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Photo Courtesy CMC/Doug Maiwum

Photo Courtesy CMC/Doug Maiwum

CMC RAISES UP TEENS

Tyra Sutak August 22, 2018

A new scholarship aims to bridge the mentorship gap in memoriam of a teen who fell to his death in Boulder’s Flatirons.

One Sunday evening last August, Carter Christensen scrambled, unroped, up the First Flatiron, the northernmost peak of the iconic rock formations dominating Boulder’s skyline. Near the summit, the 17-year-old posted a selfie on Instagram. In it, he’s smiling; a ball cap, sunglasses, and headphones frame his face; the lichen-covered sandstone drops down below him.

But before the sun set, police would report the teenager’s body was found at the Flatiron’s base. The evidence showed that he fell to his death from at least 100 feet above.

“That’s not a new thing, unfortunately,” says Doug Maiwurm, Colorado Mountain Club’s (CMC) youth program manager. As rock climbing’s popularity has grown, he’s observed more people trying the sport, which, of course, not only requires specific technical knowledge, but also good decision-making skills—two elements commonly in short supply as teenagers approach new tasks.

To help fill the ballooning void that’s developed between experienced climbers and novices, Christensen’s parents approached CMC in early 2018 to create the Carter Christensen Climbing Scholarship. “They wanted something positive to come out of [their traumatic experience],” says Maiwurm.

Up and running this summer, the scholarship supports teenagers attending CMC’s rock climbing courses, which CMC hopes will foster mentor relationships. Once the summer courses end, meetups will continue throughout the academic year, extending mentorship opportunities as well as Christensen’s legacy.

“We want to promote good judgement, responsibility and decision-making in kids,” Maiwurm says. “There’s only going to be more of a need for that as the sport continues to grow.”

—Emma Murray

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/cmc-raises-up-teens/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Colorado, Adventure
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Photos Courtesy Patagonia

Photos Courtesy Patagonia

INTO THE WIND

Tyra Sutak August 20, 2018

In 1963, on a harrowing first ascent of the Diagonal Direct route on Longs Peak’s Diamond, a 20-year-old climber named Tex Bossier almost lost his life. Decades later, his son returned to the mighty mountain to pay tribute to his father’s life and spread his ashes in the place that made him feel the most alive.

Through the window of his restaurant Jack’s Bar & Grill in Arvada, Colorado, Jack Miller can’t break his gaze from a snow-capped Longs Peak towering in the distance. His eyes begin to mist over as a smile spreads across his face. He shares story after story of his father, Tex Bossier an extraordinary man who helped develop the sport of climbing as a teenager.

In the world of climbing, there are countless legends—superhumans, fearless adrenaline junkies and trailblazers. But in the beginning, climbing began with ordinary men and women with an extraordinary sense of adventure and strength. Tex Bossier was one of those climbers.

As a kid growing up in Port Arthur, Texas, Floyd Allen Texas “Tex” Bossier was known more for his wild hair, propensity for laughter and passion for the people around him rather than his ability to scramble up rock faces. At 17, in 1961, the curious climber made a name for himself as one-half of the duo that put up the Culp-Bossier route on Rocky Mountain National Park’s Hallet Peak—a Grade III, 5.8+ route, the most difficult of its kind at the time.

“These are the things about climbing and first ascent climbing. In specific, you carry on a language or a non-verbal conversation with the earth,” said Bossier in a transcript from Patagonia’s archives.

Having caught a case of wanderlust, the freeminded young climber landed in Boulder on the premise of attending the University of Colorado, but in reality, Bossier was looking to live out his childhood dreams of exploring the mountains and rugged landscapes that had leapt out from the TV screen and captivated him as kid. The mesmerizing pull of the Rocky Mountains proved magnetic, and soon Bossier was spending much of his time exploring the nooks and crannies of Rocky Mountain National Park, using nuts and bolts scavenged while he walked local train tracks as protection on exposed routes.

Bossier’s career almost came to an abrupt end in 1963 on a first ascent on Longs Peak, however.

“The ledge was very narrow, with the Diamond above you and that whole lower wall below,” recounted Bossier later for the book Climb: The History of Rock Climbing in Colorado. “[Layton]Kor nailed in a piton for a belay and said, ‘On belay.’ Crossing in his footsteps, I got about half way across when some of the snow gave way and I half fell over backwards. One leg stayed in the step. I was on my back with my head looking down the lower wall. The whole panorama of the face went by as I fell backwards.” He and Kor went on to complete the new route, Diagonal Direct (V+ 5.8 A4), which was not repeated for another 10 years.

The sport of climbing began too take off. Starting in the late 1950s, Bossier’s good friend and climbing partner Yvon Chouinard started selling handmade hard-iron pitons and later, less harmful hexagonals to the growing climbing community. In 1973, Bossier joined him one of the first sales reps of Chouinard Equipment, and later as Patagonia’s national sales manager. His passion for climbing and mountains was infectious, and soon he began guiding and teaching the sport to hundreds of new enthusiasts, including Phil Powers, now CEO of the American Alpine Club.

In 2015, at the age of 71, Tex Bossier lost a battle with cancer and passed away in Annecy, France—the country he had called home since moving to Chamonix in 1987 to help establish Patagonia’s European business. Longtime friends Yvon and Malinda Chouinard and the entire Patagonia community mourned in the only way they knew how to deal with the passing of someone who, to them, had been larger than life. They told stories and laughed.

In 2017, renowned climbers and friends of Bossier, Lynn Hill and Fred Knapp, fulfilled the climbing legend’s final wishes by hauling a portion of his ashes up the Culp-Bossier route on Hallet Peak. Another portion would be buried in Germany, and Bossier’s son, Miller, returned the rest of his father‘s remains to wind on Longs Peak.

“I know that’s where he is,“ says Jack Miller still telling those stories and looking out the window of Jack’s Bar & Grill with a grin so big, it’d be hard to miss—even from 14,259 feet.

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/into-the-wind/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Colorado
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10 PIECES OF GEAR EXTRAS YOU NEED THIS PEAKBAGGING SEASON

Tyra Sutak August 15, 2018

If you’ve already set the goal to tackle a fourteener (or two, or three, or four) this year, than you’ve most likely already thought about the big gear that you’ll need to get you up and back down the mountain safely. Your hiking boots are probably comfortably worn in by now, you already have that lightweight pack and functional layering system down. But before you embark on your journey to the summit, make sure to check out these 10 pieces of gear extras that will make your peakbagging season that much sweeter.

 

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GRAYL Ultralight Purifier

Keeping your body hydrated is one of the most important factors to reaching the summit. GRAYL’s lightweight and easy-to-use Ultralight Purifier bottle makes it easy to purify water from fresh streams and alpine lakes along your hike, ensuring you have plenty of water to keep hydrated throughout your hike. With one press, the GRAYL bottle filters 99.9999 percent of viruses, disease-causing bacteria and protozoan cysts as well as sediment and silt, chlorine and heavy metals. Purifier cartridges last up to 300 uses and replaceable cartridges can be purchased for $24.95, making it a reliable water purifier for your fourteener adventures for years to come. $59.95; thegrayl.com

 

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Smartwool Men’s Merino 150 Micro Stripe Boxer Brief

Unmentionables are the most underrated piece of outdoor apparel, which is why more brands are offering technical underwear and bras to hold up to a variety of adventures. Smartwool has an entire collection of undergarments for both women and men, like the Men’s Merino 150 Micro Strip Boxer Brief that utilize Merino 150, a breathable, soft and lightweight fabric that helps regulate body temperature, stave off odor, and resist moisture — ultimately making your lengthly, sweaty hike a more comfortable one. $45; smartwool.com

 

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Sierra Designs Elwah Pant

Colorado’s finicky weather isn’t much of a secret. One minute it’s blue skies and sunshine, and the next you’re caught in a downpour, which can be dangerous and make for an uncomfortable hike if you’re not prepared. Enter Sierra Designs Elwah Pant. Made from a breathable stretch polyester rip fabric, these pants pack up into the rear pocket, taking up minimal space in your pack, and feature fully waterproof taped seams, and an elasticized waist and storm flap zip system that makes it easy to quickly pull these pants on over your boots at the onset of inclement weather. Available in both men’s and women’s sizing. $79; sierradesigns.com

 

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Fits Light Hiker – Crew Socks

Nothing puts a damper on hiking excursions quite like blisters. They’re the worst, and once they’ve infiltrated your foot, there’s nothing you can do to get rid of them. So prevent them, by investing in some of the best tech socks on the market. Year after year, Fits continues to garner a big following the hiking community thanks to their patented Full Contact Fit, which hugs the contours of your foot, leaving less room for slippage, and blisters. The crew fit is the company’s most popular hiking sock. Made from a combination of merino wool, nylon, polyester and lycra, this sock will keep your foot dry, and provide extra cushioning in the heel, toe and arch areas. $21.99; fitssock.com

 

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Buff Multi-Functional Headwear

Fourteeners are no joke, and while the journey to the summit typically start before sunrise, it’s best to be prepared to trudge it out for long periods of time under the Colorado sun. Not only does Buff’s line of headwear come in many fashionable prints and colors, it’s multi-functional  and can be worn in 12 different ways to block up to 95 percent of UV rays from the head, face, neck, ears and sunburn prone places on your upper body. Buff’s headwear also features COOLMAX® PRO technology that wicks moisture and dries faster, and a Polygiene treatment designed to resist odors. $25; buffusa.com

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Body Glide Outdoors  

Whether it’s your first, or fourteenth, conquering any fourteener should be done in well broken-in hiking boots. But even when you think your boots are ready to hit the trail, there’s still a chance that you’re hiking in your favorite footwear will end with blisters, which is why Body Glide released a balm to help prevent that from happening. Simply rub some of outdoor balm around your heel and foot before pulling on your tech socks and hiking boots and stop blisters, and painful afternoons on the trail, before they start. $9.99; bodyglide.com

 

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Mountain Hardwear Women’s Breeze VNT™ Long Sleeve Hoody

Adding a breathable long sleeve base layer to your peakbagging kit is not only important to keep up with the changing weather throughout your hike, but important to help shield your shoulders and arms from the sun. Mountain Hardwear’s Women’s Breeze VNT™ Long Sleeve Hoody is so comfortable and breathable, you won’t mind wearing it, even when the chill of the early morning wears off and the blistering sun sets in for the day. This lightweight layer is extremely packable and handy in facing changing weather on the mountain. $85; mountainhardwear.com

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Honey Stinger Cracker N’ Nut Butter Snack Bars

Tasty, energizing trail snacks should be a staple in any hiking pack, and Honey Stinger makes some of the best. Stash a few of the company’s delicious and organic Cracker N’ Nut Butter snack bars and enjoy the honey-based energy boost and peanut butter protein power when you need a little extra help blazing your way to the top. $26.40/ box of 12; honeystinger.com

 

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Topical Edge Performance and Recovery Lotion

There’s a point in every strenuous hike where your muscles start to scream, and that moment is what inspired the Topical Edge Performance and Recovery Lotion. Available in stashable individual packets or 10 ounce tubes, this lotion releases sodium bicarbonate directly through the skin to help strip out acid build-up in muscles, reducing muscle soreness by 53 percent. This tried and tested performance and recovery lotion is perfect for those moments along the trail when your calves are crying out and your legs need a little extra help pushing forward. $35 per 10 ounce tube; topicaledge.com

 

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BarCountry Pocket Cocktails

Let’s be real, the idea of sipping on a cold adult beverage on the summit of your favorite peak is a major motivational driver. If craft beer isn’t quite your thing, than load up a small flask with your favorite liquor and stash one of Pocket Cocktail’s dehydrated cocktail mixes in your pack to easily mix your own delicious drink to savor at the top. Pocket Cocktails are available in fun flavors like Coconut-Lime Margarita, Bloody Mary and Cherry-Infused Old Fashioned.
$9.99; barcountrycocktails.com

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/10-pieces-of-gear-extras-you-need-this-peakbagging-season/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Adventure, Travel, Colorado, Gear Review, hiking
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POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: FAMILY FUN

Tyra Sutak August 13, 2018

“Rise and shine! It’s going to be a beautiful day.” The clock read 4 a.m. as I struggled to read the text message from my dad. While he was no stranger to grossly early wake-up calls, I’d spent the last 33 years happily sleeping in. But if dragging myself out of bed before sunrise meant taking part in the first group hike my family had done together in over a decade, I figured I could make the sacrifice.

We arrived at the Mitchell Lake trailhead just as the first streaks of light washed over the Indian Peaks Wilderness area. Our footsteps crunched through the early morning silence, over foot bridges covered in thin layers of frost and through towering walls of sweet smelling pine trees. A break in the trees revealed a picturesque Mitchell Lake where fish dined on breakfast and rays of sunlight cut through curtains of steam rising from the water. The beautiful scene was captivating, so I followed my sister and parents along a short path to the edge of the water where we stood in silence, drinking it all in. A rustle back on the trail interrupted the quiet moment, and we turned to watch a mama moose and her baby stroll by. I smiled in solidarity, knowing that my family wasn’t the only family heeding the early morning wake-up call from the mountains.

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends. 

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/postcards-from-the-weekend-family-fun/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Adventure, Travel, Colorado, hiking, Photography
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POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: HERE COMES THE SUN

Tyra Sutak July 16, 2018

The heat has been unbearable; relentless in its pursuit to drain my body of any semblance of energy or drive to spend time in it. For weeks, I’ve been an air conditioning junkie. I emerge from the comfort of my cool home in the mornings long enough to hop on two wheels and race the rising sun. But today, the air is cool, and the clouds are forgiving. The trail from Long Lake to Lake Isabelle is veiled with shade and for the first time in awhile I’m wearing long sleeves. The damp morning air is calm, but I push through it, moving my feet faster and faster the farther along the trail I get. It’s a foot race to the base of the Indian Peaks today; the rain clouds matching my pace as they drift in, up over the grimacing facade of the iconic peaks, engulfing the tips of the jagged ridgeline as they go. As I crest the last hill and descend into the valley towards the shores of Lake Isabelle, so too do the dark clouds — threatening to shower me with rain if I stay. So I take a deep breath, and let the sweet smell of the mountain air sink into my lungs and mind. Small drops of rain brush against my face as I sauver every last wildflower and colorful reflection in the lake before I go. Back at the trailhead, the menacing clouds have surrendered, giving way to streaks of sunshine. For the first time in weeks, I welcome the return of the sun.

Photo Location: Indian Peaks Wilderness

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends. 

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/postcards-from-the-weekend-here-comes-the-sun/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Adventure, Travel, Colorado, hiking
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Q&A : MEET EO’S NEW INTERN SOPHIA ZAYAS

Tyra Sutak July 3, 2018

Summer is here! Which means it’s time to welcome Elevation Outdoors newest intern! Although she’s a Florida girl at heart, Sophia Zayas’ passion for adventure and the outdoors make her a natural Coloradan. Read on to learn more about Team EO’s newest member and find out which pieces of outdoor gear she can’t get enough of, and where she’s planning her next great adventure.

Elevation Outdoors: What is your favorite beer?
Sophia Zayas: I’m actually more of a wine connoisseur. But I do enjoy Hoegaarden Rosée by Brouwerij Hoegaarden. It’s a Belgian wheat beer with an abundant raspberry flavor that always leaves me wondering if I really just drank a beer, which is just how this wino likes her beer.

EO: Favorite color?
SZ: My favorite color would have to be the calming but glowing blue of the Caribbean sea. It seems like for as many times as I’ve seen it; it never ceases to leave me amazed.

EO: Favorite outdoor brand?
SZ: Being a Florida native, all I really need to get by is some ice cold water and a place to relax. For that reason, my two favorite outdoor brands would have to be YETI coolers and ENO hammocks.

EO: What’s your happy place?
SZ: My happy place is the ocean. Whether it’s a day at the beach with friends, a family boat day, or a freediving trip, the calming sound and motion of the ocean’s waves will always feel like home.

EO: Favorite sport?
SZ: I’ve always enjoyed sports that revolve around self-improvement, such as weightlifting, yoga and running. In the last year I’ve left my comfort zone and taken up surfing, wakeboarding and a little bit of skating and snowboarding. I’m falling in love with these board sports and the way they remind me that you’re never too old to try something new!

EO: Best advice you’ve ever been given:
SZ: The best advice I’ve ever been given was “you get out what you put in.” I think when things may not be going your way or the way you expected them to, it’s important to reflect on your actions and efforts. Sometimes just a simple extra push can change everything. Nothing is more liberating than putting your life into your own hands.

EO: Tell us about your most epic adventure?
SZ: One of my favorite and most epic adventures was a 3-week trip to Costa Rica. Venturing around the country came with kind souls, great food, new animal friends and some fantastic views; one being the view of the Arenal Volcano located in La Fortuna. After riding ATVs around the volcano my friends and I hiked through the Costa Rican rainforest where we were greeted by many of the native animals and ended the day with hot springs and mud masks.

EO: Where’s your favorite place to go outside and play?
SZ: The mountains of Colorado have turned into my new playground. I love climbing up the massive boulders for the perfect lunch view and enjoying the intoxicating colors and smells of the beautiful wildflowers on the way down!

EO: What’s the next outdoor trip you’re planning?
SZ: The next outdoor trip I’m planning is a camping trip to St. Mary’s Glacier here in Colorado. It will be my first time camping in the mountains and I can’t wait to see what’s in store!

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/qa-meet-eos-new-intern-sophia-zayas/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Colorado
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DOWN ‘N DIRTY: CHACO Z / CANYON 2

Tyra Sutak July 3, 2018

It happened. I finally did it. After (most likely) being the last hold-out in the outdoor community to own Chaco tech sandals, I have officially added a pair of Chaco Z / Canyon 2’s to my shoe stash. An upgrade from the company’s popular Z / Canyon, Chaco’s most recent version of the sandal is revered for its whitewater-inspired design, versatility and boost in comfort. Maybe it was the heat of the summer, or the peer pressure of summer festival fashion trends, but I willingly made the decision to join the ranks of the diehard Chaco sandal owners, and I’m pretty happy that I did. If you’ve read any of my gear reviews on this site over the past few years, you’ve most likely gathered that I’m a fairly clumsy outdoor recreationist. I trip and stumble on trails like it’s my job. After 33 years on this planet, it just is what it is. You’ve probably also gathered that I’m always on the hunt for multi-purpose gear and apparel that help me maximize space in my trusty carry-on luggage during travels. The Chaco Z / Canyon 2’s address both of those issues. From town to the trails, these sandals are versatile and a one-stop-shop for travelers looking for casual, but tough, footwear that can just as easily be paired with your finest festival garb or an afternoon exploring a new city as it can trekking up dusty trails.

MSRP: $120.00

Pros: I’ll be honest. When I first looked down at my feet with these sandals strapped to them, I felt like I’d given up a little bit of my soul. Tech sandals are the ultimate summer fashion trend in the outdoor world. But then I started walking around, and scrambling along riverbanks, and hiking in the mountains on blazing hot summer days, and I finally understood why Chaco sandals have become a must-have piece of footwear for the outdoor community: they’re comfortable and they get the job (well, a lot of jobs) done. The comfort factor is achieved in part by a LUVSEAT™ dual-density PU midsole (in my case, a women’s-specific version, although this sandal is also available in men’s sizing), and partly from the Cloud 2.0 cushiony design that makes up the rest of the bulk of the sandal. The easily-adjustable top straps also add a level of comfort by allowing for a customized fit for every foot. The straps are loosened and tightened simply by the tug or pull of one adjustable buckle on the sandal, and in the case of these sandals, made with a durable polyester material with a minimalist approach (thick straps with a focus on necessity and not aesthetics). The Z / Canyon 2’s are also great hiking footwear, especially on a hot summer day. In the middle of Colorado’s most recent heave wave, the thought of embarking on an 8-mile hike in my trusty medium-weight hiking boots was unpleasant. So I strapped on the Z / Canyon 2’s, lathered the exposed skin on my feet with sunscreen (which I would recommend doing well in advance as to avoid getting your feet caked, and I mean caked … with dirt) and hit the trail. Although I had always steered clear of hiking in sandals, and my feet got insanely dirty, without the boot/sock/convection oven combo, my feet felt cool and lightweight throughout the entire hike. Several times along the trail I traipsed through big, often muddy puddles but Chaco’s signature ChacoGrip™ Plus rubber compound on the sole of the sandal worked like a charm and I never experienced any slipping or sliding as the result of a wet sandal. Additional toe and heel pods on the sole of the sandals add an extra level of traction. As a clumsy hiker, I usually opt for hiking boots with some re-enforcement on the toes, since I’m constantly tripping, but even as I tripped along the trail in these sandals, I never had any issues stubbing my toes or injuring my feet. Chaco’s Z / Canyon 2’s also have a running-inspired kinetic rebound plate to give you a little extra boost in your step, which I wouldn’t say was super noticeable, but a nice addition nonetheless. Chaco also has a pretty sweet repair program. While these sandals are very durable and made to be beaten up outside, the company will repair everything from the outsoles to the straps should your favorite pair of Chacos eventually need some love.

Cons: After hiking 8 miles on a dusty trail, I imagine the aftermath of the dirt and rocks that I left in my hotel shower that day was a con for the housekeeping crew that inevitably had to wash it all away. If you choose to really play hard outside in these sandals, prepare for your feet to get really, really dirty. I have a pretty average foot as far as width goes, and the middle of my foot is very close to running over the edge on both sides. Something to keep in mind if you have feet that fall on the wider side. And, these sandals took a little time to break in. I wore them for the first time in the middle of a move, and had blisters on the back and sides of my ankles the next morning. Like most outdoor footwear, be sure to spend plenty of time feeling them out before heading out on longer treks and adventures.

Where I Took It: Festival-hopping in Eagle, Colorado, exploring Elk Ave. and local hiking trails in Crested Butte, and out and about around town while enjoying a little time at home.

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/down-n-dirty-chaco-z-canyon-2/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Colorado, Gear Review, hiking
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Photo by Liam Doran

Photo by Liam Doran

MENDING THE GENDER LINE

Tyra Sutak June 13, 2018

Meet four women who are changing the face of fly fishing and inspiring more female anglers to get out on the water.

In 2017, the popular rod and tackle manufacturer Orvis launched the 50/50 On the Water program aimed at addressing inequality in the sport of fishing. The sudden spotlight called out stark gender disparities on the water. And rightfully so: According to a 2017 “Special Report on Fishing” released by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and the Outdoor Foundation, women make up only roughly 30 percent of the fly fishing community. That means there’s a long way to go to achieve equality in the sport. But for the following four Colorado women, bridging that gap is more than just a passion, it’s part of the job.

 

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Maddie Brenneman

Fly-Fishing Guide, Instagram Influencer, Advocate

In the 2017 report the RBFF revealed that nearly 34 percent of males thought that a fishing participant would look like them, while just 19.3 percent of women thought the same. Perceptions of what a typical angler looks like have always skewed towards men in the male-dominated industry, but fly fishing guide and Instagram sensation Maddie Brenneman is changing all of that.

At 27 years-old, Brenneman has already made quite a name for herself in the sport of fly fishing. For the past three years, the young guide has been heading up the fishing program at the historic C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado—a job she recently left to join the team of guides at the 520-acre North Fork Ranch on the South Platte River. But if you’re one of the 105,000 people that follow her on Instagram, you probably know Brenneman as a globe-trotting nomad sharing stories (and gorgeous photos by her photographer boyfriend Nick Kelley) of fly fishing-inspired adventures all over the world. Social media has the potential to be a powerful tool when it comes to changing gender perceptions in the sport since it widely distributes images of women out casting in beautful locations and posing with big fish. Brenneman is one of a handful of female anglers who have amassed huge social media followings in recent years, giving women a new face to pair with the perception of what the typical angler looks like.

“I never imagined that I could travel to fly fish somewhere and make a living,” says Brenneman who has also partnered with big brands including Yeti and Buff in her career.

Although the spotlight has spawned pressure to be the best, Brenneman remains humble.

“Some days I can figure the river out, and sometimes I can’t. I make good casts and I make terrible casts, all in the same day. I catch big fish and I catch little fish, sometimes I don’t catch any fish at all, because that’s fly fishing.”

Her advice to fishing-curious women: “A rod is a rod, and an expensive rod means nothing if you don’t know how to fish with it. Avoid expensive gear to start and invest in a guide that can teach you.”

 

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April Archer

CEO/Founder of SaraBella Fishing

When April Archer first started building custom fly rods with ergonomically comfortable grips to fit a variety of hands, she ultimately had one goal in mind: “to help people get outdoors, get out on the water and have fun in the wilderness,” she says. But her efforts quickly rippled throughout her community in the Denver Metro Area, and eventually trickled down to elementary schools in the state where she volunteers her time educating kids about the benefits of fishing.

“Fly fishing is a wonderful way to teach kids and young girls about focus, having fun, science—including entomology and physics, how the water moves—and about weather patterns, fish species and the cycle of life,” says Archer, a mother of three young girls.

Growing up in an outdoorsy family, Archer remembers always being drawn to fishing, with her passion for the sport and its intricacies beginning at a young age. “I got my first fishing pole when I was 18 months old,” she says. But like many women in the sport, Archer truly became an avid fly angler when she met her husband JT, who currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer at SaraBella, the brand that builds fly rods especially for women and girls that she founded in 2014. Today, she continues to volunteer her time to organizations like Colorado Women Flyfishers where she helps connect and educate women interested in the sport.

While Archer plans to continue to promote the kind of “smart, beautiful fishing” that her brand is known for, her larger goal is to help the landscape of the sport to change as her daughters grow older. “I hope they continue to get outside and to use fly fishing and outdoor sports as a way to stay healthy, enjoy life and gain perspective,” she says. “I also hope that for them, everyone is just an ‘angler’ later in life.”

Her favorite place to fish in Colorado: “I love fishing urban ponds and urban creeks, like South Boulder Creek through the city of Boulder, and Bear Creek just west of Morrison. The main clues to look for when finding a good urban fishing spot are bird life, insect activity and water flow or oxygen bubbles.”

 

Kara Armano

Freelance Communications Specialist

Fly fishing runs in Kara Armano’s blood—but so does protecting the land we fish on. “Fishing was a way to spend time with my family,” says Durango-based Armano, who works as a freelance communications specialist with big name fishing brands like Redington and Sage. She touts her grandmother as being one of the biggest inspirations in her passion for the outdoors. “She always made it clear that it was important to take time out and absorb your surroundings. Just being observant and taking your time watching where you walk and seeing what there is out there. I think that always resonated with my exploratory nature,” Armano says.

That connection to nature led Armano to a position co-leading advocacy and educational efforts at Artemis (artemis.nwf.org), a new initiative from the National Wildlife Federation that encourages female outdoor enthusiasts to be the complete “sportswoman.” Armano describes that moniker as “somebody who can go out there and see these wild places for what they are, and then come back to civilization and communicate what those places and that wildlife means to you.”

Since she spends so much time on the front lines of the women’s gear revolution in the fly fishing industry, Armano is happy to see growth and development happening in female-specific fly fishing gear, but she encourages women and all consumers to support conservation efforts and protect public lands vis a vis smart gear choice. “It’s important to do a little research on the front-end of who that brand is,” she says. “What does [a certain company] support? What do they communicate through their marketing messages? What non-profits do they support through funding, time or donations, or whatever that may be? See if that aligns with your idealism in terms of what that conservation message should be.”

Her one piece of must-have gear for fishing excursions: “I wear Redington Women’s Sonic Pro Waders, which are awesome. They’re made from heavy-duty fabric, and they last. They have a feminine cut, but they’re not overly female. And they fit all kinds of different chest sizes.”

 

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Becky Leinweber

Co-Owner of Angler’s Covey, Founder of Pikes Peak Women Anglers

Like a lot of women, Becky Leinweber’s first fly fishing experience was with her husband—and it didn’t go well. “He took me out, and like so many people teaching their significant other, it wasn’t an overly positive experience,” she says, adding that it wasn’t until the pair found a women’s-only fly fishing camp that Leinweber really began to develop her skills and passion for the sport.

The couple would eventually go on to build and grow Angler’s Covey in Colorado Springs, now a 6,500-square-foot mecca of an outdoor retailer shop, equipped with two casting ponds and employing 30 fly fishing guides, five of which are women. But that initial learning experience stayed with Leinweber and served as the inspiration for the inception of Pikes Peak Women Anglers (bit.ly/2L8T9AY), a welcoming community for female fly fishing enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels. “The camaraderie is a really big part for us,” she says, emphasizing how important the social component of the group has been for members. “Some members have found lifelong friends.”

On the retail floor of Angler’s Covey, customers will often find a female salesperson. “With my own journey before I became a fly-fisher, I would enter into a fly shop and only see men. I felt intimidated and I didn’t feel very welcome,” says Leinweber. “We made it a point that we didn’t want that to be the case in our shop. When you see someone that you can identify with when you walk into the shop, it’s a little easier.”

Her favorite species to fish for out on the water? “Small brookies. I think they are so beautiful and they have the most gorgeous coloring. They’re found in the most out-of-the-way places and they’re always eager because they haven’t seen a lot of flies.”

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/mending-the-gender-line/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Colorado, Fly Fishing, Adventure
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Photo courtesy of Eddie Clark Media

Photo courtesy of Eddie Clark Media

First-Timer’s Guide: Lyons, Colorado

Tyra Sutak June 13, 2018

One of Colorado’s best kept adventure town secrets is just a short drive from Denver.

Hidden in the gently rolling foothills of Colorado is the small town of Lyons—an under-the-radar adventure destination and the unofficial “Double Gateway to the Rockies.” For decades, thousands of people have passed through the small town en route to the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, which can be accessed via two scenic 30-minute routes that begin in Lyons. But in recent years, the town itself has become a destination, mostly due to its access to outdoor activities.

Avid mountain bikers, hikers, kayakers, and day-trippers looking to soak in the cool waters of the St. Vrain River or stroll through the town’s historic Main Street flock to the quiet yet vibrant town each summer. Like every great outdoor hub in Colorado, Lyons is home to a delightful après scene composed of colorful patios, a trailblazing brewery, good eats, and plenty of live entertainment. Whether you’re in search of a place to dip your feet in the river for an afternoon, or looking for the perfect music-filled, outdoorsy weekend getaway, add Lyons to your list—you won’t be disappointed.

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The Odometer: 43 miles (about an hour drive from Denver, one-way)

Get Outside

Photo Courtesy of Eddie Clark Media

No need to battle the I-70 corridor to find adventure this summer. Load up your bikes, hiking shoes, kayak, and picnic supplies, and head to Lyons instead. For outdoor enthusiasts seeking two-wheeled adventures, you’re sure to find them on the trails of Hall Ranch or Heil Valley Ranch—two pockets of sprawling Boulder County open space, both of which are just a short ride from downtown Lyons. For hardcore mountain bikers, Hall Ranch offers challenging technical elements, like the tricky Rock Garden on the Bitterbrush Trail. Riders seeking a less challenging ride can hop Antelope Trail, which bypasses the Rock Garden altogether, or tackle the slightly mellower Picture Rock trail in Heil Valley Ranch, a popular trail network for both mountain biking and hiking. Both trails serve as wonderful places for visitors to stretch their legs, take in a scenic vista or two, and marvel at incredible views of Longs Peak.

Lyons also has its own Whitewater Park with eight features spread out over a quarter-mile. Kayakers can find the Whitewater Park in the recently renovated LaVern M. Johnson Park, which is also home to an RV park with full hook-ups and tent camping. Camping fees start at $20 per night for tent campers and $40 per night for RVs. Visitors just looking for reprieve from the summer heat will find it on the waters of the St. Vrain Creek. The North and South forks of the river converge in the heart of the town and are typically stocked with swimsuit-clad tubers out for a relaxing float. Anglers can also cast a line in an attempt to catch cutthroat, brook, or brown trout (catch and release only).

Eat & Drink

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Photo courtesy of Tyra Sutak

Where there’s an abundance of outdoor activities, there’s usually a thriving dining scene delivering hearty dishes and refreshing beverages; Lyons is no exception. In the center of town is Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, the place where craft beer was officially packaged and sold in a can for the first time. On a sunny afternoon, the brewery’s many patios are filled with bikers and hikers, fresh off the trail. Grab a refreshing Dale’s Pale Ale, the brewery’s flagship beer, or one of the special or limited releases made onsite, and a plate of hearty grub food, like one of the many loaded juicy burgers on the menu. Oskar Blues also offers a good mix of live music on the weekends.

To get your caffeine fix in town, visit the Barking Dog Cafe, which features an outdoor patio on the sidewalk of Main Street, or head to the Stone Cup, a family-run joint that serves as a popular hangout for the locals. Pick from one of the many breakfast beverages on the menu and order one of the tasty, budget-friendly breakfast dishes from the kitchen. Breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, freshly baked goods, and housemade quiche can all be found for under $10.

For lunch and an adult beverage, head to Pizza Bar 66. This no-frills pizzeria sells a variety of pies, which all pair well with the nationally acclaimed craft beer on tap. Stop in during happy hour, from 3 to 6 p.m., for drink specials including $2.50 cans of PBR. For a soul-saving bite to replenish calories lost on the trail, head to St. Vrain Market. This local gem offers substantial sandwiches on bread baked fresh in-house. And at night, when you’ve washed off the grit from the day and are ready to sit down for a nice meal, there’s no better place than the Lyons Fork, which offers a seasonally inspired menu and some of the best truffle fries in Boulder County. Bonus if you can snag a table during the restaurant’s bustling brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Stay

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Photo courtesy of Wee Casa

You won’t find any chain hotels in this fiercely local town. Instead, visitors can stay at WeeCasa, an idyllic riverfront property made up of 20-plus individual tiny homes, all within walking distance from Main Street. Thought to be the world’s largest tiny home resort, nightly rates range from $139 to $299 and book up quickly in the summer. Although not within walking distance to the town’s main attractions, the Stone Mountain Lodge offer a laid-back mountain town vibe and an outdoor pool. You’ll need a car to get around if you’re staying at this mountainside hotel, but Stone Mountain’s budget-friendly rates and quaint cabins are worth the drive. The town also has an active Airbnb scene, so don’t be discouraged if you’re unable to book a hotel room for the dates of your visit.

For Families

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Photo courtesy of Tyra Sutak

There’s no greater family pastime in the hot summer months than swimming, and the town of Lyons has a few dedicated swimming holes and parks along the river that are safe and filled with fun for your little one. Lavern M. Johnson Park, which received a facelift and a name change following the devastating flood that hit the town in 2013, includes shallow shores along the river, as well as a splash pad, both of which are brimming with little ones throughout the summer months. And what’s a day at the pool without an ice cream cone? The SNACK soda fountain is a staple in town for kids and ice cream lovers alike. The reincarnation of the town’s original soda fountain from the late 1800s is still serving traditional ice cream treats, like egg creams, chocolate sodas, and hand-spun milkshakes at the beautifully preserved original eight-stool fountain bar.

Shopping

If you’re into antiques, Lyons is your spot. Antique shops are on just about every corner—and they’re fun and funky and full of all types of weird treasures. Both Gatherings of a Lifetime and Rosey’s Rescues have become popular shops for old-timey finds. Both boast large selections of vintage items and antiques packed into a small space, with Rosey’s offering a larger array of clothes, and Gatherings of a Lifetime selling more odds and ends for home decor. For unique arts and crafts, pay a visit to Red Canyon Art, a longtime shopping staple in town that features work from local artists crafting handmade jewelry, ceramics, leather goods, fine art, photography and more. Lyons is home to a spirited artist community whose creations can be purchased at many of the shops around town.

If You Do One Thing

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Photo Courtesy of Eddie Clark Media

Go to one of Lyons folky summer music festivals. The RockyGrass festival (July 27-29) and the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival (August 17-19) both take place at Planet Bluegrass, a music venue that has been hosting iconic festivals and big names for many years. Camping is available onsite for both fests—and why not stay awhile? A weekend-long music festival is the perfect opportunity to head to the foothills, and take in everything this small, adventurous town has to offer.

Source: https://www.5280.com/2018/06/first-timers-guide-lyons-colorado/
In 5280 Magazine Tags Lyons, Colorado, Festival, Beer, Food
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DOWN ‘N DIRTY: SPY HELM 2 SUNGLASSES

Tyra Sutak June 12, 2018

There are (give or take) about a million different types of sunglasses on the market these days. Are you a cyclist? There’s a high-tech ergonomically-fitted pair of sunglasses for you. An angler? There are glasses designed to help you reduce glare on the water so that you can spot the big ones. Need a stylish pair of versatile sunglasses for your travels? There’s about a billion different styles out there for you. But for adventure travelers searching for a budget-friendly one-stop-shop pair of shades that seamlessly transition from the trails to town, SPY‘s new Helm 2 sunglasses are worth taking a look at.

For starters, the company’s update on the popular Helm model has a sleek but sporty design that looks just as good casually exploring a new city or hanging at the beach as they do bombing down a mountain. The Helm 2’s come in five different bold frame/lens color combos, including the stylish Matte Black Ice frame and Happy Bronze with Emerald Spectra pairing. As an avid traveler that always tries to incorporate outdoor adventures into my travels, the style factor (without sacrificing the function factor) of these sunglasses is a big plus for me. As an equally avid abuser of sunglasses (I beat my SPY Helm 2’s up pretty solidly, accidentally leaving them at the bottom of a gear bag with some pretty gnarly muddy hiking boots, and dropping them on the rocky banks of my favorite fishing spot), I also appreciate how durable these glasses have proven to be after almost daily use over the past few months. Through it all, aside from the dust and smudges from my most recent outdoor excursion, the sunglasses virtually look brand new.

MSRP: $100

Pros: Hands down, my favorite feature of the SPY 2’s is the Happy Lens technology which is designed to enhance color and contrast, increase clarity and improve mood and alertness. On a five-hour drive to Crested Butte, Colorado earlier this month (and every other time I’ve donned the glasses), I noticed that my eyes felt more relaxed and less fatigued, and since the lenses offer 100 percent UV protection, my eyes weren’t red and irritated when I arrived at my final destination, which is an issue that I’ve had with lesser sunglasses on road trips in the past. The SPY 2’s are made with a very brawny Grilamid® plastic polymer frame, which enables the glasses to be lightweight but still sturdy enough to resist impact and cracking. These sunglasses also have some pretty heavy duty five-barrel hinge action on the frame, which adds an extra level of durability to the overall design. For those that struggle with size issues and slippage when buying sunglasses, the SPY 2’s also feature double injection rubber on the inside temple tips of the frame, which helps them stay secure on your face, regardless of what activity you’re getting into. Whether running, biking, or fighting a big fish, I’ve yet to experience any problems with the glasses sliding down my face. These sunglasses, however, do not feature the same grippy addition on the nose, which wasn’t an issue for me and actually seemed to help eliminate those pesky red marks that some glasses leave behind after extended use. And at a price point of $100, these sunglasses won’t break the bank, which is always a pro in my book.

Cons: I tested out the Happy Bronze with Emerald Spectra lenses, and while I’m a fan of the Happy Lens technology, this specific combination was pretty inefficient when faced with the slightest bit of cloud cover. On a mid-morning fly fishing adventure in the mountains of Colorado, fast-moving clouds overhead meant I was constantly taking my sunglasses off and putting them back on to be able to get a clear view of my line.

Where We Took It: On sunset trail runs, early morning hikes, and Colorado fly fishing adventures.

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/down-n-dirty-spy-helm-2-sunglasses/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Adventure, Travel, Colorado, Gear Review, hiking, Biking
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Odell’s New RiNo Brewhouse and Taproom. Photo by Tyra Sutak

Odell’s New RiNo Brewhouse and Taproom. Photo by Tyra Sutak

Opening Alert: Odell Brewing Company’s RiNo Brewhouse and Taproom

Tyra Sutak June 4, 2018

The Fort Collins-based brewer opens its first-ever Denver outpost today.

Today, for the first time since Odell Brewing Company’s inception in 1989, Denverites no longer have to trek to the original Fort Collins location to grab a brew at the source. Odell officially opens the doors at noon to its 10-barrel brewhouse and two-story taproom in Denver’s artsy (and sudsy) RiNo neighborhood. Housed in a completely renovated 1917 brick building, which once served, among other things, as a recording studio and residential space, the new location is an ode to beer experimentation, art, and community.

“We’re in a booming part of town that really celebrates art and independent businesses, both of which are really important to us,” explained Alex Kayne, Odell’s director of marketing. “We recognized that Denver has a huge beer culture, and RiNo is a real epicenter of that. So we knew we wanted to be in this neighborhood.”

At the helm of the RiNo Brewhouse is Brent Cordle, a longtime Odell employee who most recently headed up the pilot system (a small brewing system dedicated to research and experimentation) and barrel-aging programs in Fort Collins. And for the past few weeks, Cordle and his small team have been concocting new beers like the Lil RiNo Session IPA—a flavorful, hopped-up beer that’s light on the ABV, along with a handful experimental styles, like a perfectly pink and slightly tart Guava Gose made with freshly puréed guava fruit. The Denver location will feature 16 different taps, with eight of those dedicated to beers brewed onsite. Kayne expects that some of the popular experimental beers could end up in cans or bottles some day: “We know that if we nail a beer here, that it has a lot of potential. I could see beer from here graduating to package or to release, but this is a no-holds-barred R&D brewery,” he said.

While considerably smaller than Odell’s Fort Collins location, the RiNo watering hole has the capacity for 200 beer enthusiasts between the upstairs and downstairs bars, the rooftop deck, and the street-level outdoor patio; two fire pits and a colorful, hop-inspired mural by San Fransisco artist Mona Caron (also responsible for Odell’s label art) anchor the patio space. And although Odell doesn’t have any plans to serve food at the new taproom, outside eats are encouraged—especially burgers and fries from Shake Shack, which is conveniently located right next door.

If you go: Odell RiNo will be open from noon to 10 p.m., Monday through Wednesday; noon to midnight, Thursday through Sunday.

2945 Larimer Street, 720-795-7862

Source: https://www.5280.com/2018/06/opening-alert-odell-brewing-company-rino-brewhouse-and-taproom/
In 5280 Magazine Tags craft beer, Beer, Brewery, Colorado
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THE WRIGHT THREE-DAY OUTDOOR INDUSTRY SUMMIT KICKS OFF TODAY

Tyra Sutak May 1, 2018

Need a little inspiration in week? You’re in luck. The Wright — a three-day summit celebrating innovation, dedication, passion and the entrepreneurial spirit of the outdoor industry — kicks off in Golden today. And this year’s line-up of speakers, presentations and facilitators is damn good, and worth ditching the office for. Each day from May 1-3 will begin with a keynote speaker at 11:30 a.m. at the American Mountaineering Center in downtown Golden, followed by panels and workshops at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at various locations around Golden. Attendees can expect to hear from speakers and presenters like Governor John Hickenlooper, Jason Blevins (former outdoor reporter for the Denver Post), Deanne Buck of Camber Outdoors, Brendan Leonard of Semi-Rad and more.

“We’ve always believed that when you can bring together good people, the committed hard-working type — that good things will come from it,” says Chuck Sullivan, co-founder of Something Independent and the organizer of the event. “The Wright rallies a crew of independent-minded men and women who fuel their work with passion, grit and time outdoors. And sure, — sometimes whiskey or beer. They bring an opt-in attitude to all they do.”

In addition to 40 various speakers, presenters and facilitators scheduled for the three-day event, The Wright also promises 15 free thought-provoking panels and sessions, 700 trail blazers, creative thinkers and gritty entrepreneurs in attendance, unlimited high fives and 12 films to be premiered at the The Wright Award Night — the cornerstone event of the summit during which one of 12 of this year’s Wright Award contenders will be named this year’s winner. Vying for the award are the following outdoor-focused brands: Alpacka Rafts, Cotopaxi, Green Guru Gear, The Hot Tomato, Mountain States Snowcats, Powderhorn Resort, Rocky Mountain Underground, Sarabella Fishing, Western Rise, Weston Snowboards, Wood’s High Mountain Distillery and Yeti Cycles.

Daily sessions, workshops and talks are open to the public and free of charge. Tickets to The Wright Award night can be purchased for $50; and for the first time, Something Independent is offering a $95 Patron Pass, which includes access to all public sessions, an entry ticket to the The Wright Award night, a limited edition Wright t-shirt, a commemorative patch, and entries to win gear from Wright contenders.

For a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit: thewright.co.

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/the-wright-three-day-outdoor-industry-summit-kicks-off-today/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Colorado
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Cerveceria Colorado founders Patrick Crawford and Charlie Berger. Photo courtesy of Denver Beer Co.

Cerveceria Colorado founders Patrick Crawford and Charlie Berger. Photo courtesy of Denver Beer Co.

Coming Soon: Cerveceria Colorado

Tyra Sutak April 10, 2018

A new brewery from the folks behind Denver Beer Co. will highlight Mexican-style beers and promote inclusivity.

The founders of the popular Denver Beer Company announced plans last month to open Cerveceria Colorado, a craft brewery that will celebrate the culture and flavors of Mexico. Inspired by head brewer Jason Buehler’s travels through Mexico, the concept will open this spring in the space previously used as the Denver Beer Co. Barrel Room event space at the brewery’s Platte Street location.

As Buehler says, the Mexico-based brewers he’s crossed paths with during his travels “create excellent craft beer using fresh, local ingredients.” Buehler says he’s also learned a lot about the different flavor profiles and unique characteristics of traditional Mexican spices and plants, and he plans to use ingredients such as cinnamon, chiles, nopales, chocolate, mole, lime, and agave in Ceveceria Colorado’s brews. “There are so many unique flavors in Mexican cuisine that have been so fun to play with in beer,” says co-founder Patrick Crawford.

Cerveceria Colorado will open with an amber lager flavored with lime, a churro stout, a beer made with habañero chiles, and a Hop Chocolate brewed with mole. Buehler and his team are also in the process of sourcing tequila barrels for wood-aging endeavors.

While Cerveceria Colorado will share the same building as Denver Beer Co. and utilize the same brewery, co-founders Crawford and Charlie Berger say the space and the brand will have a very different look. The new brewery’s taproom will seat 60 and feature a spacious outdoor patio. The duo also hopes to package their new brews in cans in an effort to make it available to a wider market. But at the end of the day, Crawford, Berger and Buehler all hope Cerveceria Colorado will serve as more than just a successful business venture and a beloved brewery.

“We just want to make sure that Cerveceria Colorado is really an inclusive place and that craft beer is available to everybody,” Berger says. “We sincerely believe that brewing and enjoying beer is a uniting experience and we hope Cerveceria Colorado’s beers spark thoughtful discussion and inspires exploration. Craft beer is a wonderful way to find common ground and to expand horizons.”

Keep an eye out for a grand opening/Cinco De Mayo celebration at Cerveceria Colorado in the beginning of May.

1635 Platte St.

Source: https://www.5280.com/2018/04/coming-soon-cerveceria-colorado/
In 5280 Magazine Tags Brewery, Craft Beer, Colorado
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Photo Courtesy Visit Grand Junction

Photo Courtesy Visit Grand Junction

INSTAGRAM TAKEOVER: VISIT GRAND JUNCTION

Tyra Sutak April 2, 2018

If you prefer adventures of the two-wheeled variety, chances are you already know all about Grand Junction’s allure and charm. But did you know that the Grand Junction area is home to 22 wineries? And there are seemingly unlimited amounts of lakes and waterways for kayak and SUP adventures? Grand Junction is one happening place to be during the summer season, and to showcase some of the epic offerings available to everyone from mountain bikers to music lovers, Visit Grand Junction is taking over our Instagram account for the week. Read on to learn more about what makes this Colorado city a must-visit this year, and be sure to follow along at @elevationout to see for yourself.

What is the main outdoor attraction that lures nature-lovers to the Grand Junction area every year?

Biking. Mountain biking and road biking on a variety of trails in addition to the magnificent cycling to be had at the Colorado National Monument. The area surrounding Grand Junction is widely recognized as a mountain biking mecca, and is especially popular during the spring and fall seasons. Check out the Lunch Loops/Tabeguache Trails System, 18 Road Trails, or Kokopelli Loops. In addition, Colorado National Monument’s 23-mile Rim Rock Drive is perfect for road biking in a truly breathtaking landscape, surrounded by towering red rock monoliths and panoramic scenic desert vistas.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Give us the scoop on the best places in town to fuel up in the morning.

Dream Cafe offers a fun and uniquely hip atmosphere to enjoy the breakfast you’ve been “dreaming about”. They have a wide variety of options ranging from deliciously distinctive Eggs Benedict and Specialty Pancakes (including a gluten-free option), to mid-morning Bloody Mary’s or sparkling Mimosas. Another excellent option is Main Street Cafe — a 1950s themed diner complete with neon signs, glossy photos and posters of icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis, hula hoops, poodle skirts and other 1950s memorabilia. With a wide variety of classic egg dishes and other breakfast favorites at reasonable prices, customers are sure to leave full and happy.

Grand Junction is known for having an excellent winery scene. How many wineries does Grand Junction have? And what is the best way to explore them?

There are 22 wineries surrounding Grand Junction, and our favorite way to explore is to rent a bike and ride between tasting rooms! The vast majority of Colorado Wine Country is easily accessible by bicycle. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride alongside vineyards and the Colorado River, while visiting several award-winning wineries for complimentary tastings along the way. This is a truly unique experience that allows you to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Grand Valley, while sampling some of the best wines in the state.        

What about can’t-miss events?

Late summer and early fall are prime festival and event season in Grand Junction, with Colorado Lavender Festival, Palisade Peach Festival, Pork & Hops Challenge, Colorado Mountain Winefest, Tour de Vineyards and Tour the Moon topping the list. Another highly popular event in May is the Grand Junction Off-Road & Downtown Music Festival, which consists of both professional and amateur mountain bike races on the Grand Junction area’s extensive trail system as well as three free days of live music throughout downtown.

Tell us one thing that every first-time visitor to Grand Junction absolutely must do while in town?

A great way to explore the area that most visitors might not know about is to hop around our waterways. We have 300 lakes and two rivers in Grand Junction, so visitors partaking in paddleboarding, kayaking, rafting, or even Jet Boat Colorado on multiple waterways are sure to get a great look at a variety of our landscapes and most popular summertime activities.

Give us a few tips on how to blend in like a local.

Be ready to get outdoors! Whether it’s biking, hiking, golfing, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, horseback riding, off-roading, fishing, or skiing (just to name a few) the locals live here for the outdoor lifestyle that is easily accessible. Visit Grand Junction’s downtown district to shop and eat like a local at a variety of unique gift shops, boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants. Also, from mid-June through mid-September, attend the downtown Grand Junction Farmers’ Market on Thursday evening, a popular summertime favorite with locals showcasing the area’s finest fruits, vegetables, and locally made products.

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/instagram-takeover-visit-grand-junction/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Adventure, Travel, Biking, Colorado
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DOWN ‘N DIRTY: HELLY HANSEN FRAMHEIM BOOT

Tyra Sutak March 20, 2018

It may be the first day of spring, but winter isn’t over yet. There’s still snow in the forecast. There are plenty of muddy, wet days in store for the near future, so don’t even think about stashing your snow boots in the back of your gear closet just yet. In fact, it’s actually the perfect time to upgrade your winter footwear and get ready for next season. The closing of winter is historically an excellent time to find top-of-the-line winter gear at a discounted price — like Helly Hansen’s tried and trusted, stylish Framheim boots. I brought home my first pair of Framheim’s just in time for winter to kick off in Colorado earlier this season. Unfortunately, I brought them home to a snowless yard in a state experiencing a super mild winter. Not much has changed between then and now, but one thing is for certain: regardless of how much snow or ice is on the ground, these boots perform.

MSRP: $150 (comes in both women’s-specific and men’s sizing)

Pros: Warmth. These babies are warm. It doesn’t even matter if your winter sock game isn’t up to par, the Framheim’s will keep your feet nice and toasty, even when the temperature drops below 10 degrees. The boots feature a waterproof and snow-proof leather exterior and a warm felt lining on the inside for an ultra-dry/warm one-two punch. A faux-fur top lining of these lower calf-rising boots offers an extra level of comfort and another layer of protection to keep out the snow. The Framheim’s also feature a protective vulcanized midsole, which is a fancy way of explaining their durability. The layers that make up the sole of the boot are glued together, which helps keep them on the lighter side, and points on the midsole that are prone to heavy wear are given an extra layer of protection to give the boots a longer life cycle. The boots also feature a seam-sealed design to protect all potential wear points, making these boots a good investment for more winters to come. An outsole composed of a combination of Helly Hansen’s HellyGrip Rubber and HellyWear Rubber provides a pretty decent grip, but will still be tested on those super slippery rough patches of ice. The Framheim’s also include a removable EVA cushiony footbed in the sole, which provides a level of comfort that you will definitely notice after a long day in these boots. Bottom line: if you’re in the market for a durable pair of hardworking boots for everyday use — you should definitely give these boots a look.

Cons: Multiple Framheim owners will tell you that these boots are a little tight around the tongue and can be tough to get on — and that’s true. When all cinched up, the area of the boot around the tongue can feel very stiff, which makes it a little more difficult to put on and slightly uncomfortable to walk in, especially over thick socks. But this con will shake out and break in with use.

Where We Took It: Anywhere and everywhere I could find snow in Colorado this season.

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/down-n-dirty-helly-hansen-framheim-boot/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Colorado, Gear Review, Winter
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Photo courtesy of Collaboration Fest

Photo courtesy of Collaboration Fest

Don’t Miss: Fifth-Annual Collaboration Fest

Tyra Sutak March 19, 2018

More than 100 one-of-a-kind brews will be on tap at the festival on Saturday, March 31.

Ever tried a gose made with Peking duck? How about an IPA crafted from hydroponic Colorado hops and real snow? Or a steinbier inspired by a 20th century brewing technique that employs giant stone slabs heated to 600 degrees? If you answered no to all of the above, it’s okay—you’ll get your chance to try these unique brews and many more at the fifth-annual Collaboration Fest on March 31.

Collaboration Fest has come a long way since its inaugural year, growing from 50 beer submissions in 2013 to 110 this year. The fest also has a sleek new venue: the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. As in year’s past, the party features unique, small batch brews spawned from collaborations concocted by Colorado Brewers Guild members in an effort to celebrate the craft beer industry’s collaborative spirit. That spirit is more important than ever now, according to Steve Kurowsi, marketing director for the Guild. “We are in a very quickly changing industry in a state that will see big changes next year, with full-strength beer going into grocery stores,” Kurowski says. “There’s going to be a lot to navigate in the near future, especially for the state of Colorado. The better and tighter this industry is, the better we’ll be on the other side.”

For the past few months, Collaboration Festival brew days have been taking place across the state. Collabs range from hyper-local brewing partners (such as Denver’s Mockery Brewing and Baere Brewing Co.’s Beastie Boy’s-inspired French Toast Stout) to cross-country pairings (like a late spring wild ale from Fort Collins’ New Belgium Brewing and acclaimed Tennessee brewery, Blackberry Farm Brewery). While participating breweries are still refining their recipes, one thing is certain: Collaboration Festival is unlike any other brew fest in Colorado. Adventurous suds lovers won’t want to miss it.

If you go: Tickets for Collaboration Festival are on sale now and include unlimited tastings. General Admission tickets are $65; Connoisseur ticket pricing is $85 and includes early entry. Tickets can be purchased here.

Source: https://www.5280.com/2018/03/dont-miss-fifth-annual-collaboration-fest/
In 5280 Magazine Tags Beer, Craft Beer, Colorado
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THE WHISKEY DINNER WILL BLEND ART AND LIBATIONS IN DOWNTOWN DENVER THIS MONTH

Tyra Sutak March 9, 2018

You’ve heard of wine dinners, and you’ve heard of beer dinners, but this March, Colorado whiskey drinkers will get their chance to enjoy a five-course meal paired with their favorite adult beverage.

The Whiskey Dinner is a collaboration between Denver-based film company, Traverse Image, and Deerhammer Distilling Co., a small, highly celebrated distillery located in the heart of downtown Buena Vista. The two are teaming up to host an evening of film, fundraising, food and damn good whiskey at Wayward in downtown Denver on March 22. A portion of ticket sales will help fund the completion of The Whiskey Film — a feature length documentary by Traverse Image that tells the stories of American whiskey, and the men and women that make it.

“The film follows the stories of top American whiskey distillers and in sharing those with the world, we hope to educate audiences on how truly special American whiskey — and the people that make it — really is,” said Thomas Kolicko, the film’s director. The film company has already completed filming scenes at Deerhammer, and the whiskey and story of co-owners Lenny and Amy Eckstein, inspired Kolicko and his team to find other ways to collaborate. “When we first sat down with Lenny and Amy from Deerhammer, we were blown away by the American single malt whiskey they were making,” said Kolicko. We wanted to collaborate with them on an event that truly highlights this style and tells the story behind the distillery.”

Throughout the evening, Wayward chefs and Eckstein will walk guests through five paired courses featuring a mix of Waywards regionally-inspired cuisine, and Deerhammer’s current line-up of whiskey along with yet-to-be-released offerings. Previews of scenes from the film will also be shown throughout the event. Tickets are $80 and can be purchased by visiting: http://bit.ly/2DcDrjl.

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/the-whiskey-dinner-denver/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Colorado
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Photo by Blake Gordon

Photo by Blake Gordon

UP IN SMOKE

Tyra Sutak March 7, 2018

Cannabis, weed, pot, ganga, dope, reefer, chronic, Mary Jane or marijuana—it doesn’t matter what you call it—Attorney General Jeff Sessions hates it with a fiery passion.

He’s even gone so far as equating the drug to heroin and publicly shaming Lady Gaga for allegedly boasting an addiction to it. While the so-called “War on Drugs” originated with Richard Nixon and ramped up in the ’80s as a broken campaign promise during election season, Sessions has been barreling along on his own decades-long crusade to snuff out the green stuff, and take down any of the “bad people” associated with growing, selling, buying, smoking or having thoughts about enjoying the substance. So when the announcement to rescind Obama-era policy regarding legalized weed was passed down from the Justice Department at the beginning of the year, it didn’t come as a surprise to anyone—not even Lady Gaga.

In a statement sent to federal prosecutors nationwide, Sessions formally encouraged the prosecution of marijuana at a federal level in every state, a revision of the previous administration’s stance on legalized weed which was shared through the Cole Memo—a 2013 memorandum by the Justice Department that served as guidance for law enforcement and prosecutors in states opting to legalize weed.

In a nutshell, the memo reiterated that at a federal level, marijuana would continue to be classified and treated as a Schedule 1 drug (characterized as an illegal drug with a high potential of abuse, unsuitable for medical use), but discouraged enforcement of the drug at a federal level in states where it had been legalized. The memo also offered suggested priorities that state-legal law enforcement should focus on like preventing trafficking, and pot growing on public lands, and banning stoners from lighting up on federal property.

The legal cannabis industry met Sessions memo on “Marijuana Enforcement” with one simple question: why now?

The Rocky Mountain High

On January 4, when Sessions’ memo hit the inboxes of law enforcement and prosecutors across the country, it came on the heels of November elections that resulted in four states passing ballot initiatives to legalize non-medical marijuana. Those publicly popular initiatives increased the number of states that have legalized recreational weed to nine and added another layer of growth in legal marijuana sales in the U.S. that topped $10 billion in 2017.

In fact, since Colorado voted yes on Amendment 64 in 2012, the state’s young cannabis industry has flourished under the guidance of the state government, most recently at the hands of Director of Marijuana Policy Mark Bolton. According to Bolton, the Office of the Governor has worked hard to build a strong and comprehensive regulatory system to monitor the marijuana industry in the state.

“While I would say our system is effective, we’re constantly in a state of evaluation and looking for ways to strengthen our approach and try to address any unintended consequences or abuses that have materialized,” said Bolton. He also added that Colorado relies on a collaborative relationship with the federal government to effectively regulate marijuana in the state.

While Bolton oversees the 12 agencies that have a role in legalized weed in Colorado, he also serves as the point person between the state and federal governments on marijuana issues. But perhaps the most rewarding aspect of Bolton’s gig is doling out a huge chunk of Colorado’s “pot tax” back into the state. In 2017, Colorado collected $247,368,473 in total revenue from the state’s medical and retail marijuana tax and fee collections.

Since it’s a heavily regulated industry, there are many layers of taxation on weed. There’s an excise tax on growers selling to retail shops; there’s a state sales tax, a state retail marijuana sales tax and in the majority of cities where retail or medical marijuana is sold, a local and special districts tax. It seems like a heavy price to pay for a little sticky icky, but the state is putting that tax revenue to good use.

At a state level, the first $40 million collected from the wholesale tax on pot is dedicated entirely to schools—yep, the same schools that only a few decades ago included a “Say No to Drugs” program taught by a cartoon bloodhound. That money is allocated to BEST—a program that funds competitive grants to school districts, school boards, charter schools and other school-related programs. Any tax revenue collected above the $40 million mark goes to a public school fund, and that number is generally in the millions. A portion of pot taxes also go to the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund which is used for drug regulation, enforcement, education, treatment and, most importantly for pot-friendly communities all over the state, ten percent of the gross revenue of marijuana sales tax is distributed to local governments overseeing recreational or medical marijuana sales in their cities.

Pot for Potholes

In Manitou Springs, the small town at the base of Pikes Peak, that windfall equates to a giant boost to the town’s Urban Renewal Authority budget. A town that boasts just over 5,300 residents, Manitou Springs is home to two recreational dispensaries along Highway 24—the city’s main travel vein that leads to the base of one of the state’s most popular fourteeners. Maggie’s Farm opened up shop first in 2010, followed by Emerald Fields in 2015. City-imposed sales tax revenue from the two shops has helped the city’s Urban Renewal Authority grow its budget from $100,000 to $2.5 million.

The increase in spending funds has allowed the city to focus on projects that improve the community, attract more visitors and boost the tourism economy in the tourism-driven town. Board members of the organization voted to allocate $1 million towards attracting more businesses to the downtown area and community improvement projects.

In southern Colorado, the town of Trinidad (population 8,200) has a new look since the legalization of marijuana. Once a nearly forgotten gas stop on the state line, Trinidad is now reaping the rewards of its location just 11 miles from New Mexico—a state that has yet to legalize marijuana. The once bustling coal mining town along the Santa Fe Trail had dwindled into a dilapidated cityscape dotted with abandoned buildings and rundown structures—that is until a dispensary moved into town in 2014.

Today, the city is home to 16 dispensaries and some recent much-needed upgrades throughout the town. Along with replacing the city’s 140-year-old brick streets, the local government also used the nearly $1 million in revenue taxes from recreational marijuana sales to purchase a new fire truck and a handful of eyesore buildings in the downtown area with the intention of transforming them into living spaces and art galleries.

Trinidad and  Manitou Springs are not the only two local governments in the state of Colorado benefiting from tax revenue from dispensaries. Any city where a dispensary operates in the state will collect a portion of the gross revenue of marijuana sales tax. In fact, the more dispensaries that operate within a city, the larger the chunk of money the local government will receive, which means with approximately 150 legal dispensaries in operation, Denver’s feeling the love. The state’s capital also has a booming cannabis tourism scene. Anyone visiting the city can participate in a variety of marijuana-themed activities including dispensary tours, weed-and-food pairings, puff-and-paint classes and weed-focused vacation packages. Guests can even book a room a the Bud and Breakfast—a 420-friendly lodging accommodation in the city that advertises “wake and bake breakfasts,” “munchies + beer and wine all day,” and, you guessed it, a happy hour that kicks off at 4:20 every day with snacks and the “freedom to consume whatever recreational marijuana products you desire.”

Bum Session

Even though the industry as a whole is booming, it’s still getting on its feet and far from perfect. Bolton remains hopeful for a thriving cannabis future in the era of Jeff Sessions, but he continues to closely monitor the impact of the attorney general’s memo on the state’s marijuana industry.

“A fear that we have is that we put a ton of time and effort into trying to help businesses establish banking relationships, because that has been an obvious challenge for the industry as long as it’s been operable here in Colorado,” Bolton said. “One fear would be that banks would either freeze the number of accounts they’re offering, stop offering accounts or start canceling accounts, which would drive the industry back to a cash business. And I don’t think that’s a desirable outcome from anybody’s prospective.”

Although Sessions’ announcement has sparked a buzz throughout Colorado, Bolton says it won’t dissuade state officials from continuing to focus on putting better systems in place to continue to regulate the industry.

“Our focus is going to be continuing to demonstrate the strength of our regulatory system, the fact that it’s a model for the rest of the country, and then trying to help businesses maintain compliance,” he said. “This certainly isn’t a time to fall out of compliance with state law.”

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/up-in-smoke/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Colorado, Travel
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POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: BOOZY BREAKFAST

Tyra Sutak March 5, 2018

It’s noon. At least that’s what my watch tells me when I give it a glance as our bubbly waitress at The Farmhouse at Jessup Farms carefully places a small taster of beer in front of me. It’s Sunday; boozy brunch day. Filtered curtains of light stream over the rustic brick walls of the historic farmhouse-turned-restaurant. For most of the sleepy diners around me, the day is just beginning — yet delicate glassware filled with beer made from the area’s 30+ craft breweries adorn most of the tables in the room. I guess when you live in a beer-blessed city like Fort Collins, there’s always room for beer at the table. The dark hue of my slightly tart, barrel-aged imperial brown ale from the nearby Jessup Farm Barrel House adds a nice contrast to the bright and gooey, icing-covered plate of donuts in the center of the table. Pretty pops of color from fresh raspberries and vivd slivers of lemon peel on the baked treat demand attention and admiration in the busy room. I take a bite, then a sip, and savor the tart, yet sweet complement of flavors. If boozy beer brunches are the norm in Fort Collins, just consider me a local.

Photo Location: The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends. 

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/postcards-weekend-boozy-breakfast/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Colorado, Craft Beer, Travel
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8 SKI-THEMED CRAFT BREWS TO STASH IN YOUR COOLER THIS SEASON

Tyra Sutak March 4, 2018

Crushable beers inspired by ski culture and bearing names like Pils-gnar and Yard Sale are no-brainers when it comes reaching for a handcrafted après beverage. From pale ales to stouts, check out these 8 ski-themed craft beers to stash in your cooler this season.

TGR Pils-gnar | Melvin Brewing

Melvin Brewing is based in one of the most iconic ski towns in the country, so you know they have a crushable, ski-inspired beer in their line-up — like this recently-released collaboration with Teton Gravity Research. The Pils-gnar has all of the characteristics of a refreshing, easy-drinking pilsner, is sold in 6-packs, comes with its own Spotify playlist, and is “inspired by, and built for, those who shred gnar.”4.5% ABV; melvinbrewing.com

Out of Bounds Stout | Avery Brewing Company

One of Avery’s popular year-round offerings, Out of Bounds is a dry stout packed with big flavor. Hersbruker and Bravo hops add an extra layer of flavor to the already full-bodied brew, and at 6.3 percent ABV, it’s still easy-drinking enough to sip on between runs for snow enthusiasts that like to carve their own path. 6.3% ABV; averybrewing.com

Face Down Brown | Telluride Brewing Company

Whether you’ve ever been to a ski resort or not, chances are you’ve most likely heard of Telluride Brewing’s Face Down Brown. This beer is one of the most beloved beers in the state of Colorado, and it just so happens to get it’s name from some of those yard sale moments often seen on the hill. Rich and nutty flavors from toffee and chocolate are balanced out by a trio of hops in this award-winning American Brown Ale. 5.7% ABV; telluridebrewingco.com

In the Steep IPA | Outer Range Brewing Co.

Aptly named, Outer Range’s In the Steep New England-Style IPA resembles a hazy, powdery day on the slopes. Citra, on Citra, on Citra hops give this bright beer its tropical and fruity flavor. Sold in 4-packs, this buzzed-about Summit County brew can also be found on tap at the Frisco-based brewery, conveniently located just off of I-70…6.9% ABV; outerrange.com

Yard Sale Winter Lager | Uinta Brewing

We’ve all been there. The artwork on Unita’s Yard Sale Winter Lager alone will take you back to your worst yard sale moment on the slopes. Although it only weighs in at 4 percent ABV, this Vienna lager boasts earthy notes from its hop profile, which is rounded out nicely with the slightly sweet flavors of honey and caramel. 4%ABV; uintabrewing.com

Little Mo’ Porter | Elevation Beer Co.

The Little Mo’ Porter gets its name from one of this Chaffee County brewery’s favorite ski runs at the local resort of Monarch Mountain. A Robust Porter, the Little Mo’ is laced with chocolate and coffee notes and is the perfect hearty, malt-forward accompaniment to warm up with on a frigid powder day.
6% ABV; elevationbeerco.com

Mounds of Snow Oatmeal Milk Stout | Vail Brewing Company

There’s nothing quite like cracking open a hearty stout after a day on the mountain. Vail Brewing Company’s Mounds of Snow Oatmeal Milk Stout has all of the characteristics of a comforting post-ride stout. It’s sweet and toasty from a toasted coconut and cacao nibs combo, and oh-so-smooth and creamy. Find it on tap at the brewery, or pick up a 32 ounce Crowler to stash in your cooler for later. 5.4% ABV; vailbrewingco.com

This Season’s Blonde Pale Ale | Aspen Brewing Company

Part of Aspen Brewing Company’s Silver Queen Series, This Season’s Blonde is a classic English-style Pale Ale, inspired by the brewery’s first seasonal offering — the Spring Blonde Wheat Ale — which was released in 2008. This Season’s Blonde is citrusy and floral, yet balanced by a wheat and honey flavor. This tried-and-true classic should be a staple every time you hit the slopes in the Aspen/Snowmass area. 5.6% ABV; aspenbrewingcompany.com

Source: https://www.elevationoutdoors.com/8-ski-themed-craft-brews-stash-cooler-season-2/
In Elevation Outdoors Mag Tags Skiing, Beer, Craft Beer, Colorado
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