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5280 Contributor

Jay Bouchard

5280 Contributor

Jay Bouchard is a Denver-based writer and a former editor on 5280‘s digital team. He studied English and political science at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, and earned a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Previously, he worked as an editorial fellow at Outside magazine in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he covered a breadth of topics including the climbing season on Mt. Everest. He now works as content manager for the LOR Foundation.

Articles By Jay Bouchard

Echo Mountain under the lights

Night Moves: Skiing After Work, Just 45 Minutes From Denver

Echo Mountain is small, cheap, and accessible. And when the lights are on, it offers a vibe you can’t find anywhere else on the Front Range.

How Colorado Ski Patrollers Are Grinding to Keep Their Slopes Safe—and Their Profession Viable

To find out what it takes to don the red-and-white jacket, we send one writer to try out for ski patrol. What he found was long days, low wages, passionate professionals, and signs of change on the horizon.

The Best Ski Run at (Almost) Every Mountain in Colorado

From tight trees to fast chutes to wide-open bowls, these are the best ski runs in Colorado.

Sorry, Detroit: Denver Is the Real Hockeytown Now

The Motor City may have the trademark. But we have the goods—aka, the Denver Avalanche and the Stanley Cup.

Meet the Denver Native Writing Jokes for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Standup comic Noah Gardenswartz has been in the writers’ room for the hit show since season one. With the much-anticipated fourth season dropping February 18, we caught up with him to hear how his upbringing in Denver helped him with the gig.

The Long, Bittersweet Legacy Elitch Gardens Will Leave in Denver

One writer reminisces about the 130-year-old theme park—and Denver institution—and why keeping it in the Mile High City matters.

Ikon Pass Arapahoe Basin

A-Basin Is Limiting Pass Sales Again Next Season—Here’s Why

After the pandemic forced the ski area to restrict visitation, its leaders realized the mountain would benefit by welcoming fewer skiers—and cars—when the world returns to normal.

Sunlight Mountain Resort

Amidst Unprecedented Uncertainty, Visitors Still Flocked to Colorado’s Independent Ski Areas

Despite the pandemic and a low snow year, independent mountains in Colorado did more than just survive. Some hills will likely see record visitation—and if trends continue, the coming years will be a boon for smaller ski areas.

man confined at home during COVID-19

I Brought COVID-19 to My Family’s Doorstep

I missed my family and thought I could travel safely to see them during the pandemic. I was wrong.

John Hickenlooper Defeats Cory Gardner in U.S. Senate Race

Former Governor John Hickenlooper ousted Senator Cory Gardner, who has served one term in the U.S. Senate and entered this race among the most vulnerable Republicans in the country.

Joe Biden Wins Colorado as Presidential Race Intensifies Nationwide

It’s too early to know who will ultimately be the next president, but former Vice President Joe Biden earned a convincing victory in Colorado on Election Day.

Race to the Bottom: How the 15-Year Gardner–Hickenlooper Relationship Fell Apart

Over nearly two decades, as Cory Gardner and John Hickenlooper ascended in Centennial State politics, they were cordial, collaborative, and maybe even friends. Now, their bloody race for the U.S. Senate might be the death knell of Colorado bipartisanship.

Denver’s COVID-19 Fight Moves Backward, as City Restores Level 3 Restrictions

Denver is losing ground in its fight against COVID-19. The city is now tightening restrictions and stay-at-home orders may be reinstated in the coming weeks.

Wildfire Updates: East Troublesome Fire Grows 100,000 Acres Overnight

Communities have been evacuated, Rocky Mountain National Park is closed, and officials are hoping the East Troublesome fire doesn’t connect with the Cameron Peak fire—the largest in state history.

Mayor Michael Hancock April 16 2020

Denver Restricts Public and Private Gatherings to a Maximum of 5 People

The new restrictions—which include a stiffer outdoor mask mandate—come as daily cases of COVID-19 in Denver reach a new high.

Colorado’s COVID-19 Positivity Rate Exceeds 5 Percent

As another wave of COVID-19 infections hit Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis warned of health and economic repercussions while unveiling a new project to buoy the restaurant industry through the winter.

What We Know About the Weekend Shooting in Downtown Denver

It was a violent weekend as dueling protests led to a shooting in downtown Denver. Here are the facts we know so far.

Leaders of Denver Gazette Discuss Their Role in the City’s Media Landscape

The digital-only newspaper launched in Denver during a period of social unrest, amidst a pandemic, and just six weeks before the election.

Method Coffe

CU Boulder Students Placed Under Stay-At-Home Order Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

The order also restricts any gatherings of people between the ages of 18 and 22 and carries significant penalties for CU Boulder students who fail to comply.

Jamal Murray

8 Things Every Bandwagon Nuggets Fan Needs to Know

So you just realized Denver has a decent NBA team? We won’t hold it against you. But at least get up to speed on a few basic things.

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