The little sorrel mare plunges joyfully through the powdery drifts, like a carousel horse freed from its pole. Her shaggy winter coat is frosted with snow and when she pauses at the hilltop, she snorts steam and her sides heave with the effort. Yet, she pulls at the reins, seeming eager to push on. But not yet. The view from here needs to be savored — silvery snow and…
For all of my Colorado-born life, skiing has meant several things: Getting up early, throwing the skis in the car, fighting the Interstate 70 traffic and then schlepping same skis from the car to the slopes. Skiing, in general, meant a lot of work. Of course, it was always worth it — powdery white snow, towering peaks and crystal blue skies. Skiing in Colorado is something quite special. But…
No matter the time of year, foods are everywhere…fresh strawberries, Rocky Ford melons, Palisade peaches, freshly collected honey. Fresh local food finds in Colorado are plentiful this time of year. MouCo cheeses from Fort Collins, Colorado, are a perfect addition to a locavore’s year round spread. The creators of MouCo Cheese Co., husband and wife Robert Poland and Birgit Halbreiter, make two products, a traditional Camembert and ColoRouge. Each…
The sun has set and the nearly full moon will soon be rising over the Colorado peaks. Skiers and snowshoers group outside the lodge at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, bindings latched and stomachs churning. It’s time to eat. They are the first wave of participants on the annual Grand Huts Association progressive dinner at Devil’s Thumb Ranch 65 miles west of Denver near Granby, Colorado. In this earn-your-calories version of…
When I look back at my first attempts at skiing, I wonder how I ever made it past the snowplow. I was on long, straight heavy metal skis, wore borrowed boy’s lace-up leather boots, Stephen Bradley hadn’t invented grooming yet, the teacher was my boyfriend and the rope tow at Loveland nearly shaved the skin off my fingers. The only thing good about it was the price: $3. Now…
Ouray may not have its own ski area, but when it comes to winter sports, there is plenty to keep you busy. This hamlet in southwestern Colorado enjoys an envious location in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. The town sits at 7,700 feet, and is surrounded by peaks that soar another 5,000 feet. No wonder that some have called Ouray the “Switzerland of the Rockies.” Switzerland or…
Colorado ski towns are often known for high prices, especially during their winter primetime. But vacationing in a mountain getaway doesn’t have to break the budget. The Winter Park-Fraser Valley area, 90 minutes northwest of Denver and surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest, offers a lot of cold-weather fun for $20 or less. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing Hiking and biking trails covering hundreds of miles of the Winter Park-Fraser…
Whether you are in town on business, visiting family, or just taking a trip for the long holiday weekend, you don’t have to miss out on Thanksgiving just because you’re not at home! There are a few places in Colorado where you can keep to tradition and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday without having to do the dishes. The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs offers a Thanksgiving special where you can…
The ski terrain at the four mountains in Aspen and Snowmass is vast. Your family could easily spend a week exploring the 300-plus trails, seeking out stashes of powder and riding the rails. But you’ll likely have some afternoons or full days when the kids (or mom and dad) need a break from skiing or boarding. Here are 10 activities that are sure to please all ages: Splash around…
A family ski trip to explore the snow-capped mountains of Colorado is an exciting adventure. But finding a one-stop resort to entertain adults and kids alike can be a daunting endeavor. One answer comes from Keystone Resort, stretching across three mountains and offering one of the most kid-friendly locations above 9,000 feet. We’ve compiled a top-10 list of activities the whole family can enjoy, from traditional snow play to…