January 1
Golden Gate First Day Hike
Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers a First Day Hike along the Horseshoe Trail, Jan. 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The moderate 3.6-mile roundtrip hike is a gradual uphill climb that winds through aspen groves and ends at a beautiful meadow. The hike will be led by volunteer Dr. John Moyer, who will share stories about the history and wildlife in the area. If time allows, participants will hike to Frazer Meadow Barn and discuss its fascinating history. The hike ends with hot chocolate, cider and cookies at the Visitor Center. There is no age restriction, but park staff asks that you consider the distance, difficulty and temperature to determine if it is appropriate for your children. Children in backpack carriers are permitted. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a 6-foot leash, as always. This hike may prove strenuous if there is enough snowfall, so come prepared. Participants will meet at the Visitor Center and should bring snowshoes and poles, ice cleats/YakTrax, snacks, sunscreen and clothing appropriate for the day. The hike is free but a valid day pass or annual pass is required on all participant vehicles. Golden Gate Canyon Visitor Center is located at 92 Crawford Gulch Road. Contact the Visitor Center at 303-582-3707 for more information.

Central City Bus Service Changes
Starting January 1, Central City’s complimentary bus shuttle service will be adjusting its times and stops. The shuttle runs seven days a week: Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The shuttle runs 30 minute loops starting at Johnny Z’s in Central City on the hour and half hour. The shuttle then stops at Century/Bonanaza/Dostal Alley, Easy Street and Reserve Casino in Central City. It then goes to Red Dolly, Saratoga, Canyon Casino, Golden Gates, Isle of Capri, Monarch, Lady Luck Casino, Mardi Gras Casino, Ameristar and the Lodge Casino in Black Hawk. Finally, the shuttle picks up at the gazebo in Black Hawk across from The Z Casino at 27-minutes after the hour before heading back up to Johnny Z’s in Central City. For more information contact 303-682-1407.

January 14 & 31
Ski With a Ranger at Loveland Ski Area
Join Forest Service rangers at the Loveland Ski Area for free snow ranger presentations, Jan. 14 and 31. Topics include winter ecology, local history and partnerships. The events are suitable for all ages and recommended for those 8 years and older. It is also recommended those attending be intermediate or better skiers or snowboarders. Meet inside the Ptarmigan Roost Warming Hut at the top of Chair 2 at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. for a run with the Snow Ranger (plan to get there 15 minutes early). The Ski With a Ranger Program takes place twice a month until the end of the season. Other Ski With a Ranger dates include Feb. 11 and 28, March 11 and 28th and April 8 and 25. Make plans to join in and learn more about the world in which we live. Visit http://www.skiloveland.com or http://www.fs.usda.gov/news/arp to learn more.

January 16
Avalanche Awareness & Outdoor Safety
The Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Avalanche Awareness & Outdoor Safety in Wintertime course, Jan.16 from 12:30-4:30 p.m., will be an overview of the avalanche phenomenon with a goal of participants being able to identify how, when, where and why avalanches are likely to occur in Rocky Mountain National Park. After a study of avalanches in the classroom with instructor Eli Helmuth, participants will travel to Hidden Valley for a two-hour hike to study the snowpack and terrain aspects of avalanches and review the basics of avalanche rescue techniques. Visit rmconservancy.org for more information.

January 16-18
Feng Shui Seminar
The Aspen Lodge’s Wu Dang Master Chen is launching the 2015 education calendar with a Feng Shui Seminar, Jan. 16-18. Feng Shui is an ancient tradition that provides guidance for human beings to live in harmony with the laws of nature. At a very young age, Master Chen was chosen to learn the ancient wisdom of Wu dang Tai Chi, QiGong, meditation and healing arts. He came to America to teach and promote these healing practices that can improve the quality of life. According to The Aspen Lodge “For those who have experienced the incredible healing powers of Master Chen’s teaching , you know this is an opportunity you should not miss.” Master Chen is a 14th generation Wu Dang Zhang Sanfeng lineage holder and is a 25th generation Long Men Daoist Priest. He is a renowned Tai Chi Master and Healer as well as the Author of “The Master Within: Passion for Life.” Feng Shui can influence every aspect of life; love, family, success, relationships, career, joy, happiness, quality of health and spiritual growth. The Aspen Lodge Resort and Spa is located at 6120 Highway 7, near Estes Park. Register at http://www.wudangtao.com or call 970-586-8133.

January 24
Winter Ecology: A Snowshoeing Trek for Kids & Families
Discover the serene beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park in the wintertime on this four-hour Rocky Mountain Conservancy snowshoe hike, Jan. 24, with instructor Olson Fellow. This fun and educational program will lead participants through snow-covered pine, spruce, and fir trees to learn how plants and animals survive winter using their unique adaptations and keen survival skills. Also, learn more about the properties of snow and how it can help the inhabitants of an area survive the long winter months. Visit rmconservancy.org for more information.

January 25
2nd Annual Stagecoach Classic Point-to-Point Race and Tour
Whether you are a serious Nordic skier or racer, an old-school tourist or anywhere in between, the Stagecoach Classic is a unique chance to experience a trek from Devil’s Thumb Ranch, through the old Idlewild Ski Area, to Hideaway Park in Winter Park. The second annual event takes place, Jan. 24. In the past, the Idlewild trail system connected to Devil’s Thumb Ranch, connecting Tabernash, Fraser, and Winter Park, and is still remembered by skiers as one of the best Nordic areas in Colorado. This is a rare chance to ski the beautiful, “off the map” course. Plus, it’s an exclusive opportunity as this will be the only time this winter that this trail system will be connected and groomed for skier access. A portion of the race and tour proceeds will go towards the Trout Unlimited campaign to protect and preserve the endangered Fraser River. This is a classic-only ski event. Post-race events will include a BBQ, beer garden and live music in Hideaway Park. Devil’s Thumb Ranch in located at 3530 County Road 83, Tabernash. Visit http://www.devilsthumbranch.com for additional information.

Winter Heritage Day at Walker Ranch Homestead
Pioneer settlers had a lot to do preparing for and surviving Colorado’s long winters. Learn about typical winter chores, Jan. 25 form 1-3 p.m., when you explore the Walker Ranch Homestead for free. You’ll see a working demonstration in the blacksmith shop and smell food being prepared on the woodstove. Be prepared for cold, windy weather and to walk in snow. Contact Sheryl Kippen, 303-776-8848 or skippen@bouldercounty.org or visit http://www.bouldercounty.org for more information.

January 26
Pioneers of the Peaks: Local Climbers Who Made History –’Zoomin’ With Zumie’
The Estes Park Museum’s Pioneers of the Peaks: Local Climbers Who Made History series kicks off with “Zoomin’ With Zumie,” Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. This presentation—which is a tie-in with the Museum’s “Climb On!” exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of Rocky Mountain National Park—highlights the life and climbs of Clerin “Zumie” Zumwalt. It will be illustrated with a slideshow and talk by his friends Drs. Tom Hornbein and Jim Detterline. Zumwalt was a well-known Longs Peak climbing guide of the 1930s. For several decades, a small group of men and women made history exploring and ascending the summits surrounding the Estes Valley. This hardy group paved the way for others to pursue the challenges of our alluring landscapes. The Estes Park Museum and Estes Valley Library gathered their inspiring stories and January-June, a monthly series will feature special guests from among the 18 local climbers and mountaineers who were interviewed for the Estes Valley Mountaineering Oral History Project. These monthly talks will be held at the Estes Park Museum. Visit http://www.estes.org for more information.

Originally published in the January 2015 issue of the MMAC Monthly