Mountain Town Magazine - 15 Year Anniversary Issue 2026

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Today, I’m reviewing the final pages of this magazine that you are holding in your hands (or viewing online), ensuring every detail is correct, every image is at its best resolution, and the stories you are reading resonate with our branding and mission. It’s been 15 years since we released our first issue of Mountain Town Magazine, which was originally MTN Town Magazine. We thought ‘Mountains’ were too big to abbreviate and rolled out the publication using the word ‘Mountain’ in 2018.

I moved to Summit County in 1990 and was smitten. The dramatic peaks of the Continental Divide, Gore, and 10 Mile Range embedded into my soul. As I continued my exploration of Colorado’s topography, I discovered all of the beautiful mountain towns, big and small, that lie within. They seemed to me like little islands in a sea of undulating terrain. I was curious; at that time, very little was being written about them. I began blogging about my adventures and then decided to turn those stories into digital magazines (they said print was dead). A website was built, and then a real printed magazine emerged as people started asking for copies.

We are now 15 Years into wordsmithing and image capturing our communities, so you can learn about the special people and places that make each town unique. Each mountain town is a little different from one another based on the terrain in which they are located. Some are River Towns, others are Lake Towns, and then there are the Ski Towns, Cow Towns, and Mining Towns. We cover them all with the same affection.

I was sitting in the Hot Spring tubs of the Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs and was in awe of the moon rising over the ridge of the towering cliff walls of Ouray. It brought me so much gratitude and inspiration.

And here we are. Our 15 Year Anniversary is filled with many of the things that inspire us as residents of Colorado and its mountain towns.

Rather than tell you what is inside this magazine cover, I would prefer your curiosity take over and prompt you to lift each page and read our writers’ stories.

Lastly, THANK YOU for reading! You make our small business the thriving enterprise it has become.

Holly Holly Battista-Resignolo Founder & Publisher

F a r A b o v e E x p e c t a t i o n s

Y o u r E x c l u s i v e S k i - I n S k i - O u t M o u n t a i n R e t r e a t M

From the Mountains to the Shore...

published by MTN Town Media Productions publisher

Holly Battista-Resignolo communications

Gaynia Battista

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Jennaye Derge, Lisa Blake, Shauna Farnell, Daniel Dunn, Caren Austin, Julie Bielenberg, Sarah Mock, Holly Battista-Resignolo, Kimberly Nicoletti, Alyssa Pullekines, Gaynia Battista

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Caren Austin visionaries

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“Kyle did a wonderful job in assisting us with our purchase in Breckenridge. He was very knowledgeable about the local real estate market, which was great as we are from out of town. Additionally, Kyle was able to get us the answers we needed to make the right decisions with prompt and professional communication. Would highly recommend having Kyle as part of your team!” – Jamison Crone

“Working with Kyle to sell our Leadville home was a truly wonderful experience. Even while we were traveling and between homes, his communication, organization, and calm guidance kept everything smooth and stressfree. We’re so grateful for his dedication and highly recommend him to anyone buying or selling in the mountains of Colorado!” – Lance & Barbara Hooper

You Can Trust in Colorado

KYLE BLEKICKI | 970.420.5743

kyle@slifersummit.com

Colorado San Juans

Rugged, Raw, Sophisticated and Relaxed - The San Juan Mountains are a nature lovers paradise

by Jennaye Derge

There is a yellow-diamond street sign on a forest service road in Durango, CO that reads “pavement ends,” and just underneath is a sticker that reads, “and fun begins.” This is, seemingly, the best way to describe Southwest Colorado.

This little corner of the world has the gritty kind of fun you find at the end of smooth, comfortable pavement. It is a little loose, and rough around the edges and brings you the entertainment that makes you want to hold on to something and yell “yeehaw!”

Its cowboy roots, and its beauty, art, and full-hearted stamina is derived from its hushed past, but flourishes still today because of the area’s unending access to the mountains, deserts, rivers, and its heavily underrated arts culture.

Arguably, the epicenter of the southern corner of Colorado is the city of Durango. With an accumulated population of over 75,000, it is the largest of the SW Colorado mountain towns. It’s where state and interstate highways merge and crisscross; if you turn right, you’ll find yourself northbound in the belly of the massive peaks in the San Juan Mountains, and if you turn left, you’ll roll through agriculture fields, the La Plata mountain range and, eventually, the soft, jagged desert of the west. However, if you stay put for just a minute, you’ll discover where it all comes together in the small city of Durango.

On the surface – and historic – levels, Durango was built up around two things: the Animas River, and the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway; both run through the center of town, and both prove to be central to the town’s vibrancy. However, the recreational trails are really the star of the show. Durango is notorious for having 300 miles of trails within 30 minutes of downtown, which includes access to the southern terminus of the 480 mile Colorado Trail that wiggles its way through the San Juan Mountains,

and miles upon miles of trails deep in the Wiminuche Wildreness–the largest wilderness area in Colorado.

The underdog of Durango, however, is the modern art scene. Often overshadowed by the train, river, or other eye-catching outdoor activities, the theater and arts scene is actually quite robust.

A few of the biggest art and theater venues are almost quite literally, at the center of it all. The Durango Arts Center, Animas City Theatre, the Fort Lewis Concert Hall, Studio & Gallery, (the underground and underrated) Merely Players, and other art galleries are all located at an almost perfectly centered geographical location in downtown. They all, at one time or another, have hosted nationally recognized artists, performing artists, comedians, and more.

Durango hasn’t put its name on the map for art and theater yet–though it should–but it has definitely been put on the map for its outdoor and mountain access. Nearby trails, skiing at Purgatory Resort, world-renowned mountain biking, and a dip at Durango Hot Springs should make for a very quintessential, “where the dirt meets the road” “yeehaw” sort of southwestern time.

If that doesn’t do it yet – or there is still more time to have dirty, gritty western fun – there are neighboring towns who also deserve the title of underdog when it comes to Colorado mountain towns.

One of which is Mancos, a small town about 30 miles west of Durango.

Mancos is small but growing, and it brings out the soft side in southwest culture. Often known as the birthplace (and still current location) of Alpacka Rafts (lightweight adventure rafts), it also holds a heavy history in farm, agriculture, and yes, those cowboy roots. Locals still ride around on horses every once in a while, tip a hat to say good morn’n, and there is a strong presence of donkeys (see, Burrofest

below). The town is a bit lawless, but counter to mainstream cowboy culture, it’s as gentle as a town gets.

It is where “yeehaw” meets the magical beauty of art.

The town is growing, by numbers and in its arts and culture scene. Over the last handful of years, cool, funky and fun businesses, events, and art celebrations have taken root in the area. Entrepreneurial endeavors such as Fenceline Cider, Hand in Hand books (and wine), Moondog Cafe and Bakery, M Bar & Coffee and the Mesa Verde Hotel have shown an uptick in a fresh, younger generation coming in and bringing vibrancy to a once sleepy town.

In addition, events have seen a boost in the small dusty town, and the Mancos Creative District seems to be a culprit behind it. The organization, which has been around since 1991, and officially designated as a Creative Arts District in 2015, has recently caught everyone’s attention through ambitious projects such as BurroFest, a one-day festival celebrating the region’s culture that stems from burros (donkeys) and the art they inspire, and other projects to support local artists.

Not to mention The Mancos Opera House, which is also having its revival under the loving and caring arms of the Mancos Creative District. Though not official, the Creative District is attempting to purchase the Opera House and restore it into an even better, flourishing hub for music, art and a gathering place for the community. It’s worth keeping an eye open for a local favorite event, the Cult Movie Nights run by the Cult Movie Night Federation of Mancos, in support of the Mancos Public Library.

Up the road a ways from Mancos is another underrepresented underdog of the Southwest. Dolores, Colorado is sort of like the cousin of Mancos, but grittier. It has a similar sleepy small town vibe, born from agriculture, that is also recently getting a bit of a makeover due to the creativity of some fresh blood.

One of the newer residents pumping the town with energy is the Dolores Bike Hostel. It seems odd to have a hostel as the lifeblood of the culture scene in a town, but, somehow, they’ve done it, and done it really well. The fun, funky hostel (open to everyone, not just folks on bikes) almost puts “sleeping” last on its list of priorities. (However, as someone who has stayed there, I vouch for a quiet, peaceful night’s rest.) They have put a ton of work into creating community within the town by hosting fun events, clubs, games, music, and opening a new bar they built out of an Airstream in their courtyard. And most everything is open to the public.

by John

Dolores Brewing is down the street for beers, pizza, and more live music, and Kelly’s Kitchen for breakfast and coffee. Just up the road, on the mesa overlooking town, there are miles of mountain bike, hiking, and cross country ski and fatbiking located in the Boggy Draw trail system. And when you’re done exploring the trails through ponderosa pine forest, stop by the Dolores Food Market for a hyper-local secret treat; pie made in house from a small-batch family recipe.

Due east, and a bit more quintessential “Colorado mountain town,” is Silverton. Silverton isn’t just about big mountain backcountry skiing and cowboy saloons, though it is very much known for those things. Just like Mancos and Dolores, it also has a growing art vibe that was brought in by a new creative generation–who are also mostly all big mountain backcountry skiers. The Powerhouse is the newest community art venue, dubbed as a “space for visionaries,” and a “space for community.” It serves as a venue for music, and houses space for artists to create and sell art. Its location is perfectly out of the way of downtown, towards the dirt roads that everyone loves to adventure on such as the Alpine Loop (better biked than driven in my own opinion), or the new mountain bike trails called Bakers Park, labored through love by the Silverton Single Track Society.

Silverton’s rough-around-the-edges demeanor is solidly intact, but with places like The Powerhouse, a growing mountain bike trail system, or places like the newest version of the Coffee Bear, which also hosts many local events, Silverton’s vibrancy is beginning to come alive, and locals are there to stay.

Up the winding infamous Red Mountain Pass road from Silverton is Ouray and Ridgway. Ouray has similar saloon vibes to all its mountain town neighbors, but the surrounding peaks are quite a bit more dramatic. Commonly known for dubbing itself the “Switzerland of America” (though it has been debated), Ouray also offers a renowned ice climbing park with the annual Ice Fest

in January, which packs the small town with athletes from around the world. It boasts its hot springs, with in-town Ouray Hot Springs – popular in the summer and winter because of its Olympic sized swimming pool, and the more talked about, intimate, Orvis Hotsprings, which is clothing optional.

Ridgway is just outside of Ouray’s canyon and flirts with the “West Slope” side of Colorado. It’s closer to the farmlands, and if it weren’t for the dramatic peaks of the San Juans within view, you might mistake it for a rural town further north. However, once you are in town, it maintains the southern Colorado grit, and downtown is full of shops and businesses grown by old and new residents.

The nearby Rat Trails are a testament to locals who love their land and the outdoors (and are really fun for mountain biking), and the surrounding open space and mountains reminds everyone why we love this southwest piece of the world so much.

Telluride

By Katie Klingsporn

The beauty of Telluride is what hits everyone first. Like a smack across the face, driving into the valley for the first time always elicits a gape-mouthed disbelief.

Many mountain towns claim to be “nestled” in the mountains, but few are as tucked into the toothy mineral-stained peaks as Telluride is in the San Juans. Look closer, and the beauty of the box canyon town will only come into sharper focus. Waterfalls, frozen into intricate winter sculptures of ice, tumble down the cliffs; elk graze on the open space land known as the Valley Floor; the San Miguel River burbles as it winds its way around one edge of town; trellises and mills, remnants of Telluride’s mining heyday, dot the high basins; and snowy trails snake out in every direction into the peaks, meadows and forests surrounding this mountain town high in the San Juans.

In the early days, what drew people to Telluride was the promise of gold, silver and other precious minerals in its surrounding hills. Today though, most of us come to Telluride first for the skiing. These mountains offer a year-round

recreational wonderland where the options are endless. In the winter, there’s fat-tire biking, Nordic skiing, backcountry ski tours and hut trips. In the summer, a whole other world opens up and it’s time for high-country mountain biking, backpacking through sub-alpine basins, wildflower tours in the high country, trail running, multi-pitch climbing, river floating, fly-fishing and peak bagging. There’s even amazing mushroom hunting, though I would die before disclosing where my stashes are.

As expected, Telluride’s outdoor riches attract mountain lovers of all stripes, and the town is home to a rugged batch of athletes whose feats in the high country are astounding. High above the town you will find Mountain Village. It is linked to Telluride by a spectacular, 12-minute ride on the free gondola powered by wind, purchased from San Miguel Power Association.

Editors note, Like Sedona I swear that Telluride is a Vortex fostering beautiful energy and heart centered positivity to those who enter this place.

BRECKENRIDGE HISTORY AND HISTORY COLORADO PRESENT “AMERICANS” AS PART OF THE MUSEUM ON MAIN STREET PROGRAM

JANUARY 17 TO MARCH 15, 2026

Breckenridge History and the surrounding community has been chosen by History Colorado to host “Americans” as part of the Museum on Main Street program—a national/ state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations. The exhibition will tour 5 communities in Colorado through July 5, 2026.

The exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street and the National Museum of the American Indian explores how deeply intertwined American Indians are in the history, popular culture and identity of the United States.

Based on a major exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., “Americans” highlights the ways in which American Indians have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began. Images of American Indians are everywhere, from imagery on commercial products and professional and high school sports mascots, to classic Westerns and episodes of Seinfeld and South Park. Indian names are everywhere too, from state, city, and street names to the Tomahawk missile. Beyond these images and names are familiar historical events and stories—Thanksgiving, Pocahontas, the Trail of Tears and Battle of Little Bighorn—that have become part of everyday conversation. Through photographs, hands-on interactives, objects, and videos, the exhibition offers a new way of understanding a country forever fascinated, conflicted and shaped by its relationship with American Indians.

A short, animated film, The Invention of Thanksgiving, provides a whimsical take on how a simple meal shared between Native Americans and early English settlers evolved into a central part of America’s traditional origin story and a national holiday.

COLORADO 150

This year Colorado will commemorate 150 years of statehood while celebrating 250 years of American independence. Colorado has great plans to celebrate this dual milestone and is highlighting Colorado’s place within the broader narrative of the United States. “The View From Here,” is the theme that will carry through 2026. Several signature initiatives, educational programs, exhibits and community-led events are being designed to embrace and celebrate connection, community, and statewide pride. These include:

• Digital Passport Program available on Colorado.com that encourages participants to explore Colorado’s attractions, businesses and hidden gems to earn rewards. Through the free program, participants can enjoy exclusive offers, discounts and increase their chances with each check-in to win prizes like $500 in United travel credits and 150,000 United MileagePlus® miles.

• Drone Shows: Stories in the Sky will bring an estimated 150 awe-inspiring drone shows to communities across the state throughout the commemoration. Set to music, every show will be customized to celebrate the corresponding event and host destination..

The exhibition examines three stories that are part of American national consciousness and popular culture. The first is devoted to Pocahontas, the young Powhatan woman who played a key role in saving the colony of Jamestown. Another story explores the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Signed by President Andrew Jackson, the act envisioned a United States without Indians. One of the boldest and most far-reaching laws in American history, removal transformed the country—generating great wealth for the nation and catastrophe for Native Americans. The third looks at the complicated story of the Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand. “Americans” explores how these events have been remembered and represented throughout the years.

The exhibition title is a play on words and nods to the name originally given to this country’s Indigenous inhabitants by Europeans. It is meant not only as a reminder of the primacy of American Indians in the territory known as the United States but also of the tangled relationship between Indians and the people now called Americans.

www.breckhistory.org

• Historic Preservation comes to the forefront with a goal to add 150 new or revised historic sites to the state’s register by the end of 2026, perfect for the history-buff’s itinerary.

• Statewide Oral History highlighting more than 150 diverse stories from across Colorado through recorded oral histories.

• History Where It Happened, a revitalization effort to update and add 150 historic markers across Colorado, ensuring a more accurate and inclusive representation of the state’s history.

• 14er Climb, celebrating Colorado’s 58 mountain peaks topping out at over 14,000 feet, outdoor enthusiasts and climbing teams will unite to summit these peaks, creating a once-in-a lifetime challenge this summer.

• Statewide Event Calendar offering a diverse lineup of events— ranging from, skijoring, concerts and festivals to history exhibits, cultural observances, public art, educational programming and more with many taking place in our mountain town communities.

www.colorado.com/am250-co150-events

DRONES FILL NIGHT SKY THROUGHOUT COLORADO WITH STORIES IN THE SKY

By Kimberly Nicoletti

To help celebrate Colorado’s 150th anniversary, drone shows will illuminate night skies with up to 65 shows throughout various towns spanning the Eastern plains to the Western Slope, illustrating the state’s history.

The preview took place last September at a University of Colorado football game and then lit the sky above Auraria Campus’ Tivoli Quad, with Denver’s colorful and musical Christmas tree in the foreground, for 40 nights during the holidays.

The mesmerizing shows keep viewers in suspense for a few seconds, as drones fly into formation. Suddenly, quiet murmurs from the crowd explode into “Wows” as the drones reveal their colorful scenes, beginning with dinosaurs and moving on to such illustrations as a bear, skier, train, snowcapped mountains, Colorado’s 150th logo and much more. While the core of the show remains the same at each destination, each town will feature its own animation. For example, Ouray, where the drones debuted this year, highlighted a mining scene.

Produced by Colorado-based Brightflight Drone Shows, 500 synchronized drones, complete with cameras, sensors and software, generate the large sky art. After Brightflight personnel draw scenes and digitally transfer them into 3D animations, the drones follow their programmed path, flying no faster than 15 mph before pausing and always remaining at least 10 feet apart. Yet, somehow, the colorful scene manifests quickly.

Fireworks have traditionally celebrated our nation’s independence and milestones, but drones carry a lower environmental footprint. They avoid loud booms that scare pets and wildlife, including birds, and don’t drop heavy metals, particular matter and toxic gases that fireworks release into the air, land and water. The reusable drones can be powered by renewable energy sources like solar or wind.

“These shows create opportunities for residents and visitors to attend shared celebrations and place some of Colorado’s best events on statewide and national calendars … amplifying visibility and encouraging participation. Overall, the drone shows unite communities, inspire pride in Colorado with a familyfriendly, unforgettable experience that is accessible to millions,” said Timothy Wolfe, 250-150 Commission co-chair and director of the Colorado Tourism Office.

So don’t miss the sophisticated choreography, which results in charming, awe-inspiring shows that connect communities through spectacular illumination.

Learn more and see the full schedule at https://www.historycolorado.org/colorado-150/initiative-storiesin-the-sky

OURAY CELEBRATES 150 YEARS

By Lisa Blake

Alongside Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood, the “Switzerland of America” celebrates its 150th birthday in 2026 with a full year of milestone events. Named for Chief Ouray of the Ute people whose leadership and peace negotiations shaped the steep-walled valley tucked between dramatic San Juan Mountain peaks, this striking Colorado community still attracts hardy souls with deep appreciation for the land.

The silver and gold mining town was incorporated in 1876, just months after Colorado achieved statehood. Ouray enjoyed its rush heyday, welcoming throngs of men seeking fortune and claiming roots in Ouray and nearby towns like Telluride, Silverton and Lake City. Just south of Ouray, the Red Mountain mining district is home to thousands of once-upon-a-time mines.

Following the silver market crash, Ouray transformed itself into a tourist destination cherished for its stunning box canyon scenery, healing hot spring waters and ornate Victorian architecture. Visitors still marvel over the gorgeously preserved Queen Anne, Stick and Carpenter Gothic styles, intricate gingerbread woodwork, wrap-around porches and eye-catching colors.

The town’s hot springs bubbled up along the Uncompahgre River, drawing folks from around the state and far beyond to ease their ailments in steamy pools and tubs. Ouray Hot Springs celebrates 100 years in 2026, notching a century of geothermal wonders and mineral-rich waters. Today, the year-round natural hot spring is beloved for its 100-106°F soaking tubs and familyfriendly atmosphere.

How You Can Celebrate Ouray’s 150th Anniversary

Join locals in parades, walking tours, historic reenactments, cultural events and festivals this year.

5/23/26 | Ouray Art Walk

Stroll and enjoy wine, cheese and the works of Ouray’s multifaceted artists.

6/27/26 | Ouray History Day

Learn about the history of Ouray through the voices of prominent historical figures and historic building tours.

6/18–6/21/26 | Ouray International Film Festival

Celebrate Ouray’s 150 years through jury-selected films, viewing parties and community events.

7/4/26 | 4th of July

Enjoy longstanding July traditions, including a 10K, parade, kids games and fireworks (weather permitting).

10/2–10/3/26 | Historic Ball & Concert Celebration

Join in the 150th fun with a historic ball at the Beaumont and free community concert in Fellin Park.

NONPROFIT NOOK

Colorado Snowsports Museum

by Lisa Blake

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Colorado Snowsports Museum is one of the Centennial State’s most unsung cultural gems. Housing America’s largest exhibit of the 10th Mountain Division – the heroic U.S. Army infantry division that trained in the Colorado Rockies before engaging in high altitude combat in World War II – soldiers and their families personally donated items in the collection. As part of its 50th anniversary celebration this year, which coincides with Colorado’s 150th in statehood, the museum has launched a 50 for 50 program, sharing

detailed stories of 50 10th Mountain veterans who etched an especially impactful mark.

That’s just a small component of the history on display, which covers the expanse of Colorado’s involvement in snowsports, from the earliest days of pioneers on skis to Olympic and World Cup athletes and ski area development. Also, since 1977 (the year after its inception), the museum has conducted an annual Hall of Fame event, inducting movers, shakers and visionaries in the industry ranging from resort founders to

coaches and athletes. As for artifacts, the museum receives donations every week – Warren Miller’s first camera, a pair of fluffy après boots from the 1960s, wooden skis used to travel between farms a hundred years ago. There are about 15,000 items logged so far and thousands more still to document. Each with a compelling story.

Located in the Vail Transportation Center, the museum is free to explore and absolutely worth a few minutes (which can easily turn into a few hours) of time. Learn more at snowsportsmuseum.org.

Stone and Summit Art

by Sarah Mock

WHERE: Fraser

WHAT: Ceramic Jewelry and Mugs

After 15 years in the Fraser Valley, Callie Rae’s story feels as rooted as the mountains that inspire her work. Originally from Minnesota, she arrived for a short visit and never left - calling home to say she’d found where she belonged. For the past eight years, Callie has worked with clay, refining her ceramic practice over the last six while also teaching others the art form she loves through her business, Stone and Summit Art.

Her ceramic jewelry and mugs are shaped by patience and play. From raw clay to finished piece, the process can take weeks, but her favorite moments come when the clay is still wet and alive - when she blends her lifelong love of painting with ceramics through delicate, hand-painted details.

Deeply involved in the Fraser Valley arts community, Callie helps grow creative events and support local artists through teaching, organizing, and advocacy. You can find Stone and Summit Art pieces scattered thoughtfully around town at Simple Coffee Co, The Bowerbirds Den, and local art events - each one a small reflection of mountain life.

https://www.facebook.com/stoneandsummit.art/

Wondrous Glow Candle Co.

WHERE: Pine

WHAT: Candles

Rooted in the spirit of music, Caroline Hayes’ handpoured soy-coconut blend candles are made with love from her Pine, Colorado home. The Wondrous Glow Candle Co. founder uses certified nontoxic scents and cotton wicks for even burning and genuine smells that are true to their name. “I’ve received positive feedback that my candles do not trigger headaches or even cause air filters to turn on,” Hayes says. “They are truly safe for the whole family.”

Hayes, 42, and her husband have been on a mission to remove toxins from their home since becoming parents. Today, every batch Hayes creates sells out. Each candle is named after a song title or lyric, tying scent to sound and memory. Top sellers include Snow on The Pines, a refreshing, crisp frosty pine scent; Nothing But Flowers (lilac), Outside on My Lawn (fresh-cut grass) and Wish You Were Here (sage and lavender).

Find Hayes on Instagram at @wondrousglowcandleco.

ABD Culture

WHERE: Gunnison

WHAT: Jewelry

When Alix Klein’s father passed away in 2014, she knew she needed a creative outlet for her grief. Spurred by a deep desire to make something meaningful with her hands, the Gunnison resident began experimenting with discarded bicycle inner tubes—”materials I saw my husband popping on every bunny hop and rock drop on mountain trails,” Klein says. The result was wearable art in the form of weightless statement earrings and a full-time business rooted in upcycling and self-expression.

ABD Culture has become synonymous with sexy, cutting-edge, lightweight jewelry built for seamless trail-to-town transitions. Every design begins as a hand-drawn sketch, then is laser-cut and assembled in Klein’s Gunnison studio.

“You can bike, ski, sweat, dance and swim in it. Every piece blends function with form and our use of waste materials is elevated, thoughtful and always moving toward a closed-loop system,” says the 42-year-old Vermont native.

Best sellers include Tropical Leaf Earrings, Butterfly Earrings, Small Cluster Flower Earrings, and the Tropical Leaf Bracelet. “These pieces have become favorites because they balance nature-inspired beauty with everyday wearability—and they’re light enough to forget you’re wearing them,” Klein says.

abdculture.com

EvidayThings

WHERE: Silverton

WHAT: Hats and Apparel

Turning old fabrics into patches, hats and apparel for outdoor living, Evin Harris got the idea for EvidayThings while sprucing up friends’ hats with hand-sewn patchwork. The side hobby evolved while they were living in a van as a whitewater raft guide in Buena Vista in 2019. The business officially launched in 2021 in Breckenridge and, today, Harris hand-builds each patch and hat with care from a Silverton studio.

This love for Colorado’s mountains is translated in each stitch as Harris cuts peaks from repurposed fabrics and sews them individually with intention. No two patches are the same and fabrics are exclusively sourced from thrift stores, scrap bins and remnants from other sewers, lending to a vast variety of patterns and colors. Harris’ best-selling item: the stylish corduroy Eviday Hat with a signature mountain patch. instagram.com/evidaythings

Wendi’s Good Things Market

WHERE: Del Norte

WHAT: Market

Elevating everyday life with thoughtful, well-made and special products, Wendi Seger’s Del Norte, Colorado flower farm and market centers on bringing people together around beautiful, intentional moments.

From food and flowers to clothing and home goods, everything is designed with real life in mind: seasons changing, hands working, people gathering. Seger, 50, birthed Wendi’s Good Things Market out of survival during Covid. As business at her farm-to-table fast-casual restaurant slowed, she launched the market to source additional revenue.

“I started learning what people were drawn to and slowly began creating all the things myself,” Seger says. “We opened a flower farm on our potato-barley-canola farm and I started hosting farm-to-table dinners and creating food products that reflected the way we were cooking and hosting at home.”

Sub-brands Noelle Botanicals and Farm Couture came later and, today, Seger is lauded for her seasonal cooking and hosting wares, natural laundry detergent concentrate, and femininemeets-field apparel line.

“We don’t design things just to be pretty or trendy—they’re meant to earn their place in everyday life,” Seger says.

wendismarket.com

Priorities

There was silence and peace when we captured this image. It brought joy and reminded us why we live in a Colorado mountain town: gorgeous vistas, pristine environments, adventure and activities year round, exceptional food and amazing people who choose to be here because the vibe is unlike any other.

Telluride Truffle

By Caren Austin

My love of chocolate runs deep.

I could easily pass on a Snickers Bar but will take the time and effort to seek out high quality artisan chocolates wherever my travels take me. Telluride Truffles are a favorite of mine. Owner and entrepreneur Patty Denny set the “chocolate” bar high when it comes to her confections. I first tried her truffles at Union Station in Denver, her newest location and I was immediately hooked. After sitting down and chatting with Patty, I found out there was much more to her story than just chocolate.

Patty Denny started as an actress in New York in her mid 20’s, and although she loved it, she knew that it was not the way for her to make a living. She comes from a long line of entrepreneurs and started experimenting with baking in New York City. She bought a book on becoming a pastry chef, and even though the salary was low at the time, she knew that is what she wanted to do. Patty loves the outdoors, so she explored places to move with year-round outdoor activities, and somewhere that would satisfy her passion for the arts. Patty lived in a tent for 3 weeks after moving to Telluride, and then took a job at The Peaks Resort & Spa, where she started in an entry level position in the pastry department, and after 1 year became the pastry chef. It was at The Peaks where Patty started making truffles. She would bring them to her friends’ homes, and they were a huge hit.

The long hours and stress of restaurant life turned Patty in a different direction. She became an administrator for the ski school in Telluride. On her lunch break, she would go into town with a tray of truffles, and they sold immediately. It was at Telluride Ski School that she learned how to handle high end clients and manage money. Patty really missed making her decadent truffles full time, so she took advice from a good friend on how to start her own business, and step by step, she started Telluride Truffle. That was 27 years ago.

Today, Telluride Truffle is a place you don’t want to miss when visiting Colorado, or If you are a local. Her Truffles are triangular, and not round on purpose, and by total coincidence, they look like mountains. They have familiar names you might recognize like Bunny Hill, Black Diamond, Early Frost, First Tracks and Mud Season. Each truffle is unique in flavor. Some are made with spirits like Chambord, Kahlua and Tuaca. She has crafted them to look like edible artwork, and they taste like a chocolaty masterpiece.

Her “Fourteener” box is incredibly popular for gift giving or if you want to try a variety of her confections.

Patty didn’t stop with the crafting of truffles. She also sells hot chocolate mix, champagne truffles (my favorite), caramel and chocolate sauce and baked goods including “The Perfect Cookie Box”. The cookies are made in small batches, and they truly are perfect.

With three locations to date, Patty is a woman who has no intention of stopping anytime soon. She has built her business from the ground up, made it through the Covid shutdown, and expanded to a Lakewood CO location where her chocolates are now made. In 2025, she won “50 Companies to Watch” given by The Colorado Department of Economic Development, a welldeserved honor. You can find her incredible treats at her stores in Telluride CO, Lakewood CO, and inside of Union Station in Denver. You can also order them online at TellurideTruffle.com. Taking a bite of a Telluride Truffle is something you just must experience, and that experience is something Patty Denny has put her heart into since 1997.

telluridetruffle.com

Icelantic Skis

ANNELISE LOEVLIE, BEN ANDERSON AND TRAVIS PARR CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF VISIONARY PRODUCTS

By Shauna Farnell

The Colorado brand has set itself apart in sustainability, vivid artwork, and winter concerts

Growing up in Evergreen and going to school in Idaho Springs, Annelise Loevlie, Ben Anderson and Travis Parr became friends as preteens through ski racing. One time they were watching a 1990s surf film – In God’s Hands – when a lightbulb went off.

“The movie is about friends creating their own life,” Loevlie recalls. “That moment shifted everything.”

Anderson started talking about starting his own ski company. He graduated from high school early and got an internship with a small ski maker in Boulder called Journey, learning to press skis.

It wasn’t long before he took his newly learned skills to his family’s garage, gathering materials and crafting his own prototypes. Joining forces with Parr, an artist who provided the graphics and Loevlie, who stepped in to help with marketing, his creation became Icelantic Skis. They launched in 2005 with a handmade wood core and overall “bombproof” design. The initial ski was called The Scout, measuring just 143 cm. It would eventually elongate to become The Nomad, which, 20 years later, is still Icelantic’s best-selling ski.

“Our bread-and-butter skis have remained similar,” Loevlie says. “We’ve just gotten more focused and intentional.”

Part of the focus has involved manufacturing out of Never Summer Industries. A snowboard maker since 1991, Never Summer took on Icelantic’s processing 18 years ago.

Another major component of Icelantic’s mission has been to “leave the world better than we found it.” True to that, in 2022, the brand’s sustainability practices earned it a B Corp certification, the second ski company ever (after Faction) to earn the honor.

Operating out of its headquarters in Golden, Anderson continues on as Icelantic’s visionary product creator, whose next wave of innovation includes an all-mountain lineup of skis integrating carbon and various ultra-lightweight materials. Parr is still the artist, his masterpieces over the years ranging from lifelike wildlife to landscapes to vibrant, abstract shapes. Loevlie has worn just about every hat in the company. These days, she’s officially the head honcho, Chief Executive Officer.

“The general experience, especially in a leadership role, has been a refiner’s fire, defining my own power and voice,” she says. “For a long time, it was me and an opinionated, strong, alpha, all-men, creative team. I’ve had to work hard on myself. The opportunity has been a huge highlight.”

Icelantic has also been a major player in ramping up hype for the outdoors off the slopes. The company did, after all, spearhead and continue to organize the incredibly popular Winter on the Rocks, the 14th edition of which will land at Red Rocks this February.

“Standing on the stage looking out at 10,000 people, those moments have been so cool,” Loevlie says. “Also, continuing to do business with friends, watching the evolution of all of us, having families, having kids, getting to meet and ski with amazing people all over the country and world, that’s been one of the biggest highlights.”

Winter on the Rocks 2026 featuring BigXthaPlug, Smino, Mike Jenkins and PawPaw Rod hits Red Rocks Feb. 7. Also, Icelantic’s Spring Bash lands at Loveland on March 21 with demos, costumes and live music.

icelanticskis.com

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In Search of...

Inspiration

By Daniel Dunn

Inspiration for everything we do in life comes from everywhere, with our friends and neighbors being a big slice of that metaphorical pie.

People in the Colorado mountain communities tend to be independent, mostly floating our boats however we please. We’re always finding encouragement from folks along our collective, but differing, paths. These folks we often call bad-ass. People who are doing cool things, in their own ways.

Conor Hall, Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry for the state of Colorado, highlighted many individuals in Colorado that are making a difference in the outdoor space, and how everything relates back to the economy. It’s his job to gain insight on the state of outdoor recreation as a collective economic engine, in hope of using that specific data to protect all the wonderful places we recreate in. He highlighted many bad-ass, inspirational people in our mountain towns who help create the buzz that keeps our communities an incredible place to live and visit. Below and on the following pages are people known and unknown for their inspiring contributions to the people and places we call our home.

Mary Jane Loevlie, the owner of The Mighty Argo historic mill in Idaho Springs, CO, comes first. The existing mill helped propel Colorado by playing a major role in the Gold Rush that brought people and built places here 150 years ago. The new Mighty Argo Cable Car will help Idaho Springs move towards its next phase in history. The cable car will rise 1250 vertical feet, more than 1.2 miles, over rugged mountainous terrain, for all walks of life to enjoy incredible mountain top views. Being so close to Denver, accessible to all walks of life, this cable car will be the proverbial gamechanger for Idaho Springs.

Mary Jane is a super spunky, seasoned mountain gal who grew up in Idaho Springs. She moved away but returned, with entrepreneurship in her blood. Mary Jane wanted to give back to the people of Idaho Springs, after literally seeing Interstate 70 cut her town in half in the 1960’s.

She feels the Mighty Argo Cable Car will become an economic driver and bring people to the community. As her dedication to the communities residentas all citizens of Idaho Springs receive an annual pass to use the cable car, no charge to them. It’s one of the ways she wishes to give back.

At the end of the day, we all have our ways to get out, relieve stress, and learn how to smile. An unsuspecting organization that should make us all smile and be Inspired by is our Colorado Search and Rescue groups. These are the true heroes for all of us who play in the mountains, canyons, rock walls, and rivers of Colorado. I spoke with Ben Butler, of Summit County Rescue Group, one of the busiest units in the state. “I think that rescue folks are the most badass folks there are because they aren’t doing it to get paid. They aren’t doing it for fame. They are there to assist anybody who needs help. They drop everything they are doing, no questions asked, to assist someone in distress.”

Ben also stated, “another thing that goes unsaid and unseen is how the employers of the folks who are members of these Search and Rescue teams support each member’s actions. Without these caring employers, our volunteers would not be here. They couldn’t do what they do for the community. It’s a big team effort, a community effort. Search and Rescue just could not happen without the community’s help.

Inspiration is all around us and comes at us full force sometimes, as if from a fire hose. Harnessing that energy can not only provide income and satisfaction, but also bring about change to your local community. The need is great for exceptional ideas, but the need is greater for action. Like President Barack Obama said “passion is vital, but you’ve got to have a strategy”. Our friends in Colorado, the bad-asses from different walks of life, inspire us to have our own groundbreaking ideas, and encourage us to move towards those goals.

Keep reading, we have highlighted several more individuals who make our communities the special places we call home.

John Kreamelmeyer

The beloved Nordic coach continues to make impactful strides with one leg

Jon Kreamelmeyer has written a few mantras on sticky notes to help him through tough days.

“It’s like you to be the strongest guy on one leg.”

“How are you going to show up today?”

Known to most people as JK, the 79-yearold Colorado native has been an integral part of Summit County for nearly a half century, and is still making positive impacts all over the world.

A former high school English teacher and Nordic coach, JK served on Frisco Town Council and on the Summit County School Board for many years. Competing in the Paralympics as a guide for blind cross-country skier Michele Drolet, the team landed a bronze medal in the 1994 Lillehammer Games. As head coach for the U.S. Paralympic Cross-Country team, he led athletes to one of their greatest medal hauls of all time – 11 medals between 1998 and 2006. In 2014, he was inducted into the International Paralympic Hall of Fame.

Still an avid Nordic skier himself, in August 2021, at age 74, JK was training for the World Masters Cross Country Ski Championships when a nagging pain in his right leg hit an explosive level. Turns out it was a blood clot. Six surgeries later, he ended up losing the entire leg, nearly dying in the process.

The transformation has not been easy, but JK has made the most of it.

After returning home from two months in the hospital, he got right back to coaching the local Nordic Masters program and returned to the trails himself in a sit-ski. Last fall, he was inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame.

“It’s still hard to accept that I have one leg,” JK says. “It affects you mentally. Everything takes more time. That’s why I think it’s important to be involved in Masters, because it gives you a purpose. And if you lose purpose, you might lose self.”

JK has also continued his work as an International Paralympic Committee technical classifier, traveling overseas at least once a year to evaluate athletes. He now has an especially profound perspective on the mechanics, dynamics, logistics and rules of Paralympic sports.

Last year, via a connection at California Polytechnic State University, a senior design team built JK a new sit-ski. Lightweight enough to carry in a backpack on crutches, the rig features an articulating frame that makes side hills and turning much easier and safer.

“Cross-Country sit-skis are primitive,” he says. “The technology in alpine equipment far exceeds equipment in cross-country for people who sit.”

He is hoping his experience with this new adaptive Nordic technology might help persuade the Paralympic committee to alter some of its equipment guidelines.

“I was going to send pictures of my frame to the powers that be and say, this isn’t impacting propulsion, why do we have this rule? It’s not giving one disability group or sport class an advantage.”

A lifelong helper, JK struggles with the reality that he sometimes needs help. He can only carry so many things on crutches,

can’t easily open doors for himself and can’t demonstrate skate or glide techniques to his Masters skiers.

“The thing drilled in going through PSIA is you show, instruct, practice … you don’t talk the person to death,” he says.

Then a friend asked him, “do you think Bela Karolyi demonstrated a back flip on the balance beam for Nadia Comaneci?”

That gave him pause, as does remembering his blind guiding with Drolet and winning that Paralympic medal. There was zero demonstration involved there.

As far as doing things for himself, JK is impressive for any guy on one leg, actually, for any able-bodied 79-year-old.

He coaches his Masters group every week, hangs with most of them doublepoling in his sit-ski, hops around his house on one leg, and last summer turned his crutches straight up the slopes of Arapahoe Basin and hiked all the way to Black Mountain Lodge.

“I’m not Superman. I’ll tell you that right now,” he says. “I do get down. We all have layers of love and happiness and sadness. Those emotions are still with me. I can’t just get up and go for a walk. That’s when I have to say, why don’t you just try? Why don’t you get up and just go around the block?”

“How are you going to show up today?”

Lindsey

The 41-year-old downhill skier redefined what it takes to dominate a sport

by Shauna Farnell

Leading up to her horrific crash in the Olympic downhill race this February, Lindsey Vonn set a trajectory unprecedented by any athlete in any sport.

The Minnesota native who learned the art of speed after moving to Vail as a teenager faced a certain level of doubt and criticism from naysayers worldwide when she announced her return to racing last season after retiring in 2019. Feeling strong and capable just months after undergoing a partial knee replacement in her right knee, Vonn was motivated to return to the sport she loved with the goal of competing in the 2026 Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, where she had clinched 12 World Cup victories.

She proved immediately that she was right back where she belonged. From her first race back, every one of her finishes among the world’s best in downhill and super G landed in the top 20, a handful in top 10, including second place. Still, there were doubters.

She fired into this season with a massive victory – her first in more than seven years – in the opening downhill race in St. Moritz, Switzerland, making her the oldest athlete to win a World Cup ski race. She followed up with wins and podiums in her ensuing races up until her final World Cup downhill race before the Olympics in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, where she crashed and tore the ACL in her left knee.

There she was, a week before the Olympic downhill, facing an injury that would sideline most skiers for an entire season.

Vonn decided to compete anyway.

She posted a video of a demanding gym session looking every bit as fit as she was before the knee injury, then proceeded to lay down two solid downhill training runs in Cortina, finishing 11th and third.

Then, a nightmare unfolded … for Vonn and everyone watching around the world. Pushing out of the gate of the Olympic race, Vonn was only 13 seconds on course, charging over the top flats attempting to build speed, cutting the line so tight that when she soared over a jump, she hooked a gate with her arm in mid-air. She spun around violently, smashing into the hardpacked course and then into the nets.

She was airlifted off the course and rushed to the hospital, where she underwent multiple surgeries over multiple days for a badly broken left leg.

“My Olympic dream did not finish the way I dreamt it would,” she said on social media from her hospital bed. “I dared to dream and had worked so hard to achieve it. In downhill ski racing, the difference between a strategic line and a catastrophic injury can be as small as five inches. I was five inches too tight on my line when my right arm hooked inside of the gate,

twisting me and resulted in my crash. My ACL and past injuries had nothing to do with my crash whatsoever.”

The skiing icon, who already won Olympic gold in the 2010 downhill, went on to say she had no regrets about racing.

“Standing in the starting gate was an incredible feeling that I will never forget. Knowing I stood there having a chance to win was a victory in and of itself. I also knew that racing was a risk … I knew what I was doing,” she said, adding that she felt mentally 100 percent ready and physically stronger than she had many times in her past, including her last race before retirement, the 2019 World Championships, where she won a bronze medal.

Vonn then imparted a message to which we should all take heed, remembering how she, at age 41, owned women’s downhill, dominating the sport like she had 15 years earlier.

“Similar to ski racing, we take risks in life. We dream. We love. We jump. And sometimes we fall. Sometimes our hearts are broken. Sometimes we don’t achieve the dreams we know we could have. But that is the also the beauty of life; we can try,” she said. “I tried. I dreamt. I jumped. I hope if you take away anything from my journey it’s that you all have the courage to dare greatly. Life is too short not to take chances on yourself. The only failure in life is not trying.

“Standing in the starting gate was an incredible feeling that I will never forget”

Cheryl Jensen

Lifting Up Veterans by

Lisa Blake

Founder of the Vail Veterans Program and recipient of the Outstanding Public Service Medal from the Secretary of Defense, Cheryl Jensen shows us what it means to live and give with your whole heart.

In 1988, Cheryl Jensen volunteered as a counselor at a California summer camp for kids with terminal cancer. Life was never the same after that.

“I remember coming back and thinking ‘wow, what just happened?’” she says. “I think I got more out of this than some of the campers. That feeling that we get inside when we give back is pretty remarkable. That was the first time I had ever felt that.”

Jensen, 62, was born in California and grew up in the Bay Area, Tahoe and Golden, Colorado. After spending 20 years in Tahoe, she and her now husband moved to Breckenridge where he launched a career with Breckenridge Ski Resort and she started volunteering with the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center. Eventually, the couple relocated to Vail and Jensen began teaching Nordic skiing while her husband continued his career with Vail Resorts.

One day, he came home with a conundrum — The resort had been storing old employee uniforms on property for years and they were stacking up with no sustainable way to dispose of them. Jensen formulated a way to distribute the warm, insulated coats to Africa, Nepal and beyond. Soon, she found herself driving a U-Haul around, gathering retired uniforms from resorts across Colorado and founding the nonprofit Sharing Warmth Around the Globe in 2000. That give-back buzz was coursing through her veins once again and it felt good.

On a trip to Washington, D.C. peddling coats to the Department of Defense to ship them to faraway places, Jensen went to dinner with a friend who’d had an emotional day. She’d been working with wounded warriors at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

“I immediately thought, ‘well we need to get them skiing,’” Jensen says.

The seed was planted, but she had no idea how she was going to do it. Until she went to a cocktail party in Vail and met Retired Army Colonel David Rozelle, a vet who had lost his leg below the knee. Jensen told him about her idea to bring wounded soldiers to Vail for an adaptive ski and snowboard program. Colonel Rozelle agreed to gather wounded soldiers and, in March of 2004, the Vail Veterans Program became the first organization to take severely injured service members out of a hospital setting and bring them skiing.

“It’s amazing to know it’s been almost 20 years and we’ve had about 3,500 folks come through the program, including their families,” Jensen says. “We’re never afraid to think outside the box if it means we can have a positive effect on someone. They’ve seen others killed. Their friends have died. Their bodies are different. We put them in nature and hope that they take some of that home with them. Watching that transformation take place is incredible.”

It’s that make-it-happen-no-matter-what attitude that earned Jensen a spot in the Colorado Snowsports Museums’ Hall of Fame, an award she accepted on a Sunday in August 2023. The Vail Veterans Program now works directly with hospitals and their therapists to recruit service members for recreational therapy and has expanded its offerings to include caregiver programs and family support programs that benefit caretakers of wounded service members and summer programming that features rafting, golf and climbing opportunities.

For Jensen, the inspiration lies in the resilience of the human spirit.

“We’re not a vacation club,” Jensen says. “We see people come here as one person and leave as another. There’s a newfound confidence in themselves, realizing there are so many things that they can do. They embrace life to the fullest, even after everything they’ve been through.”

Learn more about the Vail Veterans Program at vailveteransprogram.org.

Inspiration lies in

the

resilience of the human spirit

Matt Renoux

by Lisa Blake

As we put this issue of Mountain Town Magazine together, 9NEWS reporter and Silverthorne resident Matt Renoux is setting up strategic camera angles in Milan, Italy, covering the 2026 Winter Olympics. No stranger to the games, the veteran storyteller has been nine times before, reporting from Olympic sidelines in Salt Lake, Vancouver, Paris and beyond.

A longtime Denver 9NEWS mountain correspondent, Renoux is celebrated for his objective reporting on World Cup ski events, Colorado affordable housing, highway safety, foliage and travel stories.

We caught Renoux as he was packing for Milan to chat about life in the mountains and in front of the camera.

MOUNTAIN TOWN: What’s the scoop on Matt Renoux? How did you land here? How did you become a reporter?

MATT RENOUX: I grew up in Pueblo, was a business major at CSU where I found theater and journalism, thanks to a guidance counselor. My first job was in Colorado Springs in 1996 at Channel 13 KRDO. I started working for 9NEWS’ Western Slope bureau in Glenwood Springs in 1999 before it moved to Summit County and became the Mountain Newsroom. We used to have an office in Silverthorne with a satellite truck and a driver. Now, it’s just me in Silverthorne working out of my house with a little camera and a laptop.

MOUNTAIN TOWN: Was there a big spark or moment when you knew “this is what I’m supposed to be doing”?

MATT RENOUX: I felt that back in college working on the student-run campus TV station. You shoot, report, anchor, produce and direct. When I was out telling someone’s story, I felt really alive. I was a waiter at the time and I really wanted to get into a paid $5 a story campus reporting gig,

so I didn’t have to do the overnight shift at Perkins. That was a rough shift in a college town.

MOUNTAIN TOWN: You’re heading to your tenth Olympics as a reporter. Give us the highlight reel. What memories stand out in your mind?

MATT RENOUX: Paris was by far the best Olympics I’ve ever covered. I’ve been to Sochi, Russia, to South Korea. But it was Paris that really stuck with me. It was the summer games, spread out all over the city. They did a spectacular job with those games. And the food in Paris—you’re walking to your live shot and you pick up a crepe or a croissant. Incredible. London is a close second.

There was an Aspen snowboarder named Chris Klug, the first liver transplant athlete to compete in the Olympics. I remember jumping up and down celebrating him.

Mikaela Shiffrin is another really fun story. I was there in Sochi when she was just 18. I’ve known her now for a long time. It was raining before she went and I had to find a trash bag to wear. She raced and won gold. Mom and dad were there, crying. It was her first real step into stardom.

MOUNTAIN TOWN: What’s the energy like going into the 2026 winter games in Italy?

MATT RENOUX: This is the most spread out Olympics ever. We’re going to try and get up to Cortina to cover downhill skiing. There’s a train, bus, car, lots of logistics to get up there. I’ll be in Italy for

a month. We’ll spend several days setting up workspace and live shots. Then I’ll do morning and night news live shots. A daily special. Two half-hour specials. It’s several hours of content. Like putting a movie together.

I’ll get up around 4:30 a.m., hop on a train to downtown Milan, have my first live shot at 6 a.m. for the 9NEWS night broadcast. And put together the morning segment and run around all day. I’ll work until 10 or 11 p.m. and then do it all over again. For a month.

MOUNTAIN TOWN: What do you want to be known for as a journalist?

MATT RENOUX: In this day and age when everyone is so divisive, I would hope that I’d be seen as more of a journalist that’s just a good storyteller. Someone that’s objective, seeing both sides of the story. But more than anything, I like to report on stories that I think are fun and I take the viewer along for that journey. I get to work from Summit County, so there are a lot of fun stories to tell.

MOUNTAIN TOWN: What’s something not a lot of people know about you?

MATT RENOUX: That I flunked out of business school in college. But then I rallied and found journalism and did really well. Also, that I’m a fifth-generation resident of Colorado. That has really kept me here. I’ve never wanted to move to Philly, LA, or Chicago to report. This is home.

“When I was out telling someone’s story, I felt really alive”

Chris Anthony

Skier, Philanthropist, Filmmaker, Director, Colorado Local.

by Holly Battista-Resignolo

Mountain Town Magazine has had the opportunity to work with Chris Anthony over the past 15 years as we quietly built our brand, a period that coincided with his efforts to reach the underserved community.

His impact on youth began over 30 years ago through Colorado Ski Country, directly impacting nearly 64,000 students and raising millions for a bevy of nonprofits. Eventually, Chris created his own 501(c) (3), the Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project, which he started 13 years ago and is dedicated to enhancing students’ quality of life by creating and providing FREE educational programs both inside and outside the classroom. It has reached another 36,000 students. Its mission is to connect students with mentors, facilitate experiential learning opportunities, and provide financial support and programs for the underserved youth community.

Chris is a Colorado native, a longtime Avon resident, and an inductee into the Snow Sports Hall of Fame. He has been on skis since he was eighteen months old and has since competed in nearly every discipline in the sport. He began his career as a freestyle skier but switched over to alpine ski racing and rose through the international ranks before transitioning to big-mountain freeride competitions, commonly referred to as extreme skiing, in the 1990s, and competed in 10 World Championships.

In the off-season, Chris pursued another passion of his and raced road bikes professionally for one of the top continental teams. This pursuit led him to be a resident at the Olympic Training Center for a period of time in Colorado Springs, where he was introduced to the field of Exercise Physiology. He studied this subject at the University of Colorado and ultimately earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

During his college years, Chris was recruited by Warren Miller Films to showcase his skiing skills in one of their annual films. This incredible opportunity inspired Chris to explore the world of writing and filmmaking. He wrote a screenplay and studied film and writing while interning for Michael Douglas at Paramount Studios and attending USC in Los Angeles.

Chris continued to travel the world, building his brand as a professional skier and as one of the athletes featured in the annual Warren Miller films and other Warren Miller Entertainment productions for over 28 years. He would also travel with the fall film tour as host and emcee for Warren Miller Films (now Warren Miller Entertainment) tour. Chris has also made his mark in television, hosting and producing segments for several programs on FOX Sports and SNOWMOTION.

Chris created relationships in Alaska, Austria, and Italy. In Alaska, he became a Heli-Guide for 28 years, and in Austria and Italy, Chris currently designs and hosts custom boutique ski trips that he now offers as donor trips. They raise money for the Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project.

A new passion developed for Chris while he was skiing in the Warren Miller films. They did a segment about the famed light mountain infantry unit formed during WW2, which was eventually designated as the 10th Mountain Division. Two productions came out of this. A segment for the annual Warren Miller film and documentary Chris inspired, titled “Climb to Glory.” The collateral of this cornered Chris as historian of the 10th Mountain Division.

Climb to Glory, Chris says, “documents a period of history that has had a direct effect on where our ski industry is today. They were a population of men, as well as women, that came into existence between the years of 1941 – 1945. They were built from scratch by an executive order from the War Department. I wanted to show gratitude and pay tribute to these men of our past while engaging the future. Thus came to be our project of documenting this group of men known as the 10th Mountain Division”.

Chris uses all the experiences and implements them into multi-media educational programming that he takes into school through the Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project. It also connects students with experiences they may not be able to afford.

Today, Chris, as he puts it, has gotten a little carried away with building educational programming. He has taken the history of the 10th Mountain Division and has now produced two award-winning documentaries, “Mission Mt. Mangart” and his latest, “FRIEDL”

As we release our Anniversary Issue, Chris is releasing “FRIEDL”. This documentary brings the extraordinary life and journey of Austrian Skiing Champion, WW2 Veteran, and founder of Aspen Ski Corporation, Friedl Pfeifer, to life. February 20th is the premiere of this exceptional new film at the Vilar Center in Beaver Creek followed by a March 3, showing of “FRIEDL” at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.

We don’t think Chris will stop here as his curiosity is insatiable and his efforts prolific. We take inspiration from that.

His curiosity is insatiable and his efforts prolific

Julie McCluskie

In Depth

by Kimberly Nicoletti

Julie McCluskie is the first woman from the Western Slope to be the Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, and she’s serving her second term — a rarity that hasn’t occurred in Colorado for 17 years.

S he also embodies another rare quality in this current political climate: She strives to unite people with disparate viewpoints by deeply listening, openly dialoging and collaborating.

“It is spending time with people where they’re at, doing what they do and talking about the things that they care about. I have had very strong and deeply important personal relationships with some of my Republican colleagues … Republicans that have been, like me, invested in their communities, attached to their communities and not politically ambitious,” McCluskie said. “I have loved how we have not been about partisanship, how we have talked to each other about things we like and don’t like. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Republican or a Democrat or an unaffiliated. Let’s talk about the problem and see if we can solve it.”

She represents about 90,000 people in six counties, from the Wyoming border to the San Luis Valley. The diversity spans from extremely rural towns that don’t heavily rely on tourism to those that do, as well as areas like Bailey, located on the edge of Jefferson County and more connected to suburban and urban areas.

“Whether we’re talking water or wolves or short-term rentals — the demands that are placed on a ski town can be so diverse,” she said. “Understanding that diversity is certainly very challenging.”

Throughout her political life, she has championed affordable living, education and environmental preservation, among other issues.

“I have been lifting up concerns about water my entire time in public office. And those environmental changes are a very real and imminent threat for us in the High Country. But I want to emphasize that’s one part of what I should be doing in service to my district and trying to protect our way of life. I will say equally it’s what we’re doing in the economy and making sure that the folks that show up to work hard are empowered, they’re able to do all the things they want to do. It’s our job in government to equip a hard-working family with everything they need: the skills, the education, the opportunity,” she said.

She’s most proud of her first bill, reinsurance, which led to a “seven-year march on a variety of other bills that have come in healthcare, housing and childcare spaces to help make it easier to afford living

where we are.” She deems it one of her hardest fights with both parties working out a solution, which has saved people $500 million in last six years, she said.

She also led a rewrite of the public school funding formula, which hadn’t been updated in 30 years.

“The school districts in my house district have really benefitted from that rewrite. We are challenged to fully implement it; we need more money to do that, but we’re on that path,” she said.

Additionally, she carried the first bill in the nation, HB24-1379, to protect Colorado’s waterways.

“Maybe we have different values on abortion rights or gun rights as Democrats and Republicans, but when it comes to our ag community and supporting ranchers and farmers or protecting water, we all line up with the same value set. It is an investment of time. It is an investment of just listening to each other,” she said.

Overall, challenges come in the form of intense division.

“When I was elected — it’s only seven years ago — we did not have this level of hateful rhetoric and political violence. It’s all that much more important that we show up and do the job with heart and soul and compassion and keep fighting for decency and civility. The demands of being speaker in this moment for that level of political violence has probably been the most challenging aspect of the job. Security and safety is a much bigger concern that it was,” she said.

Of course, challenges in political life never stop; they just take on different forms — and she’s ready for them.

“Moving into my final year, it is important for me to get up early, get up ready with energy and fight and vigor in my belly to get to work and do this job to serve with as much compassion and understanding. I hope I leave a legacy — I don’t want this to sound soft and mushy — but a legacy of love for the state, for the people, for doing things right. I’m sincere in wanting to see everyone live their own Colorado dream.”

A native Coloradoan, she grew up in Lakewood, where her dad, an engineer, worked for the Bureau of Reclamation. Her family shared a strong sense of civic responsibility, talking about politics at the dinner table, which led her to volunteer for campaigns at an early age.

“While I’d always been politically active, I never anticipated running for office,” she said, adding that Rep. Millie Hamner asked her to run. “After some soul searching and discussion with my family, I took the leap.”

Her degree in chemistry and minor in biochemistry from Colorado State University imparted critical thinking and problem solving skills. Though she loved the intellectual challenge, she felt called to teaching.

That calling was fulfilled in 2004 when she took a job with Summit School District that began with bully prevention and evolved into director of communications and community engagement.

Her husband led the charge to move to Summit County in 2001 for a job as a landscape architect. They already knew they loved the mountains: In 1986, right after they got married, they moved to Vail. McCluskie’s job helping open a hotel took them to Colorado Springs shortly after that, but they yearned to return to the mountains.

“Once you get a taste of our rural resort lifestyle, it’s hard to let go of that — we’re big fans of the outdoors,” she said.

They raised their son and daughter in Summit, instilling a spirit of adventure. Their daughter also delved into musical theater.

“I think my kids benefitted from that small-town know everybody and that small town access that is so special in the High Country, and they’re all the healthier for it,” she said.

She remained at the school district until 2010, when she started working for Lt. Governor Joe Garcia. In 2013, she returned to the same role with Summit School District, remaining there until she was elected in 2018. Now, she spends the majority of January to the beginning of May living in Denver and coming up on weekends to spend time with her family and recreate.

“That connection to the outdoors and being able to take it all in and refresh my soul from a self-care perspective, that is absolutely what saves me,” she said, adding that friends and family, including her parents and siblings along the Front Range, provide precious support, while knitting and watercolor painting lend relaxation. “I love where I live because of how small town it feels, with a sophisticated, cultural and global flavor.”

“Let’s talk about the problem and see if we can solve it”

A-Frames Making A Comeback

STORY SHAUNA FARNELL

DESIGN ENGINEER MIKE THOMPSON

INTERIOR DESIGN Studio 8 Decor.

Elizabeth & Rich Devenney Alan Stenback

CONSTRUCTION Travis Construction

The modern iteration of the classic mountain style has pretty much eradicated its downsides

Certain styles of home hold a special place in everyone’s heart and memories. Afterall, who doesn’t love a log cabin? When it comes to classic A-frames, however, they tend to appeal to a more specialized taste. Some people have always wanted one, cherish memories of a childhood vacation involving an A-frame. Meanwhile others, say, someone who grew up in an A-frame, might regard them with contempt, a home in which you can never hang wall art and where there is only a single line available for humans to walk without bumping their heads on the sloped ceiling.

Home & Design

A-frames appear to be making a comeback and with their modern design, there isn’t much not to love.

“A traditional A-frame is the pitched canvas tent. It’s novel in the sense that you’re occupying the space of the immediate shape of the roof. You’re bringing in that camping spirit, the comfort and coziness of being in the wilderness,” says Mike Thompson, owner and designer of the newly built home at 297 Robertson Lane, North Star neighborhood on Hoosier Pass about 10 miles south of Breckenridge. “The nice thing about this home is you can get both environments, the spatial feel of a normal home, but with the A-frame in the top, you get that classic retreat feeling.”

With three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and covering 2,516 square feet, Thompson’s home certainly looks like an A-frame from the outside, but inside, it does indeed offer the space of a streamlined home, its triangular exterior roof poised atop regular vertical walls. The vaulted ceilings with the A-frame roof not only make it feel spacious and airy, but with a massive wall of windows and skylights, it is much brighter than a classic A-frame, the inside of which can feel like being under an upside-down book, the only light coming in through small openings at either end.

“You can see the artistic qualities of the home, but it’s still practical,” says Taryn Brooke of RE/MAX Properties of the Summit and listing agent for 297 Robertson Lane. “You don’t have unusable space. You have head space. You can push the

chair against the wall. The windows are amazing. It’s light and bright, but it still feels intimate, like you’re in that mountain oasis.”

Built on a half acre lot amid pine and fir trees with views of the surrounding 13,000-foot peaks and access to neighborhood trails, the home’s exterior features fiber cement and corrugated metal siding, a flat patio and garden area. The covered balcony outside the master bedroom gives one the distinct feeling of taking in the views from a cozy pup tent. Inside, Douglas fir exposed timber beams create a functional geometric art piece in the vaulted ceiling, Thompson’s favorite feature of the home.

“I love the architectural style, the real dramatic pop it adds to a space,” Thompson says. “There was some talk about flushing everything and wrapping it in dry wall. I said no, no, no, I want these exposed.”

The property is comprised of two A-frames put together in an L shape to accommodate the shape of the lot, the spiral-like subalpine flora surrounding it inspiring Thompson’s design. The harmony of this pointy shape continues inside with the sleek black hardware in the railings, doorknobs and chandeliers.

A structural engineer who also studied architecture, Thompon was also inspired by his father, a fellow structural engineer, who took the family on trips to an A-frame in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., when Thompson was growing up.

“He taught me at a young age that the most structurally stable shape is the triangle,” Thompson says. “You’re creating a shell-like structure that’s stable for high winds. Also, having the walls and roof be one and the same allows you to put more insulation in to have a more energy efficient, cozier home. It holds the heat in.”

The home is zero net ready, ideal seamlessly adding solar and going off-grid. A pet project of Thompson’s, who lives in Colorado Springs with his family, the North Star property is listed at $1.680 million, the lowest priced new construction in Summit County.

“A traditional A-frame is the pitched canvas tent. It’s novel in the sense that you’re occupying the space of the immediate shape of the roof. You’re bringing in that camping spirit, the comfort and coziness of being in the wilderness.”

Powers Art Center

Photos and Story by Holly Battista-Resignolo

Psst… There is a modern art museum in a cow pasture just off of Highway 82 in Carbondale. We had no idea it existed until a recent invitation to a Jasper Johns Exhibit. The turn off from the highway was subtle and the dusty dirt road had us wondering if we were heading to an old barn. But when we pulled up, WOW! What a setting and the Center itself is a work of art.

The contemporary structure is unique and lends to the wonder of what is housed inside while emphasising the surrounding landscape with its modern picture frame construction. Designed by Hiroshi Nanamori from Tokyo, the structure’s sandstone cube was also designed to

capture the Earth’s power through a geothermal field and solar system supplying 75% of the museum’s electricity.

Upon entering the first floor, visitors will discover a helpful front desk to assist in guiding you in your exploration. Be sure to ask about the groundbreaking Bloomberg Connects app, a remarkable new way to discover art.

Rotating exhibitions by major artists such as Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Claes Oldenburg, and Roy Lichtenstein. This level also houses a library— a retreat from the bustle for guests, students, historians, and researchers.

Upstairs, the elevated galleries are currently dedicated to Jasper Johns, showcasing one of the largest collections of his works on paper, spanning multiple decades of his artistic career.

His art is on display through October 31, 2026 and worth the time to explore.

We look forward to our return. Current operating hours are Tuesday to Wednesday from 11 AM to 5 PM.

To visit head to powersartcenter.org or drive straight to 13110 Highway 82, Carbondale, CO.

CREATING ELEVATED SPACES

EVERGREEN,CO

| DESIGN | LIFESTYLE

Mountain Home

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Mythology Distillery Steamboat

by Sarah Mock

Every great story begins with a moment of inspiration. For Mythology Distillery, that moment arrived high in the backcountry of Alaska. On a ski trip defined by steep lines, deep snow, and long nights spent sharing whiskey with friends, an idea took shape. The conversations flowed as easily as the drinks, and it became clear that the ritual of gathering, storytelling, and reflecting on shared experiences was just as important as the adventure itself. From this moment, Mythology was born. A business rooted in the belief that each of us creates our own mythology through travel, connection and the moments that shape us.

When founder Scott Yeates returned to Colorado, he carried that vision with him. In 2018, Mythology Distillery opened its doors in Denver’s Lower Highlands neighborhood with a simple but powerful mission: bring people together over exceptional spirits and unforgettable stories. Drawing on years of experience from a seasoned production team, Mythology quickly built a diverse portfolio of whiskey, gin, vodka, and specialty spirits that captured both local pride and national attention.

Colorado embraced Mythology with open arms. The distillery was named Denver’s Top Distillery multiple times and

has since earned more than 60 national and international awards, including numerous Gold, Double Gold, and Best in Class honors. More than the accolades, a community began to form—one built around shared tables, shared pours, and shared stories.

In July 2023, Mythology entered a new chapter with the opening of its Steamboat Springs campus. The state-of-the-art facility consolidates production and aging while elevating the guest experience. At the heart of it all is The Confluence, a cocktail bar, restaurant, and outdoor whiskey garden designed to invite people to linger, connect, and celebrate.

True to its Colorado roots, Mythology is deeply committed to sustainability. From a solar array that offsets half of its electrical demand to closed-loop water and steam systems, recycled packaging, and repurposed spent grain for ranch feed, nearly every aspect of production is designed to respect the land that inspires it.

At its core, Mythology is a team and an invitation. A place where craftsmanship meets community, and where every glass of whiskey is a chance to share a story and create a new one. Cheers to that.

mythologydistillery.com

Brews

Two Mile Brewing Company

by Lisa Blake

America’s highest brewery sits at a breathtaking 10,158 feet above sea level inside a repurposed gas station on the south end of Leadville’s main drag. The humble craft brewery opened in 2020 and has since been making a name for itself with crisp lagers and rich ales.

Two Mile Brewing co-owner and head brewer Sean Terrill spent years as a homebrewer with a background in nuclear engineering before climbing the ropes at Silverton Brewery, Durango Brewery and Ska Brewing in Durango.

Thirsty visitors coming off a day of high-altitude adventuring, or just an afternoon of dipping in and out of Leadville’s shops and historic sites and saloons, feel right at home inside this laid-back, no-frills taproom. Belly up on one of the barstools or nab a seat in the sun outside and sip on pints of Backside Blond Belgian-style wheat, Camp Hale pale ale, or toasty malted Leadville lager. Dark beer lovers will appreciate the Poverty Flats porter, a special blend of oatmeal, toffee, molasses, bittersweet chocolate and coffee.

Note: Two Mile Brewing Company is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. twomilebrewing.com

Cloud ModernCity Mead

Step into the honey hole—a.k.a. the tasting room at Cloud City Modern Mead—and slowly sip and savor what ancient Greeks referred to as “the nectar of the gods.”

Leadville’s singular meadery calls on honey, water and yeast to make the oldest fermented beverage known to man. Colorado native and experienced homebrewer Adrian Beebe moved to Leadville in 2006 and opened the meadery in 2022, incorporating modern methods and adding fresh fruit to create light, refreshing flavor profiles. Beebe’s knack for honey fermentation evolved into a brick and mortar business after taking home multiple homebrew competition awards and medals. He’s credited with spinning traditional meadmaking on its head with innovative approaches and plays on yeast that produce hopped and sour meads.

Sweetened only with real honey and fruit, Beebe’s lower alcohol meads span a traditional dry iteration with notes of pineapple and gummy bear to a semi-sweet Fire on the Mountain version made with mesquite blossom honey and roasted green chiles. Pop into the dog-friendly tasting room and build a flight the next time you’re in Leadville.

cloudcitymead.com

Two Rivers Winery + Chateau

FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE SIPS AND STAYS ON THE WESTERN SLOPE

by Lisa Blake

Perhaps the best part of a leisurely afternoon spent swirling Two Rivers Winery’s Cabernet, Merlot, Riesling and Chardonnay and learning about the intriguing rosé-style Tulip varietal (a marriage of Merlot and Riesling) is falling into one of ten cozy and stylish chateau suites later that night.

Colorado natives Billie and Bob Witham founded Two Rivers Winery in 1999, cultivating balanced and complex wines from the rich swath of Grand Valley American Viticultural Area soil. The estate vineyard grows two cold-hardy varietals, La Crescent and Baco Noir, and sources Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling grapes from neighboring Palisade growers.

When more than 300 days of annual sunshine meet warm, dry days and cool nights that collide with fresh snowmelt and unique western Colorado soil composition—sandy loam, clay and alluvial silt—prime high-altitude grape-growing conditions prevail.

Sipping wine from the terrace of the striking two-story stone French chateau, nibbling on a charcuterie board, watching the sun set behind distant mountains, there’s an ease and slowed-down pace that settles in. It’s easy to get lost in the family-operated winery and vineyard’s fairytale scene. The gorgeous 15-acre Grand Valley estate is tucked beneath the Colorado National Monument’s dramatic red rock canyons and sheer-walled mesas. The Gunnison and Colorado Rivers meet in Grand Junction not too far from the winery and fertile grapevine rows fan in all directions.

In 2002, the Withams added the Frenchcountry-style chateau bed & breakfast and event center. In addition to offering ten year-round guest suites, the Chateau hosts weddings, business conferences, reunions, fundraisers, holiday parties and celebrations of life. Overnight guests enjoy magnificent views, daily complimentary breakfast and a gratis wine tasting.

Tip: Walk-ins are welcome, but booking ahead is a good idea if you’re visiting with a group or planning to stay at the chateau. tworiverswinery.com

Threefold Bakery

ARTISAN PASTRIES, HOUSE-MADE SOURDOUGH AND EXPERTLY CRAFTED SANDWICHES LAND IN BRECKENRIDGE.

by Lisa Blake

The pain au chocolat is laminated with French butter. The gourds are roasted inhouse and folded into short and stout miso pumpkin muffins. And humidity levels have been perfected to give the nutty longfermented Rouge de Bordeaux sourdough that barely noticeable, but crucial, extra whisper of sour.

“In the mountains, we adjust breads to make sure the sourdough gets the right pore size; it’s just a little more sour, which is the way I like it,” says Threefold coowner Melissa McGaughey.

The thoughtful precision isn’t lost on the line of hungry guests flowing into the new Breckenridge bakery from open to close. Hometown celeb chef and James Beard Award winner Matt Vawter partnered with Healdsburg, California chefs and longtime friends and colleagues Sean and Melissa McGaughey to open

Threefold in December inside the former Mom’s Baking Co. space just off historic Main Street Breckenridge.

A change of pace from his two highend Breckenridge dinner destinations, Rootstalk and Radicato, Vawter’s newest venture focuses on approachable pastries, house-made sourdough breads and gourmet grab-n-go sandwiches.

“At the end of the day, I want it to feel like it’s the community’s little pastry shop, a locals’ cafe,” Vawter says.

Threefold—named for the three friends’ partnership and the French dough-folding technique—is a collaboration that’s been a long time coming. Vawter and Sean McGaughey first worked together at the Cellar in Breckenridge more than two decades ago. The trio worked on the opening team at Denver’s Mercantile Dining & Provision—Matt as Chef de

Cuisine, Sean as Sous Chef, and Melissa as Head Pastry Chef—before going their own ways. Today, the McGaugheys own Healdsburg’s acclaimed Quail & Condor bakery and the Michelin-recognized Troubadour Bread & Bistro.

Joining Vawter and the McGaugheys at Threefold are Director of Hospitality Patrick Murphy and Chef Cameron Baker, Vawter’s Rootstalk and Radicato partners. This dream team—all part of the original Mercantile crew—is raising the baked goods bar in the mountains. And locals can’t get enough. Pop into Threefold and sink into a buttery, sugary kouign amann, a pistachio croissant or a frosted cinnamon roll and join the happy masses.

Threefold is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day.

100 N. Main St., Breckenridge, threefoldbreck.com

The ButcherLazy

CHEF EVAN JEFFRIES

by Caren Austin

Colorado is a state that is incredibly rich in history. You can’t seem to come across a mountain town without learning something you didn’t know about the historic place you are visiting. I have been a customer at The Lazy Butcher in Evergreen, CO since the week they opened their doors in 2023, and it is truly a Colorado gem in every sense of the word. What I didn’t expect writing this article is that I was about to be given a history lesson about our beautiful state from The Lazy Butcher owner Evan Jeffries. After our conversation, I learned about his lineage, the reason he owns The Lazy

Butcher, and about a man with a driven passion for giving Colorado the best of the best when it comes to BBQ and all things butcher related.

Evan Jeffries’ family came to Colorado in the 1850’s when Colorado was just a territory. His family was entrenched in the railroad industry coming down from Cheyenne Wyoming. Evan’s great great great grandfather John Evans was the 2nd territorial governor, and founder of Denver University. There are streets in Denver named after his family. His family also owned large scale ranches, including the Evans Ranch. Evan would work on the

ranch in Evergreen every Summer, and that is where his love of ranching began. Evan has worked for Denver Fire for 20 while still owning cattle in Colorado, and the next step for Evan was simple, to open a butcher, BBQ and Cowboy bar in the place he lives and knows best, Evergreen CO.

I am pretty picky about my BBQ, and the Lazy Butcher checks the box every single time, but it is much more than a BBQ restaurant. The adjoining butcher shop is filled with meat, poultry, seafood and other culinary specialties to take home. The BBQ side of The Lazy Butcher

came into play because Evan didn’t want to waste any part of the animal in the butcher shop. They go hand in hand and they work perfectly together. The steaks from The Lazy Butcher are the only steaks I will buy and for good reason. The dry aging and the quality of the meat is way above anything else I have ever had. The beef comes from The Lazy Acre Ranch in Otis, CO, and they outsource all their chicken, pork and seafood from the best in the business to provide customers with something extraordinary that you can’t find in many places around Colorado. The Master Butcher is also a chef, and has

worked in some of the finest restaurants bringing experience and a culinary twist to the butcher shop. A total bonus is that you can pick out your steak from the butcher shop, and they will cook it for you to eat in house. How fun is that?

If you are looking for libations, head back to the Cowboy Bar at The Lazy Butcher. You can order BBQ and sit inside or outside on their massive patio with your cocktail. It is hard to say what I like best about the BBQ, but the perfectly barked brisket is something you can’t miss when dining at The Lazy Butcher. The wings cooked in homemade beef tallow

are also stars of the show. Evan describes his BBQ as “Texas Style with a mountain twist”. Although there are homemade sauces available, their delicious BBQ really doesn’t need it.

If you live in Evergreen CO, or you are just visiting, stop by The Lazy Butcher. Even if you don’t live close, The Lazy Butcher must be on your go to list. When you visit, say hi to owner Evan Jeffries, and saddle up, because you are truly in for a Colorado culinary treat!

lazybutcher.com

WHERE TO EAT IN SNOWMASS

By Lisa Blake

Slopeside nosh, celebration dinners, upscale international bites, and buzzy apres scenes dot the Snowmass dining landscape. Here’s where to get your fill in the village this season.

The Flower Shop

The team behind The Snow Lodge and Viewline Resort Snowmass introduced four new venues this ski season. Among them, NYC and Austin cult-favorite The Flower Shop brings a 1970s-inspired ski lodge mood perfect for sipping nostalgic gimlets over dishes of steamed moules frites.

Aurum Food & Wine Aspen Snowmass

With sister outposts in Breckenridge and Steamboat, Aurum fans know to expect sleek, modern design and consistently tasty, creative fare. Dip into this mountain-casual spot for their famous Korean fried chicken, Parker house rolls and crispy curried cauliflower.

Il Poggio

Indulge in a post-ski or hike carb load and savor wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas and hearty mains (try the veal gnocchi with truffle butter—so delish!) at this innovative Italian eatery. The local staple is famous for its gorgeously charred brickoven pizzas and secret-recipe cheesecake.

The Stew Pot

Tuck into a comforting bowl of habanero pork stew or a ham, apple and brie panini at one of the oldest restaurants in Snowmass. Locals have been warming up inside this homey village nook since 1972 and can’t get enough of the hearty beef stew served over mashed potatoes.

Toro

Got an anniversary to celebrate? Or just a hankering for freshly sliced buttery soft sashimi? This Pan-Latin-inspired gem inside the Viceroy Snowmass delivers on ambiance and creativity. The Richard Sandoval concept blends Latin American flavors in lively dishes that include lobster wonton tacos, sweet corn empanadas, and wagyu ribeye with Argentinian chimichurri.

Rock Island Oyster Bar

Fresh east and west coast oysters are the draw at this upper-level Snowmass Mall happy hour favorite. Settle into the beach house meets mountains vibe, order a glass of bubbly and munch on ceviche and tuna tartare while shuckers plate your oysters and the kitchen finishes your pan-seared diver scallops with citrus beurre blanc.

Crêpe Therapy

An offshoot of Aspen’s famous Mawa’s Kitchen, this counter service creperie offers sweet and savory crepes, grilled cheeses, soups, pastries and local coffees. Michelin-recommended chef Mawa McQueen ensures everyone is covered with three different crepe batters: a gluten-free/vegan buckwheat flour; garbanzo bean flour; and regular flour.

Limelight Lounge

Curl up on one of the hotel lounge’s comfy couches with a glass of pinot or a Colorado brew and play board games with the kids while nibbling charcuterie and pork belly sliders. The wild mushroom and goat cheese pizza is to die for and the littles love the warm chocolate chip cookie skillet and the old-fashioned root beer floats.

Heather’s

Breakfast (think gingerbread pancakes, farm omelets, and benedicts perched on crispy potato latkes) to tapas to rack of lamb, this Basalt transplant pleases hungry diners morning and night. If it’s your first time, Heather’s famous chicken pot pie with homemade cranberry sauce is your order. Stay for live music most nights 6 to 9 p.m.

Pepe Osaka’s

FISH TACO TEQUILA BAR & GRILL

A GREAT GRAND COUNTY RESTAURANT

by Sarah Mock

Tucked in the heart of downtown Winter Park is a restaurant that has quietly become a cornerstone of the Grand County dining scene. Pepe Osaka’s Fish Taco Tequila Bar & Grill isn’t just a place to grab an apres ski snack - it’s a celebration of vivid flavors, heartfelt hospitality and the kind of community spirit that makes this small mountain town so special.

Often described as a “Latin-Asian hybrid,” Pepe’s is a culinary hidden gem in Grand County. This restaurant blends fresh, homemade ingredients with ethnic flavors and playful creativity on classic dishes. The story behind Pepe’s is just as rich as the menu.

The concept for Pepe’s began with co-owner Fernan DeLeon, a longtime restaurateur who previously owned a sushi bar in Winter Park. Though Fernan is from Mexico, he learned the art of sushi while attending school in Texas, where his roommate was from Japan. Wanting to stay true to his roots while honoring what he’d learned, he began experimenting - mixing tacos with sushi fusions. Suddenly, an idea was born!

At the time, Nanda Usseglio was one of the sushi bar’s most beloved servers. With her Peruvian background and hospitality management degree from Lima, Peru, she brought both heart and ample experience to the table. After tasting Fernan’s first fish tacos, she was invited to join as a partner. Pepe’s opened their doors on June 6, 2013.

Food has always been central to both owners’ lives. Nanda grew up in a large family where cooking and gathering were central to everything. Two of her aunts owned a Chinese-Peruvian restaurant and catering business, while today, her mother still runs a restaurant in Lima featuring cuisine from their hometown of Arequipa. Fernan draws inspiration from his grandmothers’ cooking and the flavors of his childhood. That deep sense of tradition shows up in every Pepe’s dish.

The menu is a reflection of memories and culinary creativity. Fernan’s signature salsa is inspired by his grandmother’s recipe. The octopus dishes nod to Nanda’s favorite Peruvian classic, Pulpo Olivo. Even one of the newest additions to Pepe’s, the ramen bar, was inspired by the owners’ shared love of the anime Naruto, where ramen fuels the hero’s adventures.

If there’s one dish that defines Pepe’s, it’s their award-winning fish tacos. They’ve been there since day one and still capture the heart of the restaurant: bold, fresh, comforting and unforgettable.

From humble beginnings on their opening day - with just four tacos, four appetizers, and three margaritas served in a 20-seat space - Pepe’s has grown steadily. Over the years, they have expanded the dining room, added a bar, launched a merchandise space, elevated their cocktail menu, and have introduced everything from sushi burritos to mezcalforward margaritas. Yet somehow, it’s always kept the same heart and soul shared by the owners with the town.

Behind the scenes is a tight-knit team led by Fernan, Nanda, General Manager Rolando DeLeon, and key leaders including Rafa, Rosio, and David. Their restaurant culture success is built on kindness, consistency and genuine care - for the guests that walk through the door and the family they’ve built within.

Pepe’s also gives back in meaningful ways to Winter Park and Grand County, by: supporting local nonprofits, local radio, offering locals night and BOGO Thursdays, providing affordable employee housing to their staff and creating a workplace where people are celebrated.

After more than 12 years, countless awards (including Best Margarita for seven years running), and even national recognition, Pepe’s remains what it has always been. A staple of downtown Winter Park, where vibrant dishes, warm hospitality, and community come together—one taco at a time.

pepeosakasfishtaco.com

off the beaten path Eat

Marigold A James Beard Award Semi Finalist

by Caren Austin

If you have ever been to Estes Park CO or plan to visit, chances are you will travel through the beautiful town of Lyons. The town is small but exudes a true mountain town feel. Lyons is home to Marigold Restaurant, which opened its doors in 2022. Marigold (named after the Nirvana song) is owned and operated by James Beard Semi Finalist Chef Theo Adley. I got the chance to dine at Marigold and then sit down with Chef Theo to learn all about his craft.

Chef Theo and his wife Jaclyn say that Lyons and Marigold “picked each other”. Lyons turned out to be a fantastic place for a chef that has worked at high end restaurants in Denver and Aspen to settle in. The thirty-seat restaurant embodies all the food that Chef Theo loves, with almost no recipes, crafted with heart and soul. Chef Theo is a “culinary chemist” creating extraordinary dishes on a nightly basis

with ingredients that he has hand-picked. The menu often changes daily, depending on the availability of produce and proteins. One thing that will never change is the service.

The impeccable knowledge and experience of the staff (most have been with Marigold since the beginning) is a standard that will never falter. There are a few staples on the menu like the Caesar Salad and the Celeriac “parmigiana” with pistachio, preserved lemon and mint. These both are a must order. The celeriac dish is one of the most innovative and flavorful dishes I have ever had.

The pasta program at Marigold is something that Chef Theo is supremely proud of and is a crowd favorite in whatever form it is served. The extensive wine list is led by Chef Theo and Eric Bronson. They can pair any of your dishes with a wine to create a perfect match.

Theo says that Marigold is a “Great restaurant for the town of Lyons and the people outside Lyons as well”. Diners travel from all over to have an experience at Marigold, but Chef Theo remains grounded, humble, and mostly thankful for all his success.

Often, the most precious of gems are found in the most remote and unusual places. Marigold should be that gem at the top of your list of places to dine in Colorado. The experience will take your breath away and take your taste buds on a magical adventure worth a drive or flight from anywhere.

Whether you are visiting Marigold for the first or the tenth time, your journey to the restaurant will be unique, and so very special. Reservations are highly recommended. Marigold is open for dinner service only Wednesday-Sunday. marigoldlyons.com

Breckenridge Distillery

Tours, Tastings and More in Breckenridge, Colorado

FROM TOURING THE

award-winning spirit’s production facility to indulge in world-class cuisine, Breckenridge Distillery is truly an adventure for the senses. Whether you have time for the full experience at the Distillery on Airport Road, or you’re simply curious about tasting its awardwinning spirits while strolling Main Street, the Distillery makes it easy, fun and delicious to discover what it’s all about. Here are 10 ways you can experience the Breckenridge Distillery.

MODERN-AMERICAN STEAKHOUSE

Breckenridge Distillery’s modern-American steakhouse atmosphere showcases seasonal and approachable dishes that impart not only the fantastic spirits of Breckenridge Distillery but also, their upscale mountain dining experience. Their family style menu features locally sourced steaks from Fitch Ranch. As always, the menu revolves around local produce, comfort foods with a twist and shareable dishes meant to encourage interaction and conviviality. Join us for Happy Hour 2pm-5pm. Book a reservation at breckenridgedistillery.com/restaurant.

COCKTAILS

If it’s edible, chances are Liquid Chef Billie Keithley has made a cocktail out of it. And that’s one of the reasons she loves working for the Distillery so much. Billie Keithley was named Icon of Whiskey for Bar Manager of the Year, a tribute to her creative cocktail menu. “You will find suds, bubbles, fire or smoke on our menu, giving the guest and exciting experience paired with bold and seasonal flavors,” says Keithley. Popular menu staples include the Obi Wan Old Fashioned, made with Breckenridge Port Cask Whiskey. Ask for it smoked!

PRIVATE DINNERS

Book a private dinner or event at the Breckenridge Distillery. Parties up to 30 people can reserve their exclusive spaces surrounded by aging whiskey barrels, old barn wood, leather couches and an authentic mountain vibe. Their exclusive, private dining areas come with a personal wait staff and can be used for families, micro conferences, executive meetings, or small parties. For inquiries and bookings, email events@breckenridgedistillery.com

TASTINGS & FOUNDER’S EXPERIENCES

The Breckenridge Distillery offers one of the most highly awarded craft bourbons in the U.S. Guests can choose from a limited menu of spirits and have the option to upgrade their tasting to try their high-end flights. Tastings are on a first-come, first-serve basis at both of the Distillery’s locations. Looking for a more personalized and unique tasting experience? Book a Chocolate & Spirits pairing, small bites and spirits pairing, Cask Finished Flights, among others. Book at breckenridgedistillery.com/tour.

FREE SHUTTLE RIDES - 970-445-8613

The Breckenridge Distillery offers a free shuttle to and from the Breckenridge Distillery and Main Street Tasting Room within Breckenridge town limits. The shuttle fits up to 11 guests. To book a ride, call the Distillery Shuttle

WEEKLY TOURS

On our weekly tours (Wed. – Sun.), guests can take a behind-thescenes tour of the Breckenridge Distillery’s production facility. This abbreviated tour starts by tasting their award-winning Breckenridge spirits in the Founder’s Lab. Their expert guides will take guests on a one-hour tour through their original and active production facility and our Grand Barrel Room. Guests will learn about their whiskey production and get a brief history of this rich spirit. Book a tour at BreckenridgeDistillery.com/tour.

PRIVATE VIP TOURS

Breckenridge Distillery offers guests a VIP experience during their After Hours tours. Use your senses to experience the inner workings of how these handcrafted spirits go from grain to bottle while learning about the history of whiskey and how the distillery was founded. Enjoy samples of their award-winning spirits along the tour. Tours are offered at 5:00 pm and 6:15pm by reservation only. Book a VIP tour at breckenridgedistillery.com/tour.

BLEND YOUR OWN WHISKEY

Nerd out with our distillers and become a master blender for a few magical hours. Breckenridge Distillery’s distillers are experts in nosing, flavor categorization and pairing substrates together to create a whole that far exceeds the expected sum of its parts. Guests will be taught to break down aggregate flavors while building a whiskey blend complete with mouthfeel and finish. Your blend will be hand bottled with a customized label. By reservation only. Book at breckenridgedistillery.com/tour.

MAIN STREET TASTING ROOM IN DOWNTOWN

In the heart of downtown Breckenridge, get a taste of not only the Distillery’s spirits but also a taste of what the Breckenridge Distillery is all about. From merchandise to personable, knowledgeable staff, this small tasting room is a glimpse of what you can experience at their main location on Airport Rd. Learn more about current hours and offerings at breckenridgedistillery. com.

SHOP YOUR LOCAL RETAILER

Breckenridge Spirits are available nationwide at your local retailers. Shop your local retailer or get home delivery on your favorite Breckenridge spirits. Visit breckenridgedistillery.com to get delivery. Looking for fun cocktail recipes? Visit Billie’s Cocktail Lab on their website for 100’s of hand-crafted cocktail recipes.

Distillery Bar & Restaurant Main Street Tasting Room

1925 Airport Road, Breckenridge 137 S. Main Street, Breckenridge 970-547-9759

www.breckenridgedistillery.com

breckenridge dining

Radicato

Radicato, the second restaurant from James Beard Award winner Chef Matt Vawter, is a modern Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Breckenridge. Opened in June 2022, Radicato celebrates seasonal and technique-driven cuisine inspired by Italy’s rich culinary traditions, while highlighting locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant showcases everything Breckenridge and Colorado has to offer, exploring connections between farmers and diners while creating an atmosphere that fosters interaction among guests.

Vawter owns and operates Radicato alongside partners Chef Cameron Baker and Director of Operations Patrick Murphy. The restaurant features a team of hospitality professionals dedicated to curating memorable dining experiences and executing Vawter and Baker’s vision of Mountain Italian cuisine. Ingredients are diligently sourced and highlighted on ever-evolving seasonal menus. Open seven days a week, the restaurant offers a variety of dining options from happy hour and an à la carte menu of delicious pastas and entrees to a tasting menu with optional wine pairings.

Radicato’s setting changes with the seasons. In winter, the dining room glows with warm lighting from Blue River Plaza— there’s no better place to watch snow fall on a winter evening. In summer, two outdoor seating areas provide fresh air, the sounds of the Blue River, and stunning views of the Ten Mile Range. The dining room provides an intimate setting where guests can dine and connect. Hospitality remains the central focus of the entire team at Radicato, with the goal of creating world-class dining experiences for all who choose to spend an evening with them.

137 S Main Street Breckenridge CO 80424 www.radicatobreck.com

breckenridge dining

Rootstalk

Rootstalk is a modern American restaurant founded by James Beard Award Winner Chef Matt Vawter, based on the idea of connection and coming home. Vawter was born and raised in Summit County and spent the formative years of his culinary career in Keystone and Breckenridge. After spending time away from the area, he returned to Summit County with the dream of opening a place of his own and helping grow the culinary landscape in the region. He opened Rootstalk in December 2021, and his commitment to excellence was recognized when he won the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef Mountain.

Building on his culinary vision, Vawter established the restaurant in a historic home on North Main Street in Breckenridge. The name reflects the interconnected root systems of Aspen groves that surround Breckenridge, symbolizing the connections fostered between guests, local producers, and the community. Rootstalk explores this notion of connection through its cuisine, hospitality, and beverage programs, bringing together locals and visitors in shared dining experiences.

The team seeks to provide “Elevated, Everyday Dining” to both the local community and out-of-town visitors. The cuisine is ingredient-focused, technique-driven, and deeply committed to quality at all levels. They work with local farms, ranchers, and quality producers from Colorado and across the country. Cocktails are created with intention and given the same level of care as the food. The wine program focuses on small-scale quality producers from across the globe, from classic to more esoteric modern styles.

Dinner service at Rootstalk is available nightly, featuring a range of options that include seven-course tasting menus with wine or non-alcoholic cocktail pairings, a chef’s counter experience, and their à la carte dinner menu. The restaurant can curate an experience for any occasion, big or small.

The restaurant features two distinct dining areas that beautifully complement each other. Upstairs is bright, elegant, and airy, with views of Main Street through front windows. The Root Cellar downstairs offers a more intimate dining experience with a Chef’s Counter for those who love being part of the action. During summer, the patios are abundantly decorated with flowers, offering beautiful al fresco dining. Rootstalk serves as a venue that allows guests to connect with everything Breckenridge has to offer.

207 North Main Street, Breckenridge, Colorado www.rootstalkbreck.com

Keystone Ranch

Keystone Ranch: Where History, Culinary Excellence, and Mountain Romance Meet

Rooted in Colorado’s rich ranching heritage, Keystone Ranch offers guests a rare blend of history, fine dining, and alpine elegance. Once a working cattle ranch, the original homestead buildings, dating back to the 1930s, have been lovingly preserved, whispering stories of the Old West. Surrounded by rolling meadows, towering pines, and sweeping views of the Tenmile Range, the Ranch feels worlds away yet remains just minutes from Keystone Resort.

Inside the historic lodge, the Keystone Ranch Restaurant continues to set the standard for refined mountain dining. A AAA Four Diamond award–winning restaurant, it showcases creative Colorado cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and a thoughtfully curated wine list. Guests can indulge in a selection of hand-cut steaks, perfectly prepared game, and inventive dishes that highlight the best of the Rocky Mountain region. Each plate is a tribute to craftsmanship and culinary artistry, served in a setting that radiates warmth and rustic sophistication. Whether celebrating a special occasion or savoring an intimate dinner by the fire, every meal at Keystone Ranch is a memorable experience steeped in tradition and taste.

Beyond its culinary acclaim, Keystone Ranch is also a breathtaking wedding venue, where couples exchange vows beneath alpine skies and celebrate in rustic elegance.

Keystone Ranch — Where Heritage, Flavor, and Mountain Beauty Unite. www.keystoneresort.com

Ski Tip Lodge

Tip Lodge: A Historic Gem of Culinary Romance in the Rockies

Once an 1800s stagecoach stop and later the original home of Keystone’s founders, Ski Tip Lodge stands today as one of Colorado’s most charming and historic mountain retreats. Its storybook setting—nestled just beyond Keystone Resort, blends alpine warmth, rustic elegance, and timeless hospitality, creating an experience that feels both nostalgic and refined. Hand-hewn beams, crackling stone fireplaces, and candlelit tables invite guests to slow down and savor every moment.

Renowned for its four-course, fine dining experience, Ski Tip’s menu changes throughout the season showcasing inventive dishes that highlight fresh, regional ingredients. Each course can be paired with exquisite wines, carefully curated to complement every flavor and enhance the evening’s journey. From the first bite to the final sip, it’s a culinary experience that’s as memorable as the mountain landscape surrounding it.

Beyond its reputation as one of Colorado’s most romantic dining destinations, Ski Tip Lodge also shines as a storybook wedding venue. Couples exchange vows in serene mountain meadows, celebrate with family and friends in the cozy lodge, and enjoy the attentive service that has defined Ski Tip for generations.

Whether for a special occasion, an intimate dinner, or the most important day of your life, Ski Tip Lodge offers a timeless escape where history, cuisine, and love beautifully intertwine. www.keystoneresort.com

keystone dining

Glide through snow-covered meadows on a daytime scenic horse drawn sleigh ride with stunning alpine views, or enjoy an evening dinner

Glide through snow-covered meadows on a daytime scenic horse drawn sleigh ride with stunning alpine views, or enjoy an evening dinner sleigh to the historic Back Ranch cabins for a warm, homestyle meal. A truly memorable Colorado experience for families, friends, and couples

to the historic Back Ranch cabins for a warm, homestyle meal. A truly memorable Colorado experience for families, friends, and couples

Relax,

Dine, and Unwind at the Bighorn Bistro & Lounge

Located inside the Keystone Lodge & Spa, the Bighorn Bistro offers elevated mountain dining with stunning lakeside views and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and local brews in the lounge, or gather with friends and family in the game room for a round of pool, and board games. Whether you’re winding down after a day on the slopes or looking for a cozy evening out, the Bighorn is your place to connect, relax, and savor the moment.

Join us at the Bighorn Bistro—where great food and good times come together!

Scan the QR code to book your reservation.

Scan the QR code to book your reservation.

Mambo Italiano

Bésame

Surrounded by the snow covered peaks in the picturesque mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Latin-Asian fusion restaurant Bésame takes guests on a vacation. The rich and exotic experience, anchored by Bésame’s tapas selection, features an extensive Spanish-heavy wine menu, stellar cocktail menu, a Diego Rivera motif, and a menu full of Latin surprises.

Bésame draws inspiration from the Chef’s travels in Thailand, Ecuador, Morocco, Peru, and Spain. Alongside classic Spanish tapas with Latin and Asian flair – such as the Patatas Bravas and Grilled Octopus – Bésame has non-traditional tapas like Gyoza “Al Pastor” and Beef Short Rib Anticucho. In addition to the large plates like the Cubano, Quesabirria Tacos, and Paella that also serve up to 10 people, Bésame also has Muu Waan, Thai Red Curry, and Pollo A La Brasa.

Bésame’s cocktail program is – just like a good cocktail – strong, fun, and artfully crafted including Spanish classics like the Caipirinha, five types of Mojito, and a dozen innovative cocktails and mocktails.

Original cocktails include The Tipsy Carrot which uses tequila, carrot juice, lime, habanero bitters, fresno chili syrup, and cilantro and Tequila After Dark with Casamigos Reposado, azuca amaro, agave, angostura bitters, orange bitters, dark chocolate, and orange.

Visit Bésame today to embark on a gastronomic journey like no other.

818 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 www.besamesteamboat.com

Mambo Italiano, situated in Steamboat Springs, stands as an Italian culinary masterpiece. Since 2016, Mambo has been captivating patrons with its unparalleled Italian menu, wine and cocktail lists, generous happy hour and impeccable service, inviting open kitchen, pizza bar, indoor-outdoor bar, and gorgeous patio, making it the premier dining destination in the Yampa Valley.

Mambo has an ever-evolving Italian menu with more than 100 daily bottles from nearly every region in Italy. Italian-inspired cocktails include the classics like Negroni Sbagliato and The Mambo 75, alongside seasonal Mambo cocktails such as The Venetian Spritz with Cappelletti “orange bitter,” prosecco, soda, and orange, and the Caffè e Crema Martini with espresso,

Frangelico, Cool Swan dairy cream liqueur, St. George all purpose vodka, chocolate bitters, and coffee beans.

Working with Executive Chef Joe Campbell, Mambo’s menu offers fresh new takes on Italian classics, such as Cacio E Pepe Ravioli, Lasagna, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Crispy Artichokes, Prosciutto Di Parma, Steak Florentine, and Chicken Picatta.

Mambo is known for having dedication to and passion for making everything from scratch, using the highest quality ingredients available locally, nationally, and internationally. Visit today to experience the extraordinary dishes, warm ambiance, and culinary journey that Mambo offers.

521 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 www.mambos.com

steamboat springs dining Yampa Valley Kitchen

Yampa Valley Kitchen, the latest creation from esteemed restaurateur

Yampa Valley Kitchen, the latest creation from esteemed restaurateur Hannah Hopkins in Steamboat Springs, stands as a downtown dining staple. Housed in a recently renovated 1900s farmhouse, Yampa Valley Kitchen features elevated classic comfort food throughout the day, celebrating nostalgic flavors and introducing new traditions.

Yampa Valley Kitchen, the latest creation from esteemed restaurateur Hannah Hopkins in Steamboat Springs, stands as a downtown dining staple. Housed in a recently renovated 1900s farmhouse, Yampa Valley Kitchen features elevated classic comfort food throughout the day, celebrating nostalgic flavors and introducing new traditions.

This culinary haven prioritizes Colorado-sourced ingredients, collaborating with local producers such as Hayden Fresh Farm and 7X Ranch. Yampa Valley KIitchen’s dinner menu includes delicious dishes like Steak Au Poivre & Frites, “Blackened” Salmon, and Buffalo Ricotta Agnolotti. In addition to dinner, Yampa Valley Kitchen also serves a popular breakfast and lunch featuring local favorites like Avocado Toast, Rösti, Cubano Benedict, Truffalo Burger, and Reuben.

This culinary haven prioritizes Colorado-sourced ingredients, collaborating with local producers such as Hayden Fresh Farm and 7X Ranch. Yampa Valley Kitchen’s dinner menu features inventive dishes like Pig & Apple, Truffle & Herb Frites, and Chicken Almondine. In addition to dinner, Yampa Valley Kitchen also serves a popular breakfast and lunch featuring local favorites like a California Dreamin’ Benedict, Bananas Foster French Toast, Truffalo Burger, and Korean Salmon Bowl.

Since its 2020 debut, Yampa Valley Kitchen has pioneered the Yampa Valley dining scene’s mocktail culture, presenting a full menu with the same creativity as cocktails. Savor renowned mocktails like the Orange Julius, Matcha Mint G&T, and Lingonberry Lift, showcasing Yampa Valley Kitchen’s dedication to innovative, alcohol-free options.

Since its 2020 debut, Yampa Valley Kitchen has pioneered the Yampa Valley dining scene’s mocktail culture, presenting a full menu with the same creativity as cocktails. Savor renowned mocktails like the Orange Julius, Matcha Mint G&T, and Watermelon Tonic, showcasing Yampa Valley Kitchen’s dedication to innovative, alcohol-free options.

Join us at Yampa Valley Kitchen in celebrating the fusion of classic and contemporary flavors.

Join us at Yampa Valley Kitchen in celebrating the fusion of classic and contemporary flavors..

207 9th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 www.yampavalleykitchen.com

207 9th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 www.yampavalleykitchen.com

Let’s Go! Hit the Road and Visit These Amazing Places with Friends & Family...

Shop

EXPLORE A TRAIL LEADING TO SOME OF THE BEST SHOPPING SPOTS IN BRECKENRIDGE

By: Alyssa Pullekines

Spend a day exploring Breck’s downtown shopping district, say hi to our local boutique owners, and shop small for unique finds. We asked a few of our favorite local shops to share their best-selling products of the season that also make a perfect gift anytime of the year.

Outsider

Their collection of clothing, footwear, and accessories are a combination of recycled polyester, organic cotton, sustainably sourced textiles, and ethically raised wool. As advocates for a cleaner environment, they partner with independent brands committed to the betterment of the planet and the people who live on it.

Find it at Outsider, 500 S Main St 2G, www.outsiderbreck.com

Beloved Boutique

Owner Mindy Thein pours her heart into creating handmade beanies designed for all-day comfort and style. Each hand-sewn piece is crafted to elevate any outfit, making it the perfect go-to accessory that effortlessly compliments Beloved’s seasonal selection of on trend sweaters, jackets, footwear, and more. It’s a must have item and a must stop shop for any fashionista looking for unique, fun finds.

Find it at Beloved Boutique, 115 S Main Street, www. belovedboutiqueshop.com

Mountain Kind

Specialty throw blankets made with 100% baby alpaca wool are a guest favorite for cozying up at home or around the fire. They’re big (like 2 people and dog big), super soft and luxurious, twice as warm as wool, and machine washable. This ideal gift for the homebody or ski cabin host is a favorite offering at Mountainkind. This unique boutique offers an eclectic collection of local art, funky gifts, and unique furniture, including works from over 30 local artisans. Plus, every visit to their shop includes a dose of joy from their amazing shop dog, Rider.

Find it at Mountainkind, 308A S. Main Street, www. mountainkindshop.com

Wandering Daisy

Voted Best Gift Shop of Summit County, Wandering Daisy is known for its eclectic selection of handmade, one of a kind jewelry, pottery, wall decor, hand knit accessories, and more from over 50 local artists. One of their best-selling collections is the whimsical artwork of Kiki Davis, owner of Simple Art Studio in Silverthorne, CO. From her signature “Paradise doesn’t have to be tropical” hand towels to playful ball caps, Breckenridge themed ceramics, and seasonal earrings, Kiki’s locally made pieces are always a hit with locals and guests looking for a special souvenir! Shop the collection at Wandering Daisy alongside unique pieces and gifts for the whole family.

Find it at Wandering Daisy, 326 S. Main Street, www. wanderingdaisy.shop

View more of Kiki’s work at www.simpleartstudio.com

Folcland

Folcland’s slow(er) fashion boutique offers an elevated selection of ecoconscious and ethically made clothing, accessories, jewelry, and apothecary from emerging and established independent designers committed to mindful craftsmanship.

Find it at 505 S Main St C2, www.folcland.com/

Spoil Your Kids and Your Pup

POSH MOUNTAIN TOWN STAYS WHERE K9S AND KIDS ARE KING.

By Lisa Blake

Traveling with the smallest members (two- and four-legged) of your family can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be. Check into these Colorado mountain town hotels and watch your babies revel in the spoils they deserve.

Check-In: Hotel Maverick, Grand Junction

Perks + Spoils: Snap adorable selfies with your pup in a plush dog bed, chomping on homemade treats and wearing their cute new bandana (all courtesy of this mod, stylish boutique hotel). Two dogs—no breed or size restriction here—are welcome in each room and the hotel’s location on the Colorado Mesa University campus means open grassy areas right outside. Kids love dining in the magical gondolas and snow globes at the onsite Devil’s Kitchen rooftop restaurant.

thehotelmaverick.com

Check-In: Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek

Perks + Spoils: Call ahead for the Little Adventurers Hideaway experience and surprise your tyke with a personalized welcome treat and in-room tent, cozy sleeping bags and plushie s’mores firepit setup. Arrange for a Pampered Paws

Welcome where canine guests receive the VIP treatment with a luxury Hyatt dog bed, fancy dog bowl, and house-made artisanal treats crafted by executive chef Jonah Friedmann. Bring the whole crew to fireside après-ski cocoa on the patio.

hyatt.com

Check-In: The Little Nell, Aspen

Perks + Spoils: Settle into a wealth of kid-friendly comforts, including cribs, strollers, car seats, highchairs, kids’ bike rentals, and 24-hour children’s room service options (hello, banana-chocolatechip pancakes!) The hotel also provides child-sized robes, slippers, stuffed animals, and, upon request, in-room Playstation entertainment systems. Dogs of all sizes are welcomed and upon arrival receive a branded leash and peanut butter chews prepared by the pastry team, while rooms await with specialized beds, silver bowls, and a gourmet pet menu available for in-room dining. Bonus: Aspen’s only

Five-Star, Five-Diamond ski-in, ski-out hotel offers dog walking and dog and childcare services.

thelittlenell.com

Check-In: The Hotel Telluride, Telluride

Perks + Spoils: Well-behaved fourlegged guests are always greeted with a smile, homemade organic treats, bowls, and a bed at The Hotel Telluride (sorry, no cats). Enjoy a welcome bag filled with local pet info (where to patio dine, run off-leash, shop for new squeaky toys) and feel good knowing a portion of your $25 per-night pet fee goes to Second Chance Humane Society. The hotel’s downstairs lobby— dubbed Tellride’s living room—delivers on live music and fresh-baked cookies. A good time for kiddos and pups, Telluride’s free gondola lets leashed dogs ride between the village and town.

thehoteltelluride.com

Riversong Inn Retreat

Story by Caren Austin

Estes Park Colorado is a magical mountain wonderland in any season, but vacationing here in the Winter and Spring is something you need to put on your must do list immediately. I had the chance to venture to The Riversong Inn Retreat for a few days of rest and relaxation, and this stunning inn proved to be all that I needed and more. Based a short distance from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, Riversong Inn Retreat is your launching point to all your outdoor activities in Estes Park.

Nestled amongst 26 acres of private property next to national forest, this historic inn boasts 10 unique rooms with four lodges. The Riversong Inn and retreat has been a bed and breakfast for 50 years with a rich history, but it is so much more

than that. The inn has its own hiking trail called Seven Benches Trail, a cedar sauna, hot tubs, outdoor firepits, in room soaking tubs and fireplaces, plus a gourmet breakfast like no other.

I settled into my spacious room, took a long bath and couldn’t help but take photos of all my surroundings. There have been many people that have said that they see more wildlife at Riversong Inn Retreat than in Rocky Mountain National park itself, and I can see why. It is a live immersive Hallmark movie at every turn.

Besides their amazing homemade breakfast, the inn offers picnic baskets to go to take into the park or wherever adventures might take you, complete with a basket or backpack depending on where

you are heading. There are also extras like charcuterie boards, and in- room flowers for your special occasion.

Riversong Inn Retreat can host large and small weddings and events on the property. Getting married next to the Big Thompson River is a mountain town magical wedding.

Once you have stayed at The Riversong Inn Retreat, it will quickly become one of your favorite places to stay in Colorado. Escape for a bit to this little piece of heaven, take a deep breath, take a mountain hike or just sit and relax.

Whatever you do, you will be glad you made the trip to this magical place. I was sad to leave and already looking forward to visiting again soon.

romanticriversong.com

Plan the Perfect Bridal Party Wellness Weekend

By Lisa Blake

Tap into these mountain town hospitality gurus and healers to curate an unforgettable weekend of self-care and connection with your squad.

The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs

Dip into more than 50 hot spring pools, relax under a waterfall and melt away in a steam grotto at this southern Colorado treasure. Daily aqua sound baths, warm water yoga and warrior river cold plunges will keep everyone busy.

Cottonwood Hot Springs in Buena Vista

For a more laid-back, rustic soaking experience, sink into these steamy pools just outside of BV. Pair your soak with a 14er hike or a concert at the Ivy Ballroom inside the Surf Hotel.

Spirit Alchemy Studio in Breckenridge

A local favorite for private sound healings, cacao ceremonies, gentle yoga and energetic workshops, owner Alison Duncan curates experiences for bridal parties seeking meaningful connection and relaxation.

(Bottom Left Image)

True Nature Healing Arts in Carbondale

Walk the Peace Garden’s reflexology path with your crew, marvel at 13,000-foot Mt. Sopris, book personalized wraps, scrubs, facials and Ayurvedic massages, and gather for a clean-fuel lunch of locally sourced salads and seasonal soups.

(Top Left Image)

Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs

Just a hop-skip from Aspen’s legendary apres and nightlife scene, a day trip to Iron Mountain means premier access to 12 World Springs pools (the ages 21+ area) where mineral formulas mimic healing properties found in Iceland, France, Japan and Zion Canyon.

Pure Beauty & Wellness Spa in Telluride

Settle into this downtown boutique spa for a day of holistic wellness. Begin in the deeply relaxing Himalayan salt cave, enjoy a group sound healing experience and absorb the benefits of an infrared sauna therapy treatment.

Aspen Shakti in Aspen

Wrap yourselves in the “heart cave of Aspen” and tailor a bridal breathwork or meditation workshop for your group at this chic, well-loved studio.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash

Make a mountain weekend of it and combine your spa time with wildflower hikes and horseback rides. Book a private luxury lodge, share stories and wine around the firepit, and host a special outdoor bridal brunch.

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High up in the mountains of Ouray lies a place that is steeped in Western History, where the vision of what a Spa experience is, is different. A Hot Mineral Pool, Cold Plunge and Nordic Spa Sauna await travelers with the unexpected. Find quiet tranquility deep in the ground of the hotel. Spa services offer true relaxation after a day of backcountry skiing, hiking and trekking. Here the mind and soul are nurtured and rejuvenated.

Our Grotto Spa deep in the belly of The Western Hotel and Saloon offers massages and facials aligned with our Western Hospitality while connecting to the natural beauty of the San Juan Mountains.

Soak in the Season

COLORADO’S HOT SPRINGS GET A STEAMY NEW GLOW

by Julie Bielenberg

This winter, retreat, recreate, and rejuvenate at Colorado’s legendary hot springs—where ancient healing meets bold new experiences. Steeped in centuries of Indigenous tradition and frontier lore, these geothermal gems are bubbling with fresh renovations, elevated wellness offerings, and unexpected luxuries—from mountaintop plunge pools and forest bathing circuits to craft cocktail bars and starlit soaking under the Milky Way.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Accessible via the Rocky Mountaineer, Amtrak, car, bike, or foot, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s mineral-rich waters includes the world’s largest hot springs pool—The Grand Pool— spanning over two city blocks of steamy, therapeutic bliss. Fed by the Yampah Source Spring as well, there is the Therapy Pool, at 104-degrees, with shower massagers and jetted, in-pool chaise lounges. Yampah Mineral Baths has five smaller pools of varying temperatures, including two cold plunges. The Poolside Grill & Snack Bar serves breakfast (for overnight guests), lunch and snacks with a standard American fare menu and there’s also Red Brick Eats food truck at the west end of the pool with pizza, chicken Caesar salad, root beer floats, soft-serve ice cream and more. For the ultimate in relaxation, stay at the resort’s new poolside luxury Hotel 1888 that opened in June and 107room Lodge that wrapped up guest room renovations in March. (hotspringspool. com)

Further down the Colorado River lies Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which recently expanded with Premier Access (21+), an adults-only section, featuring 10 pebble-bottom, globally inspired pools with mineral formulas replicating famous hot springs across the globe, including the Dead Sea and Blue Lagoon and with minerals matched to its global counterparts, like magnesium for muscle recovery, lithium for mood balancing, and calcium for bone health. In total, there are 32 soaking pools ranging from 98-108 degrees, a cold plunge, riverfront cabanas, and two grab-and-go cafés with seasonal food and beverage menus. The property also recently announced the groundbreaking of The Summit, a contrast therapy section featuring five new thermal experiences and three plunge pools of varying temperatures. The Summit gives guests a chance to explore global bathing traditions, with a mix of saunas, steam rooms, a salt therapy room and plunge pools set to cold, hot and neutral temperatures. The Summit is set to open in 2026. (ironmountainhotsprings.com).

Hotel Colorado

Famous guests like Teddy Roosevelt and “Unsinkable” Molly Brown once roamed the halls; however, the hotel has undergone dozens of renovations since those footsteps. Today, there are Classic Rooms (King, Double Queen, Family, Accessible) with period styling and mountain views, Signature Suites, and large family or event-focused accommodations like the Devereux Suite, which offers up to three bedrooms and

sleeps up to 10 guests. Guestrooms include modern touches like Wi-Fi, cable TV, Jacuzzis, wet bars, and deluxe bathrooms. Don’t miss the famous holiday lighting, held each year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, when the entire hotel glows with thousands of twinkling lights, live music fills the courtyard, and fireworks light up the night sky—an event that’s become one of Glenwood Springs’ most beloved traditions. Grab a seasonal cocktail or hot toddy while relaxing under the heated lamps and rocking chairs. (hotelcolorado.com)

Hotel 1888

Opened in Summer 2025 in old Hot Springs Spa, Hotel 1888 sets a new standard for luxury in Glenwood Springs. This boutique retreat features just 33 designer rooms, including a standout corner suite with the property’s only private veranda. Guests can expect an elevated stay with perks like made-toorder breakfast each morning, valet service, and full spa access. The vibe is mountain-modern with a European twist—copper fixtures, warm wood accents, and geothermal-inspired touches that nod to Glenwood’s hot springs heritage. (hotspringspool.com/stay/hotel1888)

To fully appreciate Glenwood’s geothermal glory, plan for a full-day experience—soak in the crisp morning air as mist rises off the water, and return for a starlit dip after dinner to enjoy seasonal highlights like twinkle lights, snow flurries, or a mountain moonrise.

Join us at Breckenridge’s gathering place for exceptional dining. Enjoy unique, open-fire pizzas and creative dishes celebrating local history. Savor modern mountain dining with us.

Find our secret entrance and step into an exclusive lounge where skilled mixologists craft daring cocktails. Immerse yourself in intimate ambiance and engaging conversation for an unforgettable escape.

Rooted in the Rockies, reimagined for today. Unwind at the base of Peak 9, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and embark on authentic mountain adventures in Breckenridge.

547-5550

Amelia Island

AMELIA ISLAND IS ONE OF FLORIDA’S LEAST VISITED ISLANDS, A PERFECT PLACE TO GETAWAY AFTER A SEASON OF MOUNTAIN TOWN TOURISM

Story by Julie Bielenberg

Outside of the Southern States, not too many people recognize Amelia Island, its history, and miles of white sand. However, beach-savvy, island seekers have long flocked to the barrier island located on Florida’s Atlantic coast with easy access from Jacksonville.

A petite 13 miles long and about 4 miles wide at its heftiest point, the less than 40,000-person oasis on the southernmost island of the Sea Island chain is just a short Nassau River Bridge crossing from mainland Florida. Visitors and locals immediately recognize the charm and allure of Amelia’s slower rhythm. In an 1896 edition of American Resorts magazine, it was quoted that vacationers referenced the island as “The Queen of Summer Resorts” because such names as the Vanderbilts, Carnegies, DuPonts and other prominent U.S. families frequented the island. Today, it offers a much more laid-back, diversified landscape with influences from around the globe.

The historical enclave holds all sorts of odd and unique accolades. The tiny island has been under the leadership of eight different countries in 400 years. And, during a 200-year period in this time stretch, Amelia Island attracted the largest concentration of seafaring thieves in America including Jean Lafitte, Blackbeard, and Red Legs Greaves. The barrier island hosts Florida’s oldest saloon, oldest and

longest continually operated hotel and the State’s oldest lighthouse. Stroll Centre Street in the historic downtown district to view more than 400 structures on the National Register of Historic Places.

Amelia Island also provides a surf escape without much threat of a hurricane; there have only been three hurricane-strength storms to pass near Amelia Island in the last 155 years. The beach culture has remained intact, golf carts are driven throughout the island, beach volleyball pick-up games are abundant and multiple harbors provide for sea-faring adventure.

Beach Scene

Amelia Island has 13 miles of beaches and over 40 public beach access points. The island is surrounded by various water systems: the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, Nassau Sound, and Cumberland Sound. There are incredible destinations to stay and paly as well as dine and imbibe. Keep Reading on Beach Town Magazine:

Keep reading on Beach Town Magazine

The GoPro Mountain Games 2026

BIKE, KAYAK, FISH, SLACK, RUN, RAFT, DISK, DOGS, CLIMB, SUP, YOGA, MUSIC, ART, CELEBRATIONS

by Holly Battista-Resignolo

The GoPro Mountain Games marks the beginning of Summer as it returns to Vail, Colorado beginning June 4 through June 7. The GoPro Mountain Games transforms this mountain town into the ultimate celebration of adventure sports, art, music, and mountain culture. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, outdoor enthusiast, or just love a good time in the high country, there’s plenty for spectators to enjoy – and most of it is free!

This year the event has made significant expansions across youth programming, competitive events, and more. The GoPro Mountain Games features 35+ competitions across 11 disciplines, including running, climbing, whitewater, biking, canine competitions, and more. Over $140,000 in cash prizes will be distributed to podium finishers, and the event is 100% free to spectate.

A celebratory Drone Show, an expansive Mountains of Music concert lineup, and much more.

Youth participation continues to be the fastest-growing category at the Mountain Games. The 2026 event introduces several new opportunities for young athletes:

• NEW Kids Mini Dash is a kids’ running race for ages 6-12, featuring both long (approximately 2K) and short (approximately 1K) course options.

• Additional waves in the Lucid Kids Bike Race, including another wave for the 6-and-under crowd, allowing an additional 70 kids to participate.

• NEW Beginner U14 category in the Lucid XC Mountain Bike, offering an entrylevel option for riders 14 and under on a shorter course, while other Sport and Expert categories are available for experienced junior competitors.

• Kids Weekend Bundle, offering 10% savings when registering for both the Kids Mini Dash (Friday), and the Lucid Kids Bike Race (Sunday).

There are several Adult athlete events improvements and updates for 2026 too:

• GoPro Dual Slalom and Jump Jam bike events move to Friday/Saturday (formerly Thursday/Friday) with course improvements.

• Pro Plan Try DockDogs is expanding to include Saturday in addition to Thursday and Friday, giving dog owners more opportunities to discover if their pup has what it takes to compete.

• adidas TERREX Sunday Funday 5K will debut a brand-new course, while the 10K and 20K races will feature improved race formats to enhance the competitive experience.

• Garmin Disc Golf features updated formats, new courses, and the introduction of the “Maloit Monster”— an 18-hole super course for finals.

• Road Bike Hill Climb (formerly Road Bike Time Trial) features new rules and a new name while maintaining the same challenging course.

• Pacifico Kayak Cross Returns as OKC Qualifier. Kayak Cross made its Olympic debut at Paris 2024 and will return for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

The official Mountain Games mobile app allows eventgoers to build personalized schedules, navigate the event with ease, and receive real-time updates. Download the App from the Apple or Google Play Stores to start planning your adventure.

Athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventure-seekers of all skill levels are encouraged to secure their spots early. Register before April 2 for the best prices. There is a ron of information that we are unable to fit in this space so head to their website for more:

www.mountaingames.com

The Great Mountain Kitchen

PICKLEBALL HITS ITS PEAK

by Julie Bielenberg

Pickleball has officially reached its zenith in the High Country. From brand-new, milliondollar courts in Beaver Creek, Vail, and Aspen to a wave of Colorado-born paddles and high-performance apparel, the “pickle party” has moved from the cul-de-sac to the clouds. Whether you’re chasing a game at 8,000 feet or sipping a “pickled” craft cocktail at a courtside happy hour, the state’s fastest-growing obsession is the season’s premier play.

Where to Play: The High Country Circuit

The Gold Standard: Vail Valley & Aspen The most prestigious courts in the High Country likely belong to the Sonnenalp Club. Following an extensive $2 million renovation, the sports club has transformed into a racquet sports mecca, offering members and guests state-ofthe-art post-tension concrete courts featuring premium Har-Tru surfacing and breathtaking views of the Eagle River Valley.

In Aspen, Aspen Meadows Resort serves up a sophisticated center featuring two newly renovated courts. Players can expect a full-service experience complete

with high-end gear rentals, professional instruction, and a pro shop stocked with the latest carbon-fiber paddles.

Snowmass & Summit County For those seeking a more communal vibe without sacrificing the scenery, the Snowmass Village Recreation Center boasts ten asphalt courts that are free to the public— perfect for a high-altitude rally. Over in Frisco, Summit Middle School offers four outdoor public courts; just be sure to pack your own net for a DIY session with a view of the Tenmile Range. Breckenridge Recreation has a variety of locations for play time.

Crested Butte: The “Last Great Sport” In the North Valley, Ted Scheske Park at Mt. Crested Butte offers four dedicated outdoor courts with permanent nets, open

to the public for that perfect “park-topeak” transition. Down in town, the Big Mine Ice Arena offers a versatile six-court setup—split between indoor and outdoor play—all featuring permanent lines and zero court fees.

Telluride: Box Canyon Ball Telluride Town Park remains the heart of the local scene with four courts available for a modest $5 fee per 1.5-hour slot. For a more “resort-chic” experience, the Telluride Racquet Club at The Peaks Resort & Spa in Mountain Village features a semi-private racquet center with six pickleball courts open to the public. Additionally, Mountain Village offers two dedicated outdoor courts for those looking to play in the shadow of the San Juans.

Festivals & Events

HERE ARE A FEW EVENTS YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF HERE IN COLORADO’S MOUNTAIN TOWNS

May 1–3, 2026

Hestival

Hotchkiss

Each May, the orchards of Big B’s in Hotchkiss transform into something truly magical: HESTIVAL. I had the chance to attend the most recent one, and I’m already circling my calendar for 2026—it’s that good.

Hosted by HEST, an outdoor gear company from Washington, the festival partners with a Colorado nonprofit each year to create a weekend that blends everything we love about the Western Slope: good food, live music, wide-open spaces, and plenty of outdoor adventure. Families can camp right in the orchard (yes, you’ll fall asleep under apple blossoms), take part in guided hikes with shoe demos, mingle with brands, and enjoy food and beverages that spotlight Colorado producers. Even Sunday brunch comes with a live soundtrack of local musicians.

What makes HESTIVAL stand out is its heart. It’s not just a camping festival—it’s a family-centered weekend where kids run free, parents kick back, and everyone soaks in the simple joy of being outside together. Hest states, “ This is a purpose-driven festival celebrating music, car camping, outdoor culture and public lands” If you’re looking for a weekend that mixes orchard magic with community, music, and adventure, Hotchkiss is the place to be this May.

www.hest.com

June 4–7, 2026

Yampa River Festival

Steamboat Springs

The flagship event of Friends of the Yampa, the Yampa River Festival, is a true hometown celebration of the Yampa River. Since 1980, the Yampa River Festival has been the Friends of the Yampa’s signature event to raise awareness about the wild Yampa River. As predictable as the snow melting every spring, River Fest is held on the weekend after Memorial Day, typically on the same weekend as the Steamboat Marathon.

Over the years, the festival has evolved to include a variety of recreational events in and around Steamboat Springs. This year, they are carefully watching the water levels to host a safe and fun event that celebrates the Yampa!

www.friendsoftheYampa.com

May 21–25, 2026

CKS Paddlefest

Buena Vista

Paddlefest 2026 is the Memorial Weekend kick-off to summer fun in Chaffee County, Colorado. Paddlefest is the interactive and hands-on experience of the year providing endless opportunities to demo paddle gear, choose from a host of onwater, kayak and stand-up- paddleboard (SUP) workshops, and talk to the industry experts about this years’ best new gear!

Paddlefest is host to professional and amateur kayak and SUP competitions; running, bouldering, and bike races; river competitions; kids clinics and fitness and yoga workshops; free flatwater and whitewater demos; and is a weekend of music. This event offers locally produced libations and a fun-filled celebration of spring outdoor activities in Colorado.

CKS River Supply has a mission to give back to the whitewater and recreation community and the Buena Vista River Park is the heart and soul of its community. The River Fund is used for youth education, river access, and infrastructure projects. Funds raised from CKS Paddlefest go directly to The River Fund. www.cksriversupply.com/paddlefestschedule

NORDIC SKIING

Calendar of Events

FEBRUARY

February 16, 2026

First Tracks, Beaver Creek Ski Resort https://www.beavercreek.com

February 16, 2026

Mesa Verde Entrance Fee-Free Day, Mesa Verde National Park www.durango.com/event/mesa-verde-entrancefee-free-day

February 17, 2026

Mardi Gras, Aspen/Snowmass www.gosnowmass.com/event/mardi-grascelebration February 17, 2026

Keystone Mardi Gras Party & Gumbo Cook-Off, Keystone Resort www.warrenstation.com/event/keystonemardi-gras-party-gumbo-cook-off-2026

February 18, 2026

Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge, Arapahoe Basin www.arapahoebasin.com/event/rucksackchallenge/

February 18, 2026

Bubble Gum Ski Race Series, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com/event/frisco-adventurepark-events/bubble-gum-ski-race-series

February 18, 2026

Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge, Loveland Ski Area www.skiloveland.com/ events/?time=month&cid=mc-948a6a8e8cd15d b324902317a630b853&month=2&yr=2026&dy= February 18, 2026

Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge, Ski Cooper www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/event/ninetypound-rucksack-challenge/ February 18, 2026

Ninety Pound Rucksack Challenge, Steamboat Ski Resort www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/events/ ninety-pound-rucksack-challenge February 19, 2026

Play Forever Thursdays – Leave No Trace, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com/events-activities/ events-calendar/pft-leave-no-trace February 19, 2026

Veteran’s Appreciation Day, Monarch Mountain www.salidachamber.org/event/veteransappreciation-day/ February 19, 2026

Moonlight Race, Sunlight Mountain Resort Series www.sunlightmtn.com/event/moonlight-raceseries/2026-02-19/ February 19, 2026

Backcountry Chats, Telluride www.telluride.com/event/backcountry-chats/ February 19, 2026

Telluride Arts Salon Night, Telluride www.telluride.com/event/telluride-arts-salonnight/ February 19 – 28, 2026

Telluride AIDS Benefit Fashion Week, Telluride www.telluride.com/event/telluride-aidsbenefit-fashion-week/ February 19 – 20, 2026

TAB Student Fashion Show, Telluride www.telluride.com/event/tab-student-fashionshow/ February 20 – 22, 2026

Subaru WinterFest. Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com/events-activities/ events-calendar/subaru-winterfest/ February 20 – 21, 2026

Ice Addiction Elite Series, Grand Lake www.tightlineoutdoors.com/ice-addictionoverview

February 20, 2026

Women’s Weekend: Winter Comedy Series, Keystone Resort

www.warrenstation.com/event/winter-comedyseries-5/

February 20, 2026

Ski with a Naturalist, Monarch Mountain www.salidachamber.org/event/ski-with-anaturalist/2026-02-20/

February 20, 2026

Town Challenge Race Series, Monarch Mountain www.salidachamber.org/event/town-challengerace-series/2026-02-20/

February 20 -21, 2026

Cabin Fever Craft Show, Montrose www.montroselifestyle.com/event/feb-2026cabin-fever-craft-show/2026-02-20/

February 20, 2026

Country Western Dance, Silverthorne www.silverthorne.org

February 21, 2026

Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race, Aspen/ Snowmass www.gosnowmass.com/event/audi-power-offour-ski-mountaineering-race

February 21 – 22, 2026|

Talons Challenge, Beaver Creek Ski Resort www.beavercreek.com

February 21, 2026

Ski Town Breakdown, Crested Butte Ski Resort www.skicb.com

February 21, 2026

Skijoring Clinic, Devil’s Thumb Ranch www.devilsthumbranch.com/event/skijoringclinic-3-2/2026-02-21/

February 21, 2026

Fairplay’s Mountain Mardi Gras! Fairplay www.exploreparkcounty.com/event/fairplaysmountain-mardi-gras-2026/

February 21 – 22, 2026

Our Gang 4 Wheelers Races, Georgetown www.ourgangiceracing.com/2025/11/29/2026schedule-posted

February 21, 2026

Rail Rodeo: Barrel Racers, Granby Ranch www.playwinterpark.com/granby/events/ things-do/rail-rodeo-barrel-racers

February 21 – 22, 2026

Women in Powder. Keystone www.keystoneresort.com

February 21, 2026

Women’s Weekend: Canvas Uncorked, Keystone Resort www.warrenstation.com/event/canvasuncorked-2

February 21, 2026

29th Annual Wolford Ice Fishing Tournament, Kremmling www.business.kremmlingchamber.com

February 21, 2026

Lake City Ice Fishing Derby, Lake City Calling all hearty anglers, this is an event you can’t miss. www.businessdirectory.lakecity.com

February 21, 2026

Pardi Paws, Leadville www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/event/pardi-paws

February 21, 2026

Leadville Loppet Nordic Ski Event, Leadville www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/event/leadvilleloppet-nordic-ski-event/ February 21, 2026

Shaggy’s Skis Demo Day, Loveland Ski Area www.skiloveland.com

February 21 – 22, 2026

U14 Qualifiers, Powderhorn Mountain Resort

Join us for our first U-14 Qualifier event where skiers age 12 and 13 compete in alpine ski racing. www.powderhorn.com/events/event/550-u14qualifiers.html

February 21 – 22, 2026

Ski Bike Festival, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski/event/ski-bike-festival-2

February 21, 2026

Comedy on the Mountain, Steamboat Ski Resort www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/events/ saturday-comedy-nights-zac-maas-feb-21 February 21, 2026

Onesie Day, Sunlight Mountain Resort www.sunlightmtn.com/event/onesie-day February 21 – 22, 2026

Carv Demo Weekend, Winter Park Resort www.winterparkresort.com/things-to-do/ events/carv-demo-weekend-3

February 21, 2026

Rail Rodeo: Barrel Racers, Granby www.playwinterpark.com/granby/events/ things-do/rail-rodeo-barrel-racers

February 22, 2026

Ski, Sip & Yoga, Devil’s Thumb Ranch www.devilsthumbranch.com/event/ski-sipyoga/2026-02-22

February 22, 2026

Cabin Creek Pond Hockey Tournament, Georgetown www.georgetown-colorado.org/event/cabincreek-pond-hockey-tournament February 22, 2026

First Tracks, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski/event/first-tracks-3 February 22, 2026

Dine with the Dogs, Vail www.discovervail.com/event/dine-with-thedogs-vail-mountain

February 22, 2026

Fun Race, Wolf Creek Ski Area www.wolfcreekski.com/events-anddeals/#section-FunRaceSeries

January 23 – 25, 2026

Estes Park Ski Jor, Estes Park Resort www.theestesparkresort.com/events/estespark-ski-jor

February 24, 2026

19th Annual Fire Hose Relay, Arapahoe Basin www.arapahoebasin.com/event/fire-hose February 24, 2026

Food Truck Rally, Estes Park www.visitestespark.com/event/food-truckrally/16421

February 24, 2026

Snowshoe Shuffle, Sunlight Mountain Resort www.sunlightmtn.com/event/snowshoeshuffle

February 24, 2026

Cross Country Ski in the Sun, Winter Park www.playwinterpark.com/winter-park/ events/things-do/cross-country-ski-sun February 24, 2026

Forever Young Ski & Snowboard Clinic, Wolf Creek Ski Area www.wolfcreekski.com/lessons/#div_blockForeverYoung

February 25, 2026

Bubble Gum Ski Race Series, Frisco www.townoffrisco.com/event/friscoadventure-park-events/bubble-gum-ski-raceseries

February 26, 2026

Play Forever Thursdays – Building Hope, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com/events-activities/ events-calendar/pft-building-hope

February 26, 2026

Lleky Hot Laps, Copper Mountain www.coppercolorado.com/events-activities/ events-calendar/lleky-hot-laps

February 26 – 28, 2026

TAB Fashion Show, Telluride www.telluride.com/event/tab-fashion-show

February 27, 2026

Uphill & Chill – Breakfast presented by Smartwool, Arapahoe Basin www.arapahoebasin.com/event/uphill-andchill-breakfast-4

February 27 – 28, 2026

The Snow League, Aspen/Snowmass www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/events/thesnow-league

February 27 – March 1, 2026

Special Olympics State Winter Games. Copper Mountain Copper is beyond proud to be the official host resort for the annual Special Olympics State Winter Games. More than 200 athletes will participate in Alpine, Cross Country, Snowboarding, and Snowshoe events. www.coppercolorado.com/events-activities/ events-calendar/special-olympics-26

February 27 – March 1, 2026

Our Gang 4 Wheelers Races, Georgetown www.ourgangiceracing.com/2025/11/29/2026schedule-posted

February 27 – March 1, 2026

Grand Lake Skijoring, Grand Lake www.grandlakeskijor.com

February 27, 2026

Town Challenge Race Series, Monarch Mountain www.salidachamber.org/event/town-challengerace-series/2026-02-27

February 27, 2026

Moonrise Cross-Country Ski Social, Pagosa Springs www.visitpagosasprings.com/index. php?section=events&evtid=8933

February 27, 2026

10th Mountain Day at Ski Cooper www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/event/10thmountain-day-at-ski-cooper/ February 27 – March 1, 2026

2026 WinterWonderGrass Festival, Steamboat Ski Resort Music. Brews. Mountains. Love. Welcome to the 13th annual WinterWonderGrass! www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/events/ winterwondergrass

February 28 – March 1, 2026

Backcountry Basecamp 2026, Arapahoe Basin www.arapahoebasin.com/event/backcounrty/ February 28, 2026

Grand Nordic Skate Race at Granby Ranch www.playwinterpark.com/granby/events

February 28, 2026

Après Beats Happy Hour, Keystone Resort www.warrenstation.com/event/apres-beatshappy-hour

February 28 -March 8, 2026

NBS Summit, Keystone Resort www.keystoneresort.com

February 28, 2026

10th Annual Cannibal Snowshoe Scramble, Lake City www.businessdirectory.lakecity.com/events/ Details/10th-annual-cannibal-snowshoescramble-1449957?sourceTypeId=Website

February 28. 2026

Full Moon Ski at Tennessee Pass Nordic Center, Leadville www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/event/ full-moon-ski-at-tennessee-pass-nordiccenter-2/2026-01-31

February 28, 2026

Free Family Race Day! Loveland www.skiloveland.com/ events/?time=month&cid=mc-948a6a8e8cd15d b324902317a630b853&month=2&yr=2026&dy= February 28, 2026

2026 Western Slope Pheasants & Quail Forever Banquet, Montrose www.montroselifestyle.com/event/5th-annualwestern-co-pheasants-forever-quail-foreverbanquet/ February 28, 2026

Tele Tour and Rendezvous, Powderhorn Mountain www.powderhorn.com/events/event/582-teletour-and-rendezvous.html

February 28, 2026

Uncle Clyde’s Run and Slide, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski/event/uncle-clydes-runand-slide/

February 28, 2026

Dave Spencer Annual Ski Classic, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski/event/dave-spencer-annualski-classic

February 28, 2026 – March 1, 2026

USASA Giant Slalom, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski/event/usasa-giant-slalom-2

February 28, 2026 – March 1, 2026

Southwest Freestyle Moguls and Slopestyle Competition, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski/event/southwest-freestylemoguls-and-slopestyle-competition/

February 28, 2026

Uncle Clyde’s Run and Slide, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski/event/uncle-clydes-runand-slide

February 28, 2026

Snowcat Dining Excursion, Purgatory Resort www.purgatory.ski/event/snowcat-diningexcursion-7

February 28, 2026

Lesson Clinic Series: Terrain Park Clinic, Sunlight Mountain Resort www.sunlightmtn.com/event/lesson-clinicseries-terrain-park-clinic

February 28 – March 7, 2026

Telluride Gay Ski Week, Telluride www.telluride.com/event/telluride-gay-skiweek

February 28 – March 1, 2026

Vail Legacy Weekend, Vail www.discovervail.com/event/vail-legacyweekend

February 28, 2026

10th Brunch & Meet & Greet |Vail Legacy, Vail www.discovervail.com/event/blackhawkhelicopter-landing-vail-legacy-weekend-2 February 28, 2026

Riva Ridge Ski Down | Vail Legacy Weekend, Vail www.discovervail.com/event/riva-ridge-skidown-vail-legacy-weekend

February 28, 2026

Legacy Parade & Fireworks Show |Vail Legacy, Vail www.discovervail.com/event/legacy-paradefireworks-show

February 28, 2026

Moonlit Uphill & Dinner, Winter Park Resort www.winterparkresort.com/things-to-do/ events/moonlit-uphill-event-2

MARCH

March 1, 2026

Full Moon Dinner at Cliffhouse, Aspen/Snowmass www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/events/fullmoon-dinners-at-the-cliffhouse

March 1, 2026

Rocky Mountain SKIMO Race, Granby www.playwinterpark.com/granby/events/ things-do/rocky-mountain-skimo-race

March 1, 2026

Dine with the Dogs, Vail www.discovervail.com/event/dine-with-thedogs-vail-mountain

March 1, 2026

10th Brunch & Meet & Greet, |Vail Legacy Vail www.discovervail.com/event/10th-brunchmeet-and-greet

March 1, 2026

Blackhawk Helicopter Landing |Vail Legacy, Vail www.discovervail.com/event/blackhawkhelicopter-landing-vail-legacy-weekend

March 1, 2026

Troopers Cup |Vail Legacy, Vail www.discovervail.com/event/troopers-cupvail-legacy-weekend

March 1, 2026

Summiting the World‘s Tallest Peaks, Vail www.discovervail.com/event/summiting-theworlds-tallest-peaks

March 1, 2026

College Day, Wolf Creek Ski Area www.wolfcreekski.com/calendar-events/

Bobby Aldighieri competed in the Men’s Moguls event at the 1992 Winter Olympics and shares his experience as an Olympic Athlete. From the Daily Effort of Attaining that Goal, to the People Who Made a Difference, his appreciation and reflection stems from the True Power of a Supportive Network.

by Bobby Aldighieri

Embracing Imperfection and Daily Effort

As an Olympian, it’s easy to assume that the goal is perfection. Yet, in my day-to-day life, I rarely dwell on the title itself. When I coach or consult, I emphasize my own shortcomings, using them to show that even Olympians—World Cup winners—carry flaws and constantly work to overcome them. What truly matters are the moments out of the spotlight: the daily grind, the quiet persistence, and the unseen efforts that build greatness. Those “behind the scenes” times remain some of my favorites.

The People Who Made a Difference

This journey is about more than individual achievement—it’s about the saying, “It takes a village.” My success depended on countless supporters, and my gratitude continues as I reflect on the Milan, Cortina Games and beyond. TV coverage sometimes hints at this, but unless you’ve walked the road, it’s hard to grasp just how many people play pivotal roles.

For example, my boot guy was one such hero. I was constantly in his shop, tweaking and adjusting my boots. He met me early, stayed late, and always took time to discuss what I needed. When I was feeling defeated after tough training sessions or recovering from a torn ACL, he not only got my equipment ready but lifted my spirits. Another person who made a difference was my surgeon, Richard Steadman, whose expertise helped me return to the slopes after injury.

My ski tuner ensured my gear was always competition-ready. There’s the lady who knitted a hat for me—a small gesture, but one that brought warmth and encouragement. My first coaches at Killington Mountain School and Sugarloaf shaped my early development. Even the deli where I worked played a part, accommodating my erratic training schedule and fundraising $6,000 to support my dream. And of course, my mentor and his

family were there every step of the way. Each of these people, whether through technical expertise, emotional support, or acts of kindness, formed the backbone of my journey.

Collective Gratitude and Tangible Appreciation

After returning home, I made it a point to express my gratitude tangibly. I visited as many supporters as I could, bringing gifts from the sponsors at The Games—sharing the rewards with those who helped me get there. I wrote countless handwritten notes, not just to sponsors but to everyone whose support, subtle or significant, made a difference.

Some supporters are easy to overlook: the boot guy, the ski tuner, the deli coworkers, the mentors, and even Team Canada, who welcomed me and my training partner for extra sessions in Austria. Their contributions, often unrecognized, were integral to my process. Things have improved since then—more funding, organized training camps, but back then, I had to piece it all together myself, relying on the generosity and flexibility of my network.

Reflection: The True Power of a Support Network

Coming home filled me with gratitude and pride—not just for personal achievement, but for the collective spirit of the Killington community (which produced more mogul skiers on Team USA than any other ski area that year). We celebrated together, trained together, and recognized that every Olympian stands on the shoulders of many.

So, next time you see an athlete return from the Games, remember the village behind them. Coaches are important, but the network extends much further. A champion is the product of countless hands, hearts, and encouragement. It truly takes a village.