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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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Heather Dinich pins down Colorado's chances of making College Football Playoff following Texas Tech win

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Heather Dinich pins down Colorado's chances of making College Football Playoff following Texas Tech win


ESPN senior writer Heather Dinich believes here is no question that Colorado has a clear path to the College Football Playoff. The Buffaloes are currently in second place in the Big 12 conference with three games remaining, making them in control of their own destiny to reach the conference title game.

Under the new rules for the 12-team CFP, the five highest-ranked conference championship earn automatic bids to the playoff. Give that Colorado’s remaining games all come against teams that have won two or less Big 12 contests, their odds to reach the Big 12 Championship are high.

“Very realistic because the five highest-ranked conference champs are in the playoffs,” Dinich said on SportsCenter. “If Colorado runs the table, which ESPN analytics projects they will because it gives the Buffaloes at least a 50% chance to win each of their remaining games, then they’re gonna play BYU in the Big 12 Championship game.

“I don’t care if they have two losses or four losses. If they win the league, they are in the College Football Playoff. Where it could get interesting is if BYU is in that game undefeated and has one loss as the Big 12 runner up. Does the Big 12 get two teams in? It’s a good possibility but it also depends on what happens everywhere else.”

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The Buffaloes are coming off of a 41-27 victory against Texas Tech over the weekend. They also have a Heisman Trophy candidate in Travis Hunter, who currently leads the odds while posting 856 yards receiving and nine touchdowns as well as two interceptions, seven passes defended and a forced fumble on defense.

Colorado came in at No. 20 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, but they are likely to move up with the rankings set to be announced Tuesday evening. In the end though, only winning out matters as that will secure their spot regardless of where they land.

Colorado next faces Utah at noon ET on Saturday in Boulder.



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College Football Mailbag: SEC’s Two-Loss Chaos Looms Ahead Of New CFP Rankings; Colorado, Indiana Eye Spots

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College Football Mailbag: SEC’s Two-Loss Chaos Looms Ahead Of New CFP Rankings; Colorado, Indiana Eye Spots


Alright, another weekend of college football has passed, and we certainly have more questions than answers right now regarding the playoffs. 

After a few upsets this past Saturday, with Georgia Tech throttling Miami, and Ole Miss beating Georgia , we are headed towards a chaotic few weeks of playoff rankings. 

As for the rest of college football, conference standings continue to be a hot topic. The Big 12 has gone crazy, the ACC is in the hands of SMU, while the SEC looks like a traffic jam at the top. Who knows what happens down the stretch with the Big Ten, but I don’t expect Oregon to lose a regular season game, so it comes down to who they will play in the conference title game. 

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Let’s get to your questions, as I chose a few that stood out this week.

Are we headed towards total chaos in the SEC with all these teams potentially finishing with 2 losses? Thanks man.

—Anthony, Atlanta

Well, Anthony, I think the log-jam at the top of the SEC is fascinating, and this is what happens when you don’t play a nine-game conference schedule. But, here we are, and there are a number of teams fighting for a postseason berth. Again, I’m not just talking about the conference title game, I’m looking at the college football playoff. As it currently stands, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Texas sit atop the SEC standings with just one conference loss. But I don’t know how long that will stand, especially with the Vols traveling to Georgia this weekend.

Think about it this way. Georgia, Alabama, Ole Miss, LSU and Missouri all have two losses right now, and the tiebreaker scenario will be fascinating to watch unfold. If Tennessee goes to Athens and beats the Bulldogs, then the conversation shifts, dramatically. The same can be said for the Aggies, if they were to win out, which includes a game against Texas. 

I think the bigger decision comes down to the playoff committee, and how many SEC teams they decide to put into the postseason. But yes, we could be headed towards a chaotic ending, and I’m all for the madness that’s ensuing. 

Is Mike Norvel firing his assistant coaches actually going to solve the problem for my Seminoles? 

—Thomas, Pensacola, Fla.

I mean, Norvell fired his OC, DC and WR coach because he needed a new lease of life in Tallahassee. This team took a massive step back this season, getting destroyed by Notre Dame on Saturday, and currently sitting at 1-9 on the year. I’ll be honest, Florida State is going to have to rearrange things inside the football offices, and I’m not just talking about the coaching staff. 

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After all the momentum from last season, and the controversy regarding the playoffs, FSU did nothing to build off 2023, and it’s come back to bite them in a bad way. This team needs a quarterback, and to find that spark along the defensive line again. But right now, the future looks bleak, and Mike Norvell certainly made some changes so that it would give him a new lease on life at Florida State.

The Seminoles have a massive rebuild on their hands. So, I’d practice some meditation.  

Appreciate your honesty about Colorado, especially after the Nebraska loss. So, do you think we can actually make the playoffs? 

—Mike, Broomfield, Colo.

I’ll be the first one to admit that I did not see this coming after the Nebraska loss, Mike. I thought this team lacked weapons that would be needed to put an opponent away. Boy, was I wrong, and I’m really enjoying what Deion Sanders has done with this football team. Luckily for Colorado, the Big 12 has decided to go full-blown crazy, thanks to losses by Iowa State and Kansas State. 

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Now, all Colorado needs to do is win its remaining regular season games, which is certainly possible. If they do, the Buffaloes will be playing in the Big 12 title game, with a chance at securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. So, to answer your question, I absolutely believe this team can make the postseason, but they need to stop playing from behind at times. 

Also, Travis Hunter is going to New York City for the Heisman Trophy ceremony, and I think he deserves the award at this moment. 

Can Indiana afford a loss to Ohio State in two weeks, and still make the playoff? I’m a little concerned about strength of our schedule. 

—Adam, Indiana

Yea, I’ve thought about this a lot over the last few weeks. The Hoosiers have certainly beaten up on their opponents during this 10-0 run, but I do wonder how the committee will look at them towards the end of the season. Right now, they are ranked 8th in the standings, beating a bad Michigan team 20-15 this past Saturday. 

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If they lose to Ohio State by a touchdown, or 10 points, then I can see the committee keeping them in the Top-12. But, if they were to let this one get away, I don’t know how the voters will react to Indiana’s schedule. Let’s be honest, their biggest win is I guess Washington, maybe Michigan. This team has the ability to beat Ohio State, and I think there’s a good shot they leave Columbus with the win. 

But that schedule isn’t that helpful if the committee is looking at that part down the stretch. Either way, the Big Ten race is wild, and there are a number of scenarios where I see the Hoosiers playing in the postseason, including a potential win next week. 

Thanks to everyone for the questions, and you can continue reaching out to me at Trey.Wallace@OutKick.com and I’ll get back to you. Enjoy the week, with another Saturday of college football approaching. 





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5 short trails for shorter days in Colorado Springs

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5 short trails for shorter days in Colorado Springs


It’s that time of year when the days are shorter and our time outside is seemingly all the more precious. To beat the sun setting over the Front Range, we must look to shorter trails.

Trails such as these — easy to reach and offering variety in different parts of Colorado Springs:

Mesa Trail, Palmer Park

Popular among dog walkers, this is the wide path looping the top of the rocky wilds east of the city’s core. From the Yucca Flats parking lot, Mesa Trail roams above the rock, touring meadows with clear views of the mountains and plains. With more time, one ventures off for Templeton Trail. ~2 miles

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South Blodgett Loop, Blodgett Open Space

The well-marked South Blodgett Loop starts from the parking lot about a mile south of the open space’s main lot, at 3786 W. Woodmen Road. At last visit, we started uphill on the wide path to views of the open space’s namesake peak. The route descends on a single-track trail through hilly woods, looking out to the city lights that start to twinkle around dusk. ~2 miles

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Pulpit Rock Trail

The white, throne-like promontory just east of Interstate 25 has gotten more accessible in recent years. That’s thanks to a well-defined trail that gently rises along its flanks to the summit, where Pikes Peak looms large. The small parking lot is off North Nevada Avenue, behind the BMW dealership. ~2 miles out and back

Scotsman Loop, Garden of the Gods

Here’s a quick way to admire the signature beauty of the Garden on dirt rather than the sidewalk in the center of the park. From the Scotsman Picnic Area — the parking lot numbered 13 along the park road — the trail rises to views of the Gateway rocks and Pikes Peak. ~1 mile

Quail Lake

It’s best enjoyed before the lake freezes, when the water reflects Cheyenne Mountain and the foothills looming over the city’s south side. The sunsets are splendid. A combination of dirt and pavement loops around the lake. ~1 mile

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