by Mark Smiley | Jan 16, 2025 | Main Articles
by Mark Smiley
Great Hall Renovations: Renovations at Denver International Airport’s Great Hall are expected to reach $2.1 billion in costs.
Renovations at Denver International Airport’s Great Hall are expected to reach $2.1 billion in costs, and the city remains at risk for overpaying for future construction work, according to a follow-up report on a 2023 audit from Denver Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien, CPA.
“It is critical that Denver International Airport manage its construction work costs for a project of this size and scope,” Auditor O’Brien said. “With so much work yet to complete, the airport needs better oversight to prevent spending more than what is necessary.”
Denver International Airport’s Special Projects Division manages and oversees the Great Hall renovations, which are expected to continue into 2028. In the original 2023 audit, they found a lack of supporting documentation in the procurement process for all Great Hall construction projects, including expedited projects. The audit recommended the airport improve this process. Since the audit, two “fast-tracked” projects have occurred. One of them was missing key supporting documents. If documents are inconsistently managed, it may result in noncompliance with city requirements and airport standards.
A separate unimplemented recommendation from the original audit also involved concerns with documentation. Denver International Airport was not requiring contractors to submit documentation of actual costs that could be validated and reconciled with project allowances, which limited the airport’s ability to ensure it was not overpaying for work. Meaningful documentation includes invoices and time sheets. If detailed documentation is not collected, the airport cannot determine whether these costs are reasonable or allowable.
“It is encouraging to see the airport make some improvements to its documentation processes, but more is needed for the public to have confidence that contractors are not overcharging the airport,” said Auditor O’Brien.
Denver International Airport did not agree to implement multiple other recommendations from the 2023 audit, which still present several lingering risks. The airport was not following procurement procedures or documenting and maintaining records for decision-making processes, which may reduce the airport’s ability to show its processes are fair, reasonable, and competitive. Failing to have these policies and procedures to ensure subcontractor work is awarded fairly limits the city’s ability to ensure it receives quality construction work and reasonable costs for subcontractor work. Without proper oversight of multi-tiered subcontracted work, the airport could not ensure contract terms were followed. This could result in overpayments.
The follow-up report found the airport has developed and implemented a process to ensure managers and staff use a risk-based approach to select a construction project’s delivery method. It also developed and implemented policies and procedures addressing the unique risks for the construction manager and general contract project delivery methods.
“Given the importance and public interest in airport renovations, if we see continued risks, we may conduct future audits to ensure the city takes appropriate corrective action,” Auditor O’Brien said.
by Mark Smiley | Dec 17, 2024 | Main Articles
by Julie Hayden
Exploration With A Mission: Summit and Shore Alliance co-founders Alex Drawbaugh and Jennifer Jordon are proud to offer free outdoor excursions to veterans as a way of giving back.
Millions of people have been drawn to Colorado to enjoy the spectacular Rockies in wintertime through the sport of skiing. But not everyone these days wants to ski or only ski. This can be due to preference or advancing age, or injuries or many other reasons but does not mean they want to stay indoors and miss all that the mountains have to offer. This has resulted in the booming sport of snowmobiling, and now snowcatting.
A snowcat is an enclosed-cab, truck-sized, fully tracked vehicle designed to travel over snow. They originated in the Antarctic Terra Nova Expedition in 1910 and evolved for many industrial uses but more recently have become extraordinary recreational excursion vehicles for groups up to a dozen or so persons per vehicle. Think of them as RVs on snow track skis.
“I call snowcats ‘yachts of the snow’ because they combine comfort and adventure,” says Alex Drawbaugh. He’s the cofounder of one of the newest and most prominent outfitters to enter the scene, Summit and Shore Alliance (summitandshore.org; 970-716-7470). In the summer months they focus on water trips and are now firing up their fleet of snowcats to take folks on backcountry excursions.
No Experience Necessary
There’s a certain amount of training, experience, and physical ability that go into a typical ski trip. But no experience is necessary for guided snowcat excursions. Anyone can enjoy a trip into the most scenic and remote backcountry. Summit’s co-founder Jennifer Jordon says their motto is “always peak.” “We’re all about finding untracked powder and providing epic rides on snowcats and sleds.” They offer curated packages designed to take you off the beaten path: everything from morning backcountry trips with bottomless mimosas, to a midday trip into the heart of the Bear Mountain Outfitters wilderness, to a sunset snowcat ride and mountaintop bonfire. And, if you’re really into a luxury experience, “We’ll take you to a mountain lodge dining hall where your private chef will prepare a custom, gourmet meal just for you,” Jordon says.
Yacht of the Snow: Summit’s Alex Drawbaugh calls snowcats “yachts of the snow” because they combine comfort and adventure in Colorado’s scenic backcountry.
Wintry Party Bus
Snowcats have come a long way since the original models. With customizable interiors and excursions, some describe them as “party buses” for winter fun. Industry analysts say the market is experiencing steady growth due to an increasing demand for winter sports. Drawbaugh points to their partnership with Bear Mountain Outfitters as an example. It’s home to 18,000 acres of pristine backcountry. You can enjoy epic views, spot a moose or wolf track, all from the comfort and safety of the snowcat. Lodging options range from luxury mountain homes, to “glamping,” to rustic off grid retreats near Steamboat Springs.
Drawbaugh says guiding tours into the backcountry is a passion for him. “Disconnected from the phone and hustle and bustle of the city, you remember what’s important. It’s not your connection to the internet, it’s connecting to the world around you and the people you are with.”
One of Summit’s snowcats was owned by Colorado singer and songwriter John Denver. “When we saw this come on the market we couldn’t resist,” says Chris Hawk, one of the board members. They’re pulling out all the stops as they renovate it, describing it as an “RV snowcat party bus.”
Day Tripping
There is also growing interest in snowcat trips from skiers who want to take a break from the busy slopes. Many outfitters offer back country ski trips as well as shorter morning, afternoon, or sunset rides. Drawbaugh says their private tours can be completely customized. “We’ll tailor it to your group, whatever size. The vision is all yours.” Your entire family or group can participate in the adventure together, regardless of age or ability.
Adventure With A Cause
The veterans community is one group that can appreciate the opportunities a snowcat provides to explore remote backcountry areas of the Rockies, regardless of mobility issues resulting from injury. Summit’s Jennifer Jordon says they recognize this and, as a nonprofit, are proud to support the veterans community by offering free outdoor excursions and host various veteran initiatives. “What could be more rewarding than using some of our proceeds to give back to those who have served to protect these spaces,” she explains.
For more information on packages or free veteran excursions visit summitandshore.org, or call 970-716-7470.
by Mark Smiley | Dec 13, 2024 | Editorials
by Mark Smiley
The Mile High Beer Festival is set for March 1, 2025, and will be at The Refractory in the Santa Fe Art District. Over 40 beer vendors will be pouring their specialty beers for unlimited sampling.
In addition to beer, guests will be able to enjoy canned cocktails, ciders, food from local food trucks, and non-alcoholic brews. Ryan Cox photo
One of Denver’s favorite beer celebrations is returning with new breweries and some old favorites. The 2025 Mile High Beer Festival returns on Saturday, March 1, 2025, and early bird tickets are on sale now. Prices go up as it gets closer to the event so act now for the savings.
General Admission includes unlimited sampling, a commemorative sample glass, and access to 100+ beers, ciders, and spirits from Colorado’s best (and some favorites outside of Colorado too.). Early entry includes everything above plus 45 minutes to get the first sips in before the crowd files in (1:15 p.m.). The VIP experience includes 90 minutes of early access (12:30 p.m.), plus an exclusive commemorative pint glass.
The Mile High Beer Festival will be the first event at the new venue, The Refractory located at 890 Navajo Street, in the Santa Fe Art District in Denver. “We are really excited to transform this space and create an open industrial atmosphere for the beer festival,” said Lacey Spruce, Mile High Beer Fest.
A lineup of 40+ vendors serving 100+ brews, including local breweries like WeldWerks, Left Hand, and Wiley Roots will be in hand. “I feel like the people that like to attend our events every year are self proclaimed beer nerds,” said Spruce. “They find it exciting to meet new breweries and try new things as well as see their old favorites.”
Three breweries will make their Mile High Beer Festival debut in 2025: Wiley Roots (Greeley), Milieu Fermentation (Aurora), which opened in 2024, and Second Dawn Brewing (Aurora). “I think a lot of people want variety in events they attend, said Spruce. “For a lot of people like us who produce these events, we try to give the people what they want. This is a beer fest so we try to keep it mostly beer. But people tend to appreciate having some options like trying some canned cocktails or ciders so we try to sprinkle some of those in.”
General admission tickets are $48.57, early entry are $60.41, and VIP tickets are $78.16 and all fees are included. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.milehighbeerfest.com. Also, stay tuned for information on the second annual Denver Ramen Festival which will be held at the Stockyards Event Center in April.
