Browse: October 2007

The state's only helicopter skiing operation is trying to hold on to its exalted status.

Helitrax has been operating since 1995 on a permit that gets renewed annually. This year, when the company asked the public land agencies for a ten-year permit, the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management officials balked and decided to conduct a more careful review of the existing permit.

For 32 years Telluride’s community radio station KOTO Radio has inspired the funkiest, scariest and most laughable dress-up night of the year with the annual Halloween Bash. Always held the Saturday before All Hallows Eve, this year’s party scared socks off.

The hunt is on for the elusive and much sought-after elk, or Wapiti, as the native Ute Indians call it. Rifle hunting season is in full swing, and according to local hunters, the elk are hiding out in the hills.

Did you know that 67.7 percent of San Miguel County's power is generated by coal and natural gas? That only 32.3 percent of our power is derived from alternative sources like wind, hydro and biomass? And that solar power is only used locally by private consumers and businesses?

According to the county's sustainability report produced in 2005, the current average electric demand per customer is 1,463 kWh. There is at least one subdivision, on Hastings Mesa, where nearly everyone lives "off the grid," generating their own power from renewable energy sources. There are two hydropower plants in the region, the Bridal Veil Falls power plant and the Ames hydropower plant. There are lots of people who use solar power privately, and just one commercial user — Steeprock Jointery, a woodworking shop — which uses solar panels and augments their power with biodiesel fuel and generators.

How can you use power more efficiently in your own home? Earth Bytes tips for the week will help you light your home in a more ecological and economical way.

There are no free rides in Telluride this month. The gondola that provides eco-friendly transportation gratis between Telluride, Mountain Village and the parking structure is shut down for regular maintenance from Oct. 22 through Nov. 15.

That leaves you with a few options: Take your vehicle, take the shuttle bus, hoof it, or stay put.

Intrepid workers can put on their winter boots and hike over the snowy Telluride Trail, which takes around an hour and a half, but those of you with less time might want to check out the Galloping Goose schedule for the fall. The Goose flies between the Towns of Norwood, Telluride, Mountain Village and the Lawson Hill subdivision.

After the last few storms, the roads are still a little icy for commuting by bike. If you don't want to hike, bike, drive, take the Goose, or even thumb a ride, it might be time to curl up in front of the fire and turn on the tube to watch some great footage of the summer on PlumTV.

Almost overnight, autumn became winter. About a foot of new snow at the top of the Telluride Ski Resort doused the blazing yellow foliage and whet everyone's appetite for skiing with marshmallow-covered runs.

The leaves have dropped, temperatures have dropped, and the doors are closed to some—but not all—Telluride eating and drinking establishments. If you’re lounging on a tropical beach now, this may not apply. But if you’re around Telluride and looking for some dining satiation and maybe a little company, here’s a list of what’s open-what’s not over off season.

This week's Earth Bytes video talks about littering and its impacts on the environment.

Earth Bytes is a weekly segment to remind us that we are stewards of the earth and protectors of the planet. Even the small steps we take to tread more lightly are important, and locally one thing we can do is to recycle our trash rather than litter.

There are two recycling centers in San Miguel County: Sunrise LLC in Ilium Valley (728-0134) which accepts glass, plastics, newspaper, paper, cans and cardboard; and the Norwood Waste Transfer Station, which accepts all of the above, from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Travel through the Town of Norwood on Highway 145 and take a left on County Road AA42, and the station is .7 miles up on the left.

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Oktoberfest in Mountain Village is just a few years old, unlike the original celebration in Munich, Germany, which is close to 200 years old, but already it is a favorite tradition here.

Every fall, people gather to drink German beer, eat bratwursts, decorate pumpkins, dance to an oompah band, and to watch the hot dog eating contest. This year was cold, wet, and rainy, but the crowds were enthusiastic despite the weather.

After an uphill battle lasting several years, the route up to Wilson Peak will be open again to the public. Wilson Peak is one of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks and is a regional icon.