Telluride Archives - Unofficial Networks https://unofficialnetworks.com/category/locations/telluride/ Unofficial is a website dedicated to providing news, information, and entertainment related to skiing and snowboarding Mon, 06 Nov 2023 15:13:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 https://unofficialnetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-UNIcon-32x32.jpeg Telluride Archives - Unofficial Networks https://unofficialnetworks.com/category/locations/telluride/ 32 32 175785092 The Telluride Bear Tragedy: A Stark Reminder of the Plastic Problem https://unofficialnetworks.com/2023/11/06/the-telluride-bear-tragedy-a-stark-reminder-of-the-plastic-problem/ Mon, 06 Nov 2023 15:10:22 +0000 https://unofficialnetworks.com/?p=15039605 In the picturesque town of Telluride, Colorado, a recent wildlife incident has cast a somber light on an increasingly pressing environmental issue. A bear, suffering and in dire straits, was euthanized by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials after residents reported its concerning condition. The cause of the bear’s suffering? An accumulation of plastic waste in […]]]>
Photo of Telluride, CO, by Daniel Ribar on Unsplash

In the picturesque town of Telluride, Colorado, a recent wildlife incident has cast a somber light on an increasingly pressing environmental issue. A bear, suffering and in dire straits, was euthanized by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials after residents reported its concerning condition. The cause of the bear’s suffering? An accumulation of plastic waste in its digestive system—a stark testament to the human footprint on nature.

Understanding the Incident

Residents in Telluride were confronted with a distressing sight: a bear in apparent distress, with foam around its mouth and notably swollen eyes, indicating a severe infection. The animals extreme fatigue, unable to travel far without needing to rest, was a clear indicator to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officials of its dire condition. It was a deeply saddening situation, leading to the difficult but necessary decision to euthanize the bear to end its suffering.

On the afternoon of September 9th, CPW was alerted to a bear in poor health near the river trail in Telluride. Officers from CPW, with support from the Telluride Marshal’s Office, carefully monitored the bear, ensuring it remained a safe distance from individuals enjoying the river.

The bear exhibited symptoms similar to a severe illness: swollen, puffy eyes and a discharge from both its eyes and mouth. Based on the officers’ assessment and a video provided by a local resident, it seemed the bear was also suffering from intense abdominal pain, evident by its arched back and hesitant movements.

This bear was not unknown to the Telluride community; it had previously been driven away from populated areas by law enforcement. It was suspected to be the same bear that had entered a home earlier in the season, adding a layer of complexity to the bear’s history with the local residents and officials.

The Harrowing Discovery

The follow-up to the unfortunate necessity of euthanizing the bear unveiled a shocking truth. A conglomeration of plastic debris had lodged itself in the bear’s stomach, causing a blockage that led to prolonged agony. This distressing find underscores the far-reaching problem of plastic waste and its brutal effects on wildlife. The following day, CPW officers performed an exhaustive necropsy on site.

Mark Caddy, a CPW District Wildlife Manager, detailed the unsettling contents of the bear’s stomach. “An obstruction of assorted debris was found, including paper towels, disinfecting wipes, bits of plastic bags, and wrappers coated with wax—materials likely scavenged from trash,” he reported. “This obstruction, which was blocking the passage to the intestines, was also mixed with undigested food remnants like french fries and vegetables. The intestines themselves were devoid of any food matter and showed signs of bacterial growth, indicative of the onset of decay. We examined several sections of the intestines and found them to be completely empty of any digested material.” This stark revelation highlights the tragic consequences of littering and improper waste disposal on wildlife.

The Larger Implications

This tragic event is more than an isolated case; it’s a microcosm of a global crisis. Animals worldwide, particularly those with keen senses of smell like bears, are attracted to and consume plastics, which their bodies cannot process. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the broader, global threat that discarded plastics pose to animals.

How You Can Make a Difference

What can be done to prevent such unnecessary loss of wildlife? Here are actionable steps:

  1. Reduce Plastic Usage: One of the most impactful actions you can take is to reduce your plastic consumption. Opt for reusable water bottles, prioritize items with biodegradable packaging, and invest in reusable containers for leftovers.
  2. Proper Waste Disposal: Especially in communities where wildlife is present, ensure that waste is disposed of properly and securely to prevent animals from accessing it.
  3. Spread Awareness: Share information about the impact of plastic pollution on wildlife. Education can lead to action, and action can lead to change.
  4. Support Conservation Efforts: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that work towards wildlife conservation and habitat protection.

Telluride Bear and Plastic

The loss of the Telluride bear is a poignant reminder of our responsibility to the environment. As stewards of the planet, it is incumbent upon us to take immediate and persistent action to mitigate the harm we cause. By making conscious choices about our consumption and waste, we can help ensure that wildlife thrives in their natural habitats, free from the threats posed by our waste.

Let the story of the Telluride bear be a call to action. As we forge ahead, let us carry the commitment to make changes that honor the memory of this bear and the countless other wildlife affected by our actions.

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Telluride’s Via Ferrata Could Be The First To Integrate Into The U.S. Forest Service https://unofficialnetworks.com/2023/09/18/tellurides-via-ferrata-us-forest/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 19:04:28 +0000 https://unofficialnetworks.com/?p=15037270 Telluride’s Via Ferrata, initially a slightly-less-than-legal route built by Chuck Kroger, may become the first of its kind to integrate into the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The Telluride Mountain Club has been working with local guide services and the general public to keep the route free and in good condition for years, but now they’re […]]]>

Telluride’s Via Ferrata, initially a slightly-less-than-legal route built by Chuck Kroger, may become the first of its kind to integrate into the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).

The Telluride Mountain Club has been working with local guide services and the general public to keep the route free and in good condition for years, but now they’re working with the USFS to complete certain upgrades required to incorporate the Via Ferrata into the government organization’s trail inventory.

According to KKCO11, USFS Norwood District Ranger Matt Zumstein initially came up with the idea to integrate around 2017-2018. The Telluride Mountain Club began engineering the route to fit International Standard ASTM F24, required by the USFS for integration.

So right now, what’s happening is the local stakeholders, including the Telluride Mountain Club, are looking at issuing a request for proposal to have an engineer re-engineer the route to meet this different set of standards.” – Director and Co-Owner of Mountain Trip Todd Rutledge

Costs to upgrade the route to fit the standards will likely come in around $20,000. The Telluride Mountain Club is always accepting donations to help maintain trails, but direct donations to the Via Ferrata sustainability fund are possible. Todd Rutledge believes the integration could be completed by 2026.

“I expect that by the end of next year, we should have engineering and a new design in place. And then there’ll be a pretty expansive fundraising effort to try to raise money to complete the installation of whatever upgrades the engineering calls for.” – Todd Rutledge

A via ferrata, for those who don’t know, is a route built out of iron rungs, steel cables, and other forms of protection. These features create a sort of climbing/hiking route hybrid. Telluride’s Via Ferrata is fairly technical, and is not best suited for everyone. Those who are interested in exploring the trail should consider hiring a guide.

Related: Expert Skiers Unhappy With Jackson Hole’s Alta Chutes Blasting Proposal

Image Credit: Telluride Mountain Club via YouTube

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Snowmaking System Failure Leads To Mudslide At Telluride https://unofficialnetworks.com/2023/09/09/telluride-snowmaking-mudslide/ Sat, 09 Sep 2023 16:03:04 +0000 https://unofficialnetworks.com/?p=15036822 On Friday, people in the town of Telluride woke up to a surprising sight. A mudslide was flowing down to the Carhenge Base Area. The water and debris reached the buildings in the base area around Lift 7, leading to minor damage. On Friday afternoon, Telluride Ski Resort went on social media to explain what […]]]>

On Friday, people in the town of Telluride woke up to a surprising sight. A mudslide was flowing down to the Carhenge Base Area. The water and debris reached the buildings in the base area around Lift 7, leading to minor damage.

On Friday afternoon, Telluride Ski Resort went on social media to explain what happened. A failure in their snowmaking system on Thursday night led to a large mudslide and debris flowing down the Stumper trail.

Tellurides’ Marshal’s Department, Public Works, and Fire Protection District responded to the scene. The ski resort is cleaning up the mess, and hopefully, they keep that dirt pile for a sick jump for this upcoming winter. Due to this mudslide, access to the front side of Telluride, including the Telluride Trail, is currently closed.

We had someone anonymously send us some photos of the damage caused by the mudslide. The person alleges that the slide was due to a water main break in their snowmaking system. The slide led to dislodged boulders, which landed throughout the base areas, and even into some of the pools. Lots of gallons of water were likely lost as a result of the snowmaking system break. The damage caused will definitely keep the Moutain Operation’s team busy before the 2023-24 season starts.

Image Credits: Telluride Ski Resort

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Watch: This Is How a Pro Skier Skis Telluride https://unofficialnetworks.com/2023/03/16/this-is-how-a-pro-skier-skis-telluride/ Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:34:54 +0000 https://unofficialnetw.wpengine.com/?p=15023935 You don’t get to wear a Red Bull helmet for nothing. Professional skier Bobby Brown shows off his skills ripping around Telluride in a fashion that only a true professional skier could manage. Other than the inverted aerials is ability to precisely now the transition is what really sets him apart from your average Joe. […]]]>

You don’t get to wear a Red Bull helmet for nothing. Professional skier Bobby Brown shows off his skills ripping around Telluride in a fashion that only a true professional skier could manage. Other than the inverted aerials is ability to precisely now the transition is what really sets him apart from your average Joe.

@redbullsnow

@Bobby Brown transition finders 🤩 #skitok #telluride #givesyouwiiings

♬ original sound – Red Bull Snow

Bobby Brown is a professional skier from the United States who has won numerous accolades for his skills on the slopes. He began skiing at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most respected athletes in the sport. Brown was the first skier to win two gold medals in the same Winter X Games.

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Telluride Opens New High-Speed Plunge Chairlift https://unofficialnetworks.com/2023/02/10/telluride-plunge-lift-9/ Fri, 10 Feb 2023 16:37:47 +0000 https://unofficialnetw.wpengine.com/?p=15020012 Yesterday, skiers and riders took The Plunge for the first time this season. After some labor issues delayed the project, Telluride Ski Resort opened its new Lift 9 (Plunge Express) on Thursday. The new high-speed quad chairlift, which was supplied and constructed by Doppelmayr, replaces the old fixed-grip Plunge triple chairlift. The ride takes 6.5 […]]]>

Yesterday, skiers and riders took The Plunge for the first time this season. After some labor issues delayed the project, Telluride Ski Resort opened its new Lift 9 (Plunge Express) on Thursday.

The new high-speed quad chairlift, which was supplied and constructed by Doppelmayr, replaces the old fixed-grip Plunge triple chairlift. The ride takes 6.5 minutes, which is two times faster than its predecessor. It has a vertical rise of over 2000 feet and services a multitude of advanced and expert terrain. Gisuppe’s, which is a New Orleans-themed restaurant located right next to the top terminal of Lift 9, had to be torn down due to the construction and the resort is working to open a new restaurant during the 2024-25 season.

In addition, Telluride got 4″ of new snow overnight before the lift had its grand opening, resulting in great conditions. With 170″ of snow so far this winter, and the new Plunge lift now being online, it’s shaping up to be a great second half of the season at Telluride.

Image/Video Credits: Telluride Ski Resort

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WATCH: Is Colorado Or Utah Better For A Ski Vacation? https://unofficialnetworks.com/2023/02/06/colorado-vs-utah/ Mon, 06 Feb 2023 15:14:15 +0000 https://unofficialnetw.wpengine.com/?p=15019523 Utah vs. Colorado has become one of the greatest North American skiing debates. Utah devotees love the greatest snow on earth, while people who ski in Colorado like the expansive resorts, which feature towns that have things to do when you’re off the slopes. The folks over at PeakRankings posted another great video yesterday, as […]]]>

Utah vs. Colorado has become one of the greatest North American skiing debates. Utah devotees love the greatest snow on earth, while people who ski in Colorado like the expansive resorts, which feature towns that have things to do when you’re off the slopes.

The folks over at PeakRankings posted another great video yesterday, as they compared and contrasted the skiing meccas of Colorado and Utah. Some of the comparisons included the varying terrain difficulties, lodging costs, the challenge of getting there, resort towns, and which resorts are on the mega passes.

I prefer Utah due to the more reliable snowfall/deeper storms, more convenient options for Ikon passholders, and the shorter drive from the airport. I do like Colorado though for its actual ski towns, the après-ski experience, high alpine terrain, and expansive ski resorts, but dealing with I-70 is tough.

The video from PeakRankings is below, and a full breakdown of their comparison is attached here.

Image/Video Credits: Peak Rankings

 

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Ski Magazine Releases Annual Top 50 North American Ski Resort Rankings https://unofficialnetworks.com/2022/10/19/ski-magazines-top-50-2023/ Wed, 19 Oct 2022 14:37:49 +0000 https://unofficialnetw.wpengine.com/?p=15008668 My favorite time of the offseason is when Ski Magazine publishes its annual Top 50 Resort Guide. The ranking method isn’t perfect, but it’s probably the best in the ski industry. Last year’s number-one picks retained their title, as Sun Valley was ranked the best in the West/North America, and Smugglers Notch was voted the […]]]>

My favorite time of the offseason is when Ski Magazine publishes its annual Top 50 Resort Guide. The ranking method isn’t perfect, but it’s probably the best in the ski industry. Last year’s number-one picks retained their title, as Sun Valley was ranked the best in the West/North America, and Smugglers Notch was voted the best in the East.

The biggest surprise was the drop-off at Park City Mountain Resort. Long lines, closed lifts, and heavy traffic led to the ski resort dropping from Number 13 to 30 on their list, and the delays to their new lift projects won’t help them out next year.

The list also shows the rise of independent ski areas and resorts. Mad River Glen made the East Coast top five, while Magic Mountain made it into the top ten. Schweitzer made its debut for the first time ever, earning the number eleven spot. Powder Mountain and Grand Targhee also got back on the top thirty list in the West.

The top ten for the East Coast and West Coast are below. You can read the full list here, which I recommend you check out to start planning your 2022-23 ski vacations.

East Coast:

  1. Smugglers Notch
  2. Bretton Woods
  3. Killington
  4. Mad River Glen
  5. Mont Tremblant
  6. Holiday Valley
  7. Jay Peak
  8. Waterville Valley
  9. Magic Mountain
  10. Sugarloaf

West Coast

  1. Sun Valley
  2. Deer Valley
  3. Aspen Snowmass
  4. Banff Sunshine
  5. Whistler Blackcomb
  6. Whitefish
  7. Telluride
  8. Copper Mountain
  9. Winter Park
  10. Steamboat

Image Credits(In Chronological Order): Sun Valley Resort/Photographer:© Grant Gunderson, Bretton Woods, Steamboat Resort

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Telluride’s Fall Foliage Is Out Of This World (Video) https://unofficialnetworks.com/2022/10/07/tellurides-fall-foliage-is-out-of-this-world-video/ Fri, 07 Oct 2022 14:53:47 +0000 https://unofficialnetw.wpengine.com/?p=15007735 Every ski resort in North America is posting photos and videos of the changing leaves this time of year. Each is beautiful in their own right, but the video below is leading me to believe that Telluride might be the most beautiful. Check it out below. Original video by @markonthemove View this post on Instagram A […]]]>

Every ski resort in North America is posting photos and videos of the changing leaves this time of year. Each is beautiful in their own right, but the video below is leading me to believe that Telluride might be the most beautiful.

Check it out below.

Original video by @markonthemove

Snow-capped peaks, auburn, yellow, and red colors shining in the light of a golden sunset? It doesn’t really get much better than that.

You might think leaf peeping is lame, but I beg to differ, friend. Going hiking, mountain biking, or doing really any activity outdoors this time of year is amplified by the beauty of the changing leaves. You can’t deny it.

I hope this video picked up your spirits today. I know I needed a little boost.

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This Incredible Man Has Spent 82 Winters In Telluride https://unofficialnetworks.com/2022/10/06/telluride-local-82-years/ Thu, 06 Oct 2022 17:45:45 +0000 https://unofficialnetw.wpengine.com/?p=15007571 A lot has changed over the past 82 winters in Telluride and Senior Mahoney has witnessed it all. Sit back and enjoy this local history lesson from Mr. Mahoney. This kind gentleman has stories for days and I could listen to them all:]]>
A lot has changed over the past 82 winters in Telluride and Senior Mahoney has witnessed it all. Sit back and enjoy this local history lesson from Mr. Mahoney. This kind gentleman has stories for days and I could listen to them all:
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Telluride Extends Its Contract With The Epic Pass https://unofficialnetworks.com/2022/10/05/telluride-contract-epic-pass/ Wed, 05 Oct 2022 15:46:00 +0000 https://unofficialnetw.wpengine.com/?p=15007331 “Telluride is a special and unique destination for travelers around the world – and we are proud to extend our partnership. With Telluride on select Epic Pass products, Pass Holders can have access to six unique and incredible resorts in Colorado – which means great choice for locals and destination skiers and riders alike.”–Ryan Bennett, […]]]>

“Telluride is a special and unique destination for travelers around the world – and we are proud to extend our partnership. With Telluride on select Epic Pass products, Pass Holders can have access to six unique and incredible resorts in Colorado – which means great choice for locals and destination skiers and riders alike.”Ryan Bennett, Chief Marketing Officer of Vail Resorts.

Telluride is continuing its epic journey with Vail Resorts. The two sides announced an extension of their partnership yesterday, giving Telluride lift access to Epic Pass, Epic Adaptive Pass, Epic Day 4, 5, 6, and 7-day holders. Telluride season pass holders and Telluride Ski & Golf members will receive 50% off lift tickets at other Vail properties. The pass doesn’t include access for Military pass holders, which has annoyed some Facebook commenters. The specifics of the agreement, including how the new deal lasts, are classified. You can read the official statement here.

With Vail Resorts losing Sun Valley and Snowbasin Resort to Ikon for this winter, renewing their contract with Telluride is a huge move. The renewal makes the Epic Pass one of the best seasons passes for Colorado skiers and riders. Unfortunately for the Epic Pass, they have not been able to grow their partner network much this summer (outside of their acquisitions in Pennsylvania and Switzerland), while Ikon has continued to add international destinations to its offerings.

Telluride is remote enough to be able to weather the large crowds that Vail properties typically bring, and with a high-speed quad replacing the Plunge triple chairlift, they’ll have the added capacity on the mountain this winter as well.

Image Credits: Telluride Ski & Golf, Epic Pass

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