Colorado Podcasts Telluride Travel: Colorado Podcasts Telluride Travel
by maribeth
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Service Travel: Two Different Approaches
Erin and Some of "Her Kids" in Nepal
With all the flack recently about Greg Mortenson’s “Three Cups of Tea,” I thought it was due time to post the Travel Fun interview I conducted a couple of months ago on service travel. In it I discuss with Erin Guttenplan, founder of Edge of Seven, and Sharon Shuteran, local Tellurider and service travel worker extraordinaire, the merits of helping out in far-flung lands in a variety of capacities. As unfortunate as the news is regarding Mr. Mortenson’s supposed wrong-doings, I don’t think anyone wants to see those in need around the world suffer from this firestorm.
It Takes a Village (And Lots of Tea!)
“I’m a firm believer in the power of travel and the power of educational travel,” says Erin, founder of Denver-based Edge of Seven. Their current focus is building a dorm in a rural part of Nepal, so that forty girls can continue their education. They take volunteers from every skill set on their two-week programs, one of which was completed by a friend of mine last June. “These experiences, while challenging, are incredibly rewarding,” Erin emphasizes in the interview. More projects are scheduled for departure the end of May and June; check out Edge of Seven to see how you can become involved in this unique form of voluntourism.
Sharon Instructing in Her Bhutan Cleft Care Project Job
Sharon Shuteran, our judge here in T-ride, became involved in service travel, primarily in Bhutan and other parts of southeast Asia, through a personal contact. She has worked as a non-medical coordinator for the Bhutan Cleft Care Project for the past few years and organizes most of her travels herself. In our interview, she talks about how you can find volunteer positions by contacting organizations directly or on facebook and other forms of social media. Sharon, a “freelance service worker” of sorts stresses that you can create your own program without signing up for an organized trip. Wow, now that’s what I call an intrepid traveler!
“You connect more to people when you’re working there,” Sharon says. “I get more out of it than I give,” she continues. Clearly there’s a lot to be said for “getting outside of yourself.” Click on the link below to hear more from these two dedicated women.
Click to play the Service Travel program
Know that both Erin Guttenplan and Sharon Sharon would be happy to hear from you regarding service travel. You can reach Sharon through facebook.
Sharon On the Road Again (Hey, No Talking on the Cell Phone While Driving!)
Being Green Colorado Podcasts Telluride Telluride Festivals Travel: Being Green Colorado Podcasts Telluride Telluride Festivals Travel
by maribeth
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Bag It and Green Travel
Suzan and the Bag Monster
In honor of Earth Day, next Friday, April 22, I wanted to once again draw your attention to “Bag It,” the award-winning documentary produced and directed by Telluride local Suzan Beraza. April is also an important month for this informative and highly entertaining film since this is when PBS has chosen to make it available to their viewers.
I sat down with Suzan last fall and interviewed her for Travel Fun, my talk radio show on travel. I highly encourage you to click on the link below to listen to what Suzan says about “Bag It” and why we should all pay more attention to our consumption and use of plastic. There’s no lecturing in this movie—or in the interview for that matter—but Suzan and her work (as well as my chat with her!) politely reveal that plastic doesn’t just go away. Where is away anyway? In honor of Earth Day, which I try to celebrate every day of the year, please listen to our interview by clicking on the below link.
Click to play the Suzan Beraza interview
If you tuned in to the interview, you should now be on your way to realizing that buying water in a plastic bottle is a silly concept. Suzan started “Bag It” by making a short film about the plastic bag challenge between Aspen and Telluride a few years ago. Her project grew in scope as she discovered to what extent plastic impacts our environment. “Bag It” began with plastic bags and then expanded to reveal how single-use items such as plastic forks wreak havoc in our world. It follows one man’s journey, played byTelluride local, Jeb Berrier, as he learns more about plastic, how it’s unhealthy for us and the environment.
Cutting down on our consumption of plastic and being green overall can sometimes be challenging. The task often becomes an even taller order while traveling. But in all cases, the reward is great and isn’t it our duty to at least try to be better stewards of our environment? In our interview, Suzan chats about her experiences traveling the world, promoting “Bag It.” Be sure to tune in to hear some of her observations about how other countries are faring in their efforts to be green. We also share how all of us can become more eco-friendly travelers.
Colorado Podcasts Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride: Colorado Podcasts Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride
by maribeth
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Why Telluride
Telluride Ski Resort Backdropped by the Majestic San Juan Mountains of the Rockies
Here it is the last week of the ski season here at Telluride, the ski resort where I work and play. It’s hard to believe—it always comes way too fast. And we’re going out in full glory since it’s been snowing lots this past week and there’s more in the forecast. That’s always how it goes it seems. If you have the chance, take those extra vacation days off from work and hit the slopes as many days as possible. If not, start planning your stay for next year since Telluride Ski Resort truly is tops in the country.
Dave Riley
I sat down with Dave Riley, the ski area’s CEO, during the height of the season and interviewed him for my Travel Fun radio show. Click on the link below to listen to that program and to hear both of us chat about why T-ride is so great.
Click to play the Dave Riley interview
I’ve also composed a list of my top ten reasons why Telluride Ski Resort has so much appeal. Believe me, it was hard limiting the selling points to ten and if you’re lucky enough to experience our mountain, you’ll understand why.
My T-ride Top Ten
You’ll be dazzled by the scenery.
The mountain boasts a great variety of terrain for all levels of skiers.
Telluride Ski & Snowboard School consistently rates as one of the top ski schools in the country. It’s a great teaching mountain.
Skiing Bushwacker, One of T-ride’s Renowned Steeps
You’ll be in awe of some of the longest and steepest groomed runs in America.
Telluride Ski Resort dazzles experts with some of the best hike-to and side-country skiing in the country.
Just Like in the Alps: Gold Hill Stairs
Lift lines are practically nonexistent.
The lifties are both super friendly and cool. In fact everyone that works at Telluride Ski Resort sports an incredibly welcoming and service-oriented attitude.
In T-ride, you’ll discover a strong ski culture that makes it anything but a cookie-cutter resort. Indeed, the dining, lodging and shopping experiences in the town of Telluride and Telluride Mountain Village are both world-class and authentic.
Chairlift rides here offer spectacular ski shows, punctuated by stellar skiers and boarders carving up the hill.
A free gondola links the historic mining town of Telluride to the base of the ski resort and the town of Mountain Village.
Telluride’s Gondola By Night
Check out this video for a lovely glimpse of winter in Telluride.
For more of my own impressions of Telluride Ski Resort, check out Telluride Ski Resort is Tantamount to Fun, Winter in Telluride: Loving the Snow, Training and Turns, Family Fun Facilitators, Snowboardcross World Cup: Telluride Goes International, Playing Tourist in T-ride, Ski Instructors in Training: Precision Skiing 201, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Thank you to the Telluride Ski Resort, Brad Foley, Gus Gusciora and Ben Eng for the above images.
Please note that as of fall 2012, Dave Riley is no longer involved with the Telluride Ski Resort. The information presented above, however, is still quite accurate.
Colorado Fashion & Style Mountain Living Shopping Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride The Rockies: Colorado Fashion & Style Mountain Living Shopping Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride The Rockies
by maribeth
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Spring Fever Hits Colorado Big-Time
Spring Fun in Colorful Colorado
Oh, how I love spring in Colorado. At least early spring, since mud season can sometimes get you down come late April/early May.
We’ve been enjoying glorious spring skiing conditions the past couple of weeks. Many of the ski areas have adjusted their hours to make the best of the longer days and the mountain has been packed with a cavalcade of spring breakers that have enjoyed the twin benefits of beach-y days on glistening slopes. Locals lost no time in breaking out their panoply of flowered shirts and brightly-colored garb and accessories, adding to the already festive atmosphere that reigns come March at the most happening ski destinations of the country.
Spring Green in Aspen During Today's Storm
Much of the Colorado ski resorts were blanketed with a glorious snowfall two weeks ago and now just in time for the next wave of spring breakers due to arrive this weekend, we’re delighting in another fabulous dump. Indeed our first day of spring welcomed wonderful wintry weather, just the sort of thing you want to see at a ski resort the third week of March. And since March and April are among the snowiest months in Colorado, I suggest you put a fresh wax on your skis and boards and plan to hit the Rockies at its finest hour. Remember to pack some of your most vibrant attire for these sun-soaked days. And since a storm can blow in at any time, be sure to be prepared for great swings in weather. Layering is always essential.
Cinnamon Wear Base Layers
Some of My Favorite Things for this Year’s Spring Skiing
Cinnamon Wear Base Layers
Any snowsports enthusiast worth his or her turns dips into a nice assortment of base layers from expedition weight to mid-weight to lightweight before heading out on the hill. I used to don silks for super warm spring days until recently when I discovered Cinnamon Wear, original clothing made of bamboo fabric for men, women and children. It’s super soft, anti-bacterial, fast drying and unbelievably breathable—perfect for remaining fresh well into après-ski. The material is so magical, in fact, that you can wear these base layers several days in a row before having to toss them in the dirty laundry. (That’s right—you’ll find them to be odor free. Vraiment incroyable!) The base layer tops fit so well and look so good that you’ll likely wear them out and about in town. Here’s the added plus: Cinnamon Wear, homegrown in Telluride, Colorado, was created by a local gal who clearly reveres life and the world in which we live.
Oakley's Golden All-Mountain Glove
Oakley Eyewear and Accessories
We all know that Oakley is synonymous with topnotch sunglasses and goggles, but did you know that this superlative brand produces other killer accessories as well? Their gloves, for example, exude the same fashion forward look as their eyewear. Men and women are sure to make them must-haves, especially for spring skiing. Some of the models are so style-y you’ll want to wear them out for a night on the town. Only at the chic resorts, of course. Make sure you outfit yourself in a pair of their top-of-the-line sunglasses and goggles first though. I can’t say enough about proper eye protection on the slopes. Did you know that the sun is stronger on the slopes of Colorado in March than at most beaches? Way stronger. Forget about those cheap-o dime store shades that look oh-so cool. I guarantee you that your eyes will be burning and tearing up all night long. Yes, you can get a sunburn on your eyes as well. Fit should also be a key consideration when choosing eyewear, particularly for goggles. I like the feel of being in my own little bubble behind my Polarized Crowbar Snow goggles from Oakley. Their moisture wicking triple-layer face foam feels comfy on both warm and chilly days. There’s no such thing as vision distortion, haze or fog with these gems. Why, I think they’ve even taken my skiing up a notch as well. As I often say to my students at Ski School, If it feels good, it looks good. With Oakley, this motto seems to work both ways.
Know that a lot of Colorado ski resorts remain open well into April and many offer great deals on both lodging and lift tickets. Check out Skiing and Spa Going: Part One in Vail, Skiing and Spa Going: Part Two in Aspen and March Madness Runs into April for more stories about spring in Colorado.
An Unbeatable Après-Ski Experience: The Sundeck on Aspen Mountain
Thank you to Aspen/Snowmass, Biege Jones, Dave Amirault, Jeremy Swanson for the above ski shots. Thank you also to Cinnamon Wear and Oakley for their images.
Colorado Hotels & Lodging Pot Pourri Shopping Spas Telluride: Colorado Hotels & Lodging Pot Pourri Shopping Spas Telluride
by maribeth
Comments Off on Valentine’s Love: Great Deals for Public Radio
Valentine’s Love: Great Deals for Public Radio
Wrapped in Red at the New Sheridan Hotel
Here’s an opportunity for twofold love. Snatch up a great deal on travel and treats while supporting community radio. I’ve listed some exciting gifts below that you can give your Valentine and at the same time you’ll be showing support for KOTO, our homegrown NPR station here in Telluride, Colorado. All proceeds from these gifts benefit KOTO. You’ll notice that you don’t even have to go to T-ride to take advantage of them. All you have to do is contact me with your pledge and I’ll let you know if you’re the lucky recipient of these fine premiums. It’s first come, first served, so go ahead and e-mail me your choice along with your contact information and I’ll let you know if you’ve scored a great Valentine’s gift for your sweetie.
Colorado Denver Outdoor Adventures Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride: Denver Outdoor Adventures Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride
by maribeth
Comments Off on Gotta Love Colorado
Gotta Love Colorado
Ready, Get Set, Go!
It’s not every day you see the above scene in a major city. Indeed, Denver’s Big Air event marked the first city-based World Cup big air happening in the U.S. Leave it to Denver, the mile-high city and gateway to the Rockies. Dutch rider Rocco Van Straten wooed a crowd of 14,000, taking leap after leap on this giant course to win the Snowboard FIS World Cup last night. You can view coverage of the competition this weekend on NBC.
Denver's Towering 106-Foot High Slope---Why Not?
Colorado boasts a lot of firsts, in fact, especially when it comes to snowsports. This year’s X Games, which began today in Aspen, showcase three events—ski halfpipe and snowboard and ski slopestyle—that will likely become added to the 2014 Winter Olympics. Check out the story in Tuesday’s New York Times. It’s not the first time this has happened and I’m sure it won’t be the last.
I better tell my ski instructor/snowbiking buddy, Dave Valentine, to perfect his skills. Heck, both skiing and cycling are Olympic sports—why not snowbiking?
You can snowbike in Telluride with an instructor—or go out on your own once you’ve gone with an instructor. Contact Telluride Ski & Snowboard School to line up a lesson. I’ve actually taught many snowbike lessons myself; they’re terrific fun and a great equalizer if you have people of different (ski or snowboard) abilities looking to go out and play on the mountain together for a few hours.
Thank you to Oliver Kraus and Tom Kelly, from FIS and U.S. Snowboarding, for the use of the above images.
Colorado Hotels & Lodging Spas Telluride: Hotels & Lodging Spas Telluride
by maribeth
Comments Off on Camel’s Garden Hotel: A Telluride Favorite
Camel’s Garden Hotel: A Telluride Favorite
The Gondola and Camel’s Garden Hotel Backdropped by Telluride’s Majestic Peaks
I love boutique hotels. Our Colorado mountain towns are blessed with a number of them and in Telluride, Camel’s Garden Hotel is one of my favorites. It offers the whole package for assuring a heartwarming stay in our beautiful Victorian town: great location at the base of the gondola, large, brightly-colored rooms and condos, personalized service and a variety of amenities. The breakfast room is so pleasant and welcoming that you’ll want to hang around for a second cup of coffee. No problem since there are two lifts to chose from (including the gondola) right outside your door. As for après ski or late-night stargazing, guests at Camel’s Garden enjoy the privilege of experiencing one of the best hot tubs in town, one of the best in the West, in fact. Frankly I’d stay here just for the use of the tub which is really more of a small pool from which you can take in killer views.
Colorado Mountain Living Shopping Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride The Rockies: Colorado Mountain Living Shopping Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride The Rockies
by maribeth
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Baby It’s Cold Outside
Columbia’s Reach the Peak Omni-Heat Down Jacket
Brrrrrrr. There’s no doubt about it—it’s January here in the Rockies. We had brutally cold weather over New Year’s, then a bit of a reprieve, and now the thermometer has dipped way low again the past couple of days and nights. And I love it! These frigid temperatures are ideal for preserving our snow as well as our hearty mountain-dweller spirit. (Chilly days on the hill make for even more cozy nights at home.)
You must, however, be prepared for such frosty weather since there’s no fooling around with mother nature. I had my coldest day on the mountain (ever!) in Telluride over New Year’s, yet I more than endured it by dressing properly and taking lots of hot chocolate breaks. Temperatures hovered around zero much of the time, creating a misty, ethereal effect unlike anything I had ever experienced on the slopes. I never would have ventured out on such glacial days on my own, but since I was booked for private lessons with familiar clients, my ski instructor duties kicked in. (And boy, was I glad it did or else I would have missed a very magical moment on the mountain.)
