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Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) 2017
BIFF This Year~ March 2-March 5
By Olivia Crist
It’s almost that time of year. Boulder International Film Festival is back and bigger than ever. Whether you are just visiting Boulder or are a local, be sure to come out and support film in Colorado March 2 through March 5! Boulder International Film Festival “attracts more than 25,000 film enthusiasts, media and industry each year and has been proud to host and celebrate some of films most talented artists, including award-winning actors Alec Baldwin, James Franco, Martin Sheen, Shirley MacLaine, Alan Arkin, Bruce Dern, Oliver Stone, William H. Macy, Peter Fonda, Blythe Danner, Maria Bello…Chevy Chase” and so many more! I was lucky enough to sit down and talk to Kathy Beeck, Co-Founder and Director of Boulder International Film Festival.
Interview with Kathy Beeck
O.C. – How did Boulder International Film Festival come to fruition?
K.B. – My sister and I founded it in 2005. We were filmmakers and had traveled to a lot of festivals. We decided that Boulder was a great place for a film festival and realized it didn’t have one, so we took the best elements of all those other festivals we were attending and put them into starting the Boulder International Film Festival.
O.C. – What do you think it is about BIFF that draws such an international audience?
K.B. – I think it’s the films and the programming, we also have a lot of fun things going on at the festival. We have a lot of parties, we do panels, we have call to action programs, a youth pavilion, we’re doing VR this year, virtual reality. But, the basis has always been great storytelling, we have the best films that are available in international cinema this time of year. That’s really the foundation of the festival. The program has been critically acclaimed over the years and continues to get better and better and this program is our best yet. In addition, Boulder itself is a great destination.
O.C. – What sorts of events can we look forward to during the festival?
K.B.- We always have a great singer/songwriter showcase, where we bring in talented singers and songwriters and connect them with the filmmakers and it’s also nice just to offer free music. We have tons of free music at all the parties, the singer/songwriter showcase and at the venues. We’re excited this year to even bring in some jazz experts to talk and or play before a few of our jazz films. We also have CineCHEF again, we have a great lineup of 8 fabulous chefs of Boulder’s big time restaurant scene. We have the youth pavilion again, which is free programming for kids all through out the festival.
This year we are doing something new, we are doing a virtual reality pavilion. It’s really an immersive experience and puts you in the middle of what’s going on. This will be free and open to the public, people can come all day Friday and Saturday over at Galvanize and experience that. We’re going back to Longmont again this year, we had a lot of interest there last year so we are happy to be expanding our program again there.
O.C.- So there is lots to look forward to it seems! I noticed there was some overlap between Boulder International Film Festival and Sundance, which is amazing, how much overlap can we expect this year?
K.B.- This year we’re screening three award winning Sundance films. For example, the winner of the documentary audience award was a film called “Chasing Coral” and we’re going to be screening that closing night, that’s also a local Boulder filmmaker. It is a fabulous film, so we are really looking forward to that and having a wonderful closing night.
Kathy Beeck was an absolute pleasure to talk to. It is clear that there is a lot to look forward to this year!
***Be sure to check out the BIFF website to find out more about tickets, the festival and events at www.biff1.com. ***
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Reader’s Choice: Best Golf Courses in Colorado
Help us find the best golf courses in Colorado! Take our survey and vote for your favorites in our three categories: Best Overall Golf Course, Prettiest Golf Course, and Most Challenging Golf Course. Our top Reader’s Choice Picks will be included in the Summer issue of Colorado Hotel Magazine.
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Golden Girl- Vail’s Mikaela Shiffrin Conquers the Slopes
Downhill dynamo Mikaela Shiffrin is at the top of her sport. She took gold in the most recent Winter Olympics, and is the reigning world champion in slalom. She holds the title of the youngest woman in U.S. history to win a World Championship and the youngest athlete in history to win an Olympic Gold medal. She holds the U.S. record for medals in slalom with 19 career World Cup wins and one giant slalom win, and surpassed skiing legend Tamara McKinney in medals. She’s broken records, and she’s not slowing down. And here’s the best part of this epic story: this skiing legend is just 21 years of age.
Born in Vail, Colorado, Shiffrin began racing at age six, entering her first professional races as soon as she was eligible to compete. She’s racked up numerous wins during her professional career, and when she won the U.S. National Championships at age 16, she became the youngest American skier to win a national alpine medal. Since her auspicious start in down-hill racing, Shiffrin has competed around the globe, earning an impressive array of medals in slalom and giant slalom events. At the age of 18, she took gold at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, becoming the youngest slalom champion in Olympic history. Best of all, Shiffrin is a rare combination of youthful innocence and seasoned wisdom. She possesses a gritty determination and maturity that falls well beyond her young age, and understands what it takes to win it all. She’s poised, she’s smart, and she’s a winner. Colorado Hotel Magazine recently interviewed Shiffrin to learn a bit more about this refreshingly candid world-class athlete and Olympian.
CHM: You demonstrated a love of ski-ing at the age of just 2 or 3. What made you fall in love with the sport?
SHIFFRIN: I started to love skiing because it was something I did with my whole family and my friends. I have really fond memories of skiing all day with my parents, brother, and friends. My love for skiing turned into a passion for ski racing when I was about six years old and I skied in my first race.
CHM: When did you start ski racing and when did you start to take it seriously?
SHIFFRIN: I always took ski racing really seriously because I enjoyed it so much. I’m pretty competitive and I wanted to win everything, even when I was six. I always wanted to beat all the boys and the older kids and generally anyone who was expected to be faster than I was.
CHM: Which event is your personal favorite?
SHIFFRIN: I don’t really have a favorite, each event brings something different and exciting to the table, but what I love the most is finding the similarities between each event. Even slalom and downhill have similarities, even though they look like polar opposites.
CHM: 2016 was the best of your career so far. What was the highlight of that year for you personally?
SHIFFRIN: One of the biggest highlights of my season last year was coming back from my injury and still winning the last couple races by over two seconds. When I was off snow for two months in the middle of the season doing rehab I really questioned whether I would be able to come back full strength during the season, let alone win again. So to be able to win the last three slalom races of the season was a huge milestone.
CHM: What has been the toughest race for you so far?
SHIFFRIN: There was one race a couple years ago in Maribor, Slovenia, when I just felt so tired and sluggish I didn’t even want to race, I just wanted to get back in bed and sleep for a week! That was tough because it was an important race in my hunt for the slalom title and I needed to pull myself together and muster up the energy to have a good race. The great thing about ski racing is that each run is only about 60 seconds, so even when you’re tired you can often find the strength to put down a good run.
CHM: What did it feel like the first time you were on the podium? Is it still the same rush?
SHIFFRIN: My first time on the podium was so surreal, but I couldn’t help but think “alright, I know I can contend with the best in the world… now I want to win”. That’s sort of the way it’s been my whole World Cup career— I’m always looking to get faster so I’m never really satisfied, but the feeling of standing on top of the podium singing the national anthem is incredibly special.
CHM: How do you prepare for each race?
SHIFFRIN: My preparation varies depend-ing on how I feel the night before the race and the day of the race. If I’m tired I would tend to lay low and get as much rest as I can; if my legs feel sluggish I will make sure to do a good warmup and muscle activation workout the day before the race, so I really play it by ear. The one really consistent thing I do is eat pasta the night before the race, usually with a meat sauce but not too heavy. It’s pretty much the only thing I can stomach.
CHM: Do you still get race day nerves?
SHIFFRIN: For sure, especially on the first race of the season. I get really nervous because I don’t have a clue of where I stack up compared to the other girls. Once the season has gotten going and I have found a groove I usually feel better, not so nervous for races.
CHM: What goes through your mind when you’re on the course?
SHIFFRIN: Normally my mind is pretty free. I visualize the course a lot before my race run so I know what to expect when I’m skiing, and I get a course report from my coaches a few minutes before I start to know if there are any surprises with the course conditions or a specific area where a lot of girls are struggling. So by the time I actually ski I know what’s going on and I can just let my skiing take over.
CHM: What are your goals for the 2017 season?
SHIFFRIN: I have several different goals. I’d like to take back the slalom globe, as well as win the GS globe for the first time. Of course I’m also shooting for medaling at world championships, and come mid-season if I find that I’m really in the running for the Overall title that will become a priority as well.
CHM: Do you have a particular race that was especially memorable or gratifying?
SHIFFRIN: I have some great memories from a lot of my races, but I’d say winning the World Championships slalom in Vail-Beaver Creek was a really incredible day. I never expected to have the opportunity to race a big event in my hometown in the first place, but to win in front of my home crowd was a giant cherry on top of a pretty sweet cake.
CHM: When you were growing up, did you have a feeling or belief that one day you would be skiing on the US Ski Team?
SHIFFRIN: It’s not that I truly believed or didn’t believe that I would make it to the US Ski Team and win World Cups someday, I just remember watching videos of the best skiers in the world and admiring their skiing so much that I decided I wanted to try my best to get to that level.
CHM: Talk about how you feel when you’re flying down the mountain on your skis.
SHIFFRIN: The feeling of flinging yourself down the mountain can be pretty scary sometimes, but when I do it well and I feel like I have the perfect balance between reckless abandon and control, it is unlike anything else I’ve ever felt.
CHM: How do you prepare for the season?
SHIFFRIN: Preparation for each race season includes a LOT of time working out and getting stronger and fitter, and quite a bit of time on the snow as well in places like New Zealand and Chile. I’ll spend around 5-6 hours per day doing conditioning work in the off-season and we have two ski camps per summer that last anywhere between two to four weeks each. I get on snow in Europe for the last prep-camp in the beginning of October for about three weeks of training before the first race of the season at the end of October.
CHM: How do you stay in shape during the off-season?
SHIFFRIN: I’m in the gym lifting weights about four days per week, and I do a lot of biking, running, sprinting, agility, balance and core for my sessions surrounding the strength workouts.
CHM: Talk a bit about your family.
SHIFFRIN: My brother is the reason I got into ski racing. I always followed in his footsteps and when he started racing at our local club I naturally wanted to do the same. He’s two years older than I am so I always saw it as a welcome challenge to ski with him and try to beat him, but he didn’t let that happen often! My parents are both great skiers, and they both raced a bit between high school and college, so it was a natural path for me to become a sufficient skier as well. However I think the greatest lessons my parents have taught me were not necessarily specific to skiing, but about life and hard work in general. I learned from them that if I enjoy something and I want to do it well I need to work hard at it and study it. They also taught me that most things are more fun to do when you are able to do them well, so it’s worth putting in the extra time in the beginning when you’re learning something new in order to have more fun doing it in the long run. Tennis for instance, is so much more fun when you are able to hit a good rally or reach certain shots that you can only reach because you’ve put in the effort and have the skill. It’s the same mentality that I’ve taken into skiing and it’s a huge reason why I am where I am today.
CHM: If you were not a ski racer, what would you be doing?
SHIFFRIN: There are a lot of things I could be doing. I also love to play tennis and soccer so I might have pursued those sports more seriously if I decided not to ski. Or I would probably be in college getting ready to graduate, maybe majoring in something science-related because I always enjoyed science in school. I feel like the possibilities are endless, which is what makes life really exciting.
CHM: Favorite run in Vail?
SHIFFRIN: Main Arena, where all of the training normally takes place. I really like training there but the trail is super fun to freeski on as well when there is some space between courses and the snow is good. It’s one of the greatest places to arc GS turns.
CHM: Favorite song?
SHIFFRIN: Runaway (U & I) [Svidden & Jarly Remix] – Galantis or The Rifle’s Spiral – The Shins. I have a lot of other favorite songs as well but those are two that I won’t ever skip over.
CHM: Favorite food?
SHIFFRIN: Pasta with a tomato, mozzarella, basil sauce, or Thanksgiving stuffing … or maybe chocolate cake.
CHM: Favorite restaurant in Vail?
SHIFFRIN: La Botega.
CHM: Favorite activity/activities when you’re not on skis?
SHIFFRIN: Tennis, or pretty much anything that involves hanging out with my family.
CHM: Who are some of the most fun people you’ve had an opportunity to ski with?
SHIFFRIN: My family and friends. There’s nothing like feeling totally at ease on a chairlift ride with the people closest to you and then bombing down the mountain with them by your side.
CHM: Role models in skiing?
SHIFFRIN: Bode Miller, Janica Kostelic, Anja Paerson, Marlies Schild, Lindsey Vonn (Kildow), Marcel Hirscher.
CHM: Role models in life?
SHIFFRIN: Steve Jobs, Emma Watson, Jennifer Lawrence, Adele, Serena Williams.
CHM: Advice for younger kids just getting started in the world of ski racing?
SHIFFRIN: Ski racing can be really tough – there’s a lot of preparation, equipment, and work involved in being a good racer – but because it’s so challenging it can also be one of the most gratifying things that you will ever do. Enjoy it, enjoy the friends you make who will often be some of your best friends for the rest of your life, and enjoy the work that you have to put into it. Ski racing is like a dry-run for the rest of life no matter what level you are at, so really take advantage of the lessons you learn and take them with you wherever you go.
Denver Central Market – A Mile-High Market Hall
BY MONICA PARPAL STOCKBRIDGE
Unless you live or work in Denver’s River North Arts District (also known as RiNo), you may not have noticed the H.H. Tammen building — a former curio shop and Native American crafts store that operated during the mid-1900s. After standing vacant for years, the building was renovated, refurbished and reopened in September as Denver Central Market, breathing new life into the former manufacturing hub of the city.
Over the past several years, Denver has been steadily building its reputation as a sophisticated and seasoned foodie destination. In particular, RiNo and other neighborhoods north of downtown have seen a revitalization of new businesses, residences, arts and entertainment. Part of this renaissance includes the introduction of gourmet food and retail markets and food halls, a national trend reflecting European-style open-air markets and food emporiums. Concepts like Oakland’s Rockridge Market Hall and Grand Central Market in Los Angeles (which will celebrate 100 years in 2017), Manhattan’s EATaly (with more than three dozen locations worldwide), and Chicago’s recently opened Latin food hall, Latinicity (by Richard Sandoval), are just a handful of national market hall spaces gaining ground around the country.
Before Denver Central Market opened, the modern food hall concept had taken hold in just a handful of distinct places in the Mile High City: The Source, built in a renovated foundry in RiNo, offers a mix of retail and restaurant spaces, a central bar, and upstairs office spaces. The Highlands’ Avanti serves as a modern food court and restaurant incubator. About seven concepts rent space in former shipping containers, aiming to refine their offerings, generate a following, and create a new style of dining in the city. The Stanley Marketplace is another example, currently opening in an expansive 140,000-square-foot space housing more than 50 businesses.
Denver Central Market, however, aims not to hatch new concepts or simply capitalize on a trend. Instead, owners Ken Wolf and chef Jeff Osaka sought to bring fundamental amenities to an under-served neighborhood. “I’d walk the neighborhood and found that, even just a few blocks away, there were no basic services around,” Osaka says.
Jeff Osaka’s first restaurant, Twelve, was open for six years in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood — just a stone’s throw from RiNo. The neighborhood was largely a commercial and manufacturing hub for many years. But Wolf had purchased the H.H. Tammen building nearly two decades earlier and had that very space in mind when he and Osaka connected.
Indeed, the two harbored a shared vision of bringing a market hall concept to the neighborhood — a place where people could purchase fresh fish, butchered meats, bread and produce, as well as sit down for a drink or a bite to eat.
“To be a true marketplace rather than a food hall, we needed retail aspects. We wanted a produce department, a butcher shop, a fishmonger,” Osaka says. “We wanted to cover all bases.”
The first step was to reinvent the space. Wolf and Osaka updated the building with elegant floor tiles, modern seating and mid-century light fixtures to illuminate the original brick and wood beams in the ceilings and walls. They organized cooking, prep, and handwashing stations for nearly a dozen vendors while keeping the space open, airy and walkable. They conjured a combination of original elements and modern furnishings designed to evoke a bygone era, achieving a sense of stepping back in time without sacrificing any of the modern comforts we enjoy.
Osaka understood that when it came to leasing the space, they needed a group of vendors firmly grounded in the Denver food scene. Justin Brunson was a natural choice for artisan cheeses and cured meats with Culture Meat & Cheese. Etai Baron of Izzio Artisan Bakery (formerly Udi’s) would provide the market’s bakery addition. Green Seed produce shop and restaurant would sell whole fruits and veggies as well as plated salads and fresh juices. Neighboring Crema Coffee House was a natural choice for the market’s java spot, and homegrown High Point Creamery was chosen to churn gourmet ice cream. “The Market really speaks to what we love most about Denver: amazing food, collaboration, and community,” High Point Creamery owners Chad Stutz and Erika Thomas write on their online vendor page.
In a feat of organization and collaboration, all 11 vendors opened for business at the same time on September 25, 2016, each bringing something unique, high quality and memorable to the market. “We put out a great product, whether a cut of beef or an ice cream sandwich,” Osaka says. “We’re very proud to be who we are and proud of the product that we put out.”
Providing many different options under one roof has proven successful at places like Avanti, The Source, and even the recently revitalized Union Station. And while the people living and working in RiNo tend to be part of a younger demographic, “we get people of all ages in the market,” Osaka says. “Just today there were little kids here, and elderly people. It’s a progression throughout the day. And while we thought a lot of people would walk here, we see people driving from all parts of town — even from as far away as Castle Rock.
With a minimum five-year lease, the goal at Denver Central Market is to create longevity among its vendors. “We want people to come back again and again and know the butcher will be there, or chocolatier will be there,” Osaka says, adding that he and Wolf purposely designed the building to reflect its mid-1900’s origins. “We want to be around for a long time.”
Visiting Central Market is, for some, a daily or weekly ritual for a fresh cut of meat or a morning espresso. For others, it’s an occasional excursion, a place to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors that define Denver’s evolving personality. In the early morning, when the windows filter sunlight through a patina of an earlier time, it’s impossible not to wonder about the people who used to roam the hall, and the things they found here. Luckily, that element of discovery — as well as an age-old appreciation of good food and vibrant community — is alive and thriving in the new Denver Central Market.
A Winter to Remember
BY REBECCA TREON
When winter has worn you down and cabin fever begins taking hold, it’s time to take advantage of all the spectacular happenings at local hotels and resorts. From s’mores on the slopes to cog railroad rides through the snow, here’s a look at Colorado’s top spots offering exciting alternatives to spending the chilly season homebound.
Staycation
Downtown Denver has plenty of options for those wanting a mini-getaway. Whether you’re simply treating yourself to a night of wonder or you want to be close to all that the heart of the city has to offer, these locales will make the winter season unforgettable.
The Art Hotel
Visitors will enjoy the spectacular art collection that gives The ART Hotel its name, the luxe rooms with deep bathtubs, and the rooftop cocktail lounge with multiple fire pits (wrap up in a cozy blanket with your loved ones while you enjoy happy hour in front of the fire). One of the biggest perks here is the proximity to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, where you can catch any number of Broadway hits. This season, enjoy faves like An American In Paris, Kinky Boots, and Mamma Mia, and brace yourself for Frozen: The Musical and Hamilton, both slated to debut this fall.
www.thearthotel.com
Brown Palace Hotel
From the first morning when the Brown Palace Hotel’s annual champagne cascade kicks off the beginning of the holiday season, Denver’s most elegant historic hotel embraces the warm and merry traditions of winter. With the lobby bedecked in sparkling lights on its grand chandelier to live music at high tea, families who love tradition will adore The Brown. Colorado families leave their holiday decorations up through the end of the National Western Stock Show in late January, and The Brown is no exception: It hosts a very special guest for photo opportunities—the event’s prize-winning steer has its own corral in the lobby for one morning only.
www.brownpalace.com
The Crawford Hotel
The Crawford Hotel is located right inside Union Station, which is the ultimate place to while away an afternoon. Union Station has a train that whisks travelers directly to Denver International Airport, making the Crawford the place to stay before you jet out of town. Amid the elegance of the sprawling and newly remodeled main terminal, lounge in one of the armchairs or play some shuffleboard with the family, take your pick from any number of top-notch bars and restaurants (we love Mercantile, James Beard-nominated Chef Alex Seidel’s brain child), or simply people watch. Those who book winter stays at The Crawford with the Winter Nights and City Lights package will receive a winter-themed gift, complimentary room upgrades, and two winter warmer cocktails at the swanky Cooper Lounge.
www.thecrawfordhotel.com
Farther Away
Looking to get out of town and still enjoy everything our state has to offer during the winter season? These spots both near and far have you covered. From Frisco to Steamboat, a weekend away will create treasured family memories in your new home away from home.
Town of Frisco
Start planning your next winter’s holiday getaway now. Just a stone’s throw from Denver, the town of Frisco goes all out for the holidays, hosting its annual Wassail Days. For the first two weeks in December, local restaurants and shops offer their own version of the traditional spiced cider served during the holidays. Sampling 12 different sips will earn you a commemorative mug, but stick around to see the light display at Triangle Park and the 600 luminarias that line the town’s quaint Main Street. There are carolers, visits with Santa, and the legendary Ugly Sweater Challenge – where guests take on holiday-themed challenges (think snow angels and eggnog shooters) while donning their favorite knit apparel. Active families will love easy access to tubing, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing; there are horse-drawn sleigh rides, and even a soup-making face-off between restaurants and amateur chefs alike. It’s the quintessential Colorado Christmas.
www.townoffrisco.com
Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch
A visit to the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch represents the ultimate in luxury. After being welcomed by Bachelor, their resident pup, hit the slopes just outside your door with the lodge’s unparalleled ski-in, ski-out access to Beaver Creek Mountain. Enjoy s’mores in front of the roaring fire pit while you warm your toes, play an old-fashioned board game with the kids, or take advantage of activity offerings like the Ritz Kids Program, night hike with their naturalist programs, and even booze-paired crafting for adults. The Ritz-Carlton has everything you need to create an unforgettable family getaway.
www.ritzcarlton.com
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
What better way to celebrate a Colorado wintertime fairytale than a stay at Devil’s Thumb Ranch? The 6,000-acre resort is nestled just a few miles outside Winter Park, but feels like it’s a world away. Wintertime outdoor activities in this wonderland range from ice skating and tubing to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but don’t miss out on the geothermally-heated pool. All winter long there are also sleigh rides and s’mores at the stables—like something out of a John Denver tune.
www.devilsthumbranch.com
The Broadmoor
A collection of Colorado’s ultimate resorts wouldn’t be complete without including The Broadmoor, a jewel in the crown of Colorado’s grand hotels. Colorado Springs’ legendary complex does every season right, and during the winter months, your new home-away- from-home offers everything from outdoor adventures like a ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to dance classes. Of course, you’ll need to make time to simply explore the resort itself, including the Play room (bowling, foosball, and more), the indoor pool, and the spa—perfect for a mom/daughter mani-pedi date.
www.broadmoor.com
Steamboat Grand
After a stressful year, a retreat in Steamboat Springs may be just what the doctor ordered. At the Steamboat Grand, you’re right at the base of the mountain when you want to hit the slopes, but you also have easy access to a slew of family friendly activities. Adventurers may want a hot-air balloon ride or a snowmobile tour, but the more tame among us can enjoy tubing, night skiing, and gondola rides with a bird’s eye view. Things the whole family will love? Sleighride dinners, snowshoe or cross-country ski tours, and of course, a long soak in the beautiful natural hot springs at Strawberry Park.
www.steamboatgrand.com
Going to Great X-tremes
BY PAIGE SLAUGHT
Let your heart not be troubled, the 2017 ESPN Winter X Games are returning to Aspen’s Buttermilk Mountain on January 26-29!
With all competitions free and open to the public, what better way to start off the new year than watching the world’s best action sports and music live and on ice?
On the music side, there will be performances by Bassnectar, Anderson Paak & The Free Nationals, The Chainsmokers and G-Eazy. While admission to the action sports competitions will be free, X Games musical performances require a ticket purchase. Music fans can buy individual concert tickets, or purchase an All-Music pass for $125.
On the sports side, the top ski, snowboard, and snowmobile athletes will compete in 18 different disciplines during four days of extreme action and festivals. While a full list of athletes can be found online, here are some interesting athletes to watch for:
JOSSIE WELLSA
New Zealand native, this five-time X Games medalist is known as one of the planet’s most versatile skiers. Wells won his first X Games gold medal in 2016 for his Slope Style performance, marking him as the first athlete from New Zealand to win at an X Games.
CHLOE KIM
Front and center in women’s snowboarding, Kim is on course to win her fourth consecutive X Games gold medal. After earning her first X Games medal at age 13, she is the only X Games athlete ever to win three gold medals before age 16. A trilingual, first-generation American, she is the youngest member of the U.S. Snowboard Halfpipe Team.
ROBBIE MADDISON
Most people know this daredevil Aussie for his record-breaking jumps and creative stunts. One of his most famous leaps was in 2011, when he jumped more than 378 feet, setting a new world record distance jump during the Red Bull New Year’s event.
We also are excited about our local faves, including Bobby Brown, Gus Kenworthy, Alex Ferreira and Arielle Gold, Taylor Gold, Matt Ladley, and Torin Yater-Wallace. These Colorado athletes really know how to wow a crowd!
A special addition to this year’s docket is the Women’s Ski and Snowboard Big Air Finals. Previously held in Europe, this event makes its domestic debut for the first time at X Games Aspen.
Additionally, the 2017 Games feature the introduction of a brand-new event, Snow Bike racing. This competition uses modified dirt bikes, which replace the front wheel with a front ski, and the back wheel with a snowmobile track! On that note, Snowmobile Best Trick will also return to the lineup for the first time since 2013.
All medalists from the 2016 X Games Aspen are invited to return this year, so don’t miss your chance to see your favorite athletes do what they do best! With any luck, you just may stumble upon a meet-and-greet or autograph signing somewhere in Buttermilk Village. This weekend is destined to meet your full “X-Pectations”!
For more information visit: www.xgames.com
Artful Living – Denver Curator Brings the Finishing Touch
Sarah Jo Fischer knows her art. Art is her passion. Art is her calling. Art is her life. And so it’s no wonder she is a highly sought-after consultant, imbuing a sophisticated, personal and even magical element into every project she undertakes. Her take on art is simple, yet in another sense it’s quite profound. “Art is about our culture and our humanity,” she reflects. And because our culture is dynamic, art is constantly changing.”
Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Fischer spent hours in the Art Institute, where her love of art was cemented. She attended college in New Mexico, then moved to the Caribbean to become a cook on private yachts. Her love of art drew her back to Mexico, where she became assistant gallery director of the acclaimed Fenn Gallery, and also served as Chair of the Education Committee of the Georgia O’keeffe Museum. In 2008 she began dabbling in film and television production, and currently consults on the popular series, Better Call Saul, the spinoff hit of Breaking Bad.
And recently, another move, this time to Denver, where she is continuing her successful career as a curator. Her latest move represents the culmination of a massive eight-month project curating a collection for a private foundation for the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in New Mexico. Four additional medical colleges are being built, and Fischer will curate individual collections for each.
Operating from the belief that art’s function is to elevate us emotionally, Fischer strives to challenge her clients to install pieces that spur critical thinking and enhance dialogue. “Art should create an emotional response. And the interesting part is that everyone approaches the visual from their own frame of reference, which influences their perception of the world at large.”
When it comes to selecting a piece of art, Fischer counsels her clients to go beyond the surface, and to search for a deeper connection. Acquiring art is about much more than just appearance, she says. A lot of thought and consideration should go into the process. “There are many questions you should ask before you make a decision. For example, how does it makes you feel? Does it work within your budget? Do you have the space for it? How does it enhance the overall environment you are living or working in?” But the most important piece of all, Fischer says, is to “buy what you love!”
Especially in a private home, Fischer is respectful of the occupant’s personality and careful to inspire that perspective. “Art is the soul of a person and there’s some-thing beautiful about viewing art in that way. It’s the very part of a person that is non-verbal and that can only be expressed through art,” she says. “Take for example the artist who created a certain piece. Often, he cannot even attend his own opening and instead leaves it to the art itself to communicate what he physically cannot.”
Beauty in the eye of the beholder. With a little help from Sara Jo Fisher’s expert guidance.
Josh Kroenke – The Next Generation of Colorado Sports
BY ELLEN GRAY
JOSH KROENKE CHANGES THE FACE OF DENVER’S SPORTING SCENE.
At just 36 years of age, Josh Kroenke has garnered a reputation as a savvy businessman who understands what it takes to operate a fast-paced, highly successful sports franchise. With boundless enthusiasm he has learned on his feet what it takes to run a successful mix of four professional sports teams, juggle an incredible number of personalities, yet still maintain a humble, can-do outlook that enables him to keep it all together. Along the way, he has earned the respect of seasoned peers in a highly competitive industry.
As the son of Stan Kroenke, one of America’s most-recognized leaders in the professional sports world, Josh Kroenke was introduced to the industry as a kid of about 13 or 14, when his father became involved with the Rams. “This was my first exposure to high-level athletics and the business behind them,” he says. “Ever since then I always had aspirations to be involved in professional sports.” What he could never have imagined though was the turn this would take, propelling his family into the global sporting spotlight. From his early days playing competitive basketball on a full scholarship at the University of Missouri to an internship with the NBA league office, Kroenke learned all about the business and today is well equipped in his role as President and Governor of both the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche. In addition, he serves as an Alternate Governor for the Colorado Rapids (major league soccer) and serves on the Board of Directors for Arsenal Football Club in London.
Recently we sat down with Kroenke to learn a bit more about what makes this man, who arguably is one of sport’s most up-and-coming leaders … such an energetic force at so young an age.
CHM: What do you like most about your role with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE?)
JK: I like meeting new people. Whether it’s a season ticket holder or an owner, a team president or a coach, a general manager or intern just starting a career, I have found a lot of enjoyment watching people grow personally and professionally to better themselves and their families. Each of them has taught me a lot over the years and hopefully I have taught them a few things as well.
Interacting with players across our teams is a lot of fun too because I get to meet a lot of people from very different walks of life. Gabriel Landeskog left home in Sweden as a teenager to pursue his NHL dream. Emmanuel Mudiay was born in a war-torn Congo and at age five fled with his two older brothers to meet their mother in Dallas to start a new life. These are exceptional young men and are examples of the perspective you gain when you have the privilege of being around them. They have learned and will continue to learn both as players and as people. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch our athletes represent themselves, their teams, and the City of Denver in a very positive way.
Our company and teams are full of phenomenal people and competitors, all of whom I have the pleasure of getting to know in my role, and for that I am extremely grateful.
CHM: What is your greatest accomplishment or what do you hope to accomplish in coming months?
JK: That’s a tough one since professionally I won’t feel we have accomplished anything of substance until our teams are consistently in “the conversation” of teams that can win a championship. That requires a lot of building, patience, and also a bit of luck to get there. There are little things we have accomplished and are currently doing that I feel will get us to where we aspire to be, but we can’t skip steps. We have won championships before in the NFL, NHL, and MLS and we won’t be satisfied until we are consistently at that championship level across the board.
CHM: Was being involved in the sports world an ambition of yours when you were growing up?
JK: I always had aspirations to be involved in professional sports. But if I said that I knew my family was going to wind up with the presence we now have in the global sporting community, I would be lying to you. Soccer was my first love but basketball was the sport I chose to play competitively. Through the basketball experience that continued all the way through college at the University of Missouri and an internship with the NBA league office, I learned a lot about high-level athletics and everything it entailed. So when I came into my role in 2010, I was about as prepared as I could have been.
CHM: Favorite spectator sport?
JK: My favorite sport to watch is golf. Skiing in the winter and playing golf in the summer have become my outlets to take my mind off of things when I’m stressed, and watching golf has become a very fun and relaxing thing for me. I guess with KSE being involved in so many different sports and paying such close attention at all times to different leagues, records, rankings, and standings, it’s nice just to be able to be a fan of something and enjoy the result no matter what happens. I have a favorite player or two and know a few guys on the PGA Tour, so it’s fun to just kick back and cheer for a couple different guys while admiring how dedicated they are to their craft. I wound up next to David Duval at our club driving range once and just listening to the sound his golf club makes during contact lets you know the pros are playing a completely different game than the rest of us amateurs!
CHM: What have you observed about Denver fans?
JK: Denver fans can be defined by one word … passion. Passion is a wonderful thing to have because without it, you simply have no one interested and a passive fan base is definitely not a strong fan base. Fans want to see our teams succeed, so for me, that passion can go both ways. When our teams are winning more games than they are losing, fans are much easier to interact with as they see the vision and can easily get behind a winning team. But when the teams are not as successful, let’s just say the interactions aren’t quite as much fun. I always joke with my family that when the teams are winning all of the focus will rightly be on the coaches, players, and management. But when the teams are losing, the focus and blame will come our way as people will expect changes to be made. It’s not the most fun of dynamics at times, but when we achieve success it’s a feeling that is hard to describe because you can feel the amazing city of Denver behind you everywhere you go.
CHM: What changes can we expect to see with regard to the upcoming season? How competitive do you feel the Nuggets and Avalanche will be this year?
JK: I think generally both teams will be young, very competitive, and should be competing for playoff spots. There are numerous highly talented young players throughout both rosters with a nice mix of veterans in each locker room to ensure strong cultures. Both coaches are very disciplined and very structured on a daily basis and are not afraid to hold each and every player accountable. However, with the accountability comes a personal touch that I think allows our players to understand we care about them as people as much as we do their contributions to our teams. I believe truly caring about them as human beings is incredibly important.
On the Avalanche side, we have a first-year head coach in Jared Bednar and we’re incredibly excited to have him join our organization. He has been successful at every level he’s coached, and we feel he can have a very positive impact on the roster. We have a very talented group of young players we have been drafting over the past several years and they are each going to be expected to step into larger roles going forward to have success as a group. We signed both Nathan MacKinnon and Tyson Barrie to multi-year contract extensions and are planning to have a few veteran defensemen around to help with some of the newer, younger faces along our blue line. We are near the limit of the salary cap and have been drafting well over the past several years, but as I joked with a group of fans a few weeks ago, we can’t make Nathan (who just turned 21) turn 25 years old tomorrow. Matt Duchene has been a huge part of our organization for quite some time now and just posted his first 30-goal season last year at age 25. People forget we’re drafting these kids at 18 years old and sometimes patience and discipline are needed in order to achieve success.
While the Avalanche are young, it’s possible the Nuggets are even younger. Michael Malone is entering his second season as head coach and while one would say we didn’t have a successful record last season (33-49), we did it with an eye on the future, with several first- and second-year players. We are expecting some internal growth from the young players and are hopeful that through continuity and hard work, the young talent will continue to improve and raise our ceiling for success, both now and in the future. Danilo Gallinari is a veteran who had a fabulous season in 2015-16, and I look for him to continue to build upon his individual success. Wilson Chandler was out the entire last season due to a hip injury in the preseason, and we almost look at him as a free agent signing because he will contribute heavily this year. We felt we drafted well, and with our incoming rookies combining with a group of youngsters who made the NBA All Rookie team in 2015-16 (Nikola Jokic and Emmanuel Mudiay), we are excited about the possibilities heading into the future.
CHM: Which of your players do you think have the most impact on the community?
JK: One of the things we are most proud of is the impact all our players have on the community. Each player does things throughout the community on their own initiatives through team and league-sponsored events. A lot of them have their own personal stories that will bring awareness to specific organizations or illnesses. I believe every player feels pride that this is not just a place they play, but also where they live and the effect they have in sharing in the Colorado community.
The Colorado Avalanche hockey club visits area hospitals annually and spends time with patients and their families during the holidays. Our Denver Nuggets organization puts on a clinic for Special Olympics Colorado, giving more than 100 Special Olympics athletes a day of fun in basketball each year. The Colorado Rapids and Colorado Mammoth teams create month-long events to help raise funds and support cancer patients. Our teams host numerous events and donate their time in appearances annually, making a positive impact in the city. One of our biggest events I am able to participate in alongside all four teams is the Mile High Dreams Gala. It highlights our players and coaches by providing a unique opportunity for the community to engage with each team directly while raising money for Kroenke Sports Charities. (Note: This year’s Mile High Dreams Gala will be held on November 14, 2016. For reservation information, please visit the community section of team website.)
CHM: What is fueling your enthusiasm right now?
JK: We are knee deep into the MLS season and I look forward to the playoff potential at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (DGSP). Soccer fans are some of the most passionate to watch and DSGP is a site to remember. The Colorado Rapids recently brought in Team USA goalkeeper Tim Howard this past offseason, and they have been at or near the top of the standings all season. We are incredibly excited about their playoff prospects. Tim has been a great addition to both the team and the community and we’re thrilled to have him join our club.
CHM: Favorite thing about living in Colorado?
JK: Where do I start? Between the friendly people and the great weather I think I have everything I need! Having lived in Denver since 2007 it has been incredible to watch the city change in such a short period of time. The growth around town is exciting to say the least. From my office at Pepsi Center I can see several high-rise cranes at work throughout downtown, and it has been astonishing to watch the Cherry Creek area change. I have a few friends who are working on projects over in the RiNo district of downtown and I think that area is going to be tremendous going forward as well. However, don’t lose sight of why I’m really here, which is the mountains. My parents have a duplex in Steamboat Springs and they put me on skis when I was two. My older sister was getting to do something I wasn’t, so they put me on skis to stop me from crying and ever since, I have had a love for Colorado.
CHM: Talk about family and what is important to you? What did you learn from your father?
JK: I am a very family-oriented guy and along with my family I have a love for dogs. Most people who know me or see me around Pepsi Center and the city know I love to be with my two bulldogs, Fletcher and Arnie. They come to the office with me most days and travel with me often. They create a calm atmosphere during the heavy work hours, long seasons, and I can’t imagine my life without them.
I think the main thing my father instilled in me at a young age was hard work. And not only just hard work, but when you fail, work harder. Whether it’s something business-related or in your personal life, there is no substitute for going out and working hard. I try to apply this in all aspects of my life and you need to understand that failure will happen at times, but by continuing to work hard through difficult times you will better prepare yourself for when a similar situation arises in the future and hopefully you’ll achieve success.
CHM: If you could be doing any other job, what would it be?
JK: I think I’d be a fishing guide on a river somewhere or a ski instructor. I would enjoy the daily outdoor aspect of the jobs and I would also enjoy meeting new people and teaching them a skill they didn’t already have. Fishing or skiing on a daily basis sounds like a lot of fun.
CHM: Favorite Denver restaurant?
JK: My Brother’s Bar. My dad first took me there when I moved to Denver in 2007 and I immediately fell in love with the place. I enjoy restaurants and bars that have a lot of character, and I would say that My Brother’s Bar has as much character as any place I’ve been to in Denver. My usual order is a Double Ralphie (Bison Burger) with cheese and a side of fries/onion rings combo basket. They also have unbelievable chili that will tempt me when I’m feeling exceptionally hungry. It’s close to Pepsi Center, so it makes it an easy lunch spot and I love to drag anyone and everyone there with me. The Cherry Cricket is also a personal favorite. They both have options for people of all tastes and diets. I enjoy a good burger every now and then!
CHM: Favorite vacation spot?
JK: This is a tough one but I’d have to say Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I love the mountains and Jackson is rugged and just far enough away from Denver where I feel like I’m escaping somewhere more remote. As Coloradans know, the mountains are a special place and the Teton Range is one that I find to be incredibly inspiring. I really enjoy sneaking up there a few times during the winter as the people are wonderful and the skiing is truly world class … steep and deep!
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Robot Hotels
BY ANGELA YOUNGMAN
Are robots the future of the hotel industry?
The Hilton McLean in Virginia now has a robot concierge. Powered by Watson, a cognitive computing technology platform enabling her to understand the world through learning and experience, Connie works alongside human team members to answer visitor requests, provide information, plan trips and make recommendations about hotel features, amenities and where to dine. The more guests interact with Connie, the more she learns, adapts and improves her recommendations. All her knowledge is drawn from W
ayBlazer travel domain sites.
“We’re focused on re-imagining the entire travel experience to make it smarter, easier and more enjoyable for guests. By tapping into innovative partners like IBM Watson, we’re wowing our guests in the most unpredictable ways,” says Jonathan Wilson, vice president of Hilton Worl
dwide.
By using information gained from the log of questions asked and Connie’s answers, the hotel is able to improve guest experiences before, during and after their stay.
Requesting items from the front desk at 10 hotels in America can result in a robot delivery. Savioke has developed a Relay robot, which takes orders from the front desk and then delivers the toiletries, linens and other sundries direct to guest rooms. During 2015, it made over 11,000 guest deliveries with the most popular delivery being tubes of toothpaste. Relay also delivers coffee from the Starbucks in the lobby to guests at the Marriott Los Angeles LAX. Many of the Relays have been given names – the robot at LAX is called Wally, while at the Crowne Plaza it is called Dash.
Over in Japan, one hotelier has gone one step further. Henn-na hotel in the Huis Ten Bosch theme park is staffed almost entirely by robots. Before booking in, guests are told by the hotel that they should “feel free to enjoy conversing with these warm and friendly robots as they efficiently go about their work.” Robots undertake the cleaning and provide room service. Luggage is taken by automated trolley direct to your room. No key cards are used, just facial recognition technology. Integral computer systems within each room adjust the temperature to the guest’s body heat.
Want to know the time or the weather forecast? Just ask the small pink robot with three hearts adorning its forehead seated beside your bed. It will also automatically turn the lights off when you go to bed, or on when you get up.
Perhaps the most dramatic change is at the reception desk. Guests have to choose their receptionist with care. The 72-room hotel is staffed by a trio of receptionists – including a robotic dinosaur. Fortunately the velociraptor is a friendly one. All three dinosaurs speak English, Japanese and Korean. Their appearance is quite lifelike as they seem to breathe and blink as they politely greet guests.
Hideo Sawads, president of Huis TenBosch, believes that “in the future, 90 percent of the hotel’s services could be carried out by robots.”
What is certain is that robots do lack the personal touch. For non-techies, this could well be one step too far, especially if you want comfort, luxury and service.