shows to the camera while preparing to free solo Torre Egger in Patagonia, is patched with duct tape.

Leclerc is an impressive athlete.

Watching him on a wall is calming, jaw-dropping, and dizzying. At one point, he allows the crew to record a solo day out in the Canadian Rockies. Here he demonstrates his skill through mixed climbing—a combination of ice and rock climbing—without a rope. Tension builds with each move he makes.

All viewers hear is the sound of his crampons against the rock and ice, and his controlled breathing. Leclerc

DrySee is a waterproof bandage with a liquid indicator. If the seal of the bandage is broken and the wound site gets wet, the gauze at the perimeter of the bandage or the center covering the wound site will turn blue, indicating it needs to be changed. Available in various sizes. 2x2” box of 6. $20 | DRYSEE.COM

8

GRACE FREE SOLOING IN THE HIGH PEAKS IN A SCENE FROM THE ALPINIST.

calls this unimaginable climb “a really good day out.”

The climber has a partying past, which he credits to his thrillseeking nature. However, when he met Harrington, he refocused and fell back in love with climbing.

Harrington expresses concern for Leclerc within the film. As Leclerc pushes himself more, the risk of death is always nearby. But as the famous Austrian mountaineer Reinhold Messner once said, “If death was not a possibility, coming out would be nothing.”

—Zoe Schacht

TECHNOLOGY

GEAR WE LOVE DRYSEE BANDAGES

BIG SCREEN: MARC-ANDRÉ LECLERC FINDS

SENA SNOWTALK 2

Without requiring a phone/data connection, the Snowtalk 2 headset allows for four-way Bluetooth intercom conversations and seamless communication with other Sena Bluetooth-enabled devices with a range of up to 700 meters (760 yards).

The USB-C rechargeable battery provides as much as 6.5 hours of talk time with a full-duplex enhanced HD intercom, meaning no “push-to-talk” is required. $99 | SENA.COM

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

SCHOOL OF ROCK A SU RG E O F I N D O O R C L I M B ER S EM P H A SIZE S T H E N EED F O R GY M -TO - C R AG CO U R SE S .

GYM-TO-CRAG PROGRAMS ARE GROWING

in popularity due to a wave of new rock climbers tieing-in nationwide.

“Many more factors exist in the outdoors compared to the controlled environment of a gym,” says Matthew McArthur, a Montrose, Colorado,. based gym climber who recently completed one such clinic led by Peak Mountain Guides at Ouray’s annual OuRock Festival. McArthur was a canyoning guide for 12 years but didn’t gain much technical

BOOKS HIKING WITH KIDS COLORADO: 52 GREAT HIKES FOR FAMILIES

Author Jamie Siebrase offers one handpicked hike for every week of the year. To keep it as easy as possible on parents, the book includes accurate directions to trailheads, detailed route guidance, plus special bonus sections with fun, seasonal activities for families near the trail before and/or after every hike. The book also supplies plenty of tips for keeping kids happy, entertained, and safe from trailhead to summit and back. $25 | FALCON.COM

“WINTER IS NOT A SEASON, IT’S A CELEBRATION.” Anamika Mishra

Photo © Stephen Shelesky

Madison Rose Ostergren

LEKI, CELEBRATING WINTER SINCE 1948.

10

ROCKING OUT: IT'S TIME TO TRANSITION FROM GYM TO CRAG (LEFT). BOULDER‘S BEAR PEAK IS A WORLD-CLASS HIKE (RIGHT).

improve their offerings is by adding gym-to-crag programs.

Traditional mentorship can be problematic, says Flash Foxy founder Shelma Jun. “It’s a gatekeeping point.

If you don’t know anybody, it’s hard to join.” After teaching indoor gymto-crag classes in New York City for several years, Jun earned her AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Apprentice Rock Guide certifications to prepare to the launch the 2021 Flash Foxy Education Courses, which serve women and genderqueer climbers with an emphasis on safety and sustainable recreation. Flash Foxy’s mission is to promote inclusivity while lowering the sport’s barriers of entry including scholarship funds.

“Hiring guides can be expensive,” says Peak Mountain Guides owner Lance Sullins, who taught the donation-based gym-to-crag workshop that McArthur attended.

Sullins says, “Climbing gyms create an awesome avenue for people to get into climbing. Then gym-to-crag programs help provide people with the outdoor basics.”

—Morgan Tilton

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

T H ER E’ S A R E A S O N T H E ED I TO R S O F EL E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S M AG A ZI N E L I V E H ER E: A DV EN T U R E S I N F O O D A N D I N FI EL D A B O U N D. EAT

A number of world-class chefs have made their way to Boulder, causing Bon Appetite to dub the town the Foodiest in America. The best way to sample as much as possible is to join Boulder County’s Restaurant Week October 8–17 (firstbiteboulder.com).

For breakfast, head to The Hill for Alpine Modern Cafe (alpinemodern. com), located in a quaint stone cottage, and dig into any of their Tartine dishes.

For lunch, grab a hot sandwich from Snarf’s—also good for brown-bagging on an adventure—(snarfs.com). And for dinner, make reservations at Blackbelly (blackbelly.com).

PLAY

Where to begin? Snow is gathering in the high country, and Boulder’s closest ski area, Eldora (eldora.com, 45 minute drive), is targeting to open mid-November. Still, temperatures in and around town remain mild. Rock climbing and scrambling abounds among the iconic Flatirons, as well as up Boulder

and Eldorado Canyons. For hikers, there are a few trail closures of which to be aware of but there are still plenty of open options like the trail to Malory Cave (2.8 mi R/T), Annie U White Trail (3.2 mi R/T), or tag South Boulder Peak (6.5 mi R/T).

Mountain bikers can connect Doudy Draw and Marshal Mesa, or grind and flow a series of great trails in Lefthand Canyon below Fairview Peak.

STAY

Boulder is a college town, so with the exception of move-in weekend and Homecoming (Nov. 4–7) lodging options abound. On the high end of the scale is the luxurious St. Julian (stjulien.com)—complete with an onproperty spa, restaurant, lounge, and intimate views of the iconic Boulder Flatirons. The Hotel Boulderado (boulderado.com) is a longstanding staple that has served the community since 1909 and is also located downtown with beautiful views of the foothills and on-site dining. Both hotels offer easy access to the popular Pearl Street walking mall, and the shops and restaurants continue to the east and west. For a more in-the-woods feel, the Boulder Adventure Lodge (a-lodge. com) is in Boulder Canyon and gives the closest access to all the adventures up the canyon. This recently remodeled property offers a warm and modern interior with a rustic style exterior and has private rooms or economy hostelstyle bunk rooms to suit every budget.

—Cameron Martindell

PC PEAK MOUNTAIN GUIDES (LEFT), DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN (RIGHT), COURTESY OF DOUG & MELINDA MCCAW (OPPOSITE PAGE)

experience. Now the father of a preteen son, he wants to hone his safety protocols before venturing out onto the rock.

McArthur is one of the nearly 5.54 million Americans age 6 and up who are flocking to climbing gyms nationwide: Less than half that number engage outdoors in both bouldering and sport climbs, according to the Outdoor Foundation’s 2021 Outdoor Participation Trends Report. Indoor athletes also exceed the population of traditional, ice, and mountaineering climbers combined. In August 2021, the sport’s debut in the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 further fueled the sport. El Cap, one of the nation’s biggest climbing gym networks, with five Colorado facilities, recorded a spike of site visits, gear shop sales, and website traffic following the Olympics this summer.

“As gyms get bigger and more climbers exist, who is responsible for the education process? Brands, gyms, and media should collaborate: It’s all of our responsibility,” says Ben Yardley, senior manager of sales strategy at Outside, publisher of Gym Climber magazine, which launched in 2018. According to the 2019 Rock & Ice Reader Survey, more than 75% of subscribers rope-up indoors; and, the best way for climbing gyms to

EAT, PLAY, STAY: BOULDER, COLORADO

LOCAL HEROES: DOUG & MELINDA MCCAW C HA SI N G TH E SK Y W I L L H EL P EL E VAT E K I DS .

IT’S AN IMPRESSIVE FEAT TO COMPLETE

the entire 490-mile Colorado Trail (CT) as a fast-pack trail run, yet it becomes an even more notable achievement when the effort also benefits kids. Doug and Melinda McCaw set out to do just that in July of 2020, turning their personal challenge into a philanthropic accomplishment. As a fundraiser to help two local nonprofits in their local community of Grand Junction, Kids Aid and Intermountain Adventist Academy, the couple successfully completed the trail in 18 days, raising $21,000 to date.

The McCaws partnered with InFilms and Design to create a documentary called Chasing the Sky. The film crew was with them throughout their training and for the full experience on the CT. Chasing the Sky has two upcoming showings: 6 p.m. on Oct. 14 at the Colorado Mesa University ballroom, and 6 p.m. on Oct. 27 at The Picture Show in Grand Junction. The team is currently working to get the film on Amazon, Netflix, Venmo On-Demand, and is also submitting it to several film festivals for be consideration. Learn more about the film and fundraising project at helpelevatekids.com.

—Kim Fuller

MONEY SHOT: MELINDA (LEFT) AND DOUG MCCAW COMPLETED THE ENTIRE 490-MILE COLORADO TRAIL IN JULY OF 2020 AS A FAST-PACK TRAIL RUN IN JUST 18 DAYS. IN ADDITION TO CREATING THE DOCUMENTARY CHASING THE SKY, THE MCCAWS RAISED $21,000 SO FAR FOR TWO GRAND JUNCTION NONPROFITS.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK WINTER UPDATES AS LATE FALL BRINGS COLDER

temperatures and possible snow, visiting Rocky Mountain National Park can be a majestic sight to behold—with the right kind of planning.

Open to visitors 24/7, the timed entry reservation system will no longer be in effect for the winter season starting Oct. 12, 2021. However, much of the park will become inaccessible due to road closures and heavy snowfall.

The highest continuous paved road in the U.S. is Trail Ridge Road, a scenic bypass cresting at 12,183 feet, which connects the east and west sides of the park. Due to its high elevation, exposure, and unsafe conditions, the road typically closes mid-October through late May. In the winter, the road is open up to Many Parks Curve.

Old Fall River Road typically closes between late September through late May as well. Park officials may also close other roads throughout the park depending on snowfall.

To stay updated on the park’s most current road conditions and closures, you can find more information here or call 970.586.1222.

—Ariella Nardizzi

YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch Estes Park Center

Unplug + Connect Unplug from the ordinary and connect with the extraordinary this winter.

Give the gift of nature this holiday season with a Rocky Mountain getaway.

Lodging | Activities | Pet-Friendly

ymcarockies.org Y-2021-Elevation-Outdoor-winter-9.125 x 5.75.indd 1

9/19/21 8:22 PM

O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

11

F L A S HP O IN T | 1 0. 2 1

The BRAVE NEW RESORT

by AMELIA ARVESEN

A

s days grow shorter and temperatures trend colder, anticipation for winter builds.

Skiers and snowboarders are dusting off their gear, while ski areas and resorts have already immersed themselves in planning for the approaching season. On top of deciding how to implement coronavirus protocols, ongoing discussions about inclusivity and climate change remain on agendas.

Here’s a glimpse at how some ski areas across the Mountain West are confronting the topics.

12

COVID-19 Protocols In the next few weeks, more ski resorts will start publicizing policies and procedures related to the coronavirus pandemic, if they haven’t already. It’s possible that, like last year, protocols applied at the start of the season will change as health professionals update recommendations.

For sure this year, Epic passholders will no longer be required to make reservations ahead of their visit.

Vail Resorts plans to operate lifts and gondolas at all 37 locations in the U.S., Canada, and Australia at normal capacity to optimize the flow of people, says Lindsay Hogan, director of communications and resort marketing. She adds that face coverings will be required indoors, such as in restrooms, hotels, retail and rental locations, restaurants, and on buses.

So far, Alterra Mountain Company seems to be leaving it up to destinations to decide policies, such as whether Ikon passholders need to make a reservation or not. But both Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

and Winter Park Resort in Colorado say they don’t plan on mandating reservations this season.

Now with vaccines widely available, some resorts, like Taos Ski Valley, are making the tough call whether to require vaccinations of staff members. “We haven’t gotten there quite yet,” says Dawn Boulware, vice president of sustainability and diversity for New Mexico’s Taos Ski Valley, which is privately owned.

“We are concerned we might lose some staff because of it.

But we also need to really look at our local community, which has a very limited hospital base within a state with not a ton of resources.”

For the most recent information regarding pandemic procedures, check resorts’ respective websites and social media accounts. “It’s still very much a know-before-you-go method,” says Jen Miller, public

SOCIAL QUESTION: TAOS IS CONSIDERING VACCINES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.

relations and communication manager at Winter Park Resort.

Inclusivity and Diversity

"

There are elements of ski and snowboard culture that clearly are not inviting to newcomers and we have not done enough to solve for that.

The ski industry continues to grapple with and address its lack of diversity and inclusivity. Data from the National Ski Area Association shows that the majority of visitors to U.S. ski areas are white, with smaller percentages of visitors identifying as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and

people of color.

“Though we’ve made significant progress and championed major change around gender diversity ... we recognize that we have significant work to do when it comes to racial diversity within our company, industry, and sport,” says Hogan, of Vail Resorts.

PHOTO BY LIAM DORAN

THE WORLD IS RAPIDLY CHANGING AND THE BEST SKI RESORTS ARE KEEPING UP WITH PRESSING SOCIETAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. HERE’S HOW THEY ARE HANDLING CORONAVIRUS PROTOCOLS, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND DIVERSIT Y AND HIRING PRACTICES.

PHOTOS COURTESY SOS OUTREACH (TOP), CHRIS MCLENNA VAIL RESORTS (BOTTOM)

“There are elements of ski and snowboard culture that clearly are not inviting to newcomers and we have not done enough to solve for that.”

Vail Resorts created a multiyear roadmap in the hopes of making meaningful shifts within the industry and company, she says.

The corporation recently launched a leadership development program called Leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to, in part, set the expectation that leaders must build an understanding of DEI terminology, cultural contexts, and unconscious bias. Former CEO and new chairman of the board Robert Katz joined the Colorado Inclusive Economy, a collection of business leaders working to rebuild the state’s economy in a way that works for everyone.

Employees were also invited to review and sign the I ACT ON Pledge to drive inclusive behavior.

To encourage a diverse workforce, Taos Ski Valley, the first ski resort designated a B Corporation, raised its starting wage to $15 based on the MIT Living Wage Calculator, Boulware says.

The company just started offering paid health days to its employees after New Mexico’s governor signed a bill earlier this year requiring employers to offer paid sick leave. The law won’t go into effect until July 2022; Taos decided to start early.

Because the Taos community is inherently diverse, employee demographics look different than the ski industry as a whole: 35% identify as a person of color, while 40% identify as a woman. “We are based in a very diverse community,” Boulware says.

“Obviously we want to hire as much locally as we can, so that has really been a part of us since our inception.”

Other mountain towns are historically cost-prohibitive to live in and visit, but destinations like Winter Park Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort are recognizing their part in representing all identities. “There are people who are passionate about the outdoors at all levels of means, and we want to enable ourselves to partner with those people and employ them,” says Solitude Communications Manager Sara Huey. Both Winter Park Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort pay employees a starting rate of $15.

Miller says Winter Park Resort hired a consultant to lead conversations among department heads to learn how the mountain can evolve in its inclusivity efforts. “We are on public lands and they are for everyone,” Miller says. She adds that two skiers who consider Winter Park one of their home mountains are helping inform initiatives: Trevor Kennison, a sit-skier, and Connor Ryan, a skier who’s part of the Hunkpapa Lakota Tribe.

And Huey says Solitude is increasing representation in marketing and posting job openings to diverse job boards. Beyond that, she says they’re also studying demographics data to help with goal-setting “I think

that it will anchor the conversation and help us understand which efforts are moving the needle,” Huey says.

Climate Change As temperatures continue to shift and weather becomes more unpredictable, ski resorts are confronting the impacts of climate change. Many locations, including Taos, Vail, Crested Butte, Winter Park, and Park City, open mountain biking trails and keep the lifts running for hikers in the off-season to support year-round business.

But destinations are also examining their carbon footprint and contributions to climate change.

Snowpack has decreased by 41% and ski seasons have shrunk by an average of 34 days since the 1980s, according to a study published in Geophysical Research Letters.

In June, the four largest ski leaders—Alterra Mountain Company, Vail Resorts, POWDR, and Boyne Resorts—announced the Climate Collaborative Charter. It’s a unified effort by the ski industry to combat climate change by sharing commitments around sustainability and advocacy. Some commitments include reducing energy use and waste, pursuing renewable energy sources, and using the platform to advocate for climate protection.

Winter Park and Solitude Mountain resorts, both owned by Alterra, have different focuses at the moment.

Miller says Winter Park’s local energy provider, Mountain Parks Electric, currently gets 30% of energy from alternative sources and they’re working

to increase that to 50%. She says they recycle all cooking and industrial oil, scrap metal, and even asphalt, and have forthcoming announcements about the reduction of paper and single-plastic waste.

Meanwhile two years ago, Solitude launched a comprehensive transportation package to incentivize carpooling and bus riding. Everyone with an Ikon pass can take the bus in Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons for free, which is something Huey says Solitude subsidizes.

Separately, Taos Ski Valley has a number of climate-friendly initiatives.

Taos was awarded its third Golden Eagle Award by the NSAA for its work collaborating with community stakeholders to mitigate the risk of wildfires and endure the health of the Rio Grande River. Taos also trained employees in wildfire mitigation and management, Boulware says.

OPEN TO ALL: VAIL RESORTS HAS PARTNERED WITH SOS OUTREACH.

Additionally, Taos built a silverLEED-certified Blake Hotel to accommodate events, invested in high-efficiency snow guns that use less water and energy, and installed a bioprotect composter that can process up to 200 pounds of food waste into soil. They offset the carbon of an airline that brings in visitors and use an employee shuttle to reduce emissions on the mountain.

Boulware says they plan to expand electric vehicle parking spots and reach net zero by 2030 with the help of a newly hired manager. Examining how Taos’ supply chain can be more centralized and sustainable is also at the top of the to-do list.

“We’re doing great things, but we always can be doing more,” says Boulware.

O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

13

SILVERTHORNE, COLORADO

Explore the heart of Summit County and discover where art meets adventure. Enjoy Nordic skiing and snowshoe trails, ice skating and sledding, or see a show at the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center or attend a signature First Friday event. Find your next adventure in Silverthorne!

SILVERTHORNE.ORG

WYOMING

ARTS. PARKS. ADVENTURES.

DISCOVER LYONS

Lyons is a small mountain town packed with big character! From fly fishing and mountain biking to soaking up the local food and beverage scene, Lyons has a little bit of everything to experience this fall in Colorado’s great outdoors.

VISIT LYONSCOLORADO.COM

EMBRACE YOUR CALLING WE’LL SEE YOU THIS WINTER

GRANDTARGHEE.COM 800.827.4433

14

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

H O T S P O T | 1 0. 2 1

Let the Sunlight In M ATC H A DAY O N T H E SLO P E S AT SU N L I G H T M O U N TA I N R E S O RT W I T H S O M E T I M E S OA K I N G A N D D I N I N G AT G L EN WO O D SP R I N G S , A N D T H E SM I L E S A R E SU R E TO F O L LOW.

by CHRIS KASSAR

S

ki season may just be coming into focus, but for those of us who truly love winter, it’s never too early to start scheming about where to spend our precious time making turns—especially since the pandemic has made pre-planning a necessity in most mountain towns.

To that end, we recommend setting aside a few days for a rejuvenating visit to Glenwood Springs, located at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado rivers. Ski or ride Sunlight Mountain Resort; wash away worries in the world’s largest natural hot springs pool; and soak up the fun downtown vibe. Here’s all you need to know to make it happen.

around 93 degrees; then progress to the therapy pool (102–104 degrees) for deeper soothing. Fifteen different minerals—including potassium, magnesium, and silica—can be found in water that helps ease a body’s aches and pains. If you are really feeling adventurous and want a little boost, be sure to bring a bottle to sample the mineral-rich water from its historic drinking spring.

STAY

PHOTOS BCOURTESY VISITGLENWOOD.COM

SKI

If you like to maximize your time on the slopes and minimize the hassles, Sunlight Mountain, (sunlightmtn. com), located just 12 miles south of Glenwood, is for you. Park at the base (for free!); walk up to the window; and snag a lift ticket for half the price of most resorts. Then, head right to the lifts, where you’ll rarely stand in line. Fewer people at the resort equals untracked powder stashes that actually last after a dump, especially in the spectacular aspen groves found scattered across the mountain. Sunlight has even trademarked what it calls the Sunlight Smile Guarantee—it’s a mountain that prioritizes skiing.

With 67 trails, 680 acres of skiable terrain and an average of 250 inches of snow a year, Sunlight offers something for everyone. Adrenaline-seekers will beeline to the extreme terrain off the East Ridge, including the bumpedout Zephyr Glades and Heathen, a 52-degree slope that ranks as one of the steepest in the state. Beginners will dig meandering along Ute Trail, one of

Colorado’s longest runs—soak in the big mountain views as it winds 2.5 miles from summit to base. Intermediates will eat up the extensive intermediate terrain with a sweet mix of corduroy cruisers, glades, and bumps.

We highly recommend Rebel, a wide-open blue off the East Ridge with the perfect pitch for pow turns. Or head to Charlie Glades to hone your treeskiing skills. No matter your level, don’t leave without enjoying a cruise down Grizzly Road for unmatched views of the region’s sentinel, Mount Sopris. All trails lead right back to the lodge, so it’s easy to meet up with your crew for lunch from the grill.

The lifts aren’t the only way to access pow here. Uphilling is allowed at Sunlight almost anytime except while snowmaking operations are underway.

Choose from two clearly designated uphill routes: The Green Route meanders along the Ute Trail, while

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: GLENWOOD IS FAMED FOR THE HEALING WATERS OF THE HOTSPRINGS, BUT SUNLIGHT DELIVERS TOO.

the Orange Route (a bit more difficult) climbs up the gut of the resort to reach the summit. Dogs are not allowed on the mountain at any time, and all users must have a current uphill pass (free with a season pass, $10 for a day, or $50 for an uphill season pass). Passes are available on the Sunlight website, at the ticket office, and at Sunlight Ski & Bike in Glenwood Springs.

SOAK

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort (hotspringspool.com) has been rejuvenating visitors for over 130 years. Set aside a couple hours to visit this oasis just across the pedestrian bridge from downtown. Ease in with a dip in the big pool, which hovers

Rest your head at the Hotel Denver (thehoteldenver.com), a short walk to the hot springs and downtown’s Restaurant Row. The stylish, historic spot offers luxurious rooms, enthusiastic staff, and the most comfortable bed we’ve ever had the pleasure to sleep in. It’s also pet friendly, so you can make it a true family affair by bringing your loyal buddy along. Plus, fun packages—Ski, Swim, Stay; Room With a Brew; and Glenwood Cavern Adventure Park— bundle a Hotel Denver stay with area attractions.

If you’d prefer to stay right at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, it also offers Ski, Swim, Stay packages that include unlimited access to the hot springs pool, complimentary graband-go breakfast at the poolside Grill, and lift tickets for Sunlight.

EAT & DRINK

Grab an après beer at Casey Brewing & Blending (caseybrewing.com), known for its consciously blended sours, IPAs and stouts, all crafted with mostly Colorado ingredients. And do not miss Masala & Curry Nepali & Indian Cuisine (masalaandcurry.com), a quaint restaurant offering delicious, homemade comfort dishes that deliver a kick.

O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

15

O P INI O N | 1 0. 2 1

game is tougher. If you aren’t “feeling it,” which is to say if your head isn’t in the right place, it’s best to back off. Film athletes from the so-called extreme sports live by that credo. Across disciplines, such athletes will wait years for conditions and head space to merge before tackling a hairball line or attempting a new maneuver. Once you commit, hesitation is devastation—but push past your own misgivings too often and eventually you will pay. For a few case studies, read about the tragedies of Jeret "Speedy" Peterson and Bill Johnson.

Simone Biles and Outdoor Sports W H Y “ T H E W I T H D R AWA L” M A K E S SEN SE TO O U T D O O R AT H L E T E S .

by MARC PERUZZI

P

I

TOP OF THE GAME: SIMONE BILES AND BODE MILLLER PUSHED THEMSELVES TO THE LIMITS OF HUMAN ABILITY EVERY TIME THEY COMPETED. IS THAT TOO MUCH?

Physically outdoor athletes— as with gymnasts—are trained well enough to handle the challenges, but the mental game is tougher.

With outdoor sports, the opposite is just as likely true. Athletes opt out nearly as often as they opt in. Such self preservation is ingrained. As you’re paddling remote whitewater, descending backcountry singletrack, or skiing in big mountains, you’re making decisions at the rate of flow. Do I drop that 20 footer? Should I skirt that next hole? Can I clear that gap jump?

Physically outdoor athletes—as with gymnasts—are trained well enough to handle the challenges, but the mental

16

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

’m just a recreational mountain athlete, but even I know enough to pick my days. Most of the time anyway. A few winters back I was visiting a friend in Big Sky, Montana.

The night before we skied, I was racked by fitful sleep and anxious dreams.

I felt out of it. On the hill, the light had gone milky and flat, distorting one’s perception of depth. It was a day to ski mellow groomers and drink coffee. Instead, we dipped into some steep terrain I’d never gotten a look at before. In the bad light, I found myself cliffed out. Under blue skies and with my typical confidence, the 8-foot drop beneath me would have been something I’d have skied through. And I let that history guide my decision-making. Dropping in without speed, though, I knew I’d misjudged the vertical by half, also the state of the snowpack below. An awkward fall ensued, in which I pressed my chest to my ski tip and my ski tip to the strangely punchy snow as I slid above more rocks. When my calf tore inside my boot, I was glad it wasn’t my Achilles.

That muscle hasn’t been the same since and likely never will be. I now look at the deformity as a reminder to pay attention to all aspects of the mental game before taking risks—ditto with the three chunks of titanium inside me and the misshapen rib.

That’s me being half gnarly on weekends. Now put yourself in Biles’ position. The world has dubbed you the greatest of all time. A country that only tunes in to you and your sport every four years is depending on you for a few minutes of voyeuristic joy and medal count gluttony. Now top it off with the fact that, like everyone else on the planet, you’ve spent the last 18 months living with the anxiety, loneliness, fear, and self-doubt of COVID-19. Get a spin wrong, and maybe you never walk the same again, or walk at all, or who knows, maybe you die on national television. Gymnasts do die.

Any empathy now haters? If not, here’s my advice to develop some. Get off the couch, grab a skateboard, a bike or a climbing rope, and then go push yourself to 100% of your athletic ability.

Not 80 to 90% like most of us go when we’re absolutely charging, but 100%; the limit of what’s humanly possible.

On second thought don’t. You won’t have the head for it.

PHOTOS COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS (TOP), HANS BEZARD/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS (BOTTOM)

ulling out of a competition because your head isn’t in the game apparently mystified many Olympic fans over the summer. As a recreational outdoor athlete and 25year outdoor journalist, I’m here to say it makes total sense.

Gymnastics isn’t basketball or swimming or track and field. As with the rowdier outdoor sports like downhill skiing, down river kayaking, and most aspects of alpinism, with gymnastics, a simple mistake can alter your existence, or end it. Today’s more acrobatic gymnasts (Biles set the standard) beat up their bodies like mogul skiers, downhill mountain bikers, and rodeo cowboys—perhaps the most damaging of sports according to the Extreme Sports Medicine Congress I attended a few years back. Given how often gymnasts are inverted, and how high off the ground they now get, they’re taking extreme sport risks without extreme sport respect—or helmets and body armor. The vault is a simulated horse after all.

It takes a lot of head work to excel when bodily health is on the line. The two greatest speed event skiers in U.S. history, Bode Miller and Lyndsey Vonn, crashed more than their competitors.

Miller and Vonn were fast, but it was their ability to achieve those speeds after crashing and, in Vonn’s case especially, battling back from severe injuries, that earned them the trophy haul. Their head space was rarefied.

S T R A I G H T TA L K | 1 0. 2 1

Ryan Hudson

"

T H E S TA R O F TG R ’ S N E W FI L M M O U NTAI N R E VEL ATI O NS , D ISCUS SE S R AC E, CO N SER VAT I O N , A N D T H E P U R E J OY O F SN OW BOA R D I N G B I G M O U N TA I N S .

I want people to know that no matter where you come from, you belong out in nature.

by ENDRIA RICHARDSON

R

PHOTOS COURTESY TGR (X2)

yan Hudson wants us to step lightly in the mountains. As a professional snowboarder leaning on his reverence for nature, joy for riding “as fast as possible,” and gratitude for friends and mentors to balance out the harsher realities of sponsored sports, Hudson wants for the mountains the same thing he wants for the athletes who spend their lives falling in love with them— an opportunity to exist while being respected, cared for, and not exploited.

Mountain Revelations, Teton Gravity Research’s latest film featuring Hudson, Jeremy Jones, and Rafael Pease as they embark on a human-powered mission in Alaska’s Chugach Mountain Range, will begin its worldwide tour this month (tetongravity.com/films/ mountain-revelations/tour).

Tell me about your relationship with nature and the mountains?

The mountains have provided me a life I never thought I would have—and a perspective on life I never thought I could have. The energy is so different in the mountains. They are these gigantic, massive, moving, living, everchanging entities over which we have little to no control. But we believe that we do, and we blow them up and dig in them. I feel that the mountains and nature get walked on, and stepped on, and abused, and exploited—just like I felt that I did when I was growing up.

Growing up in and out of shelters, and coming from that place of desperation and despair—where there was very little to be happy about—being out in nature and the mountains gave me the complete opposite: all the reasons to be happy and grateful.

You are one of a small handful of professional Black snowboarders. Do

you ever get to go on all-Black or allBIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) expeditions? What would be possible if this could happen?

Wow—no! In terms of expeditions, [linking up with] the 2013 Black Denali expedition was the most diverse. I would love more opportunities to do that. I dream of putting a rad film together—either all Black people or all people of color. There are so many beautiful humans, and such a range of talent. You could produce such a fun, active, film showing people going out and doing what they love. There are endless possibilities for things like that.

rather just deal with athletes through Instagram.

But I don’t think people really think about the mental health of people who are tied to Instagram for their careers.

And mental health is a massive topic in our day and age. I have anxiety; I suffer from depression. There are times where I want to shut down from the world around me, and I’d rather spend time at home with my dog. But when I do that [and stop posting], I get messages from sponsors, like: “Where are you? What are you doing?” We could do much better as an industry as a whole.

What would need to change in the outdoors industry to enable more BIPOC kids, and kids without money, to thrive as snowboarders—financially, mentally, and emotionally?

It will take people who have money being willing to spend it without wanting a return on their investment. It will take people being willing to put more funding into grassroots programs. It will take companies being more connected to neighborhoods than brands.

The reality is that it’s really hard to build financial stability [as a professional athlete]. Last year was a disaster. So many people lost money and jobs. At the same time, so many [ski] companies made more money than they ever had, but then turned around and said they didn’t have resources to support athletes. There are other companies who would

Mountain Revelations is being released this fall. What was it like going into the mountains with Jeremy Jones and Rafael Pease?

That was one of those rare opportunities where you get to spend time with an idol. There are so many

adjectives I could use to describe Jeremy. It’s like the rookie who gets to go hang out with Jordan all day. And I had known of Rafa before, but we had never formally met. It is really awesome when there are tons of experience and knowledge you can absorb from these people when you’re out in the mountains. That to me is everything.

What do you want people to take away from this movie?

I would love for people to see the joy and camaraderie and energy that’s shared in the mountains between people from all walks of life. I want people to know that no matter where you come from, you belong out in nature. There are people of color who love the mountains, and love exploring, and love being out in nature, and we all belong. And [I want people to see] what it feels like to always be in love with nature.

TRIPLE THREAT: HUDSON, JEREMEY JONES, AND RAFAEL PEASE SEEK WILD SNOW IN TGR'S MOUTAIN REVELATIONS. O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

17

THE PASSION: AARON CARLSON FINDS THE CURE ON LOVELAND PASS. THE SNOWFALL MAY NOT HAVE BEEN UP TO PAR ALL SEASON LONG, BUT WHEN IT CAME IN, IT WAS SWEET—AND NECESSARY.

PHOTO BY LIAM DORAN

The Winter that Was

DE SPITE A L ACK OF SNOW A N D TH E RE S TRIC TIONS OF TH E PA N DEM IC , W E FOU N D LOTS OF RE A SONS TO EN JOY SK IING L A S T SE A SON . A LL W E H A D TO DO WA S SLOW DOW N A N D GO U P INTO TH E MOU NTA INS A S M UCH A S P OS SIB LE.

by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

L

ast year was not one of Colorado’s great ski Where I used to hold out for nothing but powder days years. In fact, it started out disturbingly bare— worthy of pro photo shoots, mundane trips up the despite an early September squall that got our mountain now kept me sane. hopes up—before making up for the dry months, I learned that magic was there on days when thanks to a late season push of spring storms. you least expected it. My wife, Radha, and I had the But it was nothing close to the 2018–19 chance to sneak out for a day together season, when a run of storms created in December. The wind was howling, and brand-new avalanche paths that closed we half expected the lifts to be closed— I-70. And there was no single big event or at least the snow to be whipped off like the 2003 storm that shut everything the trails—instead, we found deep, soft Last season, I down, with over 62 inches of snow stuff deposited on the leeward side of pummeling Loveland (and I was lucky sheltered runs that surprisingly skied didn’t worry enough to ski it and survive the 12-hour better than some days with big dumps. about going on drive it took to get home to Boulder).

One day when the lifts were actually shut The mediocrity of last year’s snowfall the perfect day— down by the wind, we made the best of it did not matter to me, however. With the and hiked back to Lost Lake and simply what day was pandemic still dragging on and resorts on enjoyed the privilege of being up in the reservation systems that left some skiers mountains with nothing better to do than perfect during and riders exasperated, I had the best walk and take them in. My wife taught the pandemic season I can remember in a long time. me to skate ski on afternoons after we Count me as one who enjoyed the would wrap up our jobs, and I loved the anyway? reservation system. I’m not a planner by burning in my lungs, the work of finding nature, but I had to be able to ski last year. the rhythm of a glide, and the fact that There was an insanity to it—snagging parking passes she kicked my butt at it. Another day, I didn’t make for random weekends at Eldora three months in the it up to Eldora until 20 minutes before the lifts shut future felt like trying to score a Guns N’ Roses show on down, but it had just started to snow, and I banged Ticketmaster circa 1988. (Though I admit I never had a out five sublime runs gliding through the untouched problem finding a reservation at Eldora or Winter Park accumulation. So many other days, I was able to let even when I hadn’t booked way ahead of time). But my kids sleep in a bit, and we shared time listening to it wasn’t holding a spot that others could not get that ’90s playlists on the drive up and knocked out lowI enjoyed about the system. I loved that it made me key runs seeking stashes in the woods. go skiing on days I might have blown off other years because the snow was not perfect or I was not going urther afield, we figured out the perfect time to spend the whole day up on the hill. Last season, I to leave our house to make it to Winter Park didn’t worry about going on the perfect day—what day before the crowds;, farm fresh snow on the first was perfect during the pandemic anyway? few runs; and then drive back while we watched Instead, I would plan days around skiing like I traffic continue to pile up headed up-mountain. used to when my life was not consumed by work We sought out steeps in Copper Bowl and quiet trails and other responsibilities. I admit I had grown weary with fresh snow that the crowds who were hot to of the parking scene at my local Eldora in previous get to the marque runs ignored. We made full use of years. On powder days, even subpar powder days, our Ikon passes; drove down to Taos, where wekept it had become a mad dash to get up there before socially distant but still ordered chile rellenos to-go the chairs even started swinging just to be able to from our favorite spot to eat and enjoyed them grab a spot and not get turned around at Nederland in front of a wood fire at a Airbnb casita; and spentthe High School. But last year, there would be leisurely next day ripping up one of the West’s classic breakfasts of waffles and French press coffee. I enjoy mountains. It was an antidote to the ever-slogging breakfast, not rushing, not fighting and gaming just pandemic, a sort of rebellion against sickness to go enjoy the mountains. I began to long for the and despair. I came back to skiing as a full life slow drive up to Eldora the back way, up Coal Creek experience, a measure of each day in the mountains, Canyon, past horses, and an abandoned motel, and and something to be shared. ponderosa groves, and nameless foothill summits.

I am not sure if anything in our lives will ever I love the long switchbacks on that road, the train return to what it was. And I don’t necessarily tracks, the plywood Peanuts characters that some subscribe to the idea that the way we have had to resident puts up along the side of the highway to adapt to the pandemic has made things better. It has mark the holidays from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s perhaps given us a chance to reassess the way we Day. It all felt so far away from the continued live. For that I am thankful when it comes to skiing lockdown of COVID-19, the rising death tolls, and the since I had lost sight of the full scope of what matters continual collapse of our national political discourse. up there.

"

F

O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

19

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Are you seeking the ideal winter escape you need after a tough year?

Enjoying the season here in the Rockies is an art that mixes equal parts serious relaxation and laidback exploration. And we are here to help make it happen. This guide gives you the abilty to book everything from days floating through bottomless pow to nights resting in cozy beds with fluffy pillows. Dig in.

The Ridgeline Hotel Estes Park BOOK A STAY AT THIS BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN LODGING SPOT AND YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IN-TOWN ACTION AND BOUNDLESS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE.

to book a stay at Ridgeline. From the hotel, you can take a leisurely stroll down the Riverwalk in Estes Park and check out the town’s numerous downtown boutiques, restaurants, and bars.

Lodging: The Ridgeline Hotel Estes Park boasts comfy rooms with stunning views that range in size from one king bed to two queen beds, and it offers pet-friendly accommodations. After you have explored the mountains and With easy access to both the lively town, you can gather round one downtown scene in Estes Park of the hotel’s outdoor fire pits and outdoor adventures in or have fun playing arcade nearby Rocky Mountain It’s the ideal spot games or pool in the new National Park, the Ridgeline for everyone from game room located in Hotel Estes Park makes for couples looking Latitude 105 Alehouse. And the ideal getaway in fall for quiet romance the hotel takes your safety and winter. The comfy spot to families seeking shared adventure. seriously. Its comprehensive features a restaurant and bar Rest Assured program has on site, an indoor swimming introduced new health and pool, and the ability to be right safety standards aimed at helping in the thick of it when the leaves to keep guests and employees safe while are turning and elk bugling. When the slowing the spread of COVID-19. It includes snow flies, the hotel hosts winter hikers, bolstered hygiene protocols that meet or snowshoers, skiers, and splitboarders exceed best-practice guidelines of the U.S. keen on exploring the surrounding wilds.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention It’s the ideal spot for everyone from (CDC). Plus, the hotel has updated its couples looking for quiet romance to reservation policy: All reservations can be families seeking shared adventure. changed or cancelled up to 24 hours in advance of check-in to help accomodate Get Out There: Rocky Mountain the uncertainties of the times.

National Park draws tourists from around the planet looking to immerse themselves Eat and Drink: No stay at The in the stunning peaks, abundant Ridgeline Hotel Estes Park is complete wildlife, and untamed ecosystems of without a visit to the Latitude 105 these mountains. In the fall, they come Alehouse, which is open daily from 4 p.m. for the changing leaves and chance to 10 p.m. and located right in the hotel. to see charismatic wildlife including With 18 rotating taps and a full menu of elk, moose, black bear, and bighorn signature cocktails, the bar caters to all sheep. When winter arrives, the park is tastes and makes for an easy option for a prime destination for powder turns in an après-adventure drink or a post-meal the backcountry. Not your speed? No nightcap. Most importantly, the food is worries—the snowshoeing and winter sure to please: Latitude 105 Alehouse hiking trails around Bear Lake make specializes in tried-and-true favorites— it easy for anyone to access the high think loaded burgers and pizzas with country in the depths of the snowy create-your-own toppings options (and season. Or head up to Gem Lake, a plenty of vegetarian options)—served in steep 3.1-mile roundtrip that puts you a sophisticated mountain ambiance. Or in touch with the quiet magic of the just snack on good old comfort food like Rockies in winter. It’s ideal for hiking with nachos, wings, and quesadillas. Every microspikes or snowshoes. But the park palate will find something to savor here. is only one of the reasons why you need

ridgelinehotel.com

ridgelinehotel

@ridgeline_estes

POHTOS COURTESY LOVELAND SKI AREA (LEFT), RIDGELINE HOTEL (RIGHT)

THE 2021 PERFECT WINTER GUIDE

Sheridan, Wyoming THE PERFECT COWBOY STATE TOWN OFFERS A ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE FOR ADVENTUROUS SPIRITS. FROM GUIDED SNOWMOBILING EXCURSIONS TO SOLO BACKCOUNTRY TOURING,THE BIGHORN MOUNTAINS ARE FLUSH WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHERIDAN, WYOMING

Sheridan typifies everything Wyoming does best, blending wild landscapes with smalltown charm. Serving as the epicenter of festivals and events in Northern Wyoming, the bustinling town hosts a wealth of cultural, historical, and recreational opportunities and makes for an easy trip from Colorado’s Front Range that feels miles away. With dozens of restaurants and local businesses to choose from and access to over a million acres up in the public lands the Bighorn Mountains right out of town, the place gives visitors plenty of options for relaxation and exploration— even ini the wniter. Whether you’re looking to roam the twinkling-light-strung streets in town or schussing through the star-studded night skies of the local wilderness, Sheridan serves as the perfect basecamp.

COVID-19: Want to know the best part about pandemic safety in Sheridan?

It’s easy! Visitor and resident safety is paramount to this community and the town continues to be committed to keeping things open. Plus Wyoming’s limitless opportunity for social distancing in sprawling open spaces, give visitors and residents alike ample opportunity to find a safe way to experience the area.

Family Friendly: This Wyoming town prides itself on being the perfect playground for the young (and the young-at-heart). A family-friendly

As a family-friendly destination, Sheridan offers a wide range of opportunities for all ages to experience winter recreation.

destination, Sheridan offers a wide range of opportunities for all ages to get out and experience winter recreation.

Make your first stop Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area, the area’s leading family adventure destination, which provides accessible and affordable outdoor opportunities for all ages. With snowshoeing programs, backcountry skiing, and guided snowmobiling tours, families will find the best way to experience the magic of winter in the Bighorns here.

Lessons: From skiing to wniter fly fishing, Sheridan’s local guides know a thing or two about leading anyone—from total beginners to advanced winter recreationalists—to new heights. Whether you’re looking to to tick off a fun, new adventure or hone your existnig knowledge and skills, Sheridan’s outfitters can make it happen.

Lodging: In winter, Sheridan boasts over

sheridanwyoming.org

visitsheridanwyoming

1,800 hotel rooms to choose from, but its mountain lodges probvide an extraordinary experience. These winter hubs give visitors unparalleled mountain views and intriguing histories. (We suggest you check out the century-old Spear-o-Wigwam Mountain Resort, where Earnest Hemingway finished A Farewell to Arms.) If you’re looking for a true winter experience, be sure to explore one of Sheridan’s four lodges this winter.

Après: Sheridan continued to bustle this year, welcoming five new restaurants among other businesses. The town offers a widerange of food and drink options, and visitors can experience everything from the unique culinary delights of restaurants like Birch and Uptown Shabby Shacks to the much sought after craft brew and distilled spirits of the town’s three breweries and distillery.

Whether you spend the day in the mountains or roaming the town, the après opportunities here are as diverse as the recreation.

@visitsheridan

Retailers: Sheridan is a small town shopping paradise that’s home to over 40 retailers. Tourists can shop like the locals along the town’s main street, which offers up an old Western vibe with a fresh feel.

While you won’t find tourist-town-style gift shops, you will find everything from locally crafted pottery to authentic cowboy goods at the famed King’s Saddlery.

Big Adventure: Sheridan is the trailhead to amazing adventure and unending exploration. Recreation knows no bounds in the Bighorn Mountains.

Some visitors become ice climbers for a day or chase trout in the cold mountain streams, but the biggest adventures come by way of backcountry travel. Skiing and snowmobiling the Bighorns is an experience of a lifetime. You can explore the area’s 1,500 miles of snowmobiling trails all winter long and backcountry skiing offers fresh line after fresh line.

@visitsheridan

YMCA of the Rockies, Colorado

unplug and connect to nature and each other. And with YMCA of the Rockies’ evergrowing list of activities, adventure can be THE FUN DOESN’T STOP WHEN THE SNOW as big as your imagination! From renting snowshoes at the Estes Park Center and STARTS FLYING. EXPERIENCE A FULL hiking into Rocky Mountain National Park SLATE OF OUTDOOR WINTER ADVENTURE to renting skis or snowboards at Snow Mountain Ranch and skiing Winter Park, AT THE YMCA OF THE ROCKIES. the Y offers true Colorado adventure at its YMCA of the Rockies has something for visitors’ fingertips. everyone. The Y offers opportunities to And did we mention the 120km unplug and find real connections of groomed nordic trails? Led to the outdoors and each

by Olympic silver medallist other. From rock climbing to and World Champion, Todd guided snowshoe hikes, the Lodwick, the Y’s Nordic A key component of budget-friendly destination Center provides classic and the Y’s mission is to provide opportunities is a true choose-your-ownskate skiers, snowshoers, to unplug and adventure, winter retreat. and fat biking enthusiasts connect to nature Whether you book a trip to with fantastic winter skiing, and each other. its Snow Mountain Ranch hiking, and riding. The facility near Grand County’s center is also raising the Winter Park or the Estes Park bar with biathlon courses, Center at the base of Rocky backcountry routes, and a robust Mountain National Park, you’re sure to educational program. have an unforgettable experience in the Colorado Rockies.

New this Year: A new kind of adventure is coming to the 21/22 winter Family Friendly: YMCA of the Rockies season: skijoring! YMCA of the Rockies is a family-centric organization and is building on the success of its dog destination, offering activities for all ages sledding program—families, couples, and and skill levels. From its variety of events individuals can now book an affordable (like this year’s Christmas Tree Cutting experience in which the beloved sled dogs Experience at Snow Mountain Ranch pull you along on your skis. and holiday programming at Estes Park Center) to its long list of outdoor activities— Lodging: YMCA of the Rockies offers including ice skating, sledding, nordic/ three lodging options. Lodge-based, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing­ hotel-style rooms offer the most economic, the Y makes it easy to unplug and connect budget-friendly experience. Cabins feature to the Colorado outdoors. two to five bedrooms, fully-equipped kitchens, and indoor fireplaces for a fully Big Adventure: Guests don’t travel to self-sufficient experience. Finallly, group YMCA of the Rockies to kick back and rental facilities and cabins provide a space plug into screens. A key component of the for family reunions, company retreats, and Y’s mission is to provide opportunities to holiday escapes.

ymcarockies.org

ymcarockies

@snowmountainranch

Grand Targhee is a bucket-list destination for good reason. With over 500 inches of snow annually, Targhee’s sleeper powder days and family-friendly vibe help take the stress out of navigating a resort. Why not check it off your list this year?

Grand Targhee seamlessly bridges the quaint mountain town scene of Alta, Wyoming, with all the perks you’d expect from a Western resort. Nestled on the western slope of the Tetons, Targhee offers up great terrain for all abilities, slopeside après, ski in/ski out lodging, and endlless backcountry opportunities.

Whether you’re new to snow sports or a well-seasoned steeps chaser, Targhee

grandtarghee.com

grandtarghee

Lyons, Colorado VISIT THE PERFECT FRONT RANGE ADVENTURE TOWN FOR A BIG DOSE OF OUTDOORSY WINTER ENJOYMENT. Lyons, Colorado, is the perfect Front Rage escape. With a one-of-a-kind tiny home rental village, a distillery, outdoor ice skating, miles of trails, and so much more, make this the winter to experience Lyons.

Tucked in a red rock valley, the town encourages visitors to get outside, explore a bit, and soak in the beautiful views.

From hiking destinations (local favorite include Rabbit Mountain east of town and Button Rock Preserve northwest of town) to mountain biking nearby Hall Ranch, outdoor adventure is always nearby here,

lyonscolorado.com

@grandtargheeresort

and the trails are often sunny in winter.

If you’re looking to keep it low key, try family-friendly ice skating in LaVern Johnson Park. If big wall adventure is more your speed, visit the nearby St. Vrain canyon for traditional or sport climbing routes. And if you haven’t quite had your fill of fly fishing for the year, get your troutcasting fix at Bohn Park, which is located along the confluence of North and South Saint Vrain creeks.

Lyons offers everything you need to stay cozy, unplug and escape this winter. Whether you’re looking for easy access to the outdoors, local shopping opportunities, local eats, cocktails, or better yet, all of it rolled into one day, Lyons delivers.

OfficialLyonsColorado

@ Lyons_Colorado

POHTOS COURTESY YMCA OF THE ROCKES (LEFT), GRAND TARGHEE RESORT/FRED MARMSATER (RIGHT)

FIND POWDER PARADISE AND CHILL VIBES OFF THE BEATEN PATH WITH A VISIT TO GRAND TARGHEE RESORT.

offers it all—without the lift lines. From Wyoming’s only snowcat skiing and riding operation to its Kid’s Adventure Zone, Targhee’s lift and cat-served terrain runs the gamut of advanced techy lines to gentle, beginner-friendly slopes, supporting all ages in the winter journey. And with onsite childcare options, ski and ride lesson packages for all ages, and some impressive Mountain Collective and season pass perks, Targhee’s ability to combine equal parts powder chaser’s dream and family adventure is unparalleled.

In addition to the skiing and riding opportunities, Grand Targhee also manages beautifully groomed snowshoeing, Nordic and fat biking trails and offers professionally guided backcountry opportunities.

If you’re seeking a friendly, valuepriced destination to unwind, play hard, and get back to the pure joy of skiing and snowboarding, you are about to fall in love.

POHTOS COURTESY YMCA OF THE RIOCKIES (LEFT), TOWN OF LYONS (RIGHT)

Grand Targhee Resort, Wyoming

Loveland Ski Area, Colorado DEEP POWDER IS IN SIGHT FROM THE I-70 CORRIDOR. WHETHER YOU DRIVE YOURSELF OR SNAG A RIDE ON THE SNOWSTANG, THIS IS THE YEAR TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN MISSING AT LOVELAND SKI AREA. Loveland Ski Area is bringing back all the things you love about the season at its 1,800-acre mountain playground. Thanks to the return the Ridge Cat and demo days, sane lift ticket prices, and fantastic après, the area’s long-standing tradition of powder days and family fun is within reach. And this year, Loveland is adding some sweet icing to its frosty, high-country cake. New guided snowcat skiing tours and facility upgrades, will make the mountain that’s just one hour from downtown Denver even better this season.

PHOTOS COURTESY LOVELAND SKI AREA

New this Year: Loveland’s Valley Lodge is expanding! Loveland Ski Area is currently working on a massive expansion of the Valley Lodge and facilities to enhance the guest experience at Loveland Valley.

The result? Increased seating capacity in the cafeteria, a larger rental shop, and increased capacity at the Ski & Ride School check-in area. The Valley Lodge will be open and fully accessible to guests throughout the 21/22 season with work expected to be completed by the spring.

Loveland Snowcat Tours: Have you ever wanted to ride a snowcat to hidden powder stashes in the Colorado backcountry but the cost and hassle kept you from booking a trip? Now, it’s easy.

Loveland Ski Area is launching a guided snowcat operation in Dry Gulch (just east of Lift 8) in January 2022. Advanced to

Have you ever wanted to ride a snowcat to hidden powder stashes in the Colorado backcountry? Well, now’s your chance!

intermediate skiers and riders will get an authentic backcountry snowcat experience in terrain that looks out on the iconic peak The Citadel (13,294 feet) on the Continental Divide. Book a seat for yourself or or reserve the entire cat for a group outing to access advanced terrain outside the ski area boundary. The full schedule, reservation platform, and pricing options all come online in December.

Tickets: Affordability is one of Loveland’s highest priorities and its lift ticket and pass options speak to that ethos yet again this season with peak ticket rates set at $94 for adults and $38 for children (ages 6–14). Better yet, Loveland’s 4-Pak is one of Colorado’s best lift ticket deals.

For just $199 (available through Nov. 21, 2021), you get four lift tickets to use any day of the season. Big bonus: There are no blackout dates.

Loveland is also bringing back Advance Purchase Lift Tickets this year, allowing guests to buy lift tickets in advance at a discounted rate. Pick your dates as soon as possible on Loveland’s online calendar because the earlier you buy, the more you save. Of course, full-

skiloveland.com

lovelandskiarea

price tickets are also available at the onsite ticket window for those just-gotta-go, spontaneous days.

Season Passes: If unlimited access to the snowiest ski area in the Front Range is waht you seek—did we mention Loveland boasts an average of 35 feet per year?!— Loveland Ski Area offers outstanding season pass prices and perks. Pass holders get discounts throughout the ski area, including lift tickets for family and friends, and 102 bonus days at partner resorts from Colorado to Canada and Japan, thanks to its membership in the Powder Alliance, one of the world’s most powerful reciprocal season pass programs.

Current pricing is valid through 12/1/21, so grab them while you can!

Lessons: The Ski & Ride School is back for another year of all-ages fun with half-day group lessons, private lessons and 3-Class Pass options, which includes three half-day lessons and a season pass for one low price.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your skiing or snowboarding skills, Loveland has options for everyone from children ages 4-14 to adults.

@lovelandskiarea

Retailers: Looking for great prices on great gear? From souvenirs to a fresh kit, Loveland’s Valley and Basin Sports Shop locations have it. With skis from Icelantic, Atomic, Elan, Liberty, Völkl, and Nordica and snowboards from Never Summer, Rome, and Jones, guests have great options no matter which location they visit.

Big Adventure: Loveland’s Ridge Cat returns after being closed last year due to COVID-19. Loveland Ski Area is excited to bring back its signature free in-bounds snowcat skiing for season pass and/or ticket holders. The 18-passenger Ridge Cat provides access to big mountain fun along the Continental Divide, including Field of Dreams, Velvet Hammer, Tickler, 13,010, and Marmot. The cat operates firstcome, first-served, conditions permitting.

Guests can also take advantage of Loveland’s gear demo opportunities, including its Hat Trick Demo program, Christy Sports collaboration event (Nov. 20, 2021), and a plethora of independent brand demo days (think Icelantic and Never Summer). Check Loveland’s events page (skiloveland.com/events/) for all the details.

@lovelandskiarea

T HE W IN T E R G O O D S | 1 0. 2 1

The Big Resort Gear Roundup THE SNOW GUNS ARE RUNNING AND IT’S TIME TO GEAR UP WITH EVERYTHING YOU WILL NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL WINTER ON THE SLOPES. TO THAT END, HERE ARE OUR PICKS FOR THE STUFF THAT WILL MAKE 2021/22 AN EVEN BETTER SEASON AT YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAIN.

by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

VÖLKL

M6 MANTRA

It seems impossible that the German brand could improve upon its do-it-all-onany-mountain ski with a cult following. But with dimensions of 135/96/119 the M6 succeeds. Melding stiffness and flexibility, and engineered to deliver three different sidecut radii (32,19, and 26 meters depending on where you edge) in a single ski, it’s the perfect choice for the variability of Colorado resorts when you go from navigating ugly bumps to letting loose on open groomers to seeking pow stashes in the trees. With the same dimensions, the women’s version, the Secret 96, features tighter sidecut radii (24, 14, 20 in a 163cm ski). $700; voelkl.com

DYNAFIT

BLACKLIGHT 88

Meet the perfect stick for banging out uphill laps at the

24

resort. Built with a Paulownia wood core and weighing in at 2 pounds, 13.8 ounces in a 184cm ski, this baby was built for speed on the skin track and arcing long, elegant turns on the way down. At 125/90/113, it can handle soft snow, edge into groomers, and inspire confidence on tricky terrain. Whether you want to try skimo racing or just get after it with friends, this is the best choice for taking on the resort sans the lifts. $700; dynafit.com

ATOMIC

MAVERICK

Atomic’s newest all-mountain ripper can do it all. Crafted with poplar wood and two thin sheets of titanal, the 129/94.5/113 jack-of-all-trades provides enough rocker and overall power to smash through the type of crud you hit late on a powder day or the fluff you float through on first chair. Hit the groomers, and the Austrian wonder

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

delivers shockingly precise edge control. That adds up to a ski worthy of a winter dedicated to visiting all the varied terrain and conditions of the full range of resorts on an Ikon or Epic pass. Women’s version is the Maven. $700; atomic.com

JONES

FRONTIER

This versatile, directional beast melds a powder-loving freeride nose and a freestyle tail, giving you the power to ride the entire mountain with confidence. The generous rocker will suck up crud and patchy snow or simply float untouched lines. But get it in the trees and it really proves its worth, slicing tight lines like a shorter, stiffer board.

Add it all up and you get our top choice for the kitchensink conditions Colorado resorts can dish out. $480; jonessnowboards.com

NORDICA

STRIDER ELITE 130 DYN

It’s tough to strike the perfect balance between touring comfort and downhill power in a boot meant for the rigors of day-to-day resort skiing with some skin track time tossed in. With a long alpine tradition, Nordica delivers a boot that’s stable and fits snug for hard charging and quick turns, but you won’t feel bogged down by it on the uphill—released into tour mode it provides a 46° range of motion that won’t cramp your style. Fall in love with this boot and you may never buy a pure alpine boot again. $950; nordica.com

LEKI

SPITFIRE VARIO 3D POLES + GLACE 3D MITTEN

Taken in tandem, this pole/ mitten combination makes use of Leki’s new 3D system—the mitten connects directly to the pole via a small loop between the thumb

and forefinger. It provides more control than a standard strap and releases if you run into trouble. The pole itself builds on Leki’s freeride standby but adds the ability to adjust it between 110 and 140cm, ideal for shifting from uphill to down. The cozy Glace mittens, which feature generous Primaloft insulation, loop right into the poles, making for a system that’s warm, as well as efficient. The system works with other Leki 3D gloves as well. $150 pole, $120 mitten; leki.com

DPS P3

Water-resistant oat leather on the outside and plush Thinsulate and polar fleece on the inside make this rugged glove our go-to choice on frigid days. Big bonus, it was designed by ski company DPS, so the fit reflects the testing proclivities of folks who spend a lot of time gripping a pole. $100; dpsskis.com

PIT VIPER

DB

Pit Vipers are an attitude. Just ask the legendary Glen Plake, who signed on with this sunglass brand that makes the mullet (or the mohawk) feel hip. These shades offer up visor-like protection, but most of all just look badass— if you can pull them off. They come in just one size, as do winners. $119; pitviper.com

Organizing your ski kit can be chaotic. But this combo duffel and boot bag makes it simple to have everything right by the door and ready to hit the road. Built from recycled fabrics, the backpack bag splits open into two compartments: one for boots and the other hard goods, the other for clothes. Use it as summer storage at the end of the season too. $279;

VICTORY LANE INTIMIDATORS

FLYLOW

WOMEN’S FAE PANT

The cozy Fae is just the ticket for those who get cold sitting on a lift seat all day.

Thank a 40-gram inner layer of PrimaLoft Eco, made from recycled water bottles, for that extra warmth. On the outside, the sturdy shell, built of twolayer Specter (which also provides a bit of stretch despite the extra padding), keeps out the nastiest of elements. $350; flylowgear.com

HYATTA 70L

dbjourney.com

RAB

KHROMA VOLITION JACKET

This highly breathable Gore-Tex ski shell from mountaineering brand Rab scored big for those of us who like to hit the skin track a bit in the a.m. and ride the lifts the rest of the day.

Weighing in at 1 pound, 10.4 ounces, it includes intuitive ski features like deep

pockets for skins, a helmetaccommodating hood, and a removable powder skirt. But it was the jacket’s ability to shuck off foul weather and keep us warm with Primaloft insulation while still not sweating us out on the uphills that really wowed us. $500; rab.equipment

MONTANE

DART THERMO ZIP

The secret to this baselayer’s superpowers of providing plenty of warmth but never feeling too heavy is recycled nylon and a spandex fabric that’s plenty cozy and soft against the skin. Plus, a Polygiene treatment battles odor. It’s an ideal one-choice baselayer for a ski road trip. $60; us.montane.com

SWEET PROTECTION TROOPER 2VI MIPS

Remember when we didn’t wear helmets at the resort?

That was a mistake and brain

buckets continue to evolve, getting easier to wear and providing more protection.

The latest iteration of Sweet’s Trooper proves that point.

It’s 7% lighter at 1 pound, 8.6 ounces and imparts even better shock absorption than the last version of the helmet, first introduced in 2004. $300; sweetprotection.com

OSPREY

GLADE 12

Fitted with a 2.5-liter bladder and svelte enough to stay out of the way when you’re riding the lift or shuffling up a skin track, this resort pack swallows up all the gear you need for a full day away from your car, exploring the far reaches of big mountains.

Even better, the materials used to make it are Bluesign approved, meaning they meet the world’s highest sustainability standards. $110; osprey.com

BOLLÉ

TORUS

Meet the future of ski goggles. Bollé researched 20 million color combinations to discover the precise wavelengths to boost or dampen in order to create the perfect blend of pigments needed to offer the best color-enhancing high-contrast lens in the Torus. That means it reacts to changes in light almost intuitively. $220; bolle.com

PHUNKSHUN

MISTRAL DOUBLE TUBE

This water repellent (and freeze-resistant) neck tube serves triple duty: It keeps you warm on cold days or when getting blasted by weather on the lift; it keeps you protected from the sun on bright day with UPF 50+ protection; and it serves as an impromptu face mask if you need it. $25; phunkshunwear.com

O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

25

COLOR

YOU R ESC APE

AUTUMN SOARS IN ESTES PARK Estes Park is a terrific destination, especially in fall. There’s so much to love about the region in autumn when elk and other animals are active and the foliage in Rocky Mountain National Park takes on shades of red and gold. While the downtown scene remains a lively place filled with endless restaurants, boutiques, cafes and bars.

It’s not too late to put together an epic getaway – elevate your autumn in Estes Park.

book your fall moment now.

RidgelineHotel.com 970-480-0110 (Reservations)

“BEST BACKPACKING BOOT”

– Men’s Health

“These @mishmitakin boots are the best I’ve ever owned.

At this point I’ve lost track of how many miles I’ve logged in these boots, but it’s well over 2,000. No issues, very comfortable, still waterproof, great traction and support.

5 stars!” – Andrew, Customer

Mishmi Takin Kameng Mid eVent Waterproof Hiking Boot

www.mishmitakin.com

26

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

HE A R T HI S| 10.21

Visions and Birdsongs

others’ perspective, preventing them from establishing a more harmonic state.” He took the time to talk more about his philosophy and songwriting.

S W ED I SH S I N G ER , S O N G W R I T ER , A N D G U I TA R I S T J OSÉ G O NZ Á L E Z I M M ER SED H I M SEL F I N N AT U R E TO FI N D I N SP I R AT I O N F O R LO C AL VALLE Y, H I S N E W A L B U M , WHICH EX AMINES OUR P R E C A R I O US P L AC E I N T H E N AT U R A L WO R L D.

Why did you decide to record this album in a home studio in your summer house?

I had been looking for a studio for forever, but I realized that I don't need to have a room and soundproof it in the city if I just have a summer house.

So I wrote and recorded this album 45 minutes north of Gothenburg along the coast. The view from the house looks out on nothing but woods and rocks. It's been fantastic to have that view when I'm writing. Then, as soon as I have my demos, I go out for runs or walks or take a dip in the ocean. It's been a great switch for me in my life to be closer to nature.

by DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN

B

orn in Sweden of parents who fled the Dirty War and dictatorship in Argentina, José González writes songs influenced by both the pure beauty of the Scandinavian landscape and his scientific background in biochemistry. González burst onto the American indie music scene in 2005 with the album Veneer. In 2013, he collaborated with Ben Stiller to create music for the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and the song “Stay Alive” from that film found new life during the pandemic on playlists of those seeking some solace in world that felt broken.

González’s latest, Local Valley, is as much an intellectual exploration as it is a collection of hauntingly lovely songs.

González describes it as “a metaphor for both humanity stuck here on Earth—our local green valley in a vast, inhospitable universe—and also for two dogmatic tribes stuck in a state where they’re unable to see things from the

And you included birdsong on some of the tracks.

When I was writing and recording the album, I was hearing birds all the time outside of the house. When I started recording, I couldn't hear them. So I set out to record them one evening, and I started using them on the songs.

I wanted to use them on the whole album, but it was too much so I just used them on three songs.

Tell us more about the metaphor of the local valley from which the album gets its name.

I’m inspired by Carl Sagan and his book Pale Blue Dot. Even though we're a lot of people here, this planet is still this little rock out in a dark and uninhabitable space. Nature and the universe don't really care about us.

We have to make this valley as good

that’s open-minded. With a song like “Visions,” I've been pretty bold in my ambitions. But then I also have sillier songs that aren't really preachy. I'm opening myself up on this album in terms of what I'm thinking about, so I'm more direct than ever. In a way, it was easier to write. I don't feel like I need to hide behind an enigmatic stance.

DEEP CUTS: LOCAL VALLEY DIVES INTO DOGMATISM IN SOCIETY.

as possible for ourselves. So I really resonate with this metaphor of the pale blue dot, the local valley. More specifically, in terms of climate change, the last 10,000–12,000 years have been extremely stable. We've been in this global state that we seem to be destabilizing. So we need to get our shit together. I think science and research is the way to try to figure out how we can make a thermostat so we can continue living in a Holocene-like state.

What’s giving you hope in the darkness and bad news in the world?

There's a book by MIT professor McAfee called More From Less. He talks about whales coming back. And there are good examples of us using less land and giving back.

How do you write songs with these ideas in them, but not make them too heady?

From song to song, I'm trying to strike a balance that’s not too preachy,

When you make observations out in nature, what are you looking for?

I think I'm pretty good at switching between the romantic who just goes out at sunset and sits there with a beer and a scientist who goes down into the details about molecules and environmental issues and problems. It depends on what you want to do. But if we go down to the archipelago near Gothenburg, we can sit close to the water on one of the rocks and take a swim and enjoy a sandwich.

You stand against dogmatism of all kinds. How do you think we can move away from political polarization?

People may think of me as liberal, but I do my best to listen. For example, I have read a couple of right-wing economists. I’ve also read social psychologists like Jonathan Height who try to pinpoint differences in ways of thinking between left and right.

Some of these ways of thinking may be rooted in our evolutionary psychology.

I do my best to try to be anti-dogmatic, to be able to change my mind. I know it's an impossible mission to try to always change our mind toward the better, but if you have that ambition, at least you won't get stuck as often you would have otherwise.

O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S . C O M

27

T HE R O A D | 10.21

My First Ski Mentor R EM EM B ER W H ER E YO U S TA RT ED, W H ER E YO U A R E N OW, A N D W H ER E YO U H O P E TO GO. R EM EM B ER TO CO N SI D ER YO U R S T RU GG L E S , YO U R AC H I E V EM EN T S , YO U R P RO C E S SE S A N D FI N ISH ED P RO D U C T S . T H IS IS W H AT M Y FAT H ER G AV E TO M E.

by DANI REYES-ACOSTA

“Come on, mija. Let’s go find your Poppy,” she responded, as she slid forward to poke her ski tips off the groomer into the powder awaiting us.

As we arced through low-angle trees, I heard his voice booming in the distance: “Here she comes, my little champion.” Tucked behind a stand of pine trees, my dad and sister waited. Kika, the faster of his two daughters, patiently ate a snowball as Mom and I caught up.

We raced to the bottom and down several more runs: We needed to work up our appetites for the big dinner that awaited us at the Mammoth Inn that Christmas Eve. Softly fluttering snowflakes, hot chocolate, and a morning full of presents: Life in this

"

He’d been a college football player, an Eagle Scout, and Air Force pilot. “How hard can skiing be?” he probably thought. snow globe was everything a child could have wanted.

Give It the Old College Try Joaquín Enrique Acosta Jr. first began skiing after his interview for a teaching job in Big Bear, California. Recruited by teachers from a rival school who’d seen him coach another Inland Empire High School football team, he confidently

EARLY ADOPTER: THE AUTHOR IN WYOMING NOW AND WITH HER FATHER AS A CHILD.

28

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

SOFIA JARAMILLLO FOR OUTLIER FILM SERIES (LEFT), COURTESY DANI REYES-ACOSTA (INSET)

“Do you think this is what it’s like to live in a snow globe?”

My 6-year-old face turned, questioning, up to my mom.

The question felt silly as it tumbled from my lips—almost as ridiculous as the way flat, wide snowflakes landed just as perfectly on my gloves as they did on my nose.

MICHELI OLIVER FOR OUTLIER FILM SERIES (TOP), COURTESY DANI REYES-ACOSTA (BOTTOM)

stepped onto the snow in borrowed gear.

He’d been a college football player, an Eagle Scout, and Air Force pilot. “How hard can skiing be?” he probably thought.

Whether those cojones came from obstinance, perseverance, or the resilience he’d formed as a dark-skinned man growing up on the edges of west Los Angeleno’s privileged circles, my father loved skiing. The wide grin and perfect turns he styled showed that love. Maybe he found this love for frozen water just as holy as the ocean he’d known throughout his childhood. Could it be that this transformation from ocean lover to mountain man paralleled water’s own transmutation?

When I was a child, my parents took us weekly to Mass at St. Anastasia CatholicChurch, where I first learned the importance of community as much as communion. But, annually, we’d take a holiday in the mountains near Southern California to ski, where I saw the presence of a higher power in action.

These experiences, flowing between mountains and oceans, laid the foundation for smoother sailing in later years. The unadulterated joy of alpine vacations with my family echoed throughout my adolescence and early adulthood, long after skiing as a family came to an abrupt halt in my sophomore year of high school.

It’s impossible to forget the reverberations of my father's voice booming through snow-laden trees as fluffy flakes landed on our own tiny outstretched hands. How he had pulled my sister back onto the chairlift when her notorious 5-year-old wiggles went a little too far. How he’d hollered “Just tuck and point it,” when a windstorm threatened to push Kika and I, our tiny Brown bodies, backward up a scoured ridge.

He was handsome, athletic, and always the life of the party—but now he’s gone, and has been, for over a decade.

Up until his final days on this Earth, Poppy went full send, or as he might’ve said, “gave it the old college try.” The echoes of his laugh don't disappear, though: Every year, it gets a little easier to remember to celebrate the life that he lived, embodying the best of what I remember. And in many ways, that means going full send.

Échale Ganas, Mujercita

Multicultural children often struggle with identity. Torn between past and present, tradition and the modern, we’ve historically had to pick a lane.

Society still doesn’t treat the children of immigrants kindly, even if their lineage predates Anglo colonization. After my father passed, I struggled, for years, to understand who I was and where I fit. Only after electing to study abroad in college, to go to Spain and begin unearthing the lost stories of our past, did I start to wrap my head around who Joaquín had been. Cobwebs often obscure the door to your family’s history.

I learned the phrase “échale ganas” in Spain. My friends screamed this at soccer games. They wanted to see players win, expending maximum effort without fear

"

I may not have been a lobbyist or consultant for international recycling projects, but I had faith.

of failure. Confidence in the Hail Mary goal almost always translated to a muchneeded point.

I wondered if my father knew that phrase—he must’ve. He spoke fluent Spanish, after all; he just didn’t teach it to me. Assimilation was the game he’d had to play over the years; this is how he found success in business, our mostly-Anglo neighborhood, and in our church. Why would he have taught me differently? When I took a fancy marketing

job at a corporate giant in Portland, I made a conscious choice to return to the mountains. I showed up, solo, to Skibowl for night skiing or Mount Hood Meadows for weekends. I was alone in a strange city, trying to find a new kind of joy after leaving the ocean and a painful romantic relationship behind. Weaving through trees, l wondered, often, if my father would have skied with me even though I'd swapped my skis for a snowboard. I still giggle when I remember him heckling snowboarders when I was very young.

Those silent nights, carving turns or ducking into the warming hut, I remembered the closeness my family had held during those happy years. I'd sip a Tripel, slowly, before facing stormy Oregon nights again.

For nearly three years, I gave my heart and soul to my corporate bosses.

Driving change marketing at a global scale was addictive, if not tiring. My weekend adventures in the mountains, though, pulled my heartstrings. M83 lyrics played a soundtrack to my life: “Send your dreams where nobody hides/ Give your tears to the tide.”

In my stressful day job, I constantly feared

GENERATIONS: THE AUTHOR IN THE WYOMING BACKCOUNTRY; HER FATHER IN THE AIR FORCE.

failure. Our matrixed organization pinned my role's headcount on constantly shifting project budgets. I could lose my job at any time; why was I still in Portland? My parents had traveled the world as entrepreneurs ahead of their time... maybe I could figure something out, just like them. I may not have been a lobbyist or consultant for international recycling projects, but I had faith. My parents, both of them, had shown me that hard work, an open mind, and kindness can take you far.

"Dale, Dani," I affirmed to myself. "Échale ganas, mujercita." I knew I could do this something... different.

Sending It

If empowerment is the pursuit of a dream without regard for the obstacles that might stand in your way, then that's what I was the day I boarded the plane to Santiago, Chile. Over the next few years, as I rebuilt my life to focus on my priorities, my family values, I remembered: Faith in community, kindness toward others, and feeding my inspiration to give back to the land that's given me so much would get me exactly to where I'd need to be.

I like to tell myself that I'm living the wildest dreams of my father, who will never get to come to my first ski film premiere, see the homestead I've cultivated with Johnny, or hear me acknowledge him in an award speech. High on the mountaintops, though, and every November, I'll find him.

He'll greet me with open arms: "Mija, estoy tan orgulloso de ti." Daughter, I'm just so proud of you.

And that's all a girl wants, isn't it?

O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1 / E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S .

COM

29

E LWAY V IL L E | 10.21

A Driver for the Dead A M O U N TA I N TOW N G H OS T S TO RY F O R T H E SE A SO N

by PETER KRAY

C

andy took her sunglasses off as it started to snow. She smiled to see the snowflakes melt on the hood of her black car, perfectly round droplets from little white falling stars.

The ephemerality of it all.

It was the first snow of the season, and she knew everyone would be happy in Vail. The clouds dropped low over Giant Steps and Pepi’s Face on the mountain as she drove down the Frontage Road.

She had a ride to pick up somewhere near Golden Peak. Klara Stuttner. It was a name she seemed to remember seeing in the paper, giving money to the symphony or sharing a memory about the history of the town. The directions said she had a party to go to.

Candy grabbed a scrunchie from the glove box and pulled her long red hair back into a ponytail as she drove up the winding driveway with aspens all around. It was a little white house that looked like something from a fairy tale. Tyrolean style, with green shutters, white walls, and a red door.

A tall, gray-haired woman in a dark dress and a white-buttoned sweater was standing there. She was looking up at the snow as if she were dreaming as Candy stopped the car.

“Miss Stuttner?”

“Yes,” she said. Her breath was like smoke in the air.

“I’m Candy, your driver.”

Candy offered her arm to walk Klara across the driveway and noticed the small bouquet of wilted flowers she held at her waist. The way Klara’s pale blue eyes searched her face as she asked, “Do you mind if I sit in the front of the car?”

“Oh?” Candy said. She never had anyone ride beside her. “Of course. It would be my pleasure.”

Candy turned up the heat as they drove back down the driveway. It was getting so cold. She felt like she needed to make conversation, a little nervous with someone beside her, and said, “I’m so excited for the snow. I just learned to ski last year.”

“Skiing is a wonderful thing,” Klara said slowly, measuring the words. “That is what I miss most of all. I skied that mountain for more than 50 years.”

A

s they turned west on I-70 toward Minturn, Klara looked past Candy to the ribbon-like swaths of the ski runs on the left of the highway, where the slopes were turning white as sugar with the increasing snow.

She told Candy, “I always felt just

30

like an angel when I skied fresh powder in the Back Bowls. That heaven should be as simple as a blue sky and a white mountain covered in snow.”

Klara smiled as she remembered Pete Seibert and the men of the 10th Mountain Division who had been instrumental in building the ski area.

The years before Eisenhower Tunnel when Denver skiers had to drive over Loveland Pass, skiing with President Gerald Ford and astronaut John Glenn, and aprés with the ski patrollers at Donovan’s Copper Bar. She talked about the Lionshead Gondola accident in 1976, when four people died as the cars jumped the cable and plunged to the hill. The freak skiing accident that killed Archduke Alfonso de Borbon y de Dampierre of Spain in 1989, when the World Alpine Ski Championships returned to America for the first time in 40 years.

E L E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S / O C TO B E R - N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

And in 1977, when the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy murdered three women in Colorado, and escaped from jail near Aspen. Klara said, “Everyone thought he was coming back to Vail.”

Then she sighed, and Candy thought all the air had gone out of her. But Klara said, “That was all so long ago.”

Candy thought she saw tears in Klara’s eyes as she said, “It’s the town I loved the most. Movie matinees at the Crossroads on Saturday afternoons, cocktails on the patio at Pepi’s, dinner at the Swiss Chalet, and when you came outside, the first smell of winter in the air."

A

s they took the exit to Minturn, Klara asked Candy to stop the car.

At the dirt pull-off, Klara said, “Peeper’s Palace, the old volunteer ski patroller’s lodge used to be here.

But it burned to the ground.”

Then Klara looked at Candy and nodded, her chin and cheeks as gray as the clouds. She said, “You’ve been so kind to listen to my stories. And to drive me here. If you don’t mind, I’ll go ride in the back now.”

Candy sat perfectly still, staring intently out the front window until she heard the winged-windows rise in the wind behind her, then the click and the lock of the trunk door. And there was only the sound of the wipers as she drove her black hearse through the blizzard of snow, up to the gates of the River View Cemetery, where a grave had been dug for Klara many days before.

—Elevation Outdoors editor-at-large Peter Kray is the author of the God of Skiing. The book has been called “the greatest ski novel of all time.” Don’t believe the hype? Buy and read it here: amzn.com/dp/0692028331

THIS IS BIGHORN MOUNTAIN COUNTRY The world comes out west expecting to see cowboys driving horses through the streets of downtown; pronghorn butting heads on windswept bluffs; clouds encircling the towering pinnacles of the Cloud Peak Wilderness; and endless expanses of wild, open country. These are some of the fibers that have been stitched together over time to create the patchwork quilt of Sheridan County’s identity, each part and parcel to the Wyoming experience. Toss in a historic downtown district, with western allure, hospitality and good graces to spare; a vibrant art scene; bombastic craft culture; a robust festival and events calendar; small town charm from one historic outpost to the next; and living history on every corner, and you have a Wyoming experience unlike anything you could have ever imagined. This is Sheridan County, the beating heart of Bighorn Mountain Country, and we invite you to WY Responsibly while you explore our backyard.

sheridanwyoming.org

We’re Climate Neutral And aiming for Net Zero carbon emissions by 2030. In the meantime, we’re cutting emissions and balancing any remaining through carbon credits. Reducing our impact on the planet.

WWW.RAB.EQUIPMENT

#WeAreRab