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Powder primer: Updates and must-dos across Colorado’s ski areas

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Powder primer: Updates and must-dos across Colorado’s ski areas


ARAPAHOE BASIN

What’s new: In what it calls “the best and only method to improve our arrival experience,” A-Basin will be charging for parking reservations, starting at $20, on weekends and holidays between Dec. 21-May 4.

Mountain stats: 13,050-foot summit, 10,520-foot base

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Where to eat: 6th Alley Bar & Grill is the spot for Bloody Marys and a hearty bite at the base. Farther out of sight is Il Rifugio, said to be the continent’s highest-elevation eatery at 12,456 feet. A-Basin’s newest eatery is Steilhang; warm up with German beer, sausage and strudel a short ski down from atop Lenawee Express.

ASPEN HIGHLANDS

What’s new: While locals are busy hoofing it to the mighty Highland Bowl, operators are looking to expand snowmaking on the lower slopes to improve early-season conditions.

Mountain stats: Highland Bowl at 12,392 feet, 8,040-foot base

Where to eat: Near the top of Cloud Nine Lift, Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro is a must-stop. The Switzerland-inspired cabin serves fondue and wine plus pops Champagne during more rowdy occasions overseen by a DJ. The views are hard to beat.

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ASPEN MOUNTAIN

What’s new: Ajax last season debuted its largest terrain expansion since the 1980s. The terrain is called Hero’s with 150 acres of chutes and glades above 10,000 feet.

Mountain stats: 11,211-foot summit, 7,945-foot base

Where to go: Close to the base gondola, visitors will find a music institution. That’s Belly Up Aspen, the small concert hall drawing big acts. Peep the calendar before swinging through town, and hope tickets aren’t sold out.

BEAVER CREEK

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What’s new: Beaver Creek has spent the past few years aiming to separate itself as a family destination unlike any other in the industry. The resort calls its progressive learning terrain the Signature Parks Collection; lift-served McCoy Park is the latest addition.

Mountain stats: 11,440-foot summit, 8,100-foot base

Where to eat: The prestigious Michelin Guide recognized a handful of restaurants in the Vail Valley. Check them out and make a reservation: Mirabelle, Splendido at the Chateau and WYLD are the ones around Beaver Creek.

BRECKENRIDGE

What’s new: The popular base at Peak 8 has seen high-speed chair upgrades to increase flow. Now operators are eyeing a revamped Peak 9, with a proposed gondola, reimagined learning zone and lift replacement.

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Mountain stats: 12,998-foot summit, 9,600-foot base

Where to go: No visit to Breck is complete without a side trip to see Isak Heartstone. The big wooden troll sits at the end of a short trail through a snowy forest. Trollstigen trailhead is in the southeast corner of the Stephen C. West Ice Arena parking lot.

BUTTERMILK

What’s new: Officials cut the ribbon on a $23 million base renovation last year, centerpieced by the “sustainable and intuitive one-stop shop” guest services building. The project also added The Backyard, a sleek hangout for food and drinks.

Mountain stats: 9,900-foot summit, 7,870-foot base

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When to go: Buttermilk every year hosts the X Games, bringing the world’s top winter sports athletes — not to mention star-studded parties — to Aspen. Festivities are set for Jan. 26-28.

COOPER

What’s new: If you haven’t been back in a few years, you might be surprised by the Tennessee Creek Basin terrain on the backside. The trails add an expert flair to Leadville’s small, historic ski area.

Mountain stats: 11,700-foot summit, 10,500-foot base

Where to shop: You’ve seen the light, vibrant, cinched hoodies all over Colorado. Now’s the time for your own “Melly.” But don’t expect to find one at Melanzana, the fiercely independent store where the hoodies are handmade. You’ll want to book an advanced appointment online.

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COPPER MOUNTAIN

What’s new: The Timberline Express is being upgraded from a four-person chair to a high-speed six-seater, increasing uphill capacity to cherished intermediate terrain. The replacement is part of Copper’s broader, multi-year effort enhancing the resort’s Western Territory.

Mountain stats: 12,313-foot summit, 9,712-foot base

Where to drink: If you’re an IPA lover, you already know about Outer Range Brewing Co. If you don’t happen to know — run, don’t walk. It’s a beautiful, two-story facility with a super scenic deck.

CRESTED BUTTE

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What’s new: The Al Johnson Memorial Telemark Race is not new at all. This spring just happens to mark the start of a new decade. The race celebrated 50 years last season, bringing back costumed competitors honoring a 19th-century mountain mailman.

Mountain stats: 12,162-foot summit, 9,375-foot base

Where to eat: Make a reservation and splurge at The Slogar, named for the Slogar family who lived in this cabin in the late 1800s. Now patrons gather around tables for family-style fried chicken dinners, with all the biscuits, creamed corn and mashed potatoes you can eat.

ECHO MOUNTAIN

What’s new: Colorado-based entrepreneur Dan Dietrich acquired Echo last year, the next to oversee the small ski area with several starts and stops going back to the 1960s.

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Mountain stats: 10,650-foot summit, 10,050-foot base

Where to eat: Down in Idaho Springs, you’ll find the original home of “Colorado-style” pizza. Beau Jo’s began baking mountain-like pies here in the 1970s.

ELDORA

What’s new: Ignite Adaptive Sports has long connected people with disabilities to these Boulder County slopes. A new facility, Caribou Lodge, will welcome those skiers this season and serve as Ignite’s base into the future.

Mountain stats: 10,600-foot summit, 9,360-foot base

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Where to go: Whimsical Nederland might be best symbolized by the whimsical carousel in the heart of town. That’s the Carousel of Happiness, the indoor memory maker of hand-carved animals.

GRANBY RANCH

What’s new: Automated snowmaking and enhanced grooming have been part of the humble Grand County ski area’s long-term vision called Granby Ranch Rising.

Mountain stats: 9,202-foot summit, 8,202-foot base

Where to stay: Granby Ranch is well-suited for skiing families, who might spoil themselves by making base at nearby Devil’s Thumb Ranch. It’s a rustic, sweeping getaway that offers cozy rooms, log cabins and endless fun activities.

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HOWELSEN HILL

What’s new: Historically grounds for Steamboat Springs youth and pros training on jumps, Colorado’s oldest ski area has broadened its appeal to outsiders with new infrastructure, extended hours and friendly pricing.

Mountain stats: 7,136-foot summit, 6,696-foot base

Where to shop: Visitors get a glimpse of Steamboat’s skiing history at Howelsen. At F.M. Light & Sons, they get a glimpse of the town’s ranching heritage. The store has been outfitting local cowboys for more than 100 years.

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KEYSTONE

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What’s new: Those in the know had long been hiking to the wonders of Bergman Bowl. The Bergman Express is now providing a ride up.

Mountain stats: 12,408-foot summit, 9,280-foot base

Where to shop: The Outlets at Silverthorne are a 10-minute drive from the base. Two birds, one stone: Get your fix on the slopes, then get those last-minute Christmas gifts.

LOVELAND

What’s new: Loveland Snowcat Tours in recent years expanded access to 580 acres of high-elevation bowls and glades in an area known as Dry Gulch.

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Mountain stats: 13,010-foot summit, 10,800-foot base

Where to drink: If you want to feel like you’re in on a secret — and if you’re needing a break from the weekend’s Interstate 70 traffic — exit at Silver Plume and mosey on over to the 1800s-era building where miners once resupplied on baked good. This is now Bread Bar, mixing up fine cocktails Friday through Sunday.

MONARCH

What’s new: After many years of anticipation, Monarch this summer got the green light to expand to the other side of the Continental Divide. The goal is to have a lift and No Name Basin open for the 2025-26 season.

Mountain stats: 11,952-foot summit, 10,790-foot base

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Where to eat: Back down in Salida, stop to refuel with a big, hearty sandwich. Sweetie’s Sandwiches & Baked Excellence always delivers, with an expansive menu to match the epic proportions. We counted nearly 50 sandwiches at last check.

POWDERHORN

What’s new: While prices increase pretty much everywhere else, the ski area on the Grand Mesa has announced “Mission Affordable” ahead of the 2024-25 season. That’s a pledge to freeze or reduce prices at the ticket window and cafeteria.

Mountain stats: 9,850-foot summit, 8,200-foot base

Where to eat: Grand Junction’s food scene has steadily grown to harness the flavors of local farms. Among the recommended spots: Cafe Sol, Bin 707 Foodbar, The Winery, 626 on Rood and Tacoparty.

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PURGATORY

What’s new: Last season’s announcement of $29 lift tickets turned heads. It was a bit of a marketing ploy; demand-based pricing means the chance at cheap tickets, yes, but not necessarily on busy days. The point: The Durango-area resort is pushing to grow its clientele.

Mountain stats: 10,822-foot summit, 8,793-foot base

Where to stay: The historic Strater Hotel is a Victorian marvel commanding a corner of downtown. If you can’t snag a room, you at least need to check out the old-time Diamond Belle Saloon. Happy hour is 4-6 p.m. Monday to Friday.

SILVERTON

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What’s new: The extreme, single-lift outpost was acquired last year by a pair of friends who’d been operating Heli Adventures Inc., the business similarly aimed at high-octane thrills.

Mountain stats: 13,487-foot summit, 10,400-foot base

Where to go: On the opposite end of the skiing spectrum is Kendall Mountain Ski Area, the family hill with a short lift serving a short series of green runs. Families might also hit the sledding hill or ice rink.

SNOWMASS

What’s new: Snowmass is unveiling the Coney Express this season, a high-speed quad effectively replacing the Coney Glade chairlift. The Express figures to significantly increase out-of-base flow, including also a midway station accessing the terrain park and unlocking foot access to Lynn Britt Cabin.

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Mountain stats: 12,510-foot summit, 8,104-foot base

Where to stay: Hotel Jerome and The Little Nell are two bucket-list stays in Aspen. The former is historic, the social center of town dating to 1889, while The Little Nell is the five-star retreat with luxury suites, fine dining and a spa.

STEAMBOAT

What’s new: The $220 million, multi-year, multi-faceted Full Steam Ahead initiative has culminated in a terrain expansion making Steamboat the second largest ski resort in Colorado.

Mountain stats: 10,568-foot summit, 6,900-foot base

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Where to go: For being fairly small and remote, Steamboat Springs has a surprising music scene. Will it be Schmiggity’s Live Music & Dance Bar? Or the locally beloved Old Town Pub? Then there’s the press., the intimate nook commonly hosting acoustic talents.

SUNLIGHT

What’s new: This season expects to be a celebratory send-off for the chairlift said to be the longest running in Colorado, traced to the 1950s. The Glenwood Springs ski area plans to replace Segundo for next season.

Mountain stats: 9,895-foot summit, 7,885-foot base

Where to go: While Glenwood’s most famous hot springs destination is the one with the massive pool, Iron Mountain Hot Springs continues to build its fan base. More than a dozen pools have been added to the terrace overlooking the Colorado River. It’s an adults-only area, with several more scenic dips on the other side of the property for families.

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TELLURIDE

What’s new: The resort added another feather to its cap in 2024: “best overall ski resort in North America.” That was the honor from OnTheSnow’s Visitors’ Choice Awards.

Mountain stats: 13,150-foot summit, 8,725-foot base

Where to eat: “World’s Best Pizza” is a lofty claim. But Brown Dog Pizza apparently has the hardware to back it up — gold from the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas. You be the judge, sampling both the traditional crust and the thick, Detroit pan-style made here.

VAIL

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What’s new: The Avanti Food & Beverage halls in Denver and Boulder are big hits. Now one is coming to the resort’s Golden Peak. Powerline Pub also will debut at the top of Mid-Vail.

Mountain stats: 11,570-foot summit, 8,120-foot base

Where to eat: The Michelin Guide’s suggested restaurants in Vail: Sweet Basil and Osaki’s Sushi & Japanese Cuisine. Inspectors noted Sweet Basil’s tempura-fried mahi mahi tacos, bone marrow pho with scallop and miso black garlic-glazed halibut. Inspectors loved Osaki’s sushi, niche Japanese specialties and “sweet and meaty” snow crab.

WINTER PARK

What’s new: The resort this summer announced “Winter Park Unlocked” — a long-term vision foreseeing a massive terrain expansion, a redeveloped base area and a “ski back trail” connecting to town.

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Mountain stats: 12,060-foot summit, 9,000-foot base

Where to drink: Locals and tourists converge at Randi’s Grill & Pub. After a hard-earned day on the mountain, the cozy Irish pub hits the spot with big mugs of beer and comfort grub.

WOLF CREEK

What’s new: This will mark the first full season for the Tumbler lift, the fixed-grip quad introduced last spring. It was built with beginners in mind, situated near terrain designed for them.

Mountain stats: 11,904-foot summit, 10,300-foot base

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Where to go: After a cold, taxing day on the slopes, warm up and rejuvenate in Pagosa Springs’ geothermal waters. The Springs Resort offers the most pools beside the San Juan River, while nearby Healing Waters Resort & Spa is the intimate, family-owned spot. Enjoy soaking tubs with a view at Overlook Hot Springs.



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Colorado

Residents rally to save Colorado Springs library on brink of closure

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Residents rally to save Colorado Springs library on brink of closure


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Hundreds of Colorado Springs residents showed up at the Pikes Peak Library District Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday night in a last-ditch effort to save the Rockrimmon Library.

The library is set to close December 1. This comes after the board voted to not renew the library’s lease due to financial issues.

In a statement posted on their website on November 8, the board called the decision to close Rockrimmon a difficult one.

“A library provides access to resources and materials to everyone in the community, so considering a closure goes against the grain of our hopes for PPLD. However, our District provides access to nearly 700,000 people across El Paso County. We must make decisions that sustain the entire District.”

More than 250 community members showed up to Wednesday’s board meeting to show their support for keeping the Rockrimmon location open with another 119 tuning in virtually.

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Former Rockrimmon Library manager Steve Abbott said he was glad to see the turnout.

“It shows that the community will not give up and they are going to fight to keep this library open,” he said.

For most of the almost five-hour meeting, 43 speakers took turns pleading with board members to postpone the library’s closure, extend the lease another year, and reconsider their decision to close the library in the first place.

One of those who spoke before the board, Abbott said closing the library will leave a massive gap for the 30,000 people who live in the area.

“It leaves a big library desert in the Rockrimmon area,” he said. “For a child to use a library now, they’ll have to go over I-25, under I-25, over Academy, under Academy to get to a library, and it’s six miles away from where Rockrimmon was.”

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Speaker and Rockrimmon resident Jennifer Walker said closing the library would also deprive the area of a much-needed community center.

“There is no YMCA, there’s nothing else,” she said. “This is where we meet other moms when we’re desperate to talk to another human being that’s not a toddler, this is where we go to work when we need a quiet space, this is where the elderly come to use the computer or to check out books.”

The fate of the Rockrimmon Library was not on the board’s agenda and those who left the meeting tell 11 News the meeting ended with no resolution.

Walker said residents are still exploring their legal options.

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What’s the latest on the Colorado River negotiations?

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What’s the latest on the Colorado River negotiations?


The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released a breakdown Wednesday of five potential paths forward for the fragile state-to-state negotiations surrounding Colorado River operating guidelines that must be updated by 2026.

The Colorado River, which is Southern Nevada’s primary source of water, holds a precarious future as the basin experiences historic drought and state leaders disagree on how to deal with shortages. The range of alternatives is possibly the last major announcement about negotiations to come from the Bureau of Reclamation under the Biden-Harris administration.

We have worked tirelessly over the past several years to bring Colorado River Basin stakeholders together for a transparent and inclusive post-2026 process,” Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton said in a statement. “Today, we show our collective work. These alternatives represent a responsible range from which to build the best and most robust path forward for the Basin.”

What to know heading into 2025

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The breakdown between two coalitions of states, the Upper and Lower Basins, centers around whether the Upper Basin — Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming — should be required to take cuts to its water allocation past what’s known as the river’s “structural deficit,” or the 1.5 million acre-feet lost to evaporation and transport. The Upper Basin has argued that it takes too many cuts already because of its reliance on snowpack instead of big reservoirs.

The Lower Basin also has called for smaller reservoirs in the Upper Basin states to be included in discussions about cuts in water usage across the system.

Notably, one of the five alternatives is based on proposals from Native American tribes, calling for the government to account for undeveloped tribal water.

The acknowledgement of the ongoing duel between the Upper and Lower Basins is the “Basin Hybrid” alternative, which appears to fall somewhere down the middle of the two coalition’s proposals.

In a statement, Upper Basin Commissioner and Colorado negotiator Becky Mitchell said it’s too early to speak directly about the five alternatives from the Bureau of Reclamation.

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“Colorado continues to stand firmly behind the Upper Division States’ Alternative, which performs best according to Reclamation’s own modeling and directly meets the purpose and need of this federal action,” she said.

The Lower Basin states of Nevada, California and Arizona didn’t immediately release a statement when the announcement was released at 1 p.m.

All seven state negotiators will convene in Las Vegas in early December at the Colorado River Water Users Association conference, where experts and officials will discuss what’s to come from negotiations under President-elect Donald Trump.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Contact Alan Halaly at ahalaly@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AlanHalaly on X.

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Warming and dry trend kicks off across Colorado

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Warming and dry trend kicks off across Colorado


Warming and dry trend kicks off across Colorado – CBS Colorado

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Watch Alex Lehnert’s forecast

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