January’s Grand Finale: A Weekend of Mountain Adventures and Denver Delights

As the final weekend of January draws to a close, it’s truly astounding how quickly time seems to fly. Wasn’t it just yesterday we were clinking glasses and ringing in the New Year, filled with fresh hopes and resolutions? Now, the crisp winter air is already whispering promises of February – a month often associated with love, but for me, it holds the special significance of being my birthday month! A little celebratory jazz hands for that, please!

But before we fully embrace the excitement of the “best month ever,” let’s take a moment to savor the memories of a truly simple, yet undeniably delicious, weekend that just unfolded. It was a perfect blend of exhilarating mountain adventure, cozy Denver brunch experiences, and fascinating DIY discoveries, making for a memorable close to the first month of the year.

Saturday’s Summit: Conquering Winter Park’s Slopes

Our Saturday morning kicked off with an invigorating ski trip to Winter Park, a spontaneous adventure made possible by our friend AC. Working with CU athletics, AC had to be at Winter Park for the CU alumni ski day and, fortunately for us, found himself with extra lift tickets. He graciously invited Listy, Chance, Mr. B, and me to join him for a day on the slopes – an offer we simply couldn’t refuse!

Knowing we planned an “up and back” journey, an early start was non-negotiable. We’re talking 6:30 AM early, a time usually reserved for the most dedicated adventurers or those with extremely demanding commutes. While the thought of such an early wake-up call on a weekend might normally elicit a groan, the prospect of fresh mountain air and exhilarating runs quickly overcame any grogginess.

After a quick stop for some much-needed Starbucks coffee and hearty breakfast burritos, we hit I-70 around 7:30 AM. Much to our dismay, the highway was already a complete parking lot. Both Mr. B and I remarked that we hadn’t witnessed traffic this severe since our move to Denver back in 2007. It was a stark reminder of the growing popularity of Colorado’s mountain destinations and the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.

Thankfully, our quick thinking led us to take the frontage roads, a strategic detour that saved us approximately 30 valuable minutes. However, the experience underscored a critical point: Colorado desperately needs a high-speed train connecting the Front Range to its world-class ski resorts. The current traffic situation is not only frustrating but unsustainable, and it’s only destined to worsen as more people discover the unparalleled beauty and recreational opportunities our state offers.

Despite the initial traffic woes, we eventually pulled into Winter Park around 9:00 AM. Stepping out of the car, we were immediately greeted by a biting 8-degree temperature. Brrrrr! It seems every time I ski Winter Park, I’m destined to experience either bone-chilling cold or powerful winds, and Saturday delivered a potent combination of both. Despite the frosty reception, the sheer joy of being in the mountains, surrounded by snow-covered peaks, quickly warmed our spirits.

One notable perk that sets Winter Park apart from some of its pricier counterparts is its commitment to free parking. Compared to the hefty $25 parking fees often encountered at resorts like Vail, this is truly a dream come true for budget-conscious skiers and boarders. It’s a small detail, but one that significantly enhances the overall experience and makes a day on the slopes more accessible.

From the parking lot, we hopped onto the gondola, ascending towards the lively village. For our little companion, Chance, this “moving box” experience was a new and slightly skeptical adventure. But, as always, he proved to be a champ, taking in the panoramic views with a curious gaze. The village itself was bustling with energy, the crisp mountain air filled with the scent of pine and the happy chatter of skiers.

While AC and Mr. B eagerly hit the slopes first, Listy and I took turns watching Chance. His antics were truly hysterical! With an insatiable curiosity, he found even the simplest objects utterly fascinating. I recall him being completely captivated by a napkin holder on the table. It made me ponder how truly wonderful it would be to experience the world again through the fresh, unburdened eyes of a child, finding joy in every small detail.

Once the guys had enjoyed their initial runs, it was Listy and my turn to carve through the snow. We managed to squeeze in a couple of exhilarating runs, but the lift lines were absolutely insane! It felt like the entire Front Range had descended upon Winter Park that day. We wondered, where did all these people come from? It was a testament to the popularity of Colorado skiing, even on a chilly January day.

Since Winter Park isn’t our regular ski haunt, we decided to consult the trail map to strategize our next move. We spotted a cluster of promising blue runs over by the Pioneer Express lift, which appeared to be refreshingly crowd-free. With a shared glance of determination, off we went, eager to find some open terrain where we could truly enjoy the snow.

Our intention was to ski down Sundance, a familiar blue run, but to our surprise, it was roped off! A moment of confusion ensued. Hmmm… what to do now? As we stood there, contemplating our options and studying the signs, a man, sporting a classic Columbia jacket straight out of 1992, appeared behind us. With an air of confidence, he declared that we should follow him, asserting there was a secret crossover to Sundance midway down the Gambler trail. He modestly clarified he wasn’t an “expert” but insisted we trust his judgment. Um, okay? Adventure called, and so did a friendly, if slightly retro-clad, stranger.

Listy and I cautiously began our descent down Gambler. The moguls were particularly icy, and we found ourselves repeatedly exclaiming, “Unpredictable!” as our skis navigated the challenging terrain. Thankfully, our impromptu guide proved truthful, leading us safely across to the desired Sundance trail. A collective sigh of relief and a grateful “thank you” later, we gleefully ripped down the blue run, enjoying the smooth turns after the challenging moguls.

By the time we made it back to the top of the lift, it was clear we needed to head back to the base. The “boys” – meaning Mr. B and AC, who were on Chance-watching duty – were surely ready for relief. My phone buzzed with a text from Mr. B: “Help! Bottle! Stat!” Two seconds later, another message followed: “Found it. Wow!” I couldn’t help but smile. I concluded that Mr. B’s experience babysitting Chance was proving to be excellent practice for any future childcare responsibilities. Am I right? Absolutely right.

Upon our return to the base, we found Chance perfectly content and the boys in good spirits. To celebrate a successful day on the slopes and commend the boys on their stellar babysitting efforts, we ordered a couple of well-deserved Bloody Marys. There truly isn’t a better way to cap off a Saturday afternoon than sipping a perfectly mixed cocktail, slopeside with cherished friends, sharing stories of the day’s adventures.

Sunday Serenity: Brunch, Jogging, and Ingenuity in Denver

This morning, Mr. B and I indulged in one of life’s simple pleasures: sleeping in. It’s a curious phenomenon, but every weekend, regardless of when we finally hit the hay, we consistently wake up refreshed at precisely 10:00 AM. Do you find yourself falling into a similar weekend wake-up rhythm?

Instead of our usual go-to breakfast spots like Mona’s or The Market, we decided to venture uptown for brunch, seeking out something a little different to cap off the weekend. Our destination: Steuben’s, a restaurant both of us are enormous fans of. Their culinary philosophy is nothing short of amazing – taking classic comfort food and elevating it with a sophisticated, contemporary twist. The aesthetic perfectly complements the menu, boasting a chic modern vibe infused with charming vintage elements, creating an inviting and stylish dining experience.

Mr. B, with impeccable taste, ordered the sinfully delicious chicken and waffles. Oh. My. Gosh. It was truly *that* good – a perfect symphony of crispy, savory chicken and sweet, fluffy waffles, drizzled with rich syrup. I opted for the signature Steuben skillet, a hearty and flavorful medley brimming with perfectly cooked potatoes, succulent shrimp, melty cheese, and vibrant peppers. Each bite was a testament to Steuben’s reputation for exceptional brunch in Denver.

After a wonderfully satisfying brunch, we headed back home. The afternoon called for a mix of productivity and self-care. I had some tasks to tackle for “Foodie Friday,” which involves planning recipes, writing content, and sometimes testing new culinary creations. Additionally, a quick tidy-up around the apartment ensured a fresh start for the upcoming week.

With the weather turning absolutely gorgeous – a balmy fifty-five degrees and bathed in sunshine! – I couldn’t resist the urge to get outside. I laced up my running shoes and headed out for a refreshing jog along the scenic Platte River. It’s truly remarkable what just thirty minutes of invigorating exercise can do for the mind and spirit. As I ran, taking in the serene river views and the gentle warmth of the sun, I felt a profound sense of refreshment, perfectly preparing me for the week ahead, both mentally and physically.

My plans for the evening involved a quick trip to the grocery store, followed by a cozy night in. However, those plans took an unexpected turn when Max called Mr. B, asking for help moving his ski press. Oh yes, you read that right – a ski press! Max, an avid skier and ingenious tinkerer, decided that paying exorbitant prices for skis was highly overrated. Instead, he embarked on the ambitious and far more “fetch” project of building his own custom skis from scratch.

Check out this incredible endeavor!

If you’re currently staring at this giant contraption with a puzzled expression, don’t worry, you’re not alone! I had precisely the same bewildered look on my face until Max and Mr. B patiently explained the intricate workings of this impressive machine. While I’m pretty sure I still have a few thousand unanswered questions bubbling in my mind, the sheer ingenuity and dedication involved are truly inspiring. This DIY ski press is a testament to Max’s passion and skill, transforming raw materials into personalized downhill tools.

Max is still diligently working on putting the final touches on the press, meticulously perfecting every detail. We’re eagerly anticipating the day it’s fully operational and ready for action. Hopefully, we can put in an order for our very own custom-built skis soon, experiencing the unique thrill of carving turns on equipment crafted with such passion and precision.

Wrapping Up a Rich Weekend

After a full and rewarding weekend, from carving turns on the slopes of Winter Park to savoring gourmet brunch in Denver and witnessing the fascinating creation of a custom ski press, we’ve just arrived back home from visiting the Lehman’s. It’s been a weekend rich in experiences, friendships, and memorable moments. Now, it’s time to hit the hay, recharged and ready for the new week.

See ya!