A big black dog, a tent and a fishing pole are the sine qua non of Colorado living and, over the years, I’ve had a number of all three. Fishing, I enjoy, and scratching the ears of a big goofy mutt is a great relaxing sedative, but it stops right there because I’ve always hated … Read more
“Cancer, it’s just a word.” That’s a favorite saying of Vail resident Allan Goldberg, First Descents executive director and 27-year cancer survivor. He likes the phrase so much so that he had it printed on t-shirts. “It is a scary word and it deserves its reputation,” said Goldberg. “But I always thought if you went … Read more
Colorado’s mountain resorts have fine-tuned their slopes and improved guest services for the 2011-2012 ski/snowboard season. This year, it’s about technology, terrain parks and a few surprise new twists and turns. Here’s a rundown of the resorts and their opening dates: Arapahoe Basin – Open. arapahoebasin.com. Black Mountain Express — a new high-speed quad — … Read more
With its 5,000 acres of terrain and legendary Back Bowls, Vail Mountain is the crème de la crème of Colorado ski resorts. It’s known for its wide ski runs, a wealth of intermediate and expert runs, and a comprehensive ski school. But Vail Mountain isn’t just for swishing down the slopes. There are plenty other … Read more
A rich blue sky envelops me. Sun streams onto my face. The air holds still and clear. Nothing invades my space — no trees, no structures and no people — just the sky and pristine snow, soft under my ski boots and thick on mountains as far as I can see. I’m on top of … Read more
Stuck between a rock and a hard place? Not even close. Climbing guide Eric Zerowin sets anchors high above the shores of Lake Dillon as his two guests absorb the views. The late-morning sun shines brightly in the blue sky, and it’s too early in the day for summer’s afternoon showers to begin rolling in. … Read more
Colorado has the good fortune of a “perfect storm” of conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. Mountainous terrain coupled with just-the-right-latitude brings us abundant winter snow, and that famed 300 days of sunshine per year make it all the more fun. It’s no surprise that we refer to the stuff as champagne powder — it’s light … Read more
If you’re planning a Colorado ski or snowboard trip, Vail and Aspen aren’t the only options to find fresh powder, exciting trails and the canopy of the Rocky Mountain blue skies. In the southwest corner of Colorado, Durango offers intriguing alternatives. Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort, 25 miles south of Durango, No. 1 Skier Place, … Read more
The chairlift seat slides smoothly under us and lifts us to the sky. Below, we can see grizzly bears wrestling with each other on the edge of a pond. Say what? You get an entirely new perspective of Colorado Springs’ famed Cheyenne Mountain Zoo from the new Mountaineer Sky Ride. The ride, an unusually smooth … Read more
The Colorado sky seems color-enhanced. Rich blues tint the vibrant summer sunsets and most Coloradans happily traded their skis for flip-flops. The Denver area’s 100-plus miles of groomed bike paths are a great place for the whole family to enjoy the season’s longer days. Here is a look at three of them. Seven days a … Read more