Serving you, homeowners in the Telluride valley, with inspiring, relevant local information highlighting the abundant happenings and hidden surprises of this wonderfully remote mountain community that we call our year-round home.
Has anybody seen the SNOW?
During the fall and well into the early December we have been and continue to prepare each of the homes for the winter conditions and use. As we go through the motions of setting up the nest for the long winter and switching gears from lawn maintenance to snowmobile tune-ups we have been asking ourselves what the clients are expecting. Drop us an email and we look forward to your comments or questions.We wonder was it skiing that lured you here to Telluride or the natural beauty or was it the whole package. The funky mountain town that allows you to ease up on the pedal for a bit combined with the pizzazz of the alluring Mountain Village core? What do you like best about Telluride and what is it that you are wishing you could delve into while you’re here?
Some of us at Kastle Keepers are extremely outdoor oriented and feel like this is heaven on earth. Literally right-out-the-back-door there is a myriad of physical activities beckoning us 24/7, 365 days a year. For others there is the smorgasbord of regional cultural and anthropological forays available at a moment’s notice if the snow pack is not good for skiing. Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley, Arches National Park, Moab, the San Rafael Swell, Crow Canyon Archaeology Site, and many other sites are easily within a day’s driving distance. We are especially enamored with the Sand Canyon National Park near Cortez. Still others seek out involvement in the community oriented arts and diversified educational opportunities through the Ah Haa School and Pinhead Town Science Talks. Telluride’s transformation from a mining camp town into a world class ski resort continues to evolve and evoke feelings of pride and accomplishment for us and we hope you as well.Off the top of our thinking caps here is what is new in Telluride approaching this ski season; the Town has use of the valley floor and the Nordic trails there will finally reopen. Don’t miss out on walking or skiing along on these mystical groomed ski trails this winter. It has been years since they have been used. The Utes were the first to inhabit these valleys and they regarded the valley floor as sacred. We regard them as our lifeline to maintaining our bike fitness through the long winter! You can Trent gear at the Nordic Center shack in Town Park and head to the valley floor for a quick lunchtime work out. Prepare your mind and rejuvenate with this extremely peaceful and tranquil stroll over gently rolling and mostly flat terra firma in a wintertime wonderland. The icy river floats by, the pines will be frosty with icicles and you probably will not see another soul – except maybe into your own!
TBe In The Know: When ever you encounter Nordic ski trails- please be courteous- walk to the side with Fee-Fee the poodle or Johnny the junior and stay off the groomed trails. Snow shoes can be another option to Nordic, cross-country skis- but it is not nearly as fun!
The Palm Theatre has an intriguing and entertaining schedule line up this season. The ski resort is serving up brand new expert-only terrain off of Palmyra peak, which will attract accomplished skiers and their families and certainly have a trickle down effect on the skier visit numbers. The Pinhead Institute Talks were a smash hit and well attended with interesting topics such as explosives, Bear Creek fauna and flora and mathematics. Nationally recognized yoga instructors arrive to teach in depth seminars and suddenly everyone’s in touch with their spiritual side and in a learning mode which is always invigorating. Private tutorials for one-on-one sessions are available at the Ah Haa School, the San Juan Outdoor School and so on. This town has it happening- just ask!
Looking at the holidays – just 6 weeks away- there are a lot of items on the checklists for the elves to check off. Planning cannot be over emphasized in a town just so big, with a limited number of resources. There are only so many ski lessons, performance ski rentals, tickets to the show on News Year’s Eve, and horse drawn sleigh rides available. We don’t want anyone to be disappointed. Tap into our connections, or recommendations for full fledged immersion into what Telluride has to offer. Do it soon to be fully prepared knowing that you’re in tune with what’s happening and you’re part of it.Top Ten picks for the bustling Christmas thru New Years Eve
** Christmas Eve- home with a catered meal provided and delivered by one Telluride’s finest
** Horse drawn sleigh ride in Norwood, CO on a real ranch in a real ranching town with Telluride’s own Roudy Roudabush
* Massages at home in front of a fireplace après ski with Telluride Massage** Tickets to Flash Cadillac on the 31st at the historic Opera House- talk about romance and drama!
** Dinner at sunset at Allred’s’- preferred seating requested (any restaurants for the prime hours will require reservations)
* Watching the torchlight parades on the 24th and the 31st- Why? Because it’s tradition!
* Ice skating in Town Park around 11:30-3PM- before the sun drops behind the ski mountain
* Visit the Historical Museum for a live, old fashioned Christmas celebration, commentary and displays-crafts for the kiddos!
* A musical or live entertainment at the Palm Performing Arts Center then dinner out on the Town
** Ski lessons for who ever needs a “freshin’ up”- and who doesn’t! We know all the best instructors- guaranteed!
Nordic ski lessons in Town Park for the entire family- flat terrain, with a beautiful secret waterfall with 5 minutes of schussing –then hot cocoa!
Gather around your fireplace-enjoy the wonderful alpenglow, a delicate yet bold Telluride truffle and a delicious Pinot Noir-available in town
Christmas Eve Catholic Church sermon- often standing room only- 10 PM and midnight
Stroll downtown for boutique shopping and unique finds; check out the new antique shop lower level near Two Skirts Boutique, the local artists gallery shop at the east end across from the West star bank, the art galleries and the bookstore.
Visit the Library’s Historical Room to delve into Telluride’s colorful and enterprising past
* requires planning
** requires booking ASAP
10 things locals DO in Telluride
-Does not leave his or her car running in their driveway, on Main Street or anytime! Anywhere!
-Does secure their trash polycart with the provided clips !
-Does not tread on the groomed Nordic trails- walk to the side opposite of the two-parallel tracks
-Does bring re-usable stuff to the free box instead of throwing it out
-Does drop off non-perishables to the Domestic Violence Center or the churches- call us
-Does turn off their exterior lights after10PM
-Does donate to KOTO, our homegrown independent radio station and the Volunteer Fireman’s 4th of July fireworks collection
-Does slow down while visiting Telluride or the Mountain Village
November 2007 Calendar
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Telluride Film Festival Presents
Directed by Frank Oz, Death at a Funeral is a British comedy about when members of an extended family gather for the funeral of their patriarch. Nugget Theater, 8:30 pm. 970.252.0122
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Telluride Unearthed
Explore the history of Telluride trhough the lens of science. Telluride Historical Museum, Weatherford Room, 6 to 8 p.m. 970.728.3344
Friday, November 16, 2007
Gondola Opens
The free gondola connecting Telluride, Mountain Village and the ski resort opens for the 2007-2008 winter season.
Friday, November 16, 2007
KOTO
After-the-Swap Swap If you missed the KOTO ski swap on Nov. 10, swing by the old library community room between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a last chance to purchase gear. 970.728.8100
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Auditions Auditions for the Telluride Repertory Theatre Company's Show & Tell Reading of Fuddy Mears—a black comedy about family and illusion versus reality—take place at the Wilkinson Public Library Program Room, 1 to 5:30 p.m. 970.728.4539Saturday, November 17, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Choral Society
All American Telluride Choral Society and Durango Choral Society (a total of 90 voices) with the 70-piece San Juan Symphony present a concert of all-American music by composers Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland and Paul Creston. Palm Theatre, 7:30 p.m. 970.728.3411
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Turkey Bingo
Telluride’s Elks invite all to Swede-Finn Hall to participate in frenzied bingo games. Win a turkey for the Thanksgiving table. 970.728.6362Thursday, November 22, 2007 -
Ski Area Opens Telluride Ski Resort opens to the public 970.728.6900Friday, November 30, 2007 - Sunday, December 02, 2007
Young People's Theater
Local young thespians fill the stage at the Sheridan Opera House with a comedy performance of an updated favorite titled Rapunzel's Haircut. 970.728.6363
NEWS
CONTROVERSIAL SILVERLINE PROJECT
Monument Realty has withdrawn their PUD application on the Silverline/Lot 161CR project which included the family adventure sports center.
The proposal for Silverline 2 is currently under review by the Mountain Village Design Review Board, which is considering an application for sketch plan review, replat, rezone and density transfer for the development of the mixed use project consisting of approximately 44 condominium units, 22 lodge units, 13 lodge efficiency units, three employee condos and 20,000 sq.ft. of commercial space.
For some opponents of the project, the 111-foot height of the building was the issue. Others, including Telluride Ski and Golf Co. owner Chuck Horning, argued that the project included too few hotel rooms. Others felt that the building was too large to sit on the landslide-wetlands geology of the Mountain Village.
Supporters argued that the 40,300 sq.ft. for the recreation center, 40 public parking places, a $500,000 contribution to the rec center construction and other benefits justified the zoning variances.
Mayor Bob Delves is quoted in the Telluride Watch: "The elected officials for many years have been pursuing a rec center on behalf of the community. The Concerned Citizens worked very hard to disrupt the results of that process and part of their appeal has been a statement that a new rec center plan is possible. I hope the community will join me in asking them for leaders in moving such a project forward."
Council member Rube Fellicelli said "the ideal that there is another location for the rec center and that it could be brought in at a reasonable price is just ludicrous. There is another location (Lot 1006, 1007) and it should be used for affordable housing and daycare. That is what it is for. The cost to build a recreation center there would be $26-30million." Concerned Citizens announced that "we will continue to work with TMVOA (Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association) and the town to seek other alternatives for the affordable and community-oriented recreation center."
POLL WATCHERS CHALLENGE VOTERS IN ELECTION
On Tuesday Nov.6 election, poll watchers challenged less than ten ballots. A couple of challenges were dropped but at least two people admitted that they didn't live in town and left the voting site.
According to the Daily Planet "poll watchers have the right to challenge the legitimacy of any voter who they think doesn't live in town. Those voters will have to swear to the election judge that they do, in fact, live in town. Their votes will be set aside as "provisional" ballots. The district attorney will make a decision as to whether they're eligible and their votes should be counted". Poll watchers were sworn in by county clerk Peggy Nerlin prior to the election.
The effort of the watchers was met with mixed reactions from jeers and name calling to gratitude from the candidates.
With Christmas just around the corner, we at Kastle Keepers have been very busy wrapping up final summer and fall projects and making the homes ready for this ski season. By now all the gutters have been cleared out, outdoor garden stuff such as patio furniture and hoses have been put away, and the boiler and forced air service checks have begun.
Hopefully by the time the Holiday Christmas season arrives we get dumped on by Mother Nature. The ski area is blowing man made snow as we write this and we are hoping for Mother Nature to finally kick in with the natural snow. The Thanksgiving opening of the ski area will probably be only one run but you never know. If we hear any different, we will let everyone know that is coming out for Thanksgiving. Thanks to everyone who has returned their holiday planning calendars, it will help us immensely on planning for the holidays. If you need another copy please send us an email and we will get it out very quickly.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Roufa, Laborde and Willey family!
Dad, do we have to go back to winter?
CONTROVERSIAL SILVERLINE PROJECT
Monument Realty has withdrawn their PUD application on the Silverline/Lot 161CR project which included the family adventure sports center.
The proposal for Silverline 2 is currently under review by the Mountain Village Design Review Board, which is considering an application for sketch plan review, replat, rezone and density transfer for the development of the mixed use project consisting of approximately 44 condominium units, 22 lodge units, 13 lodge efficiency units, three employee condos and 20,000 sq.ft. of commercial space.
For some opponents of the project, the 111-foot height of the building was the issue. Others, including Telluride Ski and Golf Co. owner Chuck Horning, argued that the project included too few hotel rooms. Others felt that the building was too large to sit on the landslide-wetlands geology of the Mountain Village.
Supporters argued that the 40,300 sq.ft. for the recreation center, 40 public parking places, a $500,000 contribution to the rec center construction and other benefits justified the zoning variances.
Mayor Bob Delves is quoted in the Telluride Watch: "The elected officials for many years have been pursuing a rec center on behalf of the community. The Concerned Citizens worked very hard to disrupt the results of that process and part of their appeal has been a statement that a new rec center plan is possible. I hope the community will join me in asking them for leaders in moving such a project forward."
Council member Rube Fellicelli said "the ideal that there is another location for the rec center and that it could be brought in at a reasonable price is just ludicrous. There is another location (Lot 1006, 1007) and it should be used for affordable housing and daycare. That is what it is for. The cost to build a recreation center there would be $26-30million." Concerned Citizens announced that "we will continue to work with TMVOA (Telluride Mountain Village Owners Association) and the town to seek other alternatives for the affordable and community-oriented recreation center."
POLL WATCHERS CHALLENGE VOTERS IN ELECTION
On Tuesday Nov.6 election, poll watchers challenged less than ten ballots. A couple of challenges were dropped but at least two people admitted that they didn't live in town and left the voting site.
According to the Daily Planet "poll watchers have the right to challenge the legitimacy of any voter who they think doesn't live in town. Those voters will have to swear to the election judge that they do, in fact, live in town. Their votes will be set aside as "provisional" ballots. The district attorney will make a decision as to whether they're eligible and their votes should be counted". Poll watchers were sworn in by county clerk Peggy Nerlin prior to the election.
The effort of the watchers was met with mixed reactions from jeers and name calling to gratitude from the candidates.
With Christmas just around the corner, we at Kastle Keepers have been very busy wrapping up final summer and fall projects and making the homes ready for this ski season. By now all the gutters have been cleared out, outdoor garden stuff such as patio furniture and hoses have been put away, and the boiler and forced air service checks have begun.
Hopefully by the time the Holiday Christmas season arrives we get dumped on by Mother Nature. The ski area is blowing man made snow as we write this and we are hoping for Mother Nature to finally kick in with the natural snow. The Thanksgiving opening of the ski area will probably be only one run but you never know. If we hear any different, we will let everyone know that is coming out for Thanksgiving. Thanks to everyone who has returned their holiday planning calendars, it will help us immensely on planning for the holidays. If you need another copy please send us an email and we will get it out very quickly.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Roufa, Laborde and Willey family!
Dad, do we have to go back to winter?
