Colorado Mountain Living Outdoor Adventures Podcasts Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride The Rockies Travel: Colorado Mountain Living Outdoor Adventures Podcasts Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride The Rockies Travel
by maribeth
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Ryder-Walker: Global Trekking Specialists
Trekking in the French Alps with Ryder-Walker
It should come as no surprise that we have one of the world’s best alpine adventure companies based here in Telluride, Colorado. Our surrounding peaks rival the mightiest of the Alps, so it’s no wonder that Peter Walker, founder and president of Ryder-Walker alpine adventures feels right at home in our mountain town. Here he has also enjoyed a great rapport with the Telluride Ski & Snowboard School for many years, a fruitful relationship that has enabled him to enlist some of their top instructors as Ryder-Walker guides year-round. “We have the passion of an insider and an outsider,” Peter told me during a recent Travel Fun interview, referring to his company’s approach and philosophy both in the Alps and in Telluride.
Peter Schussing at the Matterhorn
Peter and head guide, Ken Fuhrer, talk with me in the below podcast about how Ryder-Walker has grown over the past twenty-seven years and why it consistently ranks as a top travel company among discerning travelers. National Geographic, in fact, has rated Ryder-Walker as one of the top ten best outfitters on earth. “We bring a very fresh perspective to everything we do,” Peter explains in the interview. This, combined with a depth of knowledge about the Alps and other destinations they feature on their tours, has assured them a devoted following partly made up of clients that have been taking trips with them for years. Kenny, a top ski instructor, emphasizes the adventure as a whole. “It’s the group experience that makes it so special,” he says in the interview, explaining how people feel about themselves and others at the beginning and then at the end of the trip. I’ve known these guys for a number of years through Telluride Ski & Snowboard School and I can tell you that in addition to being highly skilled mountain guides, they’re fun, enthusiastic, great people-persons and highly professional.
Trekking season is winding down in the Alps but it’s a good time to start planning for next year since many of the Ryder-Walker tours fill up fast. They offer a terrific trek in and around Telluride in the fall and a tour to the desert Southwest in the spring. Their success has lead them to create tours and programs in far reaching countries such as Slovenia, India and Bhutan as well. I was happy to learn that there are rumblings about Ireland, too. Know that Ryder-Walker can set you up with many self-guided hikes and no special request has proven too tall for them. (Champagne toasts roped down to a client on a high peak have become almost commonplace for these adventure specialists.)
Two Great Guides: Daniel Sundqvist and Kenny Fuhrer
Listen to the below interview to hear more about this dynamic company. Peter also talks about how he recently came to create a unique relationship with PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America). Yes, with side country skiing growing and pushing all kinds of boundaries, it’s no wonder PSIA asked Ryder-Walker to become a member school. Someone needs to instruct all those instructors!
Kenny also talks about Alpenglow Ski Safaris and Telluride Mountain Guides, two sister companies of Ryder-Walker that also offer some fantastic opportunities for being expertly guided through the mountains.
Click on the play button below to listen to our interview.
Break Time in the Italian Alps with Ryder-Walker
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Aspen Colorado Hotels & Lodging Music & Dance Restaurants Skiing & Snowboarding The Rockies: Aspen Colorado Hotels & Lodging Music & Dance Restaurants Skiing & Snowboarding The Rockies
by maribeth
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Aspen/Snowmass Lodging and Dining Picks for this Summer
The Viceroy Pool at Snowmass: You’d Think It’s Saint-Tropez
I often feel that Vail has tons of hotels to choose from whereas Aspen’s selection seems more limited. That’s just my opinion. Aspen is smaller than Vail in any event. And in Aspen—especially at Snowmass—I think a lot of people like to rent big, luxury homes.
Kissing Kiddies at the Viceroy
There’s still more than enough lodging options to choose from though, particularly since some terrific properties have opened up in Aspen and Snowmass within the past few years. The Viceroy wins hands down as my favorite lodging option in Snowmass. I reported on it a year ago in my story, Sleek and Sustainable: Two Stellar Colorado Properties. I returned there at the end of this ski season and found it to be even more enjoyable second time around. Clearly, they’re off and running and word has spread that the Viceroy rates high as the most fashionable place to stay in Snowmass.
With all its swanky allure, the Viceroy also seems to be a most inviting property for families. This last time I lolled outside in one of their cabanas, sipping an après ski cocktail in ski boots and a down puffy with my hunny, while two families with kids romped about in the heated pool. Nearby a bunch of guys hung out at the hot tub, sipping beers and offering up celebratory toasts to whatever occasion brought them together. As the snow fell softly down around me, I couldn’t help but wonder how fantastic it would be to experience this pool scene beneath a blazing summer sun. The photos that accompany this story give us a clue.
Food & Wine Romance & Relationships Skiing & Snowboarding: Food & Wine Romance & Relationships Skiing & Snowboarding
by maribeth
Comments Off on William, Kate, Snow Cats and Scrambled Eggs
William, Kate, Snow Cats and Scrambled Eggs
To the Happy Couple!
I just woke up from a nap. I fell into a Mimosa-induced sleep later on this morning which plunged me into end-of-the-ski-season images intertwined with the royal wedding. What an adventure! I’m glad though that both are finally over. Now I can finally keep distractions to a minimum.
But what glorious diversions they have been! There’s little I can say about today’s marriage of William and Kate that has not been uttered by the innumerable commentators who have weighed in on this grand event. Sublime. Inspirational. Faiytale-like. Heartfelt. Never-to-be-forgotten.
I can, however, offer you my recipe of scrambled eggs. Yes, scrambled eggs, the perfect brunch food in case you weren’t able to prepare a proper spread during the wee hours of this morning. Inspired by les oeufs brouillés served in France on occasions big and small, the secret to these eggs is in their cooking—long and slow over extremely low heat. This worked out perfectly this morning since it mattered more to me to remain glued in front of the T.V. than to be slaving over the stove. So here goes:
-Crack eggs into a bowl and beat vigorously.
-Add whatever strikes your fancy. Today I made them with chunks of cheddar cheese and ham, fines herbes and white pepper. (Be careful of adding salt if you add something salty such as ham or smoked salmon.)
-Pour the egg mixture into a very buttery, nonstick pan that has been heated on the lowest possible heat.
-Cook the eggs, stirring occasionally. Depending on how many eggs you put in the pan, cooking time should be about a half hour. No rushing!
-Spoon onto pretty porcelain plates and sprinkle with chopped parsley or chive for added effect. Serve immediately.
Voilà! If you do these eggs right, the result should be the creamiest scrambled eggs you’ll ever taste. I served mine today with sautéed asparagus and buttered English muffins. But of course. The tea and scones were consumed as the prelude.
Here’s wishing you and the newlyweds many wonderful meals filled with life’s sweet and savory. And, of course, a lifetime full of love.
Aspen Colorado Mountain Living Music & Dance Skiing & Snowboarding The Rockies: Aspen Colorado Mountain Living Music & Dance Skiing & Snowboarding The Rockies
by maribeth
Comments Off on What a Glorious Day, What a Beautiful Week
What a Glorious Day, What a Beautiful Week
Spring Powder in Colorado
Amidst all the mud, mixed precipitation and snowstorms here in Colorado, one can sometimes forget the promise of rebirth and renewal that recharges the spirit every spring. We just need to tap into reminders of this awakening more, especially when we don’t find ourselves surrounded by budding trees and blooming flowers.
If it weren’t for the sun shining so high in the sky these past couple of days, I’d swear it was the month of February. Huge, puffy snow pillows weight the trees as birds dart about wondering what happened to spring. It’s been cold, too, and all told I’d say it snowed at least two feet in Telluride throughout the Easter weekend and into the early part of this week. Then finally the sun emerged revealing a beauty so spectacular that it’s hard to regret that it looks like winter all over again in much of Colorado.
The sun, however, is so strong here that it should start looking like spring again sometime soon. In the meantime, die-hard skiers have been hitting the back country for some of the best spring skiing in years. Others are busy giving thanks for finishing out the season with such a significant snowpack, a not-so negligible happening in the West where fire danger consistently looms. Plus snow in the mountains means lots of rafting on our rivers throughout spring. With the huge snowfalls of this April, it looks like folks will be riding the river through the fourth of July.
Yes, even with all this snow, I feel the sense of optimism and awakening ushered in with spring.
Maybe I’m also revitalized from the Easter Day I experienced this year. It was doubly special since it was both Easter and closing day at Aspen Highlands, both reason for celebration. Sure, a proliferation of bunnies peppered the costume-clad crowd on the mountain and Jelly Beans, Peeps and chocolate eggs were handed out by Aspen Ski Co. staffers with a smile. But it was the Easter Sunrise Service at the base of the Highlands that touched me the most. I’d even call it transformative and isn’t that what Easter is all about? The setting, the music, the message—it all filled my soul with a hope and love that I’m inspired to inject into my thoughts and actions each day of the year.
Wow, yeah, it was that great. Not surprising either, especially when you consider all the elements that made it so special: outside in the early morning grandeur of the Rockies, guided in song by professional musicians and lead in prayer by a chaplain that’s both inspirational and entertaining. Good news is that the service, presented by Aspen Chapel, typically begins at 8:30 a.m. And you can attend even if you’re just a passing tourist with no intention of skiing. You must go though, especially if you love nature and great music. Look at it like an extraordinary concert that will touch your soul. Put the Easter Sunrise Service in Aspen on your calendar for next year right now. (Know that some years it takes place at the top of Aspen Mountain which means another kind of spectacular.)
Aspen Colorado Skiing & Snowboarding The Rockies Writing & Books: Aspen Colorado Skiing & Snowboarding The Rockies Writing & Books
by maribeth
Comments Off on Skiing, Smores and Storytelling at Snowmass
Skiing, Smores and Storytelling at Snowmass
Big Blues on the Big Burn at Snowmass
I woke up to a winter wonderland in Telluride this morning. The mountain’s closed here but I instantly went to the Aspen/Snowmass Web site and saw that they’ve already received seven inches and it’s still snowing. Yes, we’re still skiing here in Colorado! I’m taking off tomorrow for Aspen for a last blast at Aspen Highlands. They always put on a great end-of-season party.
Ten days ago I experienced closing weekend at Snowmass, a mountain I had never skied. Much like in Telluride, their last day of the season was marked by a terrific spring storm that left most people bemoaning the fact that it was the last hurrah. I can only wonder what this Sunday will bring at the Highlands.
So what do I think of Snowmass? Fantastic! I can’t wait to go back and get to know the mountain better. No wonder it’s such a popular choice for all kinds of skiers and boarders, big and small. The groomers seemed endless—long, languorous blues that undulate down the mountain making even the most intermediate skier feel like an expert. It was windy and cold on the last day, so I didn’t bother much with the blacks that crown the summit. But I long to ride The Cirque, a poma lift that runs along the crest of the mountain providing access to the steeper terrain. From there also, I imagine skiers and boarders revel in killer views.
And what about the ambiance? I like it. Although some of the eateries and facilities seem a bit dated, I truly appreciate the strong ski culture embedded throughout the resort. Sure, even on the last day the mountain boasted lots of tourists, yet I could also tell there were just as many local and regional die-hard skiers on the hill. I gobbled up a savory chicken stew at Gwyn’s High Alpine and met new friends that had been skiing Snowmass for years. And then not surprisingly, I found myself at Café Suzanne, a French-inspired establishment, before the last run to sip a hot chocolate with my hunny. Next time, I’ll be back for their boeuf bourguignon.
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.
Hotels & Lodging Outdoor Adventures Restaurants Skiing & Snowboarding Travel Utah: Hotels & Lodging Outdoor Adventures Restaurants Skiing & Snowboarding Travel Utah
by maribeth
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Romantic Getaway in the Heart of Utah’s Ski Country
Schussing at Sundance
Romantic getaways can take many forms. For my boyfriend, Steve, and me an escape centered around skiing works well for us, no matter what destination we chose. This time we skied four days in Utah, testing and comparing four different mountains, a terrific outdoor adventure that made our many candlelight and fireside moments feel all the more rewarding.
It’s great when you share a passion with someone and for both of us, skiing creates a powerful bond whether here in Telluride or at other resorts. But as with all aspects of a relationship, compromises must be made. (Hear that Steve!?! Only kidding. Hubba-hubba.) Fortunately we were able to strike the right balance during this trip, one that allowed Steve to obtain his share of challenging skiing and me to fulfill my all-important quest for an authentic travel experience.
Romance, Sundance Style
Kudos to Steve for having selected Sundance Resort, the dream that Robert Redford realized in the mountains of Utah over four decades ago. We made Sundance our base and explored Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort from there. (The Canyons came on the last day after spending a night in Park City.) We quickly concurred that that was the right formula for us since settling into Sundance made us feel like we were holed up in our own private retreat. (The big resorts at the bigger ski areas offer a more look-at-all-we-have-to-offer-you-here-in-the-mountains stay.)
We like to keep it simple, and at Sundance we discovered a warm and genuine atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of the West and its mountains. We immensely enjoyed our Mountain Suite punctuated by rough-hewn woods and warm, woolen accents. Here we made roaring fires (no gas flames!) and sipped hot chocolate in the quietude of our cozy space. But we didn’t stay home long since we discovered much to do and admire within this beguiling resort. Oh how our senses were tickled at every turn. We spent our first night whooping it up at the Owl Bar, a warm, western saloon of sorts that boasts great live music and tasty pub food. Best of all though it exudes a marvelous mountain panache that can only be achieved by the right mix of locals and visitors.
The ski hill at Sundance appeared more regional—at least on the busy Saturday we were there—consisting of lots of school kids from the nearby big city and its environs. They reminded me of the snowsports enthusiasts I encountered at the little ski area I grew up on in western Massachusetts. I felt totally rattled by them, mostly because these novice skiers and boarders crisscrossed the bunny slopes like rabbits darting about for food. Steve and I both agreed that it’s likely best to ski Sundance during the week, something that was confirmed when we left the resort the following Monday when we noticed that the parking lot was still empty after 10 a.m., This made us feel wistful about coming back on a weekday especially since Steve ended up rating Sundance as having the best expert terrain of all the resorts we tested throughout our trip. Steve had sampled most of these runs before I headed out on our Sundance ski day. I thought they were awesome, too, until I I found myself—mid-way down one of the runs—doing loopty-loops in a gully made even more disorienting by flat light. Here, I experienced my first meltdown of the season, but you have to have at least one on a ski vacation, don’t you?
