POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: WINTER FLY FISHING

The morning mountain air is cold, and bitter, and it reaches for my breath the second I set foot in it. For what seems like an eternity, a battle ensues—the sub-zero winter air lunging at my body—searching for a way through the layers of neoprene, and down, and wool. But I don’t feel it. I can’t feel anything other than the rod in my hand and overwhelming gratitude and awe as I wade through mounds of fresh snow and a curtain of ethereal mist rising from the river. I feel the warm Colorado sun on my cheeks and the rhythmic water of the Blue River dancing with my legs. I feel the cool line run through my hands and jolts of adrenaline surge through my body with each cast. I feel the quiet of the morning. But not once, not even a little, do a I feel the cold.

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends.

DOWN ‘N DIRTY: MOUNTAIN STANDARD MERINO CAMP SOCKS

Let’s face it—with all of the amazing gear out there designed to enhance our outdoor adventures, a good pair of socks isn’t usually at the top of everyone’s gear wish list. But it just takes that one time, when you’re high up in the mountains, dealing with achey, wet feet, that you remember how important a good pair of tech socks can really be. That’s where Mountain Standard comes in. Based in Boulder, Co., Mountain Standard is small business-to-consumer company specializing in making affordable and durable premium goods for epic outdoor adventures—like the Merino Camp Socks. These mid-weight merino wool socks are soft and cozy, and feature welcomed padding on the sole of the foot, perfect for keeping your feet comfortable on extended outdoor excursions, or simply while warming up by the fireplace. And the extra padding on my tootsies wasn’t an issue when donning hefty snow boots or hiking boots, either. The fit was still comfortable and so weightless, most of the time, I forgot they were even on.

Pros: The warmth factor. These socks are great to have on hand for winter adventures. The merino wool material will keep your feet the right amount of warm whether you’re playing outside, or are posted up inside for a post-adventure adult beverage. The material is also moisture-wicking, so no matter hard how you’re working, you won’t have to worry about getting clammy, and ultimately cold feet. Perhaps the biggest pro for these well-made, comfortable socks, is the price point. Mountain Standard only sells their products directly to the consumer, eliminating the price increases added on at retail stores. So while these socks would typically retail at $40 for two pairs, they’re available for purchase on the Mountain Standard website for $15 for two pairs.

Cons: While the lower half of these socks were an excellent fit, the mid-calf rise of the sock was a little tight for my calf muscles, which aren’t exactly flat after years of hiking, mountain biking, and running around outside. A little extra give on the top half of the sock would have garnered a perfect score on my comfortability scale.

Where We Took Them: Winter fly fishing in Sun Valley, Id., and snowshoeing in Crested Butte, Co.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR

In the still of the night, the crunch of the snow-packed trail beneath my snowshoes echoes in the darkness, through the nearby trees and off of the mountainsides of Crested Butte, Co. It’s so peaceful, and I catch myself holding my breath for fear of disrupting it all. But the warm light from the Magic Meadows yurt before me calls, and a soft rumble in my stomach reminds me that it’s dinnertime, so I trek on. Inside, the yurt is alive with laughter, and libations, and delicious smells emanating from the yurt’s make-shift kitchen. I warm myself by the stove before devouring dinner. It’s nearly the beginning of a new year, and friends—old and new—celebrate with stories and hugs and smiles. With a full stomach and a full heart, I head back into the night, which is quietly giving way to morning. A blanket of brilliant stars guides me home.

For more information on the Magic Meadows Yurt Dinner Experience offered by the Crested Butte Nordic Center, visit: cbnordic.org.

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends. 

Photo by Tom Kolicko of Traverse Image, LLC.

EAT, SLEEP, PLAY: SUN VALLEY, IDAHO

Sun Valley, Idaho. If the breathtaking scenery in the valley that houses America’s first winter resort were good enough for the likes of the great Ernest Hemingway, the magnetic Marilyn Monroe… and Arnold Schwarzenegger, they’re most certainly good enough for me. In 1936, Sun Valley Resort was built as a premier skiing destination in the west, and to this day, the Sun Valley area—which along with the resort, also includes the delightfully charming small towns of Hailey and Ketchum—is still one of the top places in the country for a relaxing and adventurous winter vacation. With its world-class skiing and delicious après cocktails and dining scene, be sure to add Sun Valley to your list of places to explore this winter.

EAT

It’s a good thing that Sun Valley is home to some epic outdoor adventures, because this town knows how to dine. Fuel up in the morning with a hearty meal at The Kneadery in downtown Ketchum.

Breakfast at the The Kneadery.

The interior of this breakfast and lunch joint looks like a cozy mountain lodge, and smells like foodie heaven—and with the tasty rustic dishes this place is serving up, it’ll be hard to leave. But don’t spend too much time savoring breakfast. The sooner you get outside and play in the gorgeous mountains around the Wood River Valley, the sooner you can post up at the Warfield Distillery and Brewery for handcrafted cocktails made with spirits distilled in house. Anything made with the smooth housemade gin will warm you straight to the bone—but pair that with the Warfield’s elevated cuisine made with locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, and the warmth from the fireplace, and you’ll be in ski town heaven. If craft beer is your après beverage of choice, check out the Sawtooth Brewery. This longtime Ketchum watering hole is making a variety of clean and crisp craft brews that pair nicely with the brewery’s pub fare.

Photo Courtesy of Traverse Image, LLC.

If a giant steak with all of the fixings is your only hope of refueling all of the calories you burned on the slopes, then head to the ultra quirky dining room of the legendary Pioneer Saloon. Originally opened in the 1940’s as a gambling casino, this popular steakhouse still retains its historical roots, right along with the mouthwatering chuckwagon-style dishes on the menu.

SLEEP

For a budget-friendly, comfortable place to lay your head that is located in the heart of downtown Ketchum, check out the Tamarack Lodge. This small, but homey lodge features rustic rooms, most of which include a fireplace and views of Bald Mountain—the area’s defining mountain. Rooms at the Tamarack average around $140 night during the busy season, making this one of the most budget-friendly options in town. For a more modern touch, check out the Limelight Hotel—which is set to officially open it’s doors near the base of Bald Mountain after the first of the year. The Limelight will feature a variety of rooms that come with all of the comforts of a modern hotel, along with killer après food and drink specials each day, and complimentary adventures like guided snowshoe tours, first tracks on the mountain, and a hefty discount on heli-skiing trips in the area. If you’re looking for some unique off-the-grid digs to post up in during your stay in Sun Valley, check out the Galena Lodge—a community-owned day lodge that offers a handful of yurt rentals for stays year-round. A short ski or snowshoe from the lodge will take you to your yurt accommodations which are nestled in the pine tree forests around the lodge. Pricing for winter rentals of one of the four lodges begins at $135 per night.

PLAY

As the birthplace of destination skiing, you have to hit the local slopes when visiting Sun Valley. Ideal weather conditions of clear skies and minimal wind make the terrain in the area exceptional for enjoying deep, powdery snow—and the absence of lift lines are the cherry on top of the cake for an epic pow day. Sun Valley’s main mountains are comprised of Bald Mountain, which has 30 acres of glade ski and boarding terrain. Across the town of Ketchum, Dollar Mountain offers more mellow terrain, perfect for beginners and kids. Sun Valley is also a destination for nordic skiing, boasting more than 200 kilometers of groomed trails in the area. Trails are maintained daily in the winter and day passes can be purchased at the Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center for $25 per person.

Can’t quite make it out to Sun Valley to enjoy the snow? This beautiful outdoor haven is also home to some epic warm weather activities—like fly fishing and mountain biking…

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

The blustery winter wind tries its best to penetrate through the walls of my warm puffy jacket, but to no avail. It’s Christmas Day. The temperature outside reads cold, but traditions are important, so I tuck the loose strands of hair under my wool beanie, lace up my hiking boots, and head west on the nearly empty trails at Boulder’s iconic Chautauqua landmark. In the distance, the regal Flatirons beckon, but the howling wind is fierce. It’s powerful gusts nip at my feet, sending them skating over the thick layer of ice on the trail. But it’s Christmas, and on Christmas, snow or shine, I wander along these trails, reflecting on the holiday season and the end of another year. The higher I climb, the harder the wind blows—until finally—I reach the welcomed cover of the trees. Stretching upward to catch the passing streaks of blue in the sky, the tree tops revel in the wind—dancing and singing and spreading holiday cheer. As I emerge from the wall of trees, the wind pauses for a moment before one final wave propels me over the last stretch of the trail—back to the beginning’s end.

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends. 

5 COLORADO-INSPIRED HOLIDAY COCKTAILS

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s the pinnacle of the drawn out holiday season, which means ’tis the time of year to break into the whiskey stash and to celebrate the festivities with a good ol’ fashioned stiff alcoholic beverage. It’s hard to beat a well-crafted winter-inspired cocktail this time of year, but finding the perfect recipe for the drink that’s going to warm your soul this season isn’t always easy—unless, of course, you live in the boozy state of Colorado. With roughly 70 distilleries and a handful of nationally-recognized mixologists in the state, it was pretty easy to track down five amazing cocktails to enjoy this holiday season. From a classic old fashioned, to a sinfully good chocolate margarita, we bring you five holiday cocktails inspired by Colorado craft spirits, from the minds of the distillers and the mixologists that know them best.

Wood’s Hot Toddy

Recipe By: Woods High Mountain Distillery — Salida, CO
Featured Colorado Spirit: Wood’s Tenderfoot Whiskey

In hot mug, muddle 1 slice of orange
Add 1 TBS honey,
2 oz. Wood’s Tenderfoot Whiskey,
3 dashes of orange bitters (optional)
Top w/ hot water
Garnish w/ orange peel

291 Wintertime Old Fashioned

Recipe By: Distillery 291 — Colorado Springs, CO
Featured Colorado Spirit: Distillery 291 Colorado Bourbon Whiskey

Build the following ingredients over ice in a rocks glass:

2 oz Distillery 291 Colorado Bourbon Whiskey
1 oz Clove and Cinnamon infused simple syrup
.5 oz Cold Pressed Cranberry Juice (unsweetened)
2 dashes Orange Fee Bitters
2 dashes Fee Old Fashioned Bitters
Stir and add a garnish of fresh cranberry, orange peel and a cinnamon stick.

For Simple Syrup:
Mix 1 Tablespoon of whole clove and 6 whole cinnamon sticks into 1 cup of dry raw sugar. Let sit for 1 hour. Add 1 cup of boiling water to the sugar and mix until dissolved. Strain into glass container.

Cap Claus

Recipe By: Marble Distilling Company — Carbondale, CO
Featured Colorado Spirit: Cranberry-Infused Marble Vodka 80

Tall glass with ice
2 oz Cranberry-Infused Marble Vodka 80
1.5 oz Housemade Cranberry Juice
.75 oz Simple Syrup
Shake & Strain
Top with Soda Water
Lime Garnish

Egg Nog
Recipe By: DJ Riemer — Bar Team Leader at 24 Carrot Bistro in Erie, CO
Featured Colorado Spirit: Peach Street Distillers Colorado Straight Bourbon

5 large, fresh grade AA eggs, separated
1/2 cup superfine sugar
1 1/2 (12 fl oz.) cups of organic heavy cream
1 cup (8 fl oz.) Peach Street Distillers Colorado Straight Bourbon
3 tsp. pure almond extract
3 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground clove
1/8 tsp black pepper
pinch of salt

1.) Separate the eggs
2.) Whisk yolks until stiff
3.) Whisk egg whites with half the sugar until peaks form
4.) Slowly fold the whites and the yolks together
5.) Separately whisk the cream with almond extract, vanilla, the other spices, and the remaining sugar in a bowl until stiff
6.) Slowly fold in the cream with the egg mixture
7.) Add the rum or spirit of choice and stir gently
8.) Refrigerate overnight

Garnish: Grated nutmeg and cinnamon
Serves: 8-10

Chocolate Margaritas

Recipe By: Cholaca — Boulder, CO
Featured Colorado Spirit: Cholaca

1/4 cup Blanco Tequila
2 tbsp Cholaca
2 tbsp Cream or Half and Half
Splash Fresh lime juice
Splash Fresh orange juice
Shaved Cholaca Wafers for garnish

1.) Blend 5-6 Cholaca wafers together to make a powder for the rim and pour onto a flat plate
2.) Cut 4-5 Cholaca wafers into fourths for garnish
3.) Rim a chilled margarita glass with lime and Choloca powder
4.) Pour the liquors, juices, and Cholaca into a blender with one cup of ice
5.) Blend until smooth
6.) Pour into prepared glass. Top with Cholaca shavings

DOWN ‘N DIRTY: LANDER CASCADE POWERBANK (7800 MAH)

It’s rare when you’re traveling that you get to be the hero. Usually it’s the other way around—more often than not it’s a cab driver, or the concierge at your hotel, or a seasoned backcountry traveller that saves the day with a USB cable or an external battery that powers your phone back up—getting you back on track with your travels. But last month—it was me—I was the hero. And I wasn’t just the hero once, I was the hero multiple times, saving everyone from veteran travelers to wilderness guides from experiencing the technology blackout that comes along with prolonged time away from an outlet.

Since adding the Lander Cascade Powerbank (7800 mAh) to my stash of must-have gear, I not only have been able to keep my own smart phone fully charged at all times, but even on days that I’ve used it to power up my own technology, I’ve still be able to share the battery wealth with others and help those around me stay charged up, too.

Pros: This thing is a beast. Once it’s fully charged and all four LED power indicators are lit up, it will quickly take your phone from in the red, to fully charged within about 30 to 45 minutes. Each power indicator is equivalent to nearly one full charge for an iPhone. And although it’s a little heavier than most external chargers that I’ve owned, it’s still lightweight and small enough to fit in whatever backpack or travel bag you’re carrying. The Cascade Powerbank also has dual USB ports, which means that if you have two USB cords, you can charge two phones at once. It also means that you can charge the power bank and your phone at the same time. The Cascade Powerbank is also available in a smaller 5200 mAh version or an even smaller 2600 mAh version—all powerful chargers that get the job done.

Cons: Although the Lander Cascade Powerbank (7800 MAH) juices up your phone quickly, it can be a little slow-going when charging up. The powerbank generally takes more than a few hours to fully charge up, so to get the most out of this external battery, you have to stay on top of its charging schedule. With a retail value of $69.99, the 7800 mAh power bank is more expensive than the majority of external battery packs on the market, but you definitely get what you pay for.

Where We Took It: On travels throughout remote areas of Quebec, the Pacific Northwest, and in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: WHO CALLS IN THE NIGHT?

It’s cold outside—so cold, the thermometer barely manages to rise above zero. But inside, bundled up in a makeshift blanket fort and surrounded by a dizzying sea of tissues and cold medicine, it’s burning up. Somewhere out there, the mountains are calling me, but I can’t hear the sound. The bitter cold outside has ushered in a bitter silence that reverberates throughout the walls of my head. The still snowfall and the stoic sky absorb the quiet, but as the sun begins to set over the silent landscape, a gentle cry rings out in the night—drifting to my window on the waves of the chilly night air.

Curious, I emerge from my cold haze and venture outside to see who calls in the night.

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends. 

INSTAGRAM TAKEOVER: CRESTED BUTTE NORDIC’S ALLEY LOOP

Colorado Nordic fans are gearing up for the 31st Annual Alley Loop Nordic Marathon set to take place on February 4, 2017. We caught up with Drew Holbrook, Marketing Director at Crested Butte Nordic, to learn more about this unique cross country ski race with a course that runs right through downtown Crested Butte.

1. What is the Alley Loop?

The Alley Loop is Colorado’s biggest cross country ski race and an American Birkebeiner qualifier. The race is put on by Crested Butte Nordic, which happens to be the Nordic Ski Capital of Colorado.

2. What makes this race so unique?

The race is unique for three reasons: the course, the people, and the spirit.  The course starts, finishes, and passes through the heart of downtown Crested Butte, winding around on snow covered streets, narrow alleys, and one lane bridges.  It then heads out onto the scenic nordic trails around Crested Butte. Most people that attend the race dress up in costumes, even some of the racers. The whole town comes out to cheer you on as you go by.  The race has a different spirit than any other nordic ski race. In a sport that can often be overly serious, the Alley Loop is just about getting out there and having a good time. Some of the top racers in the country come out for the event but they have to pass people in costume who barely know how to ski in order to get to the finish line.

3. How many years has Alley Loop been taking place in Crested Butte?

The Alley Loop will be turning 31 this February. It was 31 years ago that a small group of people who made up the Crested Butte Nordic Council thought that it would be cool to have a race that went through town.

4. Who makes this race possible?

It is a lot of work to put on an event like this and it takes a whole community to pull it off. Business owners and residents allow us to fill their streets and alleys with snow. They have to move their cars and their homes and businesses can only be reached on foot. The Town of Crested Butte dedicates a huge amount of resources to fill the streets with snow before the event. Then, they close off a portion of town to cars while the event is going on. The volunteers make it all happen when the event starts. It takes about 60 volunteers to pull the event off. They distribute bibs to 700 racers, stop traffic in town so that racers can pass through, shovel snow onto the streets, man aid stations; the list is endless.

5. What is the most outrageous costume you’ve seen a participant in?

There are too many to just name one. One year Superman won the main event: the 42K skate race. Trump did pretty well last year too. The group costumes really shine through though: oompa loompas, garden gnomes, minions, pool balls, the Keystone XL Pipeline; you name it.

6. What is the Pub-Ski?

The Alley Loop Pub Ski is a pub crawl on skis. The night before the race, the main street, Elk Avenue, is filled with snow so people take advantage of it by skiing from bar to bar. They get free drinks and play games to score points. Most of the people dress up in costume. It’s a pretty good time and quite the scene.

7. How can we sign up?

You can sign up at cbnordic.org.

8. Can you share any other fun facts with us about this race or the event weekend?

The event may seem like a wacky locals party, and it is. But, it’s also a pretty big deal as far as nordic races go. We introduced a $5,000 cash purse last year and got some world-class competitors from Europe who are skiing for American colleges. Last year, we saw times that were faster than we ever thought possible. It was a whole new level of racing. The best part is that these Germans and Norwegians just loved the kookiness of the event. They were racing for big bucks but just couldn’t get over the fact that they had to blow by all of these costume-clad kooks. They hadn’t ever seen anything like it.

Photo Courtesy of Crested Butte Nordic Center

Check out this beautiful video of past Alley Loop races through the town of Crested Butte: https://vimeo.com/171855385, and get hyped for this year’s race by staying tuned to www.instagram.com/elevationout this week for more beautiful images from the Crested Butte Nordic Center of this funky small town race.

Crested Butte Nordic, founded in 1987, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to provide individuals of all ages and abilities the opportunity to learn, enjoy, and improve in the sports of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. We maintain over 50 kilometers of meticulously groomed trails around the Town of Crested Butte and offer complete ski and snowshoe rental packages as well as private lessons, clinics, tours, and fine yurt dining. Our Nordic Center and trailheads are within walking distance from all of Crested Butte’s restaurants and lodgings.

DOWN ‘N DIRTY: LOWA MELROSE GTX MID BOOT (WOMEN’S)

A few months ago, I snagged a pair of brand new, super sleek Lowa Melrose GTX Mid Boots—and started the process of patiently waiting for the first snowfall. Fall turned into winter, and no snow. November turned into December, and no snow. I started traveling to snowy destinations in the Rocky Mountain region, and everywhere I went, the bone-dry conditions were blessed with snowfall the day after my departure. Convinced that the boots were cursed, I returned back home to Boulder, Co., and the next day—it snowed. I’ve been living in the boots ever since. And the verdict? These boots are awesome. Lowa boots are hand-crafted in Europe, using a business model that places an emphasis on sustainable practices. True to their size, the Melrose GTX Mid Boots are the perfect boot for women living in mountain towns, where the cold can seep into your bones and the snowdrift piles last well into spring.

Pros: The warmth factor in these boots is exceptional. The lining is made with GORE-TEX® Partelana® technologies, which means the fabric is durable and waterproof, but still breathable. My boots fit true-to-size, and even though it gets a little snug, they still have room for a nice pair of wool socks. The exterior of the boot is made with full grain leather, making them extremely waterproof. But it’s the sole of this boot is possibly my favorite thing about it. The grip is wonderful, even on those pesky sheets of black ice. This boot is also super stylish, and looks great with everything from jeans, to leggings, to your favorite outerwear.

Cons: While these boots will keep your feet exceptionally warm when you’re out and about outside, they can get a little toasty when you make the transition from outdoor actives to indoor activities. It’s hard to fault something for doing it’s job so well, but the toastyness factor of this boot can be slightly uncomfortable if you wear them inside for too long. Since the boots only come up to the calf level, they aren’t the best footwear option for playing around in area’s with a large snow accumulation, but the laces run up to the very top of the boot, creating a pretty solid barrier between your warm and cozy feet, and any rouge snowflakes. The Lowa Melrose GTX Mid Boots are great for casual everyday-wear, and work best for city adventures, not-so-much for backcountry fun.

Where We Took It: Sun Valley, Idaho. Ann Arbor, Michigan. Boulder, Colorado.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: ALL THE PRETTY LIGHTS

High up in the foothills of Colorado, there’s a special place where the glowing lights from the cities below dance together with the natural well-lit hues that delicately illuminate the sparkling tree branches and snowy mountain tops that surround you. It’s an ethereal place—where even time seems to get lost in the moment. It’s a place where the only thing that really matters when the sun and the moon trade shifts for the day—are all of the pretty lights.

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends. 

IBEX SET TO OPEN DENVER RETAIL SHOP THIS SATURDAY

 

TYRA SUTAKDECEMBER 8, 2016

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On Saturday, December 10, Ibex Outdoor Clothing will celebrate the grand opening of their inaugural retail shop in Colorado with giveaways, and a happy hour featuring Wyoming Whiskey and a variety of Colorado craft beers and locally-made wines. The clothing company, which specializes in fashionable and functional merino wool apparel, will kick of the party at noon—handing out gift bags to the first 50 people in the door at the brand new location at 250 Columbine Street, Suite 115 in Denver’s Cherry Creek North neighborhood—followed by happy hour which begins at 5 pm. The Denver location is the third retail store opened by Ibex which was founded in Woodstock, NY in 1997. The company also operates retail shops in Seattle and Boston. Ibex is breaking out their latest line of clothing, and complimentary gift wrapping will be available for holiday shoppers looking to gift their loved ones with durable, fashionable, and comfortable outdoor apparel.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: CAST, AND WAIT

 

TYRA SUTAKDECEMBER 5, 2016

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“You expected to be sad in the fall. Part of you died each year when the leaves fell from the trees and their branches were bare against the wind and the cold, wintery light. But you knew there would always be the spring, as you knew the river would flow again after it was frozen.” 

– Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast. 

The icy water drifting down the mighty Big Wood River outside of Ketchum, Idaho sends a chill through my bones, but the adrenaline coursing through my veins, as I slowly pull the cold fishing line through my fingers, sends sparks of warmth through my body, and into my soul. It’s the end of November. The final days of fall. Winter is tip-toeing over the nearby mountain ranges, but still my feet shuffle along the river bottom. I cast, and wait. A quiet wind reminds us all of the imminent changing of the seasons, gently sweeping the last of fall’s discarded leaves along the forest floor. I can smell the oncoming snow, but still, I cast, and wait. The cold air begins to blister my cheeks.

Down the river someone yells out, “nice cast, sister!”

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends. 

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: SUNSHINE IN SUN VALLEY, IDAHO

 

TYRA SUTAKNOVEMBER 21, 2016

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It’s the week before Thanksgiving, and like most people that call resort towns in the Rocky Mountain region home, the residents of Sun Valley, Idaho have spent most of November praying to the all mighty Uller, and watching their local ski mountains attempt to make snow. But powder, or no powder, this valley is still an unbelievable place to spend a weekend. It has miles and miles of flowy singletrack and multi-use trails, drinking establishments with enough personality (and mounted animal heads on the walls) to attract the great Hemingway back in the glory days, and that charming resort town feel that can only be found in places where drinking around a fire is the norm and calling in sick to work on a powder day is an afterthought. While the majestic mountains in the distance taunt us with their snowcapped peaks, for now, I’m content spending the day outside soaking in the valley’s namesake sunshine and watching the winter storm in the distance slowly roll in while I sip on some locally-made spirits and enjoy an après afternoon of my own.

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoors Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends. 

OUTDOOR REC ACT GAINS MOMENTUM IN WASHINGTON D.C.

 

TYRA SUTAKNOVEMBER 20, 2016

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In a month that’s been marred with considerable turmoil in the political world—spreading ripples of uncertainty and fear throughout the outdoor industry in particular—a silver lining has emerged from Washington D.C. 

On November 14, “H.R. 4665 Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016,” known as the REC Act, was voted through the U.S. House of Representatives, putting this ground-breaking piece of legislation for the outdoor industry one step closer to being cemented as a law. 

First introduced in the House in March by Virginia Rep. Donald Beyer (D) with 25 cosponsors, the REC Act will ensure that the outdoor industry counts on a federal level—literally. Should the bill pass the Senate and President to become a law, the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce will be directed to assess and analyze the outdoor industry economy of the United States and the effects attributable to the overall nation’s GDP. That means these industries will receive equal footing alongside extractive industries when it comes to government accounting. We’re talking sales, travel and tourism contributions, jobs—the whole enchilada. 

“The REC Act is one of our top legislative priorities, and it’s an extremely important bill for the industry,” said Alex Boian, Government Affairs at Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), a nonpartisan, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the growth and success of the outdoor industry. Since 2006, OIA has been collecting and distributing facts and statistics identical to those proposed in the REC Act, but is looking forward to the outdoor industry being quantified on a federal level for the first time.

“It’s one thing for a private organization to say this is the industry’s worth, it’s another for the government agency that’s charged with assessing the economic contribution to say ‘this is what it’s worth’,” said Boian. 

One year prior to the REC Act’s introduction to the House of Representatives, Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell, launched an initiative to measure and quantify the outdoor industry’s impact on the U.S. economy. Jewell’s two-year “pilot program” is currently underway, and is expected to start producing numbers at a national level by 2018. If the REC Act passes, those two years will be infinitely extended, and the outdoor industry will be able to chalk up a big, long-term political win. 

“This puts the outdoor industry on equal footing with other industries that are currently measured by the BEA,” said Boian. “That’s the oil and gas industry, the agricultural industry, and the mining industry—other industries that use our public lands. This report will put the outdoor industry on equal footing.” 

According to OIA’s latest Outdoor Recreation Economy report (2006), the outdoor industry generates $646 billion in consumer spending each year—which unofficially ranks the outdoor industry third in annual consumer spending—falling behind pharmaceuticals and motor vehicles and parts, and surpassing financial services and insurance. 

Perhaps the most hopeful factor in the REC Act’s momentum, is the bipartisanship wrapped throughout the bill. The brainchild of Senator Cory Gardner (R, CO) and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D, NH), the bill has seen overwhelming support across party lines—with sponsors including Republican and Democrat representatives from states with thriving outdoor recreation economies such as Colorado and Washington. 

“One thing we’re thrilled about in the passage through the House is that it passed through with unanimous bipartisan support, which is unique in Washington these days,” said Boian. “That just demonstrates that the outdoor recreation economy and a thriving outdoor industry is something that brings Democrats and Republicans together.” 

While Boian and the team at the Outdoor Industries Association are hopeful for the future of the REC Act, they’re not breaking out the champagne and party favors yet. 

“Nothing in Congress is ever guaranteed, but we’re cautiously optimistic it will get through the Senate,” projects Boian. “Because it has this broad bipartisan support, we do think it will get through the Senate before they adjourn for the holidays.”

With questions still looming in the outdoor industry following this month’s historic election, the passing of the Outdoor REC Act would mark a positive step forward for bipartisan support in Washington D.C. and the solidification of public lands and the great outdoors as a valued part of this always-changing nation.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: SUNSET HIKE IN LYONS, COLORADO

 

TYRA SUTAKNOVEMBER 14, 2016

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Vincent van Gogh couldn’t have painted it any better. Wistful pink clouds fading into a darkening night sky. Rays from the sinking sun envelope the grassy fields surrounding the miles of singletrack that begin at the Picture Rock Trailhead in Lyons and weave their way into the quiet Foothills of Colorado. The dimming light reaches out across the land one last time—breathing life into the ethereal and vast landscape. In time, the sun lazily falls behind the mountain tops, and the pale blue sky is replaced with a fiery kaleidoscope of colors before the night sky sleepily tucks itself in for the night.

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends. 

LYONS-BASED SPIRIT HOUND DISTILLERS RELEASES BARREL-AGED RUM

 

TYRA SUTAKNOVEMBER 11, 2016

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It’s no secret that I like the whisky—and the whisky that the folks at Spirit Hound Distillers in Lyons, Colorado are making is some damn good whisky. But for the first time in a long time, I sipped on something other than the hand-crafted and oh-so smooth straight malt whisky on a recent visit to the Spirit Hound tasting room.

This time, I sipped on the rum—aged in a whisky barrel, of course—because when your whisky is that good, why wouldn’t you? A traditional Agrarian Style rum made with cane sugar and molasses sourced from the Caribbean, Spirit Hound’s Mountain Bum Rum has made a few appearances in the distillery’s spirits line-up since their inception in 2012.

“Rum isn’t something that we originally planned on producing,” said Craig Englehorn, Spirit Hound’s head distiller. Englehorn was is the middle of making one of the inaugural rum batches at the distillery when record-breaking flood waters hit the town—stranding Englehorn in the distillery for more than a day. The initial batch of rum produced was dubbed the “Flood Rum” and it didn’t take Spirit Hound too long to run through the first batch.

On Saturday, November 12, Spirit Hound is throwing a release party to celebrate the limited-release Barrel-Aged Rum and the return of rum to the distillery’s tasting room. The small-batch, twice-distilled rum has been aging in one of Spirit Hound’s whisky barrels for the past year, and will make its debut in the tasting room in 750 ml bottles, and mixed into two delicious cocktails: The Rocky Mountain Coloda—a delightful creamy and seriously dangerous island-inspired drink, and a Buick Special Martini made with rum, peach bitters, honey syrup and lemon juice. Both drinks will be available at the release party which will run from 11 am to 9 pm. A food truck, live music, and the chance to chat barrel-aged rum with Englehorn are also on tap for the event.

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: SOME BEACH, SOMEWHERE

 

TYRA SUTAKNOVEMBER 7, 2016

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It’s the first week of November, and instead of making fresh tracks on the mountains of my home state of Colorado, I’m leaving footprints in the white sand along the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. From sunrise to sunset, the beauty and weather on the beach is unparalleled. But at night, with the soothing sound of waves lapping up against the shoreline outside of my window, I lay my head down on my pillow and dream of my favorite glistening snow white beaches back home. Everyone has some beach, somewhere.

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends. 

POSTCARDS FROM THE WEEKEND: FROM THE EAST TO THE WEST

 

TYRA SUTAKOCTOBER 31, 2016

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In the west, they rise. Majestic and proud. Their delicate peaks, painted white, always reaching higher to blur the line between land and sky. When you’re in them, the rest of the world fades away. Only the natural beauty at your fingertips and the untamed earth beneath your feet exist in that moment. Leaving the mountains, bound for the eastern plains, it’s easy to feel a little ache in your soul. But one glance in the rearview mirror is all it takes to remember that mountains aren’t something you leave behind—they stay with you always.

Postcards From the Weekend is our weekly photo series showcasing images and stories from our adventurous and outdoor-loving contributors at Elevation Outdoor Magazine. Follow along and see where our team of adventure-seekers like to spend their weekends. 

JARED & THE MILL BRING DESERT SOUND TO COLORADO

Good music seeps into your soul—becoming a tangible part of you, that shapes and inspires, transporting you to a place where you feel whole and alive—even if just for those three minutes and twenty-nine seconds. Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, the band Jared & The Mill doesn’t make good music. They make great music. The kind of music that makes you listen and think, while simultaneously taking over your limbs on the dance floor. On a sunny autumn afternoon in Greeley, Colorado, I caught up with the band to learn the secrets to making great music, and to see it manifest live later that evening at the Moxi Theater—an intimate venue located in the city’s downtown drag.

Perhaps the most important ingredient to Jared & The Mill’s growing success is the band’s beginnings. In some way or another, every member of the band boasts a friendship that dates back to when the now twenty-somethings were just “wee tots.” Lead singer, Jared Kolesar, and banjo player, Michael Carter, have a friendship that spans more than a decade. Same goes for guitarist, Larry Gast III, and drummer, Josh Morin. Chuck Morriss III became one of the final pieces to the band’s cohesive puzzle, thanks to a longtime family friendship with Gast’s family. Rounding out the crew, but no longer touring with the band, is Gabe Hall Rodrigues, an accordion player that adds a hauntingly beautiful western vibe to the band’s unique tunes.

And that’s how it all began—the story of six talented musicians, singers and friends that came together in 2011 and would go on to find their sound in the classrooms and nearby bars at Arizona State University—eventually all choosing to turn the band into a career after graduation.

As we chat about life on the road, and the band’s current national tour, pre-show sunlight streams into the room, adding another bright layer of lightheartedness that seems to follow the fun-loving group of friends wherever they go. I ask about musicians and bands that have influenced their sound, and they ask me how much time I have. Their eventual answers are as eclectic and diverse as each member’s individual style. Bob Dylan’s iconic songwriting is an answer. Names of classic country artists like Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard are agreed on by all. Someone casually mentions Blink 182. Experiences from their many national tours over the past few years are cited as influences. It’s the band member’s different tastes and styles that make Jared & The Mill’s music so exciting—giving it depth and soul. Playing all original music, the band seamlessly moves from country, to rock, to folk—often times—all within the same song. Call it Americana, or Western Indie Rock—call it what you will, Jared & The Mill’s music is a gritty fabric of well-written poetry. It’s a bunch of heartfelt tales told by a group of skilled storytellers. Their intense passion for their songs continuously captivate live audiences across the country. For most of the band members, their love of music started very early on at home. A few went on to study music in college. All members contributing in some way to the songwriting process and the definition of the band’s evolving sound.

Later in the evening, the band looks right at home beneath the bright lights of the stage at the Moxi. But a few songs into their set, that same stage is empty. The lights in the theater dimmed so low, only the buzzing neon light from a light-up cactus on stage gives away the band’s location down in the attentive crowd in front of the stage. The darkness become’s the microphone, amplifying their impeccable harmonies to the fans joined together by hands, swaying together in unison around them. Completely unplugged, the band croons a vulnerable version of “Western Expansion”, the title track from their inaugural full-length album released in 2013. Promoting positivity and love, the band plays another tune before Kolesar ends their impromptu jam with: “hug someone you’ve never met before,” and the bands returns to the stage and their amps, and let loose a handful of solo riffs that re-ignite the energy in the room.

Currently on tour promoting their latest album, Orme Dugas, Jared & The Mill is headed west to finish out their last tour dates of the year. Check out the band’s collection of albums and EP’s on Spotify, and keep an eye out for new music and new tour dates to be announced in 2017.