970 Grand County

We sit down with Commissioner Ed Raegner to trace how a one-season trial in 1994 became a 30-year commitment to Grand County. We talk skiing, small business, water policy, and a town-by-town tour of what makes this place feel like home.

• moving from Denver to Grand County in 1994
• early jobs at Silver Creek and a local real estate office
• school board service leading to county commissioner
• why water policy is complex at the Colorado River headwaters
• favorite seasons, sports, and getting farther into the backcountry
• hidden gem case for Granby Ranch as a learning hill
• balanced view on growth, investment, and small business vitality
• snapshots of Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs, and Kremmling
• the landscape diversity from the divide to the river bluffs

Sheriff Brett Schroetlin joins us to discuss essential summer safety tips for navigating Grand County during peak tourist season and wildfire conditions. We cover critical safety measures for outdoor recreation and emergency preparedness while exploring how visitors and locals alike can enjoy our beautiful mountain paradise responsibly.

• Wildfire prevention remains crucial as June's rainfall created abundant vegetation that's now drying into potential fuel
• Properly extinguishing campfires requires thorough watering and stirring repeatedly, as emergency services responded to 6-8 unattended fires over July 4th weekend
• "Slow down and move over" is the essential traffic safety message, especially around construction zones and emergency responders
• Water recreation safety requires wearing PFDs at all times, even for experienced swimmers, due to cold water temperatures
• Hiking safely means communicating your plans, bringing essential supplies, and recognizing when to turn back
• Grand County's evacuation map system divides the region into approximately 90 zones to streamline emergency communication
• Taking a "tactical pause" before activities is the sheriff's key recommendation for preventing accidents and ensuring everyone's safety

Remember to check the Sheriff's Office website for the interactive evacuation map and familiarize yourself with your zone before an emergency occurs.

Catherine Ross, Executive Director for Winter Park- Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce, reveals their exciting new August event "Revel in the Park" that combines outdoor activities, free concerts, and ticketed music performances. The festival embodies their community spirit with a focus on welcoming visitors to play, stay, and feel like they belong.

• Revel in the Park offers numerous free activities including yoga, Pilates, guided hikes, and bike rides
• Free concerts Thursday  and Friday nights
• Saturday's main concert features national acts including Magoo, the Fretliners, Band of Heathens, Nikki Lane and Paul Cauthen
• Tickets start at $49 plus fees and include free gondola rides at Winter Park Resort both Friday and Saturday
• Winter Park's walkable design allows visitors to park once and use public transportation throughout the weekend
• Other summer events include Blues Festival, Art Affair, "Crafts, Cocktails and Corks" on July 26th, and a gravel bike race with new 10K trail run

Visit playwinterpark.com for details on all events and to purchase tickets.

Shadowcliff, a mountain lodge and retreat center in Grand Lake, Colorado, was built by 650 volunteers from 42 countries over 25 years and continues its mission of transformation through artist residencies, workshops, and community events. Alexander Thompson, grandson of the founders, shares the remarkable story of how his grandparents' vision expanded from a family cabin to creating a place where everyone could experience the magic of Grand Lake.

• Founded in 1954 when a Kansas campus minister and nurse visited Grand Lake and fell in love with the area
• Built on a cliff overlooking Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake with volunteer labor and minimal professional help
• Hosts 12-20 group retreats each summer including HIV wellness weekends, Tai Chi intensives, and writing workshops
• Launching new artist residency programs bringing nationally recognized creative professionals to engage with the community
• Borders Rocky Mountain National Park with immediate access to trails and stunning natural features
• Offers affordable accommodations in two lodges and three cabins with rates ranging from $100-465 per night
• Operates as a nonprofit organization with intentionally communal spaces designed to foster connection
• Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day with special events like a Fourth of July celebration

Visit our website to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or to make a reservation. Join us on July 4th for dinner, music, and the best fireworks viewing in Grand County from our cliff-top bonfire!

Rebecca Bierden shares how she and her husband Nathan left their medical careers, traveled the world for two years, then built Vicious Cycle Brewery in Fraser from the ground up. Their brewery name encourages people to break routine and try new things, reflecting their own life-changing journey from healthcare professionals to craft beer entrepreneurs.

• Left established medical careers due to burnout after four years in the healthcare field
• Sold everything they owned to travel the world for two years before returning to Colorado
• Built the brewery themselves when their contractor backed out, learning construction skills like tiling and drywalling
• Offer four signature beers plus rotating experimental brews, including collaborations with employees
• Located on the Fraser Valley bike trail, making summers their busiest season
• Host regular community events including Monday trivia nights and Thursday run club
• Recently added the Wicked Cheesy food truck serving gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches
• Expanded to a brewpub license allowing them to offer canned wine, cider and cocktails

Visit viciuoscyclebrewing.com or find them on Instagram and Facebook for more information about events and offerings.

Step into the storied wilderness of Grand County, Colorado as Hayden Hughes, Ranch Manager at Arapaho Valley Ranch, reveals the remarkable journey of this mountain retreat. From its origins as a girls' camp in 1896 through its evolution into a beloved dude ranch, this 40-acre sanctuary nestled against national forest has welcomed generations of adventure-seekers and nature lovers.

Our conversation peels back the layers of history as Hayden recounts how buildings from condemned ranches were salvaged when Lake Granby was created, finding new purpose at what would become Arapahoe Valley Ranch. The property's rich legacy continued through multiple owners who preserved its character while adding their own chapters to its story. In 2021, a family who had fallen in love with the ranch as guests purchased it, ensuring its traditions would continue while breathing new life into its infrastructure.

Today's Arapaho Valley Ranch offers an impressive spectrum of accommodations—from luxury cabins that sleep up to 18 people to glamping tents, yurts, teepees, and traditional campsites. The all-inclusive experience provides guests with complimentary bikes, fishing poles, paddleboards, canoes, and access to recreational facilities that appeal to visitors of all ages. Families enjoy the playground and various activities, while adventure-seekers appreciate the proximity to Monarch Lake, Grand Lake, and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Discover the charming additions that connect guests to the ranch experience, including a daily "duck walk" where newly acquired ducks parade to the property's pond, and the preservation of 30-40 original saddles from its dude ranch days. Perhaps most impressive is the ranch's commitment to sustainability with a recently installed solar array that has dramatically reduced generator use—sometimes allowing the property to operate completely on solar power for days at a time.

Whether you're planning a family reunion, dream mountain wedding, or simply seeking an authentic Rocky Mountain getaway, Arapahoe Valley Ranch offers a unique blend of history, comfort, and adventure in one of Colorado's most spectacular settings. Visit their website or social media channels to begin planning your own chapter in this continuing mountain legacy.

We explore how the Grand Lake Creative District serves as an umbrella organization for seven creative groups while developing major infrastructure projects including a $12 million creative workforce housing initiative and a new Creative Hub for expanded arts programming.

• Grand Lake became one of Colorado's 30 certified creative districts in 2018, focusing on economic development and cultural vibrancy
• The district provides financial backing, marketing support, and collaboration opportunities for seven existing arts organizations
• Space to Create project will build approximately 18 workforce housing units with built-in creative workspaces
• A new 2,800 square foot Creative Hub breaking ground in June will house equipment for woodworking, metalworking, and other arts
• Programming intentionally focuses on off-season events to create year-round vibrancy beyond the busy May-October period
• Colorado Ballet and Colorado Symphony performances are scheduled at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater
• The district operates primarily through volunteers with strong support from town government

To support these initiatives, visit grandlakecreativedistrict.org and click the donate button, or contact the town manager about sponsoring the new town marquee.

Lisa Baird takes us on a journey through her artistic experiences in Grand County. Her passion for art intertwined with the picturesque landscapes creates a unique perspective worth exploring.

• Journey from tourist to full-time artist in Grand County 
• Preference for oil painting and its benefits 
• Insights on commissioned works, including Beaver’s Lodge 
• Importance of community and collaboration in the local art scene 

If you enjoyed this episode, check out Lisa's artwork online and consider supporting local artists. 

@Lisa_baird

Could the untold stories of local women reshape your understanding of history? Join us for a captivating conversation as Sam from the Grand County Historical Association shares her journey of uncovering the impactful narratives of women who have shaped Grand County. From Sophie Linkey supporting railroad workers in the 1800s to Laura Throckmorton inspiring both music and Olympic dreams, you'll gain insight into these remarkable lives and the indelible marks they've left on their communities. 

Mark your calendars for March 15th at 2 pm and join us at Cousins Ranch for an event that promises to enlighten and inspire. Hosted by the Grand County Historical Association, this free event will celebrate the notable women of Grand County and their significant contributions.