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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

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Should We Increase Registration Fees for SUVs? And Other Things Being Debated In Colorado’s 2024 Legislative Session

From property taxes to education, here’s an early look at what bills might be passed into law as the Colorado General Assembly gathers this week.

Denver’s first tiny home micro-community at 38th and Peoria streets

Mayor Mike Johnston Met His House1000 Goal—But What’s His Plan for Denver’s Homelessness Crisis in 2024?

Under Mayor Mike Johnston, the city moved more than 1,000 people off Denver’s streets and opened its first tiny home micro-community before the new year. But there’s more work to be done.

Fans line up outside of Empower Field in Denver for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

From Deion to Taylor, These Were Among the 7 Biggest Economic Drivers in Colorado in 2023

Below, the biggest boosts to Colorado’s GDP last year. Plus: here’s how they compare to events of the past.

The Oversimplified Guide to Judging Cattle

A local livestock judge teaches us the basics of bovine beauty ahead of this month’s National Western Stock Show.

The 10 Best Gifts for Denver Sports Fans

Beyond game tickets and jerseys, here are 10 creative ways to mark the holiday season for the Mile High City sports fan in your life.

Ski Slope Etiquette 101: Basic Rules for Skiing and Snowboarding in Colorado

There’s plenty of snow out there for all of us, and the sooner we can all get along, the sooner we can enjoy it. In other words, here’s how not to be an A-hole.

Portrait of author Ben Goldfarb

Salida Author Ben Goldfarb’s New Book Explores The Intersection of Roads and Wildlife

Local journalist Ben Goldfarb has spent years mapping the impact highways have on the natural world. His new book offers a window into a less deadly future.

A Beginner’s Guide to Sailing in Colorado

Despite the fact that you’ll never lose sight of land, there is a surprisingly robust sailing community in the Centennial State.

Nikola Jokic exits Ball Arena past an MVP sign.

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 before the playoffs.

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 19: Kris Bryant (23) of the Colorado Rockies looks on during Big League Weekend featuring the Colorado Rockies versus the Kansas City Royals on March 19, 2023 at Las Vegas Ballpark in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)

A Bullish Case for Kris Bryant: Why He’ll Prove You Wrong in 2023 

With a healthy season, KB could regain his MVP form, have a career year at the plate, and—let’s get crazy—maybe even smack 40 home runs for the Rockies. 

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.

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