Colorado Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride: Colorado Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride
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Telluride Women’s Week: Skiing and Fun for the Ladies
Telluride Women's Week: Giving "Girls' Ski Trip" New Meaning
Rebecca and Me
It’s Women’s Week in Telluride this week, a super program of ski instruction and special events designed specifically for women. I taught skiing to three lovely ladies during the January Women’s Week and we all had a most memorable time. There’s one more Women’s Week program this year in March, so act fast and sign up for the time of your life.
Telluride Women’s Week was the first program of its kind in Colorado when it was founded thirty years ago. If you like the idea of girl power and fun, this is a great way to embrace skiing in one of the most spectacular resorts of the country.
Here’s what some of the ladies from the January program said they like about Telluride Women’s Week:
“The camaraderie.” Sandy, from Flagstaff, Arizona
“Skiing with a wonderful group of female instructors—it’s a fun way to learn.” Lee, from Flagstaff, Arizona
“The actual skiing part that pushed me to challenge myself.” Natalie, from Weston, Massachusetts
“As a mom, I never take the time to do for myself what I do for my kids, especially in terms of ski lessons. The gentle instruction helped me to conquer my fears.” Kyle, from Atlanta, Georgia
“I liked the simplified instruction that enabled me to have a running tape in my head about what to do. I liked being pushed in a safe manner. Very empowering.” Susan, from Atlanta, Georgia
“I am a totally different person than I was three days ago (at the start of the program). Now I ski bumps and the steeps.” Sheila, from Flagstaff, Arizona
“It’s the support with a bunch of other women. You try things you wouldn’t in a mixed group. It’s nice to have (only) female instructors, too.” Joy from Plano, Texas
“The flexibility. That the instruction caters more to you.” Rebecca, from Wylie, Texas
“It felt a lot more personal than just coming to take regular ski lessons. It builds camaraderie. Plus girls are fun.” Kim, from Seattle, Washington
“The common purpose of those few days. It’s a great opportunity to work with thirty other women, all seeking the same thing: to ski better and to enjoy the moment. How often does that happen?” Maggie, from Wilmette, Illinois
At the Mountaintop with Maggie and Kim
For me, it was just another experience that helped me to grow as a person and as an instructor. Thank you to all the ladies for your commitment and enthusiasm. And thank you to Annie Savath for starting such a program thirty years ago and to Fawnda Rogers for keeping it alive today.
Remember, girls rule!
Morning Warm Up Conducted by Annie, Telluride Women's Week Founder
Thank you to Elevation Imaging for showing up to capture some of our more memorable moments (featured in this story as group shots). Elevation Imaging has very talented photographers positioned all over the mountain in Telluride to take all kinds of posed and action shots in some of the most scenic settings imaginable. The shoot is free—you just pay for the prints or digital images you wish to order after viewing them in their photo shop located at the base of the mountain.
Valentine for a Lovely Lady One Hundred Years Young
Aunt Rose and Me During One of Her Many B-day Celebrations
“Work hard. Be busy doing something. Keep your mind going. Keep interested in things.”
Rose Cronin, on the eve of her 100th birthday
I’ve been thinking about these words of wisdom a lot lately. I believe on some level, we’re all looking for the secret to life, the magic formula that will help us to live long, happy and productive lives. So these days if I feel a bit woeful or underwhelmed by what I’ve accomplished in my day, I think about my Aunt Rose, my Dad’s older sister. I consider what has been motivating her all these years.
Aunt Rose turned one hundred early this month. She still lives alone although an array of devoted family members and friends look in on her daily. And when I rang her up on the eve of her milestone birthday, she informed me that she planned to go back to work at the hospital a few days a week come March. (She takes a breather during the dead of winter since driving in the northeast where she lives can be dicey during this time. Rose gave up driving two years ago yet is still considerate of others.)
Since 1978, Rose Cronin (née Clemente) has devoted more than 83,500 hours of community service to St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy, NY, mostly at the hospital’s gift shop which was recently renamed Rose’s Gift Gallery. She worked more than twenty-two years as the shop’s manager and now enjoys a hopefully less stressful position selling raffle tickets to passersby outside of the Gallery. Who could refuse a sweet, little old lady? In the last ten years, my Aunt Rose has raised over $100,000 to help with the purchase of much-needed equipment for the hospital’s emergency room from the sale of raffle tickets alone.
“A lot of people make one hundred today. Years ago it was a novelty,” Aunt Rose says during our phone conversation. Still though I’m sure she realizes the significance of such an event as she expressed much appreciation for how thoughtful everyone has been about remembering her birthday. We chatted about the big surprise party the hospital put on for her birthday and the seemingly endless stream of cards and flowers that had been arriving at her door.
“I’ll send something to you more toward the end of the month, Aunt Rose,” I told her. “I don’t want you to experience a letdown and suddenly find your mailbox empty, “ I added. We laughed and then it occurred to me that maybe that was silly since this was surely one lady that didn’t let a letdown get her down.
She has been a great inspiration for me over the years for her solid work ethic, her love and concern for people overall, her openness and her passion for the written word. She visited me in Paris over two decades ago with other family members reaffirming something I’d already suspected: she possesses a curiosity and zest for life that surpasses the geographic boundaries she has known most of her life. That transatlantic trip was huge for her since the bulk of her travels has been through books. As an avid reader, Aunt Rose has encouraged my writing pursuits more than I could ever imagine, especially from someone that lived through the vast challenges of the Depression. Even more surprisingly, she even seems to “get” that I’m enjoying this new phase as a ski instructor.
After nearly an hour’s chat, it felt like it was time to sign off. I expressed my love for her and wished her a wonderful birthday.
She did the same to me and added, “Have a great day and keep it going!”
Clearly that’s the spirit that makes one live well to a hundred. I wish you many more happy birthdays, dear Aunt Rose, one heck of a sunny Valentine.
For more on Rose, check out:
Hospital Volunteer Rose Cronin, 100 Honored (includes video)
Longtime Volunteer, 99-Year-Old Rose Cronin Celebrated for Life, Generosity
Fashion & Style Food & Wine Shopping: Fashion & Style Food & Wine Shopping
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Valentine’s Shopping Recommendations
Telluride Truffle's Velvet Heart
Austrian Gem Heart and Chain from Alpen Schatz
Now that the Super Bowl is behind us, it’s time to focus on love. Yes, that’s right I’m talking about Valentine’s Day and you still have time to order a special something online for your sweetie, your mom or dad, your daughter who’s away at school, your mother-in-law or that dear friend you want to remember. There’s no need to fuss, just go ahead and let my handpicked selection of purveyors send the package off for you.
Telluride Truffle has earned my affection with their medium velvet heart filled with incredibly beautiful and delicious hand painted, glossy chocolates. Ruth’s Toffee, another local favorite, continues to rate as my all-time favorite for toffee. Type in promo code Bonjour in the coupon box for Telluride Truffle and mention Bonjour Colorado to Ruth to receive a 10% discount on online orders.
A Bevy of Hearts from Alpen Schatz
Looking to really make a statement? Select an Austrian Gemstone Heart from Alpen Schatz, a European-styled boutique and online shopping emporium based in Telluride. Colorado. These precious gem hearts come in three different sizes in a variety of stones including rose quartz, crushed crystal, onyx, turquoise and more. Handcrafted by a master jeweler in Salzburg, Austria, these heirloom-quality treasures surely show your love for this Valentine’s and forever. If you’re working off of a smaller budget, consider Alpen Schatz’s Italian silk scarves and alpine scarf ornaments, also offered in a variety of colors and styles. Type in Bonjour upon check out to receive a 10% discount on online orders.
And let’s not forget or pets—we love them, too, right? Like crazy. Alpen Schatz also features a ton of gift ideas for your pooches from high-end Swiss dog collars to all-natural Italian shampoos. (The owner is actually jetting off to set up a boutique at the Westminster Dog Show as I write this.) Be sure to type in Bonjour to receive your special discount.
Purrfect Play also offers a 10% discount to Bonjour Colorado shoppers and I am happy to declare them as my number one choice for organic, natural, dog and cat toys that will keep your babies entertained for hours. For more information about Purrfect Play and the above online boutiques, consult my Online Shopping Page.
Now for the guys. Don’t let them be a problem and by all means, don’t forget them. Remember Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the ladies. Whatever you do, I suggest you send off the package with a touching note—isn’t that what matters most?
Selective Spices from Savory Spice Store
Seasonings for the Soul Gift Package
You can use some variation of “you spice up my life” by sending your special guy (or gal) a gift from Savory Spice Shop, a Colorado-based company that clearly puts a lot of love and creativity into their spice blends. With names such as Colorado Plateau Citrus Pepper, Summit County Seasoning and Table Mountain All-Purpose Seasoning, this company gives Colorado cooking new meaning. And if your special guy doesn’t cook, why not consider Savory Spice Shop’s salt & pepper mills? (My ex-boyfriend still talks about a pepper mill my mom gave him when we were together. Some gifts do provide lifetime memories, even for ex-boyfriends.)
Herlocher's Dipping Mustard: The Center of Every Party
Guys like mustard, too. And I’ve found some of the most flavorful at Herlocher Foods. Herlocher’s Dipping Mustard will make a bag of pretzels or a bunch of brats disappear faster than you can say touchdown. It’s more sweet than hot, so it can also be used as a terrific ingredient for jazzing up dressings and marinades. Here, too, this gift gives you full license to develop the “you spice up my life theme” in your love note.
Delectable and Affirming Treats from Good Karmal
Concannon Conservancy Chardonnay
Let’s get back to the sweet stuff though, since even guys like sugary confections. You can get real gooey with your writing by sending off some all natural, flavored caramels from Good Karmal. These fabulously good caramels come wrapped in positive quotations, sure to sweeten everyone’s lives. Caramel flavors include vanilla, chocolate, café, sea salt and the oh-so peppery chipotle. Yum!
Wine is always a good choice—for men and women. Concannon Conservancy wines remain my favorite for great value and superior taste. I recently tried their Chardonnay which I found to be rich, complex and buttery-good. In buying the Concannon Conservancy wines, you’re helping to protect precious Livermore Valley vineyard land from urban development. Fellas might prefer Concannon Conservancy Crimson & Clover, a memorable red wine that I’ve written about before. Who could resist receiving a nice bottle of wine, a card and perhaps a single red rose for Valentine’s Day? Concannon wines are widely distributed throughout the U.S., so there’s no excuse for not coming up with the goods.
Glenn Foster, Founder of Talon Wine Brands
For a nectar that speaks more of Colorado and yes, romance, I suggest you dial up the folks at St. Kathryn Cellars and order some of their fruit wines such as Peach Passion, Blueberry Bliss or Strawberry Rhubarb. I tried the latter and loved it (and I’m not a huge fan of sweet wine). To me, the Strawberry Rhubarb tasted like part grandma’s pie, part Rosé de Provence—délicieux. Serve it with a pork roast or a slice of chocolate cake and you and your hunny will surely be over the moon. St. Kathryn Cellars and Talon Wine Brands is including a free 1/2 pound of their homemade fudge with the purchase of three bottles of wine as a Valentine’s Special. Offer valid with phone orders, by e-mail and in their tasting room in Palisade, a lovely little town to visit year-round. I’ve tasted their fudge as well and it’s extraordinary, creamy good and rich in flavor.
Here’s wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day and mountains of love all year-round!
Please note that I sample many different products and research all kinds of goods, however, I only report on the ones that I feel are truly wonderful in terms of taste (when that applies), appearance, function, packaging and price/quality relationship. Keep in mind that I’ve written four books on shopping and touring in France, so I have high standards for quality and charm. Feel free to share any recommendations that fit this criteria that you think might be of interest to me.
Silk Scarves and Scarf Ornaments from Alpen Schatz: Remember that Hearts and Flowers Make Most Girls Melt
Podcasts Romance & Relationships Travel Writing & Books: Podcasts Romance & Relationships Travel Writing & Books
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Dr. Pepper Schwartz on Sex, Travel and Fun
Dr. Pepper Schwartz
I interviewed Dr. Pepper Schwartz on my Travel Fun radio show a few years ago. In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d post this program here as a podcast, especially since most people I know are still looking for ways to spice up their lives at home and while traveling. As the co-author of “The Great Sex Weekend” and a nationally-recognized authority on sexuality, Dr. Pepper Schwartz knows how to speak intelligently about finding a healthy combination of sex, travel and fun. And if you tune in to our interview below, you’ll learn that romance plays a big role in a couple’s connection as well. (Did you hear that guys?)
“Every couple needs to get away to refocus on each other,” Dr. Schwartz emphasizes. “It’s important to remember they’re lovers and that they can surprise and delight each other,” she continues. If you go away, it’s a way of saying you’re going to focus on each other, Dr. Schwartz explains.
In our interview you learn that just getting away isn’t enough. (Sorry guys.) No, there’s so much more to a getaway including planning, packing and well, a bit of teasing. Anticipation plays a big role and if you do this right, you’ll reap the benefits from your getaway tenfold. Here are some of Dr. Schwartz’s recommendations:
-Figure out TOGETHER what is right for you in terms of hotel and destination choice. (Maybe that charming B & B—with thin walls—might not be such a good choice after all.)
-Discuss what you want to do together (and maybe separately) before you go away. (One round of golf for him might be O.K. as long as she can hit the spa.)
-Consider visiting a sex shop or lingerie boutique together before you leave town. (This gives packing new meaning!)
-Talk, plan, titillate to give your eventual trip added zest.
“Plan it so that there are no false notes,” Dr. Schwartz says.
In the below interview, Dr. Schwartz also mentions some favorite hotels and resorts that she recommends for especially romantic getaways and how you can create their special ambiances at home. She gives “eye-gazing,” for example, new meaning.
Definitely tune in.
Click on the play button below to listen to my interview with Dr. Pepper Schwartz.
Note that Dr. Pepper Schwartz is in the midst of writing a romantic travel book for Frommer’s and AARP, so I’ll be sure to do another story on her when that book is published.
Colorado Denver Hotels Travel: Colorado Denver Hotels Travel
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Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park: A Refuge in the Storm
Radiant Warmth at the Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park
Talk about walloped. Wow, Denver was hit hard with this last snowstorm that pummeled Colorado. Here in the mountains, most of us were lucky to eek out a few inches from this major dump. But Denver and the outlying region was buried in up to two feet of snow in some areas.
I can’t imagine the mayhem at Denver International Airport (DIA) where over six hundred flights were cancelled. And just because it’s Colorado, don’t think they’re any better equipped to deal with such a storm than other major airports. I’m sure people were holed up in airport hotels for days. That’s if they could find a room in the first place!
It’s in anticipation of these circumstances and others that I’m forever recommending people spend a night or two in Denver, or at DIA, when traveling to Colorado, especially in the winter. Why stress out? Also, I think it helps a lot to stay in the mile-high city—or at DIA—one night before reaching elevations of over 7,500 feet in the mountains. If you’re on your way home, it’s nice just to relax and catch your breath before flying out, particularly if you have an early morning departure.
Soothing Calm Away from the Fray
The problem is that some of these airport hotels feel stale and dated, not the sort of atmosphere you want to take in at either the beginning or the end of a trip. This is certainly not the case at the Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park, an inviting property that truly inspires relaxation and calm. Style-y guest rooms exude luxury in everything from deluxe bed linens to sleek and efficient work stations. Dining at the hotel’s Gateway Bistro also offers a superlative experience above and beyond typical airport hotel restaurants. (Even folks from the surrounding area come here to dine either for a night out or for events such as a Mother’s Day Brunch.)
Yesterday I began to hear rumbles about a “mother of a storm” off California that some are claiming will bring some significant weather to Colorado within these next ten days. The snow dance drums have begun to beat once again. Let’s hope the Rockies get hit hard this time and that Denver is spared. Although if you want to play it safe, reserve a night at Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park—one on your way in for acclimatization and one on your way out to avoid any potential upsets. Remember that out snowiest weeks of the season are yet to come and it’s no fun to be stranded out in the cold.
For hotel recommendations within Denver, go to my Faves Page where you’ll find some of my favorites.
