Telluride Realty's Monthly e-Newsletter
November 2008

Old man winter has arrived, getting things ready before the skiing begins. And, it’s nice and quiet for a few weeks, a welcomed lull for those who embrace an occasional break in the action. The first half of the month is the perfect time to clean house and reorganize, perfectly culminating with the much adored KOTO Ski Swap on the 15^th. Held in the underground garage of the Wilkinson Library, one can find all the gear they’ve ever wanted or needed, and sell the stuff they’re through with. But make sure to grab a cup of Joe and get there early if you want to stake claim on the good stuff. The buzz returns to town when Turkey Day and Opening Day coincide on the 27^th, kicking off the holiday season and what will hopefully be another killer winter.

As for October, it was fall at its finest with lots of sun, colorful leaves and dustings of snow. Hikers and bikers were in their element, getting in those last few days of summer activities, while cross-training for the ski and snowboard months ahead. Finishing off the month, was the annual Halloween Parade on main street, an adorable, costumed display of Telluride’s overflowing youth, followed by the KOTO Halloween Bash, an outlandish, hilarious display of Telluride’s youthful adults. 

Community News: "Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?" ...If the Free Box Could Sing

The Free Box. To some, a Telluride institution, one of the many things that gives this unique mountain community its quirky, colorful and benevolent character; to others, a Telluride eyesore, a place that might as well be replaced by a dumpster because it just attracts trash. That very argument is a hot topic in town as the future of the Free Box is presently in a state of flux.

For those unfamiliar with the wall of cubbies located on the northwest corner of Pine Street and Colorado Avenue, it’s a place where one man’s clutter becomes another man’s capture, a local landmark where for three decades community members have tossed and gathered in a veritable cycle of materialism. People have found and left everything: bicycles, clothing, books, skis, shoes, even cars. And for years, folks spoke of “Free Box Karma” where if you “scored big,” you should make it your mission to unload as generously.

But these days, the Free Box is like a teenager going through a rebellious phase, disheveled and out late with the wrong crowd. Its contents take the term “good condition” to new heights where if a dishwasher or couch still look remotely like a dishwasher or couch, they pass the test, no matter if they work or have any upholstery remaining. Today’s Free Box is a place items go to avoid paying landfill fees (bad Free Box Karma); a place where unabashed takers hover for hours before going in for the kill (very bad Free Box Karma), a place where transients gather to sleep, drink and loiter (really bad Free Box Karma), and a place people where people have even turned a profit by taking and re-selling (unbelievably bad Free Box Karma). Additionally, town recently estimated the annual costs associated with Public Works managing the locale at $58,000.

Thus, something must be done. While some at a meeting last month said they believe the Free Box is in an inappropriate spot and would like to see it go elsewhere or away, many still want it to remain in its present location, albeit with stricter rules and regulations. Regional Sustainability Coordinator Kris Holstrom opened the mid-October discussion by saying, “I have two ground rules for today. Everybody needs to acknowledge that there’s a problem; and the Free Box needs to live.” Ideas then ran the gamut, from installing motion-sensored lighting and better labeling, to staffing the site, enclosing and locking it, and having those fulfilling community service hours partake in the cleaning and monitoring.

Although it will be a while for new ordinances (if any) to be established, some new signage was recently posted to teach users proper etiquette.

Early last month, the Telluride Ski Resort announced Revelation Bowl as officially lift-served. The freshly added terrain, located on the east-facing aspect of Gold Hill (“off the back side” if you’re familiar with skiing the front side), is on-schedule to open this season, accessible by the new Revelation Lift, constructed this summer. The quad chair will extend 315 vertical feet putting the highest lift-served point on the ski area at 12,570 feet at the base of the Hillary Step. Revelation Bowl attracts heaps of snow and provides 50 acres of wide open, advanced and expert skiing amid breathtaking scenery. Between last season and this season Telluride Ski Resort will have expanded almost 400 acres (Black Iron Bowl, Palmyra Peak, and Gold Hill Chutes 6-10 opened last season) and can now boast itself as having one of the largest vertical drops in North America at 4,425 feet with 3,845 vertical feet of lift-served.

Also new for the ski season is a place for beer and one for wine. Hop Garden, a traditional German-inspired beer garden located at the base of Lift 4 in Mountain Village, will be perfect for après-ski with its large sunny patio and 10 specialty beers on tap. The bar/restaurant will also feature hot and cold menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And high above, near the summit of Gold Hill, is Alpino Vino, a European-style hütte offering an assortment of wines, fine cheeses and appetizer plates, in addition to spectacular views and a warm, cozy setting.

School News: More Diapers Means More Hot Lunches