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The Women's 5kFreshman Libby Chandler approaches the starting line.

Eldora Classic Nordic Ski Race

Eldora Classic Nordic Ski Race ELDORA SKI RESORT – A grateful Nederland Nordic Ski Team Coach Dan Vardamis related that “Eldora is a huge supporter of the community and youth Nordic skiing. To show that support they...

Gilpin Mountain Kids: daycare help on the way

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BLACK HAWK – A new daycare center, Gilpin Mountain Kids, will soon open its doors at 10655 Highway 119, the former location of Eagles' Nest Early Learning Center.  The closure of Eagles' Nest in 2023 created a childcare shortage that has...
In the January 30, 2025, issue of The Mountain-Ear Kristi Lenart-Rikert’s name was misspelled in the article “Blue Owl suffers flood damage.” We apologize for the error. 
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Citizens exercising their voiceThere were protest around the country at noon on February 6, 2025. Locals participated and will stand up to changes in federal government.
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the Nederland Board of Trustees (BOT) received a brief report from Town Administrator Jonathan Cain regarding the potential impact of a freeze on federal funding. Though the BOT heard of which major Town projects are...
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Community News

Peak Perspectives Remembering Chip

A man of character. A man dedicated to his family and community. Hearing about the loss of our friend Chip Smith weighs heavy on our hearts. The memories of our time with Chip will always be a part of our lives.  How wonderful it was to work...

Competitors spice things up at CCCIA's 26th Annual ChiliFest

<p><strong>Community event</strong></p><p>The community of Coal Creek gathers to celebrate CCCIA's 26th Annual ChiliFest.</p>
CCCIA has already hosted a chili competition for a quarter century. This year, they're starting the next quarter century!
NEDERLAND - After his freshman year as a Nederland High School student Keahi Pelkum Donahue started a scientific research project. This was not a typical school research project. A scientist from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration...
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Unpredictable roadsThe Peak to Peak roads can become dangerous after a winter storm.
Some may think black ice generally occurs in only certain areas, but it can happen at any time, anywhere. Black ice only requires the right circumstances and a little moisture to form.  Black ice is a thin, transparent layer forming on roads...
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Government
The Town of Nederland’s Comprehensive Plan update is nearly complete, with the third draft presented to the Planning Commission during their first meeting of the new year, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Several other plans and initiatives by...
BLACK HAWK – The Black Hawk City Council convened on January 22, 2025, at 3 p.m., with all council members present, including Mayor David Spellman and Aldermen Paul Bennet, Jim Johnson, Greg Moates, Benito Torres, Linda Armbright, and Hal...
BOULDER COUNTY - The first Boulder County town hall meeting of 2025 took place over Zoom last week. Boulder Board of County Commissioners discussed their plans to address homelessness this year. Included was a presentation from Heidi Grove, the...
Police and fire
Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office Reports, October 2024 On 10/1/24, at approximately 4:05 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to a theft at the 300 block of Gregory Street at the Grand Z Casino. A report was taken. On 10/1/24, at approximately 6:10 p.m.,...
Golden Gate Fire Board motions fail John Scarffe Golden Gate Canyon All motions failed before the Golden Gate Fire Protection District Board during a regular meeting on January 23, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Grange, 25231 Golden Gate Canyon Rd,...
Calendar of events
Keep It Local
The perfect additionA flower's beauty can either be the feature star on display, or can be the right complement for another piece of art.

Keep It Local: New business budding in Nederland

There are few things in nature as multifaceted as the flower. They come in many species, regionally specific classes, thriving in different environments, holding distinct roles in their ecosystem, and taking on symbolic roles, emotionally...
Keep It Local: Nedernet Inc.
NEDERLAND - Nedernet began as a novelty idea at the dawn of Wi-Fi. Now, it is a company that became essential during the pandemic. And it offers what few communities have: an independent local network provider.  In 2001, David Hardy and...
Keep It Local: Hair By Holly LLC
NEDERLAND - Holly Phillips is a hair stylist unlike any other—although, in this wonderfully unusual community of ours, that may be too broad a statement. You see, Phillips, owner of Hair by Holly LLC, sees herself as part of a community ...
Keep It Local: Wild Bear Nature Center  
NEDERLAND - Wild Bear Nature Center, currently located in the Nederland shopping center, is soon entering a new space. Situated in the wilderness, the new location will easily allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature. According to Wild...
Proposed Eldora Ski Mountain acquisition

Nederland finds path forward for Eldora acquisition

<p><strong>A new year</strong></p><p>Eldora Mountain Resort, New Year’s Day 2025.</p>
NEDERLAND - Since the news broke of the Town of Nederland’s idea to acquire the Eldora ski area, affiliates across the state have taken notice. Certain parties have expressed their interest in the prospect of investing, or even partnering, and...

FAQs 2.0: Eldora Mountain Acquisition 

FAQs 2.0: Eldora Mountain Acquisition  Since our first FAQs, Town administrators have been collecting more information on making the Eldora Mountain Resort acquisition a reality. Below are a new set of questions from the community as well as...

Full speed ahead on Eldora acquisition

NEDERLAND - The potential of the Town of Nederland acquiring the Eldora ski area dominated the Board of Trustees’ (BOT) first meeting of the new year, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.  An Executive Session was held before the meeting regarding...

How to manage the mountain

The Nederland Board of Trustees (BOT), after citing positive feedback from the community, announced their intention to continue pursuing the potential acquisition of Eldora Mountain Ski Resort. The next steps for the Town would include entering...

Nederland, handle its own issues first

Dear Editor, If Nederland is not capable, or, will not fund its own police department, how is it possible - or sensible - for it to even remotely fantasize of buying Eldora Ski Resort? The concept of Nederland even considering a possible ski...
'Make it accessible' — Local business owner John Thompson hopes that Nederland focuses on making Eldora locals-friendly and financially-friendly.
NEDERLAND - Two weeks ago, The Mountain-Ear broke the story that the Town of Nederland is considering the acquisition of Eldora Mountain Ski Resort. The concept has struck the community, sparking spirited discussion about whether the idea is worth...
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Weighing in on the Eldora question

Enthusiasm growingSince the announcement of the Town

NEDERLAND – Months after POWDR announced the sale of Eldora Mountain Ski Resort, the Town of Nederland has expressed interest in purchasing the Boulder County ski area. While the town sees the acquisition as an opportunity to enhance local...

Ned BOT plowing ahead on Eldora acquisition

Visiting hours are over?The Nederland BOT is considering shutting the doors to the Visitors Center in 2025 because it is operating at a deficit.

NEDERLAND - On Tuesday, November 19, 2025, the Nederland Board of Trustees (BOT) began exploring the next steps in the process of pursuing the acquisition of the Eldora ski area. The prospect has been in the works for several weeks and was made...

Ned releases Eldora acquisition FAQs

What is the purpose of the Eldora Mountain acquisition?  The Town of Nederland is considering the acquisition of Eldora Ski Mountain to foster new community-centric benefits, including improved local recreational opportunities, economic...

Arts & Entertainment
Music of the Mountains

Music of the Mountains: The Daniel Rodriguez Band

Daniel Rodriguez built his storied musical career in Nederland, and he's coming back for a big performance!

Music Listing for February 2025

Here are the live music performances in the Peak to Peak area for February 2025!

Music of the Mountains: KC36 Orange Sunshine Band

A brand new jam band is debuting at Howlin Wind Brewing and Blending very soon!
FOOD
Chinese-Style Zucchini I tend to forget about vegetables when the weather is cold. This one is hard to forget – and it’s easy, too. Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil 3 cloves garlic,...
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A warm welcome on a cold dayDr. Megan Coveyou greets a pair of furry companions outside a cozy mountain home. Her visit brings compassionate in-home care to pets and their families, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported.
GILPIN COUNTY – Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest moments a pet owner will ever face. The bond we share with our furry companions is built over years of love, trust, and companionship, making the thought of parting incredibly...
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School Zone

Spelling bees and flashcards and yoga -- Oh, my!

<p><strong>Learning mindfulness via Yoga</strong></p><p>Participating in Ms. Sepanik’s Yoga demonstration, from left to right: Andersson Godina-Velazquez (4th), Zander Renz (4th), Lynae Leatham (5th), Ellen Gustafson (5th Mon), Nolan Starkey (2nd), Claire Starkey (5th) and Aizlyn Horn (5th Montessori).</p>
The meeting of the Gilpin RE-1 school district board of education on January 21, 2025, included Yoga presentations by students, reports on student testing results, an extensive discussion on the 2025/2026 school year and unanimous approval on first reading of the 2025/2026 salary schedules. The board deferred until the next meeting consideration of changing the policy on graduation requirements (IKF).

Girls wrestling takes hold in the U.S.

<p><strong>Ready, set...</strong></p><p>Go!</p>
Girls wrestling: the fastest-growing sport DAVE GIBSON COLORADO – In the throes of the Great Depression, the year was 1936. Supported by American farmers, FDR was elected to his second term in a landslide victory over Alf Landon. The...
Nederland Middle High School Calendar Thursday, January 30 All Day - HS Alpine Ski Team at Howelson Hill Thursday, January 30 All Day -  Middle School Alpine S Race at Copper Mountain Monday, February 3 at 6 p.m. - Boys’ JV Basketball at...
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Gilpin Eagles wrestler Alice Carlson DAVE GIBSON GILPIN COUNTY – A student at Gilpin County Schools since the seventh grade, sophomore Alice Carlson entered the sport of high school wrestling differently than most grapplers. Since the age of...
CENTRAL CITY – Gilpin County School District's longtime art teacher, Curt Halsted, is retiring after 24 years of shaping young artists and fostering creativity within the community.  To mark this significant transition, Halsted has curated a...
NEDERLAND - Prospective Kindergarten parents learned all about Nederland Elementary and specifically their Kindergarten at Nederland Elementary School (NES) at Kindergarten Information Night on January 16, 2025.  Each year the school and the...
Obituaries
Dr. Charles “Chip” Smith November 5, 1953 - January 30, 2025
Chip was born on November 5, 1953, to Charles Max Smith and Beverly Arlene Smith in McCook, Nebraska. He passed away on January 30, 2025, with friends and family by his side. Chip lived life to the fullest and had many life chapters. He attended...
Peter Orr O'Sullivan February 1, 1959 - January 18, 2025
Peter Orr O'Sullivan passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 18, 2025, at the age of 65. His family and friends are deeply saddened by his sudden death. He was loved by many, and was smart and always had a quick wit, he loved to make...
Shawn Clutter
Remembering those we lost in 2024
PEAK TO PEAK - Each year we take pause to remember those we love and have lost in the year that has passed. Not everyone places an obituary in The Mountain-Ear so this is not a complete list of community members who have walked on in...
Carolyn Sue Henry
Carolyn Sue Henry Good friend and longtime Gilpin County resident, Carolyn Sue Henry, known as Sue, passed on December 12 at age 90. A resident of Gilpin County for over 40 years Sue served on the Gilpin Planning Commission, was chair of the...
Jesse Spratford March 23, 1976 - November 10, 2024
Jesse Harrison Scroggins Spratford was a renowned chef who has gone to the big kitchen in the sky. Jesse was born in Denver, Colorado, on March 23, 1976. He was from Ward, Colorado, and died in Ward on November 10, 2024. Jesse was a graduate of...
Mountain Columns

Some Words for the Week

waiting for a light to change I watch the snow melt into long drops of water on the windshield of my truck it’s so cold today that I can feel my nostrils freezing as I step outside but the sun still shines and turns ice to water turns snow to...

Some Words for the Week

we are working on a house where a fire came through less than five years ago I remember right after the thing was contained driving through these woods it looked like a bomb went off a metal garage had melted into a puddle which shone dully in the...

Life in Nature: Winter living

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK - Winter in the mountains is no joke, at least for us humans.  As I write this article, the snow is falling along with the temperatures, and we are about to take our first dip into the negatives for 2025. This...

Mountain Spirit Astrology Aquarius

The Sun in Aquarius is the visionary who assists us in designing our future. This sign is the new power in the stars, because Pluto has entered Aquarius for a 20 year stay. In order to understand the bearer of electrical energy better, let us...

The beauty in great decision-making

Distant adventureMuch can be seen and experienced from County Road 50, including hot air balloons above nature’s beauty.

Regardless of how I feel about someone, I would never intentionally hurt them. It’s not my nature. I’m an empath filled with compassion and patience. I accept everyone as they are, without judgment, even if I’m not given the same...

The metamorphic rocks of Nederland and the origin of life

Black smokerA black smoker hydrothermal vent at South Cleft, Juan de Fuca Ridge, Northeastern Pacific Ocean.

NEDERLAND - The bedrock that underlies Nederland contains evidence of ancient submarine hot springs, known as black smokers, 1.7-2.2 billion years ago. During the earliest beginnings of the earth, the first strains of bacteria flourished around...

Some Words for the Week

I go to the grocery store and Los Angeles is on fire and so is the Middle East but in a different way and somebody behind me in line says it’s the driest January in one hundred years and I buy some apple sauce and some cough syrup and some sliced...

Life in nature: Headbutt science

WATERTON CANYON - The natural world is the epitome of efficiency, and the study thereof is the basis for all advances in technology throughout the entire span of human history.  Every “leap forward,” from the use of prehistoric tools all...

Some Words for the Week

everything feels different  on the last day of the year  it’s a small sort of death  the last sandwich for lunch  the last gallon of gas  the last long drive home  in after work traffic  the last credit...

Opinion
Letters to the Editor

The party of law and order?

The party of law and order? Dear Editor, The latest outrage by the new administration is the pardoning of 1500 rioters who stormed the Capital on January 6. About 600 of these rioters were convicted of serious crimes of violence against the...

What will you do to combat climate change?

Dear Editor, Climate change is putting our health at risk, and we are feeling its effects now. Have you ever felt the fear and helplessness of not being able to breathe during an asthma attack? I did just this weekend - and found myself in the...

Locally supported Christmas project

Dear Editor, The overwhelming generosity of the people of Nederland​, helped provide joy to children in need through Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts this season. Across the U.S., the Samaritan's Purse project collected 10.5 million...

Bring Blue Owl back

Bring Blue Owl back Dear Editor, Blue Owl Bookstore in Nederland lost two thirds of its inventory last week when a water issue on the floor above them caused flooding throughout the store. It's a devastating blow to the small, family-owned and...
Peak Perspectives
This Monday, January 27, I received a call to unlock our music store so the property folks could check it out for a leak. I was thankful to pull up to the door and find our friend Asher Hughes standing there with a spare set of keys,...
PEAK TO PEAK – However you think of the new administration in Washington, there are changes taking place that will affect us. One thing is dramatically clear: there is little attention paid to Main Street in the new plans, and much power given to...
GILPIN COUNTY - At the January 14 meeting of the Gilpin County Commissioners, The Mountain-Ear (TME) and the Weekly Register-Call (WRC) performed their annual dance/duel in competition to be the newspaper of record for Gilpin County. As you will...
Featured video

Ignite gets a sparkling new home at Eldora

On a day fittingly alternating between snow and sunshine, Eldora Resort held a grand opening ceremony for their new Caribou Lodge on October 30, 2024, in front of a cheering crowd. The new building located at the beginner area will house the Ignite Adaptive Sports program (Ignite), the children’s ski school, a cafeteria, a family warming room, a retail store and modern restrooms with glove boxes behind every toilet.

Our Podcast
Pet of the Week

It was the best of times...

On paradeThe animals of Tails of Two Cities, including the young rescued dairy goats, marched in last year

The air was stinging cold, as temperatures that mid-January morning dipped below zero degrees. But up in the mountains, nature not just survives, it thrives in this weather. Just off of Magnolia Road, the open fields that stretch before a...

Got a bed and bone in Baltimore, Jack He said, Come for ride, but we never went back Like a river that don't know where it's flowing He took a wrong turn and he just kept going Everybody's got a hungry heart Everybody's got a hungry heart Drop...
Around the region
Nederland

Blue Owl suffers flood damage

Hoping to reopenKimba Stefane and Jeff Chud are doing all they can to mitigate the flood damage after burst pipes ruined more than 2/3 of their inventory.

Last week, as Nederland experienced high winds and icy temperatures, the severe mountain weather stressed the upstairs plumbing of Blue Owl Books and Boutique.    “A massive flood originating from the upstairs space of the building...

Gold Hill

Gold Hill School Fall Fiesta Fundraiser 2024

A community eventThe Gold Hill community comes out to support the school at the Fall Fiesta Fundraiser.

GOLD HILL - The Gold Hill School had an amazing annual Fall Fiesta Fundraiser at the Gold Hill Inn. This is not only a school event it is an a Gold Hill community event. The community tuns out to support the school year at year. There is a silent...

Black Hawk

Black Hawk Council approves Comprehensive Plan

Baseline and the MayorVince Harris with Baseline discusses plans with Mayor David Spellman at the Black Hawk Council Meeting on January 8, 2025.

Black Hawk approves comprehensive plan John Scarffe Black Hawk The Black Hawk City Council approved a comprehensive plan and a three-mile plan during a regular meeting on January 8, 2025, at 211 Church Street in Black Hawk. The Council...

Allenspark

AFPD Offers CPR and AED training

Practice makes perfectVolunteer firefighters provide one-on-one compression lessons for Allenspark residents during the CPR and AED use education class.

The Allenspark Fire Protection District (AFPD) invited the community to join them at its first community education event of 2025, on Thursday, January 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. The free one-hour-long event covered the basics of Cardiopulmonary...

Gilpin County

Gilpin County senior program February

Gilpin County Senior Program February 2025 February 3 - *Pickleball 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., Free Senior Fit class 11 a.m. February 5 - *Pickleball 8:30 -  11:30 a.m., Free Senior Fit class 11 a.m., Lunch 12:15 p.m. February 6 - Grocery shopping...

Boulder County

New Vista welcomes students to new building

A musical welcomeBlessing Chimanga (left), Randy McIntosh (middle), and Amy Stewart McIntosh (right) welcome students and staff to the New Vista High School red carpet event.

It's the beginning of the end of the journey to open a new building for New Vista High School, so it's time to celebrate!

Wild Bear

Greenhouse and art with a beautiful purpose

  Colorado Mountain Living is a brand that emerged as Amy and Bryan Hager documented their journey of moving to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and building their dream rural homestead. …

Central City

Central addresses infrastructure and economic growth

Central eager to promote economic growthLindsey Valdez, representing the Clear Creek Economic Development Corporation, addresses the Central City Council, discussing regional economic resilience efforts and upcoming initiatives.

CENTRAL CITY – The Central City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at City Hall with Mayor Jeremy Fey presiding. Council members Todd Williams, Chuck Spencer, Marcia Enloe, and Zane Plsek were in attendance, with Enloe...

Coal Creek Canyon

Santa "Paws" at CCCIA

Elvis the dogSalais brought his dog, Elvis, to get a hug from Santa.

Santa visits with pets John Scarffe Coal Creek Canyon Santa Claus came to the Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association Hall at 31528 Highway 72 for the annual Santa Paws event on Saturday December 21, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Santa...

Golden Gate Canyon

Making wreaths at the Grange

Checking the greensGrange Secretary Jayne Ruesch checks the supply of greens on December 7.

Making wreaths at the Grange John Scarffe Golden Gate Canyon About 20 members, friends and relatives of the Golden Gate Canyon Grange made Holiday wreaths on December 7, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Grange, 25231 Golden Gate Canyon Rd,...

PETS of the Week Special Edition
Studio Tour Recap

Peeping art amongst the leaves

Local artist WANDERWEIRD has their colorful, nerd culture-inspired mosaics on display at Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Gallery in Nederland.
The second annual Peak to Peak Studio Tour took place on September 21 and 22. Galleries and visitors enjoyed a colorful event in the mountains.

Colorado artists shine at Gilpin Arts

Artwork by Colorado artists decorates the rustic walls of Washington Hall, home of the Gilpin Arts Association.

Artwork by Colorado artists decorates the rustic walls of Washington Hall, home of the Gilpin Arts Association. There is every kind of medium here …

Inspired by nature Laurence Delaunay – Lolo – has been a professional painter in Nederland for nearly 20 years. She enjoys painting animals and landscapes on large canvases “in a semi-abstract, …
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