| In the Roaring Fork Valley, we get used to stacking seasons on top of one another. In one of our favorite pics of 2017, reporter Alycin Bektesh took a nice autumn drive up Independence Pass where the leaves were changing just as winter was coming to town.
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| Quote of the year: “It’s that mind, body, spirit philosophy that we call the Aspen Idea. This valley attracts people that want to work together as a community. I have a saying: There are those of us in town with three jobs and then those with three homes. Those are the two classes. But it takes both of us to be here to elevate each other to be at our best," said performer Nina Gabianelli on performing consensual improv in the Roaring Fork Valley.
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| Number of the Year:
84
The number of days that Glenwood Springs residents, valley commuters and tourists had to survive without a Grand Avenue Bridge, as workers tore down the old one and built a new one. Even though 84 days – or 12 weeks – seemed like forever, the Colorado Department of Transportation actually finished the project ahead of schedule.
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| It was a good year for ... Aspen’s international skiing reputation: In March, Aspen hosted the 2017 World Cup Finals. This gave SkiCo and the town a great opportunity to get back on the international skiing racing map. In typical Aspen fashion, there was a big party to be had each day after the races. And, a plus for us, we welcomed musician Michael Franti at our station for a “Tiny Couch Concert.” Aspen Skiing Company: The business made some big moves this year after joining forces with Intrawest Holdings in one of the biggest ski resort deals in history. Now, SkiCo and KSL Partners own resorts in Canada, Colorado, Vermont and West Virginia. Eat your heart out, Vail. On top of that, SkiCo is taking on the Oval Office through a new ad campaign, and its CEO Mike Kaplan is being anything but quiet on how he feels about our new president. Denver: The Mile-High City is the new home for the Outdoor Retailer Show, which made the decision to move from Salt Lake City in February because of Utah's stances on public lands issues. It will bring $110 million each year to Colorado and draw 85,000 attendees.
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| It was a bad year for ... Dreamers and undocumented immigrants in the valley: In September, the Trump administration announced it would end DACA, an Obama-era program that protected young people who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children (otherwise known as Dreamers). This has created a scary unknown for many of the young immigrants in the valley, as well as some adult members of the Latino community. Also this year, the valley saw its first resident take sanctuary in a church in order to avoid deportation. Gorsuch Haus: The proposed development at the bottom of Lift 1A was tabled by Aspen City Council in March, despite a huge public relations push and a reconfigured plan. Hollywood, Washington and the Colorado State Capitol: The #metoo movement is reshaping the film industry, as many powerful men lost their jobs due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Some of the employees for the nonprofit Aspen Film weighed in on the issue recently. Hollywood isn't the only place affected by this movement. In D.C., several politicians have resigned. Even at the Colorado State Capitol, four men were accused of sexual misconduct. Still, many women at the Capitol don't feel comfortable coming forward about their experiences.
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Also in the news this year In an effort to save Aspen’s “unique character,” longtime leaders passed restrictions on chain stores in the downtown. The Roaring Fork River running through Aspen is not as healthy as the city or the state think it should be, and now is the time for action. Aspen City Council has increased the buying age for tobacco from 18 to 21. Over 20 years ago, Dr. Ben Santer was part of the team of international scientists who first published work showing climate change can be attributed to human influence. He discussed his work with Elizabeth Stewart-Severy. To hear some analysis on the stories from this year, check out our final Valley Roundup shows of 2017. It’s was a particularly challenging summer season for Mountain Rescue Aspen with eight deaths in the Elk Mountain Range, including five on Capitol Peak.
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| 2017 was a full year with lots of news. From where we're standing now, it looks like 2018 will be just as busy. Here are a few things to keep on your radar as we enter a new year.
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Much to do about water rights It may feel like we've all talked endlessly about the City of Aspen's water rights. And, lucky for you, we aren't stopping now. In 2018, we will see if the city buys the land in Woody Creek for a reservoir. We will also keep track of the water court debacle with the rights the city currently has to build dams up Castle and Maroon creeks. Stay tuned.
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The future for the arts The Glenwood Center for the Arts was going to close in May after a police investigation into the nonprofit’s finances. However, it did not, and now it looks like arts programming in Glenwood is getting a makeover, of sorts. And, after a somewhat similar situation at the Red Brick Center for the Arts, the organization in Aspen is under city management until mid-February. What's the future of these organizations? We aren't sure, but you'll be the first to know when we find out.
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Happy trails A year ago, the idea of a trail from Carbondale to Crested Butte was nothing more than that: an idea. Now, proposed trail alignments are being discussed, and comments from residents are pouring in. More on this to come in the new year.
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Managing the masses In the summer of 2018, a new permit system will be introduced in the most popular areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, specifically Conundrum Hot Springs. Now, we know what you're thinking, and don't worry, you can still bring your blow-up sex doll with you to the party.
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We want your input! Aspen Public Radio is all about asking good questions. But now, we want to hear some of yours. We’re hosting a series of town halls on housing in the Roaring Fork Valley in the new year, and we have a hunch that you might have some questions on this issue. How does affordable housing work? What are businesses doing to create housing for employees? What role does housing play in a vibrant community? Take a moment to add your voice to this conversation. Email us here.
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Winter will continue in 2018. Then will come spring, summer and fall ... you know how it goes. As for this next week, it looks like it will be somewhere in between sunny and partly cloudy most days. Check out the full details here.
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