by Valley Gadfly | Jan 16, 2025 | Main Articles
Valentine’s Day Is Just Cupid’s Shot Away, Choose From Fun Things To Do, Places To Dine
by Glen Richardson
Has someone special caught your eye? Valentine’s Day is Friday, Feb 14, 2025. Candy, flowers, and heart-shaped notes, this sweet celebration is all about spreading the love.
Thanks to love songs, poetry, music, movies, and art, the language of love seems to be constantly expanding, and what better time to brush up on the myriad ways to express your love and affection than this year’s holiday?
Glendale-Cherry Creek and the entire Valley is a romantic, picture-perfect place for love and relationships. Here is your annual guide of things to do, where to go with your partner, kids, family, or loved ones to show them how much you care:
Valentine Events
Valentine’s Love Ting: Dubbed the “Front Range Darlings,” Dakota Blonde’s Valentine Concert is at Swallow Hill, Feb. 14.
City Park 4 Mile: Celebrate love at the Valentine’s Day 4 Mile in Denver’s City Park Sunday, Feb. 9, 9-a.m. The heartwarming event invites couples, friends, and families to hit the pavement together for the run-walk. There’s also a Cupid’s free Kids 200 Meter Fun Run, 8:40 a.m. There’s also a Costume Contest. Information: 720-838-6185.
Tea & Collaging: Celebrate at this love-themed collaging party at the Center for Colorado Women’s History (Byers-Evans House), Feb. 10. Tour of the historic house is followed by tea seating, during which guests are invited to collage Valentines (materials provided). Refreshments by Miss Peabody’s Southern Tea Cakes served with the museum’s Lady Lavender black tea. Information: 303-620-4933.
Make & Take Valentines: Flowers and plants are used year-round to send messages of love, happiness, and joy. Learn the shapes, textures, and colors of dried flowers, leaves, and seeds, plus use them to decorate a Valentine’s Day ornament. Denver Botanic Gardens Family Valentine Make & Take offers a space for children and grownups to connect with natural materials and create together, Feb. 10-14. Information: 720-865-3500.
Orchid Showcase: Make a date to view, discover hundreds of exotic orchid blooms, including rare specimens during the Orchid Showcase at Denver Botanic Gardens, running to Feb. 17. On select dates Fantasy Orchids — a local orchid grower — will be on-site with orchids for purchase. The Showcase will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Orangery. The showcase is included with admission to the Gardens. Information: 720-865-3500.
Jones at Dazzle: Award-winning singer Eugenie Jones wins hearts, captivates audiences with her vocal style and performances. She does jazz standards, originals, classic soul, and blues to serenade you into Valentine’s Day at Dazzle on Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Candlelight Concert: The Range Ensemble String Quartet entertains with aerial accompaniment by aerialist at Wings Over the Rockies, 8:45 p.m. on Feb. 13, again at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15. Information: 303-260-5360.
V-Day Darlings: Dakota Blonde —dubbed the “Front Range darlings,” — do their magical Valentine Concert at Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
Cupid Dining Choices
Ah, you and your valentine want a restaurant that’s cozy and relaxing while offering an experience that stays with you. Here we present the Chronicle’s Cupid-approved guide for getting to the heart of the matter:
Italian
French Quarter: Serving classic French dishes, including crepes, Wash Park’s relaxed bistro Bon Ami is a top V-Day pick.
Valentine’s Day originated in Italy with iconic romantic settings like Verona (from Romeo and Juliet) and the overall sensual and shared nature of Italian food itself, making it a fitting choice for a romantic dinner.
Picks: North Italia: Handcrafted Italian on the corner of Clayton Ln, & 2nd Ave. in Cherry Creek. Information: 720-941-7700. Barolo Grill: Upscale Italian fare with big wine list on E. 6th Ave. in classy space with a romantic vibe. Information: 303-293-1040.
French
French cuisine is often associated with Valentine’s Day because of its reputation for elegance, fine dining, and romantic presentation. Essentially, the French culinary style is widely considered “the epitome of romance.”
Picks: Bon Ami: Relaxed bistro serving classic French dishes, including savory & sweet crepes, on E. Alameda Ave. & S. Pennsylvania St. in Wash Park. Information: 303-862-4959. La Merise: Chic Cherry Creek restaurant at 3rd Ave. & Clayton St. crafting gourmet French entrees in a lower-level space. Information: 720-596-4360.
Seafood
Food & Flowers: Sushi from Glendale’s Hana Matsuri Sushi in CitySet is a healthy, romantic dining option. View exotic orchids at the Orchid Showcase through Feb. 17.
When it comes to heart health, seafood is a top choice. Upshot: For your health and your taste buds, seafood is a perfect Valentine’s Day option.
Picks: Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood: Cherry Creek seafood restaurant on the 2600 block of E. 2nd Ave. with a raw bar, beer & craft cocktails in nautical surrounds. Information: 303-333-2462. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar: Upscale Glendale CitySet restaurant on corner of Colorado Blvd. & Cherry Creek S. Dr. serving gourmet seafood dishes and creative cocktails in a relaxed, stylish setting. Information: 303-756-6449.
Sushi
Swoon For Sushi: Hana Matsuri Sushi offers a variety of flavors and textures for a dining delight in Glendale’s CitySet.
A dining experience with a variety of flavors and textures — plus ease of eating during a conversation — sushi is a romantic and healthy Valentine’s Day dining option.
Picks: Hana Matsuri Sushi: Japanese restaurant in Glendale’s CitySet with black rock cooking featuring a full bar offering cocktails and sake. Information: 303-600-8477. Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar: Cherry Creek sushi spot on 2nd Ave. west of St. Paul with creative takes on Japanese fare, imaginatively named rolls. Information: 303-322-9554.
Mexican
Mexicans observe Valentine’s Day — El día del amor y de la Amistad — by socializing with loved ones. The cuisine’s popularity makes it a top culinary choice.
Picks: Que Bueno Suerte: Traditional & modern Mexican plates served in a dramatic-colorful S. Pearl St. bi-level space with two bars. Information: 720-642-7322. SOL Mexican Cocina: Cherry Creek restaurant on Columbine St. with Baja-style eats such as shrimp tacos & chiles rellenos in an upscale setting. Information: 303- 953-2208.
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 Charles Bonniwell | Jan 16, 2025 | Main Articles
by Charles C. Bonniwell
Bull & Bush Expansion: The tent was established during the Covid 19 era with the assistance of the City of Glendale and still stands today for overflow customers.
It is widely acknowledged that one of the joys of urban living is the availability of a wide array of restaurants of all different types and cuisines. But it has been extensively reported that many Denver restaurants are suffering with the number of restaurants dropping a whopping 22% since 2021 according Denver’s Department of Excise and Licenses.
At the same time according to the sales tax records of the city of Glendale, which is completely surrounded by the city of Denver, the restaurants have been experiencing steady growth every year since 2021.
Popular Restaurant Owner: Paul Sullivan, owner of Esters Neighborhood Pub operates two locations in Denver, and one in Wheat Ridge.
Minimum Wage
One of the key reasons for the disparity is the minimum wage differential for tipped employees between the two cities. Denver imposes a minimum of $15.79 per hour compared to $11.79 per hour in Glendale. Moreover, Denver has a very complex set of rules concerning what the minimum wage entails. Denver restaurants have had to pass those added costs to the customers who are price sensitive these days or suffer on the restaurants’ bottom line.
“The tipped minimum wage has ripple effects,” said Paul Sullivan, owner of Esters Neighborhood Pub. “We have cut back significantly on benefits that we offer to our co-workers that we had offered for years, we have reduced the number of people and the number of hours, and we are still making less money because of the tipped minimum wage. This comes directly out of the operator’s bottom line and that crushes us.”
COVID 19
Restaurateurs: Steve Lemonidis, General Manager of Reivers Bar & Grill (right), and Dave Peterson, co-owner of the Bull & Bush Brewery in Glendale, have different experiences when operating in their respective cities.
COVID 19 badly hurt restaurants throughout Colorado starting in 2020 but Denver’s approach was far more harmful than Glendale’s. According to Glendale restaurant owners the city tried to ameliorate the draconian restrictions imposed by the Tri County Health Department (who had jurisdiction over the city) and led the fight to in fact dissolve Tri County Health due to its draconian bureaucratic approach to the crisis.
David Peterson, co-owner of the Bull & Bush Brewery in Glendale, said, “During COVID, we put up a giant 100-person heated tent because, for a time, you could only serve food and drink outdoors. The permitting process in Glendale was extremely simple and took about 10 minutes and the permit was granted immediately for a change of premise liquor license.”
“To this day, we still use the tent as overflow,” said Peterson. “The city came to me and suggested altering the change of premises from temporary to permanent. That way, I didn’t need to reapply every year. They [the city] were proactive in something I should have been proactive in.”
The attitude of Denver was quite the opposite according to Steve Lemonidis the general manager of Reivers Bar & Grill in the Wash Park neighborhood of Denver. The city, he indicated, refused to educate his staff on exactly what the rules were but simply sent in inspectors who constantly handed out citations. For his restaurant the myriads of citations totaled $53,000 and failure to pay immediately would have resulted in revocation of the liquor license and the closure of the business.
“There was no explanation on where the restrictions came from,” said Lemonidis. “Yet, our mayor [Hancock] was on an airplane on Thanksgiving morning telling us all not to be with our families, but yet he was on an airplane to fly to see his family on Thanksgiving Day. It seems like the city was talking out of both sides of their mouth and it hurt us.”
The bureaucratic, almost anti-business, attitude toward restaurants is somewhat surprising given the fact that Denver’s most noted recent mayor (2003-2011) U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper was a restaurateur, as owner of restaurants such as Wynkoop Brewery, Wazee Supper Club, and Cherry Cricket.
But his successor, Michael Hancock, was attentive to the needs of real estate developers and not much else, while the new mayor Mike Johnston concentrates his administration’s efforts on the homeless who do not go to restaurants very often.
As Troy Guard the owner and chef of Guard and Grace told the Colorado Sun, “Honestly, I love Denver … But it’s becoming more and more difficult to open restaurants.”
Red Tape
Glendale: Bull & Bush Brewery opened their restaurant in Glendale in 1971. It is the oldest restaurant in Glendale. Photo by Mae Lynn Photography
One of the reasons businessmen do not want to open a restaurant in Denver these days is the enormous amount of red tape involved in building permits, inspection reviews, construction restriction, greenhouse gas rules, etc. Denver estimates the time to go through its process for a new restaurant is eight months, but those who have undergone the process say that a year or more can be anticipated.
In Glendale the process can be completed in weeks. Dave Peterson of the Bull & Bush noted he recently had to install a new roof and had to get the approval from the City of Glendale and Xcel Energy. When he indicated that he thought if he called the city he could get an inspection that afternoon the Xcel Energy official he was working with (who was used to working in Denver) laughed saying it would take weeks if not months to schedule an inspection. Glendale came over that afternoon, and as a result the restaurant had to close only half a day for the roof replacement.
Parking
An ever-growing problem for Denver restaurants in various parts of the city is ever diminishing parking in Denver. The city’s goal is to make parking increasingly difficult to force its citizens, and anyone traveling to Denver, to take public transportation for the purpose of limiting greenhouse gases and other societal goals.
Glendale, on the other hand, has not only not decreased parking but is expanding it. Glendale is presently finishing a seven story 1,200 car garage facility on Virginia Avenue to help its Four Mile Entertainment District which will house various restaurants and bars.
Glendale’s City Manager Chuck Line stated that: “We are taking the exact opposite approach from Denver. I believe restaurants and other businesses in Glendale will prosper because of it.”
Denver: Esters Neighborhood Pub opened their location in Virginia Village over nine years ago (pictured) and their location in Park Hill six years ago. Photo by Mae Lynn Photography
Crime And Homelessness
Restaurants in various parts of Denver such as Downtown suffer from the perception that they are not in a safe area and suffer from the homeless encampments. On the night of January 11, 2025, a 24-year old man stabbed four people on the 16th Street Mall, killing two. Pro forma statements about Downtown safety by Mayor Mike Johnston did little to improve the adverse publicity.
In Glendale there are simply no homeless encampments, Dave Peterson notes that the Glendale police respond to calls in minutes. He knows of no-one who feels unsafe in Glendale.
Look Toward The Future
Paul Sullivan who owns two Esters Neighborhood Pubs in Denver opined, “The cost of doing business recently, in the city of Denver specifically, is not sustainable at the current moment. There are a few different reasons, and it is sort of like death by a thousand cuts. There is a lot of stuff coming at us in the city of Denver.”
The fact that there are still over 2,000 restaurants in Denver is a testament to the resilience of the restaurant community in the city. However, it is difficult to see why the number of restaurants in the city will not continue to drop unless and until Denver’s Mayor Mike Johnston and his Administration decide to reach out to restaurateurs and start to address their many concerns on how the city operates with regard to its restaurant industry.
Glendale, on the other hand, appears to be poised to undergo boom times such as it hasn’t experienced since the 1970s.
by Charles Bonniwell | Dec 17, 2024 | Main Articles
by Charles C. Bonniwell
Former IEC Commissioner Bill Leone
Denver District Court issued a devastating decision to the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission (IEC) in its almost 10-year multimillion dollar legal battle against the City of Glendale and by implication all home rule cities and counties in the State of Colorado. The court ruled in a decision written by District Court Judge Jill D. Dorancy that the IEC has no jurisdiction over Glendale or its elected officials and employees on ethics complaints.
The IEC was established by a statewide vote on an amendment to the state constitution ostensibly to adjudicate disputes over gift limitations to elected officials and others. But under Chairman Bill Leone (who has since left the IEC) it attempted to break free from virtually all constraints to become a super agency.
Assistant Attorney General Gina Cannan
The IEC had gotten the courts to rule that it was not subject to any ethics rules itself including those pertaining to open meetings and open records. It did so on the theory that since the IEC was adopted as a constitutional amendment it supersedes any prior constitutional provisions as well as any state laws adopted by the legislature. The IEC asserted that Its powers provided in its constitutional amendment could only be constrained by a future constitutional amendment adopted by a vote of the citizens.
To become a true superagency, the IEC had to expand its powers to hear disputes far broader than simply claims concerning gifts to politicians. Leone thought he had found a way to do that by use of subsection seven of the state ethics law, which provides that the IEC can hear claims on public employees of violations of any code of conduct, not just gift bans.
But the same does not apply “to home rule counties or home rule municipalities that have adopted charters, ordinances, or resolutions that address the matters covered by this article.” This exception was a major problem for the power-seeking Leone as the vast majority of Colorado citizens live in home rule cities and counties. Leone and legal counsel for the IEC, Assistant Attorney General Gina Cannan, needed a small home rule city to concede in a case that the IEC alone could decide whether a home rule city’s ethics code was adequate. If not adequate the IEC would have jurisdiction over it. The City of Glendale refused to fold, notwithstanding the fact that legal fees fighting the IEC are exorbitant.
In the end, the District Court ruled that the IEC did not have jurisdiction over the City of Glendale. It is assumed the IEC will waste even more money and time and appeal the decision to the Colorado Court of Appeals. Glendale indicates it hopes that the Colorado Court of Appeals will finally end the IEC’s costly power grab once and for all.
City of Glendale Mayor Mike Dunafon stated with regard to the city’s legal victory: “The IEC exemplifies everything that is wrong and harmful about the administrative state in Colorado. Maybe Colorado can have a Department of Government Efficiency like the one they are doing federally to start to get rid of these state super agencies that are starting to drive people out of Colorado to states with less burdensome governments.”
The IEC has 49 days to file a notice of appeal to the Colorado Court of Appeals.
by Valley Gadfly | Dec 17, 2024 | Main Articles
City Council Approves Part Two Of Legacy Funds; Six New Neighborhood Parks Are Planned In 2025-26
by Glen Richardson
Ramble & Rove: With two formal flower gardens, tree-lined paths, and endless expanses of grass the 155-acre Wash Park is one of the city’s most popular. People run, bike, paddle boat, walk, and play year around.
The initial voter approved 0.25% Park Legacy Fund sales tax — an extra 2.5 cents on each $10 purchase — expired at the end of 2024. Before year’s end, however, Denver City Council approved a new plan covering 2025 through 2029.
As was the case during the initial five years, acquisition of acreage to enlarge city’s parks remains a priority. Park maintenance and climate resiliency are also focuses. Restoring sporting fields and courts are a particular focus in the coming year. DPR added 13 indoor pickleball courts at seven rec centers in 2024, bringing the total to 66. Plans call for adding 50 outdoor courts by the end of 2025. Staff at Parks & Rec have also announced plans to establish a permanent graffiti-response and trash-collection team this year.
The Denver parks system — ranked 13th best in the U.S. by the Trust for Public Land — is one of the largest and most unique in the country. The trust gave the city its highest score (89 out of 100) for park Access. The Mile High City scored 75 for Investment, 69 on Equity, and 62 on Amenities. Its lowest score (51) is for Acreage, something neither the city or the Parks & Rec staff can do much about. With a total of more than 280 parks and 30 recreation centers, residents and families enjoy outdoor and indoor opportunities city wide, including hiking, fishing, golf, and picnicking. Today an enormous 93% of the public live within a 10-minute walk to a park. Denver spends $197 per resident each year on parks, far higher than the national average.
Legacy Fund Budget
People Popular: Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, Cheesman Park draws large crowds to its 80-acre oasis with mountain vistas, green lawns, and stately trees. It’s also ideal for active recreation or quiet reflection.
Growing Green Space: This University Hills site at East Iliff Ave. and S. Bellaire is one of six new parks being built this year with Legacy Funds. The two-acre park will have a demonstration garden and event space.
About a quarter of the annual Parks & Rec budget — or in the neighborhood of $45 million yearly — comes from the Legacy Fund, according to Director Jolon Clark.
During the five-year period ending in December, the tax generated more than $267 million. Of that amount, $96 million has already been spent. Projects currently in the works have another $113 million tied up.
The daily operating cost for Denver’s City Parks — wages, supplies, and equipment — amounts to about $23.5 million a year. Another $15 is allocated to land acquisition each year. Parks & Rec also keeps an interest earning reserve fund for emergencies.
People In Parks
Under the 2018 voter approved Legacy Fund, almost 10,000 trees have been planted, plus 375 acres of turf grass converted to native landscape. Gordon Robertson, Planning, Design & Construction Director, estimates the conversion saved more than 225 million gallons of water. Moreover, he reveals, it has allowed the city to acquire more land. “With just legacy funds, we’ve obtained 25 acres of new park land.” As a result, 5,500 additional residents are within 10 minutes of a park, he adds.
City wide, DPR guesstimates that during Legacy Fund’s first five years 8,000 or more new people are now enjoying park facilities. During the first five years, Legacy greenbacks built 19 playgrounds, renovated 37 sports courts, and added 25 miles of park trails and walks.
Waterfront Park: Located at the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, Confluence Park was developed in the 1980s. The 15.28-acre site has a playground, picnic shelter, benches, plus grassy expanses.
Peace In Parks: Parks provide peace and can have a positive effect on mental and physical health. Reconnect with nature to reduce stress, and anxiety at retreats such as Cheesman Park to get away from the urban hustle.
With the Legacy Fund restart, staff at city Park & Rec plan to expand the tree canopy in parks. Goals also include buying forestry equipment to speed up tree planting and maintenance work. Purchasing electric maintenance equipment and switching to LED lights are also on their latest list. Park access is open to the public year around. Furthermore, parks are open no matter the time of day, nor what week or month of the year. The Sonny Lawson and Al Alma-Lincoln Park spaces were closed for a month in 2024, however, due to drug sales and violent incidents. Portions of the parks were fenced off to curb the problem.
Six New Parks
As the new year gets underway, Denver Parks & Recreation is getting set to welcome six new parks in neighborhoods across the city. With Legacy Funds recently increasing about $5 million a year to $50 million annually, the city has earmarked funds to acquire the land and build parks.
In addition to developing new parks, Denver is also reinvesting in its existing parks. This includes renovating playgrounds and benches, plus upgrading irrigation systems to conserve water and improve park sustainability.
Spanning neighborhoods from Westwood to Green Valley Ranch, these new parks symbolize a commitment to ensuring every citizen has access to quality green spaces. Each park will be uniquely designed to cater to the needs and preferences of its local community, creating a diverse range of recreational environments across the Mile High City.
Plans For Parks
Water Basin Park: With Denver’s biggest lake, Sloan’s Lake Park’s 177 acres make it the city’s second-largest. It has playgrounds, tennis courts, athletic fields, boating, basketball, multi-use trails, and picnic areas.
The University Hills site at East Iliff Ave. and S. Bellaire was purchased back in 2019 for $5.1 million. Proposed to be named “Bethesda Park,” the former Greenhouse & Garden Center is roughly two-acres in size. Parks & Rec plans to spend $6.5 million in legacy funds to convert the property into a park. The long, skinny property will be transformed into a park with a demonstration garden and event space.
Anticipated to be named “Avion Park,” a nine-acre park prospect is located at Kittridge St. and E. Bolling Drive. It will include a playground, basketball courts, fields, plus a walking loop. Denver Urban Gardens is expected to manage a food forest on the site. Parks people say they are hopeful it will open this year.
Scheduled to open next year (2026), the large site at 10th Ave. & Alcott St. along the South Platte River will offer a community gathering space and gardens. Construction is expected to start this year. A new park at 47th Ave. & Telluride St. in Green Valley Ranch is also expected to open in 2026. It will have a playground, trails, a basketball court, plus a community garden with interactive water feature. Already open to the public, the Westwood Skate Park at W. Kentucky Ave. & S. Irving St. will incorporate new features. Over time the site will incorporate riverfront landscaping, and improved access to the South Platte River Trail. Denver Botanic Gardens will sponsor an off-leash dog park and gardens at the site.
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.
